What We WISH We Knew BEFORE Our First Alaskan Cruise (Alaska Tips & Secrets)

Planning your first Alaskan cruise? Join us as we dive into everything we wish we knew before our Norwegian Encore adventure - from choosing the perfect itinerary to packing for unpredictable weather and planning the perfect excursions.

In this video, we share essential tips and insights from our recent Alaskan cruise aboard the Norwegian Encore. Whether you’re curious about the best itinerary, how to prepare for weather changes, or simply want to avoid common mistakes, this video covers it all. We discuss our experience with the Glacier Bay route, the pros and cons of short port calls in Ketchikan and Victoria, and why having a backup plan for excursions is crucial (we learned the hard way in Juneau and Skagway!).

Don’t miss our recommendations on what to pack, how to handle the crowds, and why a balcony stateroom might be worth the splurge. Plus, we share some unforgettable moments—like spotting wildlife and navigating the ship’s observation lounges.

If you're planning an Alaskan cruise—or any cruise—this guide is packed with useful advice to help make your trip smooth sailing. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more cruising tips from Family at Sea!

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📌 Chapters: 🔗

00:00 Intro
01:00 Tip #1: Choosing the Right Itinerary
05:00 Tip #2: Choosing the Right Ship
06:20 Tip #3: Packing
08:42 Tip #4: Backup Plans
11:57 Tip #5: Mindset
14:35 Tip #6: Binoculars
15:44 Tip #7: Photography
17:32 Tip #8: Know What to Expect
18:28 Tip #9: Budgeting
19:32 Tip #10: Spring for the...
21:15 Tip #11: Finding the Best Views
24:27 Tip #12: Saving Money

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Family at Sea chronicles the cruising adventures of our family of four as we set sail across the globe aboard different cruise ships and cruise lines, including MSC, Disney Cruise Lines (DCL), Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL), P&O, Explora Journeys, Costa, Margaritaville at Sea, and more!

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[elizabethgodsot]

This video resumes perfectly info that took me HOURS to collect its great

[johndunkelburg]

When my dad was in the U.S. Army stationed up at Ft Wainwright outside of Fairbanks, AK, it was said that the mosquitos in Alaska were so big that one landed at the Army airfield and the ground crew went out to put fuel in it thinking that it was a scout helicopter.

[TheOriginalMarimoChan]

Excellent advice! I love that you have some unique things on your video that I don't see on other videos, like being able to access your phone at any minute, making backup plans for your backup plans, and the price of everything, and places to scope out for viewing the glacier. Going on the Encore one of these days, and these are very helpful tips, thanks!

[jacquelinef]

That was super helpful advice, thank you so much! We're looking forward to our cruise next summer.

[sammychem]

This was one of the most informational videos on Alaska cruising on youtube. Other videos I watched didn't warn about rain, mosquitoes, or mud slides. So, Thank you! For someone that doesn't enjoy the extreme cold, would you recommend July for Alaska?

[IreneDall]

Really appreciated this video! Excellent tips.
i can't wait for my First Alaska Cruise

[Wldtm]

This is a great summary of what this trip is like.

[Amdamguy]

What a great video! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I have no clue what to expect. This is great!

[johnmagana]

LOVE the mindset and adjusting your expectations. Definitely going to have some back-up plans!

[reginahelenademoraesperezf]

Hello there!
I’m from Brazil and have been to Alaska before about 20 years ago with my mother in law and going again next May 25 with my husband and would like to thank you for the wonderful tips!!!!
The very important thing to me is the itinerary and to choose a smal ship, not a huge one, do it won’t be do crowded!
Thank you again!!!!

[mariastiglianese]

Most helpful advice was getting up early for a spot in the observation deck on Glacier day

[pippiegirl]

Really appreciated this video! Excellent tips and objective thoughts!

[PupsMom]

We cruised to Alaska twice via Holland America and loved it (we were in our 50's). We chose the inside passage, as we only had a short period of time in the rougher open ocean. The first trip, we hit really rough water on the way home. It didn't bother us, but many people really struggled. The buffet always keeps green apples to help settle people's upset tummy's.

[romanempire]

Thank you for this video! Going to Alaska on NCL in September with 11 family members. Your "have a backup plan" section was very helpful!

[justtoseeyousmile]

We went on our 1st Alaska cruiselast year from Seattle ... we missed Juneau due to wave strength but got ship credit so its ok! It was in Oct but gorgeous weather!! In sept we went again from Vancouver to Seward on a back to back! Gorgeous weather again only rained in seward and skagway on one leg. We planned but some things were canceled. It was ok because we had a second chane on the way back. The joy is a smaller ship than the bliss on our 1st trip. Both ships had their high points. Backup plans are essential!! Cant wait for next cruise!!

[lucybuse]

Great tips! Loved your idea to have backup plans, know locations on ship for great views AND mosquito spray!

[loriwhitley]

I hadn't even considered that we might not be able to do what we planned! Thank you for opening my eyes to that possibility!

[welcomeigepal]

Good tips- Few adders- If you want to see more of Ketchikan, choose Princess or Holland America. You won’t need to catch a shuttle to ant from the ship as they port at the town. Also, some of the one way cruises from Whittier to Vancouver stop at Hubbard Glacier. This glacier is huge.

[tiffanyhansen]

thanks for the vid! we are booked on encore for 9/2025

[DonnaDavis-lu]

I have watched a lot of different vlogs about an Alaskan cruise. You have mentioned several things I haven’t heard before. Particularly about the times your itinerary planned didn’t happen and why. For some reason it never occurred to me that could happen. So it will definitely make a difference in my expectations and attitudes about failed itinerary if it happens. Thanks😊😊😊