What to Expect on an Alaska Cruise
When many people think of an Alaskan cruise, they think of freezing-cold weather, glaciers, and bears. Of course, visitors are likely to experience all of the above on an Alaskan cruise, but there is so much more to expect and appreciate!
Wildlife
Expect to see a wide variety of wildlife. Not only will you have an opportunity to spot bears, but you may also encounter rare deer, exotic seabirds, moose, bald eagles, Alaskan salmon, harbor seals, sea lions, and even humpback whales!
The Scenery
Expect ample coastline, lakes, rivers, volcanoes, and volcanic fields. Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined. It has over 34,000 miles of shoreline, over 100 volcanoes and volcanic areas, over 3,000 rivers, and over 3 million lakes. You read that correctly: 3 million lakes! How incredible!
The Weather
Often, people expect constant snowfall when cruising Alaska, but depending on what time of year you visit, you’re more likely to encounter rain. First-time travelers may be shocked that winter in Alaska can be warmer than other cold regions in the US! So, since the weather often fluctuates during an Alaskan cruise, expect to dress in layers that are easy to pull on and remove. Think lightweight t-shirts, thin sweaters, waterproof jackets, scarves, and warm hats. You’ll stay nice and comfy throughout your vacation as long as you remember these items.
You can also expect the days to be much longer than the typical cruisers’ usual day. For instance, some sunsets may not occur until 10 pm, and sunrises can be as early as 3 am. So, pack a sleep mask to get some sound sleep.
Life Onboard
People also expect Alaskan cruises to be for a more “mature” audience, but it is quite (young and) family-friendly, making it a perfect choice for a family vacation. You can expect to see multi-generations on an Alaskan cruise, often with parents and grandparents sharing the wild beauty of “The Last Frontier” with their children and grandchildren. Some cruise ships also offer onboard enrichment activities such as whale-watching programs, children’s sing-a-longs, learning about glaciers, and more. Alaskan cruises can be the perfect blend of family fun, nature, and science. They can also be a welcomed change from the usual beach vacations.
You will definitely want a stateroom with a balcony and book as many excursions as possible; you won’t regret it. Sure, you can stand out on the ship’s deck to view glaciers and wildlife as you drift by, but there’s nothing quite as phenomenal as the views from your private balcony – while sipping hot cocoa underneath a cozy blanket!
If you’re an avid cruiser, expect a less rowdy scene than most beach cruises. Alaskan cruises are not only fun but educational and are genuinely in a league of their own. Getting the “full-on” Alaskan experience is easy if you know what to expect. You will return home enlightened and invigorated.
When your ready to start planning your Alaskan cruise contact me at the link below.