• Price

  – When considering both cruises and cruise tours, May and September are considered your "shoulder" seasons in Alaska. Visitors will usually experience better deals, as well as fewer crowds. On average, cruise prices may be a couple hundred dollars less per person, and tours may be up to 20% off.

• Availability

  – May and September often offer guests a larger variety of ships, staterooms, and cabins with availability, as well. Why, you ask? Fewer families tend to book these months, simply because school is often in session during this timeframe.

• Weather & Nature

  – If you're looking for the most favorable temperatures for your Alaskan cruise, you'll want to cruise between mid-June and mid-August. If Midnight Sun is what you seek, you'll want to visit 3 weeks after the summer solstice, June 21, which is the longest day of the year. However, if you want fall foliage and berry-picking, you'll want to opt for the later months of August and September.

• Juneau

  – Widely regarded as America's most unique state capital, it's the only central state hub with no roads leading into or out of the town. The city offers the most remarkable blend of urban environments completely surrounded by nature including towering mountains and the chilly waters of the Gastineau Channel. Visitors will delight in this inspiring little hub where you can enjoy everything from a whale-watching expedition, indulge in a one-of-a-kind Alaskan salmon bake, climb Mt. Roberts, on the tramway, or beyond.

• Inside Passage

  – Visitors to Alaska never cease to rave about the serene waters of the Inside Passage. It's the perfect blend of scenery, ranging from sprawling barrier islands to towering forests so thick you can't see through them. The real beauty, however, is that the scenery constantly changes, offering you a true glimpse of Alaskan life and culture. Visit a Native Alaskan village and unlock the history of Alaska's Gold Rush, or take a dogsled adventure. The choices are endless.

• Tracy Arm

  – Located just 45 miles south of Juneau, Tracy Arm Fjord is known for its incredible waterfalls, mammoth glaciers, rugged terrain, and mountainous regions. Your cruise will get you up close and personal so you can witness the natural splendor that Alaska has to offer. Soak in the sight of the translucent Sawyer Glaciers, which emit a bluish glow, and you might just be lucky enough to see chunks of ice break off and plunge deep into the waters below – something you won't soon forget.

• Ketchikan

  – The self-proclaimed "Salmon Capital of the World" lives up to its reputation where its mainstays are fishing and tourism. Guests will delight in walking up Creek Street, a quaint neighborhood built along the creek, which offers a host of shops, restaurants, and trinkets for tourists. Or, make your way to City Park where you'll find a myriad of totem poles reminiscent of Alaskan days long gone, as well as a fish hatchery you won't want to miss. Best of all, take in a lumberjack show, something that the whole family will enjoy.

• Seattle Departures

  – Alaska cruises departing from Seattle tend to average around 7 nights and sail roundtrip. Most feature popular ports of call including Ketchikan, Skagway, and Juneau. They're often very popular because of the convenience of booking flights in and out of Seattle.

• Vancouver Departures

  – Most Alaska cruises departing from Vancouver are one-way northbound sailings ending in either Seward or Whittier, though roundtrip voyages are available. They tend to offer more glacier and wildlife viewing, as well as more time in the Inside Passage.

Popular Cruise Tour Attractions

• Anchorage

  – Make your way to Anchorage where you can dive deep into the history of Alaska. The Anchorage Museum offers a fantastic exhibit in partnership with the Smithsonian, making it the perfect stop for history buffs. Or, enjoy the Alaska Native Heritage Center, just a short drive away. It's complete with an eye-opening look at the careful balance of tradition and modernity that Alaska features. Consider taking a trip on The Alaska Railway to see the sights in style.

• Denali National Park

  – One of Alaska's top two attractions, Denali National Park offers a picturesque and up close look at some of Alaska's most impressive scenery. Take a Tundra Wilderness Tour, or delve into the natural history of the area with a guided exploration. Stay a couple nights in a rustic, well-appointed local venue, and see Alaska like the locals do – complete with incredible views of Mt. McKinley.

• Fairbanks

  – With winter nights spent in near total darkness, the summers are even more stunning, giving locals and visitors nearly 20 hours of complete sunlight. You may be lucky enough to witness the aurora borealis – the Northern Lights – when the sun does set. Enjoy a riverboat discovery to explore local traditions and cultures, and visit the former training headquarters of Iditarod champion, Susan Butcher. Or, stop by the University of Alaska to delve into 2,000 years of Alaskan art and living. The opportunities are endless.

• Whale Watching in Juneau

  – Maximize your time in Juneau and see the sights the locals so often are lucky enough to see. Your intimate whale watching tour will give you an up close and personal look of humpback and orca whales breaching, pods connecting, and unrestricted views of maritime life.

• Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau

  – Mendenhall Glacier is located just 12 miles outside of downtown Juneau and can be visited by taxi, car, or bus on your excursion. Have your camera on hand to trek the series of well-maintained trails where you can see bears, salmon, and even bald eagles.

• Totem Bight State Historical Park in Ketchikan

  – Witness 14 Native American totem poles, a Clan House, and breathtaking views of Ketchikan's beautiful waterfront. The unique series of totem poles feature bright colors, indigenous art, and a unique look at local native life.