Sunday, March 31, 2024

7-Day Alaskan Explorer Cruise

seattle cruise alaska

The Windjammer buffet can be an excellent place to enjoy dinner in Alaska, as the buffet has floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the venue, in addition to outdoor seating on select ships. If your flight doesn’t arrive until 11PM the night before your cruise, it probably isn’t worth it to travel to the city center. Instead, consider a hotel near the airport so you can simply land and head straight to bed.

Great experiences from the great land

Because you will arrive in your embarkation city the night before your cruise, remember to book your hotel stay sooner rather than later. When booking a hotel in Seattle or Vancouver (or Anchorage/Seward for one-way itineraries), you will want to book a hotel in a convenient location. Speaking of excursions, it isn’t necessary to book excursions through Royal Caribbean.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

Dinner in the Main Dining Room is a traditional part of any cruise experience, but think twice before selecting your dining time. In Alaska, on the other hand, you will want to lower your expectations when it comes to weather. It’s challenging to predict whether your cruise will encounter sunny skies and 70 degrees, or seven days of straight rain. Sure, booking your cruise in June usually results in better weather compared to one in September, but weather conditions are never guaranteed. Watching a ship tour will help make your first few days onboard stress-free, as you will already have a general understanding of what is offered onboard, as well as the location of popular venues.

Use Seattle airport’s port valet service when disembarking in Seattle

seattle cruise alaska

We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks. As Alaska cruises have grown in popularity, the crowds have grown as well. It’s not uncommon for there to be three, four, or even five cruise ships docked in Alaska's ports at once. To ensure you don’t miss out, consider booking a later dinner time, or simply eat dinner elsewhere on the nights the sailaway overlaps with your dining time.

More often than not, flight prices will increase significantly as your travel date approaches. Waiting to see if the price drops almost always results in paying more for your flight, so it’s important to get your flights booked to avoid wasting money. In Sitka, for instance, you can enjoy a leisurely walk through the Sitka National Historic Park, which comes at no extra cost and is within walking distance from the town center. Likewise, you could take a shuttle bus to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau for $45 roundtrip, which is much cheaper than excursions booked through the cruise line. Of course, you’ll want to look at the terms and conditions of each tour operator before booking. Check the tour’s cancellation policies—and whether or not they provide a guaranteed arrival back to port before your ship's departure—before booking.

Seattle to kick off cruise season to Alaska king5.com - KING5.com

Seattle to kick off cruise season to Alaska king5.com.

Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Cruise To Alaska Travel Tips & Articles

Both of the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska from Seattle are loaded with attractions that are protected from the elements, including those bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators. In fact, both Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas were specifically built to operate in areas of inclement weather. Unlike the Royal Caribbean ships, the Norwegian ships also have epic waterslides on their top decks, which in theory, might put them over the top in any listing of the best cruise ships for families based in Seattle. Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing.

MedallionClass® On All Ships!

In May 2000, Norwegian Sky was the first ship to set sail from the Port of Seattle offering guests round-trip cruises sailing to Alaska. The industry has grown from 36 ship calls to the current season forecast of 275 ship calls. We have more Alaska cruise port departures featuring Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. All Alaska cruises include one or more glacier-viewing days, and you’ll get closer to ‘the giants’ on ships perfectly sized for the Great Land. Both Eurodam and Westerdam mostly sail seven-night trips to Alaska out of Seattle. However, for 2024, Westerdam has added an epic new 28-night Alaska itinerary out of Seattle that will include calls in remote areas that most cruise ships never visit.

Seattle Launches Milestone Alaska Cruise Season with Norwegian Bliss - Travel Wires

Seattle Launches Milestone Alaska Cruise Season with Norwegian Bliss.

Posted: Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

seattle cruise alaska

Sitka is within view of a dormant volcano, has a bear and raptor center, and onion-domed buildings leftover from its Russian influence. Ketchikan is one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich culture of Native Alaskans, including Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian with carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center. If you've ever dreamed of visiting Alaska, there's no better way to explore the state than on a cruise.

It's like one big play zone for families that will keep your kids busy for hours. Let us create the perfect event while you relax and have the time of your life. Please visit our most frequently asked questions page on cruise preparation, transportation, safety and security, and more. From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise. No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls.

Having booked the cruise only three months before I sailed, it offered a fantastic value. Cheap cruises are never a guarantee, but one trend we have noticed in the past few years is that Alaska cruises in the shoulder season are often heavily discounted at the last minute. One of our favorite “tricks” when planning an Alaska cruise on Royal Caribbean is to take advantage of cheap last-minute sailings. One of my favorite aspects of cruising to Alaska is the pre-cruise stay in Seattle or Vancouver. Not only do both of these cities offer breathtaking natural scenery, but they boast an impressive amount of things to do within the city, too. Although your cruise itinerary might say you arrive at 6AM on disembarkation day, this does not mean you can get off your ship at 6AM.

Mid-size ships offer the best of both worlds — the attentive service of a small ship combined with large ship amenities. Nearly a dozen major cruise ships operate Alaska cruises out of Seattle during the summer months, giving cruisers plenty of choice. The best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for retirees, in our view, are the sailings offered by Holland America on both the 1,964-passenger Westerdam and 2,104-passenger Eurodam. We give Westerdam the slight edge for reasons we will explain below.

There’s really no need to spend hundreds of dollars on new winter gear just for an Alaska cruise, especially if you’re traveling with children who will quickly outgrow clothing. Because of this, take a look at the main attractions in your embarkation city. You might enjoy shopping at Pike’s Place Market and visiting the Space Needle in Seattle, or enjoying a relaxing stroll through Stanley Park in Vancouver. You’d be surprised by how many activities you can fit into a pre-cruise stay in Seattle or Vancouver.

Should your cruise encounter rough seas, an itinerary change, or another unforeseen circumstance, there’s a chance a showtime could get canceled or rescheduled. Booking reservations for earlier in the week ensures you have wiggle room in case of an unanticipated schedule change. When booking entertainment reservations, we recommend sticking to shows earlier in the week. If, for instance, a show is offered on the second, fifth, and last evening of the cruise, try to book the first day available. In 2022, for example, I booked the cheapest Alaska cruise I could find on Radiance of the Seas. The cruise fare was only $240 for an entire week with $293 in taxes and fees.

Seattles 2024 Cruise Season Kicks Off 25 Years of Sailing to Alaska

seattle cruise alaska

One of the best ways to become acquainted with Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships is to watch a full tour of the ship on YouTube. On our YouTube channel, we have full, high definition tours of each Royal Caribbean ship sailing to Alaska. The 2024 season also represents the 25th anniversary of the first cruises between Seattle and Alaska.

Experience the best Alaska cruise from Seattle

seattle cruise alaska

This area is known as the salmon capital of the world if you're interested in delicious seafood and learning about the historic canneries in Ketchican. There are numerous options waiting for you in Ketichan, no matter what you desire. Sink into refreshed suites and a new lounge, plus dining and entertainment venues. Take in Alaska’s evergreen fjords and thunderous glaciers on this Vista-class Alaska cruise ship. Like everything else in Alaska, the Great Land’s national parks far exceed expectations.

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Norwegian Bliss, also based in Washington during the summer, is part of the same Norwegian Breakaway-Plus class of vessels and has a similar Haven enclave. Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Seattle Begins Milestone Alaska Season With Norwegian Cruise Line Ship - Cruise Hive

Seattle Begins Milestone Alaska Season With Norwegian Cruise Line Ship.

Posted: Mon, 08 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Order essentials ahead of time, like binoculars and motion-sickness remedies

Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.

Travel Tips for Seattle

Plus, you may just get a chance to meet some of the local marine wildlife that come out to play while you enjoy a peaceful and smooth ferry ride. If stunning landscapes and breathtaking views are what make your vacation special, look no further than Puget Sound. The Sound provides postcard-like views of snow-capped mountains behind evergreen forests stretching for miles until they meet the sea right in front of your eyes. Seattle’s most famous attraction, the Space Needle, is also the most easily recognizable structure in the city’s stunning skyline.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

There, the bartender will muddle your mojitos with raspberry, guava, passion fruit or even jalapeno pepper to spice things up when you're sitting with your new solo friends. Why did we pick Norwegian Encore over Norwegian Bliss as the ship offering the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for luxury lovers? Built a year after Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore offers one big improvement for the upscale crowd as compared to Norwegian Bliss. Other cruises might be best for solo travelers or travelers on a tight budget.

seattle cruise alaska

Norwegian Cruise Line has been cruising to Alaska for decades and offers some of the best itineraries available. Our lineup of 2022 Alaska cruises includes varying trip lengths and a wide selection of shore excursions. With our enhanced flexible booking policy and partnership in the Healthy Sail Panel, we are excited to welcome you back on your next Norwegian cruise. For 2022, Norwegian has five different ships cruising Alaska, so you can choose the onboard experience that's perfect for you. You can even choose to book a Cruisetour, which is a combination of a Norwegian Alaska cruise and a few days of land travel.

However, keep in mind that Alaska can be chilly, even at the height of summer, and rainy, too. Find exceptional City Stays & Pre/Post Overland Packages, which offer a seamless experience ashore to add to your cruise. Add air travel, hotel stays and celebrations to your cruise from Seattle. Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Notably, both Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore boast large private zones for solo travelers — something you won't find on any other cruise ship sailing out of Seattle. Still, you can get a variation on a luxury cruise experience on a voyage to Alaska from Seattle on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore. From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you. Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush.

Travel experts and cruise critics rate Holland America Line as the best cruise line for Alaska. If you’re looking for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle, Holland America Line has won Best Alaska Itineraries, Best in Alaska, Best Alaska Cruise, and many more awards. Passengers get a more enriching experience as the cruise line has been taking guests to Alaska for nearly 75 years, and knows the area. Westerdam is also a slightly smaller ship than Eurodam, and as a result, its demographics on any given sailing are more likely to skew toward a retired crowd. To the extent that families with younger kids book Holland America ships, they are more likely to book one of its larger vessels. That makes these ships more appealing to an older demographic that doesn't necessarily want to be on a vessel that's loaded to the gills with children's fun zones and the younger family travelers drawn to that.

Learn all about the gold rush and its cultural and historical significance by riding the restored White Pass & Yukon Railroad that traces the steep, mountainous White Pass trail of the 1896 gold rush. Here are some things you should know before you book one of our round-trip cruises from Seattle to Alaska. July is the warmest month in Alaska (and one of the best for bear-spotting), but also the busiest. August is the end of the peak season, so, you may enjoy less crowds, but it tends to be rainier. The solo cabins in the studio zones are small (measuring 100 square feet) but are superbly designed to maximize storage space (something I learned firsthand staying in one on Norwegian Epic).

Even if you arrive at 3PM the day before your cruise, you will have around twenty hours in either city before embarkation begins. If your cruise is a one-way itinerary that starts or ends in Seward, Alaska, transportation logistics require more pre-planning. The closest major airport to Seward is Anchorage, which is over two hours away by car. Due to this, you might want to consider taking a Royal Caribbean shuttle or the train from Seward to Anchorage, which must be scheduled in advance. In addition to airfare, you’ll also want to figure out transportation logistics on land, which can vary from one embarkation city to another. If your cruise ends in Seward, you’ll want to schedule even more time to catch your flight, as it takes several hours to get to Anchorage from Seward.

The bags are then delivered and checked onto your flight on disembarkation morning, meaning you won’t see your bags again until you arrive at your home airport. Instead of getting upset over a cold, rainy day in port, maintain a positive attitude. Find a cozy saloon to enjoy a warm Irish coffee, or bundle up in your rain gear and make the most of the day. Alaska’s landscapes are spectacular, so you’ll want to brush up on your photography skills before your cruise. Browse a local outdoor consignment shop or search for used clothing on websites like Facebook Marketplace or eBay to find the best deals. Regardless of where your cruise starts and ends, it’s always better to plan transportation logistics ahead of time to avoid any surprises and confusion upon arrival.

Seattle celebrates record-setting cruise season with 1.7 million projected passengers, millions in revenue - KOMO News

Seattle celebrates record-setting cruise season with 1.7 million projected passengers, millions in revenue.

Posted: Mon, 16 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The new itinerary is one reason we give Westerdam the edge among ships when rating the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for seniors. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.

Spend more time sightseeing and less time getting there with our prime Alaska docking locations. Weekend departures give you the option to stretch your vacation and explore the Emerald City. Glaciers, wildlife and mountains await you on a cruise from Seattle to Alaska. Our roundtrip voyages bring you up close to untouched landmarks, including Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier. Fish for salmon in Ketchikan, meet sled dogs in Juneau and pan for gold in Skagway. If you want to witness these spectacles with a bit more elbow room and enjoy a wide selection of venues, entertainment, and amenities on ship, a mid-size ship is the best cruise ship to take from Seattle to Alaska.

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