Alaska Cruises 2011 | Cruises From Seattle | Cruises From Vancouver | 2011 Alaska Cruise Package | Best Alaska Cruises
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When is the Best Time to Cruise to Alaska?

Ever wondered when the best time for an Alaska Cruise was or when the best weather is for an Alaskan Cruise? These are very legitimate questions that we hope to answer for you here.

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska is typically in the months of June and July for warmer, drier weather and calmer seas. But we have been on some May and August cruises that were warm and dry also, especially in the Inside Passage. On the cruises that travel further up to Seward or Whittier/Anchorage, May and August are a bit more uncertain. The month of August is typically the rainiest month for the Kenai Peninsula and also is known for some stronger winds and rougher seas. Another thing to note about May when your looking at the ports of Seward and Whittier/Anchorage is that you are still in the pre-summer season when the trees are just beginning to sport leaves and much of the countryside is still brown and soggy. This is the time Alaskan's refer to as Breakup Time.

There's no getting around it, September is typically cooler and wet. The ports in Prince William sound and on the Kenai Peninsula are winding down and the shops are beginning to close up as the workers head back to their homes. Even within the panhandle region of Southeast Alaska most of the college aged workers have headed back to school making it difficult for some businesses to remain operating at full capacity. So why would someone plan to take an Alaska cruise in September?

Fewer people mean smaller to no crowds and all the shops and many of the attractions are lowering prices to draw in their final customers for the season. So September is often when the budget minded travelers and those looking for smaller crowds book their cruises to Alaska. It's also a great time for adults looking for a cruise without children around as the young families traveling with children have returned home before school begins in the fall. This is also a good month for many unique activities like whale watching and blueberry picking. There is still some great fishing to be done and the fall leaves of the deciduous trees are blazing yellow and red by Labor Day. September is the best time for photographing the hillsides and valleys when that spectacular change of seasons is desired.

Best Time to Visit Alaska

Some of will say that the best time to visit Alaska is in the shoulder seasons of May and September. Alaska has a very short tourism season and during the peak summer months, availability is limited, particularly within the popular tours and attractions. Visiting in May or September will allow you to book your tours and activities closer to your arrival dates although typically the earlier you make your reservations, the better. Alaska is not as crowded in May or September and you should be able to take advantage of the early season specials and lower rates on everything from cruises to tours and even on hotels and lodges if you are on an extended vacation.

Alaska Cruises 2011