Is Alaska on your must-see destination list? There’s no better way to way to capture the area’s scenic vistas and visit its cities than aboard a cruise. While these trips are often pricier than their Caribbean counterparts, the good news is there are still deals to be had this year.
Why? We can still blame the economy, though recent reports note that things are slowly getting better. But add in politics, tougher environmental regulations and a controversial head tax on travellers, and industry watchers warn it’s going to be another rough year for the Alaska cruise industry. A few companies have even sent part of their fleet to more profitable seas — meaning fewer visitors and an estimated $150 million loss in revenue, according to a recent article from the Associated Press.
For even better deals, try a “repositioning” cruise in May or September. Alaska’s small ships don’t stick around for the winter, so you can get some great deals if you’re willing to hop the first or last run between Alaska and their winter home.
What sights and activities are on your “must-see” list? Do you want to explore small towns or enjoy the cities? Tour a glacier or national park? See the landscape from a plane? Go on a wildlife watching tour? There’s no shortage of activities to try — but you’ll need to find a cruise with the right options and flexibility.
How much time do you have? While many voyages run about a week, options range from 3-4 day samplers to 12-14-day “cruise tours” (which include land tours into interior regions). Land tours offer more opportunities to take in the scenery, history and culture — and you can book your own if you want a different experience.
What deals are available? Mid-June to mid-August may be the best times to travel, but they are also the most expensive. Typically, cruise prices start low in May and increase through the peak season before cooling off again mid-August and September. Book early enough and you can take advantage of early-bird fares. Keep your eyes open for perks — like onboard credits — that help sweeten the deal.
We bet you’ve noticed the 2010 cruise season has already started, which means last minute deals are already on the slate. If you’re flexible about itinerary and accommodations, you can find deals as early as 90 days before the departure date.
What’s included in the price? Find out exactly what you’re paying for — excursions, meals, alcohol, access to spas and additional fees can quickly add up. Also, calculate in what’s missing from the posted price like travel insurance, taxes, tips, service charges and the state’s $34.50 USD head tax. (Some of the cities have their own head taxes too.) Make sure you know which currency you’re being quoted too.
The bottom line: Experts predict another year of discounts and deals to tempt travellers. Canadians have an additional advantage with the dollar courting parity with the U.S. greenback.
If the natural beauty and history of Alaska are calling you this year, here are some tips and trips to inspire your planning.
Alaska cruises: The basics
The number of options and prices may surprise you. Here’s what to think about as you research.
What kind of ship do you want to take? Larger ships offer more onboard activities and amenities, like theatres, spas and more dining options. However, smaller ships can squeeze into narrower passages for a closer look at the scenery and animals — and to visit smaller towns and villages. According to Fodors, these smaller ships sail within Alaska, often departing from Juneau. Larger ships usually depart from cities like Seattle, Vancouver and Victoria.
When do you want to go? Cruise season runs May to September, but the warmest, sunniest months are also the busiest — specifically July to mid-August. The weather may be more temperamental during the shoulder-season, but May and September have their advantages too — like wildflowers, fall foliage, wildlife spotting and Northern Lights viewing.
Here’s another point to consider: with a decreased number of visitors to the state expected this year, experts note there’s bound to be some stiff competition at attractions and local businesses. Watch for discounts and deals on land too.
Where is the best place to start and finish? Air fare can significantly add to the cost, so it pays to consider your options and shop around. In North America, cruises depart from San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver and Victoria.
How should you book — agent or do-it-yourself? There’s no right or wrong answer here, but it pays to compare. Sites like Travelocity.ca have attractive deals, but you may want the expertise of an agent who specializes in Alaskan cruises for advice. Check out all your options before you book, but beware that many places don’t post their prices online — you’ll have to submit a request for quotes.
What your trip could look like…
There’s a wide variety of options out there. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking*:
Voyage of the Glaciers — Vancouver to Whittier (Princess Cruises)
With prices from $756/person for an interior room to $1716/person for a suite, this 7-day cruise sails from Vancouver and sails and hits many of the popular ports like Juneau, Skagway and Anchorage. Along the way, you’ll do some scenic cruising at Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord. ( More information.)
12-night Alaska Cruise Tour (Royal Caribbean)
See more of the state by venturing inland for a 5-day land tour after seven days at sea and local ports.
The land tour portion of the cruise includes touring the Hubbard Glacier and Denali National Park, optional excursions like “flightseeing” tours, nights out on the town and restful evenings at local hotels. Prices range from $1898/person to $3616, depending on the type of room. (More information.)
Glacier Bay Highlights (Cruise West)
Looking to splurge? This 5-day cruise goes for $1799 USD to $3699 USD, and travels round trip from Juneau. In general, trips on smaller ships won’t come cheap, but there’s often more built into the price, like taxes, port charges, fees and excursions. The experience is more intimate — think less than 200 passengers versus a couple of thousand — and personalized as well. For instance, the captain can determine the best places to watch wildlife on a given morning based on local conditions. (More information.)
*Prices are based on double occupancy during July and August.
ON THE WEB
There’s a lot know about Alaskan cruises — more than we can cover in a single article. Here’s where to find more information:
About.com: Alaska Cruises 2010
Fodors.com: Planning an Alaskan Cruise
TravelAlaska.com (The State Tourism Office)
Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Burak Demir
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Tags: alaska, alaska cruise, cruise, travel, vacation
Cruising To Alaska
This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010 at 6:02 pm and is filed under ZoomerLife Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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