Article written by: Cindy Bokma
It’s approaching the season for Alaskan cruises and having taken several of them, I cannot speak highly enough about a trip through the 49th state. We first experienced an Alaskan cruise fifteen years ago and fell in love with the rugged beauty, the crisp, clean air, the wildlife, and nature. Since then, we have gone on to experience more cruises in various locations, but Alaska remains our favorite.
When the ship is sailing to a new destination, you can take time to enjoy on board activities. There is something for everyone to enjoy from sitting in the hot tub in the pool area to reading in the library or playing bingo.
When the ship is in port, it’s the perfect time to explore the ship and take photos as most people are off doing things all day. If I get back early from an excursion, I will take photos of the ship. The top of the ship usually offers a beautiful view.
We have been on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise ships and recommend either of them. I think Royal Caribbean is geared slightly more for families with children however, my kids loved cruising on Celebrity too.
The Celebrity Millennium was a fabulous ship! We loved this luxurious cruise.
Though the weather often can be very cold in Alaska, people love to sit on the
I hope that everyone who loves to travel as much as I do can take an Alaskan cruise someday. It really is the ultimate way to see wilderness, glaciers and the most picturesque scenery.
Because my Alaskan Cruise was so memorable for me, I would like to share my Top 5 Always5Star essential cruise travel tips for creating a magical Alaska experience!
5StarTips🌟:
(1) 🌟 Dress properly
I cannot stress this enough. The worst feeling is to be cold, damp, and on vacation. Dressing in layers is critical. I have worn a tank top, tee shirt, sweater and a jacket along with a scarf and hat and gloves! Carry a tote or backpack for everything you don’t need.
While in Alaska, I always bring a raincoat with a hood and I often wear a hat. There are gloves in my pockets because my hands are always cold.
(2) 🌟 Prepare for Rain and When to Go
Inevitably, it will rain. Know this ahead of time and prepare yourself. No one likes being out in the rain less than me so the first time I went to Alaska, I told myself that it would definitely rain, and I wouldn’t melt.
I bought a sturdy rain jacket with a hood, brought a few hats and packed a strong umbrella.
5StarTip🌟: This is not the time to save on costs of an umbrella. Make sure your umbrella is sturdy and can hold up to hard rain and wind.
Most excursions will not be canceled because of hard rain. I have really enjoyed some great tours when it was pouring rain.
5StarTip🌟: Best time to go to Alaska
The best time to go to Alaska, weather-wise, is between June 15th and July 15th. We did experience some nice weather at that time. We have also gone a few times in August and yes, it has been rainy and drizzly. However, you will still have a wonderful time, just take the time to prepare for this type of weather.
(3) 🌟 Upgrade to A Balcony Room
As you cruise through scenic Alaska, there is much to take in from morning until night. A balcony always allows you to go outside and view everything, especially as you cruise through the Inside Passage.
From my balcony, I watched eagles, I saw whales, dolphins, and as we passed the glaciers, I had an unobstructed view. Well worth the extra cost, if there is one time to splurge for a balcony, an Alaskan cruise is it!
You will get gorgeous photos of your trip to Alaska.
(4) 🌟 Bring Your Camera or Rent One
Friends, everyone has a smartphone with a camera, and yes, you will get vibrant photos from your phone, but I highly encourage you to get your hands on a good camera for this once in a lifetime trip. An Alaskan cruise will be something you want to remember, and pictures are the best way to capture the memories.
You can rent a camera and gear from this site which was recommended to me: Rent Professional Lenses and Photo Gear
I look this picture of the seals using my Canon Rebel. I absolutely love this camera, you can swap out different lenses easily. I suggest a good zoom lens as well as a walk around lens like the 18-55mm that comes with the camera.
Bring a pair of binoculars, you will use them to gaze outside at the birds (especially eagles) in the trees as you cruise.
(5) 🌟 Book Excursions in Advance
Part of the fun of a cruise is planning. I like to research and view which excursions are available and decide what I want to do. My husband and I often read the excursions separately, determine what we want to do, then compare. We end up doing a few things together and a few excursions apart.
5StarTip🌟: Watch Your Time
Look at the length of time the excursion lasts, what time the excursion leaves the ship (no early mornings for me), how strenuous the tour is, your personal fitness abilities, and whether the tour is dependent on the weather.
Alaska is a place where you will want to get off at each port and explore. Even if you have nothing planned, I highly recommend walking around the ports.
There were several times where I did this and ended up getting some beautiful photos, taking an off-the-beaten-path hike, stumbling upon charming houses with pretty flowers, and seeing things that are out of the ordinary.
We like booking our excursions through the ship because if anything happens the tour company will alert the ship and they will wait for you.
I hope you get lucky and see a moose during your trip. I was always looking for wildlife.
Additional Tips:
Fly into port a day or two early and explore. Typically, Alaskan cruises leave from Seattle or Vancouver, these are fantastic places with lots to explore and enjoy before your cruise.
Bring your own blanket and/ or robe. The key to enjoying a cruise is comfort! You will spend time in your room, especially on sea days when you are lounging around. If you do have a balcony, you will spend time outside so bring a blanket so you can stay warm.
Don’t forget motion sickness pills. I recommend non-drowsy Dramamine, I like the ones that contain ginger. I take one a day whether I feel I need it or not. I am prone to extreme motion sickness, so I don’t take any chances. We’ve had to take bus rides on our excursions and I don’t want to get sick on bumpy roads or long drives.
Final Thoughts
With all the cruises I have experienced, the Alaskan cruise remains one of my favorites. Because I am an experienced cruiser, I am excited about sharing this very valuable information with you. I know you will enhance your Alaskan Cruise to an Always5Star level by following these tips. I know I have! Cheers to you and to the most memorable Alaskan Cruise!
Other Articles From Cindy Bokma to read:
A bit about the author: Cindy Bokma
Cindy Bokma grew up in New Jersey but now lives in California. Cindy is the author of
The Blondes of Bel Air, A Thousand Dollars for a Kiss and Here If You Need Me. She has also written a children’s book, Victorious Girls and has pitched television shows to networks such as Disney and Nickelodeon. She is an accomplished screenplay analyst, having worked for a popular Hollywood production company.
Order her book: Low Oxalate Cookbook – The Low-Oxalate Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook: 75 Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Yeast-Free, Low-Sugar Recipes to Help You Stress Less and Feel Better on Amazon.
Visit her also at Wild Flower and Woods And Visit her also at Cindy Bokma Books
About Pamela Rossi
I am passionate about travel and taking each moment and making it a five star experience. My goal is to create those experiences for YOU!
Comments