Alaska. Many passengers prefer to book starboard accommodations when sailing northbound in Alaska, and portside cabins when sailing south as this offers views over the North American mainland, facing Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, and Vancouver.
What side of ship is best for Alaska cruise?
Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska’s scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.
What is the best side to stay on a cruise ship?
If you want scenic views of land, look on a map and see where the cruise will be departing from. Based on the route, the best side of the cruise ship to be on will either be port or starboard. For example, if Cape Horn will be on the left of your cruise as it travels out, select a port side cabin.
What ports are a must see on Alaska cruise?
A Look at Alaska’s Top-Rated Cruise Ports
- Glacier Bay.
- Sitka.
- Juneau.
- Skagway.
- Ketchikan.
What port do you leave from on an Alaskan cruise?
There are 4 ports that most Alaska cruises depart from: Seattle, Vancouver, Seward and Whittier. Other ports such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and Juneau are used less frequently.
Is it worth it to get a balcony on an Alaskan cruise?
Having a balcony cabin allows you to take in the passing mountains, glaciers, picturesque towns, wildlife, and so much more right from the comfort of your room. A balcony also makes for the ultimate space to get those once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities.
Are the seas rough on an Alaskan cruise?
Rough Waters: The majority of sailing on an Alaska cruise is done in the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but ships sailing to Seward, Whittier or Anchorage must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which is much rougher. Cruise staffers say the gulf gets especially bad after Labor Day, in the shoulder season.
Is it better to be on port or starboard side of cruise ship?
Which side of a cruise ship is better? There’s nothing inherently better about either the port side or the starboard side of a cruise ship. But if you’re sailing in a balcony or veranda stateroom, you might want to choose to stay on a specific side of the ship based on the direction of your itinerary.
Is it worth the money to get a balcony on a cruise?
But Driscoll says price may not be the deterrent it once was. A few years ago, he says, “you’d be paying double to get a balcony.” Now, cabins with balconies on a standard, seven-day cruise generally cost $100 more than those with a window, and between $150 and $200 more than a stateroom inside the ship.
What floor is best on a cruise ship?
In general, the most popular spot to be on a cruise ship is midship on a higher deck because these rooms are centrally located. Moreover, cabins towards the middle of the ship have the reputation of providing a smoother ride when the ocean is rough.
Is Glacier Bay a must for Alaska cruise?
Since access to Glacier Bay is tightly controlled, only a limited number of cruise ships are allowed to visit Glacier Bay National Park each season. Spending a day in Glacier Bay is a must for an Alaska cruise, whether it’s your first time visiting Alaska or your tenth voyage there.
Is Juneau walkable from cruise ship?
Juneau was a super fun port to stop in because it’s probably the most well-known of the ports. It’s also the capital of Alaska and has some pretty cool history to it. Fun fact: Did you know Juneau is not accessible by car? The ONLY way to get to Juneau is by plane or boat.
What is considered the Inside Passage in Alaska?
The Inside Passage is usually what people refer to when they talk about an Alaska cruise. Alaska’s Inside Passage is a water route between the Gulf of Alaska and Puget Sound. It is a common route for cruise ships that depart from Seattle or Vancouver, and offers stops along Alaska’s panhandle.
What is the best month to do an Alaska cruise?
Traditionally, July and August have been considered the best time to cruise to Alaska, as these months offer warm sun, long days, and abundant wildlife.
What is the best time to go on an Alaskan cruise?
Alaska.org, a website run by local Alaskans that offers travel advice and recommendations, points to late May and early June as the best time to see bears on a cruise, as mothers and cubs roam the shoreline. If you’re venturing ashore, however, peak bear season is typically mid-June through the end of August.
Which is the major embarkation port for Alaska cruises?
Seattle and Vancouver are two of the most popular embarkation ports for Alaska cruises. Both are incredible cities with major airports and plenty to explore on pre- or post-cruise stays.
Can you sleep on the balcony of a cruise ship?
Can You Sleep on a Cruise Ship Balcony? There are no rules that say that passengers on cruise ships can’t sleep on their balconies. That said, cruise lines do generally advise against it. Despite this many people enjoy sleeping on their balconies and you won’t have any problem doing so if you want to.
What should I wear on a cruise ship during the day?
What do you wear on cruises during the day? During the day, you can wear casual attire such as t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, sundresses, and skirts. If you’re spending the day at the pool, you can also have lunch or dine in casual pool clothes at the snack bar located next to the pool deck.
What is the best balcony room on a cruise ship?
Rear-facing balcony cabins are among the best balcony cabins on any ship. Often, their balconies are bigger than balconies on side-facing cabins and they also feel quiet. There are far fewer balcony cabins at the back of a ship than on the sides of a ship, so you don’t hear a lot of noise from your neighbors.
Will I get seasick on an Alaskan cruise?
So, if you have been wondering to yourself, “will I be seasick?” … the answer is that likely you won’t. So come on out and enjoy the coast! Learn more about our boutique expedition cruises in Alaska and British Columbia.
Is the water calm on an Alaskan cruise?
Those who cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage marvel at calm waters and spectacular scenery as the ship glides through protected waterways. Along the way, you may see whales, orcas, dolphins, and a host of other marine life from the comfort of your deck chair.