May and June kick off the cruise season here in Vancouver. Seeing the big boats coming and going brings back fond memories of our first cruise from Vancouver to Alaska for our honeymoon. Many people were surprised we were able to afford a 2-week cruise as newlyweds on one income, but cruises don’t have to be expensive. Here’s what my husband and I learned about how to cruise Alaska affordably.
Buy Tickets Last-Minute
Most cruise companies lower their prices at the last minute, as they try to fill their boats before sailing. Buying your tickets within three months before sailing can save you 50% (or more!) of the price.
I made my husband buy our honeymoon tickets a month before we left because I was worried about missing our honeymoon, but we bought our Mexican cruise tickets about a week before we sailed. Vacations To Go features a “90-day ticker” that lists last-minute cruise deals. If you are willing to be patient and a bit flexible, keep an eye on the sale and book your ticket when the price becomes affordable.
Travel on the Off-Season to Save Money
Cruises to Alaska operate on a seasonal basis, between May and September. This is summer in Alaska, when temperatures are nice and scenery is best. If you don’t mind slightly cooler temperatures, plan your trip for either May or September—known as the “shoulder season.”
Because it is early or late in the season, and the boats are just beginning to travel or starting to head to other destinations, rates are cheaper. Travelling in the off-season also offers the advantage of fewer tourists in the area; you won’t be competing with as many other people to see the attractions. Just pack your winter coat, because Alaska can be cool in the spring and fall.
Plan Your Own Excursions to Cruise Alaska Affordably
Your cruise ship will offer to plan shore excursions for you at each port that you land at. They’ll also charge you a lot for planning these excursions for you. If you are willing to do a bit of research yourself, or willing to walk instead of paying for buses, you can save a lot of money.
For example, Ketchikan is a small town that is often the first stop in Alaska. In a couple of hours, you can walk the main street of town and see most of the sights—for free. The Ketchikan Visitor’s Bureau, located right on the docks as you get off your ship, provides you with a map of town, highlighting all the places of interest. If you choose to, you can still stop in to see the main attractions, without paying the extra fee that the cruise ships will charge you for booking your admission.
Avoid the “Extras” on the Boat
While your food is included on the cruise ship, alcohol is not. Drinks on the ship are usually quite expensive, so avoid them to cruise Alaska affordably. Or save the drinks and extras for one special occasion. Most cruise lines will host at least one party where there are free drinks; on our Alaskan cruise, there was a captain’s party on the first or second day out when there was free champagne for all guests.
The boat may also have specialty restaurants where you pay an extra fee for a great view of the scenery and a nice meal. You can decide whether this is worth it or not. On our Alaskan cruise, we choose to do that for one night and enjoyed an amazing view of the strait while leaving Skagway. My husband figured that the $20 fee he’d paid for the meal was more than worth it when he saw the plate-sized steak he got.
Traveling by cruise ship is one of the best ways to see some of the most scenic places in Alaska, such as Glacier Bay, accessible only by water or air.
Remember that with a cruise, your accommodation, entertainment, travel and meals are all included in the price. If you are cruising with your kids, many cruise lines now offer kids activities with full-time staff organizing various fun events for all ages. When you compare the price of the cruise to buying plane tickets and then booking a hotel, eating a restaurants, renting a car and getting tickets to shows and movies, the cruise price seems much more reasonable.
With these simple tips to help you cruise Alaska affordably, you’ll be enjoying all the scenery while staying within a small budget.
FAQs
A typical Alaska Cruise can cost between $600 and $5,000 per person, depending on the length of your cruise, the type of cruise you choose, and your room choice. We recommend budgeting an additional $1,000 to $1,500 per person for shore excursions to get the most out of your Alaskan cruise.
How much should I budget for an Alaskan cruise? ›
A typical Alaska Cruise can cost between $600 and $5,000 per person, depending on the length of your cruise, the type of cruise you choose, and your room choice. We recommend budgeting an additional $1,000 to $1,500 per person for shore excursions to get the most out of your Alaskan cruise.
What is the cheapest month to take a cruise to Alaska? ›
Shoulder Seasons Offer Lower Prices
For both cruising and land-based tours, May and September are the “shoulder” seasons in Alaska, with better deals and fewer crowds. Cruise prices during those times may be lower, perhaps by a couple hundred dollars per person.
What is a good price for a 7 day Alaskan cruise? ›
A reasonable budget for a 7-day Alaskan cruise, including some shore excursions and extra amenities, could range from $3,000 to $5,000 per person.
Is it worth it to get a balcony on an Alaskan cruise? ›
On an Alaska cruise, a balcony cabin provides your own private viewing space to take in spectacular scenery, glaciers, wildlife, and more. While this category of staterooms comes with a higher price tag, the benefits offered on an Alaska cruise will make a huge difference and is well worth the investment.
What is the best cruise line for Alaska cruise tours? ›
Holland America Line (HAL) — which recently snapped up a 2023 World's Best Award in the large-ship ocean cruise line category — has been cruising Alaska for over 75 years. HAL prides itself on having more permits for Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line.
Is it cheaper to book through cruise line? ›
Normally, without a promotion, booking airfare through a cruise comes with a cost. But often this cost is cheaper than what guests can find on their own through the airlines.
What is the average amount of money to take on a cruise? ›
And how much cash should you take on your next cruise? We're here to help you figure it out! Experts say the average cruise passenger spends anywhere from $52 to $89 per day, but the amount you'll spend will, of course, vary based on cruise line, ship, experience and your individual preferences.
What is the best age for an Alaskan cruise? ›
When considering an Alaska family small ship cruise, we suggest age 6 and older. Some ships will allow children as young as 2 years old or even babies. Most small Alaskan cruise lines do not provide babysitting services, video games or kids clubs that separate families.
Is it cold on a cruise to Alaska? ›
Alaska Cruise Temperature by Month
Temperatures can reach anywhere from the low 30s to upper 80s depending on your month of travel as well as the port of call. We always recommend that you dress in layers to prepare for whatever weather comes your way.
If possible, you want to book early on any cruise vacation. A recommended time-frame is 6-12 months in advance. This is especially true for an Alaska cruise with its short season of May - September.
Can you see the northern lights on an Alaska cruise? ›
Certain conditions and locations may increase the likelihood of this phenomenon occurring. The best month to see the Northern Lights in Alaska while cruising is in September. With fewer hours of daylight and more darkness, there are additional chances to see the waltzing colors illuminate the evening sky.
Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise? ›
Is a passport required for an Alaska Cruise? For almost all Alaska cruises, a passport is required to travel.? All foreign flagged cruise ships traveling to Alaska will make stops in both the United States and Canada; and, some longer, repositioning Alaska cruises may begin and end in Mexico or another country.
How much does a cruise to Alaska cost for two people? ›
Average starting price (per person)
The starting price is $409 per person for an inside cabin, and veranda staterooms start at $2,114 per person (cruise-only fare).
How much does an all-inclusive Alaska cruise cost? ›
The total cost of an "all-inclusive" cruise to Alaska on Royal Caribbean. If you purchase a Deluxe Beverage Package, Unlimited Dining Package, and internet package before your Alaska cruise, you can expect to spend around $920 per person on a 7-night sailing.
What is the average cost of a trip to Alaska? ›
If you prefer to have nicer accommodations and travel aboard the glass domed rail cars on the Alaska Railroad, you should budget about $400 per person per day. Alaska self-drive tours with a rental car, moderate hotels, and a few excursions are usually a bit less expensive at around $250 per person per day.
What is a good amount of money to take on a cruise? ›
And how much cash should you take on your next cruise? We're here to help you figure it out! Experts say the average cruise passenger spends anywhere from $52 to $89 per day, but the amount you'll spend will, of course, vary based on cruise line, ship, experience and your individual preferences.
How many days is best for an Alaskan cruise? ›
If you want to view Alaska's natural splendors, but don't have more than a week or so consider seven-day cruises that depart Seattle or Vancouver and return to the same spot. Watch silvery skyscrapers fade into the distance and say hello to fjords, rugged coastlines and blankets of lush temperate rain forests.
