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Royal Caribbean's ships feature ample deck space to enjoy the view any time of the day. Moreover, the price of a balcony room may be much more expensive than an interior room. You may decide that it is a better investment to book the cheaper room and use the money saved to invest in an amazing shore excursion.
What are land tours, and does Royal Caribbean offer them?
Of course, Alaska is stunning from any port you visit, and Juneau and Skagway are still beautiful places to visit and explore.
Fly into your departure port a day early
Humpback whales, gray whales, and orcas are commonly spotted while on an Alaska cruise, and seeing these magnificent animals up close is sure to leave you speechless. Many first-time cruisers are concerned about feeling motion sick on a cruise, and while it’s unlikely to happen, there’s always a chance. When you leave port and your ship begins sailing to its next destination, be sure to turn off your data and turn on airplane mode.
10 of 1,256 Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Reviews
From the pool deck to the Solarium, lounges, restaurants, and entertainment venues, you don’t have to look hard to find a scenic view while onboard. Whale watching tours are not cheap, but they won’t necessarily break the bank either. Some ports are better than others for whale watching, and some months bring a higher chance to spot whales than others. While you may be able to spot whales from your cruise ship at some point on an Alaska cruise, if you really want to see whales up close, be sure to book a whale watching excursion.
Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. At the time of this article's posting, Radiance of the Seas Hawaii itineraries are not listed yet. While you could roll the dice and hope for a better last-minute deal on an Alaska cruise, the cabin selections will be paltry at best. Matt started Royal Caribbean Blog in 2010 as a place to share his passion for all things Royal Caribbean with readers. He oversees all the writers at Royal Caribbean Blog, and writes a great deal of content on a daily basis. If you are looking to see the most stunning scenery, a cruise that takes you to further north is the way to go.
It’s possible to see Alaska cruises for as little as $500 per person including taxes and fees, a complete steal on a weeklong vacation. Booking early is generally when you’ll see the cheapest cruise fares and most stateroom options, and prices tend to only get higher closer to a cruise’s sail date. Of course, you could prepare for warm weather and encounter nothing but rain and freezing temperatures during your cruise. In a state like Alaska, it’s possible to see several seasons in one day, and weather is relatively unpredictable.
The Radiance ships have ample scenery-watching space, plenty of it protected from the elements. Here is a breakdown of the four ships sailing to Alaska in 2023 so you know what to expect from each ship. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices.
Royal Caribbean releases new 2025 Alaska cruises to book - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean releases new 2025 Alaska cruises to book.
Posted: Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Booking your cruise in advance is always a good idea, but Alaska cruises are so popular that you really need to book early to get the prices. Ideally, if you can book your cruise at least 12 months in advance, you will likely get some of the best prices. Other accessories, such as binoculars and cameras, are nice to have as well, whether when on an excursion or watching scenery from onboard the cruise ship.
While Vancouver still offers many direct flights to and from the United States, most cruisers find it easier to travel to Seattle. Cruisers that sail to Alaska often will tell you the more remote ports offer a more authentic view of Alaska, with more dynamic scenery and varied wildlife. Many cruises from Vancouver can be open-jaw sailings, which means they begin in Vancouver and end in Anchorage. You could book the next sailing to return to Vancouver, but that would require two weeks.
As your ship departs Seattle or Vancouver, it must sail through a brief section of the open Pacific before reaching Alaska (usually day two of the sailing). You’ll also pass through this section on the way back to Seattle or Vancouver from Alaska (day six or seven). When your ship is not within the Inside Passage, it’s possible to encounter strong winds and high seas. Not only that, but Alaska cruises have less of a party atmosphere compared to cruises in tropical destinations.
Magnificent scenery can be viewed on day hikes up Alaska’s dramatic mountain peaks or when paddling a kayak near glaciers. Icy Strait Point, while less commonly visited on an Alaska cruise, offers a chance to get closer with nature in a tranquil environment. The port, near the town of Hoonah, is Alaskan Native owned-and-operated, founded by the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans in 2004.
Smaller ships are able to fit into more ports, meaning that they can visit destinations like Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord. And like Royal Caribbean’s larger ships, these smaller ships also offer fantastic viewing opportunities with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of outdoor deck space. During these months, you may find fewer families and passengers onboard and lower prices. In addition, you may have a greater chance of seeing the northern lights as fall begins in September.
Every roundtrip sailing from Seattle will also include a stop in Victoria, British Columbia. One benefit of cruising to Alaska from Seattle is that Royal Caribbean sends its newer, bigger cruise ships to the city each summer season. Activities like bumper cars, indoor skydiving, surfing simulators, and the latest and greatest of entertainment, bars, and dining are available on these newer ships.
While not the most budget-friendly excursions, seeing Alaska from above is well worth the splurge for many cruisers. Flightseeing tours take visitors up and over majestic destinations including Hubbard Glacier and Misty Fjords National Monument in Ketchikan. In contrast to a Caribbean cruise, an Alaska cruise means trading sunny beach days for mountains, sloths for bears, and jungle for rainforest. A hood takes up far less space than an umbrella, leaving more room for your gear and adventure essentials.
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