20 Things First-Time Alaska Cruisers Don't Know
Practical tips, wildlife observations, and a few things I wish more travelers knew before they sailed.
Some of these lessons are uniquely Alaskan.
Others apply to cruising more broadly.
All of them are things I wish more travelers knew before boarding their first Alaska cruise.
After several Alaska cruises, here are twenty things I've learned that I think actually matter.
1. My Favorite Skagway Excursion Isn't the White Pass Railway
I know. I just wrote an entire article about finally riding the train.
But my favorite Skagway excursion remains the one that drove us to the top of White Pass and then let us bike (or more accurately, coast) back into town.
Just remember your passport. You'll cross into Canada. The views and fresh air are totally worth it.
2. Give Seattle More Than One Day
Seattle is more than a cruise port.
If your schedule allows, spend a few extra days exploring the city and surrounding area before your cruise.
The same advice applies to Vancouver.
You came all that way. Enjoy it.
3. Walk Past the Tourist Bars
If you absolutely must, stop into Red Dog Saloon in Juneau for a quick Duck Fart.
Then keep walking.
Some of my favorite Alaska memories have come from finding places where the locals actually spend time.
4. Accessibility Doesn't Automatically Rule Out Cruising
Many travelers assume mobility limitations mean cruising isn't an option.
That's often not true.
Depending on your needs, solutions may include:
mobility scooters
power chairs
oxygen delivery
hospital beds
lifts
dialysis arrangements in certain ports
Talk to your advisor about your needs.
5. Cruise Ships Keep Getting Better for CPAP Users
On Star Princess, the bedside tables were large enough to hold a standard CPAP and there were electrical outlets next to the beds on both sides.
Frequent travelers may also want to look into a travel CPAP and battery backup system.
6. Sometimes the More Expensive Package Is Actually Worth It
After sailing with Princess Plus, I found myself wishing I had upgraded to Princess Premier.
That surprised me.
Sometimes spending a little more upfront creates a noticeably better experience.
7. Sit Near the End of the White Pass Railway Car
Trust me on this one.
You'll have easier access to the outdoor viewing platforms when the really spectacular scenery appears.
And you'll want that access.
8. Juneau Isn't the Only Place to See Whales
Juneau offers excellent whale watching.
So does Icy Strait Point.
I've watched humpbacks surface just feet from a docked ship there.
Don't automatically assume you need a dedicated whale excursion to see whales.
9. Misty Fjords Deserves More Attention
Ketchikan itself is charming and very walkable.
But if wildlife and scenery are your priorities, consider an excursion into Misty Fjords.
It's spectacular.
10. Bring Shorts
Everyone packs for cold weather.
Some Alaska sailings surprise people with warm, sunny days.
Packing one pair of shorts takes very little space.
11. September Is Practically Kid-Free
One reason I enjoy September sailings is that they're generally quieter.
The tradeoff:
cooler temperatures
shorter daylight hours
Every month comes with compromises.
12. You'll Probably See Bald Eagles
In fact, you'll probably see a lot of them.
Alaska visitors often treat bald eagle sightings like rare wildlife events.
Alaskans tend to treat them more like fancy crows.
13. Sea Otters Hold “Hands”
This is important information.
That is all.
14. Alaska Isn't Short on Adrenaline
Icy Strait Point is home to one of the world's longest ZipRiders.
If your idea of fun includes gravity-assisted panic, Alaska can absolutely accommodate you.
15. Not Everyone Wants to Stand Outside All Day
Some travelers love observation decks.
Others would rather admire a glacier from a comfortable chair inside.
Different cruise lines and ships offer very different indoor viewing experiences.
This is worth considering before you book.
16. Some Cruise Lines Lean Into Local Cuisine
Destination-inspired menus can be one of the most enjoyable parts of an Alaska itinerary.
Some cruise lines do this especially well.
17. Groups Can Come With Perks
Celebrating something?
Bringing family?
Traveling with friends?
Groups often qualify for benefits and amenities that individual travelers don't receive.
18. Glacier Bay Isn't Guaranteed
Many travelers assume every Alaska cruise visits Glacier Bay.
They don't.
And Glacier Bay matters.
The National Park limits ship access, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in Alaska cruising and a National Park Ranger comes onto the ship for every visit.
19. Not Every Cruise Is Roundtrip
You can:
sail roundtrip
sail one-way
combine a cruise with a land tour
A Cruisetour that includes Denali may be worth considering if you want to see more of Alaska.
20. Alaska Has a Cruise for Almost Everyone
Some ships carry several thousand passengers.
Others carry fewer than one hundred.
Some focus on entertainment.
Some focus on wildlife.
Some focus on luxury.
Some focus on exploration.
The best Alaska cruise isn't the most expensive one or the most popular one.
It's the one that's right for you.
Final Thoughts
The longer I spend in Alaska, the more convinced I become that there isn't a single "best" way to experience it.
There are only different ways.
Some travelers want glaciers.
Some want whales.
Some want wildlife.
Some want comfort.
Some want adventure.
And some just want confirmation that sea otters really do hold hands.
Fortunately, Alaska has options for all of us. 🦦🚢🏔️
