Jump to section Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy URL Email The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Editor's Note This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. An Alaska cruise falls squarely into the bucket-list travel category for most people. Even small planning and packing mistakes can have a big impact on your experience, so you'll want to get it right.
Most people have an image in their heads of what they want their Alaska cruise to look like. Whether you're going for the wildlife, the glaciers, salmon fishing (and eating!) or simply the fresh clean air, you'll have some planning to do to make it happen the way you picture it.
We're not talking polar expedition level adventures, but it is a bit more complicated than a cruise to Mexico or the Caribbean. You need to get all the details right, from booking the sailing and packing your bags to what to do and see during your cruise.
Avoid these Alaska cruise mistakes, and you'll be on your way to a smooth sailing.
No matter how many times you've cruised before, you might be shocked at how much planning you need to do for an Alaska sailing. Get these things wrong, and you might miss out on your big Alaska cruise experience.
This is an easy mistake to make on your first Alaska cruise. However, matching your ship and itinerary to your expectations and travel style is crucial for a successful trip.
Are you looking for a full day of glacier time? Try a midseason sailing that visits Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve . Early and late-season cruises might be unable to access the glaciers on their itineraries due to ice floes.
Want to see whales? A round-trip Alaska cruise in June is ideal. Do you want to fish for salmon? You'll want to book at the peak of the salmon fishing season, from mid-June to mid-August. Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world, and while most cruises stop there, a few don't include it, so make sure it's on the itinerary if you wish to fish.
Are you taking kids on your Alaska cruise? Big ships often have more for families to do on board, which might be more important than where the ship goes. Expedition-style cruises often have less for youngsters but appeal to independent teens. These voyages offer a more intimate and close-up Alaska experience, with outings on kayaks and Zodiac boats that launch directly from the ship.
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Savvy cruisers understand that cruise itineraries can change – often mid-cruise. On a Caribbean cruise, a swap from a beach day on a private island to a sea day lounging on the ship isn't too big a deal. But in Alaska, changes can mean you miss out on the one thing you most wanted to experience.
The most…