BEST Cheap Alaska Cruise Deals - Cruise Critic (2024)

FAQs

What is the cheapest month to cruise to Alaska? ›

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. Selected shore and land excursions can also be 20% cheaper.

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.

An average budget for a 7-day cruise along Alaska's Inside Passage route, with several shore excursions and additional amenities, is typically between $3,000 and $5,000 per person. We'll provide more details below, as we've experienced such a cruise twice ourselves. We took a 10-day and, later, 7-day cruise.

12–14 Days

Spend more time and you'll not only see more but have more varied experiences. And two full weeks is enough to slip into an “Alaska state of mind.” You'll slow down, relax, and appreciate each experience more, because you won't be worried about rushing to squeeze everything in.

A recommended time-frame is 6-12 months in advance.

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.

One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters.

Alaska cruises are more scenery-oriented than other cruises.

The breathtaking views and sudden opportunities to spot sea-life make it worth the extra expense to upgrade to a veranda cabin (perhaps just $100 more per person).

Passport Requirements - US Citizens

If you are a U.S. Citizen and your Alaska cruise begins and ends in the same US port (Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles) you are not currently required to travel with a passport to Alaska. All cruise lines and WMPH Vacations highly recommend you carry a valid passport.

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.

Can you negotiate cruise price? ›

Passengers can always negotiate with a booking site or cruise line, but they aren't obligated to refund the difference. Instead, they may offer you onboard credit, complimentary excursions or credit toward another cruise booking.

“It's best to book a cruise six to 12 months out to ensure you get an optimum selection of cabin types, preferred itineraries, and special promotional rates,” says Jennifer DeLaCruz, a vice president at Carnival Cruise Lines.

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska for Good Weather: Summer (mid-June through August) If you prefer warmer temperatures, ranging from 50° to 70° Fahrenheit, and longer days with up to 22 hours of sunlight, a summer Alaskan cruise might be the perfect choice.

Best Times to Visit Alaska for Lower Prices

The shoulder seasons (May through early June and late August through mid-September) offer the best value for travelers on a budget.

Prospective cruisers can usually find "a lot of good deals at the beginning of the year" during wave season, Goldberg-Glazer said. That period typically lasts from January until March. However, the optimal time to book may depend on when you plan to sail.