How Much Does an Alaskan Cruise Cost? What to Budget
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I've used these for years, with only one failure on a rather small ship. Ships also do a lot of maneuvering, including turning complete circles designed to give everyone on board access to the amazing views. Unfortunately, those tight turns can contribute to nausea for some people. One question I get asked often is whether you can see whales and other wildlife from the ship.
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Onboard Spending & ExcursionsFrom our estimates, a couple sailing to Alaska would spend about $3,000-$4,000 on the cruise itself. Then there is everything you’ll spend in addition, including drinks, wi-fi, casino play, spa, souvenirs, and meals (both specialty restaurants on the ship, and eating in port). First things first, don’t be surprised if when you search for a cruise to Alaska and see prices that are higher than what you’re used to. You’ll find headline prices around $200-$300 for a three or four-day trip from Miami. While most meals are covered on the cruise, once you depart, you're on your own for meals. Even if your shore excursions include food, you may not like what they offer.
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If you’re looking to eschew the cruise ship behemoths for something more intimate, this is it—Alaska Dream Cruises’ Alaskan Dream holds only 40 passengers. Meals and activities (including going for high-speed Zodiac rides, kayaking, and paddleboarding) are included. Finally, you'll find some San Francisco round-trip itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver.
Port Taxes and Fees
However, if you’re flexible with your travel dates and cabin choice, you might also find last-minute deals near departure. Gratuities are an additional expense you might encounter during your cruise. Typically, cruise lines will automatically include a service fee on your invoice as a form of tipping the staff for their assistance. The amount of tipping can range from $14 to $20 per person per day, depending on the cruise line and cabin type you select. Although your cruise fare covers many enjoyable activities and entertainment options, certain special activities will require an additional fee.
Book early to save money
You’ll want to carefully consider Alaska cruise packages and itineraries as the scenery, price and length of time all vary considerably. The best Alaska cruises manage to combine epic nature with local flavor, and the following options all offer that mix with some variation. Wet weather aside, late summer months bring the best chances of seeing wildlife on expeditions. These months are also your best bet if you want active fishing trips on a shore excursion. The cost of an Alaskan cruise, of course, rises during high season and will be less expensive before and after those months during shoulder season.
Find Norwegian Encore Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) - Cruise Critic
Find Norwegian Encore Cruises to Alaska (with Prices).
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Part of this cost includes some unexpected costs like onshore dining, gratuities, entertainment and activities, and excursions. These are things people tend to forget about but that can quickly add up. Be sure that when booking airfare and hotels you don’t leave it to the last minute.
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When it comes to planning your dream vacation aboard an Alaskan cruise, understanding the various factors that influence the average cost for an Alaskan cruise is crucial. Several elements can significantly impact your overall expenses, from the time of year you choose to sail to the type of cabin you book. Let’s dive into these factors to help you make an informed decision. An Alaska cruise is itinerary-focused, meaning that you will want to plan your days in port to get the most out of your visit. Budgeting for excursions is important to ensure you will be able to do what interests you most.
Additional onboard and in-port expenses: around $200
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Your Alaska cruise offers many opportunities to try things you might never have the chance to do again. You could walk on glaciers, snorkel in a dry suit in the frigid Alaska waters or play with sled dog puppies. We already mentioned salmon fishing, which is surprisingly fun, even if you'd never go fishing at home. On my last Alaska cruise, I heard about two passenger emergencies. A kid broke an arm on the ship and needed surgery, so a family of five disembarked in Ketchikan — not exactly a cheap end to their vacation, I'm guessing. Later in the sailing, a sick passenger was airlifted directly off the ship by the Canadian Coast Guard before we made it to Victoria.
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Embarking and disembarking in Seattle or Vancouver can make air travel easier and cheaper than one-way Alaska cruises, which require flights to smaller, more expensive airports in Alaska. An Alaska Inside Passage cruise typically lasts seven nights, embarking and returning to Seattle or Vancouver. It's one of the most popular and common itineraries for Alaska cruising. Holland America and Princess are the biggest mainstream lines for an Alaska cruise. But you'll also see Alaska itineraries from Carnival, Disney, Norwegian (NCL) and Royal Caribbean, which gives you an array of price points to consider. If you are cruising in Alaska during the Northern Lights season, note that the Gulf of Alaska is choppiest in September and not recommended for travelers who get seasick.
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. These sailings take place on the intimate 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy, with cozy but comfortable cabins and unlimited activities and beverages. Cruise vacations often have the reputation of being not very active.
You can cruise for less (or more), but this should give you an idea of what you’ll pay. Cruises to Alaska can vary greatly, but even a good deal will typically be $600-$700 per person as a minimum for an interior cabin. Of course, then you have port fees and taxes, as well as gratuities, onboard spending, and more.
If you’re looking to save money, bringing your own beverages onboard could be an option, although some cruise lines like NCL may have restrictions or not allow it altogether. At the top end are luxury lines like Silversea, Viking Cruises, Oceania Cruises, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. These offer the most comprehensive experience with personalized service and exclusive amenities, reflected in their higher price tags. The cost of these cruises typically ranges from $550 to $1,200 per night.
Keep in mind that shore excursions in Alaska are generally quite expensive. Let’s take Seattle as an example, since it’s one of the most popular departure ports for Alaska cruises. For Americans, a flight to Seattle can range from $400 to $600, while international travelers may face higher costs. Upon arrival, you’ll need to figure out how to reach the cruise terminal from the airport. Options include shuttles, taxis, or services like Uber, each with different price points.
Those who'd prefer man-made experiences can check out honky-tonk at the raucous Red Dog Saloon or dip into any of the microbreweries and distilleries all over town. The Inside Passage is a sheltered waterway between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland that extends north to Alaska. It's known for calm waters and excellent scenery (often including Glacier Bay).
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