Alaska Cruise Tips
What to know before sailing the Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska.
Before You Go
- Book flightseeing, dog-sledding, and railway excursions as early as possible — they sell out months in advance.
- If pairing your cruise with a land tour, confirm whether it’s before or after the sailing so flights line up correctly.
Onboard
- Scenic cruising days (Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier) have no port stop — check the daily program for narration times and best-viewing ship side.
- Weather can change quickly; pack layers you can add or remove throughout the day.
In Port
- Alaska ports are compact and walkable, but excursions to glaciers or wildlife areas require transport — book through the ship or a vetted local operator.
- Tipping is customary for excursion guides, typically 15-20%.
Tip: Alaska doesn’t have the reliable sunny-day guarantee of Caribbean sailings. Rain gear isn’t optional — treat it as core packing, not a backup.