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%.

Before You Book

• Book 9–15 months ahead. The season is short and balcony cabins sell out first.
• Choose your route. Round-trip Inside Passage from Seattle or Vancouver, or one-way Gulf of Alaska with more glaciers. See Inside Passage vs. Gulf of Alaska.
• Check the glacier day. Not every sailing includes Glacier Bay; others visit Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm. Ask which one your ship visits.
• Consider a cruisetour. Adding 3–6 nights in Denali is often easier on a package than self-planned.
• Get travel insurance. Remote ports and flight-heavy itineraries make it especially worthwhile.

Onboard Tips

• On scenic cruising days, head to the bow or forward observation lounge early; the best spots fill up.
• Many ships host a naturalist or park ranger; check the daily schedule for talks and commentary.
• The ship’s TV channel often shows the bow camera, which is handy for checking conditions before heading out.
• Pack a hat and gloves in your daybag even if the morning looks sunny.

Port Day Tips

• Port calls are often shorter than in the Caribbean; build in buffer time.
• Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan are walkable, so you can explore without an excursion.
• Weather cancels floatplane and helicopter tours fairly often. Book these early in your trip to allow a backup.
• Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but whale-watching operators in Juneau and Icy Strait Point have excellent success rates in summer.

Money-Saving Tips

• Shoulder months (May and September) often have the lowest fares.
• Choose one splurge excursion and fill other days with hikes, museums and town walks.
• Round-trip Seattle sailings usually mean cheaper flights than one-way routes.
• Ask us to watch your fare; we apply eligible price drops before final payment.