Alaska Cruise Experience
Vacation Planning Guide

All Images © Softkey PhotoLibrary

What to expect!

Alaska offers wildlife, glaciers, history, culture, and unique items that are not found in the continental United States and Hawaii.

When to go!

The travel season ranges from mid-May through September.
Peak Season: June - August
Low Season: May & September

Getting There!

The most popular way to visit Alaska is by cruise ship. Each Cruise Line possess it's own atmosphere, therefore selecting a cruise line that matches your lifestyle improves the value of your Alaska Cruise Experience.

Preferred Cruise Stateroom Categories!

Due to the abundance of things to see while the ship is sailing, and the increase in the hours of daylight, Ocean-view staterooms, specifically, staterooms with balconies provide the greatest value for Alaska Cruises.

What to take on an Alaska Cruise!

1. A Camera with a Telephoto or Zoom Lens for wildlife.

2. Video-camera to catch calving.

3. Binoculars to spot bears.

4. Hiking Boots to walk closer to Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau)

5. Winter, or Cold-weather clothes

6. Rain coat & Umbrella

7. Mosquito Repellent (Denali National Park)

Shore Excursions!

The prices for Shore Excursions in Alaska are slightly higher than those found in Mexico and the Caribbean. Shore Excursions range from ground to air (helicopter) experiences.

Which Salmon to Catch or Buy!

Pacific salmon is the major item for the region. The five species of Pacific salmon are (listed from highest quality):

• Chinook (King) salmon - run May - July, commonly over 30 pounds
• Coho (Silver) salmon - run August - October, up to 12 pounds
• Sockeye (Red) salmon - 4-8 pounds
• Humpies (Pink) salmon - less than 4 pounds; less fat & less flavorful
• Dog (Chum) salmon - 7-18 pounds; less flavorful.

Average Temperature:

Average Rainfall/Snowfall (inches):

more info: Alaska Travel Industry Association

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