💰 Alaska Cruisetour Costs by Month
Here’s a breakdown of average cruise fares and what to expect in terms of pricing throughout the season:
| Month | Avg. Cruise Fare (7 nights) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| April | ~$1,200 | Limited sailings, fewer excursions, still chilly |
| May | $1,100–$1,200 | Shoulder season deals, drier weather |
| June | $1,300–$1,500 | Peak wildlife, longer daylight, prices rise |
| July | $1,500–$1,800 | Peak season, best weather, highest demand |
| August | $1,400–$1,600 | Still peak season, slightly more rain |
| September | ~$1,000 | End-of-season discounts, fewer crowds |
| October | $900–$1,000 | Very limited sailings, colder weather |
Note: Cruisetours (which include land excursions like Denali) typically add $800–$1,500+ depending on length and inclusions.
🧾 Additional Costs to Budget For
- Shore Excursions: $50–$750+ (helicopter tours, glacier hikes)
- Gratuities: $14–$20/day
- Specialty Dining: $20–$60/meal
- Beverage Packages: $60–$100/day
- Internet Access: $15–$30/day
- Travel Insurance: $100–$300
- Flights to Alaska: $300–$800+ (round trip)
🌄 Best Time to Cruise Alaska
Plan your perfect Alaskan adventure with this month-by-month guide
🗓️ Month-by-Month Overview
| Month | Weather | Wildlife Highlights | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | Cool, crisp | Bears emerging, whales | Fewer crowds, lower prices | Snow in higher elevations |
| June | Mild, longer days | Peak whale watching | Summer solstice, lush landscapes | Higher prices begin |
| July | Warmest month | Salmon runs, bears fishing | Best weather, vibrant festivals | Peak crowds, premium pricing |
| August | Cooler, wetter | Bears, moose, eagles | Great wildlife, berry season | Rain increases |
| September | Chilly, colorful | Northern lights possible | Fall foliage, end-of-season deals | Shorter days, some closures |
🐋 Wildlife Watching Tips
- Whales: Best from May to August
- Bears: Most active in July and August
- Birds: Puffins and eagles from May through July
🌦️ Weather Considerations
May–June: Drier and sunnier, ideal for photography.
July–August: Warmest, but busiest.
September: Cooler with a chance to glimpse the aurora borealis.
💡 Pro Tips
- Book early for July cruises—they sell out fast.
- Consider May or September for better deals and fewer crowds.
- Pack layers: Alaska’s weather can shift quickly, even in summer.
🧳 What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
Alaska’s weather is famously unpredictable—layering is key! Here’s what to bring for comfort, adventure, and style:
👕 Clothing Essentials
| Category | What to Pack |
|---|---|
| Base Layers | Moisture-wicking T-shirts, thermal tops, long underwear |
| Mid Layers | Fleece jacket, insulated vest, lightweight sweaters |
| Outer Layers | Waterproof rain jacket, windbreaker, packable down coat |
| Bottoms | Jeans, hiking pants, leggings, waterproof trousers |
| Footwear | Waterproof hiking shoes, sneakers, flip-flops (for the ship) |
| Accessories | Warm hat, gloves, scarf, sunglasses, sun hat |
| Evening Wear | Smart casual outfits for dinners or formal nights |
| Swimwear | Swimsuit for hot tubs or spa |
🧰 Gear & Accessories
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Daypack for excursions
- Reusable water bottle
- Magnetic hooks for cabin organization
- Portable humidifier for dry air
- Moisturizer & lip balm
🧼 Toiletries & Health
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Motion sickness remedies
- Eye drops and hand sanitizer
📱 Tech & Travel
- Phone, charger, and power strip (non-surge protected)
- Camera or GoPro
- Travel documents (passport, cruise tickets, insurance)
💡 Pro Tips
- Use packing cubes to stay organized
- Bring layers instead of bulky coats
- Download offline maps and entertainment before boarding