How Early Should You Book An Alaskan Cruise

Is an Alaskan Cruise on your bucket list? If so, you definitely aren’t alone. As a cruise specialist travel advisor, Alaska is one of my most booked cruise itineraries. I love planning and booking these magical vacations, and I love going on Alaskan Cruises myself too!

My husband and I have spent time kayaking near glaciers, hiking through the remnants of gold rush towns, and leisurely sipping coffee from our stateroom balcony watching the water for whales, sea otters, and bald eagles.

Why an Alaska Cruise?

Imagine the crisp, fresh air filling your lungs as you stand on the deck of a majestic cruise ship, gliding through the serene waters of the Last Frontier.

Towering glaciers glisten in the ethereal light of the midnight sun, casting a spell of otherworldly beauty over the icy waters. This is Alaska—raw, untamed, and unlike any other destination on earth.

Alaska’s allure is undeniable; its wild landscapes evoke a sense of adventure that stirs the soul. From the moment you embark on an Alaskan cruise, you’re transported into a world where emerald forests edge up against the shoreline, snow-capped mountains reach for the heavens, and the ocean brims with life.

The scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. Imagine fjords carved by time, their still waters mirroring the dramatic vistas surrounding them. Icebergs calve with thunderous roars from ancient glaciers, a powerful testament to nature’s relentless force.

Each scene offers a new palette of colors and textures, from the deep blues and dazzling whites of glacial fields to the lush greens of distant forests.

Wildlife encounters in Alaska are as spontaneous as they are spectacular. A glance towards the shore may reward you with the sight of brown bears ambling along the banks, or a moose foraging in the shallows.

Turn your eyes to the sea and witness the graceful ballet of humpback whales breaching, or pods of orcas cutting through the waves in harmonious unity.

But an Alaskan cruise is more than just a visual feast. It’s the unique experiences that etch themselves into your memory. Picture yourself kayaking through quiet inlets, the water’s surface so clear that you can see the pebbled sea bottom yards below.

Envision a shore excursion where you’re stepping into the boots of the Gold Rush prospectors, panning for gold in icy streams, or joining a sled-dog team, rushing through the tundra while the exhilaration of the wild runs through your veins.

Alaska is an invitation to the extraordinary, a call to the heart of the explorer within all of us. It’s a place where the grandeur of nature reminds us of the magic this world holds, a reminder that is as humbling as it is thrilling.

An Alaskan cruise is not just a journey; it’s an embrace of the wild, a liberating leap into the unknown, and the kind of adventure that stories and dreams are made of. Come, let’s set sail into the wild azure yonder, where the eagles soar high and the spirits of the north whisper your name on the winds. This is the enchantment of Alaska—a land that truly calls to those who yearn to feel alive.

When to Book an Alaska Cruise?

When is the best time to book an Alaska Cruise? As early as possible! Cruise lines typically open up itineraries 2 years in advance, so you should try to book as soon as possible.

The Alaska Cruise season is pretty short, and to enjoy the longest days and best weather, that season is even shorter. The cruise season in Alaska is May to October, with the prime sailing season in July and August. With sailings typically lasting 7 days, very few itineraries are available for such high demand.

Shore excursions are limited in Alaska as well, and the most popular excursions sell out super fast. If you know you definitely want a certain excursion, then you’ll want to plan ahead.

Another consideration for booking early is to ensure you get a good cabin. As we said, Alaska cruises sell out early and quickly, with the best cabins disappearing in the blink of an eye.

You’ll want to splurge on a balcony cabin for Alaska for sure, as having a nonstop private viewing area of the incredible scenery and wildlife is one of the highlights of the cruise.

What to Consider When Planning This Far Out

It’s important when booking any travel, but especially when booking far out, you need to be sure to carefully read and understand any change or cancelation policies associated with your booking.

Having a trusted travel advisor who can help you understand and keep track of important deadlines and rules is important to get the most out of your vacation and out of your budget.

I highly recommend travel insurance whenever you cruise. Purchasing a policy that covers cancellations and changes is important in the world today, where we can’t predict what conditions will be like when it comes to traveling.

I’ve recently learned another reason why travel insurance is so important. On my latest cruise to Europe, I ended up sick and in the hospital. My travel insurance saved the day, keeping me from the hefty medical bills and reimbursing me for excursions I couldn’t attend or cancel on short notice.

Travel insurance doesn’t have to be expensive; I like to use Travel Insurance Master to compare quotes and policies and find the best policy that suits my needs and budget for each trip.

By planning early, you can take advantage of the best selection of itineraries, cabins and excursions. You can also use a longer time to pay off your cruise and help make the hefty price tag a bit more budget friendly.