Hi Irina,
Thank you for your question and I apologize for my delayed reply. I have written extensively about what to pack for an Alaska cruise: https://cruisemaven.com/what-to-pack-for-an-alaska-cruise-2019/ and hope you find this to be helpful. You’ve picked the nicest time of year for your Alaska cruise, although weather there is unpredictable. My packing list should be of help. If you’re planning to take a helicopter up to a glacier, it’s cold way up there, even if it’s in the 60s and sunny at sea level. Evenings can get chilly on deck, especially as you head up the Lynn Canal if your ship is going to Haines or Skagway. Have a wonderful cruise and thank you again for your question.

Hi Joan,
Thank you for reading my Alaska article and taking the time for your question. It’s not an easy answer and really depends on what you’d like to accomplish and what your expectations are for your cruise to Alaska. And you’ve given me a very good topic to write about Alaska.

For first-timers, I would choose a medium sized ship (by today’s standards) or smaller, say less than 2,500 passengers. But a lot depends on your budget, too. I’ve been on 12 cruises to Alaska since 2018 and of those, all but three were Inside Passage, either from Seattle or Vancouver.

Three were on smaller Holland America ships, two were on Royal Caribbean’s smaller ships (Radiance of the Seas), one was with Alaskan Dream Cruises with 80 passengers and the remaining were aboard the Alaska Ferry fleet. Traveling with children then I’d advise one of the larger newer ships with plenty of onboard activities with maybe Norwegian, Royal Caribbean or Carnival.

Princess is right there with Holland America when it comes to taking a cruise tour into the heart of Alaska. Holland America will be celebrating their 150th anniversary and offering some really good rates and add-ons for next year.

Traveling without children and money is no object, I’d opt for Seabourn, Cunard, or any of the luxury brands.

Also, the amount of time spent in port is important too. So it’s a good idea to compare itineraries as well.

There are many variables to consider. First, though, IMO, is the itinerary then the size of the ship that you might prefer. I hope this is a little helpful. I will do that article and try to cover as much detail as possible.

Thank you again for your really good question.

Hi Amy,
Thank you for taking the time to read the article. Seeing the Northern Lights is really an unexpected gift and doesn’t happen every night. The chances increase in mid- August to September, towards the end of the cruise season. We were so lucky to see the lights in SE Alaska on the Inside Passage not far from Juneau in mid-August. Be sure to inform the front desk if you’d like a middle of the night wake-up call should the Northern Lights be visible. A late season cross-gulf cruise may increase your chances to see the lights because you’ll be further north. But even from the SE, if it’s a clear night and you are away from port, they are visible. Have a fabulous time! And thanks again for reading the article.