In short
An Alaska cruise is about glaciers, whales and huge scenery, usually a 7-night round trip through the Inside Passage from Seattle or Vancouver. The season is short, roughly May to September, and it stays cool even in July. Pack a waterproof jacket and layers, and arrive a day or two early after the long flight from Europe.
Destination at a glance
Alaska
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Weather in season
- Cool, about 8–20 °C
- Typical duration
- 7 nights
- Departs from
- Seattle or Vancouver
- Flight from the Netherlands
- About 10 hours to Seattle or Vancouver
Good to know: the season is short and it stays cool even in July — pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
It's also the one that rewards planning the most — short season, long flight, and worth doing properly rather than cheaply.
What Makes It Different
- The sailing itself is the attraction — hours spent watching ice and coastline go past
- Wildlife is a real part of the trip: whales, eagles, sometimes bears on the shoreline
- Cool weather even in July — layers and a waterproof jacket, not swimwear
- Small frontier towns rather than resorts, reachable mostly by water or air
A Typical Itinerary
The classic Alaska cruise is a 7-night round trip through the Inside Passage from Seattle or Vancouver. There are also one-way routes across the Gulf of Alaska, often combined with a few days on land near Denali. Here is what a typical Inside Passage week can look like. It is an illustration, not a specific sailing: the ports and their order depend on the ship and the season.
- Day 1Seattle or Vancouver Board in the afternoon. After the long flight from Europe, arriving a day or two early is wise.
- Day 2At sea — Inside Passage Narrow channels, forested islands and the first chances to spot whales.
- Day 3Juneau Alaska’s capital, reachable only by sea or air. Whale-watching trips and the Mendenhall Glacier.
- Day 4Skagway A gold-rush town with wooden boardwalks and the historic railway up to White Pass.
- Day 5Glacier day Scenic sailing in Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm or towards Hubbard Glacier — the highlight for many people.
- Day 6Ketchikan Totem poles, the old Creek Street and salmon in the streams in late summer.
- Day 7Victoria The British-feeling capital of British Columbia, often the last stop before the return.
- Day 8Seattle or Vancouver Back in the port where you started, usually in the morning.
Best Months to Go
Alaska has a short season — roughly May to September:
| Month | Weather | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | Cool, about 8–15 °C | Fewer people, snow still on the mountains, usually lower prices | Some excursions and trails are not fully open yet |
| June | Mild, about 12–18 °C | The longest days, good chances of seeing wildlife | A popular month |
| July | Warmest, about 14–20 °C | The most stable weather of the season | The busiest month, usually the highest prices |
| August | Mild, about 13–19 °C | Salmon runs — and bears that come to fish | More rain, especially in the south |
| September | Cool, about 9–14 °C | Autumn colours, quieter ports | The most rain, shorter days, the season is ending |
Temperatures are approximate daytime values. Ketchikan is one of the wettest towns in North America — expect rain in any month.
What to Pack
- A waterproof jacket — the single most important item
- Layers: a fleece or light down jacket you can take off and put on
- A warm hat and gloves for the glacier day on deck
- Waterproof shoes with good grip
- Binoculars — whales and eagles are often far away
- A camera or phone with a good zoom
- Insect repellent for walks inland
- An eye mask for the light summer nights
Who It Is For — and Who It Is Not
A good fit if you
- love nature, wildlife and photography
- want a once-in-a-lifetime trip and are willing to plan for it
- prefer to see wilderness without hiking into it
- travel at a calm pace, for example after 60
- do not mind cool, wet weather
Probably not for you if you
- want warmth and a beach
- have only a week of holiday — the flight takes a day each way
- are mainly interested in cities and culture
- find a nine-hour time difference hard to cope with
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for an Alaska cruise?
June to August bring the best weather and the longest days. May and September are quieter and often cheaper, but cooler and wetter.
Will I see whales and bears?
Whales are seen on many sailings, especially around Juneau. Bears are less predictable and are usually seen on excursions rather than from the ship. Nobody can guarantee either.
How long is the flight from the Netherlands?
About ten hours to Seattle or Vancouver. The time difference is nine hours, so plan a day or two to adjust before boarding.
What documents do I need?
Most routes visit both the United States and Canada, so you may need travel authorisation for both. What you need depends on your passport — check the entry rules before you book your flights.
Round trip or one way?
Round trips from Seattle or Vancouver cover the Inside Passage. One-way routes across the Gulf of Alaska go further north and suit people who want to add days on land, for example near Denali.
Why Planning Ahead Matters Here
A short season means the good sailings are taken early, and this is a trip most people build up to rather than book on impulse. That works in your favour: book 270 days or more before departure, and points can cover up to 100% of the cruise price — as long as you have saved up enough points.