Best 5 Times of the Year to Take an Alaska Cruise

Okay, let’s get into when to go on an Alaska cruise. I’ll be honest, the first time I went I had no idea what I was getting into. I just figured summer would be fine and I’d see some whales, right? Well, turns out there’s a bit more to it. Timing is everything in Alaska. The experience can vary so much depending on the month you choose.

So, let’s get into it.

Best 5 Times of the Year to Take an Alaska Cruise

May

First of all, May. Now you might think it’s too early, but honestly May is a hidden gem. The crowds haven’t hit yet so you’re not fighting for space on the deck to get that perfect glacier shot. Plus the weather is surprisingly nice-crisp but not cold. If you’re into bird watching May is the month when all the migratory birds are everywhere. I remember standing on the deck with a coffee in hand just soaking it all in, the only sound being the calls of eagles. It felt like Alaska was waking up for the summer.

June and July

June and July are what most people think of when they think of an Alaska cruise and for good reason. The days are long-like, really long. You can be sitting down for dinner at 10 PM and it’ll still look like late afternoon. This is prime time for wildlife too. I remember the first time I saw a humpback whale breach the surface. It was pure magic. But, fair warning, the crowds are a thing. If you’re not a fan of packed decks maybe consider one of the shoulder months instead.

August

August is when things start to change. The days get shorter and the nights cooler but the trade off is the fall colors start to pop. I took a late August cruise once and the sight of golden leaves against the deep blue water was something else. Plus there’s still plenty of wildlife to see and the crowds start to thin out again.

September

September though-that’s when you really get a different vibe. It’s quieter, more introspective. I remember standing on the deck one misty morning watching the fog roll off the mountains. It felt like I was in a different world. It’s also the start of the Northern Lights season. I didn’t get lucky enough to see them that time but it’s definitely a possibility if you cruise in late September.

October

Now if you really want to get special consider early October. It’s not as common and not all cruise lines run this late in the season but if you can find one it’s worth it. The weather’s a bit unpredictable-could be sunny, could be snowy-but that’s part of the adventure. The best part? Almost no crowds. You feel like you’ve got the whole ship to yourself.