Going on a cruise to Alaska may seem like a far-off, unaffordable dream. However, cruise travel may not be as expensive as once thought. By waiting until the last minute to buy tickets, travelling in the shoulder season, and personally planning shore excursions, that Alaskan cruise can be made without breaking anyone's budget.
Buy Cheap Cruise Tickets Last-Minute
Most cruise companies lower their prices at the last minute, as they try to fill their boats before sailing. Buying tickets within three months before sailing can save a person 50% (or more!) of the price. Websites such as Vacations To Go feature last-minute cruise deals. Be willing to be patient and a bit flexible; keep an eye on the sale and book tickets when the price becomes affordable.
Cruise in the Shoulder Season
Cruises to Alaska operate on a seasonal basis, between May and September. This is summer in Alaska, when temperatures are nice and scenery is best. The temperatures are slightly cooler in May and September—known as the “shoulder season”—but the prices are also less. Because it is early or late in the season, and the boats are just beginning to travel or starting to head to other destinations, rates are cheaper. Travelling in the shoulder season also offers the advantage of fewer tourists in the area and less competition with other people to see the attractions. Just pack a winter coat, because Alaska can be cool in the spring and fall.
Plan Your Own Shore Excursions
The cruise ship will offer to plan shore excursions for its passengers at each port that it lands at. They’ll also charge a lot for planning these excursions. The passenger willing to do a bit of research, or willing to walk instead of paying for buses, can save a lot of money.
For example, Ketchikan is a small town that is often the first stop for cruise ships in Alaska. It takes only a couple of hours to walk the main street of town and see most of the sights—for free. The Ketchikan Visitor’s Bureau, located right on the docks as passengers disembark the ship, offers a map of town, highlighting all the places of interest. The main attractions can still be visited, without paying the extra fee that the cruise ships will charge for booking admission.
There are similar deals in other Alaskan towns, such as the capital city, Juneau.
Travelling by cruise ship is one of the best ways to see some of the most scenic places in Alaska, such as Glacier Bay, accessible only by water or air. These simple tips should make all the scenery enjoyable at an affordable price.
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