I'm planning on an Alaskan Cruise in 2008. Can I get some input on opinions of when is the best time to go for the weather and preference in cruise lines. Just looking to cruise this time, not enough vacation for cruise and land tour. Any help is greatly appreciated.
We were real pleased with the weather in mid-July, when we did the Inside Passage in 2005. Not too hot, and not too wet. Less expensive cruises are available in September, but by then, the weather can be iffy. Early in the season (May), can be a little iffy, too. It's kind of a crap shoot. No matter the weather, it is a fantastic experience. We hiked in misty, almost rainy weather in Juneau, went to a rainforest (hello?) in Ketchikan where it rains 300 days a year, and had great weather in Skagway.
Posts: 1371 | Location: Cameron Park, CA | Registered: January 23, 2007
Also, just for a little perspective, check out the weather trends for Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway between May and September. Don't go expecting grand weather....Alaska is what it is, appreciate it for what it is and what it has to offer!
Posts: 1371 | Location: Cameron Park, CA | Registered: January 23, 2007
We did the Inside passage last year June 4th thru June 11th. We did not have one wet day. Have heard people before or after us got wet. Ours was just good old springtime weather. Going again this June
The outside passage? Actually, it's one of the smoothest rides in cruising. Check out a map of western Canada, (starting point, Vancouver, BC) and southeastern Alaska. You'll see it designated as the inside passage (use Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan as landmarks or reference points). You're not cruising in open ocean, so the seas are, and hence, the cruise, is, as mild a cruise as you'll ever take. I can't recommend it enough. Beeeeeeautiful, and as calm a trip as you can have.
We are planning, within the next couple of years, to do the one-way, either northbound or southbound, Alaska cruise.
Posts: 1371 | Location: Cameron Park, CA | Registered: January 23, 2007
That does sound rather nice, as I'm sure the views, among other things, are breathtaking.
Is the weather, as one might tend to believe, generally colder, regardless of season? Or is the inside passage cruise also one where you can lounge by the pool in summer?
- Ryan from LA
Posts: 208 | Location: Los Angeles | Registered: January 22, 2007
That does sound rather nice, as I'm sure the views, among other things, are breathtaking.
Is the weather, as one might tend to believe, generally colder, regardless of season? Or is the inside passage cruise also one where you can lounge by the pool in summer?
It can get rather cool at times even on a sunny day, and don't forget when the ship is moving you will get a little wind from her movement. I wore shorts at time on our early June cruise last year, but lots were in sweaters and Jeans.
Our cruise, although for the most part was not too wet, was pretty cool.. rfujitani; being from northern California, you may or may not remember the old saying--the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. It can be quite chilly on an Alaskan cruise. Look at the average temperature and the average rainfall for the ports of call, at the time you plan on going to Alaska. Sometimes it's cool, or downright cold, and other times, it can be balmy. It is truly a crapshoot. A couple of weeks after our cruise in 7/05, some friends of ours had a balmy cruise.
Posts: 1371 | Location: Cameron Park, CA | Registered: January 23, 2007
We are booked on Island Princess for May 28th. We are hoping to see wildlife and that the weather will be favorable. Our TA told us that the temperatures will be cool but not cold. Hope that is true. We are packing ponchos and umbrellas in hopes of NOT having to use them.
That is far and away the best advice you can give on weather in Alaska. I spent three consecutive seasons up there when I worked for Princess and there is nothing for sure. One week you are walking around in shorts and T's and the next in sweaters and raincoats.
Posts: 3394 | Location: Costa Mesa, California | Registered: November 16, 2006
I have cruised from Seattle on 6-4 and from Vancouver on 8-28. Both times were great. I have flown up to Alaska the end of May as my cousin lives there and it was still great.
Posts: 684 | Location: St. Charles, Minnesota | Registered: July 25, 2006
We went to Alaska last Sept with Princess 12 day heart of Alaska tour. We did the land part first and sailed 7 days from Whittier to Vancouver. We had great weather, one day of rain while on the ship at sea. We know this was a very lucky trip weather wise, even the natives couldn't believe it. Its truly a crapshoot with the weather in Alaska. We happened to luck out. In the mornings it was 25 to 35 degrees F. by afternoons I was wearing shorts and tee shirts. As for best time to go, I was told by the natives from mid June to mid August. In May they said the bugs were bad and Sept its usually colder, but the price is cheaper. As for the smooth sailing, there is one day you are at sea outside the passage, thats the day we had the rough seas, they don't bother us but it did some people. All in all we had a great trip and are looking forward to going back again someday. JC
Posts: 36 | Location: Ilion, New York (Upstate) | Registered: August 08, 2006
