While the summer months are usually considered the best time to explore Alaska, especially if you’re camping, hiking or exploring by bike or car, there are several good reasons to choose late May or mid-October for an Alaskan cruise. The weather may not be as hot as the summer months, but it’s warmer than you think and definitely nowhere near as cold as the winter months. Ports are accessible and the cruise season has either just started or is coming to an end. There’s plenty to do, see and explore but with fewer travellers, you may sometimes feel like you have the place to yourself. Read on to discover 5 reasons to cruise Alaska in late May or mid-October.
5 reasons to cruise Alaska in late May
- Days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and the landscape is blooming with trees and spring flowers.
- Late May is the peak season for Alaska’s wonderful wildlife that are on the move after their long winter slumber.
- Cabin rates are lower and the ship will be less crowded (and fewer children on board) than during the peak summer months (June, July & August).
- Although it’s unlikely that you’ll see the northern lights in May, it’s the start of the peak season to see whales, especially Orcas.
- In May, there will be fewer whale watching boats in the water than during the summer months, the ports of call and areas explored on excursions will be less crowded.
5 reasons to cruise Alaska in mid-October
- Compared with the peak summer months when families love to cruise Alaska, mid-October will be less crowded on board the cruise ship and at the ports of call, as well as on excursions.
- Although the days will be shorter than during the summer, the weather may still be relatively warm during the first half of the month (although it will be cold).
- October is the best time to catch Alaska’s fall colours (weather permitting), and if you like hiking, you may even get the trails to yourself during the first half of the month.
- As the month progresses and the weather cools, there’s even a chance you’ll see snow on the mountains.
- As the nights get longer, on a clear night, there is a greater chance you’ll even see the northern lights, which is unlikely during the summer months.
Did you know, you can cruise Alaska in October 2023 or May 2024 with exclusive rates for select balconies plus choice of amenities package & $100 USD on board credit when you book with Kaz Custom Travel?!
You can choose to cruise Alaska on NCL’s 9-day sailing round-trip from Seattle either October 11 to 20, 2023 or May 20 to May 29, 2024. For more information click one of the buttons below.
