Tips for a Great Alaskan Cruise

Reader’s Question:

My husband and I are planning to go on a cruise to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary. We were thinking of going to Alaska. I’m so excited! But first things first: What things do I need to know before we go on the trip? Are there any tips you can share with me?

Belle

Miami, FL

Good for you and your hubby, Belle! Congratulations on your anniversary!

Okay, to start things off, you need to know when the best time is to go to Alaska. The cruise season there starts from May, going through September. If you want to meet new people while on the cruise, I suggest going either on July or August since these are the most popular months.

Second, you should know which type of ship to choose. This will depend on what type of activities you plan to do while on the cruise. Smaller ships are focused more on nature and sightseeing since they can go where bigger ships can’t. On the other hand, bigger ships will offer more entertainment alternatives such as nightclubs, casinos, spas and more.

Now, what to do while on the cruise? Apart from meeting new people and participating in shipboard activities, you can avail of optional land packages offered by the cruise line. Alaska is a great place to visit. You can go to the Denali National Park, for instance, or see Mount McKinley. If you enjoy fishing, visiting Ketchikan is a must since it is known as the Salmon Capital of the World. I’m sure that whatever you and your hubby plan to do, you’ll love it there.

And finally, some packing tips: Pack like you’re going to a resort. Cruises are usually casual in the daytime. Just to be safe, though, bring something a little formal. Ships sometimes have balls or galas at night.

Have fun, Belle!