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🚢 40 ESSENTIAL FIRST TIME ALASKA CRUISE TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW IN 2025 🏔️ Planning your first time Alaska cruise? After a decade of cruising Alaska on multiple cruise lines, we're sharing our 40 expert tips to make your vacation unforgettable!
💰 BUDGETING TIPS First time Alaska cruise travelers are often shocked by the prices - typically $2,000-$5,000 per person! We break down realistic budgeting for everything from cruise fares to bucket-list shore excursions that can run $500+. Learn our cabin selection strategy that saves hundreds and which cruise packages offer better value.
🚢 SHIP & ITINERARY SELECTION Discover why Glacier Bay National Park should be a priority for first-timers, the differences between one-way and roundtrip cruises, and which cruise lines offer the best viewing areas for scenery and wildlife.
🦅 WILDLIFE VIEWING We reveal the best months for spotting humpback whales, bears, eagles, and even the Northern Lights, plus which shore excursions maximize your chances of close wildlife encounters.
🧳 PACKING ADVICE Alaska's unique climate requires strategic layering! Learn what you genuinely need (and what's wasting suitcase space). Our experience with 30-degree temperature swings taught us exactly what works.
🚁 SHORE EXCURSIONS With experiences ranging from $100 to $600+ per person, making the right choices is crucial. We share which are truly worth splurging on, when to book, and how to save up to 40% compared to cruise line prices.
🌨️ WEATHER & TIMING Discover why May and September offer the best deals, July and August provide the warmest weather, and late summer gives you a chance to see the Northern Lights.
📸 TECH TIPS Learn our camera recommendations, rental options, and why binoculars are essential. Plus, our honest take on whether WiFi packages are worth it in Alaska's remote waters.
After cruising Alaska for years, we've learned these lessons through experience. Whether this is your first cruise ever or you're a Caribbean cruise veteran trying Alaska for the first time, these first time Alaska cruise tips will help you navigate everything from budgeting to wildlife viewing.
First Time Alaska Cruise Tips and Tricks 0:00 Alaska Cruises Tips and Tricks 0:35 You Need to Budget More For Alaska Cruise 1:50 Let the Cruise Line Pick Your Cabin to Save Money 2:40 Budget Extra for Shore Excursions 3:30 Upgrade Your Cruise Package for Savings 4:06 Don't Skimp on Travel Insurance 4:40 Book Your Cruise 8-12 Months in Advance 5:08 Use a Travel Advisor 6:25 Cruise in May or September for Better Deals 7:10 Arrive at Your Departure Port a Day Early 7:30 Consider a Cruisetour 8:00 There's No Single "Best" Cruise Line 9:00 Find a Ship With Prime Viewing Areas 10:15 Choose an Itinerary with Glacier Bay 10:35 One-Way vs. Round-Trip: Know the Tradeoffs 12:00 Pick a Ship With Indoor Amenities for Rainy Days 12:45 Book Shore Excursions Early 13:20 Consider Independent Tour Operators 14:20 Get Off at Every Port 14:38 Mix Big-Ticket Excursions with DIY Exploration 15:15 Book One Wildlife-Focused Excursion 15:55 Pack Layers Upon Layers 16:45 Rain Gear is Non-Negotiable 17:30 Don't Forget Sunglasses and Sunscreen 18:05 Don’t Forget Your Swimsuit 18:40 Pack Light – You Need Less Than You Think 19:40 Download the Cruise Line’s App Before Boarding 20:25 Explore Your Ship on Embarkation Day 21:05 Be Prepared for a Varied Schedule 22:05 Embrace the Long Days 22:30 Don't Miss the Onboard Alaska Programming 23:42 Know What Wildlife You're Likely to See 24:10 Sail Late Season for Northern Lights Possibilities 24:40 Peak Season Offers Best Weathe 25:35 Bring (or Rent) Binoculars 26:02 A Balcony is Worth the Splurge 26:38 Bring Magnetic Hooks for Extra Storage 27: 22 Pack an Over-Door Shoe Organizer 28:10 Consider Upgrading Your Camera Equipment 28:45 Think Twice About WiFi Packages
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST ALASKA CRUISES 2025 BACK ON THE BLOG
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By: Eat Sleep Cruise Title: First Time Alaska Cruise Tips We Wish We Knew Before our First Trip Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbU3iTxW5Jw
