Alaska in august, what do I need to know?

[Pixarfans]

Trying to decide on a cruise to Alaska either 8/7 or8/14. What should I know to help decide? For reference We’ve been on all 5 ships, but only in the Caribbean. Kids are 13 & 18.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Trying to decide on a cruise to Alaska either 8/7 or8/14. What should I know to help decide? For reference We’ve been on all 5 ships, but only in the Caribbean. Kids are 13 & 18.

I would think there's not much difference between the 2 dates. It's only a week apart.

Weather will similar, crowds in the ports will be the same. Unless there's a difference between the port calls, I'd pick either one.

 

[holula]

I’d pick the cheapest based on those dates if all else is equal.

 

[soniam]

I wonder is the later one is considered a bit off season or not. I wouldn't think that actually hits until September though. Some places and tours close in the off season.

 

[auntlynne]

Weather can change week to week or day to day. September is definitely slowing down, with some restaurants and excursions closed as the college-aged employees go back to work (and visitor counts drop).

I don’t see a reason, cruise-wise, to pick one over the other.

Airfare, hotel and cruise costs would decide for me. I suspect they won’t differ much.

If there is an excursion you are really interested in, check independent operator websites to see if they offer it the week you are considering. If not offered at all one week (not just sold out), that might help.

But don‘t pin a cruise on one activity if missing it will cause heartbreak; you are never guaranteed it will run.

 

[auntlynne]

What should you know? Unlike some Caribbean cruises, you need a passport. There is not time now to get one (average processing time is currently 13 weeks).

While it is a Disney cruise, it really is different than the Caribbean (for many, a very lovely different). You still get shows, movies, youth clubs. Characters in AK costumes are fun.

But excursions can be pricey. You do not have to do an expensive activity in every port, but it can be tempting. There is no port where you get off the ship and have a long, cheap day at the beach. Most ports are easily walkable!

You can go all week and have no sun. It may rain a lot. Or not. Early sunrise. Late sunset. Bring a clip to keep curtains closed if not in an inside stateroom.

Airfare to and hotels in Vancouver are more expensive than Florida.

(I am definitely not trying to discourage you; AK is my favorite cruise destination. I’ve gone 5 times, only once on Disney).

 

[Pixarfans]

What should you know? Unlike some Caribbean cruises, you need a passport. There is not time now to get one (average processing time is currently 13 weeks).

While it is a Disney cruise, it really is different than the Caribbean (for many, a very lovely different). You still get shows, movies, youth clubs. Characters in AK costumes are fun.

But excursions can be pricey. You do not have to do an expensive activity in every port, but it can be tempting. There is no port where you get off the ship and have a long, cheap day at the beach. Most ports are easily walkable!

You can go all week and have no sun. It may rain a lot. Or not. Early sunrise. Late sunset. Bring a clip to keep curtains closed if not in an inside stateroom.

Airfare to and hotels in Vancouver are more expensive than Florida.

(I am definitely not trying to discourage you; AK is my favorite cruise destination. I’ve gone 5 times, only once on Disney).

Thanks for the info, just the stuff I was hoping to find out!