Taking a cruise to Alaska or some other cold-climate location can be fun and exciting, but it is important that you take time to plan ahead in order to make sure that you enjoy your time on the ship. Cold-climate cruises are different from cruises to warm-weather locations, and being prepared for the small differences can make all of the difference between having an amazing time and being uncomfortable or otherwise disappointed with your cruise experience. To help ensure that you can enjoy your cruise to Alaska, keep the following points in mind before you book and when getting ready to go to the ship.
Pricing
In general, cruises to Alaska or other cold-climate destinations tend to be slightly more expensive than cruises to warmer climates. This is due to the additional costs of heating fuel and weatherproofing maintenance that these cruise ships incur. Deals on cruises to cold climates may be available depending on which cruise line you are planning on booking and the time of year you are planning to depart. You should still expect to pay more for your Alaskan cruise than you would to a warmer destination.
Be Prepared for All Weather
It is much more difficult to predict what kind of weather to expect when taking a cruise to a cold climate than to a warm one. It is not simply a matter of temperature, either; you need to be prepared for the possibility of rain or snow when travelling to Alaska or other cold climates. Likewise, you want to be ready in the event of warm temperatures and sunny skies. Do not expect to see just one type of weather, as the weather that you encounter could actually change several times during the course of your cruise.
Pack for Comfort
When packing for your cruise, bring comfortable clothes that can be worn in layers. Make sure you have at least one or two outfits appropriate for moderate temperatures, rain gear, and at least one heavy coat in case you encounter extremely cold temperatures. Bring extra socks to ensure that your feet stay warm, and do not forget the standard items such as sunscreen and insect repellant. Essentially, make sure that you have at least one or two outfits for a wide range of temperatures and weather.
Bring Your Passport
Depending on where you are travelling and which cruise line you are taking, you may be required to show your passport before you are allowed to board the cruise ship. This can apply even if you are an American citizen taking a cruise to Alaska, because you may be travelling through international waters and may have ports-of-call that are located in Canada. Be sure to check with the cruise line or travel agent because they can inform you of the route and if a passport is necessary.
Wilderness Excursions
Unlike warm-climate cruises that have the majority of their ports-of-call in exotic cities, many cold-climate cruises have excursions that are based around wilderness adventures than visiting well-known cities. While there may be some cities on the excursion list, the likelihood of having at least one or two excursion opportunities centered on visiting wilderness areas is high. Keep in mind that if you do go on a wilderness excursion, there is no guarantee to see any specific type of animal in the wild. When they list an excursion as being in the wilderness, they mean just that, and there is no way of controlling whether specific animals are present (though the excursions are generally planned during times when you are more likely to see those animals.)
Keep in Mind the Time of Year
Remember that the conditions that you may encounter can vary greatly depending on the time of the year that you choose to take your cruise. Some Alaskan and cold-climate cruise lines may only offer cruises during certain portions of the year, and those that do offer year-round cruises generally remind passengers that certain types of weather are more likely during those seasons. Take time to check the weather forecast as this can help you adjust your packing accordingly. Try to schedule your cold-climate cruise during the portion of the year that is likely to have the weather you like best. A few other tips to remember when traveling to a cold-climate destination are to bring your passport, pack clothes for multiple temperature ranges. These can help you to be prepared for any situation you may encounter while on the cruise. For example, the cruise may dock in Canada, and because of this, you may need a passport. It may get extremely cold during the trip and you can be prepared for this with extra clothing.
