Alaska cruises are a true once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one that many travelers dream of taking. But unlike other cruise destinations, Alaska cruises can be hard to come by - particularly when trying to find the best possible deal. That's because Alaska cruises generally operate fewer ships in the region, the season is shorter and more competitive, and everyone knows Alaska is high on many people's wish lists!
To help you make sense of it all and get the Alaska cruise deal of your dreams, here are some top tips for finding deals on Alaskan cruises.
By following these tips and doing your research ahead of time, you can easily find the perfect Alaska cruise deal for you - allowing you to experience all the beauty Alaska has to offer without breaking the bank!
Cruise in shoulder season
First off, if you want to save some money, try booking outside peak season (from April-May or September-October).
Prices tend to be lower during these times as there isn't as much traveler demand. You should also consider opting for an "inside passage" cruise, which allows you to explore Alaska's stunning coasts without having to go too far offshore.
Book early
Of course, planning ahead can also be a huge help when it comes to Alaska cruise deals.
If possible, book at least 3 months in advance - this will give you more time to compare deals from various lines and find one that fits your budget.
When to book an Alaska cruise for the best price
Cruises to Alaska offer incredible value for money, but if you're looking for the best Alaska cruise deals then you should look no further than wave season.
Wave season runs from January through March and is when most cruise lines offer their best bargains. During this time, inboxes are inundated with Alaska cruise offers so make sure that you don't miss out due to your emails landing in your junk mailbox!
Although Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on Alaska cruises can be hard to beat, they are often still not quite up to scratch compared to wave season discounts.
A great alternative option is booking a last minute Alaska cruise deal between 60 and 45 days prior to the sailing date. You may find that your choice of cabins may be limited at this late stage but the surprise savings you can make on an Alaska cruise deal may well be worth it
How to get a deal on Alaska shore excursions and onboard packages
Along with the high price tag attached to the cruise itself, Alaska shore excursions are some of the most pricey out there. To get the most bang for your buck, you should look for Alaska cruise deals that include onboard credits you can use for these invaluable memories.
It’s wise to keep an eye on your budget and be realistic about what activities you'd like to experience. Prices between $100-$300 per person per excursion are common; however, if any of your bucket list items get too expensive, onboard credits can help make up for that difference when booking Alaska cruise deals.
When researching Alaska cruise deals on your own, it's important to consider all options carefully. It may seem like a no-brainer to purchase internet packages and drink packages in advance, as they often come at discounted rates.
However, if you're aware of your cell phone coverage while in port and plan ahead to limit your drinking habits while taking in Alaska's stunning landscapes, you might be able to save even more money by waiting until on board when needed or skipping them altogether.
More tips on how to get an Alaska cruise deal
Looking for more Alaska cruise tips? Here are the basics on how to find a great Alaska cruise deal.
- Sign up for cruise line's email deals, so you don't miss a new sale.
- You can go for less impressive or new cruise ship because Alaska is so port intensive. Save money by choosing an older ship.
- While a balcony is great, you can still have an amazing Alaska cruise in an inside cabin, especially if it saves you a lot of money that you can use on shore excursions.
- Look for discounts beyond the regular sale. Most cruise lines have additional discounts based on age, residency, military service, or even occupation.