Why Alaska Cruises Are So Popular with Midwestern Travelers?

Alaska cruises are one of the most popular cruise options for us Midwesterners. Even with the abundance of beauty our own state has to offer, something about “The Last Frontier” has that undeniable pull on us. They aren’t producing all those Discovery Channel shows for nothing! Bering Sea Gold, Deadliest Catch, and Gold Rush all showcase the rugged, vast, and wild side of our largest state. It’s no surprise this destination sits at the top of so many bucket lists. If this sounds intriguing to you but you don’t know where to start, don’t worry, I’m here to help you plan your Alaska cruise vacation.

The Best Time to Book Your Alaska Cruise

I’m asked all the time, “When’s the best time to plan my Alaska cruise?” The answer is simple: early! Don’t wait. This is likely a special trip for you, and you’ll want the best selection of staterooms, cruise ships, land tours, and excursions. This isn’t the type of trip to hold out for hoping for a bargain, you’ll likely be disappointed. Most Alaska cruise departures sail full, and since the season is so short, everyone is traveling within the same small window of time.

Can I Sail on a Small Ship or Enjoy a Luxury Alaska Cruise?

Cruising to Alaska has seen tremendous growth in recent years, and that trend will continue. Travelers are fortunate to have more choices than ever before when deciding who to sail with. Many of these cruises feature small or midsize ships, with capacities ranging from 250 to 3,000 passengers. These boutique and luxury lines sell out quickly, so if you want to secure a spot on a premium vessel, it’s best to book over a year in advance.

Travel Advisor Pro Tip:

Cruise lines often offer their best promotions and incentives to those who book far in advance. They prefer to have their inventory sold early, so they don’t need to worry about filling up the cabins later. The days of the last-minute “fire sale” are long gone!

Don’t Forget About Alaska Land Tours

Many of my clients pair their cruise with a land package, which can range from 3 to 8 nights in addition to the cruise. These land tours often include scenic train journeys and iconic stays in destinations such as Denali National Park or the Kenai Peninsula. Due to limited hotel accommodations, tour availability, and the short travel season, these packages fill up even faster than the cruises themselves. If you’re hoping to include a multi-day land tour, you’ll need to book early to secure your preferred dates.

Do I Have to Pay for Everything Up Front?

When booking far in advance, you benefit from paying a deposit to lock in your trip, with the remaining balance due closer to your travel dates. This gives us the flexibility to add other components, such as airfare, hotels, and excursions at a later time. And that’s where I come in! As your Alaska cruise travel agent, I’ll track these deadlines, manage your reservations, and keep everything on schedule so you can simply look forward to your adventure.

Ready to Plan Your Alaska Cruise?

Planning an Alaska cruise is an adventure in itself, and I’d love to help make it effortless for you. As an Alaska cruise specialist based right here in Minnesota, I work with travelers to match them with the perfect itinerary, ship, and season for their dream cruise or Alaska tour. I look forward to meeting with you and helping turn your Alaska cruise plans into a truly unforgettable journey!