Wednesday, April 10, 2024

The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler

royal caribbean alaska cruise from seattle

The casino is not open during the hours these ships sail into and out of Puget Sound, including often on the entire last night of the cruise. When Victoria is the final port, the ship never escapes to international waters to allow gambling. It’s not a big deal for most, but for those who cruise to play, it might be. Both ships have outdoor movie nights at the pool, as well as actual cinemas for afternoon matinees. Plus, there are climbing walls, sports courts, and kids' pools for use when weather allows.

If there is no pool/tan time, what is there to do all day when at sea?

If your flight doesn’t arrive until 11PM the night before your cruise, it probably isn’t worth it to travel to the city center. Instead, consider a hotel near the airport so you can simply land and head straight to bed. For those arriving earlier in the day, though, it’s worth it to find a hotel downtown for easy access to tourist sites. Search for shore excursions on websites like GetYourGuide.com and ShoreExcursionsGroup.com, and compare them to what you see on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner.

Royal Caribbean, Alaska Glacier Cruise from Seattle, May 31, 2024

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska's tidewater glaciers, which flow directly into the ocean and showcase powerful calving moments. Seattle, known as the Emerald City, serves as an ideal departure port for your Alaska cruise, offering a vibrant blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a bustling urban atmosphere. Situated on the picturesque shores of the Puget Sound, Seattle seamlessly combines its maritime heritage with a cosmopolitan cityscape. As you embark on your Alaskan voyage, Seattle sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Last Frontier.

Best Brilliance of the Seas Family Cruises Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean releases new 2025 Alaska cruises to book - Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean releases new 2025 Alaska cruises to book.

Posted: Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

While traveling to any destination, one of the best ways to learn more about a region’s culture is to taste local cuisine, and that is true in Alaska as well. As far as wildlife, you may catch a glimpse of Alaska’s annual salmon run as well as bears, and it’s possible to see whales in Alaska’s waters, too. If on a one-way itinerary, you may also encounter rougher seas while crossing the Gulf of Alaska to and from Seward. If you really can’t convince your wife to cruise to Alaska, you can always book a solo cruise (although she may not be too happy about that!).

royal caribbean alaska cruise from seattle

What type of cabin should you book for an Alaska cruise and why?

Quantum-class ships offer unique options like RipCord by iFly and the North Star bubble that lifts you up and over the side of the ship for stunning views. Royal Caribbean offers two quite different classes of ships sailing a variety of itineraries in Alaska. There are also slight differences between the individual ships themselves, even within the same class.

Must-Sees for Your Once in a Lifetime Alaska Cruise Vacation

When scheduling your return flights, don’t book a flight too early on disembarkation day. If you are looking to see the most stunning scenery, a cruise that takes you to further north is the way to go. Of course, Alaska is stunning from any port you visit, and Juneau and Skagway are still beautiful places to visit and explore. Where your ship goes in Alaska is also a major consideration, because there are a few different itineraries you can choose. All cruises come to an end, and unfortunately this means you will have to return home after your Alaska cruise. As soon as your ship leaves port and enters international waters, the casino will open.

Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better? - Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better?.

Posted: Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

They also feature RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator, and the North Star, a 360 degree observation pod taking guests 300 feet above sea level. Alaska cruises tend to favor outdoor activities, whether getting active on a hike or taking a relaxing canoe ride down a river. Exploring the state’s mountains, glaciers, trails, and lakes is a fantastic way to spend a day in port, although choosing the best tour to book can be a tough decision. Being flexible on an Alaska cruise is important, especially when it comes to your cruise itinerary. You may end up enjoying the replacement port even more than you would have enjoyed the original itinerary. Starting your cruise in Seward is recommended for those who plan to travel in the interior of Alaska ahead of time, whether independently or on one of Royal Caribbean’s organized Cruisetours.

Figure out your transportation logistics to and from the airport, hotel, and cruise port

Quantum Class ships also have plenty of indoor areas, including an indoor pool for all ages, adults-only indoor Solarium, and indoor sports court. Vancouver, though, is an excellent embarkation port for the itinerary options. All Alaska cruises departing Seattle must include a port stop in Victoria, British Columbia to meet the requirements of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA). In most cases, Seattle is the best embarkation port for most American passengers, as it’s usually easier to travel to Seattle compared to Vancouver or Seward. There are ample direct flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, making traveling to the city easier and more affordable. Almost all itineraries stop in Juneau, Alaska, but other ports vary from itinerary to itinerary.

royal caribbean alaska cruise from seattle

Whether admiring skyline views from the Space Needle or eating your way through Pike Place Market, there are plenty of ways to keep busy in Seattle before your cruise begins. Because the ports are located right downtown, there are few other options available. You can choose to park at a lot near the airport for as low as $13-15 per day, but the cost of transportation from the airport to the cruise port may negate any savings. We recommend booking flights from Seattle’s airport no earlier than 12 PM on disembarkation day.

You can spend several busy days sightseeing in Alaska’s interior before the cruise begins, which will likely leave you tired and in need of relaxation. Once you board your cruise, you’ll have 7 days to relax and unwind while traveling to Vancouver. Predicting the weather in Alaska is nearly impossible, and you may encounter all four seasons in just one day while visiting the state.

There’s really no need to spend hundreds of dollars on new winter gear just for an Alaska cruise, especially if you’re traveling with children who will quickly outgrow clothing. Because of this, take a look at the main attractions in your embarkation city. You might enjoy shopping at Pike’s Place Market and visiting the Space Needle in Seattle, or enjoying a relaxing stroll through Stanley Park in Vancouver. One of my favorite aspects of cruising to Alaska is the pre-cruise stay in Seattle or Vancouver.

Not only do both of these cities offer breathtaking natural scenery, but they boast an impressive amount of things to do within the city, too. If your cruise is a one-way itinerary that starts or ends in Seward, Alaska, transportation logistics require more pre-planning. The closest major airport to Seward is Anchorage, which is over two hours away by car.

Finally, make sure to book pre-cruise add-ons as soon as possible for a 2024 or 2025 Alaska cruise. From dining packages to shore excursions, it's always better to book in advance before add-ons increase in price or sell out. First, if you're flying to your cruise port, make sure to fly the day before your cruise begins. Airline delays are common, and you don't want to miss your cruise because of a canceled or delayed flight! Spending the night at a hotel in Seattle or Vancouver before your cruise can help ensure your vacation is off to a great start.

All paths lead from Seattle to new experiences onboard returning frontier favorite Ovation of the Seas®. Gaze at glaciers as you cruise along the Inside Passage and get up close to majestic mountains at Endicott Arm onboard one of the most adventure packed ships to sail region. Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

Having a base layer, warm layer, and waterproof layer ensures you are covered for a wide range of weather conditions. If you’re flying to Seattle before your cruise, be sure to arrive the day before embarkation day. Flying can be unpredictable, and allotting wiggle room in the case of any airline delays or cancellations is recommended. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. Luggage Valet is currently offered on flights through Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta (domestic flights only), JetBlue, Southwest, and United.

Then take in sweeping city views from the top of the 605-foot-tall Space Needle. There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most romantic destinations to vacation for couples. Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option, too. On our family Alaska cruise, we created lifetime memories by sharing glacier spotting, dog sledding, flightseeing and other adventures with our teens. Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®.

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