Alaska Honeymoon Cruise Tips and Tricks

An Alaska honeymoon cruise is perfect for couples who aren’t interested in sitting on the beach sipping fruity drinks or slipping under the waves for a snorkeling session.

If you’re up for something new and want to create memories that stand apart from every other vacation you’ve ever enjoyed, give Alaska a try.

The stunning natural landscapes, wildlife encounters, and unique experiences will leave you with unforgettable memories. These tips will help you make the most of your honeymoon cruise.

Choose Your Departure Point Wisely

Most Alaskan cruises depart from Seattle or Vancouver. The Seattle route requires at least two days of pure sailing before you get to any of your stopping points, so it’s perfect for lovebirds who want some time to snuggle in their cabin and watch sunsets on deck before doing anything adventurous.

A Vancouver departure is ideal for those who want to get right to the fun of off-board excursions or who want more tranquil waters to keep seasickness at bay.

New Departure Points to Consider

Recently, more cruise lines have started offering departures from other locations, including San Francisco and Los Angeles.

These options can provide a longer journey, allowing for more onboard relaxation and potentially stopping at additional ports along the way. If you have the time, consider these alternative departure points for a more extended and varied honeymoon experience.

Consider May or September for the Deals

You’ve heard about traveling in the off-season to get lower rates, but what does that mean for an Alaskan cruise? In most cases, you can get lower rates while still expecting nice weather in Alaska if you travel in May or September.

June and July are the most popular choices for those who want the best weather and don’t mind paying for it, and you may not get the weather that you’ll enjoy if you venture out beyond September.

In fact ...

You’ll notice that most cruises to Alaska stop by the end of September anyway.

Best Times for Wildlife Viewing

If spotting wildlife like whales, bears, and eagles is high on your priority list, timing your trip around these animals' peak activity periods is essential.

For example, humpback whales are often sighted from mid-June to August, while orcas can be seen as early as May.

Bears are most active in July and August, especially near salmon streams.

Cruise First, Tour Last

CruiseTours are becoming more popular, especially to locations like Alaska where the terrain is so fascinating.

These trips allow you to pay one price for a cruise and a land tour, so you get the best of both worlds at a reasonable rate.

In most cases, you’ll find that cruising first and touring on land last saves you a significant amount of money on the overall trip.

Explore Alaska's Interior

When booking a CruiseTour, consider adding a few days to explore Alaska's interior, such as Denali National Park or Fairbanks.

Denali offers stunning views of North America's tallest peak, wildlife sightings, and opportunities for hiking or flightseeing tours.

Fairbanks, located farther north, gives you a chance to experience the midnight sun in summer or even catch the Northern Lights if you travel late in the season.

Consider Smaller Cruise Ships and Yachts for An Alaska Honeymoon Cruise

It’s easy to find Alaska honeymoon cruises with some of the big cruise lines, but don’t hesitate to consider a cruise line that offers smaller yachts or more compact ships.

You’ll travel with a smaller crowd, and the cruise ship will fit into smaller ports that aren’t accessible by the larger ships.

Many of these cruise lines also offer more luxurious dining options, friendlier service from ship staff, and more active excursions when you’re off the ship.

Boutique Cruises for an Exclusive Experience

If you're looking for a truly unique honeymoon experience, consider boutique cruise lines that offer tailored itineraries.

These cruises may include visits to remote fishing villages, guided kayaking tours in secluded bays, or even the chance to get up close to glaciers.

The intimacy of a smaller vessel allows for a more personalized and exclusive experience, perfect for a romantic getaway.

Extend Your Trip if Possible

There’s a lot to see in Alaska, and once you get out there on your cruise, you won’t want to come right back to port.

Consider using your honeymoon as an excuse to enjoy an extended trip.

You can then book a longer cruise that stops at more Alaskan destinations or take advantage of a CruiseTour so that you can spend some time walking through the snow or even going out snowshoeing.

Extend Your Adventure with Land Excursions

In addition to extending your cruise, look into the variety of land excursions available before or after your trip. Consider exploring Alaska’s charming towns like Ketchikan or Skagway, where you can learn about the Gold Rush history or engage in outdoor activities like zip-lining and glacier trekking.

If you're up for an adventure, try a multi-day hike in Tongass National Forest or a scenic train ride through the breathtaking landscapes.

Don’t Forget the Essentials

Before you pack your bags and head to your departing city, do some research into the climate in the cities that you will visit. You want to make sure that you get off the ship prepared for the weather that you will encounter.

This is essential to ensuring your safety as well as to the level of enjoyment that you get out of your honeymoon adventure in Alaska.

Packing Tips

Packing for an Alaskan cruise can be tricky due to the varying weather conditions. Be sure to bring layers, including a waterproof jacket, warm sweaters, and moisture-wicking clothing.

Don’t forget essentials like binoculars for wildlife viewing, a good camera to capture the stunning scenery, and sturdy walking shoes for shore excursions.

Additionally, consider packing a travel-size first aid kit and any medications you might need, as medical supplies might be limited in some of the more remote areas.

Conclusion

An Alaskan honeymoon cruise offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking natural beauty that sets it apart from other honeymoon destinations.

So ...

Whether you're snuggling in your cabin as you sail through tranquil waters, exploring the rugged terrain on a CruiseTour, or enjoying the personalized service on a boutique yacht, Alaska promises to make your honeymoon truly unforgettable.

With careful planning and these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared to create memories that will last a lifetime.

As you embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, remember that Alaska is a land of endless possibilities.

Extend your adventure, embrace the unexpected, and let the majestic landscapes of the Last Frontier become the backdrop to your love story.