15 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Alaska Cruise

For many, an Alaska cruise represents a unique opportunity. You don’t want to mess it up since a second chance might not come around. Sadly, it’s easier than you might think to make mistakes that could spoil your trip or hinder your experience of Alaska.

Although cruises to the Last Frontier aren't as extreme as polar adventures, they require more meticulous planning compared to Mexico or Caribbean cruises. You must get every detail right, from booking your cruise and packing your bags to deciding what to do and see during your journey.

Here’s a compilation of what you should absolutely avoid on an Alaska cruise. By steering clear of these mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth sailing experience.

Mistakes to Avoid While Planning Your Alaska Cruise

Regardless of how many cruises you've taken in the past, you may be surprised by the amount of planning required for an Alaska voyage. Get these details wrong, and you could miss out on a memorable Alaska cruise experience.

Assuming that all Alaska cruises are identical

This is a common error for first-time Alaska cruisers. However, aligning your ship and itinerary with your expectations and travel preferences is essential for a successful journey.

Are you hoping for a full day dedicated to glaciers? Consider a midseason sailing that includes a stop at Glacier Bay National Park. Early and late-season cruises may not be able to reach the glaciers on their itineraries due to ice floes.

Interested in whale watching? A round-trip Alaska cruise in June is perfect for that. Looking to catch salmon? Book during the peak salmon fishing season, which runs from mid-June to mid-August. Ketchikan is renowned as the salmon capital of the world, and while most cruises make a stop there, some do not, so ensure it’s included in your itinerary if fishing is a priority.

Traveling with kids on your Alaska cruise? Larger ships often offer more activities for children on board, which might take precedence over the ship's destinations. Expedition-style cruises may provide fewer amenities for younger children but could appeal to adventurous teens. These trips offer a more personal and immersive Alaskan experience, featuring excursions on kayaks and Zodiac boats that depart directly from the ship.

Delay booking excursions

In some cruise destinations, you don’t need to stress about reserving tours in advance. However, that’s not the case with Alaska cruises.

Alaska shore excursions tend to fill up quickly. This is especially true during midsummer, but even in the shoulder season, you might struggle to secure spots on the excursions you’re interested in if you wait until you’re on the ship to book. The best approach is to sign up for tours as early as possible.

Does this mean you should ignore last-minute Alaska cruise deals if they pop up? Not at all! Grab those deals — just be sure to have a list of alternative excursions ready as backups, just in case.

Neglecting independent excursions

You’re not limited to ship-sponsored shore excursions in every Alaskan port. On my last cruise, we arranged a kayaking trip independently during our stop in Ketchikan. It turned out to be one of the highlights of the entire cruise. The company picked us up and dropped us off right at the cruise ship, guaranteeing our timely return and costing significantly less than the ship’s kayaking options.

If you're interested in exploring independent tours, there are various Alaska excursion aggregators available online, or you can contact independent businesses directly. Be sure to ask about tour timings and allow some extra time to ensure you won't miss your ship, even if you encounter traffic or delays.

Avoid booking same-day flights on embarkation day or early return flights home.

You definitely don’t want to be stranded at an airport due to a flight delay while you should be boarding your cruise. To sidestep this issue, make sure to schedule your arrival for the day before your cruise departs, rather than on the same day.

If you believe this won't happen to you, let me share my recent flight nightmare. I experienced two flights on the same day, both of which faced minor mechanical issues that forced us to deplane and caused two-hour delays. I was supposed to land at 11:30 a.m. but didn’t reach my destination until after 5 p.m. If that had been embarkation day, my ship would have left without me.

Similarly, it’s wise to book your return flights for the afternoon to accommodate any delays in the ship’s return to port or clearance by authorities. If you're flying to or from Anchorage, be aware that all transport options require several hours of travel from the ports of Seward and Whittier; consider spending a night in Anchorage either before or after your cruise for added security.

Don’t skip on travel insurance.

Aside from airline troubles, Alaska can present its own set of challenges. You'll face slippery paths and uneven terrain — and that’s just navigating the port towns. You may also find yourself engaging in more adventurous activities than usual, such as flying in helicopters, trekking over glaciers, kayaking in frigid waters, or zip-lining through the woods. It’s easy for things to go awry.

During my last cruise to Alaska, I learned of two medical emergencies among passengers. A child broke their arm on board and required surgery, leading a family of five to disembark in Ketchikan — definitely not the budget-friendly ending to their vacation. Later in the journey, a sick passenger was airlifted directly from the ship by the Canadian Coast Guard before we reached Victoria.

If you reside in the U.S., your health insurance likely extends coverage to Alaska. While you’ll be protected for medical costs, it won’t cover the other expenses that arise from an injury interrupting your cruise. Purchasing travel insurance is advisable unless you're prepared to handle flight changes and medical evacuations out of your own pocket.

Mistakes to avoid when packing for an Alaska cruise

Packing for an Alaska cruise can be quite challenging. The area's unpredictable weather might bring a rainy 50 degrees one day and then a sunny 85 degrees the next. Combine that with early boat rides and glacier viewing from the ship at 6 a.m., and you’ve got a packing puzzle on your hands. Avoid these common Alaska cruise packing blunders.

Neglect to bring your rain gear

The golden rule for Alaska cruises: Always bring rain gear. Even if it doesn’t rain during your entire trip, it’s likely that you'll encounter wet weather at some point. When that happens, having the right gear will keep you dry and comfortable instead of soggy and miserable.

Waterproof shoes or boots are essential. For added protection, treat them with a water-repellant spray before packing. When they’re not in use, you can easily pack lightweight raincoats or ponchos and rain pants in your backpack for excursions.

Overlook the importance of layering

Layering is essential for dressing on an Alaska cruise. Begin with thin, base-layer undergarments that provide comfort without adding bulk, even on warmer days. Your outer layers should be lightweight since you might need to pack them away in your backpack as temperatures rise throughout the day.

I particularly prefer puffy vests and jackets for Alaska trips. You can easily remove the jacket as it warms up and ditch the vest if it gets even hotter. Don’t forget to top off your outfit with caps, knit hats, earmuffs, and gloves. While these might seem excessive for a casual town stroll, they’re crucial when facing the wind on a whale watching tour.

Don't overdo it with evening attire

The dress code on most Alaska cruises tends to be more laid-back compared to other cruise destinations. With long, active days, passengers often prefer not to rush back to the ship to change into formal outfits and dress shoes.

Swap your hiking shoes for comfortable flats or dressy sneakers. Elevate your casual, neutral-colored slacks (even jeans) or skirts with stylish jackets or scarves. You can leave formal wear and high heels at home without worry.

Skimp on insect repellent

While mosquitoes in Alaska aren't always a problem, they can become quite bothersome. Make sure to pack insect repellent and full-coverage clothing as if you were headed to a rainforest… because that’s essentially what you’re doing.

If you're not planning to check a bag, grab some bug spray in your departure city or at your first port of call.

Leave your binoculars and cameras behind

A common question I receive is whether you can spot whales and other wildlife from the ship. The answer is a definite yes. However, keep in mind that most sightings will be from quite a distance.

You can easily address this issue with a pair of lightweight binoculars. They’re great for getting a closer look at glaciers or spotting eagles in port. It’s a good idea to bring a pair for everyone in your group, as you won’t want to argue over one set when a pod of whales appears.

Regarding cameras, I suggest that each person in your travel group has a water-resistant camera or a waterproof case for their smartphone. I prefer cameras over phones for two main reasons. First, losing a camera to the depths of an Alaskan bay is generally less traumatic than losing a smartphone. My second reason is discussed in the following section.

Mistakes to avoid during your Alaska cruise

Once you’re aboard your ship, it’s time to leave behind all the stress of planning and packing. You’ve arrived, and you don’t want anything to hinder your enjoyment of the cruise.

Spend too much time glued to your phone

An Alaska cruise is the perfect opportunity to take a break from your digital routine. While you’ll want to capture the stunning landscapes, remember that very few photos will truly convey the majestic beauty of Alaska.

The memories you’ll cherish most when you look back next year will be of your travel companions enjoying the adventure. Focus on capturing those moments, then immerse yourself in the magic of the surroundings. The news, emails, and social media can wait until you return home.

Expect calm seas throughout your journey

Don’t be caught off guard if you experience seasickness in Alaskan waters, even if you’ve never felt that way on other cruises. While the Inside Passage is typically smooth, the open Pacific can be quite turbulent. Even the bays can become choppy during summer storms.

Ships often perform a lot of maneuvers, including executing full turns to ensure everyone on board can enjoy the breathtaking views. Unfortunately, these sharp turns can sometimes lead to feelings of nausea for certain passengers.

Be proactive by packing motion sickness remedies such as wristbands that target pressure points, prescription scopolamine patches, ginger candies, over-the-counter seasickness tablets, and herbal patches. I’ve relied on these for years, and they’ve only failed me once on a small vessel.

Stay inside for the entirety of your trip

You’ve packed all those layers for a reason—now is the time to put them to good use. The coldest moments of your Alaskan cruise are likely to occur while the ship passes through stunning landscapes. Don’t retreat to the observation lounge; instead, bundle up and venture outside to fully absorb the sights. While your balcony offers a better view than those in interior cabins, nothing compares to the panoramic experience of being on the top deck.

The best souvenir advice I’ve ever received is to purchase a warm throw or blanket at your first port of call. It won’t break the bank and will be useful throughout the cruise. Imagine yourself cozying up in your Alaska blanket, sipping hot chocolate while watching glaciers calve. When you’re back home, that blanket will remind you of your incredible adventure every time you snuggle on the couch.

Don't waste your vacation sleeping

This is not a trip you want to snooze through—though even if you intend to, it might prove challenging. The long daylight hours, early excursions, and glacier viewings, combined with your fear of missing out, will likely have you waking up early and staying up later than usual compared to any other cruise.

Using sleep apps and eye masks can help manage the extended daylight. I’ve also found that ordering room service during Alaska cruises is a great time-saver. It allows you to enjoy meals in your cabin before morning excursions and offers a chance to relax during lunch or dinner when needed.

Neglect to try something new

Your Alaska cruise presents countless chances to engage in activities you may never get to experience again. You could walk on glaciers, snorkel in a dry suit in the icy Alaskan waters, or play with adorable sled dog puppies. And how about taking a ride in a sled pulled by these dogs? We’ve also mentioned salmon fishing, which can be surprisingly enjoyable, even if fishing isn’t something you usually do at home.

The variety of experiences available in Alaska can be as mild or thrilling as you desire—the true essence lies in the joy of exploration. I once kayaked in Ketchikan alongside a woman embarking on her first solo cruise. She had never kayaked before, and when our marine biologist guide pulled a sea cucumber from the clear waters for us to see, her delight was infectious as he invited her to hold it. That’s the kind of joy that awaits you in Alaska.

In summary

With a bit of extra planning, you can steer clear of the most common pitfalls of an Alaska cruise.

The aim is to curate the Alaska cruise experience that you and your travel companions desire. You can achieve this by selecting an itinerary that highlights your must-see attractions, booking excursions in advance (particularly those that excite you), and packing clothing and gear that will keep you comfortable during your Alaskan adventure.

Ultimately, it’s about stepping outside, inhaling the remarkably fresh air, and savoring the cruise experience.

Thinking about an Alaska cruise? Begin with these articles:

• Your complete guide to booking an Alaskan trip using points and miles
• The top 9 Alaska cruises for every kind of traveler in 2024
• 6 top Alaska cruises perfect for families
• 20 essential cruise items — including a roll of duct tape