When to book an Alaska cruise: 5 reasons why early is best
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When is the best time to book your Alaska cruise?
While spontaneity keeps life interesting, it’s wise to plan ahead in some circumstances – one of which is booking a once-in-a-lifetime cruise to Alaskaholiday. Booking early ensures better stateroom options, like balconies and family suites, which tend to fill quickly as demand rises during Alaska’s short May-September season. Additionally, early planners often benefit from on-ship perks, promotions and savings.
In Alaska, there’s so much to see, do and tick off your bucket list that it’s best not to leave things to chance and plan your itinerary – including flights, transfers, excursions and onboard activities – in advance. Here are five reasons exactly why…
1. Get more choice
By booking your Alaska cruise early, you’ll get the best pick of departure dates. This enables you to travel at your favored time of year or coincide your trip with certain seasonal events or celebrations taking place in the state. Being an early bird also means you’ll have first dibs on staterooms, which could be essential if you’re after a balcony stateroom for taking in glacial views when scenic cruising or if you’re traveling as a group and would like a suite or adjoining rooms.
Knowing when you’re cruising and where from also means you can arrange flights, connecting transfers and hotels far in advance too, which often means getting the best deals and accommodation options.
2. Guarantee certain experiences
Having locked in your cruise already, you can put your energy into selecting and booking incredible shore excursions. Our Alaska shore excursions, which include bear watching in Sitka and crab fishing in Ketchikan, book up fast so signing up early is key to avoiding disappointment. If you’ve dreamed of kayaking around glaciers or searching for the Northern Lights, don’t wait until you’re onboard to book. Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you’ll want to tick off as many bucket-list experiences as you can while there.
The same goes for activities, attractions and landmarks in the places you’re embarking from and disembarking in. For example, if you’re doing a round-trip itinerary from Vancouver, it could be worth buying tickets to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park or VanDusen Botanical Garden in advance. Or, if you’re departing from San Francisco, you might want to plan a tour of Alcatraz Island or Golden Gate Bridge while in the city.
3. Spread the cost
When booking your cruise to Alaska, you’ll only need to pay a deposit. The rest of your holiday can be paid for in installments before your departure date at no extra cost. The earlier you book, the longer you’ll have to pay off the remaining balance. Booking early not only gives you more time but also ensures you can take advantage of the best deals. For even more savings and exclusive offers, check our current cruise deals to find the perfect Alaska cruise for your dream adventure at a price you’ll love.
4. Save for extras
Booking months (or even years) in advance means you’ll also have more time to save up for those added extras and special treats when you’re away. You can build up a spending fund for souvenirs like native artwork, jade jewelry and wooden homewares while onshore, or splash the cash onboard instead with a day in The Sanctuary, a massage in the Lotus Spa or a flutter in the casino, perhaps?
5. Have an epic trip on the horizon
Having a getaway already confirmed and looking forward to your trip is always a thrill, and research shows that organizing and anticipating a vacation can boost your mood just as much as being on holiday. Starting a trip planner or to-do list as soon as you’ve booked, so you can collate destination research, activity recommendations, restaurants reviews and travelling tips, will provide excitement all the way up to your departure date. Bon voyage!
When is the best time to take an Alaska cruise?
Alaska’s cruise season offers distinct experiences depending on when you visit, and there is no wrong answer. From May to mid-June, enjoy fewer crowds, lower prices and blooming wildflowers. Wildlife sightings are common, and you can even avoid pesky mosquitoes. Peak season runs from mid-June through August, where warm weather invites outdoor adventures, though crowds and prices rise. September marks another shoulder season with fewer tourists, stunning fall colors and the chance to see the Northern Lights on extended tours. Each period offers its own unique charm—choose what you want to experience most and what fits your travel style best.
We hope you understand better when to book an Alaska cruise to get the most out of your experience. Now that you’re ready to plan your vacation early, dive in and learn why Princess is the #1 Alaska cruise line to take you on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
About the author
Liz Darke
Liz is the editor of Journey. She's a seasoned journalist, who specialises in travel, food and lifestyle. Always on the hunt for a hit of sunshine and fantastic regional cuisine, she's heading to Barcelona, Puglia in southern Italy and Mexico next. Oh, and bring on the local wine, too!