13 Alaska Cruise Mistakes Every First-Timer Makes in 2026
37K views · May 24, 2026 · Entertainment
Comments · 41
@RobinT-treehugger · 3 months ago
Independent excursions = used to be cheaper but prices have gone up to point that they are no longer a "deal". One of the major companies we have always used is now more that the Carnival excursions for our trip next month. This is our 5th Alaska cruise so we are not kidding about this, we've been to most ports multiple times and you really have to research to get the best prices. And our advice = Go ahead and book the big $$ excursions, they will be incredible bucket list events you will talk about for years. You won't regret spending the extra $$.
4
@4daloveofcruising · 4 months ago
Doing our first Alaskan cruise in the last week of May '27. We booked November of '25. Doing a one way from Seward to Vancouver. Definitely longer days in port. And a balcony is always mandatory for us. Nothing better than getting away from the crowds and enjoying the views in peace and quiet.
2
@curioustourists · 3 months ago
Alaska is high on our cruise bucket list! 🏔🚢 Thanks for sharing these tips—it's great to hear about the things people don't always mention when planning an Alaska cruise. Between the stunning scenery, wildlife, and whale watching, it's a destination we're really looking forward to experiencing someday.
@marjimaker6028 · 3 months ago
I'd recommend looking into an Alaskan cruise way before a year out. I started looking in August 2024 for August 2025, and I was already feeling the pinch. Cruises are filling up even faster now.
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@jhollie8196 · 3 months ago
HAL is what we sail on. Going back for 5th cruise in Aug 2026. HAL is awesome in Alaska
@---jt5wg · 2 months ago
I had an enchanting May in Alaska in 2024. Yes, there was a bit of a snow storm blocking our views in Whittier the night we got in, but I had a magical experience earlier in the day when the ship took us to college fjord. Literal glass surface on the water, so the snow covered mountains and glaciers were reflected off the water. On the way back out of the fjord I hopped in the hot tub to view the sail back out. The next day in Whittier was very foggy, but I went ahead to do the college fjord again with the small tour company, and we had another amazing experience of viewing calving glacier while giant snowflakes flurried down on us. <br><br>May seems to have highs and lows, with the weather being sometimes breathtaking, and sometimes dreary and very chilly. I have also been in late June, and the weather was definitely improved, as was the wildlife viewing, but I missed seeing the snow covered mountains and pack ice while it sometimes snowed around us that early May had.
@dianegarib6424 · 2 months ago
Shops closed in early May beautiful but cold
@samuelgibson539 · 4 months ago (edited)
Hey Don! Alaska cruise is coming up in just a few weeks and wanted to thank you for all the great tips we got from your videos. We saved a bunch by reserving the ship a year out in advance and our excursions several months in advance and directly with the tour providers. We saved hundreds !! So THANX
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@markanderson4163 · 4 months ago (edited)
we like mid september...weather is still good, the kids are back in school, you can start to get some better prices, whales are still there, bears are still out...weve been 4 times, going again this Sep and next is already booked....
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@TashWagstaff · 2 months ago
so much information! we have booked Aug 2027 HAL - cant wait, unsure of the tipping though.. we don't tip that often in Australia!
@pamwolff4459 · 4 months ago
Rain isn’t more common in May! May is the driest month! (Rain is more common in September.)
1
@cathygriggs4611 · 4 months ago
I'll be going on my first Alaska cruise next year. Also, my first cruise in 40 years, (yes, I took a LONG break)!! I'm really looking forward to it, and you've given me some great information. Thanks!!!!
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