An Alaska cruise is a bucket-list adventure for many travelers. However, even the most exciting trip can be derailed by simple missteps. From forgetting essential items to overlooking key planning details, there are plenty of little-known mistakes that can ruin your Alaska cruise.
Suburbs 101 participates in affiliate programs including the Amazon Associates Program and may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Not Reserving Shore Excursions in Advance
Many popular Alaska cruise excursions sell out. And when they sell out, don’t expect them to open up more spaces as you get closer to the tour date. Unfortunately, sold out really out means sold out (trust me, I learned this the hard way).
Bucket lists shore excursions like helicopter glacier tours and kayak trips near glaciers can sell out quickly. Even whale watching fills up fast. Waiting until the last minute could leave you scrambling for alternatives or missing out completely.
Not Dressing in Layers
Alaska’s weather can change quickly. It can be chilly in the morning and warm and sunny in the afternoon. Since many of the activities and tours in Alaska take place outdoors, it’s important to pack layered clothing to adjust to the changing temperature.
Wrong Footwear and Outerwear
Many Alaska cruise shore excursions involve outdoor activities like walking on glaciers or kayaking. Make sure you have the correct footwear and outerwear so you will be comfortable on your shore excursion. You may need to bring boots and water shoes! Take the time to do a little research to figure out what to pack for your Alaska cruise. Get your free packing list: What to Pack: Alaska cruise (free packing list)
Not Booking a Balcony Cabin
Of all cruise destinations, an Alaska cruise is one where splurging on a balcony cabin is truly worth it. You’ll be sailing past breathtaking scenery, and wildlife sightings are common. It’s luxurious to have a private balcony to take in the view. Check out What are the Different Types of Balcony Cabins on a Cruise Ship?
Underbudgeting
The overall cost of an Alaska cruise can be deceiving. While you may have gotten a good deal on the cruise fare, the truth is you could end up spending double that amount on shore excursions.
Alaska’s shore excursions are notoriously expensive. For example, whale watching can easily cost over $200 per person, and it’s not uncommon for some excursions to exceed $500 per person! These costs quickly add up, so make sure to budget accordingly for these expensive shore excursions. Check out How to Book Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions on the Cheap: Juneau
Getting Too Close to Wildlife
The amazing thing about an Alaska cruise is the abundant wildlife sightings. However, interacting too closely with Alaska’s wildlife can be risky. Knowing how to observe animals from a safe distance ensures you’ll have a safe experience. Check out Caribbean Cruise versus Alaska Cruise: Pros and Cons
Ignoring Sea Sickness
The sea days on an Alaska cruise can get rough. Sailing in the open waters means you must be prepared with motion sickness remedies like sea bands, pills, and patches. Check out Should You Go on a Cruise If You Easily Get Seasick?
Failing to Bring Cash
Your Alaska cruise may take you to small towns and remote areas with limited credit card payment options. It’s a good idea to bring cash, especially small bills, so you have it for tipping and to buy souvenirs and snacks. Check out 7 Things to Always Pay for in Cash on a Cruise
Skipping Travel Insurance
You should always buy travel insurance. It’s worth it! Unexpected events like delays, cancellations, or medical emergencies can disrupt your plans and lead to significant expenses. Going on an Alaska cruise? Check out our 28 page Alaska cruise travel planner.
Not Checking Shore Excursions Difficulty Levels
Don’t assume that all Alaska cruise shore excursions are suitable for everyone. Many shore excursions are adventure-focused and can be physically demanding, such as kayaking to a glacier or hiking on uneven terrain. Be sure to review the excursion’s difficulty level to ensure its age-appropriate and matches your physical capabilities. Check out Will Your Alaska Cruise Be Ruined Without Shore Excursions
Not Researching Ports of Call
There’s so much to do at Alaska’s ports that it’s impossible to experience it all in one visit. You’ll need to prioritize and choose the activities that matter most to you, as there are often numerous options.
For example, in Juneau, you could visit Mendenhall Glacier or go whale watching—both are popular shore excursions. However, with only a few hours in port, you’ll unlikely have time for both. Failing to research each stop in advance might mean missing out on incredible sights. Check out The Worst Months to Go on a Cruise
Going in the Wrong Months
It’s important to research the best time to visit Alaska to make sure your cruise aligns with what you want to see. Many of Alaska’s wildlife sightings revolve around the salmon spawning season. For example, if you want to see bears in the wild, plan your visit during this time.
On the other hand, if your priority is seeing the northern lights, you’ll need to travel early or late in the season (this is not the same time as the salmon spawning season). Proper planning can make all the difference! Check out When is the Best Time to Go on Alaska Cruise to See Bears, Glacier Calving and more