An Alaskan cruise is often called a bucket-list adventure, and for good reason!
The breathtaking glaciers, abundant wildlife, and charming coastal towns create memories that last a lifetime. However, let’s be honest, Alaska cruises can be pricey compared to tropical getaways.
The good news? With some smart planning and insider tips, you can experience the beauty of Alaska without breaking the bank. Our Facebook group members often share how they’ve saved hundreds (sometimes thousands) on their Alaska adventures with a few simple strategies.
Ready to make your Alaska cruise dreams come true without emptying your wallet? Let’s dive into the money-saving secrets that experienced cruisers swear by!
Timing Your Cruise for Maximum Savings
One of the easiest ways to slash your Alaska cruise budget is to choose when to sail. Peak season (June through August) offers warmer weather but comes with premium pricing.
Consider booking in May or September instead as these “shoulder season” months can save you 20-30% on the same itinerary! May tends to be drier, while September offers chances to see the Northern Lights and fall colors.
“We saved nearly $800 by booking our Alaska cruise for early May instead of July,” shares a member of our Facebook group. “The weather was lovely, and we still saw plenty of wildlife, including whales!”
Related: The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide
Choose the Right Cabin Strategically
Balcony cabins are tempting for Alaska cruises, but they come with a hefty price tag. An inside cabin can save you $500-1,000 per person compared to a balcony on the same sailing!
If you’re worried about missing the views, remember that Alaska’s scenery is best enjoyed from the ship’s open decks where you’ll have 360-degree panoramas. Many cruisers find they spend very little time in their cabins anyway.
A smart compromise? Book an oceanview cabin. You’ll get natural light and some views for less than a balcony. Plus, you can use the savings for amazing shore excursions where you’ll make your best memories!
Finding the Best Alaska Cruise Deals
Timing isn’t just about which month you sail – it’s also about when you book:
- Book early: Many cruise lines offer their best rates and perks 12-18 months in advance
- Wave season deals: January through March brings industry-wide sales with added perks like free upgrades or onboard credit
- Repositioning cruises: These one-way sailings at the beginning or end of Alaska season can offer incredible value
Keep an eye on cruise line promotions for Alaska. Holland America, Princess, Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean frequently offer deals specifically for their Alaska itineraries. Signing up for cruise line emails ensures you don’t miss these opportunities!
Save Big on Shore Excursions
Shore excursions in Alaska can quickly become your biggest expense, with popular activities like helicopter glacier landings costing $500+ per person. Here’s how to enjoy amazing experiences for less:
Book with Third-Party Providers
Cruise line excursions typically charge a premium. Reputable third-party providers like Viator often offer identical experiences for 15-25% less. Just be sure to check reviews and allow plenty of buffer time to return to your ship!
Explore on Your Own
Many Alaska ports are perfectly suited for independent exploration:
- Ketchikan: Wander historic Creek Street, spot salmon in the creek, and visit the free Totem Heritage Center
- Juneau: Take the public shuttle ($15 round-trip versus $50+ for cruise line transfers) to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
- Skagway: The compact historic district is perfect for a self-guided walking tour—download a free app instead of paying for a guided experience
- Sitka: Explore Sitka National Historical Park’s totem trail and Russian historical sites on foot
Group Together
“We saved 30% on our whale watching tour by gathering eight people from our roll call group and booking directly with the operator,” shared one savvy cruiser in our community. Many excursion companies offer group discounts if you can round up fellow passengers.
Food and Drink Savings Strategies
Alaska ports have wonderful restaurants, but prices can shock even experienced travelers. Try these money-saving tips:
- Eat your main meals on the ship where your food is already included
- Pack protein bars, trail mix, and other dry snacks to bring ashore for quick energy boosts
- Bring a reusable water bottle to refill on the ship before heading to port
- Skip the drink package if you’re not a heavy drinker—Alaska’s incredible scenery is intoxicating enough!
Make the most of your ship’s included dining venues. Many cruise lines offer Alaska-themed menus featuring regional specialties like fresh salmon and crab that would cost a fortune in port restaurants.
Pack Smart to Avoid Onboard Purchases
Proper packing is essential for Alaska, forget something important, and you’ll pay inflated prices onboard or in port. Don’t forget these Alaska cruise essentials:
- Weather protection: Waterproof jacket, hat, and lightweight gloves (even in summer)
- Binoculars: Essential for wildlife spotting (and MUCH cheaper bought at home)
- Layers: Temperatures can vary dramatically, even within a single day
- Walking guides/apps: Download free walking tour apps for each port before your cruise
“I almost didn’t pack my gloves for our July cruise,” admits one group member. “Thank goodness I did! When we were glacier viewing early morning, my hands would have frozen without them.”
Maximize Glacier Viewing Days
The highlight of any Alaska cruise is scenic cruising through glacier areas like Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, or Tracy Arm Fjord. These experiences are included in your fare, so make the most of them:
- Arrive early for prime viewing spots on outer decks—bring a travel mug of coffee and stake your claim!
- Attend free enrichment talks by onboard naturalists to understand what you’re seeing
- Rotate viewing locations throughout the day for different perspectives without paying for a balcony
“We woke up at 5am on our Glacier Bay day,” shares a group member. “We got the best spots on the bow, and the crew even brought out complimentary hot chocolate. It was magical and didn’t cost an extra penny!”
Additional Money-Saving Tips
Consider Travel Insurance Wisely
Alaska’s remote nature makes travel insurance important, but shop around. Third-party policies often provide better coverage than cruise line policies at lower prices.
Set a Souvenir Budget
Alaska’s beautiful native art and crafts are tempting! Set a souvenir budget before you go, and consider meaningful mementos like photos or small handcrafted items rather than large, expensive pieces.
Take Your Own Photos
Cruise ships heavily promote their professional photography packages, but Alaska’s stunning scenery looks amazing even in amateur photos. Save hundreds by capturing your own memories!
Use Credit Card Points
Many cruisers use travel reward credit cards throughout the year, then apply those points toward their Alaska cruise. Some cards also offer cruise-specific bonuses or onboard credit.
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Final Thoughts on Alaska Cruise Savings
An Alaska cruise doesn’t have to drain your savings account with thoughtful planning and smart choices. By timing your trip strategically, choosing accommodations wisely, and making informed decisions about excursions and onboard spending, you can experience the magic of Alaska while keeping your budget intact.
Remember that some experiences are worth splurging on. Maybe you’ll save on your cabin to afford that once-in-a-lifetime helicopter landing on Mendenhall Glacier. Or perhaps you’ll explore ports independently but invest in an amazing whale watching tour. It’s all about prioritizing what matters most to you!
Have you cruised to Alaska? What money-saving tips would you add to this list? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
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