10 Alaska Cruise Tips and Tricks - What We Wish We Knew Before Sailing to Alaska!

[@denjacqpaulsen626]

No exaggeration, I have watched easily over 200 videos on Alaska cruising. This is the best one yet. Great job!

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

That means so much to us. We hope you find it valuable, but at this point you're probably an expert!

[@denjacqpaulsen626]

@@ThisHappyPlaceTravel The big difference was you hit points others didn't even mention. So many of the others was just regurgitating the same info. Great stuff here and we are now fans!

[@triciag3311]

We've had our cruise booked since 2022, and it will finally be here in 21 days! My husband, son, and I have watched a lot of your videos and they've been very helpful. This is our first cruise. I'm really happy to hear you saw so many whales! That is one of my biggest reasons for wanting to visit Alaska. 😊

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

That is so exciting! Thanks for sticking with us this long. We hope some of our tips come in handy for you soon. Have a wonderful cruise!!

[@lenorawallace6094]

I loved Alaska too!! We go again May 23, 2024 and I cannot wait. We are bringing family this time. Thanks for your tips!

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

How wonderful! We hope it leaves as much an impression on everyone as it did on us. Have a great cruise!

[@ljb6343]

I’m still looking which is the best cruise ship to go on? I’m so confused lol ! I’ve watched maybe 30 videos and pros and cons aaaggghhhh😳

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

@@ljb6343 This is so much personal preference, it's hard to answer. The thing with Alaska is you'll hopefully not be spending a TON of time on the ship. So I'd look into prices and itineraries first, narrow it down to those and THEN decide which ship you like the looks of best!

[@jeffeisenberg4743]

Thank you for the great video, we are going on Royal Princess in Aug land and cruise we are excited. Thank you for your experience and your silliness with your bloopers! Best Jeff & Sandy Brooklyn NY

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Have the BEST trip!!

[@atomicrancher3745]

I did back to back Alaska cruises. A week on NCL Bliss which returned on Saturday to Seattle and next day I got on Encore for another week. Slightly different itinerary but I enjoyed it all. I travelled inside cabins to keep it affordable. Balcony cabins are SO overpriced during summer but fine if you want to overpay.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

With that much time in Alaska I'm sure there was plenty of opportunity to take advantage of the Observation Lounge and other public spaces on those ships. Those views are what make an Alaska trip so breathtaking for us, wherever you get them!

[@glimmering_shimmering_travel]

Perfect timing! I’m leaving on Thursday for my Alaskan cruise. Now running out to get good binoculars! ❤

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Nice! And what an excellent time of year to go too. Have a wonderful cruise!

[@davidkolarik-yj8up]

We went a few years ago and we loved it. We’re going back next year in May.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Fantastic! Kudos for getting it booked so far out too. Always a good feeling knowing you've got another adventure to look forward to!

[@ReeceS6419]

Great video! I'm psyched about my first cruise to Alaska! My husband was never interested in cruises, but came on board (ha) for this one since we will soon celebrate 40 years of marital bliss! 🥂

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Bonus points for the pun. And thats incredible! What a wonderful way to celebrate! 🍾 🥂 🎉

[@skyward12345]

Great tips! Going next Saturday on May 11 on Discovery Princess with family and friends. Been booked since July, even before first cruise ever last December. It’s finally here!

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

So close!!! We hope you have a wonderful cruise! No doubt it's going to leave you with some incredible memories.

[@jhollie8196]

Sailing on HAL for another adventure back to Alaska in Aug 2024. We always get a Neptune Suite, aft or midship and enjoy the sights from our room. Thanks for sharing.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Sounds marvelous!! Enjoy the cruise! We can't wait to get back to Alaska ourselves.

[@debraadams2548]

Have taken the NY to Bermuda 2x pre-Covid and Alaska this summer/June. Thank you for getting me totally pumped up and super excited.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

How exciting! Have the best time!

[@stevenbarnes8238]

We ctuised on the Norwegian pearl in 2011 and had a great time!. We went in mid may on the second cruise of the year. If you can afford it get a balcony, you will not regret it.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Can't agree more! Such breathtaking views from the relative isolation and comfort of your own space!

[@ellybea68]

Jet lag! Try flying from Australia! We’re cruising NCL right at the end of the season in 2024. Can’t wait!

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Oh my gosh! I can't even imagine!!! So worth it though - have a fabulous trip!

[@va4life398]

I'm sailing on the NCL Encore to Alaska in a few months! (2024) I'm super excited!

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Have a wonderful cruise! It's certainly a memorable destination.

[@whoooami2090]

We may be on the same cruise😂

[@robertk4552]

Our first Alaskan cruise is coming up in June. 14 days on the Royal Princess. We are planned to arrive 3 days before in Vancouver. We fly out exactly 1 month from today. Thanks for the tips.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Wow 14 days!! So much opportunity to take in everything the Alaskan ports have to offer. Sounds like an incredible trip. Enjoy!

[@jimbarr3143]

Thanks

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Jim you're too kind. Thank you! Hope this video helps if you ever find yourself on that Alaskan cruise on the Wonder!

[@tacrewgirl]

The passport thing is only an issue for Skagway and Haines, where the nearest commercial airport is in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. Otherwise, there are domestic airports that service Seattle in Juneau, Ketchikan, Gustavus, Sitka, Wrangell, Petersburg, Cordova, and Yakutat.

[@kathleenjimenez8968]

We’re leaving on May 31st on Celebrity. Have done Alaska before and loved it. I’m glad I know Norwegian doesn’t go in to Ketchikan any longer because I know I will do Alaska again and Ketchikan was my favorite town before.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

So soon! It's always exciting when you can say "I'm going on a cruise this month!". Enjoy the trip! We can't wait to get back to Alaska some day.

[@Controversialcruising]

Honestly great video guys, new sub here found y’all popping around looking for Alaska content because I am going back back to Alaska Alaska! lol In one weeks time this was a great brush up and reminder video for even me!

[@Controversialcruising]

We Barely made it back 😂😂😂

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

So glad you found it helpful and very jealous that you're headed back to Alaska! Have a wonderful trip!

[@stevenbarnes8238]

We stayed in seattle for a few days to avoid jet lag but again, if you can afford to do so.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

We stayed in Seattle one night and the worst of it was definitely our departure day. So thankfully we were able to get that out of our system before the cruise really began!

[@yintam2664]

Thank you for sharing!

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Our pleasure! Hope it helps if you ever find yourself cruising to Alaska!

[@lindaguida4074]

July 1st celebrating our anniversary

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

It's almost here!! Have a fantastic Cruise and happy Anniversary!

[@GhettoGirlTravels]

In cases of extreme emergency where more comprehensive facilities are required, patients are referred to shoreside facilities. There’s a hospital in Juneau (Bartlett Regional Hospital), Sitka (Edgecumbe Medical Center) in Ketchikan ( PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center), plus you should have signed up for the medical coverage.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Short term medical coverage (insurance?) plans through a cruise line aren't something we've heard of before. Please elaborate. The medical facilities on board do seem quite capable, but the tip was more about making sure you have your travel documents and existing insurance in order should you need to use an unfamiliar medical facility on shore. Naturally there will be differences depending on a traveller's Country of origin vs. Country where treatment is received.

[@willstegall2527]

Great video. We are cruising to Alaska in June.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Wonderful! Such a great time of year to go. Have a great cruise!

[@nancyannesunboxings]

Very helpful video - thank you! It sounds like Alaska is about as difficult to describe as the Grand Canyon.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

It definitely was an awe inspiring experience! Neither of us have been to the Grand Canyon so we'll add it to the travel list!

[@nancyannesunboxings]

@ThisHappyPlace_ It is, by and far, the most beautifully mind-blowing thing I've ever seen.

[@genericalaskanexplorer4470]

I recommend if you want to take photos and are willing to buy a first camera or get into photography. To go with the rebel t7 or the rebel t8 they're very beginner friendly DSLR cameras and even though the t8 is the upgraded version from the t7. The rebel t7 is still a very good camera and comes with a little bit better lens package then the t8 does but the t8 does come with a camera lens.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

This is such good advice!

[@monikaliebold4225]

Thanks for the video. I will be on Norwegian Jewel in October 2024 for 9 days and maybe directly afterwards on Bliss again Alaska (depends on offer of my Norwegian PVP). I have booked October because there are only 4 rainy days in average. Colder temperatures doesn't bother me, but I don't like to be a "rainy" person. Btw nice side effect: Cruising in October is much more cheaper. Also excursions are less costly. I don't care if some shops might be closed. I prefer visiting ports when they are much more less crowded and that will be the case in October. Whale watching is on my excursion list for just to see maybe some Orcas (but they might be already gone). If not, it's okay for me, that's nature. And I'm lucky and thankful at all, because I do have always chance to see other kinds of whales. Humpback whale mummies with their in South Pacific new born babies pass by every year out of reef at our lagoon from July to October. But to see Orcas on Alaska, would be also great. Greetings from Moorea (sister island of Tahiti) 🌴 🏖 😎 🇵🇫 🇫🇷 🇪🇺 in French-Polynesia

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Wow, thanks for sharing your travel plans! That sounds like a wonderful couple of trips. Hope you get to see some Orcas, but no matter what you're going to see some very memorable sights!

[@allisonvandiepen8052]

Helpful tips!!

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Hope they come in handy if you find yourself cruising to Alaska soon!! Happy travels!

[@judyklock7597]

Great video! We’re sailing on the NCL Bliss in July. Bringing son, DIL & grandkids ages 9 & 13. The excursions are SO expensive. Would we be ok just walking around the ports?

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Sounds like a wonderful trip! Your experience in the ports depends on what you're looking for and how adventurous everyone is willing to be. You can research local excursion options or other experiences that will likely be less than what is offered through the cruise, but those don't carry the same guarantees. So the amount of time the ship spends in each port and length of activity is also a factor to consider. It may be worth it to find one excursion that everyone will enjoy together on a longer port day, and leave the other days up to individual preference and exploration. No matter what, it's vacation in ALASKA. It's going to be memorable!

[@KathyJessica]

My son and I are doing a trip in July, thanks for the tips, Ill be watching other videos Im in PA as well just northeast

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Howdy neighbor! Hope you have a wonderful cruise! Take lots of pictures. It's awe inspiring.

[@thefozzybear]

12:30 Buy $1200 binoculars. $100 binoculars won't cut it.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Not sure my eyes can see well enough to make THAT worth it. But you certainly won't regret having a quality pair.

[@rowanmulvey8632]

Ummmm .....most cruise companies have blankets available. Your steward will bring them to your cabin or you can pick them up on the Lido deck.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Very true as well! For the convenience of being able to carry one around with us in our camera bag for whenever we wanted to spend time on the deck, we found a small fleece to be just about perfect.

[@ljb6343]

Fishing limits are serious everywhere.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

No doubt. Nothing to mess in Alaska, at least for the ones making a business out of it.

[@bigguy1403]

Its really not a good idea to take your passport with you in Alaska. If things go bad you call the # on your cruise compass and the authorities will contact the ship who will go into your room and retrieve your passport for you. The odds that something will go wrong is very small but the odds of you loosing your passport in Alaska going in an out of your bag is high so leave it in your room. Your in Alaska not Russia don't worry about not getting home even if the ship leaves without you the airport security TSA will get you on a flight with your drivers license it'll take you about 45 min of paperwork to board the plane.

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

I think we can agree to disagree on this one 😊

[@bigguy1403]

@@ThisHappyPlaceTravel done

[@bigguy1403]

@@ThisHappyPlaceTravel great video

[@lethamurray3536]

Wow, i thought this was going to be an up-to-date cruise! Not sure if this was a repost, but disappointed!

[@ThisHappyPlaceTravel]

Sorry to hear that. We pick tips and recommendations that apply any time. So if you find yourself cruising to Alaska soon you'll have to let us know if anything no longer applies!