Alaska Cruise Guide: 10 Things I Wish I Knew

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In our JJ Cruise News today, just like the World’s Biggest Cruise Ship Icon of the Seas Cruise did in 2024, we sailed on our First Alaska Cruise and our second and our third Cruise and now I want to share my cruise review of our Alaska Cruise 2024! We share our First Impressions of our Alaska Cruise onboard the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Ships 2024! I share money saving tips as well as general Alaska Cruise Tips as well as tell you what I wish I knew on my first Alaska Cruise 2024!
In the cruise news latest, join us as we chat through this cruise news today. The latest cruise news we are bringing is all about our first Alaska Cruise Full Review including New Things we have experienced on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Ships and what we wish we would have known. This latest cruise news proves Alaska cruises 2024 are full of interesting experiences that are unique to Alaska cruises first impressions review include people onboard, demographics as well as age range, family cruisers, overall vibe onboard, views, food and dining experiences as well as excursion comparisons, new activities as well as favorite cruise activities, Alaskan wildlife, WiFi connection onboard, pool deck and outdoor activities, weather, time changes, Alaska Cruise Packing Tips, money saving tips, and so much more! On Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s favorite cruise ship class for Alaska, there are so many things to do! Those things include Theatre, Specialty Restaurants, Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas Cruise Ship architecture, 270 lounge, indoor solarium, Casino, and Hot Tubs. Other venues onboard Ovation of the Seas and that are on the new Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Ship 2024 include 270 lounge, Chops Grill, Seaplex, Northstar, iFly, Izumi, Music Hall, and favorites such as Windjammer Buffet, Sorrentos, Cafe Promenade, and Boleros! Will Alaska Cruise Ships make cruise news headlines? What are your first impressions of Alaska Cruises 2024? We are talking about what this cruise ship news means for the major North American cruise lines, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Disney Cruise Line and how it ties into the US Cruise Industry.
We had the incredible opportunity to climb aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Adventure of the Seas FIRST sailing out of Nassau, Bahamas on June 12th, 2021. We were also onboard the FIRST sailing out of the US on Celebrity Edge on June 26th, 2021. Celebrity Cruise Lines was the first major North American cruise line that sailed from a North American port since March 2020. We were also on the first Carnival cruise out of Florida on July 4th Carnival Horizon sailing. We were on the Inaugural Season Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship maiden voyage sailing on July 31st! We were on one of the first Disney Cruise Line ships sailing out of the US on Disney Dream on August 20th, 2021! We were on one of the first Alaska sailings in 2021 on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas on August 27th, 2021! We are thrilled to be on these ships to bring you the latest cruise news and information about the future of the cruise industry in 2024.
Don't miss important information about upcoming Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, Disney Cruises, Virgin Voyages and Carnival Cruise Line cruises, and cruise news latest about the future of cruising.
Comment and tell us what you think! What are your honest thoughts - what are your thoughts on Alaska Cruises? Are you ready to book an Alaska Cruise?
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[@jasonpresley690]

In Ketchikan, when you get off the ship, get one of the red trolley tours. Do not book through the ship and ask them if they will take you in the backside of the bear preserve. It’s the most amazing experience.

[@kikky811]

Alaska cruise out of Vancouver was our fav cruise to date, which took me by huge surprise. We went end of May 2023 and next time would like to try the end of June to mid August time frame. We loved it so much and have been thinking about it ever since. All these tips are awesome! I would also just add to take the White Pass railway all the way up Yukon Canada if your cruise includes Skagway.

[@sherylvaillancourt446]

Been to Alaska, did the inside passage, did local excursions, best cruise ever.

[@moniquevann9950]

36 days and counting on the Discovery Princess 😁

[@Fakeaorta]

Victoria is great. I used to live in Port Angeles WA. and it was a 90 minute ferry ride to get there. Visited maybe 20 times and never got tired of the city.

[@melissablair3463]

Alaska is still on the bucket list

[@trbstang]

Do it! We'd planned to go for the past 20 years and finally did it last summer. We can't wait to go again now!

[@ninerjen1]

I enjoyed your video. Thanks. I have been to Alaska in May, June, August, and going Sept this year. There is always good food and wildlife to see with the beauty that is around in any month. Last year, after I went on an early excursion I went back to the ship and sat out by the pool, getting in and out, and watch the helicopters come and go. It was awesome. It has been an every year place for me right now. The best.

[@trbstang]

As for cash, we carried extra for tipping the excursion guides and I'm glad we did. They were so informative and entertaining that we tipped them very well, like $40-50, and we think we got a great deal. And our excursions were booked independent of the cruise line. They guaranteed returns or they would make sure we got to the next port, so check on that.

[@lcflngn]

Thank you so much, few folks will state how much they actually tip. I like to do above & beyond, so it’s great to know.

[@sueevans7172]

We totally agree. We book off the ship as much as possible. We are going again this summer and have only one ship excursion. We eat early dinner, go to the early show, and go to bed. Too much to see to stay in bed.

[@rickinnes]

You two do a great job - thank you . As a seasoned Alaska cruiser along with my wife , we like to depart out of Vancouver and return to Vancouver . We cruise late June as this gives us the longest day of light . We really appreciate the inside passage between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia. The scenery is beautiful and we usually make it partway up before it gets dark. Coming back we got a full day of the inside passage and its offers incredible views. There are several pods of Orcas that live in these waters and can be really close to the ship. You can also observe whales transiting. The other benefit is it’s completely calm no open ocean as you travel up and down the inside passage. Some of the best weather we have experienced has been late June . Glad we bring suntan lotion lol .

[@brianlindemuth7892]

I agree on the Canada stop, but the cruise lines make it really tough when some of them aren’t even pulling into port until late in the evening. One of the Princess cruises we were looking at for the summer has a scheduled stop in Victoria from 9pm to midnight. Not sure what you can do getting in that late.

[@AvivaHadas]

Pay attention to times in port… I’ve watched so many KZbin videos of people disappointed by their short time frame in ports, like Ketchikan especially if your ship ports in Ward Cove.

[@CarolynKerkla-yv1rf]

Agree with everything you covered, Jordan. Loved, loved the inside passage last year!

[@siobhanmcelwee7869]

Ex-Alaskan here. One of the very best places to spot whales is Auke Bay. I know there's a couple of ports that have whale watching excursions in that area. And if you plan on hiking or spending much time outdoors, do. not. forget. bug spray. The wimpy standard stuff only works so far. Bring out the hardcore stuff, preferably with DEET in it.

[@danburghardt5700]

Going to Alaska for the first time. Thanks for the tips. Very helpful.

[@redjanet17]

This is so useful, thank you!

[@edwardstrand165]

Thanks for the suggestions.. Take care

[@cydneystephen2814]

This is such a needed video as we will be on the Edge in July with MAS. Will be watching this again end of June. Thanks so much 🤗

[@Supermoni22]

I’ve been to Deckhand Dave’s!! I miss Alaska and the lovely fish! My mom and I had a great time! 😊

[@lillis887]

❤🎉3,2&1!! 🎉You nailed it!!!❤❤Thanks guys!!!❤

[@terrifromm5085]

Thank you for this video. We visited Alaska in 2014 and we are returning this June. I totally agree about eating the local food. We have a list of all the great places to eat and we can't wait to eat the Alaskan Fry bread and salmon and halibut.

[@Aroyaldmd]

As a year-round resident of the Great state of Alaska, and one who used to own her own wholesale distribution business that focused on our tourism. I couldn't agree more with what you say... especially dressing in layers, and bringing a rain coat. Thank you for touting our beautiful state.

[@argeanromano6803]

IM looking forward our alaska cruise this coming august. Thanks for sharing

[@johnsiska]

Thanks for the tips! My parents and I are sailing on the Brilliance of the Seas starting June 23rd! Inside passage is part of the itinerary. We are so excited for this cruise!

[@CruisingwithChooChoo]

I’ve done two Alaska cruises and loved both of them. If I lived in Vancouver or Seattle I would go to Alaska every year. It’s so awesome!! Your tips are great. I especially liked knowing that the best time to see orcas is in May/ June. I didn’t know that.

[@SipWatchTravel]

Thank you for the cash 💰 tip! (No pun intended). We went in September and I didn’t bring any cash. But I didn’t go to any craft stores, I will this time. I’m going in May (Celebrity in a presidential suite SO excited! We were in Royal suite last time). And yes! About the layers! … one thing to add: especially on an Alaskan cruise GET A BALCONY CABIN.

[@Clark30]

Great information.. We are going to Alaska in early May of this year.. Thanks

[@txpepito]

Great tips! I’m headed to Alaska in May!

[@Lovinlife0101]

Thanks for the shoot out to Canada. As a Canadian, I think Victoria and Vancouver are pretty darn great! Thanks once again for the wonderful tips on cruising Alaska. We were slated to go in 2020 but Covid happened.😢 We are definitely going to be rescheduling this trip maybe next year.

[@angelanorton9976]

Hi Jared and Jordan. Love the video and here’s a tip when you’re shopping in port ask the store if they can ship your items. I know the Tongass stores will ship and you can add to your shipment from any of the Tongass stores you may shop at when you are in port. This something I learned at the end my cruise but I was very happy not have to bring that all home on the plane. Also goto the Red Dog Saloon in Juneau and order a Duck Fart it’s really good if you drink alcohol.

[@juneyoung5503]

Great top ten tips

[@tatyanadarius4017]

Thank you for chairing. We are going to Alaska next month. July -August… can’t wait to go. I have been in Vancouver, but Victoria looking forward😁

[@The_NancyDee]

Great Alaskan cruise tips! As someone who has cruised Alaska (even more times than you guys), I enjoyed it and agreed with your suggestions. The only thing I might add is to remember your bathing suit. Even though it is cold, there are hot tubs, the Solarium, and spa. I have encountered people who didn't think to bring a bathing suit. (And I really enjoyed the video of the bear getting hit in the head with a fish! 😂)

[@bethsher202]

Something no one mentioned to us and we were shocked with was the mosquitos!!! We went last week of June into July. We were totally bitten up and had to go get bug spray

[@justsayingforafriend7010]

Bring a warm coat. That's all you need to know.

[@lindagonzalez4612]

One of the most interesting and different excursions I went on was to Kroschel Wildlife Center in Haines. We accessed it from Skagway.

[@SunnyTravels]

Nice video. Nice pace.

[@janisfalk]

Going August 30. Excited for this trip. Boarding ship in Vancouver.

[@scottmiller7779]

Another note related to ships sailing the inside passage. Almost all sailings from Seattle will not sail through the lower portion, which is the most scenic. If you want to sail the inside passage you almost always need to sail from Vancouver - either one way or round trip and choose a ship under 100K GRT - the larger ships the Princess Royal Class must go west of Vancouver island for safety reasons.

[@trbstang]

Thanks! We did a round trip from Seattle and are thinking about going out of Vancouver next time, so this is great info!

[@QueenKayKay47]

Is Endicott Arms considered inside passage?

[@Noeline999]

Thanks for this tip . I'm an Aussie and looking at cruises and tossing up between Vancouver and Seattle.

[@trbstang]

Thanks again! We just booked another cruise, Whittier to Vancouver on the Grand Princess so hopefully it goes through the lower part. Can't wait!

[@trbstang]

@@Noeline999 we did Seattle round trip last year which was great for 7 days, so this year we are going from Whittier(Anchorage) to Vancouver. We are flying into Fairbanks several days earlier so we can take the train through Denali national park, down to Anchorage, and then go to the port. My wife is almost more excited about the train tour than the cruise!

[@102810281028nl]

100% Deck hand Dave’s is the best.

[@southerncaladygolfer8651]

Great information. On our first Alaska cruise we had rain and cold every day and it was the first week of August. I brought one pair of jeans for both of us….we are Californians and it was mid summer 🤷‍♀️…. I ended up having to use a blow dryer every night to dry our jeans!

[@tinaduncan72]

Hi, I enjoyed your vlog. Good information. on my trip to Alaska, I didn't know that the ship had no heat because it was a ship used in the caribbean so you had to wear rope in bed to stay warm.

[@arleenwallace3550]

I did Alaska last July and it was gorgeous. I’ve booked a 22 day, 14 port cruise on the Ruby Princess for June, 2025. I’m so excited to re-visit Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria plus the other ports being offered. I love your advice about off ship excursions and local food trucks. I went to Red Dog and I’m going back for more. I didn’t have good walking shoes and will make them a priority. Any recommendations are welcome 🙏

[@genageeraert8039]

I live in BC Canada and Victoria is beautiful.

[@LadyDee150]

Great tips! Thank you❤ We went in April and didn't see any animals, fish or birds except for one bald eagle☹ As you said we should have gone during the summer months because we really wanted to see lots of flora and fauna.

[@carljohnson6434]

I worry about not getting back to the ship in time. We only book through the cruise line for a piece of mind.

[@wheretonext2897]

Same here

[@lindastover9541]

Great video ❤❤❤❤

[@joanevans3872]

Thank you both for the tips. as I'm doing an Alaska Cruise in September 2024 on Royal Caribeen my first and I really appreciated your tips, I havnt booked any excursions, as theey are ricululouly expensvie, I mean from $500 tp $1200 AUD ... think I'll just enjoy the ports of call ...than kyou xxxxx

[@Noeline999]

Aussie here. Those prices are crazy for tours! Our dollar is so poor at the moment (except against the Yen). Do you mind if I ask how much this trip is costing per person?

[@SipWatchTravel]

I’ve only been to Alaska in September. I am now going next month. Do you think it’ll be warm enough for miniskirts/shorts?

[@carinolsson5544]

What about going to Denali? (Cruise tour)?

[@tomkc516]

What about cruise ships? Which lines are the best?

[@ksw8415]

I don’t know. You might have sold me on an Alaskan cruise. I have resisted for years. Will let you know.

[@jonesyokc]

May of 2025 will be my first Alaska cruise. I am really looking forward to this. I am just not a warm weather person and I think that has set my Caribbean cruises up to be failures for me. I love the cold. I love nature. I think this is the right type of vacation for me. Our last stop is in Victoria. I've booked a long carriage ride that night. I do plan on trying the local food in Alaska. I am getting mixed messages about the king crabs. Are they being sourced locally? Are they fresh? I'm finding too much that talks about a farming ban and that the crabs might be imported from somewhere else. I don't want to try them if the population is that badly stressed.

[@aquarius1359]

May I ask how much the helicopter and dog sledding excursions through Royal Caribbean cost please? Am reluctant to book a cruuse only to realize these excursions are beyond my budget.

[@Ednabug]

Is there regular cell service on the ship or do we need wifi?

[@trbstang]

We have Verizon and it worked in port, but was sloooow. We didn't bother with the wifi Internet on the ship because we were going to 4 ports and didn't feel like we needed to be connected all the time. We left it in airplane mode while traveling to be safe.

[@incantations446]

Who else watched this three times 😅

[@PJL7095]

Also… get a balcony & make sure it’s on the port (left) side of the ship

[@Ken-ck9wc]

oh this is the side we have for our August cruise. I was worried that it would be the bad side to view things!

[@PJL7095]

@@Ken-ck9wc I guess it depends really on which way your heading lol so ignore my (poor) advice. We left from Anchorage heading to Seattle so for that you want left side for viewing of inner passage

[@trbstang]

It certainly depends on the route. We sailed from Seattle to Juneau and Skagway and our balcony was on the starboard -right side of the ship. We had great views on the way up there, but had sea views much of the way back.

[@pamelabrauer9450]

Actually, for our three cruises to Alaska, we booked an aft veranda and it was perfect. I would be hard pressed to book any other type of cabin.

[@Noeline999]

Aargh.. I wish our Aussie dollar was better against the American dollar

[@thomas-xj1hs]

Memorial Day to Labor Day: Is this some American term?? Can you givre the actual months please?

[@JJCruise]

End of May to end of August. Sorry about that, yes those are holidays in the US.

[@thomas-xj1hs]

Many thanks; great video!

[@thefamouseugenekrabs]

Are you guys going in 2026?

[@sjrryan]

As all gay cruisers say “we could not recommend enjoying the inside passage on your cruise” , maybe try a little bit more lubricant next time! 😂😅🥹😀😃😄