Our Alaska Cruise - 6 Things That SHOCKED Us: Our Lessons Learned

We just got back from our Alaska cruise. We had a great time. However, there were some things that really surprised us! In this video we share 6 things we learned and share some tips on what you should do to prepare for your Alaska cruise. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below!
Want more ALASKA videos? Check out our Alaska playlist! • Our Alaska Cruise - 6 ...
Like our video? Please feel free to share it with your friends and facebook groups!
Our FREE CRUISE PLANNING GUIDE: thetravelscout...
Our FREE MARDI GRAS CABIN PLANNING GUIDE: thetravelscout...
Let us HELP YOU BOOK YOUR NEXT CRUISE! Email us at [e-mail]
🚢Get ready for your next cruise!🚢
Get some awesome CRUISE MERCH: amzn.to/3d6HnaN
Check out our CRUISE NICE TO HAVES LIST: amzn.to/3vQzso1
👦A little about us!👧
Hi! We are Jason and Kellie! We've been married 22 years. We have four awesome children! We were both Army officers! We love Jesus! And, we love life! Travelling the world is what we do! One of the best ways to do that is by ship! Our passion is to give you the best tips, tours, and money saving techniques available! We hope you will subscribe and take the journey with us!
💙Let's be friends!💙
FACEBOOK PRIVATE GROUP: / travelandcruise
FACEBOOK: / thetravelscouts
😎Let us help you book your next cruise😎
Email us for more information: [e-mail] or visit www.thetravelscouts.com

[@HJWhitehall]

My advice if you're planning an Alaskan cruise... 1. DON'T GO IN THE SPRING! I am from the Seattle area and spring is "usually" the PNW, Pacific Coastal Canada, and Alaska's wet season. Best to book your AK Vacay in late summer or after the 4th of July. 2. Plan for a late Summer adventure to AK. The weather becomes dryer and the sun is on its way back south, making AK darker at night. Perfect for star gazing and possible auroras, from mid July to September. However, if you're looking for "Land of the Midnight Sun" and being chilled to the bone in soggy weather, then spring and early summer are perfect for this type of experience. Just remember to bring something to cover your eyes while you try to sleep in your windowed cabin. Remember, the farther north you go, the days become longer in the late spring and early summer months. 3. It's always best to pack for the cooler temps. Especially if you're from hot climates. It's not uncommon to see 30 degrees or cooler in the summer in the mornings. The temperature will change dramatically throughout the day. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and pleasant evenings may make packing a challenge. Pack a little bit of everything or buy a sweatshirt with a Cosalish Native American art to show off you survived an Alaskan Cruise. 4. BUGS, and Wildlife Yes, AK has mosquitos! They are big, they bite and they could make going on a land excursion unpleasant. Lemongrass oil is good, but it is best to bring what is good for your body. Mosquitos can not see light-colored clothing. Wear natural tight-fitting fabrics that cover your arms, legs, neck, and ankles. When bitten, it will happen, alcohol pads work wonders at keeping the itch from becoming too unbearable. Pack a box of those babies in your travel bag. When it comes to the wildlife, please be respectful. Watch for the local updates on wildlife activity in the areas you will be visiting and please keep a safe distance from bears, moose, whales, and anything that is bigger, faster, and wilder than you. Leave no trace, keep memories with photos. Learn how to photograph animals from a safe distance with you in the photo to show your friends on social media. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Enjoy Alaska and Canada with your cruise line.

[@TheTravelScouts]

Excellent tips! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this! I hope it helps lots of people!

[@HJWhitehall]

@@TheTravelScouts I love your videos. Keep on traveling the open seas and roads with your KZbin vlogs.

[@shelet2000]

I completely disagree with you Heather Whitehall. May and early June are the BEST times to do Alaska! I've cruised Alaska several times and the EARLIER in the season you go, the better! May is Humpback whale mating season. You willl see them all around the ship and won't have to pay for a whale watching excursion because they are literally EVERYWHERE then, breaching the water and trying to find their mate. By the Summer, the whales know what the ships are and they know to hide. The wildlife is also waking from hibernation in the Spring so you will see more animals along the shoreline as they waken from hibernation and forage for food all along the waters edge. You need only to look along the shore as you cruise the inside passage...go later in the season and the animals have run off into the forest. In the Summer months, the snowcaps have melted off the mountain tops so your photos aren't as pretty against the blue skies as your pictures will be in May and early June. The mountain tops will just look green and you want to talk about Rainy Season? That comes in late July and August in Alaska, when it rains SIDEWAYS. We weren't able to go on any of our excursions when we sailed for our anniversary in August one year as it poured buckets every day. They wouldn't even take out the dogsleds. :( I don't know about Seattle, but it's DRY season in Alaska in May and June. Why do you think they are having all of those landslides there right now? It's because of all of the wet weather!! It's RAINY SEASON THERE NOW! It may be a bit cooler in temperature in the Spring, but you are only looking at 60's, not freezing and could even hit low 70's in May and June. So if you are from places like New England, or Chicago, this is your weather! Bring a light hoodie, and you'll be fine, and trust me, for the wildllife and scenery you'll see, it's worth it! Alaska is expensive so you want to maximize your money! Go as soon as the ships start sailing there! Don't wait! You will see many more animals, have better weather and get more bang for your buck!

[@markmccoy3369]

We went in May, and it was the best weather that Alaska has had in decades. We rarely needed anything more than a jacket, and it never rained. We count ourselves extra fortunate for that.

[@alaskachick7315]

I'm in Valdez, AK. Spring is usually wet but June and early July are sunny. If you're planning to visit Anchorage, Homer, Seward, Cordova or Valdez I would recommend this time frame but do not expect air conditioning. If you don't mind having warm temps and are happy with a fan, you'll have a great time. After mid-July, we have rain almost every day and the temps drop. We've been in the mid-50's F for the last four weeks now which is normal. A random tip: many Alaskan towns do not have fireworks displays on the Fourth of July. Anchorage does but the smaller towns do not. Since it doesn't get dark until about 2 a.m. and no parent wants to keep their little ones up that late to watch fireworks, we don't do it. We have our big displays on New Year's Eve at 9 p.m. It's plenty dark then.

[@lisamorice4701]

We're just arrived home (to Australia) from our first Alaskan cruise. We sailed right at the start of the season, departing April 27th. I had read that May is Alaska's driest month and it did not disappoint. We had NO rain during the day and brilliant, clear skies most days, including Glacier Bay. The mornings were cool but the afternoons quite warm. We walked about Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan with no need for umbrellas or rain wear. They were fantastic days and going early meant that most days we were the only ship there. Loved that! We saw many eagles, sea otters and some humpback whales on a shore excursion. Even if it had rained we went prepared.

[@phyllist118]

We went in May too. It rained once but it was at night while we were sleeping. We have friends who went in early September and they said they ran into rain or fog for most of it, so didn't see much while on the ship.

[@pearl729]

We went from May 18-25, and weather was nice, too. The disposable rain ponchos remained unopened so I put them up on buy nothing group once we got home.

[@bsn2ndsflatdavis378]

I went in May too . In Skagway it was nice and warm , but they had the heater going on the train ride . I got hot and had to step out between the cars. Otherwise loved that scenic ride.

[@rayhill5767]

Good to know. Going again next May. Went in august last time. Was still nice but I wanted snow on the mountains.

[@chuckoneill2023]

The time zone change was something we prepared for --- we flew into Seattle three days ahead of time, in order to adjust. I recognize that not everyone can do that, but no one should ever fly in on embarkation day. We also prepared for the rain, with extra clothes and umbrellas.

[@maryalice578]

We got back from Alaska on June 17. It was amazing. I have to say that all the things you mentioned we already knew from our research. We had weather between the thirties to the seventies. Oh and Alaska is a RAINFOREST. We got two sunny days and felt very fortunate.

[@kaydickey9239]

We also got back on June 17th. We had a range of weather but we still had a great time.

[@2158Donovan]

We took our Alaskan cruise on the Ruby Princess from June 19 -29 and it was the best trip I've ever taken!

[@charlespeters1480]

We cruised from June 25th to July 2nd and only had rain one night. It was sunny and hot (first four days were in the 80s every day). People were using the ships pool evey day all day. The lowest temperatures we saw was in the upper 40s a couple of nights near the end of the cruise.

[@bobmoyer8569]

In Alaska a 70 degrees day, that swimsuit weather.

[@bettablue2660]

It amazing how many people don’t know that

[@robertmizel137]

Lol, I lived in Juneau Alaska as a kid and if you didn't play outside in the rain, you didn't play outside.

[@TheTravelScouts]

Lol...I wish someone would have told us this before we went!🌧☂️

[@robertmizel137]

@@TheTravelScouts Well now all the smart people who subscribe to your channel will be prepared!

[@BobbiGail]

Same with Northwest Washington State. Rain means almost nothing. Storm? That might make a difference...

[@amandao266]

Oregon too!

[@kcody5646]

@@TheTravelScouts really? Sounds like you thought alaska has Caribbean sunshine? Dont you do research about your destinations, no matter where it is? Duh

[@KenMac-ui2vb]

Last year, four of us went to Glen Arbor, MI in late October. As I sat in our condo and checked the weather for our first kayak trip scheduled for 7am, I freaked out. 40 degrees and rain... All day... I told the other 3 I was stunned we were still going to attack the Platt River in what to me was INSANE weather. Guess what? BEST Kayak run I have EVER TAKEN. The memories and fun we had that day are still unmatched. I learned a lot that day and the most important is DON'T LET THE WEATHER DICTATE your fun... !!

[@collins5038]

Years ago our cruise to Alaska was in the month of June…it was cloudy, rainy, and cold. Our family had a wonderful time. It did not change the vibe of our experience one bit.

[@LivvyAlexW]

That’s my kind of vibe. Cold and rainy

[@brianjones9898]

We did an Alaska cruise out of Seattle in mid May on Norwegian Bliss and found the weather to be quite good. Two tips I’d add to your solid list are: 1. The stops in port are brief, so get off the boat and get to your excursion quickly. 2. Bring your ID with you coming off the boat. The cruise line made it sound like we just needed our cruise pass card to reboard after our excursions, but learned that the port security in Ketchikan will insist on seeing a photo ID from at least one member of your party to enter the port area.

[@TheTravelScouts]

Great tips Brian! Thanks for sharing!

[@mayurramchandani99]

hey brian! I am planning my cruise and i am confused which cruise line to take? I am inclined towards Norwegian Bliss, but what made you choose that? i am comparing celebrity cruises

[@monabiehl6213]

My mother grew up in Juneau and she told me there is about a two week time where the weather is nice, just before school is out. School in Alaska usually ends in late May or early June, so around May 20 is a good time to go. Southeastern Alaska makes Seattle look like a desert.

[@mecmaneen]

We are sailing on the Bliss to Alaska 10/14. Part of our price was flights and, of course, they're flying in (from East Coast) on embarkation Day. We are terribly concerned as there are 10 of us in the party😱

[@e.m.6158]

​@mecmaneen if you booked through the cruise line- from what I understand that's not a huge issue-- they'll wait for you if the delays aren't too bad. I was planning an Alaskan cruise for my hubby's 60th birthday and every single vlog that I've ever watched says don't fly in on embarkation day. There's too many moving parts that can go wrong, and too much worrying. Look-- you're worried already, and it's still months away. I was just looking at flying in the night before, just to be safe. I don't want to spend a week in Seattle as a "gift!!" Lolol!!

[@arosenweig]

I went in August about 20 years ago and had a blast! Also, if you don’t live within driving distance of the port of embarkation, please fly in at least a day early to avoid missing the ship.

[@amtrakbisoneagleprincess4575]

For optics, I highly recommend Vortex binoculars! Great value for the high quality of the binocs. Best part is they come with an unconditional lifetime warranty. You will pay more than the average box store binocs, but once you buy these, you will never need to buy another pair again.

[@shelleysearle8671]

My husband and I have been to Alaska twice (both times in Holland America!) and we were there in September both times. Not one rainy day! We were able to climb around on Mendenhall glacier and had a blast. I would suggest that if you don’t want your cruise to be filled with kids, which we didn’t, take Holland America!

[@kimtrinh4811]

I did too with Holland America , and will go again in this last week of September

[@SharonPerson-hm9ds]

@shelleysearle8671 Our trips to Alaska were always on Celebrity in July and August, and there very few small children on any of the five cruises.

[@anns1921]

I'm going on Holland America Sept of 2025. I live in the Pacific NW so rain is never an issue for me. I already know it's going to be amazing... can't wait!!!

[@rksnj6797]

I live in Ketchikan and yes we get a lot of rain! When coming to town, it's always good to have lightweight raingear. Dress in layers and have a small backpack so you can remove or add layers to compensate for any changes in the weather. There should be no problems seeing Bald Eagles around town.

[@lindajohnson1873]

I absolutely love the rain, so an Alaskan cruise is perfect for me!! Can’t wait to sail soon.❤😊

[@anitas5817]

Me too!!

[@panthonymartinez7256]

Alaska was our very first cruise EVER !!!!! We did our cruise last August and could have not asked for better weather! We saw moisture one time and that was on the bus coming back from our dip into Canada. There was a lite drizzle for about thirty minutes. The rain stopped once we got to our picnic spot. The day I went salmon fishing was absolutely perfect !!!!! I caught eleven !!!! We did our second cruise in October around the UK and again had perfect weather. Highly recommend this cruise!!!!!!! WE ARE HOOKED!

[@49ersfarm43]

We're from NC and live in the UK. Long summer days, overcast skies, cool weather..we are used to this. In fact we have grown to appreciate the beauty of gray skies. No matter where we travel we ALWAYS check the climate, geography and weather. 'There is no bad weather, just bad clothing choices' Lol our motto! We can't wait for our cruise next June! Thanks for the tips!!

[@mrjones4249]

The UK reminded me of the Pacific Northwest.

[@SharonPerson-hm9ds]

That's a great motto! We were in London for a few days last July after a fabulous Scandinavian cruise - not a drop of rain, able to do a lot of walking, and exclusively used the Underground, which was close to our hotel near the Tower of London.

[@kevinspeed280]

We had the opposite experience with weather last September. We were prepared and packed for cold and rainy weather. Pleasant surprise when we had 5 straight sunny days with temps in the 70s. We wore shorts every day! It was even comfortable when we spent two hours ice climbing on Mendenhall Glacier. Had just one day of rain and still spent the day wandering around Ketchikan.

[@karmeg400]

Same, except we went in May. Weather was amazing and sunny every day. We also saw the most bald eagles in Juneau. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@lawannasimmons]

I’m fresh off of the Carnival Splendor (less than eight hours) and it was spiritually awakening. Thankful to God for (7) seven glorious days. I’m thinking about the second visit to Alaska (same time of this year) but choosing a different route. Why? Well there’s way more to see.

[@susancook1448]

That’s encouraging! We are going in September and hope we have the same luck. But being from TX we are prepared to take furry boots gloves parkas just in case

[@orlimariehernandez4295]

What days in September you went?

[@orlimariehernandez4295]

What days in September you went?

[@dianegard1621]

Completely different than my experience cruising May 29, 2022. We had sunshine and 70s every day but one of the cruise and our 4 days in Anchorage /Denali afterward. It rained at Hubbard Glacier and that was the only day where I used my puffy coat, hat and gloves. In Skagway it was 70s and sunny for our train excursion. I got sunburn in Glacier Bay,it was so sunny and beautiful and I was in shorts in Denali as well. I packed leggings, jeans, waterproof pants, shorts, swim suits, sundresses, long sleeve tops for dinner, windbreaker, puffy coat/hat and gloves. I used all of it! Look at the weather in advance and you should not be surprised. A waterproof jacket is a good item to pack just in case, I also had waterproof pants which I only needed once. I saw a handful of bald eagles the entire trip. Only 1 in Ketchikan. They are prevalent but you aren’t guaranteed to see them everywhere. We saw several in the trees leaving Seward for Anchorage and that was about it. They are not really found in Denali Park since the rivers are so silt laden, they don’t have much fish. Our excursions were cancelled when we got on board but we quickly rebooked and they were awesome. The perspective in this video is so different from our experience. I guess it goes to show be prepared for anything because you don’t know what you will get. Although do monitor the weather in advance. It’s how we knew to plan for warmer weather.

[@thenoeticskeptic5819]

This is why I did back-to-back seven-day Alaska cruises a year ago. with real bad weather for a port on some days on one cruise I had good weather for that port on the other.

[@kellycoleman715]

My late parents invited me on a last minute trip to SE Alaska several years ago. We went in early August and the weather was absolutely perfect. Most days were sunny and quite warm; around 80 degrees. The whales would lazily swim right up to our fishing boat. We could almost reach over and touch them! We fished in Icy Strait of Glacier Bay and stayed at a small fishing cabin with about three other families. The meals at night were fabulous. They had a large vegetable garden and the produce was about three times larger than we were accustomed to due to the much longer daylight hours of Summer. There were also wild strawberries growing EVERYWHERE! One day we took a cruise up to the calving glaciers and spotted several puffin birds, bald eagles, grizzlies and brown bears. We caught several salmon and halibut. The other side trip we made was in a float plane to Ketchikan. That was a bit scary but worth the flight. We had explored the Mendenhall glacier outside of Juneau the first day. My wife and I have wanted to take an Alaskan cruise for years. She’s never been. Maybe next year.

[@Komainu959]

I went in late August > First week of September way back in 2013. Top Tips- Check your excursions that you want to do. If you're booked shoulder May / September your Excursion may not even be running. For me a must do was Skagway- White Pass Rail- We got on the LAST train ride of the season. Spawning Salmon- This was an amazing thing to witness, times vary depending on port / species but July / August seems to be a sweet spot. We caught them in our August / September cruise at all ports we visited. Bring Layers / hat / sunscreen- Our trip was unusually HOT and Sunny. I live in Hawaii and I found it uncomfortable to sit outside in the direct sun in a few ports. Excursions can get incredibly expensive. Anything that goes in the air will approach 1K for a couple. But I mean, once in a life time for lots of people right.

[@KarliandTommytheBoxer9526]

A lot of people don’t know that: “Southeast Alaska lies at the heart of the North American temperate rainforest - a forest that extends in a narrow 2,500-mile coastal strip from northern California, along coastal British Columbia, and to the eastern edge of the Kodiak archipelago in southcentral Alaska.” And that’s why is rains. I had no idea until I went in 2021.

[@just-another-face-in-the-crowd]

I live just outside of Seattle...I can attest that Bald Eagles are everywhere around here too. They even sit in the big fir trees by our house in the suburbs, we see dozens of them on our walks by Lake Washington. We were in the Olympic Peninsula a couple weeks ago and on 1 beach near a popular marina there were dozens sitting on the beach...they are majestic, it never gets old.

[@sherrymejia5759]

We were there May 2023 ! No surprises , everything was wonderful, Beautiful weather !! Even if it rained every day I would have still loved it ! Bald Eagles are everywhere there , always .. they call it the last frontier and there’s a reason for that- just gorgeous

[@onceuponacruise]

Went to Alaska on a cruise in early/mid June 2000 for the first time. My ex who had lived in Alaska…including in Ketchikan made sure to tell me what to pack. We were thankfully quite comfortable. Also, it depends on the time of year for daylight. When we went, it wasn’t full daylight, yet. That typically starts around summer solstice. We went again in May 2015 and made sure to check average temps, etc. We had gorgeous days in the 60’s and low 70’s. The locals said it was fairly unusual but we were thankful for it. We were very comfy in jeans and tees. We brought an umbrella and rain jackets as well. Both came in super handy.

[@magdalenakimmel9508]

My husband and I went on an Alaska cruise in July 2018 for our 25th anniversary. My two biggest shocks were the rain (pretty much every day) and the cold ( pretty much upper 40’s low 50’s every day). Our first port of call was Ketchikan, where we immediately purchased warmer jackets! Hope to someday get back to this amazing place!

[@monabiehl6213]

My friend and I took a cruise in late May and it was around 60. Several years ago I was on a cruise and it was about 70. You never know. Another time, it was really cold.

[@twp3]

Alaska is a very popular cruise for people, I've checked in many people who are going on their tenth Alaskan cruise and at least 1 person who was going on his 20th Alaskan cruise. Had one couple who this year went on a pair of back-to-back cruises on a pair of Saturdays, came back after those 2, spent the night in Seattle and then went on a pair of back-to-back cruises on a pair of Sundays! Even had one lady who, 3-4 years ago, was going on her 4th Alaskan cruise that season! It helps to live in a port city where you can go on a cruise without having to fly somewhere first! Tom

[@deanniakirkevold3925]

Welcome to he Pacific Northwest! Whales, bald eagles, rain and natural beauty. All worth it

[@anitas5817]

Yes, it’s perfect!

[@afanofdieselengines675]

I noted that the land looks so similar to the area in the Portland, OR area. Still beautiful but what we see every day. Loved our trip.

[@anns1921]

Absolutely agree!!! I am originally from the east coast but have been here in Washington State for about 10 years now. The beauty of the PNW is beyond words and never grows old. I honestly couldn't imagine living anywhere else. My only regret is in not moving here sooner. Love it!!!

[@janiceh8565]

I’ve been to Alaska on 4 different occasions. In May, early June, late August and late September. On all 4 cruises I only had to break out my rain gear twice. In Skagway in August and in Ketchikan in September. My husband and grown sons wore shorts in port on all the cruises except for the cruise in May.

[@mayurramchandani99]

Which cruise line was the best according to you? and why?

[@doodiehutchison4463]

#7 surprise: inappropriate artwork in the cabin! Funny. I do think you gave (as usual) great information to help prepare first-time cruisers. Our cruise to Alaska was extraordinary and perfect: 10 straight days of 18 hours of sunshine, temps in the 70s and 80s. Everyone told us that this was extremely unusual, so we were thankful for every second.

[@TheTravelScouts]

Lol. There was quite a bit of questionable artwork throughout the ship🤣 Thanks so much for watching. Wow! That cruise would have been amazing! I told Jason if we go to Alaska again that we need to do at least a 10 day so that ports dont seem so rushed and we have better chance of good weather at least some of the time! Lol

[@sherigreene7028]

5 times I've cruised to Alaska and everyone has been a pleasure! Sitting on the balcony and watching the scenery and whales go by is a must - - We found down throws (blankets) at Costco one year and they are standard items for the trips - nothing like sitting on your balcony with your thermal coffee mug and your down blanket to leave the whole world behind!!

[@tonyaedward7764]

What month did you go to see the whales. I have to see whales.

[@sherigreene7028]

@@tonyaedward7764 I’ve been in May, June and in September. Every trip I’ve seen whales! Would strongly encourage a whale watching excursion out of Juneau . We always saw Whales out of there. Have fun! It’s always amazing to see those creatures.

[@SharonPerson-hm9ds]

​@@tonyaedward7764We've also cruised Alaska five times and did whale watches each time; one out of Juneau and four out of Icy Strait Point (did the zip line there, too). Saw lots of whales and eagles on all 5 trips. 😊🦅🐳

[@SharonPerson-hm9ds]

All five of our trips were in July or August.

[@anns1921]

@@sherigreene7028 I'm going next Sept and yes I plan to do a whale watch out of Juneau. I love all whales but Humpbacks are my favorite. I've seen them in the Cape Cod area but from quite a distance away. I will be overjoyed to hopefully get to see them closer and maybe even a breach or two.

[@rowdybroomstick6394]

I have reverse sad, so I'd be ecstatic 😂, I always love dark gloomy colder days, I'm usually happier and life seems easier.

[@seadubya1]

Doing a little research would go a long way

[@erinwais-hennen8025]

Yes, I ,am thinking the exact same thing. They are known for the midnight sun and the cold weather. I don’t know where they got their research, may they can tell us so they can tell what to avoid.

[@andreas4268]

We went on an Alaskan cruise at the beginning of May 2022 and our time was amazing and weather was quite nice. Not as many layers as many talk about. We had a verandah and highly recommend it! We checked forecast ahead for each port and we were prepared. Wonderful itinerary 😊

[@TheTravelScouts]

That's wonderful! We are hearing all these amazing stories of great weather for people and so happy for all those that had amazing weather!

[@peggybentley9395]

We took our cruise the middle of June and it was fabulous. One day (cruise day) it was cold. The rest were really great days. Even wore a tank top one day. You do have to have layers just in case. A fleece shirt or jacket is perfect. It rain one day in Ketchican....to which I read it rains 234 days out of the year there, so was prepared.

[@BerniBernsify]

🤣 there's always that one guy who wears shorts everywhere. I'm not surprised by the rain at all.

[@zjplayz1491]

Great video! Having been on an Alaskan cruise 6 years ago this was a nice refresher for our upcoming Alaskan cruise in a couple of weeks. Living out west the time change would not be a shocker. About the weather, my wife and I expected lousy weather 6 years ago and we expect it on the next one. But we went with the mindset so what, it's not a cruise where I plan to hang out on the beach, it's a siteseeing cruise. Yes, sunny skies would be better but the passing scenery is gorgeous regardless of the weather. If you want warm, sunny weather skip Alaska, if you want unbelievable scenery and wildlife do Alaska as you won't be disappointed. Alaska was and is still my favorite cruise.

[@TheTravelScouts]

After talking about it more, we have decided we would go back again. However, we want to go on a different cruise line (not Carnival) because we just don't like the itinerary (specifically the times at the ports)

[@zjplayz1491]

@@TheTravelScouts we weren’t planning on Carnival again either as I’d like to go to Glacier Bay. In fact we weren’t even looking for a cruise but I was browsing and saw rates for $140 per person for a balcony for 6 nights. I couldn’t pass it up. Thanks for being a vet. I retired from the Air Force too many years ago! 😀

[@TheTravelScouts]

@@zjplayz1491 Heeeey! Thank you for your service. We always enjoy talking to other vets! That rate is killer and hard to pass up!

[@alisonleslie9321]

We cruised from Vancouver BC in May 2023. We were so lucky with the weather and actually sunbathed on our deck. Brought lots of winter clothing but never wore most of it. You never know! But be prepared.

[@alfredstevens5276]

The alternative adventurous ship and port way of seeing AK is using the Alaskan Maritime Highway System (AMHS) ferries. This is NOT cruising but allows you to choose your itinerary and stay in ports overnight or longer. Rooms and levels of service are optional. Kinda Amtrak on water.

[@amyhadley6021]

We went June 1-8 and my husband wore shorts almost everyday. It was sunny and warm everyday we traveled. Ketchikan was the only place that was a little rainy. Ketchican climate is considered a rainforest. We saw lots of eagles in Juneau and we never once saw a whale.☹️

[@laurenmacgregor7826]

Going on a 14 day cruise April 23-May 6, 2023 I have been hearing and reading so much information on the weather. I’m hoping not to many bugs an whatever weather we have I still won’t be disappointed. This trip starts from and returns to Los Angeles and I’m from the area so rain and cool weather I won’t mind. Looking forward to all the ports and sights to see. It has always been a dream to see Alaska . Ive been on 3 previous cruises all to Bahamas and eastern Caribbean. Can’t wait for next adventure.

[@bigdh2os814]

Definitely my cruise on Golden Princess with family was such a great memory! It was late summer and the weather was mostly sunshine! Lucky us! The lumberjack show, Red Dog saloon, the views of Alaska, were amazing! Being a person that is interested in hydraulics & Ship structure, I was amazed how the 950' 109K ton ship could go UP the Tracy Arm Fiord as the tide was exiting? Icebergs were on ground creating huge wakes as the outgoing tide ran past them! Those ice bergs were only 150 yards off both sides of the ship and all this with offering so many restaurants / bars & amenities. Getting out of bed about 4:30- 5 am every morning to watch us pull into port as I had Bagel, cream cheese & lox W/Coffee, was so awesome as very few people are up around the ship at this time. Our family stills used the Phrase from Red-Dog Saloon years later when someone walks through the door! " hey, look who's here? WHO GIVES A SH"t, LOL.

[@susanwestfall2051]

On our first Alaska cruise (2004) the weather was sunny and very warm. The locals said it was very unusual and were thanking us for bringing the great weather…LOL!

[@TheTravelScouts]

Lol. That's awesome! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@tedszweb5268]

I’m not that into an Alaskan Cruise so in October we are taking a 2 week cruise from San Diego to Hawaii. For us it’s the cruising experience not the ports of call that we are into. 😀

[@marywiedenhoeft9210]

Thanks for the heads up. We will be going to Alaska from East Coast next August 2023. I have been before in “97” but my new husband has not and we are going for his BD celebration next year in August. I believe the weather should be a little more cruise friendly that time of year, in 97 in late September to early October it was snowing the last day as we were setting to cruise down to the Hawaiian Islands for 2 more weeks. (4 days crossing the Pacific through a hurricane 🌀 off the California coast and a Typhoon off the Hawaiian Pacific coast. Rough ride for 4 straight days. Didn’t see half the passengers or crew for 4 days, gotta love my ear patches and our drink packages, kept us stable for those 4 days) once we finally got to the first Hawaiian 🌺 island everyone got down and kissed the ground, 😂, not kidding. The rest of the 10 days cruising and exploring The 10 Islands was Unforgettable. Best cruise ever, total of 21 days back to back cruise. Alaska Inside and Glacier Bays down the Pacific to 10 beautiful Hawaiian Tropical Islands. Two different worlds in the Same Country. AMAZING 🤩. When we finished the Alaska part, we went into Vancouver and found a post office to return our winter clothes back to Maryland. Wouldn’t need that extra clothing or luggage in Hawaii. Expensive to do but worth it. Funniest part is after our cruise and Flying back to Maryland from Honolulu, we still beat that luggage home after 14 days of cruising down to Hawaiian Islands, 10 days around the Islands and flying back home for 14 hours, we beat the returned luggage from Vancouver 14 days shipped prior. Lol 😂.

[@j3d354]

I cruised Alaska summer 2013. Every day was sunny and warm. They had a heat wave 🌊. I had a suitcase packed with coats, gloves, scarves. It was never opened.

[@TheTravelScouts]

Oh wow! How wonderful for you!

[@southerncaladygolfer8651]

New to your channel…..on our Alaska cruise, which was many years ago, we had rain just about every day. Our cruise was in August. I was also really surprised by the weather. At the last minute I packed a heavy jacket for both of us and one pair of jeans for both of us. I ended up using my hairdryer to dry them every night. We were fortunate that our day in glacier bay the sun came out and we did take a seaplane out to a salmon bake one day. Our shorts and tee shirts never even made it out of our suitcase! That being said….I would like to go back again. A side note…..it was solo g ago that an Halen and his girlfriend were on the cruise with us and no one knew who they were! I held out until breakfast the last morning to ask for an autograph because my sons walls were plastered with his pictures and I knew I didn’t dare go back and tell my son I was on the ship with him and didn’t have an autograph.

[@VickieEdmondson]

It all depends on where you go and what month you go in. We always dress in layers and always have our Ponchos ready.

[@TheTravelScouts]

Very true

[@melaniedunn6915]

We live in the Shuswap area of BC Canada. There are eagles everywhere especially when the salmon run is on. They love to nest on top of telephone poles

[@HeatherTravels]

I came back to watch this now that we've taken our first Alaska cruise, and these are definitely all true! I didn't wear any of my shorts or short-sleeve shirts. We had terrible weather in Juneau, too, but thankfully it didn't affect our whale watching tour. Our bus driver in Ketchikan told us that they get 13 FEET of rain a year, BUT they get much less snow than we do in Wisconsin, so that kind of surprised me too.

[@debbiekogelandcrew-dreamva5918]

I wore shorts everyday in June 2022. I put a jacket on for Glacier Bay, but otherwise, just a T-Shirt or polo. 80 degrees in Skagway when we were there.

[@TheTravelScouts]

That's awesome!

[@bobmoyer8569]

When my wife on Princess lines we hit the edge storm in Washington after that it was overcast,but it didn’t get any rain after that (July 2018 ) we had a great time and want to do it again

[@bobmoyer8569]

Even if you think it’s not going to rain bring rain gear. I spent two years in anchorage and the only thing that you can count on is in Alaska the weather will change with no warning

[@bobmoyer8569]

Note:I live in Anchorage for 3 years,average temp in the summer is about 70 degrees

[@kimtrinh4811]

Best time to Cruise Alaska is end of September , the weather is so nice the ocean is really calm , no big wave , no sea sick ,

[@anns1921]

Love hearing that because that is when I'm going next year. But no matter what I know it will be an amazing trip.

[@kevinf4606]

Not to toot my horn. But I have done 42 cruises. Did inside passage about 15 years ago. I did find myself being the only person enjoying the jacquzzi. I am going this August with my lady. First time cruiser. I can't wait for her to experience cruising. Like your show guys

[@katjar4881]

With just the tiniest bit of research you probably would not have been shocked by any of the 6 things you listed. Alaska is a rainforest so it rains a lot and it’s Alaska so yeah, it’s cold. One of the best cruises we’ve taken.

[@aprildegele1510]

Thanks for the info! Never been on a cruise. I would absolutely LOVE it if it were rainy while we were in Alaska! I'm from TX originally and hated every minute of it. Moved to Oregon about 20 years ago and I LOVE the cool, cloudy, and rainy. Good to know!! Happy to hear it!

[@spellbinder3113]

You should go on a cruise. They are really great!

[@reggiegivens3584]

We went the end of August 2023, it was warm and no rain the entire cruise. Shorts every day, with great weather. I think it depends the time of year you cruise.

[@theresadrosselmeier3727]

Just got back from Alaska cruise and the weather was amazing 4 sunny days in a row with temps in the 60s and even 70 it was life changing and amazing.

[@TheTravelScouts]

Oh I am soooo jealous!! So glad you had such a wonderful cruise!

[@kristelclark5494]

A rainy day in Southeast Alaska is beautiful! Always bring shorts & a tank top-I did that trip years ago & it was in the 80’s!

[@TheTravelScouts]

Hi Kristel! Yes, very beautiful place. I (Jason) already want to go back! 😊

[@monikaliebold4225]

I will be on a 9 day Alaska cruise in October. Colder temperatures, but in average only 4 days of rain in October. So excited cruising in the cold😊😊 (miss it, being European), because now I live in South Pacific. Greetings from Moorea (sister island of Tahiti) in French-Polynesia 🌴 🏖 😎 🇵🇫 🇫🇷 🇪🇺

[@evabalga6133]

In my experience and my 15 non cruising vacations in SE Alaska I had many sunny days and actually prayed for some rain so I can explore museums and local native culture. Alaska is my lifetime love affair and after my initial cruise I kept coming back and never got enough. Only pandemic and health issues stopped me.

[@TheTravelScouts]

What has been your absolute favorite thing to do in Alaska?

[@evabalga6133]

@@TheTravelScouts Too many to mention. Beauty of nature, people, rich native culture, ease to travel.

[@dazzled316]

We just got back and the time change didn’t bother us at all and we’re from Florida. We had gorgeous weather, some cold days, some cool days and in Ketchikan, it was sunny and warm! Disney did an amazing job narrating and alerting everyone to what could be seen. An awesome cruise and I hope we can go back again someday!

[@fabulousfreddyisready]

Yep, it's absurd them complaining about an east to west coast trip time change. You'd think they were travelling around the world, Lol.

[@atmm89]

what month did you go??

[@robinmabbott7334]

Your wife has such an infectious smile .She could brighten up any room

[@DH-qz2so]

1993 Alaskan Cruise: yup, wet, cold, rainy, foggy and gloomy then too! and that was years ago... is totally normal for Alaska...but we knew that going in, so were prepared.

[@TheTravelScouts]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

More than a few years ago, on Oct 1 there was a light rain in Ketchikan. The rest of the cruise was mostly sunny with some clouds. Not another drop of rain, and I wore shorts often. Rare, of course, but I'm glad I had shorts. It was the last cruise of the season, and the crew said it was the best weather of the season.

[@debalbert59]

My husband and I went in September and had beautiful weather.

[@beatricehanley3542]

Back from Alaskan cruise on 6/30. Wore shorts n tanks/tees 3 of the 7 days. It was gorgeous weather. So glad I decided to pack my shorts!

[@bobmoyer8569]

My Alaska in 2018 we only saw rain once near Washington and once in Juneau. And saw the SUN once. And still had a great time

[@TheTravelScouts]

Yes, always fun to be had no matter what the weather may throw at you!

[@KT-lp1ek]

Ive done Alaska Cruises twice in mid September and weather was great. Already booked for third one September 11. However I would save money and book inside room. In the past booked balcony but was too cold to use.

[@amyhook8605]

It depends on where you live to and what you are used to living in like the great lakes are the same kind of thing so I would say shorts are needed so it really does depend on where you live and what you are used to 😊❤

[@freeindeed5393]

August-September is the best months for AK cruise. Seattle weather was wet until July this year, but we have not had rain until late October this year!

[@patsutherland7284]

Been to Ketchikan 3x. Never rained. Been to Juneau 4x, rained twice. Skagway always clear. I wear shorts every day up there even in the rain, but then being Canadian, I found the weather fine. And being from Canada, I wore shorts every day.

[@kathyhedges5064]

So glad you enjoyed your cruise to Alaska -- thanks for sharing. NOTE -- Southeast Alaska is a rainforest....RAINforest. So, yes, it would be normal to be raining (smile). Ketchikan is the wettest of Southeast and Skagway is the dryest...so dryer as you go north. Bald Eagles...yes, they do live in Juneau. Driving out the road you see them perched on the light posts..similar to what you saw in Ketchikan. For other viewers .. I appreciate you were very clear this was YOUR cruise experience. The cruise you are right - more days then not you wouldn't .. but, surprising how many visitors do end up buying t-shirts because they packed as if it was winter and the weather was warmer then they thought....add the land and you can get 80 in Fairbanks. Thanks

[@susankara7520]

Went to Alaska 2 x. Underwhelming in April 2013 and again in July 2022. Not trying for a third time 🎉!

[@SEK-COJO_inmyheart]

Yes, doing your research before cruising to a new place is essential to ensure there are no surprises. Where you travelled is a temperate rain forest so it's not surprising there was rain. The cruise lines offer recommended items to pack. My trips to Alaska in August still could be cold. Last year, we wore shorts several days in port. Pack for layers. Binoculars are great to have. On Holland America, a pair was provided in the stateroom. Twenty-two years ago we were married on a glacier. We'd chartered a helicopter, the marriage commissioner picked us up at the port, we collected our license from the town hall, watched our safety video and flew to the glacier. Glad our flight wasn't cancelled. Though, we did have a back up plan. 😊

[@Jasmine-ur1sl]

I went on my Alaska cruise in May of this year (ports of call were Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan). I LOVED every second of it (cold, wet rain with some snow still on the glaciers and all.) I had done a great deal of research prior to my travels so I was very prepared for this adventure of a life time. My only regret was not having spent a few hundred dollars more for a room with a balcony. Pay attention, people: Get a room with a balcony. It will be worth every penny; especially, on days when the whole ship seem to be in the observation deck or upstairs in the upper decks to see animal life and get up close and personal (via tripods and super cameras) to the awesome beauty of some passages through glacier bay.

[@RJ-mz3co]

I wore shorts and T-shirts in both Iceland and Alaska. Without wind, I am good down to about 48 degrees. With a slight breeze, I can do 55 degrees. Also, at least in the Interior, there are about 3 crops of mosquitoes: late May, late June to early July, and early August. I slipped in between those the two of the three times I was there.

[@islandgirl463]

I live out on the "wet" coast and have to say that June is usually a very rainy month. I would suggest an Alaskan Cruise during mid July to mid August for warmer, sunnier weather. Please come back!

[@TheTravelScouts]

Thank you. We will DEFINITELY come back and we will look at July or August next time!

[@lorriescott8775]

I’ve cruised twice to Alaska, and rain just one day at sea. A cruise out of Florida was stormy and we could not dock at the private island. Look at the pricing. Lower prices indicate unpopular times, which is bad weather. I hate hot weather. I love green forests. Green requires rain. I live near Seattle. It is daylight right now at 4:45am. Dark after 11. Even better in Alaska. Gives you more time to enjoy the out of doors.

[@tonim5924]

I loved the light! I took a Alaskan cruise about 18 years ago and the cruise people told us we lucked out as we only had one day of rain. It was a wonderful cruise but as I said we were very lucky with the weather. I would love to go again before I leave this earth.

[@alanbirkner1958]

We live near Chicago. We've been to Canada and Scotland. When we visited Alaska some years ago, we were not surprised. The most beautiful skies We've seen were in the Greek Islands. In the Caribbean, it seems to rain briefly each day. We read or watch as much as we can before we take a trip. Tina, Al's wife

[@brucebreault6328]

Did southbound inside passage June 11-June 18 cloudy with a little rain first 3 days after that clear skies in Juneau and Ketchikan (72 in Ketchikan)! We were told we were lucky!!!!

[@TheTravelScouts]

That's wonderful!!!

[@MagicalGirlRose319]

I went to Alaska on Carnival Luminosa last summer and it was the middle of June and both locals and passengers alike said my family got lucky with our dates in Alaska because it had rained the day before we arrived to Seattle. While in Alaska, there wasn't a cloud in the sky and the weather was not too hot, not too cold, it was just right

[@Beach_BCs]

My best advice for an Alaskan cruise is to be prepared for anything. Bring a bit of everything, windproof/waterproof outer layer. Most days I wore hiking capri pants, and flip flops. The weather is highly changeable and it's helpful to be able to layer on and off though the day. Even in gloomy weather (I've been in Oct) Alaska is gorgeous.

[@onjekaji5832]

Give me advice for May now this month to Alaska please

[@user-vj2vm2wz3o]

I'm a bit shocked you cruised to Alaska and were surprised it was cold and overcast? I'm a bit set back by that.

[@julieb7882]

We did a cruise tour in mid-July. Only had 1 rainy day in Skagway. Landed in Fairbanks at 85 degrees Fahrenheit. I may not have gotten the shorts out, but a heavy coat was only worn at glacier bay.

[@Ambykind]

Normally it's better to travel West as the time change is not that bad. It does mess you up a bit, but overall it's better going West.

[@tamismithmyer4955]

Our Alaskan cruise in 2017, we had sunny 70 degree days daily for almost over a week. It was gorgeous!!!

[@faithmoore7520]

What month did you go?

[@tamismithmyer4955]

@@faithmoore7520 End of July into August

[@faithmoore7520]

@@tamismithmyer4955 I am happy to here you had fantastic weather.

[@donnasmith3798]

Especially for Alaska: layers, layers and layers. I live in Alaska and have been on 3 Alaskan cruises. One cruise we had a sunny day in Ketchikan and rain in Juneau and Skagway. Glacier Bay also gloomy. The other two cruises we had sunny and hot days (90°) in Skagway (shorts needed!). All three cruises were from Whittier to Vancouver. Also, one cruise was in June, one in mid July and the coldest was in early August.

[@TheTravelScouts]

Wow! That's crazy hot!

[@shannoninalaska]

I moved from Florida to Alaska almost 3 years ago. I have a friend coming to visit in less than 2 weeks and that is the apparel advice I gave him - dress in layers! And bring a raincoat, jacket and beanie.

[@bettablue2660]

Most of Alaska is a Temperate Rainforest. It rains and snows a lot, just like in the north eastern part of Washington state.

[@pen4tenn]

Remember most of the cruise itineraries are in Rain Forrest. We only had a couple of dreary days. We did land sea and loved it.

[@TheTravelScouts]

I did not know that about rain forrest before we cruised so it was a surprise to us. A land/sea vacay would be cool!

[@pen4tenn]

@@TheTravelScouts We were also cold at times but I would go back in a skinny minute! We were there in the month of May. Cold but not as rainy. We thoroughly enjoyed the Eagles, and the whales. We are headed to Bimini on our next cruise and that is how I came across your channel. We are trying our first Celebrity Cruise.

[@stevenlageson1868]

You recommend good binoculars. I went a step further and got stabilized binoculars. Well worth the $700 I paid for them. My wife thought I was nuts when I paid that for these Canon Binoculars . She admitted they were well worth it.

[@traceymiddlebrook5436]

Kelly, l can’t thank you enough for stressing how cold it is in Alaska. I had to add my down feather coat and Uggs. I never got cold. Thanks

[@lilysgram5886]

We went on an Alaska cruise in August 2016. Didn’t have one day of rain. Only 1 day was really cold. We are originally from NY but have lived in Florida for 20+ years. We were lucky it wasn’t cold because we can’t take cold anymore.

[@TheTravelScouts]

It's so crazy. So many people have told us the same thing. When we trained in Seattle, Washington for 6 weeks in June, we were prepared for it to rain every day. Funny thing was that is hardly EVER rained then either!

[@mskrislewis]

It IS a temperate RAIN Forest. It was verry rainy, gloomy, cold in Whitter when we were there in August 2019, just order some caribou chili.

[@cindydejong7752]

Just came back from Alaska cruise out of SF on June 30th and were fortunate to have sunny skies and no rain. You just never know and more often than not overpack for this cruise.

[@AugustoLugo1983]

I guess that I got lucky on my Alaska cruise, only 1 day was dreary, and we saw a bunch of eagles right at the port, the public library is next to where our ship docked and they were a handful of them on the roof. Weather is always unpredictable.

[@kathylelong3348]

We were on a 2 week cruise tour in Alaska the last 2 weeks of May 2022. We had 1 cold rainy day in Ketchikan, and yes Ketchikan is known for getting a lot more rain than sun. Otherwise we had terrific weather, we didn't need any of the warm clothes we took with us . But you never know so you need to pack for all kinds of clothes. It was in 60s & 70s when we were there. We opted to go then to avoid the rain and mosquitoes. But we didn't see whales from the ship. But the snow covered mountains everywhere were gorgeous which you don't see in the summer. If I can go again I will go in the spring again. Denali was wonderful. Thanks for the great videos.

[@julieolson9832]

My husband wore shorts on some days of our Alaska cruises. But he's from the Seattle area and he wears cargo shorts in the snow!

[@jaredhumphries9341]

I was with you on this cruise and visited with you briefly. You made a comment about not seeing Bald Eagles in Juneau. We saw a ton on our way to Mendenhall Glacier! In fact, our bus driver said Juneau was home to nearly 20,000 of them! They were spectacular to see!

[@TheTravelScouts]

Hi Jared! Sounds great! We missed out! Wishing you the best! Thanks for chiming in!

[@aguptill1]

My Fav cruise was to Alaska in 2011:-)… our weather was cloudy/rainy which is the norm. I took extra layers with me, mini gloves and a hat. Next time, I’m also taking my down filled jacket. The pool at one point was hot tub warm and my hubby was in the pool while we were watching the glaciers. Going to EU this summer and taking a rain phoncho, down filled jacket, mini gloves, touque but some cool layers as well. Summers are much cooler in the North so always prepare by researching the weather where you’ll be cruising :-) Take care :-)

[@TheTravelScouts]

That would be cool to hang out in the hot tub and enjoy all the beautiful scenery! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@brians9436]

We went on our Alaskan cruise in early July a few years ago. The weather was perfect all but one or 2 days AND I wore shorts most of the time - except when we went to the glacier. It was an amazing experience!

[@tonijohnson6335]

Since we live in Arizona, we have the same "adjustment" period flying to a cruise in Ft. Lauderdale or East Coast cruise. It is HARD! So, I know what you're talking about. I've never had sunshine in Ketchikan. It's normal. We had great rain gear with us so we were prepared. We have been to Alaska a couple times and we had sunny days in other ports so we weren't upset. We could cruise to Alaska every summer and really enjoy it. What month did you sail in Alaska? It changes every year so you can't count on the weather no matter what month you book your cruise. Just be prepared for anything. It was in the 80s in June when we sailed. We also did a week on land when we rented a car and drove over 1000 miles in Alaska. At the end of August when we sailed, Ketchikan was the only port with rain that year.