How to Get Best Price on Alaska Cruise

Learn how to get the best price on an Alaska cruise with smart booking tactics, seasonal insights, and exclusive deals. This guide reveals step-by-step methods to save hundreds—or even thousands—on your dream Alaskan adventure.

Key Takeaways

• Book early or last-minute: The best prices often come from booking 9–12 months ahead or snagging last-minute deals 2–6 weeks before departure.
• Travel during shoulder seasons: May and September offer lower prices, fewer crowds, and great weather—without the peak summer rush.
• Compare cruise lines and itineraries: Smaller ships and lesser-known ports can offer better value and unique experiences.
• Use a travel agent or cruise specialist: They often have access to exclusive discounts, onboard credits, and group rates.
• Monitor price drops and promotions: Set up fare alerts and act fast when prices dip or limited-time offers appear.
• Consider repositioning cruises: These one-way sailings at the start or end of the season can be deeply discounted.
• Bundle airfare and hotels: Cruise lines often offer package deals that save money compared to booking separately.

How to Get the Best Price on an Alaska Cruise

Dreaming of glaciers, wildlife, and rugged coastlines? An Alaska cruise is one of the most unforgettable travel experiences you can have. But let’s be honest—those dreamy fjords and towering icebergs don’t come cheap. The good news? With the right strategy, you can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime adventure without breaking the bank.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through proven, practical steps to get the best price on an Alaska cruise. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, these tips will help you save money, avoid common pitfalls, and still enjoy a top-tier experience. From timing your booking to choosing the right cruise line, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Understand the Alaska Cruise Season

Before you even start looking at prices, it’s crucial to understand when Alaska cruises operate—and how that affects cost.

The Alaska cruise season typically runs from **mid-May to mid-September**. This window offers the best weather, longest daylight hours, and most wildlife activity. But not all months are created equal when it comes to price and value.

Peak Season: June to August

These are the most popular months for Alaska cruises. The weather is warmest, the days are longest (think 18+ hours of daylight in June), and all ports are fully operational. However, this popularity comes at a cost.

– **Prices are highest** during this time, especially for balcony cabins and family suites.
– **Crowds are heaviest**, both on the ship and at popular ports like Juneau and Ketchikan.
– **Booking early is essential**—cabins sell out fast, and prices rise as departure dates approach.

If you’re flexible and looking to save, consider avoiding July and August unless you absolutely need to travel during school breaks.

Shoulder Seasons: May and September

These are the sweet spots for budget-conscious travelers.

– **May** offers lower prices, fewer crowds, and the start of wildlife activity (whales, bears, and birds returning). The weather is cooler, but still pleasant—especially if you pack layers.
– **September** brings stunning fall colors, crisp air, and some of the best wildlife viewing (especially bears fishing for salmon). Prices drop significantly after Labor Day, and many cruise lines offer end-of-season discounts.

Traveling in May or September can save you **20–40%** compared to peak summer months. Plus, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and better availability for excursions.

Off-Season: October to April

Most cruise lines don’t operate in Alaska during these months due to harsh weather and port closures. However, a few specialty or expedition cruises may run in early October or late April. These are rare and often more expensive due to limited supply—but they can offer unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Step 2: Choose the Right Time to Book

Timing your booking is one of the most powerful ways to save money on an Alaska cruise. The key is knowing when prices are lowest—and when to act.

Book Early (9–12 Months in Advance)

Cruise lines release their Alaska itineraries up to a year ahead of time. Booking during this “early bird” phase often comes with significant perks:

– **Lower cabin prices**, especially for balcony and suite categories.
– **Best cabin selection**—you’ll have your pick of locations and views.
– **Early booking discounts**, such as reduced deposits or onboard credits.
– **Guaranteed airfare rates** if you book a cruise-and-fly package.

For example, Holland America and Princess Cruises frequently offer “Book Early, Save Big” promotions with up to $1,000 in onboard credit or free gratuities.

Wait for Last-Minute Deals (2–6 Weeks Before Departure)

If you’re flexible with dates and cabin type, last-minute bookings can yield incredible savings. Cruise lines often slash prices to fill remaining cabins, especially if a ship isn’t fully booked.

– **Discounts of 30–50%** are common in the final weeks.
– **Upgrades may be offered** at no extra cost to fill higher-category cabins.
– **Flash sales and limited-time promotions** pop up regularly.

However, there are risks:
– Limited cabin availability (you might get an interior cabin instead of a balcony).
– Fewer flight options, which could increase airfare costs.
– Less time to plan excursions or travel arrangements.

Pro tip: Set up price alerts on cruise deal websites like CruiseCritic, VacationsToGo, or Kayak. You’ll get notified when prices drop.

Avoid Booking Too Early or Too Late

While early and last-minute bookings can save money, there’s a sweet spot in between. Booking **3–6 months in advance** often balances price, availability, and flexibility. You’ll still have good cabin choices and reasonable prices, without the rush of last-minute planning.

Step 3: Compare Cruise Lines and Ships

Not all Alaska cruises are the same—and neither are their prices. Different cruise lines cater to different budgets, styles, and experiences.

Mainstream Cruise Lines (Best for Families and First-Timers)

These brands offer the most itineraries, largest ships, and family-friendly amenities.

– **Royal Caribbean**: Known for large ships with rock climbing, surf simulators, and Broadway-style shows. Prices are mid-range, but they often run promotions like “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” drinks packages.
– **Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)**: Offers “Freestyle Cruising” with flexible dining and no formal dress codes. Look for their “Free at Sea” deals, which include free airfare, shore excursions, or drink packages.
– **Carnival Cruise Line**: Budget-friendly with shorter 5–7 day itineraries. Great for first-time cruisers, but ships are more party-oriented.
– **Princess Cruises**: A favorite for Alaska, with expert naturalists, wildlife lectures, and the “North to Alaska” program featuring local cuisine and culture. Often mid-to-high price range.
– **Holland America**: Focuses on enrichment and scenic cruising. Smaller ships, elegant dining, and strong Alaska expertise. Frequently offers early booking discounts.

Luxury and Expedition Cruises (Best for Scenery and Wildlife)

These smaller ships go deeper into glaciers and remote areas, offering a more intimate experience.

– **Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas**: All-inclusive luxury with high prices but exceptional service, gourmet dining, and expert guides.
– **UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions**: Small expedition ships (50–100 passengers) that focus on wildlife, kayaking, and Zodiac landings. Prices are higher, but the experience is unmatched.
– **American Cruise Lines**: U.S.-flagged ships that visit smaller ports like Wrangell and Hoonah. No foreign port fees, and often more affordable than luxury lines.

Budget-Friendly Options

If you’re looking to save, consider:
– **Repositioning cruises**: One-way sailings at the start or end of the season (e.g., Seattle to Vancouver or Seward to Anchorage). These can be 30–50% cheaper.
– **Older ships**: While not as flashy, older vessels from mainstream lines often have lower base fares.
– **Interior cabins**: You’ll save hundreds by skipping the balcony—especially since you’ll be spending most of your time on deck or ashore.

Step 4: Use a Travel Agent or Cruise Specialist

You might think booking online is cheaper—but a good travel agent can actually save you money.

Why Use a Travel Agent?

– **Access to exclusive deals**: Agents often receive group rates, net fares, or special promotions not available to the public.
– **Onboard credits and perks**: Many agents negotiate extras like $100–$300 in onboard credit, free Wi-Fi, or cabin upgrades.
– **Personalized advice**: They can recommend the best itineraries, cabins, and excursions based on your preferences.
– **Help with complex bookings**: If you’re combining airfare, hotels, or pre/post-cruise tours, an agent can bundle everything at a discount.

Look for agents who specialize in Alaska cruises—they’ll know the best ships, ports, and timing. Sites like Travel Leaders, Avoya, or Cruise Planners have certified specialists.

How to Find a Reputable Agent

– Check reviews on Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau.
– Ask about their commission structure—most are paid by the cruise line, so their services are free to you.
– Confirm they’re certified by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).

Step 5: Monitor Prices and Set Alerts

Prices for Alaska cruises can fluctuate daily based on demand, availability, and promotions. The best way to catch a deal is to monitor prices consistently.

Use Price Tracking Tools

– **CruiseCritic Deal Alerts**: Free email alerts when prices drop on specific cruises.
– **VacationsToGo**: Tracks pricing trends and sends “Deal of the Day” notifications.
– **Kayak Explore**: Lets you compare prices across multiple cruise lines and dates.
– **Google Flights (for airfare)**: Set alerts for flights to/from cruise ports like Seattle, Vancouver, or Anchorage.

Watch for Flash Sales and Promotions

Cruise lines often run limited-time offers, such as:
– “Kids Sail Free” (common in May and September)
– “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” cabins
– Free or discounted airfare
– Onboard credit bonuses

Follow cruise lines on social media or sign up for their newsletters to get first access.

Step 6: Consider Repositioning Cruises

Repositioning cruises are one-way sailings that move ships between regions—like from Seattle to Alaska in May or from Alaska to California in September.

Why They’re Cheaper

– Ships need to be moved, so they offer deep discounts to fill cabins.
– Fewer passengers are willing to deal with one-way travel logistics.
– These cruises often include unique ports not on regular itineraries.

What to Know

– You’ll need to book one-way flights, which can add cost—but the cruise savings often outweigh this.
– Itineraries may be longer (10–14 days) and include sea days.
– Great for travelers who want a longer, more immersive experience.

Example: A 12-day repositioning cruise from Seattle to Vancouver in May might cost $1,200 per person—compared to $2,500 for a 7-day round-trip cruise in July.

Step 7: Bundle Airfare, Hotels, and Excursions

Cruise lines often offer package deals that include airfare, pre/post-cruise hotels, and even shore excursions. These can save you money and simplify planning.

Benefits of Bundling

– **Discounted airfare**: Cruise lines negotiate bulk rates with airlines.
– **Free or reduced hotel nights**: Especially useful if you need to arrive a day early.
– **Shore excursion credits**: Some packages include $100–$200 per person for excursions.
– **Seamless transfers**: The cruise line handles luggage and transportation between airport, hotel, and ship.

When Bundling Makes Sense

– You’re flying from a distant city.
– You want to explore a port city before or after the cruise (e.g., spend a night in Vancouver or Anchorage).
– You’re booking for a group—package deals often include group discounts.

Just compare the total cost to booking separately. Sometimes, independent bookings are cheaper—especially if you find a great hotel deal on Booking.com or a flight sale on Google Flights.

Step 8: Be Flexible with Dates and Cabins

Flexibility is your best friend when hunting for Alaska cruise deals.

Flexible Dates

Prices can vary by hundreds of dollars depending on the day of the week or week of the month.

– **Mid-week departures** (Tuesday–Thursday) are often cheaper than weekend sailings.
– **Avoid holidays**: Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day weeks are more expensive.
– **Check nearby dates**: A cruise leaving one day earlier or later might be significantly cheaper.

Flexible Cabins

– **Interior cabins** are the most affordable and can save you $500–$1,000 per person.
– **Obstructed view or lower decks** are cheaper than oceanview or balcony cabins.
– **Guarantee cabins** (where the cruise line assigns your room) are often discounted—but you won’t know the exact location until boarding.

If you’re traveling with kids or want more space, consider booking two interior cabins instead of one family suite.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

“I booked early, but prices dropped later. Can I get a refund?”

Most cruise lines don’t offer price adjustments after booking. However, some agents or cruise lines (like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean) have “best price guarantees” or will apply a future cruise credit if prices drop. Always ask your agent about price protection policies.

“My flight was canceled. What now?”

If you booked airfare through the cruise line, they’ll usually rebook you at no extra cost. If you booked independently, check your travel insurance policy—many cover flight delays and cancellations.

“I can’t find a balcony cabin under $3,000.”

Try looking at:
– Older ships or less popular itineraries (e.g., cruises that don’t visit Glacier Bay).
– Repositioning cruises.
– Last-minute deals (2–4 weeks before departure).
– Traveling in May or September.

Conclusion

Getting the best price on an Alaska cruise doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or experience. With smart planning, flexibility, and the right resources, you can enjoy glaciers, wildlife, and stunning scenery without overspending.

Start by choosing the right season—May and September offer the best value. Book early for the best selection or wait for last-minute deals if you’re flexible. Compare cruise lines, use a travel agent, and monitor prices with alerts. Consider repositioning cruises and bundle airfare to maximize savings.

Remember, the cheapest cruise isn’t always the best deal. Look for value—onboard credits, included excursions, and expert guides can enhance your trip far more than a slightly lower fare.

With these strategies, your dream Alaska cruise is not only possible—it’s affordable. So pack your parka, grab your camera, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.