Can You Cruise From Florida To Alaska?

This article provides an overview of the Florida-to-Alaska cruise, including ports of call, the best time to go, and what to expect on the journey. It also discusses various Alaskan cruise options, such as Princess in 2024-2025, which offer top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park and scenic rail. Alaska cruises offer a variety of options, from small-ship luxury sailings to mega-ships that feel like mega-ships.

The classic one-way Alaska cruise from Florida to Alaska typically lasts around 7 to 14 nights, offering plenty of time for port stops, onboard entertainment, and exploring the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. Cruise enthusiasts can save up to 80% on Alaska – All Cruises from Miami, Florida 20242025. Royal Caribbean offers the best Alaska cruise deals, offering adventure vacations in stunning landscapes of glaciers, villages, and Alaskan wildlife.

For last-minute adventure seekers or those who love a good deal, Holland America Line has introduced a unique Standby List Program, offering travelers the chance to cruise for as little as 49 a day. Cruise ships are a great way to see the ports of SE Alaska relatively inexpensively. Although buses and trains are limited in Alaska, renting a car can provide more opportunities to explore the region.

There are several Alaska hotels and places to stay, including Princess® in Fort Lauderdale, where you can enjoy the best of sand, sun, and sea. After riding through the Everglades or visiting the Flamingo Garden and Wildlife Sanctuary, sail to the Caribbean for an even sweeter taste of island life. You can also head to the Panama Canal and Canada New England or embark on a cruise from Florida to the Caribbean.

What months do cruises go to Alaska?

Alaskan cruise season is May through September with July and August being the highest season attracting the most travelers. Convention holds that the best months to cruise Alaska are July andAugust when the temperatures are at their highest and the weather is generally sunnier. However, the best time for Alaska cruises depends on your personal preferences. As all the locals know, theAlaskan weather is defined by its unpredictability, with sunny days turning suddenly stormy—and vice versa, so be prepared for all types of weather on your Alaskan cruise.

Alaskan cruise weather, temperatures, and rainfall by month:

Best Times of the Year forAlaska Wildlife ViewingSummer may be prime travel time, but there are also advantages to taking an Alaska cruise during the shoulder seasons of May, June, and September.Though the weather may be somewhat cooler and wetter, the tourist crowds are smaller, the mosquitoes fewer, and the daylight hours more regular, with no midnight sun to interfere with one’s sleeping patterns.

How long is an Alaskan cruise from Florida?

• The Classic One-Way: Most one-way cruises from Florida to Alaska clock in around 7 to 14 nights. This is your bread-and-butter Alaskan adventure, with plenty of time for port stops, onboard entertainment, and existential pondering about the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.
• The Grand Alaskan Tour: Feeling fancy? Some cruise lines offer longer voyages, stretching up to 21 nights. These epic journeys might take you up the coast of California or even into Canada, giving you a true taste of the West Coast before hitting the Alaskan highlights.
• The Round-Trip: Round-trip cruises typically fly you to Alaska, where you embark on a shorter cruise (think 7 nights) before flying back to Florida. This option is good if you’re short on time or just can’t fathom that much open water.

But Wait, There’s More! (Because We Haven’t Factored in Fun Yet)

Remember, these are just general guidelines. Some cruises might offer shorter or longer options depending on the specific itinerary. They might also factor in special events or focus on particular regions of Alaska. The key is to shop around and find a cruise that fits your vacation time and your sense of adventure!

Where can you sail to from Florida?

Florida Keys – crusing with a yacht on the East Coast of the U.S.. Proclaimed to be some of the finest sailing waters on the East Coast of the United States, the Florida Keys are home to the only coral reef in continental United States. Key West Yacht Charters’s City Marina and Oceanside Marina are the two major hubs for yacht charters in the Keys. The marinas can hold almost 400 slips in combined capacity and it is essential to book prior to arrival in the high sailing seasons between November and April. Experience the beautiful weather in the south of Florida and journey through the small islands of the Key including Marquesa, Garden Key and the Dry Tortugas. Extended sailing holidays can also see you sailing to the Bahamas for a taste of the Caribbean life. Explore the land of the picturesque Boca Chita Key, relax upon the beaches and know the reasons why the Keys islands are often proclaimed to be paradise. Charter though the Hawk Channels and Largo Sound where bird lovers will delight in the large variety of marine bird life as well as Bald eagles and other large birds, as they pass through the narrow rivers of the mangroves. The Florida Keys are full of endless wonders and also offer the keen sailors who visit the towns and cities of the islands great fresh seafood for dinners and lunches. You may even like to catch your own!

I’m back to livin’ Floridays, Blue skies and ultra violet rays, Lookin’ for better days – Jimmy Buffet ‘Floridays’

Fort Lauderdale area – boating in Florida. Fort Lauderdale is a prime location for boaters and sailors due to its extensive network of marinas and its proximity to the Bahamas and the Florida Keys. It serves as a popular starting point for trips to these destinations because of its convenient access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, facilitating smooth travel to a variety of scenic and popular boating locations​, known for being one of the few areas in the world where salt water and fresh water fishing are within 20 minutes distance. To the south of Fort Lauderdale, sailors will enjoy many sights, relax on beautiful beaches and discover the joys of snorkeling. Anchor in the beach at the North end of Bimini and delight in a beautiful picnic lunch. Snorkel around the 1940’s concrete hull sunken freighter off the coast of SS Sapona and see the beautiful marine life that have taken up residence. The lighthouses and beaches along Gun Cay, Tuna alley and Cat Cay are also renown attractions for sailors in the area to enjoy a break from their sailing trip ashore. The marinas and basins in Fort Lauderdale provide swift easy access to other locations throughout Florida, including Miami right down to the Bahamas and even Key West.

What cities do cruise ships leave from in Florida?

1. Choose the Right Port. If you’re cruising from Florida, you have five ports from which to choose. Four Miami, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Port Canaveral and Jacksonville are situated along the state’s Atlantic coast. The fifth, Tampa, is on the state’s Gulf coast. The departure ports of Miami and Fort Lauderdale are the most active of the ports, with several cruise ships departing or returning in a single week. In addition to being a homeport, Port Canaveral, located one hour from Orlando, is also a port of call on cruises that depart from other areas of the United States. When choosing your port, consider how easy it will be for you to get there. Can you drive? Is there a direct flight? Different lines also sail from different ports, which will play into your decision.

Norwegian Getaway sailing out of Miami. (photo: Cruise Critic)

2. Revel in the Cruise Line and Itinerary Choices. Because there are so many homeports and because Florida is convenient to the Bahamas and Caribbean, more cruise lines sail from the state than any other place in the world. While not all cruise lines keep ships in Florida year-round, on any given date you’re likely to find sailings from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney, MSC Cruises, Princess, Celebrity and Holland America in at least one of the five ports. That’s not including seasonal sailings from Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, Cunard and Azamara Cruises. Additionally, Florida is the jumping-off point for more itineraries than any other port in North America. Besides Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean and Southern Caribbean sailings, you’ll find journeys to the Panama Canal and South America, as well as repositioning cruises to Europe.

Can you take a cruise from Florida?

With four major ports, sailing out of Florida offers so many exciting options to explore on a day trip before or after your cruise. Find cruising near you from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando (Port Canaveral) or Tampa and you’ll find plenty of things to do to soak up the sun and culture in the Florida region.

Great Cruises Near Me From Florida. With four major ports, sailing out of Florida offers so many exciting options to explore on a day trip before or after your cruise. Find cruising near you from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando(Port Canaveral)or Tampa and you’ll find plenty of things to do to soak up the sun and culture in the Florida region.

What is the cheapest month to cruise to Alaska?

1. April and May: Early bird savings. Think about going on a cruise around April or May if you want to save the most. In these months, Alaska has its shoulder season when costs often decrease, and there are fewer visitors. Despite the potential for a little bit of a chill, you’ll see nature’s breathtaking springtime blossoming. This time of year is a preferable option for travelers on a tight budget because of the snow-capped mountains, blooming wildflowers, and reduced crowds.

2. June and July: The glory of the peak season. The busiest months for cruises to Alaska are June and July. There are possibilities to witness bears, whales, and eagles in their native settings, and the weather is warmer. Although these months offer the best weather, they also have higher prices because of the higher demand. However, June and July are worth taking into consideration if you’re ready to spend a little extra and want to see Alaska at its finest.

3. Catch the last of the Summer sun in August and September. As the summer draws to a close, the months of August and September provide comfortable weather and reasonable costs. You may take advantage of the continuing warmth throughout these months while watching the first indications of fall. The landscapes are painted in vivid red and gold tones, providing a beautiful setting for your trip. In some areas of Alaska, September is also the best month for seeing the Northern Lights, which will give your voyage an extra element of wonder.

Which cruise line goes to Alaska?

• Cruise lines that sail from Vancouver to Seward or Seward to Vancouver include Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Viking Ocean Cruises.
• Cruise lines that sail from Vancouver to Whittier or Whittier to Vancouver include Princess Cruises.
• Cruise lines that sail roundtrip from Seattle include Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Royal Caribbean
• Cruise lines that sail roundtrip from Vancouver include Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line

To search for cruises based on your sailing date, route, and cruise line preference, check out our simple Alaska Cruise Finder tool.

Princess Cruises Alaska. As one of the forerunners of Alaskan cruising, Princess Cruises’ well-run shore operation helps passengers maximize their time in port while their onboard amenities offer entertainment for everyone. Learn More.

How long is a cruise to Alaska from Florida?

• The Classic One-Way: Most one-way cruises from Florida to Alaska clock in around 7 to 14 nights. This is your bread-and-butter Alaskan adventure, with plenty of time for port stops, onboard entertainment, and existential pondering about the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.
• The Grand Alaskan Tour: Feeling fancy? Some cruise lines offer longer voyages, stretching up to 21 nights. These epic journeys might take you up the coast of California or even into Canada, giving you a true taste of the West Coast before hitting the Alaskan highlights.
• The Round-Trip: Round-trip cruises typically fly you to Alaska, where you embark on a shorter cruise (think 7 nights) before flying back to Florida. This option is good if you’re short on time or just can’t fathom that much open water.

But Wait, There’s More! (Because We Haven’t Factored in Fun Yet)

Remember, these are just general guidelines. Some cruises might offer shorter or longer options depending on the specific itinerary. They might also factor in special events or focus on particular regions of Alaska. The key is to shop around and find a cruise that fits your vacation time and your sense of adventure!

Where do cruises to Alaska leave from?

The Inside Passage is the most popular cruise route in Alaska. Inside Passage cruises venture along Alaska’s southeastern coast, guarded from rough seas by hundreds of islands. Cruise itineraries are generally seven to ten days, typically departing from Seattle or Vancouver, BC. Alaska land and sea cruise packages include round-trip or one-way itineraries, and often include post-cruise land tour options on a train or motorcoach for travelers wanting to continue their Alaska exploration. The most popular time to cruise is June – August, and cruises typically run May – September.

In addition to enriching and entertaining experiences onboard the ship, Alaska cruises are known for the wide variety of shore excursions and opportunities to explore the scenic port towns visited along the way. Cruise ship travelers enjoy tour options for all interests and activity levels including Alaska Native cultural tours, hiking, fishing, kayaking, flightseeing, history tours, dog sledding, food tours, and so much more.

Northbound cruise routes usually stop first in Ketchikan, followed by Juneau (Alaska’s capital city), Skagway, and visit Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. While these are the most visited places in the Inside Passage, other communities visited by cruise ships include Hoonah, Sitka, Wrangell, Petersburg, Prince of Wales Island, and Haines. Longer cruise ship itineraries continue on to cross the Gulf of Alaska and end in port communities in Southcentral Alaska including Anchorage, Seward, and Whittier.

Are Alaska cruises all inclusive?

Set sail on the journey of a lifetime on a multi-day Alaska land and sea cruise package. This relaxing, all-inclusive experience is among the most preferred for travelers to Alaska, especially for their first trip. Cruise ships offer convenience, a wide range of services, and an ideal balance of relaxation and adventure. Cruisers unpack once and get to visit multiple communities and national parks without hauling bags around or dealing with logistics.

While there are exceptions, Alaska land and sea cruise packages tend to feature 7 – 14 day itineraries from either Seattle or Vancouver, BC. They will either explore the Inside Passage and return to their departure city or continue on to cross the Gulf of Alaska to end in a port in Southcentral Alaska: Whittier, Seward, or Anchorage. From there, guests can continue on to land-based toursvia motorcoach, train, or van,or fly home. Land-based tours are a great option to explore Southcentral and Interior Alaska and visit top destinations like Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park. These trips are also offered in reverse, starting in Alaska and ending in Vancouver or Seattle. The best time for cruising is from June through September, and a few sailings are also available during the shoulder season in May and October.

Along the way, Alaska cruise passengers are offered a dizzying range of tour options in Inside Passage port communities including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, and more. Excursions range from train trips through stunning mountain passes to zipline tours in temperate rainforests to wildlife viewing and sportfishing. Cultural opportunities abound with excursions to experience Alaska Native cultural tours, artwork, and dancing, visit museums and historical sites, and sample the local fare, including fresh Alaska seafood. Many cruise ships visit marine wonderlands like Glacier Bay National Park and Prince William Sound, where guests visit tidewater glaciers and watch them calve into the ocean.

How much does a 7 day cruise to Alaska cost?

$1,300 to $3,500 per person The average price for a 7-day Alaskan cruise can range from $1,300 to $3,500 per person, depending on the cruise line, type of cabin, and time of year.

What is the best month to go to Alaska cruise?

Temperature & Daylight Hours. For the warmest temperatures, cruise between mid-June and mid-August.

For the most Midnight Sun, come 3 weeks before or after the summer solstice and longest day of the year, June 21.

Want to see the northern lights? That’s a long shot during cruising season. It does get dark enough at night to see them by the second week of September, but it’s still not as brilliant as what you’ll see on a winter, land-based Alaska aurora viewing vacation.

Alaska Cruise Highlights By Month. This table can help you pick the best time to cruise Alaska.

• Spring flowers
• Big waterfalls
• Few Bugs
• Season begins 2nd week