candy wy.

When is the best time to go on vacation to Alaska?
would a cruise be better than flying?
which areas are better for visiting?
I have no clue

sir_eccles

Be aware that most cruises stop off in Canada on the way so if you are filing any immigration paperwork at the time be aware of the consequences.

Poppy girl

Don't tell me you're off again woman FFS did you win the lottery and not tell me!

candy wy.

That depends on when the best time to go is......
I wish I had won the lottery I would not be asking when the best time to go to Alaska is... I would be asking about around the world cruises...
although not to sure about the cruise part.. last time I went on one I was sick going..

candy wy.

Will be done with immigration by the time we go..

tonrob

What would you be doing while you were there? See a glacier. Hike a trail. Fondle a moose?

The further north you go the longer the days in summer and the shorter the days in winter. See average temperatures on weather.com if that's important. Be aware of the effect of the compressed tourist season on prices for tours, hotels and stuff. Wilderness areas will be full of bugs in spring and at least the first half of summer.

It's all down to preferences, budgets (time and money) and the kinds of things you think you'd like to do.

SanDiegogirl

We cruised end of May beginning of June. Flew into Fairbanks and then spent 2 nights in Denali National Park. Magic. Then by train to pick up the ship near Anchorage. Cruised around Glacier Bay National Park and onto Juneau, Skagway and Kechikan. Then sailed via the Inside Passage which was beautiful scenery the whole way.

We are not hugely keen cruise people but this one we thoroughly enjoyed, because there was something to see every day. It was on Princess cruises but there are loads of other companies sailing out of Seattle etc.

One thing which was very pleasing was that this early in the season you don't get the mosquitoes which can be very annoying - they are very big in Alaska.

SDDep

Take a winter cruise if you can...its absolutely drop dead beautiful in the winter...even if a bit drop dead cold also...

I spent quite a few months up there...

cluedweasel

We're going on a round trip cruise from Seattle in September. Hopefully the weather will stay good for it. After 13 years of marriage, it's going to be the honeymoon we promised ourselves. Just haven't been able to afford it until now.

Burn1911

Its all about fondling the wildlife with you isn't it!! not 2 weeks back you were talking about fondling possums!!!

I haven't done the Alaska cruise yet, but my Ozzie Aunt and Uncle did one when they came to stay, at the beginning of June LOVED IT!! and are considering repeating the experience!!

scrubbedexpat091

I suppose it all depends on what you want to do in Alaska.

I wanted to experience cold weather so I went in winter, flew to Barrow in March and yes it was cold.

Most people seem to venture in the summer months, June to September though.

Jan Alaska

I would visit between June and September. shoulder season here is dead.
Cruises are good but you will be on their timetable as to what you see when and from experience (I live here) some places are worth more than the usual 4 hour stopby that cruises/ buses allow for.

If you need more info send me a msg, living here and loving it. Went to Valdez this weekend and saw black and brown bears and cubs, fished for salmon and was wowed by the scenery.

Jan