Alaska Cruise Deals

An Alaskan cruise can be one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime.  The cool, crisp air.  The wash of the sea against the ship.  The glimpses of whales, bears, and other native wildlife.  And of course, the majestic and awe inspiring glaciers. 

Yet for a first time passenger on a cruise to Alaska, how do narrow down your choices to pick the one cruise that's just right for you?  Small ship?  Luxury?  Shore excursions?  The choices can seem overwhelming.  And what about cost?  Is it possible to find a Alaska cruise deals that you will enjoy?

Fortunately, there are a few easy guidelines you can follow to help find a discount Alaska cruise. 

Make sure you shop around 
While this can seem like an obvious point, prices can vary considerably between cruise lines offering very similar itineraries and classes of service.  It pays to make sure to look at all of the major cruise lines.

Keep up to date on the general cruise market
Like all things, Alaska cruise prices rise and fall with demand.  If bookings are down for whatever reason, the cruise lines have a strong incentive to make sure they're not leaving port with empty cabins.

Consider different types of cabins
It costs quite a bit more to have an outside cabin.  An outside cabin with a balcony is even more expensive.  Most cruisers to Alaska find, though, that don't really spend that much time in their rooms. Part of the fun of a cruise is being out and about in the common areas with the other guests. And the views from the deck can't be beat!

Try to be flexible on the dates of your cruise
You can often times save quite a bit of money by traveling before May and after October, which is the shoulder of the summer cruise season.  The days will be a little shorter, and it's bound to be colder, but an Alaskan cruise is beautiful year round.

Take advantage of the experience of others
There are a number of forums where up to date information can be found. Don't be shy! You'll be amazed how much information your fellow cruisers will know, and how happy they'll be to share it with you.