What I Wish I Knew Before Taking our First Alaska Cruise 

Make sure you pack sunglasses! If you wear glasses, try a hat or transitions! The ice is bright in the sun, and the sun is ALWAYS out in the middle of June. Your eyes will thank u❤

I mildly disagree with one of your suggestions, although I get the reasoning behind it. Saving money on an interior or cheaper room so that you can do more of the excursions. That is ,or could, be true. However, on our Alaskan cruises, I have sought out balconies with the absolute best views. I am a little bit of an amateur photographer, and some of my favorite photos that I have ever taken have come from the balconies of the ship, I was cruising on. I know you can leave your room and get photos from anywhere or any angle on the ship. What I am saying is the very first thing I would do when I would wake up in the morning would be to go outside on my balcony and look and see what we were passing, when I came to our cabin for using the restroom or changing clothes I would always be looking out to make sure I wasn’t missing the view. I have some amazing photos from our balconies that I might have missed otherwise because I wouldn’t have know what we were cruising by if I were in an interior room.

I agree that you don’t need as many clothes on an Alaskan cruise. I took multiple sweaters & pants, but in reality I only needed two warm sweaters. In the morning I wore a heavy coat but next time I’ll wear a down coat which will weigh less. I’ve since learned about ski pants/leggings & they’re soooo comfortable. So I’ll take 2pairs of them too. Nowadays you can order some really warm, thin thermals that you can’t tell the difference between them & a shirt, so I’d take 2 thermal shirts. Around lunch time you can take off the coat & sweater & wear a T shirt/lightweight shirt. Around late afternoon you will need to add a layer for warmth. At night I wear a long sleeved shirt & pants. I don’t carry a regular purse, I take a lightweight cloth bag to keep my jacket folded up in until I walk outside the ship & need a jacket. You can order knee socks with hidden zippered pockets to keep your cash while shopping along with the zippered wrist band with hidden pockets. Winter clothes are heavy so when you’re shopping inside a store you don’t need to carry heavy purses. To me, it would be worth every penny to have a balcony. So I’d rather save longer so I can go on excursions & have a balcony.

Been to Alaska three times. Your video is great cause it covers many things people need to know. We did learn that the extra expense of a cruise sponsored excursion is worth it for us because the cruise will take responsibility if your excursion is late getting back to ship. If you book independently, you are on your own if your excursion does not make it back on time before ship leaves.

My husband I cruised last August on Serenade of the Seas to Alaska. The thing that surprised me and I am glad we did, was to attend the enrichment seminars offered by Royal on sea days. There were talks on the RCMP, Glaciers, flora and fauna, etc. It was really interesting and informative.

My best Alaska tip is to get a heated vest, it made dressing for any weather so much easier. The battery lasts about 8 hrs on low.

I've booked my 3rd Alaskan cruise for July 2024. My last two were end of August/early September, so I'm looking to much longer daylight and (maybe) better temps? Ha Ha, just kidding! From our first Alaskan cruise in 2013 to now, shore excursions prices have, at a minimum, doubled. I've still recovering from the sticker shock. But, there are ways to save on excursions, as you said. In Juneau, you can take a public city bus to Mendenhall glacier for just a few dollars, and admission was $5.00 when I was there last. You can hike around on the trails there, as you said. And it's much cheaper than a tour from Royal (although I did that the first time). You could rent a car too. We did that in Ketchikan and drove to some sites we had heard about. We later stumbled upon a small park near the water, which had a small creek tumbling down. And we watch a lot of salmon trying to make their way up the river back to spawning grounds. And it was FREE!!! And a unique surprise. Pack in layers. And the time change is real. Dealing with the time change going to Europe is no sweat compared to the time change going to Alaska. And I'm in Central Time Zone.

We went for the first time last summer. I booked our flight for the morning after getting off the cruise and stayed at a hotel near the airport that offered transportation to the airport. It worked out well for us.

Balcony all the way, my god I wouldn’t go unless I can have a balcony. It’s so worth the money. Royal is hands down the best cruise line.

The one thing I wished I knew before cruising to Alaska was how important the port times meant. We traveled with a different cruise line and the port times were a lot shorter than RC. My next Alaska cruise will be booked with RC.

Excellent timing, Matt! We’re leaving five weeks from tomorrow on ovation! Enjoy your Norway cruise!

If you're from the East, for sure get there a day early. When I went in 2010, we got there the morning of and while that worked out fine, I was in bed way early. Last year, we got there a day ahead and it was much better. Going to bed early in the hotel is better than missing out on stuff on the ship the first night.

Thank you very much for the much needed video I'm going on my Alaskan cruise in a little over 2 weeks! I'm super excited!

I took a public bus to Mendenhall Glacier $6 round trip. The cruise line wanted $125 for the same trip.

I have been to Alaska four times, once on a ferry and three times via cruise ship. I would also add to check your itinerary closely if you want specific attractions. For instance, many ship’s cannot get into Glacier Bay because of forest service restrictions. Holland America and Princess ships most often go there, since they have been cruising to Alaska the longest.

Thank you for the tips! Enjoy your videos Matt!

If having alaskan king crab is on your bucket list, be prepared for the exorbitant prices. Its easy to spend $100 on this type of lunch.

Packed light in a carry on with no jeans ( lighter weight pants) because they take up so much room. I expanded it and had to check it on the way home because of purchases. Packed an extra empty bag that folds flat that I could carry on. That way you can always buy warmer stuff if you need it.

My lesson: book a 1 way cruise between Seward and Vancouver. Yes, the ship is less exciting. Yes, the flights are more complicated. Yes, getting between Seward and Anchorage is a bit of a challenge. But! You get much more of Alaska. Isn't that why you're going? Further, Seward and the Alaska railroad between Seward and Anchorage are my favorite part of the trip. Do yourself a favor and try a one way cruise instead of round trip Seattle.

I suggest to remember to look at the weather forecast at your departure and return destinations as well as your port of calls to be best prepared. I always bring at least one outfit for hot temps and/or one warmer outfit. Just in case.

Headed to Alaska Thursday. We are so excited 😀

Very Well Done! I am a new Travel Agent working from home. Not my first time and I love booking travel and I love traveling. This was an excellent video! 👍👍👍. Thank You!!!🎉

We are going for the first time this summer. Can't wait!

We are thinking about taking an Alaska cruise next summer and live in the Seattle area, so many of these tips will not apply, but for out-of-town guests (love you!) the information seems excellent. We hope to learn more about the history of each area/community by visiting local museums and enjoying the food at a local restaurant or two. So happy there is something for everyone.

Hey Matt. I literally just found out I won another 14 day Alaska Cruise and I'm going back up there in September XD At the same time, my parents are going to go up as well on another. So I'm going to show them this video. As for a Tip, I say this to everyone. When you go to shore, Bring a bag with you. It was a little nippy at a few stops I went to, and I found myself taking my coat off a couple times. I put it in my backpack so I would have to carry it around with other stuff I bought as well. Helped me enjoy the sights

Thanks for sharing this. We leave on our first Alaska cruise on Ovation in August!

We are going to Alaska on the 13th of June and information like yours is invaluable, thanks!

On all Our Cruises We take Binoculars, But take Our GOOD set. on Alaska Cruises, Its a MUST HAVE .!! Matt, you talked about Weather We have had Hot, Cold , Rain all in the same Day .. Great Tips for any Cruise ESPECIALLY Alaska ...

I booked a excursion ride back to the airport. It included the space needle ticket and the public market in seatlle then the airport so my flight was much later in the day. I will be going again. best vacation ever

Make sure you take a lot of cold weather gear..even stocking caps and gloves..useful for glacier walking or viewing from open deck. Coming from Florida we ended up buying a lot of gear. A good camera helps capturing the beauty. Whale watching is a must!

We went to Alaska last September. It was awesome. Id go again.

Going on my first cruise ever and it’s to Alaska on Holland America in September. So excited, thanks for the tips!

Thanks Matt, as always great Video and information. Thanks for the tip on the packing. I will definitely rethink my packing now. This year I am going to Alaska. And probably each year for a few years, as my son is in BC now. Which makes going there a why not idea! Yes, the Glacier. I booked that. Thank goodness. I did it on a gut feeling and go glad I did now. And the binoculars are already in my bag. I purchased a pair last year, knowing I was going to Alaska. Yes, you definitely can see so much more. My pair are good ones. Thanks again. Your tips were most helpful.

Port Valat luggage to Airport service is something many don't know about 🙂

This was a very good video. My wife and I have booked an Alaskan cruise this September. We are going on Princess because I believe the food will be much better.

Great tips, thanks for sharing.

Going to Alaska in September 1st. Booked 3 Excursions From Viator. They do excursions all over the place. But you can have some in Seattle. This Has been on my bucket list for a while..😊

Going on quantum of the seas July 2024. Thanks for great advice.

Great info here! We take Alaska cruise this summer from here in Seattle! Thanks!!!

Going this August, thanks for the info.

I just got back from a Princess Cruise trip to Alaska on the Grand Princess and enjoyed it immensely! We also did the land tour also. Absolutely breathtaking scenery and great culture! Your video is very helpful and informative. One area of confusion for me was the gratuities. I thought you had to sign up to pre-pay gratuities, it turns out they take 18% automatically whether you sign up or not. You don't get to decide how to tip. I had a massage at the spa and tipped her in cash. When I saw the receipt and realized it had already been taken out, I went to the receptionist, and she credited me. We also asked the concierge to credit all the gratuities so we could give what we thought was fair to the cleaning staff, waiters/waitresses, bus drivers, etc. They were cooperative. Definitely a trip I would do again.

The other thing to not-miss in Juneau is to make sure to eat at Tracy's Crab Shack... Right where the cruise ships park..

#1: If your excursion tells you the Chilkoot Trail hike is only "moderately strenuous", do not believe them.

Lots of great info.

About the soda and water, you can bring aboard. RC allows a couple of regular six-packs of soda or water, But The Airlines Do Not. Check with the airline you will use on their policy BEFORE you pack. Usually, it's a blanket FAA or Homeland No No concern about liquids.

Going to Alaska in mid-August. My biggest fear is packing!!! But so excited for all of the excursions!

Go to all the museums. Local, state, and Forest Service tours. 5-10$. Use the local transportation busses. Do not pay $250 to go to a Glacier when a local bus will take you for $3. I've been to Alaska 2 times in the past year. Same exact cruise. And still haven't seen it all.

Going 1st time middle of June on Holland America!! Of course packing for the weather!! I have rain jacket, jeans & sweatshirts. I just don't like to be cold ha!! I'm taking some t-shirts also!! I just don't want to over pack!!

Thank you so much. This was so informative. My fiance & I will be going on Ovation of the Seas in a couple of days & this cruise has me all over the place. What to pack what not to pack should I should I not I feel crazy. This video was perfect for me.

Just booked our first trip to Alaska on Radiance of Sea June 2024, for my 60th Birthday with my husband. Super excited and have lots to plan, so this was very helpful. Seward to Vancouver. Would love to hear any tips

I'll be cruising to Alaska in September. No tours. Grab A souvenir or two.

Going to AK on the Ovation on June 9th. My main concern is packing light while still having cute and color coordinated outfits for my daughter and I 😂🤷🏾‍♀️

My first cruise to Alaska was aboard a 378 ft US Coast Guard Cutter. We saw a lot of the Alaskan coast.

Matt! I wish there was more information out there about the land portion. We want to do the Mountain Valley Explored (3A).

9:49 - i want to ride THAT bus! First Alaskan cruise is happening in July!

5 days till Ovation of the Seas, thanks for posting Matt! It's our first time, but I think my wife and I may have figured out how and what we are going to pack. We also have most of our excursions booked, and all this hopefully planned properly after months of research and videos thanks to you and your team. As for flying, we are so relieved to be flying out of Los Angeles our home city. Love the Caribbean, but those East Coast flights are starting to take its toll on us. Amazing how we booked this cruise (through MEI thanks to you) back in mid Sept 2022 which seemed like an eternity then...and here we are, 5 days away!!

We've done lots of Caribbean cruises and have packing down pat. We'll be on our first Alaskan cruise, 8 nights on Radiance of the Seas, May 11th. I know we're probably overpacked. It's hard to anticipate what we might need since the weather is so unpredictable.

We’re going in early May. Im concerned about the weather. Hopefully it will be OK, but here in Denver we can still get snow on Mothers Day.

Thank you for this! As a solo, Royal is out of my budget since they never waive the solo supplements sadly but I am booked on the NCL Sun in October to Alaska! I am doing exactly what you suggested and foregoing a balcony so I can do the $500 helicopter ride ❤ I’m so excited, but also tempering my expectations in case it gets cancelled due to weather. I’m so excited and can’t wait!

En agenda presente reservación Royal Carribean

Hi Matt! Researching cruise itineraries and wondering about the one’s that have a pre or post land tour?

I’m going on my 1st Alaska cruise in 2 weeks! I wish I knew about day pass hotels. I booked our flight last year and the only flight out of Seattle that I could afford was at 10:59pm. The excursions for Alaska are very expensive but I ended up booking what I felt would be enjoyable for the money. So we are going on hikes and venturing out to Capilano suspension bridge in Victoria. Overall I hope its cold. If I’m going to Alaska I want it to be cold!

Headed to Alaska in mid August with NCL arranging flights. Trying to request coming in a day early to try to get adjusted a bit . We are doing the North to South trip from Seward to Vancouver. I can't believe how expensive the hotels are combined with overall not so great reviews. Then trying to figure out all these logistics without knowing our travel fly times until well after the deadline for requesting a day early arrival is a concern.

I bought that cruise approved power connector you keep recommending. RC confiscated it. That was a waste of $18.

Thanks for the tips! We have elderly family members traveling with us, will they be able to use the restroom in the line at the Vancouver port? Or once you’re in the long line you can’t leave?

Hey Matt! We are going on our first Alaskan cruise in April. Any tips for going that time of the year?

I'm cruising to Alaska in August should I carry a rain coat or poncho?

I wanna go on an Alaskan cruise.

Just started binging your channel as we have an Alaskan cruise on RC in '24. They are canceling some Skagway itineraries this year due to the port issues - I'd be curious what your take is on how long that might continue, if there will be a solution by '24, etc.

Going on my first Alaska cruise in 3 weeks. Do I need to bring bear spray? I’m going self-guided mountain biking in Juneau and am concerned with encountering bears on the trails. Also, best solution to mosquitos? Or is it just bug spray?

Hello! First, I love the channel! My family (2 adults 2 children under 12) and I are going on our first Alaska cruise/bucket list cruise in 30 days!!! Do you happen to see a lot of kids on Alaska cruises? And another random question, do they have flavored coffee creamers in the windjammer? I am not a fancy coffee drinker but I do like a little flavor! I am just so excited about the cruise! 5 year cancer survivor! 10 year wedding anniversary! First cruise as a family! A lot of reasons to celebrate!

I tend to be the over packer ( love options) lol. But reading the comments I think I will be safe wearing some pieces twice.....is that the suggestions of most?

My husband and I are going to Alaska in July! Have you ever been on Holland America? What is one of the best excursions in Alaska?

I heard something in this or another RC Blog by Matt that said if you're looking for the scenic cruise (which we are, including Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier, and maybe some wildlife like bears, Bald Eagles, whales, Mendenhall Glacier Park sounds amazing too) . . . For Scenic Cruising, definitely do the Northern cruise not the Southern one? Is that just skipping Seattle, WA (which is of course South of Canada and Alaska) and either starting at Anchorage, AK or Vancouver, BC in Canada? Is Matt still talking about taking the Inner Passageway or is there an even more Northern cruise than the Inner Passageway? I thought Seattle cruises went to the Inner Passageway (maybe they also stop at a more Southern Last Stop, and Don't reach Anchorage/Whittier)? --- Landlocked and Clueless in Oklahoma, USA

Great video ❤❤❤❤

How are the balconies on an Alaskan cruise? I imaging with bad weather or wind, it might get cold inside the cabin.

Going in September on our first Alaskan cruise. Want to know which ports we should just visit the town (Ketchikan) and which ports to do an excursion. Any advice would be appreciated.

Great tips. What is the best time to take an Alaskan cruise?

Are cruises from Florida to the Caribbean typically less crowded in January? Not as many children due to just coming off of Christmas break?

Our 3 shore excursions for 2 people cost more than our cabin.

Our cruise to Alaska is next week. We were the ones getting emails about our port change. I think general tips would help since this is the first postcovid season. Feels like all prior videos are no longer relevant

Anyone know why I have two different check-in days? It says the 8th on The website and it says the 7th on the app.

So is 10:30 to late for me? If we embark at 6

Don't forget your bug spray.

Excursions are the most important part in Europe and most places. Do not miss the bird sanctuary in Alaska. The whale watching was wonderful too because of the time I was there and the whales had just arrived from Hawaii. They are bigger than the boat so you really only see their giant tails. A giant boat means you cannot see those bears on shore so you definitely need binoculars/camera with lens to see a great distance, or realize the boat is not a tour boat and go on an excursion. In Seattle just wait 5 minutes or move a short distance to change the weather. We do not use umbrellas or sunglasses much since it is a waste of time. We also ignore the weather reports for that reason. The coast of Alaska/Canada has the same crazy weather. We can tell if you are a tourist because of your silly clothes, silly shoes and you are actually using an umbrella. Pretend you are going hiking up Mt. Rainier. You need waterproof sealed shoes, layers of clothing that will not get soaked through if it actually rains instead of drizzles (our normal weather isn't exactly rain like most people understand it), be prepared for a 20 degree change, and your hat, umbrella, and everything else not tied down will blow away. I never wore sandals until I went to California where they laugh at the shoes visitors wear coming from up North. Sorry we don't look sexy or wear silk dresses. Seattle has a train that goes to the Airport quickly. Research the stops and avoid the traffic which is worse than anything in LA because the lakes and steep hills prevent normal roads like other cities. It is now not working normally for 2 weeks due to a mess someone made but if you ever want to go around Seattle avoid driving if you can. The city is weird because it is so expensive here, international, and you get the result of homelessness, crime and drugs. So we don't go downtown unless forced to by work, but you might want to visit and take pictures before it is destroyed by an earthquake someday. That is not a joke. Also remember Alaska has the same issue with earthquakes and volcanoes on top of it. We would know if Rainier was going to erupt because it is closely monitored, but Alaska is more likely to have problems with flying due to ash and that is how many commute there because no roads due to the crazy terrain. I love how everyone on the West coast pretends everything is fine, no worries. For some reason LA has earthquakes once a month you cannot hide from but Seattle/Vancouver only has a sharp reminder once in a while that it sits on a slip and slide. Do not ask me why they build high rises. I am confused. The most recent scary earthquake was in Alaska and mostly damaged roads but I keep an earthquake kit in the trunk of my car because LA taught me to be prepared and fasten everything down. Remember drinking water will be an issue until the pipes are inspected for breaks, and most likely getting gas, bank machines, etc could be out of order if it is nasty. So you might want to google a few things and surprise it is the gas fires after which are the biggest threat. Not trying to scare tourists but if you go somewhere with hurricanes, blizzards or tornadoes do you ignore that? Those are a very unlikely event here by the way. I was shocked to see a small twister in downtown LA that took out a corner of my parking garage. So I guess you should get trip insurance if we are unlucky on this coast.

People who actually want to experience Juneau, just fly here. Go on the trails and stay out of downtown. Mendenhall is overrated and has shrunk so much.

There is nothing to do while on the ship. Can’t enjoy the pool as a Caribbean cruise. We went to the auction. Seriously.

I’ve been looking at the Disney ship bc I have 2 small children. We are from orlando, FL & looking for something different than the Caribbean & Mexico (we have been there done that many times). Did you see any small children on the Alaskan cruise ? I’m not sure if I should wait until they are older.

Is it still as enjoyable cruising to a cold climate?

I made a few of these mistakes

Never forget about God. He hasn’t forgotten about you. Let him in.❤Please enjoy the Sabbath day the way the Bible instructs.

how will you be able to see a glacier?

I just got back 2 days ago. I have to say Holland America goes to a lot of places in Alaska but their entertainment options on the Eurodam were pretty boring. The same band every night.... it gets pretty old. Also, the night before the cruise ended, my wallet was stolen out of my room. Guess services didn't give one care. The staff treat you like gold though. I just wish I knew who took my wallet.

Inside cabin? How embarrassing.

fakiu yo boi pa lajka me caguen dio

Boring boring boring leave the boat and drive the road in winter , thats Alaska.

Follow the rules. If the rules change in their favor so be it. It’s exhausting dealing with everyone’s entitlements. If you want military benefits seek a cruise on a navy ship. Oh, there aren’t any. Right. People are people on cruise ships. You pay for what you get.

Pro tip, don’t stay in Seattle any longer than you have to.

Audio quality sucks… please change your microphone 🎤 🙏

very unpleasant voice