Planning a Cruise to Alaska

Calculate your budget. Budget is one of the most important considerations of any vacation. If you're worried about spending money you won't have a good time. The cost of most cruises is all-inclusive as far as lodging, meals, entertainment and facilities. Alcohol is additional. The cost of the cruise depends on the size of the stateroom and its location. The bigger the room, the higher the cost. Rooms with a porthole cost more than those below deck. Cruising Alaska is different than most ocean cruises as the scenery changes on an hourly basis; it's not just unending ocean between ports of call.

Check with the cruise line to see what costs are covered and which aren't. Booking early may get you a discount. Many Alaskan cruises sell out the prior year.

Select the dates. Summer is the obvious choice since most cruises to Alaska take place from May through September. May will be cooler than high summer. Sometimes the weather is rainier during September. Avoid holiday periods such as Memorial Day and Fourth of July week since there may be a surcharge. July and August are the most popular months. May, early June, the last week of August and September are considered the shoulder season and prices come down a bit.

Choose what's important for on-board activities. Different cruises offer different activities. There are 10 cruise lines that offer an Alaskan cruise experience. Ship capacity's range from 200 or fewer passengers to 2,000 passengers. Smaller ships have less amenities and entertainment facilities but can cruise closer to Alaska's shoreline. Their emphasis is on Alaska, nature, culture and wildlife. The larger ships offer a full-line of casinos, shops, entertainment and activities. Their cruise emphasis is as much on the resort experience as Alaska.

Pick your ports of call. Within Alaska there are two main cruise routes. The first alternative is a round-trip, seven-day cruise that begins and ends in Vancouver. It includes Juneau, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay National Park and Sitka. The other choice is a one-way cruise from Vancouver to Seward, or one way from Seward to Vancouver and is available as a seven- or 10-day itinerary. This route has more glaciers and goes farther north. Cruises that start in Seattle and San Francisco are also available.

Prepare for inclement weather. It may be summer but take rain gear and warm clothing. Pack any special clothing or gear for special excursions like glacier exploring, fishing or hiking. Some ships have more formal events while a casual atmosphere prevails on other ships.