What is the best time to take an Alaskan cruise?

In many cases, mid-June to mid-July is the best time to take an Alaskan cruise because of the better weather and longer daylight hours. Factors such as price, cruise availability and specific purpose of a cruise may make other times of the year a better choice for some people.

May and September bring less-crowded ships, prices that are cheaper by as much as $200 per person and excursions that are as much as 20 percent cheaper, as of 2015. Because the ships are less crowded, cruisers have more rooms and ships to choose from. If the purpose of the cruise is to see wildlife, then late May to early June is the best time to go, except if bear watching is the aim. Shore excursions for bear watching are best in late June or early July.