Do you see whales on Alaska cruises?

During an Alaskan vacation, you'll spot feeding humpback whales, orcas swimming with their offspring, and gray and blue whales splashing in the water from a front-row seat. The kinds of whale species you'll encounter while on your cruise largely depends on which region of Alaska you're sailing through.



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You'll find whale-watching excursions on offer in every port, but you'll also, with luck, see marine mammals from the ship. The bridge officers keeping extra watch will make an announcement if there's a particularly impressive pod in the vicinity.

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Land Mammals Along Alaskan Shores Many land mammals can be seen right from the deck of your cruise ship. Bears, moose, wolves, deer, and many other creatures are known to walk right up to the water's edge, even strolling along the beach or venturing into the water.

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Cruises are a great way to see Alaska's coastal mountains, glaciers, marine wildlife, and towns. But you don't want to miss our highest mountains, “Big Five” land mammals, or vast interior landscapes, so… If you choose a conventional cruise, take a cross-Gulf itinerary and add a land tour.

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At any time during the cruise season you'll certainly see some of Alaska's most amazing animal inhabitants, including whales, dolphins, bears and bald eagles. However, many migratory species are sighted more often during certain times.

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Whales: It's possible but don't expect it. Whales don't have to come up for air often so it's not as likely, even if there is one nearby the ship. However, you may get lucky, people have reported seeing them before. Seals: Like Dolphins, Seals can be found closer to shore.

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DON'T be disappointed if it's raining and misty, but DO bring your rain gear! At the very least bring a rain jacket but I would suggest rain pants too. Luckily the humpback whales don't care if it's raining or sunny. It's always wet and cold where they are!

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(Alaska cruise itineraries don't venture far enough north for polar bear viewing.) In general, small expedition ships strengthened to weather sea ice are the best vessels for a polar bear safari. Choose a cruise with onboard naturalists who are skilled in keeping an eye out for the hard-to-spot creatures.

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Temperatures range on average between fifty and sixty degrees with mostly cool afternoons and evenings and chilly mornings and mid-day hours. The late nights and early mornings can be very cold, but these are also the hours when most people are asleep in their cabins.

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10 Days. This is a very popular vacation length, and no wonder: 10 days is enough time to combine a cruise with a land tour and experience both sides of Alaska. Trips of this length usually include a whirlwind tour of some of Alaska's popular interior and Southcentral destinations, plus a 7-day cruise.

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Even during the prime cruising months of June, July, and August, temperatures are generally fairly mild during this time, with average highs in the 60s and lows in the high 40s and 50s. Ketchikan receives the most rain, with weather conditions becoming progressively drier the farther north you go.

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