In the cruise industry, conventional wisdom is that just about everyone’s first cruise is to the Bahamas or the Caribbean. And, while both of those destinations are very popular for the first-timer, Alaska cruises are also a huge draw for the cruise newbie. When you take a moment to learn about the many unique aspects of an Alaska Cruise, it actually makes a lot of sense as a first-time cruise experience.

1. You don’t have to commit all seven days (or more) of your vacation to being on a ship. Alaska Cruise Tours combine a cruise with a land-based vacation. Holland America Line offers several cruisetour packages that combine a three- or four-night cruise with a land-based package for an equal number (or more) of nights that includes multiple destinations.


2. Alaska is BIG - seeing the sights from both land and sea give you a much broader experience than a cruise or land stay alone. Off the ship, your transportation is by executive-style motor coaches, domed railcars, and even smaller river ship, depending on which tour and cruise line you select. It’s not “city-based” sightseeing by any stretch - rather, a truly immersive experience in the Alaskan wilderness.


3. It’s an “easy” destination to access - departing from Seattle or Vancouver, Alaska cruises and Cruise Tours are within easy reach of tens of millions of people. If you live in the Rocky Mountain region or the west coast, it’s easier to get to Seattle and Vancouver.


4. It’s easy destination to experience - you don’t need to rush from place to place in order to have a truly memorable experience. In fact, Alaska is the kind of place that says “slow down!”


5. It’s a hard destination to see on your own - with the great distances and limited lodging, having everything done for you means your time is well spent.


6. It has genuinely broad appeal - great for sightseers, families with both young children and teens, adventurers, wildlife lovers, history buffs, and die-hard cruisers. Alaska is considered by many first time cruises as a “no-brainer” - they cite that they know they’re going to love the destination even if they’re not sure about the cruise itself!

Now that you know a bit more about Alaska cruise deals, what are the insider tips when it comes to buying?

1. If getting a lowest-priced cheap cruise deal to Alaska is a key consideration, look at the early or late season cruises. Weather will be a bit more of a risk but nobody goes to Alaska to work on their tan! Spring has the lowest pricing and you’ll get to see the land “wake up from winter” with flowers, rushing streams of snowmelt, and active wildlife. Fall is when you’ll likely experience the Northern Lights (as long as you don’t mind a middle of the night wake-up call)!


2. Seriously consider a Cruise Tour - Alaska’s land mass is equal to 25% of the entire continental U.S. While there’s much to see on the cruise and in the ports, there’s so much more that’s truly unforgettable on land.


3. Buck the trend if you’re booking a cruise tour. Most people want to have their tour first and the cruise second. Clever shoppers know that taking the cruise first and then the tour is often the key to getting the best cruise deal to Alaska. And a lot of insiders will tell you that the tour is every bit as relaxing as the cruise so you don’t need to “wind down” afterwards.


4. Make it a family affair if you can. Alaska is such a family-friendly destination; you’ll make memories together that last a lifetime.