Essentials

Tour Info

Summary of nights

2 nights in Vancouver, 7 nights on your expedition cruise

Meals

Full board during your cruise.

Trip suitability

Expedition cruises offer a very different experience from traditional ocean cruising. Rather than spending most of the journey on board, the focus is on exploring ashore, with regular Zodiac excursions and landings that provide access to remote locations beyond the reach of larger vessels. While participants do not need to be experienced hikers or capable of undertaking strenuous activities, a reasonable level of mobility is essential. Guests should be able to step in and out of Zodiacs, maintain their balance on uneven surfaces, and walk short distances over terrain that may include beaches, rocky shorelines, snow or rough paths. Those who can do so comfortably will be best placed to enjoy the full range of experiences offered during the voyage.

Clothing & special equipment

Alaska can be very cold, even outside winter so be prepared with layers, warm clothing and good hiking boots.

Weather

The best time to visit Alaska is between May and September with the warmest weather, longest days, and the best opportunities to watch wildlife such as bears and whales. Spring arrives between April and June and varies from cold to mild and is a quieter time to visit. Summer is peak season from June to August when northern areas enjoy the midnight sun. Autumn (September-October) sees temperatures fall quickly with frequent rain but the Fall colours make this an attractive time.

Cruises in the region generally operate between May and September, with those at the beginning and end of the season coming with possibilities of seeing the northern lights.