Alaska Advice

[Princess123]

We are thinking of cruising to Alaska early/mid September 2013. We're assuming that it will be cold and probably wet but just wondering if anyone knows whether our chances of seeing whales, eagles and other wildlife at that time of year will be around the same as other months during the cruising season?

[ajhunt2]

We went Sept. 2009 leaving on Labor Day and the weather was AMAMZING. Only rained on us in Juneau and that was just a drizzle. Ketchican we were wearing shorts/tee's and flip flops.

 

We saw a lot of whales but we did take a whale watching excursion in Juneau.

 

Wildlife is always and if. You have to be in the right place at the right time. Even if you do a bear excursion or something, doesn't always mean you will see some. Just keep your eyes open!

[mrpayroll]

We went first week of Sept. Remember to dress in layers. Don't bring a big bulky coat. Might start out cool in morning and be pretty nice by mid day. Took whale watching excursion and saw many whales. Did not see any bears.

[Princess123]

Thanks for the helpful replies. I seem to be stressing more about booking an Alaskan cruise than I do booking one to the Caribbean in hurricane season!

[katisdale]

We did a week long land trip followed by a week on the cruise in mid September. Yes it was a bit chilly but we hit the wildlife jackpot. We saw whales both from the ship and on excursions. There were so many bears and eagles. If you have the chance and stay in Skagway long enough there is a fantastic excursion (I was on Island Princess) called "Evening Wildlife Excursion" that took us from Skagway to Haines. It was beyond fabulous and the eagles, otters, and especially the bears were unbelievable. We were also greatly impressed with Glacier Bay and the calving of the glaciers was impressive.

[usrbphi]

We went the end of August last year and saw very little wildlife. Was told that the best time is early summer.

[PhotoPete]

Been on two Alaska cruies. Had a great time on both. One was in June and the other September. Both had nice warm weather. Only time it was really cold was by the glaciers. But, be prepared and bring warm clothing.

[chipmaster]

Sept is getting late, crowds will be less to non-existing, price will be good, some excursions like dog sleding on the glaciers will be over. You should see about wildlife as windows for some of that are short and abrupt in when you can see them.

 

I think you should expect it to be "colder" than summer with much less light. I always find funny people who post about their good sunny time and flip flops in sept. I too can share with you pictures of great weather, but July. Its the weather and plan for the norm which as you noted will be cooler and not as many nice days as earlier, but with the advantage of fewer people and much lower price :D