Impressions of Alaska in September

[Hblanton]

I had this post elswhere on the site, and it was suggested I move it here. Ok.

 

Whe wife and I have been on about 10 cruises (mostly Caribbean/Mexico and 3 transatlantic crossings.) We are late 40s, retired and pretty atypical cruisers in that we use pretty much nothing offered on the ship except the cabin and meals. We don't care about the food really, never go to shows, use the gym, EVER shop, etc. But we love time on the sea to catch up on reading, look out at the ocean, etc. What can I say - it works for us.

 

We live in San FRancisco and there is a NCL trip from Vancouver to SF via Alaska on Sept 13rd. We've wanted to go to Alaska (a long RV trip is in our future) and this seems like an easy and inexpensive introduction to the state. Its a limited into of course, but an inexpensive and easy way to get a taste (I have had a few cruises end in SF and being able to take mass transit home from the pier is just COOL.)

 

My questions are about the advisability of going so late in the year. I had expected we would cruise there next May perhaps, but this Sept offer may be too good to refuse. CAn anyone comment on the weather, how early it gets dark, and maybe most importantly, the effect of this time of the year on siteseeing, whale watching, etc? Essentially I'm asking if it is a mistake to go in mid-September.

 

We are not great with kids, so I expect September will be good for a more adult set of folks-onboard. I'm not worried about weather per se, unless the story ist hat it rains every day and its freaking miserable. Really, the question is whether mid to late Sept - which is after all the end of the season in Alaska - is an advisable time to take a trip.

 

I look forward to your input.

 

HL Blanton IV

[Yukon]

The downside is that the days are short and the chances of rain and cold are high - the upside is that we'll never again see prices this low and September is the last chance. You can get sunrise-sunset times at http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.php but in Juneau on September 15, the sun comes up (in theory :) ) at 6:28 and sets at 7:16 (today it's 4:31 and 9:36). You can see in the weather stats at http://www.youralaskacruise.com/cruise-weather.html that September has about double the rain that July does. Most excursions with the exception of glacier dog sledding will still be operating.

[cruisebum50]

My husband and I sound a lot like the two of you (except we are in our 50's). We don't use the gym, go to shows, etc. and always cruise when kids are in school. We always get a suite and enjoy watching the scenery and wild life from the balcony if not too cool or from the suite if it is.

 

We have seen whales from the balcony right next to the ship and had dolphins or porpoises (not sure which) swimming along side and behind us in the wake which was awesome. We saw sea lions coming out of the bay where Hubbard Glacier is. Each of these has been on one of the three trips to Alaska in September.

 

We have taken whale watches in Juneau (through the ship, not impressed) and Sitka (independent, was awesome). Saw salmon spawning and lots of eagles in Ketchikan. We saw seals (at least that is what I think they were) playing in the harbor in Skagway.

 

I have a fear of heights so will not do a float plane or helicopter so that limits some of the wild life sightings for us. My husband is surprised that finally, after two cruises I am able to go out on the balcony without being petrified. I am sure that others who have gone in September have seen a lot more wild life than we have. I have finally convinced my husband that he should do a float plane trip next year so that he can see even more of Alaska and its beauty. No point in him missing out because I am too frightened.

 

We had a light rain and sleet in Juneau and pouring rain in Ketchikan and a beautiful sunny day in Skagway (all in 2006). In 2007 our day in Juneau was beautiful, Ketchikan was light rain, Skagway we had gale force winds coming out of the pass and misty rain. In 2008 all three days were beautiful. So, you can see that you never know what the weather is going to be and just have to be prepared for anything. I have always taken a light weight water resistent jacket and have worn a heavy long sleeved shirt or sweatshirt and been comfortable. Last year in Ketchikan I wore a light weight long sleeved shirt and a fleece vest, no need for the jacket.

 

If I remember correctly it starts to get dark about 7:00 in the evening, which was ok with us because we tend to get back to the ship, order dinner in the suite and then just relax and download our pictures from that day onto our laptop.

 

The weather has never stopped us from sight seeing and we were usually back on the ship before dark (except for once in Juneau). We are booked to go back again in 2010, in September. We are ready to get out of the Texas heat by September so coolness doesn't bother us (being from Minnesota originally helps too!)

 

We have always made it into the glacial areas in September whereas I have read where those going early in the cruise season don't always make it. We love to see the glaciers and that is why we go so we won't ever go early in the season.

 

Hope I have been able to help you out with you decision. Whenever you decide to go to Alaska you will love it!:)

[PennyAgain]

For me Sept is the best month but don't tell.......... best prices, best animal activity and no crowds. Keep it to yourself!

[Gardyloo]

It can be quite different between S. Central Alaska (Anchorage, Seward etc.) and SE Alaska (Juneau, Ketchikan etc.) - definitely headed into autumn by the middle of the month up north, with changing leaves and all that. Like Penny, it's my favorite time of the year. Yes, the weather can be changeable but so what - it's like that everywhere else, too.

 

Here's a picture from last September 14 taken at Mirror Lake, halfway between Anchorage and Wasilla - http://gardyloo.us/sept08%20059as.JPG. Quite typical.

[CruisinCrow]

I'm so glad someone asked this because I have the same questions. My family wants to take an Alaskan cruise next September. I've been on many Caribbean cruises but no Alaskan cruises. I was really afraid that all the excursions would be closed.

 

So there is whale watching in September? Does anyone know if the Bering Sea Fishing tour is open in September? My husband would be crushed if he didn't get to see that. :)

[cruisebum50]

The Bering Sea Fishing tour was available in Sept 2008.

 

We went on an awesome whale watch tour in Sitka in Sept. 2008 on a six person boat, the Esther G with Captain Davey. The one we did in Juneau through the ship in Sept. 2006 had 50 or more people on it and it was cold and raining. When a whale was spotted everyone would stand up and since I am short, I saw nothing. Next year I have already reserved a spot with Harv and Marv in Juneau on their small six person boat.

 

You just need to check with the operators of tours to find out when their season ends. We wanted to do the Harv and Marv tour last year but their season ended the week before we arrived and we couldn't find another that wasn't a 50+ person boat.

[CruisinCrow]

Thanks, Cruisebum! That's good news.

[Toyz711]

whales are around juneau, in sept. the migration doesn't start until closer to nov.

our whale watching, sept of '06, included rain and sleet. rain/sleet in juneau...heavy rain in ketchikan...skagway started with heavy fog and clear to a sunny day (but temps in the low 50s). the sun and warmer weather saved it self for our glacier bay cruising.

the stores were crowded with bargain shoppers, everything was 50 to 70% off.

[bottom-dragger]

For me Sept is the best month but don't tell.......... best prices, best animal activity and no crowds. Keep it to yourself!

 

mums the word. it's when the lovely mrs b-d and i were married so that those coming up would have best opportunities.

 

don't push late september. it's called october.

[CruisinCrow]

I think we are looking at September 12. Is that more like August or more like October?

[conwakr]

You sound like my husband and I also. No to the casinos, no to the shows...just like the boat and lots of all day port stops with a couple sea days. We, too, are considering September. We live in a resort town and never leave our house until the tourists leave after labor day so thought September would be "lovely" in terms of crowds and the cruising kids should be back in school! Glad to hear the responses regarding September from those that have been there/done that...keep 'em coming. The only thing I feared was that the towns would be "tourist weary" and wondered if May would be better.

[BCHappyGal]

I have cruised to Alaska in both May & Sept - the cruise "bookends" (first & last). We are headed back on Sept 18th again this year. In 2008 the Sept 18th cruise enjoyed wonderful sunny weather if a little on the cool side just bring layers of clothing.

The Sept 2007 cruise was wetter however it cleared off and the sun came out in all the ports except for Juneau & Hubbard Glacier....

May you enjoy longer days but the weather is the luck of hte draw always in Alaska.

[Yukon]

The only thing I feared was that the towns would be "tourist weary" and wondered if May would be better.

 

Everything aspect of May is better IMO - much more daylight, much drier, lots of snow on the mountains, "fresh" staff.... BUT the deals that exist for September 2009 will almost certainly not exist in May 2010.

[bettydraper]

I had this post elswhere on the site, and it was suggested I move it here. Ok.

 

Whe wife and I have been on about 10 cruises (mostly Caribbean/Mexico and 3 transatlantic crossings.) We are late 40s, retired and pretty atypical cruisers in that we use pretty much nothing offered on the ship except the cabin and meals. We don't care about the food really, never go to shows, use the gym, EVER shop, etc. But we love time on the sea to catch up on reading, look out at the ocean, etc. What can I say - it works for us.

 

We live in San FRancisco and there is a NCL trip from Vancouver to SF via Alaska on Sept 13rd. We've wanted to go to Alaska (a long RV trip is in our future) and this seems like an easy and inexpensive introduction to the state. Its a limited into of course, but an inexpensive and easy way to get a taste (I have had a few cruises end in SF and being able to take mass transit home from the pier is just COOL.)

 

My questions are about the advisability of going so late in the year. I had expected we would cruise there next May perhaps, but this Sept offer may be too good to refuse. CAn anyone comment on the weather, how early it gets dark, and maybe most importantly, the effect of this time of the year on siteseeing, whale watching, etc? Essentially I'm asking if it is a mistake to go in mid-September.

 

We are not great with kids, so I expect September will be good for a more adult set of folks-onboard. I'm not worried about weather per se, unless the story ist hat it rains every day and its freaking miserable. Really, the question is whether mid to late Sept - which is after all the end of the season in Alaska - is an advisable time to take a trip.

 

I look forward to your input.

 

HL Blanton IV

 

Two years ago my (now) husband and I took his mother on the last HAL cruise of the season in mid September to Alaska and had a wonderful time. In comparison to the Alaska cruise that we took a couple of weeks ago, the weather was definitely chillier and damper, but we thought that that lended to the overall atmosphere. The only downside on the weather for us was the fact that our glacier trek on Mendenhall glacierwas cancelled - but in the end that turned out to be a positive in that we walked all around the city instead and had a wonderful time. And, since you're departing from Vancouver, you'll have a nice inside passage ride up the coast; however, be warned that the open seas may be a bit choppy on the return.

 

In addition, since it was the last cruise of the season, the crew and staff seemed to be in an almost celebratory mood, and were no less cheerful or attentive than the crew we sailed with in July. Fewer young people on board was also a plus.

 

I know that you mentioned that you weren't into shopping, but if you decide to buy anything you'll be pleasantly surprised that the prices are much lower in September on any number of items.

 

Bundle up and have a wonderful time

[fun and breezes 2]

Was the bad weather(rain/sleet) in Juneau typical of Juneau for this time of year? I had planned on taking the ship's whale watching excursion on our Sept 12 cruise, but may rethink it. The reviews given here didn't sound very good, and if you are dealing with sleet too even worse.

[Lois R]

I have also done Alaska in May and Sept and I am going again

in Sept....only 6 more weeks to wait!!!

My first sailing was May 2006 and I have to say the sun was shining

most of that cruise..even the the Naturalist on board made a comment

about how wonderful Mother Nature was being for us;)

Last year was my Sept cruise and the sun was not out as much

but I had a fantastic time anyway:)

The prices for September were MUCH more within my budget and that

is a major factor for me.

 

Sleet? No sleet at all on either one of my sailings....rain yes, but that

is just part of the climate. Dress accordingly and you will be fine:)

 

 

quote by HBlanton:

"Whe wife and I have been on about 10 cruises (mostly Caribbean/Mexico and 3 transatlantic crossings.) We are late 40s, retired and pretty

atypical cruisers"

 

Hi there...late 40s and retired? SWEET:)

 

I am 51 and the only way I am able to continue to cruise is to

WORK..folks ask what I do, and I say, "I work to cruise";)

I also prefer to go when the kids are in school. My upcoming

cruise to Alaska is the week after Labor Day!...it cannot get

here soon enough:D

 

Anyway, Alaska is fabulous and last year I never thought I would

be going back this year too!!!!

[yescruiseplease]

I'm so glad someone asked this because I have the same questions. My family wants to take an Alaskan cruise next September. I've been on many Caribbean cruises but no Alaskan cruises. I was really afraid that all the excursions would be closed.

 

So there is whale watching in September? Does anyone know if the Bering Sea Fishing tour is open in September? My husband would be crushed if he didn't get to see that. :)

 

 

We booked for September 7th, 2009 and can't wait.

 

Mike and Marie

[sassyredhat]

We will be booking our 2nd AK cruise on Aug 1st. (waiting for a price drop)

 

It's Sept. 9th 2010, a 10 dayer RT San Francisco, on Sea Princess.

 

We aren't good with kids either, in our 60's. I'm retired, DH next Sept.

 

Our last one was in early May. We had some drizzle, and it was cold, but I loved it.

 

Pat

[Toyz711]

Was the bad weather(rain/sleet) in Juneau typical of Juneau for this time of year? I had planned on taking the ship's whale watching excursion on our Sept 12 cruise, but may rethink it. The reviews given here didn't sound very good, and if you are dealing with sleet too even worse.

 

we went in '06, it was a very wet year for most of alaska. when we left seattle, sun was out..temps in the 80s, sea day..temps in high 60 to70s, sunny..arrived in juneau at 2pm: light rain, turning to moderate rain, on whale watch tour a storm came through. you can hear the ice pellets bouncing off my slicker in my videos. i was dress for it and kept warm. whale watching was great, most people stayed in the boat's cabin. i had the aft open deck to myself and LOVED it!!!

skagway was dry, but foggy..temps in the 50s. glacier bay was low 60, sunny and BEAUTIFUL. ketchikan was the only wash-out, heavy rain and wind.as long as you are prepared, it's fine. this type of weather can happen any time on a alaskan cruise. as long as you dress in layers and one a something for the possible rain..it can be great.

the trick is you pack for rain, expect rain and when you don't get rain..be happy.

[sammamishcruiser]

We have cruised to Alaska twice. Once in September 2006 and again in September 2008. We must have good luck, because BOTH times it was sunny (except Sitka) Good news is that we had very few kids on board, there were GREAT deals to be had in ALL the ports, and the best, the towns were less crowded. Many times we were the only ship in port!

 

Be sure to get a balcony, we saw many whales from ours. In Ketchikan be sure to go over to creek street, the creek was full of salmon.

[Beach4me]

there were GREAT deals to be had in ALL the ports

 

Thanks for your comments. We're booked for Sept next year. Sounds FABULOUS for ALL the reasons you listed.

 

Wanted to ask about the "great deals"...were they on everything (artwork, jewelry, AK food, etc) or mainly on clothes? I've identified a couple local jewelers that I want to drop in on - but since they are open year-round, I'm guessing they may not have end-of-season sales.

 

Thanks!

[sammamishcruiser]

Thanks for your comments. We're booked for Sept next year. Sounds FABULOUS for ALL the reasons you listed.

 

Wanted to ask about the "great deals"...were they on everything (artwork, jewelry, AK food, etc) or mainly on clothes? I've identified a couple local jewelers that I want to drop in on - but since they are open year-round, I'm guessing they may not have end-of-season sales.

 

Thanks!

 

Even the local shops have sales because the don't get many tourist in the wintertime (at least cruise ships LOL) But there are also quite a few shops that do clean EVERYTHING out until next season. The local jewelery stores have to compete with the others so yes they do have sales!! Also be prepared to walk away, you just might be surprised when they call you back and offer a MUCH better deal;);)

 

Have a great cruise

Alaska is BEAUTIFUL!!

[Beach4me]

Even the local shops have sales because the don't get many tourist in the wintertime (at least cruise ships LOL) But there are also quite a few shops that do clean EVERYTHING out until next season. The local jewelery stores have to compete with the others so yes they do have sales!! Also be prepared to walk away, you just might be surprised when they call you back and offer a MUCH better deal;);)

 

Have a great cruise

Alaska is BEAUTIFUL!!

 

Woohoo! :) You made my day with this info!! And trust me, I will definitely walk away...after giving my house a thorough top-to-bottom this weekend, there is nothing I could ever possibly need to purchase again. :eek: Unless, of course, it's something I get on a great deal. ;)

 

Thanks for all your info - and for the well-wishes. Can't wait to get up to Alaska!

[sammamishcruiser]

Woohoo! :) You made my day with this info!! And trust me, I will definitely walk away...after giving my house a thorough top-to-bottom this weekend, there is nothing I could ever possibly need to purchase again. :eek: Unless, of course, it's something I get on a great deal. ;)

 

Thanks for all your info - and for the well-wishes. Can't wait to get up to Alaska!

 

 

I know that your Alaska cruise is over a year away, but please let me know how you liked it and all the GREAT deals that you picked up on!

Alaska is MUCH easier to plan for than my planing for The Med!!!