Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska's scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.What is the Inside Passage Stretching hundreds of miles from Puget Sound, Washington, through the British Columbia coast and into the Gulf of Alaska, the Inside Passage includes more than 1,000 islands, seemingly endless shoreline and thousands of idyllic coves and bays.Thanks to the modest daytime temperatures and refreshing evening climates, May is peak season for many of Alaska's most cherished wildlife. Weather typically ranges from the 30s to a high of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. May itineraries invite guests to pack sweaters and jackets for easy layering.

Do you need a passport for a Alaskan cruise : Even though Alaska is part of the United States, most cruise itineraries will require you to travel with a U.S. passport. If you're on a cruise to Alaska that begins or ends in Canada, you are required to carry a passport book or passport card.

Is it better to be on the left or right side of a cruise ship

If you'd rather see the sunrise while sailing south or east, staying on the port side is your ideal choice as well. Choose the starboard side for the opposite situation: sunsets are visible on southbound and eastbound sailings while sunrises are visible on northbound and westbound cruises.

Is it better to get a balcony on an Alaskan cruise : On an Alaska cruise, a balcony cabin provides your own private viewing space to take in spectacular scenery, glaciers, wildlife, and more. While this category of staterooms comes with a higher price tag, the benefits offered on an Alaska cruise will make a huge difference and is well worth the investment.

It's a matter of personal taste. Some people don't like open-jaw flights (flying into one city and out of another), and so prefer the round-trip Inside Passage route. Others don't mind that and enjoy the additional glacier visits of the Gulf cruise itineraries. It's entirely up to you.

For the warmest temperatures, cruise between mid-June and mid-August. For the most Midnight Sun, come 3 weeks before or after the summer solstice and longest day of the year, June 21. Want to see the northern lights That's a long shot during cruising season.

Will you see whales on an Alaskan cruise in May

Gray whales are the first to arrive, typically in April when they're often spotted off of Seward. By May, we start to see more orcas, then humpback whales come June. Alaska's peak whale season is considered to be May through September, and it's during this time that the boat tours operate.The best time to see the aurora borealis in Alaska is from August 21 to April 21. We call it the Aurora Season. So yes, there are some very lucky cruise passengers who will see the northern lights in the Inside Passage late in the summer and fall, but don't bank on it.The Best Time to Cruise Alaska for Good Weather: Summer (mid-June through August) If you prefer warmer temperatures, ranging from 50° to 70° Fahrenheit, and longer days with up to 22 hours of sunlight, a summer Alaskan cruise might be the perfect choice.

While the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is in winter, you may still have the opportunity to see them on a late September cruise. While this spectacle can be seen from various ports of call, Princess offers the Aurora Borealis Viewing experience in Fairbanks for an unparalleled experience.

What is the best cabin location for an Alaska cruise : A forward cabin for an Alaska cruise gives the first views of where you are sailing. This is especially nice when leaving or arriving at a port. While both the forward and aft cabins can feel a higher degree of motion in rough seas, the forward provides a little less movement.

Which cabins should I avoid on a cruise ship : Here are our recommendations of cabin locations to avoid.

• Near Entertainment Venues.
• At The Bow.
• Near the Anchor.
• Obstructed Views.
• Close to the Engine Room and the Galleys.
• Near Elevator Landings and Stairwells.
• Under the Jogging Track or Near Children's Playrooms.
• Connecting Cabins.

Is it better to be on a higher or lower deck on an Alaska cruise

The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren't always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks.

Alaska cruises are more scenery-oriented than other cruises.

The breathtaking views and sudden opportunities to spot sea-life make it worth the extra expense to upgrade to a veranda cabin (perhaps just $100 more per person).With its abundant wildlife and tidewater glaciers, Glacier Bay National Park is one of the top destinations on cruise ship itineraries that explore Alaska's Inside Passage. Independent travelers can access Glacier Bay from the nearby town of Gustavus.

When can you see northern lights in Alaska from a cruise ship : Alaska's northern lights viewing season stretches from late August through late April. The best time to visit Alaska for Northern Lights is winter or early spring. As far as cruises go, Alaska cruises in September is a good pick because nights are long and dark.