Trip Bacon — The secret ingredient to the perfect getaway logo
Trip Bacon

20 Alaska Cruise Tips You Wish You Knew Sooner!

Cruising with Kristie
Cruising with Kristie
🥈Expert
👁️ 18K views📅 1 years ago⏱️ 24:13
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsTips & Advice🥈Expert Creator
Alaska · Summer · 7 nightsVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

We've cruised to Alaska twice already. And just in a few weeks, we're going for our third time.

This is one area that I definitely suggest that you splurge and get that balcony cabin.

Do they go to Glacier Bay? Might want to check out this video next where I talk about the best cruise lines sailing to Alaska in 2025.

You can hope for dry, but expect rain.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Budget right for Alaska, which costs more than Caribbean cruises.
Book your cruise 8 to 12 months in advance for best cabin selection.
Fly in a day early to adjust to time changes and reduce stress.
Choose a cruise line that goes to Glacier Bay for scenery and wildlife.
Consider booking some excursions direct or through third-party vendors to save money.
Get off the ship at every port to explore, even if it's rainy.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

High cost of Alaska cruises compared to other destinations.Budget carefully and consider splurging on a balcony cabin for better views.
Missing the cruise due to flight delays.Fly in a day early to account for time changes and reduce stress.
Rain and cold weather affecting the experience.Pack waterproof gear, including a rain jacket, poncho, and rain pants.
Shore excursions selling out.Book excursions early, even before final payment, and consider third-party vendors for flexibility.

Questions This Creator Answers

QHow much should I budget for an Alaska cruise?
QWhen is the best time to book an Alaska cruise?
QWhich cruise lines go to Glacier Bay?
QWhat should I pack for an Alaska cruise?
QHow can I save money on shore excursions?

Topics Covered

Drink Package3 Happy BaconItinerary Route3 Happy BaconEmbarkation2½ Happy BaconService Crew2½ Happy BaconValue Pricing2½ Happy BaconExcursions3 Happy BaconPort Destination3 Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Juneau3 Happy Bacon
Top: Whale Watching ($169 per person US)
Ketchikan3 Happy Bacon
Top: Bering Sea Fisherman's Tour ($169 per person US)
Skagway3 Happy Bacon
Top: White Pass and Yukon Railway ($150 per person US)
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

Planning an Alaska cruise in 2025? These 20 expert tips will help you save money, avoid mistakes, and make the most of your Alaska adventure—from scenic glacier viewing to the best excursions. In this video we share real insider advice to make sure you get it right from the start. Whether you're sailing on Princess Cruise Line, Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, or another cruise line, these tips will save you money, time, and stress. ✅ Alaska cruise budgeting tips (hidden costs, excursions, drink packages, insurance) ✅ How to book the best Alaska cruise – ships, itineraries, Glacier Bay access ✅ Top Alaska shore excursions – what to book early and when to go independent ✅ What to pack for an Alaska cruise – essentials for rain, layering, and formal nights ✅ Cruise hacks for embarkation day, onboard apps, and sea days 📌 Perfect for first-time Alaska cruisers or anyone looking to travel smarter in 2025! 0:00-7:07 Budgeting for an Alaska Cruise (Tips 1-4) 7:08- 13:19 Planning and Booking Your Cruise (Tips 5-11) 13:20-17:47 Shore Excursion Tips and Tricks (Tips 12-15) 17:48-23:11 Weather and Packing Tips and Tricks (Tips 16-19) 23:12-24:13 Making the Most of Your Onboard Experience (Tips 20 and Bonus Tip) Links to Other Alaska Cruise Videos Alaska Video Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEXn53w4tmF-4mmCkiv2rmYEvT0Db1YJS Best Cruises to Alaska 2025 https://youtu.be/URVSAQ4Nccc?si=oJX6XsTEv3bPlmyZ 8 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Alaska Cruisetour https://youtu.be/NSTBdPEAiaQ?si=6dMhR4Gj_fQjTbFV Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour https://alaskacrabtour.com/ Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show https://alaskanlumberjackshow.com/ Third Party Excursions Viator https://www.viator.com/ Shore Excursions Group https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/ Alaska Shore Tours https://alaskashoretours.com/insiders... Video Clips Courtesy of Alaska Shore Tours. Allianz Insurance https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/ Please note that this video is not sponsored. The links in this description are affiliate links, meaning that I will make a commission on purchases you make through my links, at no extra cost to you. Items to pack for your Alaskan Cruise: Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 8x42 Binoculars https://amzn.to/4a3KtsV Winter Scarf/Wrap: https://amzn.to/3ynOetc Anker Portable Charger https://amzn.to/3PT4qfb Waterproof Phone Pouch https://amzn.to/3QbFz2X Lightweight Foldable Waterproof Backpack. https://amzn.to/3w7lwMn Beanie. https://amzn.to/3U3DSpz Gloves https://amzn.to/4d3GJre Rain Jacket https://amzn.to/4d89mU3 Foldable Hat https://amzn.to/49PRNVT Fleece. https://amzn.to/4d2WdvE Women's Warm Jacket https://amzn.to/3wal5AR Men's Warm Jacket https://amzn.to/3wal5AR Umbrella https://amzn.to/4ubiC0X Lightweight Waterproof Poncho https://amzn.to/41PhVhP Waterproof Rain Pants Women https://amzn.to/4hzOZ3f Waterproof Rain Pants Men https://amzn.to/4c6Qsgx Merino Wool Waterproof Brim Beanie Hat (The Large is plenty big) https://amzn.to/4bR7jUj Isotoner Womens Recycled Microsuede Water Repellent Cold Weather Gloves with Sherpasoft Lining https://amzn.to/4iI4lnT Isotoner Men's Recycled Microsuede and Berber Glove NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoes https://amzn.to/4iQogRc NORTIV 8 Men's Waterproof Hiking Shoes https://amzn.to/4xfpXj5 NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof Hiking Shoes https://amzn.to/43GgdAS Alpaca Wool Heavyweight Crew Socks https://amzn.to/4oymIyY Cruise Essentials 1. Magnet hooks and Strong Magnets https://amzn.to/3OngyQP and https://amzn.to/47ZZUQn 2. Hanging toiletry bags https://amzn.to/3QrSfnl 3. Travel sized containers for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. https://amzn.to/3qefNBp 4. Elastic Sleeves for leak proofing https://amzn.to/3rUKEn6 5. Foldable mesh hampers https://amzn.to/45d224R 6. Non surge protected power bars https://amzn.to/3rWPIrd 7. Mini fan https://amzn.to/43UDnkC 8. Motion detector night light https://amzn.to/43XLX1U 9. Poo-Pouri Toilet Spray https://amzn.to/3s0xVPD 10. Bonine Non-Drowsy Motion Sickness Medicine 11. Luggage Tags https://amzn.to/3OF2LpV 12. Downey Wrinkle Release https://amzn.to/3Ks6nsV 13. Packing Cubes (LOVE!) https://amzn.to/3Kps2Sw 14. USB C Charger Block https://amzn.to/4ctb15m 15. Ice Bag https://amzn.to/48IB6Nd 16. Sleep Eye Mask https://amzn.to/3YD13tc Universal Travel Adapter (This is the one Emma Cruises recommends https://amzn.to/3V2xrVS Belkin BoostCharge Pro Flex Braided USB-C to USB-C Cable (3M/10FT) (Make sure that you have plugs for USB-C if you are purchasing this cable) https://amzn.to/4c7uHwk iWALK Small Portable Charger 4500mAh Ultra-Compact Power Bank https://amzn.to/4340MkP Gear Tie Reusable 3-Inch Rubber Twist Tie https://amzn.to/3PcmU6O Luggage Scale https://amzn.to/48Jpo3e