Vacay AlchemistA 7-night Alaska cruise typically costs about $700 to $1,600 per person for an inside cabin, $1,500 to $3,500 for a balcony and more for suites, before extras. Taxes, port fees, gratuities, excursions, drinks and flights can add $500 to $2,000 or more per person, so budget for the whole trip, not just the cabin. These are estimates and vary by season and cruise line.
What does the cruise fare include?
The fare generally covers your cabin, main dining, entertainment and access to ship facilities. It usually does not include taxes and port fees (often a few hundred dollars per person), gratuities, most drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, shore excursions or transportation to the port.
What are the cabin costs?
- Inside cabin: no window, the lowest price.
- Oceanview: a window, moderately higher.
- Balcony: popular in Alaska for glacier and wildlife views, and often worth the extra cost in good weather.
- Suite: extra space and perks, with the highest price.
Prices depend on the cruise line, the departure month and how early you book. July and August are the most expensive, and May and September are cheaper.
What extras should you budget for?
- Taxes and port fees: often $150 to $350 per person.
- Gratuities: commonly about $16 to $20 per person per day if not prepaid.
- Shore excursions: often $100 to $300 or more per person for floatplanes, helicopters, dog sledding and wildlife tours.
- Drinks: beverage packages can run about $60 to $100 per person per day, and single drinks add up.
- Flights, pre- or post-cruise hotel, transfers and travel insurance.
- Wi-Fi and specialty dining.
How much does a full trip cost?
A rough per-person total for a 7-night trip: a mid-range balcony cruise at $2,500 to $3,500, plus $1,000 to $2,000 in flights, hotel, excursions and extras, for about $3,500 to $5,500. A budget inside-cabin trip with few extras can come in under $2,500, while a luxury suite trip can easily exceed $8,000.
How can you save on an Alaska cruise?
- Sail in May or September.
- Book early or watch for promotions and price drops before final payment.
- Choose an inside or oceanview cabin if you will spend most of your time out on deck.
- Book excursions independently when reliable, and skip the drinks package if you drink little.
- Compare the cost of flying to Seattle or Vancouver versus other ports.
- Buy travel insurance for a large, prepaid trip.
Frequently asked
Is an Alaska cruise worth it?
For many people, yes: glaciers, wildlife and small ports are hard to see any other way, and a cruise simplifies logistics.
When is the cheapest time for an Alaska cruise?
Early May and late September usually have the lowest fares.
Do I need a balcony in Alaska?
It is not required, but it is nice for scenery and privacy, especially on glacier days.
Plan the days around your Alaska cruise
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