Cruise season in Alaska is finally back, one of the most beloved itineraries among travelers from all over the world.
After plenty of Alaska cruises under my belt, I’ve made (and witnessed) just about every rookie mistake possible. Trust me when I say the difference between an average Alaska cruise and a truly magical one comes down to avoiding these seven critical errors.
Not Booking the Right Cabin
“We’ll hardly be in our cabin anyway,” I told myself on my first Alaska cruise, booking an interior stateroom to save money. That decision haunts me to this day.
I now firmly believe a balcony cabin is essential for Alaska cruises. I’ve spent the best moments on my private balcony, spotting whales while sipping morning coffee and enjoying the beautiful view without fighting crows on deck.
PRO TIP: The starboard (right) side typically offers better views sailing northbound, while the port side is preferred southbound, but this varies by itinerary.
Not Closely Considering Your Budget
The cabin choice mentioned earlier is directly tied to your budget, which should be carefully planned when it comes to an Alaska cruise.
In particular, shore excursions on this itinerary tend to be quite expensive, especially if you’re aiming for the more spectacular and exclusive ones.
Prices usually range from around $70 all the way up to $500, for example for the Tracy Arm Fjord explorer cruise or the helicopter tour to Mendenhall Glacier.
Oh, and another important thing: double-check if your travel insurance covers Alaska. Medical evacuation (hoping you’ll never need it) from remote areas can cost tens of thousands of dollars without coverage.
Not Pre-Planning Everything
There was an Alaska cruise where I thought I’d “go with the flow” rather than plan ahead. I ended up missing out on the Skagway White Pass Railway because it was sold out months in advance!
You should start researching and booking at least six months before sailing. The thing that you have to remember is that Alaska’s short cruise season makes popular excursions fill up quickly. So, I’ve found that having a well-planned itinerary allows for the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
I would not recommend booking more than one thing per port (as some do). I would book one major excursion per port and spend the rest of the time exploring the local culture and shopping.
Not Packing the Right Clothes
Another common mistake many first-time Alaska cruisers make is packing the wrong way!
Alaska’s weather is notoriously unpredictable; I’ve experienced sunshine, rain, and even snow during a single day!
Layers are your best friend here. I always pack moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece, and most importantly, a waterproof rain jacket with a hood. Don’t waste precious suitcase space on formal wear; just bring one formal outfit if your cruise will have a formal night.
I’ve also noticed first-timers often overpack clothes they never end up wearing. If that’s you, I recommend reading my packing guide for Alaska cruises.
Not Researching the Cruise Line and Ship Well
I made this mistake once, booking solely based on a great deal without considering the cruise line’s style. Big mistake!
I found myself on a ship filled with activities that didn’t interest me and dining options that didn’t suit my preferences.
I’ve since learned that each cruise line offers a distinct experience. There’s no such thing as the perfect cruise line for everyone. There’s just the one that’s better suited to some people than others. Check out my top cruise lines this year.
The timing matters too. I personally prefer June and July cruises when wildlife is most active and daylight stretches past 10 PM.
I’ve met disappointed travelers who booked April cruises without realizing some excursions aren’t yet operating and certain passages might still have ice restrictions. Even though the price could be much lower.
Not Bringing These Alaska Cruise Essentials
The open Pacific Ocean isn’t always the smooth sail you might expect. So the first thing you should definitely remember for a cruise in Alaska is seasickness remedies.
Bug repellent is also essential to keep those pesky mosquitoes away, and despite the northern latitude, you should still bring sunscreen.
I also bring binoculars, it’s essential for detailed views of breaching whales. And don’t forget a good camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
For a full list, you can check the 20 must-haves everyone forgets in their cruise carry-on bag.
Not Being Present and Trying Something New!
The last thing I would recommend for a cruise in Alaska is to be open to new experiences and push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Some of my most cherished memories include kayaking with icebergs and ziplining through the rainforest.
Don’t hide behind your camera the entire time. Make sure to put it down occasionally and simply take in the majesty of Alaska with your own eyes.
Want more cruise tips? Check out Mistakes to Avoid When You Share a Cabin on a Cruise to enjoy a smooth vacation with little to no onboard tension!
CRUISE ESSENTIALS 2025
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