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Princess cruise in Alaska

Don’t Miss Out! Here’s Why Should Book Your Bucket List Alaska Cruise Now (It’s on Sale)

Are you looking for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience without breaking the bank? Now is a great time to book that bucket list cruise. Ocean cruising is one of the most exciting experiences you can have with your family. Not only do they offer all the amenities needed for an unforgettable trip, but you’ll unpack once and get to explore ports around the world while enjoying vibrant entertainment and luxurious amenities.

This post is sponsored by Carnival Corporation & PLC – the parent company of Carnival, Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, and Cunard Lines among others.

This article contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases.

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Now is the time to make your family’s Alaskan dreams a reality! Take advantage of exclusive wave season discounts on Carnival cruises and set sail towards unforgettable memories. Learn why Alaska is my TOP pick among the Carnival cruises for unforgettable family experiences and get my insider tips on how to save on a cruise by booking now.

View From Deck in Glacier Bay, Alaska
View From Deck in Glacier Bay, Alaska

Why Alaska is My Family Bucket List Destination

During the pandemic, we all had plenty of time to ponder about where we would go. The Galapagos Islands or Greece. Perhaps a tour of National Parks. Where did you yearn to go?

I dreamed of Alaska. The Last Frontier offers incredible glaciers, wildlife galore, and activities like fishing, biking, kayaking – even ziplining. Denali National Park is also not to be missed with its spectacular views of North America’s highest peak Mount McKinley.

Musk Ox farm Palmer - animal in field before buildings
Musk Ox Farm in Palmer, Alaska

In 2021, I managed to experience a fraction of Alaska’s splendor during a girls’ trip to Anchorage, Palmer, and Seward. Some of my highlights: getting up close to exotic alpine animals with a visit to the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer, seeing a mother Moose and her calf while cycling Anchorage’s Tony Knowles Coastal Bike Trail, and glimpsing orcas while cruising Resurrection Bay.

Best Way to See Alaska

Although I had an amazing land-based trip, the best way to really explore Alaska is by cruise ship. The state is too vast for a single visit and it can take hours just to get to your destination by car.

Touring Alaska by cruise ship is the ultimate, carefree way to explore! You don’t have to worry about making beds, cooking, or navigating from place to place when there aren’t always roads — just sit back and enjoy all that this magical destination has in store. Cruise ships are also one of the few ways you can get to Juneau and experience its spectacular capital city from sea level. 

Cruising is especially popular with multigenerational groups who have different physical abilities and interests, both in Alaska and around the world. There are plenty of food options no matter someone’s dietary restrictions or choices. And increasingly, there is a focus on local foods on most ship menus.

Glaciers and cruise ship
Holland America’s Westerdam in Glacier Bay Photo credit: Holland America

Holland America has partnered with Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) to highlight the line’s commitment to sustainably sourced local seafood. Feast on salmon and halibut on board! 

Go fishing on a Princess shore excursion and the chefs will prepare your catch for dinner. The menus aboard Princess Cruises’ Alaska ships also feature dishes inspired by local eateries — everything from Juneau’s favorite crab cakes to Ketchikan’s fish tacos and Skagway’s famous seafood chowder.

chef holding plate with salmon chopped salad
Alaskan Salmon Chop Salad – Photo Courtesy Holland American Cruises

On board a Carnival Cruise, you can explore the expansive region from multiple ports of call and experience the best of Alaska’s culture, cuisine, and wildlife. A cruise is how I plan to go back to this majestic wonderland and bring my family for their first visit.

What’s on My Alaska Experience Bucket List?

Shore excursions and experiences are what bring a place to life. From majestic glaciers and snow-capped mountains to vast wildlife and untamed wilderness, Alaska is a breathtaking destination full of adventure.

family taking picture with sled dogs in snow
Photo Courtesy – Princess Cruises

Here are some of the amazing experiences that are at the top of my Alaska experience bucket list and should be on yours too:

  • Trail & Rail from Skagway to Denver Glacier – Ride the century-old, narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from Skagway marveling at the scenery and engineering. You can ride the train to a trailhead and then hike to The Denver Glacier, returning to the train to get back to Skagway.
  • Go Salmon Fishing in Ketchikan – Considered the salmon capital of the world, anglers of all ages can try their hand at catching salmon in Ketchikan. Go on an organized fishing trip or simply rent a rod and dip your line in the water yourself.
  • Helicopter and Glacier Dog Sledding Near Anchorage– First , soar over vast landscapes in a helicopter to experience some of the most breathtaking views Alaska has to offer. Then, land on a glacier and hop onto a traditional dog sled with an experienced musher and team of huskies to explore while learning how they live, train and compete in the Iditarod.
  • Cruise Hubbard Glacier – Explore one of nature’s greatest marvels, the Hubbard Glacier. Witness how this huge wall of ice moves and shifts as it carves a path down the valley.
  • View Northern Lights – Between late August and April offers the best chance to see one of nature’s most spectacular shows – the Aurora Borealis (northern lights).

For more planning help for a cruise or trip to Alaska, see these articles:

Get the Help of a Travel Advisor

Stop dreaming and start planning how you’ll explore the beauty of Alaska with a trusted travel advisor. With their help, you are guaranteed to find a trip that suits your budget and travel style. They’ll help you get incredible deals on cruises, uncover hidden gems among the vast array of choices – even step in to sort out any unanticipated issues so your next family adventure is as smooth sailing as possible.

Best of all, travel advisors do not cost extra! They’re even able to secure you special deals, like Wave Season Cruise Deals from Carnival Cruises without additional cost. I find cruise experts near me on the Cruise Lines International Association website and so can you.

Alaska Northern Lights above town lit at night
Northern Lights over Alaskan town

Cruises Provide Great Value for Your Travel Budget

Aboard a cruise ship, there are activities for all ages, even pickleball on Holland America ships. Expect food to suit all tastes. Everyone — or grandparents, if they are footing the bill — know up front what they’re spending because most cruise costs are included in fees. 

And with so many ports across the country, it’s easier than ever to drive to the port, saving money and the hassle of flying. Carnival Cruise Line, with the most domestic ports, notes that half of Americans live within a five-hour drive of one. You can cruise to Alaska from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle. Carnival’s newest ship, Fun Italian Style Venezia, will sail year-round from New York City starting this summer.

Convinced? There’s no better time to book than now, during Wave Season. 

How to Save Money on a Cruise During Wave Season 

According to CruiseCritic.com, the cruise industry created the annual January to March Wave Season to combat traditionally soft bookings post-holidays. They update Wave Season cruise deals throughout the season to highlight the latest perks, upgrades, and rates that entice cruisers to book.

Look for deeply discounted deposits, free flights, cabin upgrades plus complimentary WiFi and drinks packages.  Also, if you have the flexibility to hop on a cruise within the next few months, you are likely to get an amazing deal.

Carnival Cruise Deals

Most cruise lines offer low nightly cruise fares as well. On some Carnival Cruises, particularly in the Caribbean, you might be able to cruise for less than $100 a day per person (check the website for the best deals).

Princess Cruise Deals

Princess Cruises’ Best Sale Ever is back up to 35% off cruise fares, up to $150 onboard spending money, and more. If guests purchase Princess Plus or Premier packages, the savings are even greater. Princess incidentally will be sailing in Japan starting in mid-March with 43 unique itineraries if you are seeking a more far-flung adventure.

Holland American Cruise Deals

Through Feb. 28, 2023, guests who book select Holland America summer 2023 to spring 2024 cruises receive a free stateroom upgrade, fare discounts, free fares for kids and reduced deposits. The “Have It All” premium package includes more perks such as tours, beverages, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi. Book by Jan. 31, 2023 and get up to a $400 per stateroom onboard credit, depending on the length of the cruise. 

Cunard Cruise Deals

Cunard is touting up to 30% off fares. And besides organized activities for kids and teens, there is a complimentary Night Nursery for children aged 6-23 months aboard their Transatlantic liners. New parents looking for a bucket list cruise can’t do any better. Plus, we love their afternoon High Tea!

Let’s Recap

Now, during wave season, is the perfect time to book a bucket list cruise with Carnival! You can save on a cruise with complimentary extras, cabin upgrades, free flights, and reduced deposits. Plus, you don’t need to fly; many domestic ports make it easy to drive to the port and save money on airfare. Enlist the help of a travel advisor specializing in cruises to help you navigate all the deals and find the best one for you!

If an Alaska cruise calls to your inner adventurous spirit, Carnival has you covered. We’ve shared some of Carnival’s best cruise deals and Alaskan excursions you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

Don’t wait for “someday” to book your bucket list cruise. With so many incredible discounts and extras, now is the time to go big on your next family vacation with a Carnival Cruise.

Bon Voyage! 

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About Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is a travel and active family lifestyle blogger and social media influencer based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She shares stories, destinations, and ideas on food, family, health, and outdoor recreation to help families find their own adventures. Her spirit animal is a caffeinated squirrel fueled by coffee, real food, and the desire to seek new adventures.

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