Rebecca Mottram Travel Agent

There’s no one cruise fits all so it’s important to speak to different providers about their offerings. For me, depending on the client’s needs, I would likely start with Holland America. For various reasons. But a cruise through Alaska with HAL will be a transformative experience. And for those who are choosing to cruise Alaska and find the standout Alaskan cruise itinerary, moments you don’t want to miss it’s important to ensure you travel at the right time of year to spot your favourite wildlife.

Whether you’re chasing glacier-carved vistas, seeking wildlife encounters, or yearning for the cultural charm of Gold Rush towns, this will have it all for experienced travellers and families alike.

Why Choose Holland America for Alaska?

With over 75 years of experience sailing Alaska’s waters, HAL is widely celebrated as ‘the expert’ in the region with great options for all. Their dedicated Alaska itineraries offer immersive encounters with nature, distinguished onboard service, and exclusive Yukon & Denali extensions if you want to further your trip. Holland America’s ships, such as the elegant Eurodam and Koningsdam, combine refined comfort with warm hospitality, making each voyage feel both grand and intimate. The quintessential Holland America itinerary typically embarks from either Vancouver or Seattle and sails the stunning Inside Passage, a scenic waterway studded with forested islands and snowcapped peaks.

Travelling as a Family? Aln Alaskan Cruise Will Delight Guests of All Ages

Alaska’s wonders are truly multigenerational ensuring families are expertly catered for, providing both exciting activities for youngsters and enriching experiences for parents and grandparents.

• Club HAL: Specially designed youth programmes engage children and teens, from nature-inspired crafts to digital scavenger hunts and supervised game nights.
• On-Deck Discovery: Join National Park Service rangers and local experts for hands-on learning about glaciers, bears, and Native Alaskan traditions.
• Family Excursions: Whale-watching adventures, gold panning, dog sledding on a real glacier, and even simple beachcombing for colourful sea glass – these shared moments become treasured memories.

With interconnecting staterooms, flexible dining, and plenty of spaces for movie nights or splashing in the pool, families can unwind and reconnect at sea and ashore.

When to Cruise Alaska: The Ultimate Months for Wildlife and Scenery

Timing your Alaskan cruise for the peak of nature’s spectacle transforms a wonderful holiday into something truly unforgettable. While Alaska’s cruise season typically runs from late April through September, each month offers its own special allure.

May and early June:
The landscape bursts into life with melting snow revealing lush forests and tumbling waterfalls. These shoulder-season weeks see fewer crowds and crisper air, with migrating grey whales and humpbacks often visible as they return to feed. Bears emerge from hibernation, scouring shorelines for food—a stunning sight from ship or shore.

Mid-June to August (Peak Season):
Long days and pleasant temperatures spotlight Alaska at its most vibrant. Wildflowers blanket meadows, and bald eagles soar overhead. June and July are prime for whale-watching, particularly for humpbacks bubble-net feeding and orcas patrolling the fjords. Salmon runs begin in July, attracting brown and black bears—Ketchikan and the rivers near Juneau are spectacular spots for observing this dramatic encounter. Puffins, sea otters, and seals are also frequently seen.

Late August to September:
Autumn’s colours set the forests ablaze. This is one of the best times to spot bears, who gather in large numbers to feast on late-running salmon. Moose move closer to rivers, and migrating birds begin their journey south. Glacier viewing is excellent—cooler temperatures mean less cloud cover and vibrant blue hues in the ice. As a bonus, late-season cruisers might even catch the magical Northern Lights shimmering across the night sky.

Insider tip:
If you want to prioritise whale-watching, June and July are exceptional. For those seeking quieter ships, value, and chance encounters with emerging wildlife, May and September shine.

If you’d like to start planning with me, then get in touch to arrange a call and let me plan your Alaskan cruise itinerary.