The 5 Bigggest Misconceptions About Alaska
People have quite a few misconceptions about visiting Alaska and taking an Alaskan cruise. Below are the top five myths I’ve encountered regarding Alaska vacations:
1. The weather in May and September is too cold
The Inside Passage section of Alaska actually has a relatively mild and moderate marine climate, more like that of Seattle than of northern Alaska. The temperature along the Inside Passage only varies about ten degrees from the coolest part of the cruise season in May and late September to the warmest time of the summer, when it can get up to the high 60’s.
2. You’ll see polar bears on a cruise
While there are many incredible sights that you will see on an Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska cruise, you won’t see any Polar bears. These massive bears live almost exclusively on arctic ice flows in the far northern region of Alaska. The cruise route focuses on southern and central Alaska. However, you might well see grizzly bears on your cruise, for they are very common in lower Alaska and are an incredible sight.
3. It rains all the time
It definitely does rain quite a bit in southern coastal Alaska. In fact, without all that rain, there would be no lush rain forest vegetation or breathtaking waterfalls and glaciers. But still, it is very likely you will experience a mix of rain and sunshine during your cruise.
4. The right side of the ship is always better
Many people planning Alaska cruises seem to be under the impression that the right side of the ship is far better on a northbound Gulf of Alaska cruise (and that the left side is superior during a southbound cruise). There is indeed a period of about 1-2 days when your ship is out at sea in the Gulf of Alaska (assuming you have booked a one-way cruise). On those days, if the coastline is not shrouded in clouds (as it frequently is), you would have a better view from the rooms facing the coast. But for the remainder of the cruise, the views from both sides of the ship are often equally wonderful.
5. You’ll encounter the Aurora Borealis
There is a slight chance that you could catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) at some point on an Alaskan cruise, but the odds are definitely against it. You can increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights by including an inland tour that stops in Fairbanks or by scheduling your cruise at the very beginning or end of the season.
To learn all about Alaska Cruises, including Alaska cruise tours and Alaska excursions, visit http://www.alaska-cruise-advisor.com.