An Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime trip… but it’s shockingly easy to make mistakes that will ruin your vacation. Go at the wrong time and you could miss out on incredible wildlife sightings. Book the wrong cabin and you’ll miss out on amazing views.
I’ve seen travelers miss bucket-list moments simply because they didn’t know what to expect and failed to plan their trip.
Below, I’ll go over how to avoid the most common Alaska cruise mistakes so you don’t miss a single bucket-list moment.
Going at the Wrong Time for Wildlife
One of the biggest Alaska cruise mistakes you can make is sailing at the wrong time if seeing wildlife is high on your wish list. Many of Alaska’s most unforgettable moments—like seeing a massive brown bear snatch salmon right out of a rushing river—depend on the salmon run.
This happens during late June through August, when salmon swim upstream to spawn. The bears follow the fish, and you can often spot them fishing along the banks, sometimes with adorable cubs by their side.
And it’s not just bears—during the salmon run, you’re also more likely to see other wildlife activity, like playful sea otters floating in the water nearby. Time your cruise outside this window, and you could still see beautiful scenery, but you might miss these once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters.
Underestimating Your Budget
An Alaska cruise isn’t just more expensive than your average sailing—it can cost nearly twice as much as a Caribbean cruise once you factor in everything. Why is it so expensive? Shore excursions.
On Alaska cruises, shore excursions aren’t just optional side trips—they’re often the highlight of your Alaska experience, and they can come with a steep price tag.
Whale-watching tours can run over $200 per person, and a helicopter ride to go dog sledding on Mendenhall Glacier can top $700 per person. These are once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list adventures that most travelers say are worth every penny, but they can quickly add up if you’re not prepared.
To avoid sticker shock, plan your budget with shore excursions in mind and compare prices between cruise line offerings and reputable independent operators.
Waiting Too Long to Book Shore Excursions
Shore excursions are often the highlight of an Alaska cruise, but one of the biggest mistakes travelers make is waiting until the last minute to book them. Popular excursions—like glacier hikes, whale-watching tours, or dog sledding adventures—can sell out quickly, leaving you with limited options.
If your cruise line’s shore excursions are already full, don’t panic. Check independent tour operators—many of the same tours are offered at the same locations, often for a lower price. Booking early ensures you get the experiences you really want without missing out.
Winging It in Alaska
Alaska is not a place to just “wing it.” The best experiences—like whale watching, glacier hikes, or dog sledding—require planning. Many popular tours sell out weeks or even months in advance, so showing up at the port without a plan can leave you disappointed.
Some ports, like Juneau, do have booths where you can try to book excursions on the spot. If you want to take that chance, make sure you get there early—many tours start first thing in the morning, and the limited spots fill up fast. Keep in mind, though, that spontaneity comes with risk: you might have to settle for whatever is left, or worse, miss the experience entirely.
If you want the best chance to get your first choice shore excursion, plan ahead and book your shore excursions before you set sail. That way, you can fully relax and enjoy Alaska, knowing your top experiences are secured.
Waiting to Book Shore Excursions When You’re in a Large Group
If you’re cruising with a big group, booking shore excursions in advance is even more critical.
Skipping a Balcony Cabin
One of the biggest missed opportunities on an Alaska cruise is not booking a balcony cabin. Alaska’s scenery is some of the most dramatic in the world—towering glaciers, fjords, snow-capped mountains—and a balcony lets you soak it all in at your own pace.
You don’t have to fight crowds on deck or rush to get a spot for a quick photo; your private balcony gives you front-row access to the wildlife and landscapes as the ship sails past.
Wildlife sightings are common on Alaska cruises. You might spot whales breaching, playful dolphins, or even sea otters floating near the shore. Having a balcony gives you instant access to the amazing Alaska views. I suggest bringing a good pair of binoculars!
Investing in a balcony cabin may cost more upfront, but the chance to experience Alaska’s beauty in comfort is worth every penny. It’s one of those upgrades that turns a great cruise into a truly unforgettable experience.
Booking the Wrong Side of the Ship
Booking a balcony cabin is a must for Alaska, but choosing the wrong side can mean missing out on the best views.
Here’s the trick: on a northbound cruise, most of the stunning coastal scenery is best seen from the starboard side (that’s the right side when you’re facing the front of the ship).
If you’re going southbound, the best views are on the port side (left side facing forward).
Getting this right makes a huge difference. Imagine settling into your balcony, binoculars in hand, only to realize the glacier you’ve been dreaming of watching is just out of sight on the other side. Booking a balcony cabin on the correct side gives you access to the best views.
Not Enjoying the View on Sea Days
One of the biggest mistakes on an Alaska cruise is spending your sea days indoors and missing the incredible scenery. You’ll sail past glaciers, floating icebergs, whales, dolphins, and playful seals—moments you can’t get anywhere else.
If you have a balcony cabin, make sure to spend time there soaking it all in. No balcony? Head to the deck or an observation lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and cozy chairs.
These spots let you enjoy the views. Arrive early to get the best seats.
Not Getting a Window Table in the Main Dining Room
One simple way to make your Alaska cruise even more memorable is to get a table by the window in the main dining room. Dining with a view means you might spot wildlife while enjoying your meal.
There’s something magical about seeing animals swim by and hearing the excited reactions of other diners shouting, “Look, dolphins!”
It turns a regular dinner into an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out—try to reserve a window table whenever you can.
Not Dressing in Layers
Alaska’s weather is unpredictable, and one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not dressing in layers. Temperatures can swing from chilly mornings to surprisingly warm afternoons, and a sudden rain shower can happen at any time.
Bring a raincoat and umbrella, and if you’re heading out to the glaciers, pack a warm winter jacket. Layering makes it easy to stay comfortable no matter the conditions, so you can fully enjoy every view and excursion without worrying about being too hot or too cold.
Cruise Essentials to Buy Before Your Cruise
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Travel Must-Haves
Passport neck wallet – Keeps your passport and travel documents secure and accessible. It also has RFID protection.
Cruise lanyards – A super convenient way to keep your cruise card within easy reach. No more digging through your bag every time you need it! I recommend getting one lanyard per person in your group and choosing different colors so it’s easy to tell them apart.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with anti-pickpocket clip – Genius anti-theft clip and versatile enough for both port days and evenings in the dining room.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with RFID – Padded shoulder straps with RFID lining to safeguard against identity theft.
Insulated water bottles –I don’t like spending money on bottled water, and I always want fresh water in my cabin. I’ll fill my bottle at the buffet or ask my server at dinner, then bring it back so I have water at night. This is my go-to water bottle—I prefer ones without straws since they’re much easier to wash in the cabin sink.
Pashmina – This multi-purpose wrap always earns its spot in my luggage. Use it as an evening wrap, a lightweight plane blanket, or a cover-up when visiting places of worship that require modest dress. I never cruise without one—you’ll be surprised how often it comes in handy.
Cabin Comfort & Organization
Non-surge Cruise power strip– Cabins never have enough outlets (check cruise line rules first).
Magnetic hooks – Super-strong magnetic hooks that attach easily to your cabin walls. They’re perfect for hanging hats, cruise lanyards, goggles, swimsuits, and towels. I personally use the 85+ lb hooks—they’re incredibly sturdy and can even hold backpacks!
Small portable fan – Improves airflow and keeps Inside Cabins from feeling stuffy.
Motion sensor night light – Perfect for Inside Cabins, for when you get up at night to use the bathroom. It also has a magnetic base, so you can easily attach it to your cabin walls.
Toiletries & Laundry
Hanging toiletry bag – Keeps your essentials neat and accessible.
Fabric freshener spray – Fights wrinkles and refreshes clothes between wears.
Travel-size detergent – Handy for washing swimsuits, underwear, and quick-dry clothing in the sink.
TSA-approved travel containers – Easy to pack your lotions, creams, and other liquids without worrying about TSA rules.
Health & Wellness
Anti-seasickness medicine – My go-to meds for anti-seasickness. I take one in the morning on sea days (bring chewables for kids).
Acupressure bands – A natural alternative for seasickness relief. I use this with the anti-seasickness meds.
Packing & Storage
Cruise travel planners– Check out my travel planners, they help you stay organized before and during your trip.
Packing cubes – I never travel without packing cubes! They make packing and unpacking so easy—you can simply slip the entire cube into the cabin closet or drawer. I like to assign a different color to each person so there’s no mix-up.
Foldable duffel bag – I always pack a foldable duffel bag in case I bring home too many souvenirs or do some extra shopping. It doubles as an extra carry-on and barely takes up any luggage space.
Foldable shopping bag – Perfect for shopping at cruise ports, these bags fold up small enough to keep in your purse. I always carry one with me—you never know when you’ll need it! Plus, many countries charge a fee for shopping bags, and I’d much rather use my own than pay extra.
Foldable backpack – Perfect for cruise port days when you need an extra bag. I love that these backpacks are lightweight and fold down small, so you can toss one in your luggage without taking up much space.
Travel luggage scale – I always keep one in my suitcase so I can weigh my bags before heading to the airport. It’s a simple way to avoid overweight baggage fees.
Apple AirTags – I pop one into each of my bags so I can track my luggage for peace of mind. They’re especially helpful if you have a short layover and worry about your suitcase getting left behind.
Beach Essentials
Towel Clips – A simple must-have for pool and beach days! They keep your towels from slipping off lounge chairs, and I never cruise without brining a few in my luggage.
Waterproof phone pouch – Protect your phone from water and sand while still being able to snap photos. I always bring one when cruising the Caribbean or Mediterranean—it’s a lifesaver for beach and pool days.
Striped beach bag with zipper – You’ll need a beach bag with zipper to keep your things secure. I like this one because it’s stylish, has a water bottle holder, keeps belongings secure and has a lot of pockets.
Kid-Friendly Cruise Essentials
Magnetic toys – Cabin walls are magnetic, making these toys perfect for fun, mess-free entertainment. They keep kids busy when you’re in the cabin, especially since cruise TV options for kids can be limited. It’s always best to bring your own toys.
Collapsible beach buckets and toys – You’ll definitely want to bring beach toys if you’re going on a Caribbean cruise! This collapsible set includes foldable buckets, shovels, and sandcastle molds, all packed neatly in one bag. They’re easy to fit in your suitcase without taking up much space.
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