May or July?
 

I'm planning a Cruise West cruise next year from Vancouver to Anchorage, southbound. It could either be mid-May, or early July. For personal reasons I'd prefer May, but if there are good reasons to go in July, I'd do so. Is there much difference in the weather? If so, is July actually warm on the seas, or still winter-type clothing required? Sea and animal activity different? Thanks for any input whatever!

I have heard that black flies are a good possibility in May, early June, as is fog. 80 in July is not unheard of in Alaska. Maybe someone else has a better answer.

May and June, historically have less rain compared to July and August. I have cruised 5x in May and once in July and much preferred my May weather and cruise.

You will need some warm clothes regardless when you go to Alaska when you are at the glaciers. I would bring ear protection and gloves. Otherwise, dress in layers. It is also possible that you can wear shorts in both May or July or that you will need a lined jacket for both months. Pretty unpredictable.

If you want to do the bear watching excursion in Ketchikan or see the salmon running - July and August are your best bets. Whales are out from May through out the season- no problems there.

My pick would be May......

FYI - I never have had problems with flies on the cruise portion of Alaska. Fog is possible all summer long.

Thank you so much Theresa, that's just what I wanted to know. I'm planning on taking mostly "wintery" clothes anyway. Being from Wisconsin, I'm long on warm gear. All of us would prefer May anyway, and this cinches it. This forum is such a great resource. Thank you again. If you can add anything else, please do so. The more info we have in advance, the better!

HollDoll -

You would greatly benefit from the forum over on CC - here is the link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum...ne=-1&f=55

It is a much more active Alaska cruise board.

I am from Nebraska - I bring my liner from my Columbia jacket and use it in the mornings and on glacier days. In the afternoons, I usually don't need it. Just a sweatshirt usually.

I have yet to cruise Cruise West but I hear such great things about them. I hope you post a review when you get back.

Theresa

Thanks again Theresa. I just made that link a favorite. I will post a trip report, but unfortunately this trip is for 2007! I like to plan ahead! By booking and paying before December we each save $1,000 on the cruise. Plus we're booking as a triple (the suites are large enough) and saving another approx.$1,200 each on that. Brings that price down quite a bit. Again, thank you for your input.

If you are touring interior Alaska, July is better for farther access into Denali Park.

My opinion only, by far the best itinerary for Cruise West are their Ketchikan/Juneau cruises. Intense scenery and wildlife, and the time for it. :) Unless their cruise leaves directly from Anchorage and goes down the Cook inlet, it's routing isn't much different than the regular cruise lines- with a big difference in price. Do your homework and if the close up extended wildlife and secondary scenic routing are priorities, look closely at the routes.

We're doing the Coastal Odyssey. If you go to Cruisewest.com, click on Alaska on the left and then Coastal Odyssey it gives the whole itinerary. I know we often get off onto rubber boats (Zodiacs) to go very close in. Also, no parties, no dress up, no casinos, etc.; instead a naturalist on board with lectures and libraries. Much more what we prefer.