I have only been on Caribbean Cruises and I'm wondering if the sea is any calmer or rougher on an Alaskan Cruise? Does the month of travel make a difference?
Thanks for any help on this topic..

We cruised in September last year (next to last cruise) on Celebrity Summit and it was smooth as could be. Very nice. I do not know about the other months. September was very nice.

Depends on the route. Gulf crossings, and "outside" transits (west side of Vancouver Island) are on big water. Inside passage waters are seldom very rough, with Dixon Entrance being the occasional exception.

It can be rough or smooth ANYTIME during the season. I have seen it both - if you are prone to sea sickness, come prepared. Hopefuly you won't need it but there is always a chance.

Smooth sailing in Alaska is a myth. If prone to motion sickness, take precautions.

I return yesterday from the first sailing of the season. Very rough sailing and plenty of sick passengers.

BudgetQueen
You're making me nervous! We leave in 10 days for Vancouver. I've never been seasick but I guess there's always a first time.

Sorry BudgetQueen about your recent experience. Our two Alaskan cruises were as smooth as glass (both in July) even when we were in big water. Still, it's a good idea to take something along for motion sickness as a precaution. Watch the weather to see what the winds look like---once inside that will probably best predict smooth or choppy sailing for you!

The ship routings now do more outside passage sailing then ever. It used to be, sailing out of Vancouver had you coastal the entire time and great routings. No longer, no way to predict and you definately will be sailing open ocean at some point.

Precautions are the key, if prone- bottom line. You do not want to take a chance of missing a minute, being ill.

Out of 13 Alaska cruises, 4 encountered rough seas, interesting- all were round trip Vancouver sailings. My one ways, were fine.

My parents just came back from an Alaskan cruise via Holland America yesterday. My mom said they had 1 day of somewhat rough seas, but not too bad. They've been to an Alaskan cruise before and it was really rough to the point where my dad got really sea sick. My mom said they got lucky this sailing bec. she was told by the crew that the previous week, it was pretty rough. I don't mean to scare you, but I'd take precautions.

Have you been on an Hawaiian cruise? I'm wondering if the seas are rough over there? I get a little sea sick (usually the first day), but still love going on a cruise.

Liz