Is mid May too early for an Alaska Cruise?
 

Been interested in a cruise and trip into Alaska. The cheapest time and the price I like is mid May. I know it would probably be pretty cold which isn't a problem, but would also like to see wildlife on the trip. Has anyone gone in May or have inside knowledge about being there that early. The trip would cover Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Seward, Anchorage and Fairbanks Alaska, and would also include Vancouver, Canada. Thank you for any responses.

Our cruise to Alaska in May, 2008 was one of the first cruises of the season. We LOVED the fact that the ports weren't crowded with other ships. We did the train excursion in Skagway and there was still snow, which was scenic. It was a bit early to see much wildlife, however.

We had perfect weather when my family went on our cruise in early May. Sunny all but one day! Of course, weather is variable... We also saw plenty of wildlife. If mid May has the price and time that works for you, I say go for it!

I would only consider a week later with your wildlife priority. Needing a northbound cruise, then getting to Denali Park, to Eielson at the end of your routing. Kenai Fjords boat tours- needing at least 6 hours on the water is the other wildlife "hot spot". You are too early for bear tours on the Inside Passage. Whale watching is for 100% sightings out of Juneau.

With your list, are you considering a cruisetour?? DO YOUR HOMEWORK, many cruisetours, are not the best choices. With your wildlife priority, I suggest you just go on your own. Very simple to arrange.

We cruised to Alaska mid-June 2008, with trips on our own to Kenai Peninsula and Denali a week earlier. You did not mention doing any land travel on your own, but if you are planning such, the road into Denali had only opened a few days prior to our visit around 6/10 that year. It depends on weather - it is a dirt road and needs to be snowless and have some time to dry out.