In a state the size of Texas, California and Montana combined, planning an affordable itinerary can be a challenge, especially with this summer’s lack of cheap cruises.
Alaska checks all the boxes for Covid-safe travel, with wide-open spaces for easy social distancing, a sense of true escape and the assurance of traveling domestically.
But this summer — like last summer — travelers have likely lost one convenient and affordable way to explore Alaska: by large cruise ship. Though legal challenges are underway, the closure of Canadian ports through February 2022 is likely to deprive travelers of cruises that often start around $100 a person a day.
The current absence of big ships is a blow for the state’s tourism industry, which, in a normal year, gets 60 percent of its summer visitors via cruises. But for travelers, it’s also an opportunity to see Alaska by land without the cruise crowds (small-ship cruising on American-flagged vessels carrying 250 people or less are presently permitted, but tend to be fewer and expensive).
“With cruises not looking like they’re going to be visiting Alaska, we are focused on inviting people to come on their own,” said Mary Johnson, the director of marketing for Aramark Leisure Division, which operates two lodges in Alaska, gateways to Denali and Glacier Bay national parks (rates from $209 and $243, respectively).
“Our goal is to share with potential independent travelers that can still come to Alaska and have safe experiences and create economic activity for our local businesses to stay open,” said Sarah Leonard, the president and chief executive of the Alaska Travel Industry Association.
Alaska presents two distinct hurdles to independent travelers: how to plan a trip in a state the size of Texas, California and Montana combined; and how to do it affordably.
One way to save is to travel in the shoulder season, May or September. Or wait until next year; Holland America Line is currently selling seven-day Alaska sailings in 2022 from Seattle from about $750 a person. The following are other strategies designed to help you save money, time and frustration.
The 10-day sweet spot
Most of the travelers now jamming the phones at Alaska Tour & Travel, an Anchorage-based travel agency, have seven days for their trip.
“Generally, our recommendation is to stay as long as you can because it takes a while to get around here,” said Richenda Sandlin-Tymitz, the marketing and content manager for the company. “With seven days, we like to focus on two major destinations.”