The attractions of Caribbean cruises and Alaska cruises are day and night. One offers relaxation and fun in the sun, with plenty of time splashing in the waves, snorkeling and dipping your toes in the warm sand. The other offers an adventure full of glaciers and wildlife in a sometimes cold, yet green environment.
Which destinations should you choose for your next cruise vacation? To help you decide, below are ways to compare these two very different routes.
Cruise embarkation ports between the Caribbean and Alaska
You can sail to the Caribbean from different Florida ports, including PortMiami, Port Everglades (in Fort Lauderdale) and Port Canaveral (near Orlando). Cruises can also depart from east coast home ports and southern ports such as GalvestonTexas; Mobile, Alabama; and New Orleans. Whether that requires a flight before your cruise or a long trip depends on where you live.
Alaska cruises depart from seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Seward and Whittier, Alaska (near Anchorage), so most Americans outside of those in the Pacific Northwest need to book a flight.
Related: The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler
Itineraries between the Caribbean and Alaska
Most Caribbean cruise routes stick to one region of the Caribbean, although many will include stops in the Bahamas and longer itineraries may combine regions. Western Caribbean itineraries call at ports in Mexico and Central America, as well as Jamaica and Grand Cayman, while Eastern Caribbean cruises visit places such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Southern Caribbean routes could include islands such as Barbados, Saint Lucia and Martinique, among others. In total, Caribbean cruises call at more than three dozen regional cruise ports.
Large ships typically sail to larger cruise ports, such as St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Cozumel in Mexico, saint john in Puerto Rico and Nassau in the bahamas. Smaller ships could head to quieter islands such as Bequia in the Grenadines or Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. No matter the itinerary, one thing is certain: Caribbean cruises are all about the beaches.
Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler
Most Alaska cruises sail the Inside Passage round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver to ports such as Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Skagway, Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia. Each port offers different deviations for cruises. Ketchikan is home to Native American totem poles and the Salmon Walk trail that follows the migration of salmon upstream along the Ketchikan Creek. Skagway is steeped in gold rush history. Juneau, the state capital, is a great port for wildlife, from bear watching to whale watching adventures.
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Many Alaska cruises also pass through Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm for a glimpse of disintegrating glaciers, surfacing whales, and adorable sea otters swimming on their backs.
Another option is a Gulf of Alaska cruise (also called a Cross Gulf cruise) from Seattle or Vancouver to Alaska (via the ports of Seward or Whittier). These cruises may include Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, or Valdez. The biggest queues in these parts… Princess Cruises, Holland America, royal caribbean and Celebrity cruises – will also give you the option to extend your train trip to Denali National Park or Fairbanks.
It’s important to note that while the Caribbean can be sailed year-round, Alaska cruises tend to begin in late spring and end in early fall.
Related: National parks that can be reached by cruise
Caribbean beaches and water sports versus Alaska
If you’re craving sunshine, ice-cold drinks with little umbrellas, and foamy waves kissing your sand-covered toes, you’ll want to choose a Caribbean itinerary. Private Islands Cruise Line They are especially low-effort places to try a new water sport. However, throughout the region you will find everything from snorkeling and diving to parasailing and dolphin encounters. Some luxury boats They even have their own water sports platforms for passengers to use when in calm waters.
In Alaska, the water is cold and surrounded by crumbling glaciers, but you can still practice water sports. We’ve done everything from kayaking (with salmon jumping over the kayak) to whale watching. We even enjoyed a king salmon and coho fishing excursion (with our catch sent home on ice for dinner over the next few months).
Shore Excursions between the Caribbean and Alaska
Our best days in the Caribbean have always been on the beaches, and some of the most unforgettable shore excursions were boat trips to smaller islands with quiet beaches that our group practically had to ourselves. That said, you can also sign up to swim in cenotes, explore caves, hike to waterfalls, zipline through tropical forests, or visit what remains of ancient Mayan cities. On some islands, like Jamaica, you can listen to local reggae music and savor traditional cuisine like Jerk chicken or Jamaican beef burgers.
Related: Alaska Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries, Planning Tips & Things to Do
If you’re looking for an adventure, you’re sure to find it on an Alaska cruise. Experience the thrill through heli-hiking, ATV tours, glacier tours, seaplanes or dog sledding excursions. Foodies can opt for a mountaintop barbecue where they throw salmon on the grill and cross their fingers that the bears don’t arrive to dinner before the chefs. You can also register to view the northern lights if you sail at the right time of year.
Shopping in the Caribbean versus Alaska
For our money, there are few better Caribbean souvenirs than a couple bottles of rum from a local distillery. Other local items to look out for include handmade hammocks in Mexico, coffee grown locally in Puerto Rico, and food souvenirs like hot pepper sauce and spice blends available throughout the islands.
Alaska is also packed with souvenirs to remember your time in the Last Frontier. Look for traditional Alaskan crafts, art, and ulu knives (though be sure to pack them in your checked luggage). For a taste of Alaska, shop for items like smoked salmon, Alaskan birch syrup, and candies made from berries. Since you can’t take it with you (unless you live in Seattle), enjoy a local beer at one of Alaska’s microbreweries while you’re in port.
In a nutshell
A debate between the Caribbean and Alaska is truly an apples to oranges comparison. With sandy beaches, fish-filled reefs, and lush rainforests dotted with waterfalls, Caribbean itineraries offer a taste of year-round sunshine. Alaska, with its glaciers, fjords, whales and snow-capped mountains teeming with wildlife, is a rugged, outdoor vacation that requires hiking boots and a waterproof jacket, as well as a sense of adventure.
For all their differences, the Caribbean and Alaska have one thing in common: each is an ideal setting for an unforgettable cruise vacation. While your choice will likely depend on your preferred vacation style, we recommend that you eventually navigate both regions.
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