First cruise ever, to Alaska in September solo.

Question

Hi, I'm looking at booking a 7 night cruise in September to Alaska, from Seattle or Vancouver.

I will be coming from Ireland, so will need to fly into Vancouver or Seattle the day before. I would like to hear from anyone who's done a similar itinerary and are you exhausted after the flights? It's a lot of travelling.

Also im looking at solo cabins but all the advice is to get a balcony, quite expensive though. Will I miss out by not having a balcony room?

Also been told to go on a smaller ship? Is that recommended for Alaska. So much information it's a lot to deal with!

Answer

Booking your first Alaska cruise as a solo traveler from Europe can be a wonderful adventure, but it does require careful planning, especially when considering flights, cabin choices, and the type of ship.

Travel and arrival:

Flying from Ireland to either Vancouver or Seattle the day before your cruise is highly recommended. International flights, time zone changes, and potential delays make it risky to arrive the same day as embarkation.

Arrive at least one night before your cruise departure. This allows you to rest, adjust to the time zone, and avoid stress if flights are delayed.
Vancouver: More scenic embarkation, slightly longer flights from Europe depending on connections, and customs entry may take extra time.
Seattle: Usually easier flight options from Europe with one connection, also a major hub with more hotel choices near the cruise terminal.
Jet lag: Expect to feel tired on the first day; allow yourself to adjust before any excursions or onboard activities.

Cabin choice:

Solo cabins without a balcony are perfectly fine for many travelers, but consider how much time you want to spend viewing the scenery privately.

Balcony cabins: Offer private space to watch glaciers, wildlife, and coastal scenery at your own pace. Especially valuable in Alaska for early morning or late evening wildlife spotting.
Inside or oceanview cabins: Usually less expensive, still comfortable, and you can enjoy main deck observation areas and public balconies.
Solo cabins: Ensure the cruise line accommodates single travelers efficiently, as some lines charge a solo supplement for standard cabins.

Ship size:

Smaller ships have advantages and disadvantages in Alaska.

Smaller ships (under 1,000 passengers): Easier access to remote ports, more intimate experience, less crowded observation decks, and often better excursions in off-the-beaten-path areas.
Larger ships (2,000+ passengers): More amenities, shows, and dining options, but observation decks and shore excursions can be crowded.
Recommendation: For a first-time solo traveler, a medium-sized ship offers a good balance of social opportunities, onboard amenities, and a chance to enjoy scenery without extreme crowds.

Tips for solo travelers:

Consider cruise lines that offer solo cabins or singles meet-ups for socializing.
Book excursions early; some popular shore activities (glacier tours, wildlife watching) sell out quickly.
September cruises: Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and often lower fares. Wildlife sightings, especially bears and whales, remain good.
Pack layers and waterproof gear. September weather can be unpredictable with rain and cooler temperatures.

Overall, arriving a day early, choosing a comfortable solo cabin (balcony optional), and picking a ship size that balances intimacy with onboard amenities will make your first Alaska cruise enjoyable and manageable, even after long international travel.

First cruise ever, to Alaska in September solo.

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