What We WISH We Knew BEFORE Our First Alaskan Cruise (Alaska Tips & Secrets)

Planning your first Alaskan cruise? Join us as we dive into everything we wish we knew before our Norwegian Encore adventure - from choosing the perfect itinerary to packing for unpredictable weather and planning the perfect excursions. In this video, we share essential tips and insights from our recent Alaskan cruise aboard the Norwegian Encore. Whether you’re curious about the best itinerary, how to prepare for weather changes, or simply want to avoid common mistakes, this video covers it all. We discuss our experience with the Glacier Bay route, the pros and cons of short port calls in Ketchikan and Victoria, and why having a backup plan for excursions is crucial (we learned the hard way in Juneau and Skagway!). Don’t miss our recommendations on what to pack, how to handle the crowds, and why a balcony stateroom might be worth the splurge. Plus, we share some unforgettable moments—like spotting wildlife and navigating the ship’s observation lounges. If you're planning an Alaskan cruise—or any cruise—this guide is packed with useful advice to help make your trip smooth sailing. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more cruising tips from Family at Sea! ----- ⚓ Our Trusted Travel Partners: 🤝 🛳️ 🐋 Ready to book YOUR dream Alaskan cruise? Our friends at Cruises It are ready to help! Get expert advice and the best deals here: 👉 https://bit.ly/fas-alaska-cruise 🌍 Save Big on Excursions! Skip the overpriced ship tours and book directly to save money: 👉 https://bit.ly/fas-excursions ----- 🛒✨ Alaskan Cruise Products We Recommend ✨🛒 - 25x Zoom Binoculars: https://amzn.to/3X2btli - 50x Zoom Binoculars: https://amzn.to/3z4wpQq - Merino Wool Hiking Socks: https://amzn.to/3X3bZ2r - Men's Waterproof Hiking Pants: https://amzn.to/3Tr9sOH - Women's Waterproof Hiking Pants: https://amzn.to/3T61NVM - Kids' Waterproof Hiking Pants: https://amzn.to/4fWE18m - Men's Waterproof Hiking Boots: https://amzn.to/4fZVGvL - Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots: https://amzn.to/4g1HzGk - Kids' Merino Wool Socks: https://amzn.to/3WS5hfm - Merino Wool Zip Sweater: https://amzn.to/4fZVDQB - Sea Bands (to prevent seasickness): https://amzn.to/3YOTGjX - Sea Bands for Kids: https://amzn.to/4cvG1RS - Sea Bands w/ Built-In Aromatherapy: https://amzn.to/3SQ0zO8 - Seasickness Patches: https://amzn.to/3AmF94L - Portable Charger: https://amzn.to/4dNGmAx - Towel Bands (for pool loungers): https://amzn.to/3SXARHx - Water Shoes: https://amzn.to/4dIWxPA - Magnetic Hooks: https://amzn.to/4dqHr1j - Power Strip (w/ no surge protector): https://amzn.to/3yJzuoX ----- 📌 Chapters: 🔗 00:00 Intro 01:00 Tip #1: Choosing the Right Itinerary 05:00 Tip #2: Choosing the Right Ship 06:20 Tip #3: Packing 08:42 Tip #4: Backup Plans 11:57 Tip #5: Mindset 14:35 Tip #6: Binoculars 15:44 Tip #7: Photography 17:32 Tip #8: Know What to Expect 18:28 Tip #9: Budgeting 19:32 Tip #10: Spring for the... 21:15 Tip #11: Finding the Best Views 24:27 Tip #12: Saving Money ----- Disclosure: Hey there! Just a heads-up – some links in my video descriptions are affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase through them, I may earn a little commission, but don’t worry, it won’t cost you anything extra! I only recommend stuff that I genuinely love from companies I trust. Thank you for your support! ----- Business & Media Opportunities: Please contact Evan at [email protected] ----- 🌍🙋‍♂️ Who We Are 🙋‍♀️🌍 Family at Sea chronicles the cruising adventures of our family of four as we set sail across the globe aboard different cruise ships and cruise lines, including MSC, Disney Cruise Lines (DCL), Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL), P&O, Explora Journeys, Costa, Margaritaville at Sea, and more! ----- 📧💬 Contact Us & Follow Us on Social Media! 📱📲 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FamilyAtSea - Facebook: https://facebook.com/FamilyAtSea.travel - Facebook Group: Family Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Deals: https://facebook.com/groups/familyatsea - Instagram: https://instagram.com/FamilyAtSea.travel ----- #AlaskanCruise #NorwegianEncore #FamilyAtSea #CruiseTips #FamilyCruise #CruiseReview #GlacierBay #CruisePlanning #AlaskaTravel #TravelTips #FamilyTravel #CruiseVacation #Cruising #NorwegianCruiseLine