I purposefully didn't take my first Alaska cruise for a few years and friends that cruised more than me always found that strange.
They told me that I had to go see it, and after enough people kept saying the same thing, I thought I'd give in an try it.
Not only were they right, but I loved Alaska, and we've been back again with more trips planned for the future.
Our first Alaska cruise was on Explorer of the Seas in 2018 and we had a good time. However, looking back, I made a few mistakes that could've been easily avoided.
Here are three missteps from my trip that could happen to anyone — and what I'd do differently next time.
Feeling I'd regret not having a balcony
If you do five minutes of research into an Alaska cruise, you're going to see at least five recommendations to book a balcony cabin.
To be clear, this is really good advice. There's so much to see around you as your ship sails, and having a balcony is very convenient to be able to hop out and check things out.
But I really don't think you need a balcony as much as it may seem because ship designs have changed a lot.
Royal Caribbean does such a good job designing its ships with public space on open decks that you can easily get outside and see what's happening. Plus, since you're on a Royal Caribbean ship and not a cruise line with ho-hum things to do, there's far more impetus to be out and about and away from your room to begin with.
I found that the balcony in my Junior Suite was indeed convenient, but it wasn't as critical as I was lead to believe.
I think this recommendation is rooted in older and smaller ships that lacked as much public space as Royal Caribbean's bigger ships, and those decks got crowded.
Not to mention your balcony only faces one direction. There are usually things to see all around you, and the pool decks or helipad are far better suited to taking it all in.
On the day we visited Dawes Glacier, there was a person answering questions and talking about what we were seeing on the helipad. You don't get that insight on your balcony.
To be clear, booking a balcony cabin isn't a mistake. I think it's a great idea, if you can afford it.
Rather, the mistake is assuming you're making a mistake by not booking a balcony cabin. Saving money and taking an inside room is arguably a better spend if you can re-invest those savings on an amazing Alaska shore excursion.
Not trying the White Pass Railway
I have an aversion to any super popular shore excursion because I feel they sometimes are overrated and a tourist trap, but the White Pass Railway isn't one of them.
Arguably the top thing to do in Skagway is take a ride on the White Pass Railway. I saw it, looked at it, and didn't book it. I then regretted it, even though my Hummer tour was incredible.
It’s a beautiful, relaxed way to take in the dramatic scenery of the historic Klondike Highway and White Pass. You’ll ride the famous train one way and enjoy a scenic coach tour the other, with several stops for photos along the way. It’s a wonderful mix of history, views, and comfort.
It picks up from near the cruise ships, and the windows offer a tremendous view every mile of the trip into the Yukon.
There are a lot of combinations you can book, but I've heard from a few readers this tour because they all said it was a highlight of their trip. (Contains an affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to buy)
I still haven't tried it yet, but when I go in 2026, I'll book that tour I linked to above immediately.
Not researching where to eat lunch
I knew enough before my cruise to plan out my tours and excursions, but one thing I neglected to do was pick out where to eat.
Many tours or activities in Alaska aren't all day affairs, so you'll have time for meal before or after.
The food in Alaska is incredible, but some spots are definite tourist traps. Plus, some restaurants get really busy, really quickly.
As you might imagine, seafood is the food Alaska is best known for and it's part of the appeal of visiting. You'll rarely get food so fresh and bountiful.
The key is to seek out the recommended local spots and have a few options in mind so depending on where you end up, you can head over. Or if one is too busy, skip to the next.
More realizations about taking an Alaska cruise
Since trying Alaska, I've come to learn a few important lessons that have greatly improved my cruise experience.
These aren't mistakes I made, but better approaches to my Alaska planning process.
Don't worry about the weather: I used to get so wound up about if it will be cold, rain, cloudy, or hot and the reality is I have no control over it.
Instead, you just have to be prepared for all of it, because Alaska weather changes throughout the day.
Yes, it will rain. But probably not all day. And you'll be cold at some point, then want a t-shirt.
Packing layers is the key, and it's a great tip for avoiding disappointment and remaining comfortable. That way, you can still enjoy the best Alaska has to offer.
Booking excursions early is more important than ever: Cruisers are much better informed today than in the past, and it's clear the recommendation to book tours has gotten out there.
I've noticed shore excursions selling out much faster in Alaska than in the Caribbean, and it's a good reminder to book your tours as early as you can to avoid the frustration of it selling out.
If you see a cruise line excursion that sounds amazing but it's sold out, odds are there's a very similar tour offered by a third party you can book.
I have a running list of great tours you can book on your own in Alaska that have been suggested by our community, so give them a try!
Leave time in your day to explore: It's so easy to want to book every tour, but also leave time do explore on your own.
Sitka, Haines, Juneau and more offer great opportunities to meander and see what's around the next corner.
I love stumbling across a coffee shop, finding a historical monument, or sitting down on a bench and taking in the view.
