Best Alaska Cruises in May 2024

As spring blossoms over the Alaskan wilderness, life opens up with new energy, splendor, and wonderful experiences to enjoy on your Alaska cruise in May. This month offers many natural wonders to explore, as well as pleasant temperatures, a wide range of activities, and great seasonal food. You’ll find incredible vistas as the snows thaw and the trees turn a soft green, as well as towering glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and invigorating tours and excursions designed to show off the best of Alaska’s wild beauty.

Cruises to Alaska in May embark from either Seattle, Seward, or Vancouver, depending on your itinerary, and last for seven nights. You’ll find mainly dry, cool, and pleasant weather which will allow you to spend time outside enjoying activities from zip-lining at Icy Strait Point to hiking and kayaking. You’ll see hand-painted indigenous totems and old-fashioned pioneer mills in Ketchikan. May is also a great time to spot wild animals such as mountain goats, dall sheep, and bears, as the fresh foliage is still too young to provide complete coverage for wild game. Embark on a spring getaway on a cruise to Alaska with Celebrity.

Highlights of an Alaska Cruise in May

Snowy Peaks

Though snow in Alaska tends to be a year-round staple at high altitude, May offers some of the best weather to appreciate the contrast between white peaks, the dark green of the forest and the deep blue of the sea. Mountain ranges from the Chugach to the Kenai will still be snowy white but at sea level, temperatures are warm enough to allow visitors to enjoy the views while exploring the outdoors. You’ll see snow-capped vistas from any of the ports, and as you sail along the serene Inside Passage.

Early Spring Season

As the thaw commences, Alaska passes through a magical transformation out of winter and into spring. Alaska cruises in May are the perfect time to see this re-birth of flora and fauna up close, with dry, cool air and emerging spring sunlight. Bears have emerged from hibernation and seals are giving birth. There’s an energy in the air as Alaskans get back outdoors, get active, and prepare for the short but busy summer season. Make sure to bring warm clothing, of course, but you’ll find that simple layers, good shoes, and long sleeves will allow you to experience most of the best outdoor activities offered in May on an Alaska cruise.

Delicious Fresh Food

Foodies and lovers of fresh fish and game find May to be an excellent time for an Alaskan cruise. Delicious king crab is always available and May sees the beginning of king salmon season, too. Delicate, flaky Pacific Halibut is coming into season—and for something more hearty, you could always sample a reindeer sausage. Try birch syrup, which is harvested in April and has a sweet, nutty taste, perfect when poured on pancakes. Stay warm with fresh, hand-roasted coffee, an Alaskan specialty, or reward your hiking efforts with an ice-cold craft beer.