Eurodam Alaska, last cruise of the season

[Suzcruz57]

I’m curious if there’s anything we need to prepare for being the last sailing of the season, other than some stores being closed. We’re hoping to see the northern Lights, maybe a whale or two and some bears. Also, is the interior of the ship on the cold side because we’re in Alaska? 

[Miss Vickie]

We took the second to last of the season a couple of years ago. The whales had already migrated, and no northern lights. Not all the shops were closed. In fact, everything in Ketchikan was open and worth checking out. In Icy Point Strait some trails were closed due to bear activity, but we didn’t see bears. Your experience may not be the same as ours, and we still had a great time. Lots of otters, seals and eagles in Glacier Bay. This was our second Alaska,cruise. The first was a cruise tour on Volendam earlier in the season, a far different itinerary and we saw lots of sea life, bears, moose…

[bluesplayer]

We were on the second to the last cruise once.  It was a bit rainy.  No whales seen.. no Northern Lights.  The ship's heat was working fine.  The dining room sometimes can be a bit chilly but a sweater works.  The shops have lots of sales!!  Great time to shop if you are into it.  Bring an umbrella and raincoat.  The glaciers are calving more at the end of the season.

[jakers]

We did the last Alaska cruise of the season on the Volendam last year and will be joining you on the Eurodam this year. If you have cruised in Alaska during the height of the season, you will recall that the days are very long. Not so at the end of the September. Short days are most noticeable in Icy Strait Point because we won't arrive until 6 pm. The weather will be drizzly and many of the tours will not be open, either because it will get dark early or most of the temporary summer help will have returned home. Not all whales migrate to Hawaii, the juveniles and elderly stay in Alaska all year. The shops in all the towns will be open for business as usual but you can tell that they are ready for the season to end.

[peacefulOR]

Two more for "the last cruise of the season".....no roll call for this one. We are former Alaskans relocated to Puget Sound and love the idea of a quieter cruise this time. I totally agree with rain jackets and umbrella but suggest a winter cap/hat and warm gloves. The waters off Alaska can be very cold even in August (even when the sun is out) so have some layers to wear. I only saw the Northern Lights in true winter but bears are still active.

[SilvertoGold]

One bonus for Alaska in September is your ship will be allowed past Jaw Point at Jojns Hopkins Glacier, so you are much closer to the face of the glacier. It is a lovely sail-in and out with lots of baby seals near the end.