Alaska – The Last Frontier

If your cruise begins and ends in the same U.S. port (like Seattle), you typically don’t need a passport – just a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate. However, cruises that visit Canada or start/end in a foreign port require a valid U.S. passport. Your AAA Travel Advisor can confirm the exact requirements for your itinerary.

Alaska is home to whales, bears, moose, and eagles – and the best sightings depend on where and when you go. Join guided excursions in Denali National Park, take a day cruise through Kenai Fjords, or spot marine life from your ship’s deck. AAA’s curated Alaska tours include expert-led experiences that bring you safely up close to nature.

Yes! AAA members enjoy exclusive savings, perks, and added-value experiences on select Alaska tours and cruises. From onboard credits to special group departures, your membership helps you see more for less.

Alaska is spectacular year-round. Pick your season based on daylight, wildlife activity, crowds, and what you hope to experience – from glacier cruising and salmon runs to the Northern Lights.

There’s No Wrong Time to See Alaska – Only Different Shades of Magic
Alaska transforms with every season, offering new scenery, wildlife, and adventures year-round. Your perfect time to visit depends on what kind of experience you’re chasing – endless daylight, snow-dusted peaks, or the glow of the Northern Lights.

Summer (May-September): Long Days & Lively Adventures
This is Alaska’s most popular travel season – and for good reason. Expect up to 20 hours of daylight, comfortable temperatures, glacier cruises, whale watching, and salmon runs in full swing. National parks and trails are at their best, and small coastal towns come alive with festivals and local markets.

Fall & Winter (October-March): Quiet Beauty & Northern Lights
As the air turns crisp, Alaska reveals a calmer, more intimate side. It’s prime time for aurora chasing, dog-sledding, and cozying up in wilderness lodges. Fewer crowds mean more space to savor snow-covered landscapes and star-filled skies.

Spring (April-May): Awakening Wilderness
Spring brings wildlife sightings, wildflowers, and renewed energy as bears emerge and rivers rush. It’s a perfect window for lower prices and lighter crowds.

Ready to plan your perfect Alaska season?
Talk to your AAA Central Pennsylvania Travel Advisor and find the tour that matches your travel style – any month of the year.

Dying to see the Iditarod in person? Care to celebrate the summer solstice festival? We’ve got a list of can’t-miss events, festivals, customs, and celebrations that will enhance your exploration.

Celebrate Alaska – All Year Long
From sled dogs to midnight sunshine, Alaska knows how to celebrate in spectacular style. Time your visit right and you’ll find yourself immersed in unforgettable traditions that connect you to the spirit of the state.

Winter thrills, summer fun
Dreaming of the legendary Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race? Watch mushers and their teams charge across the snowy wilderness each March – an only-in-Alaska experience that blends endurance, culture, and community pride. When the snow melts and the sun barely sets, the Midnight Sun Festival takes over Fairbanks each June, where locals dance in the streets under golden light at midnight. Across the state, you’ll find smaller solstice events, seafood feasts, craft fairs, and Native cultural gatherings that offer a window into Alaska’s deep heritage and love of the outdoors.

Plan your visit around the fun
Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or the sound of summer music by the sea, Alaska’s calendar is filled with celebrations worth traveling for. Let your AAA Central Pennsylvania Travel Advisor help you plan the perfect trip around these can’t-miss moments.

Experience the adventure. Live the celebration.

Your AAA Central Pennsylvania Travel Advisor has all the answers – and the insider knowledge to make your Alaska dream trip effortless.