The absolute best time to cruisetour Alaska

[Monty'sMomandDad]

When is the best time of the year to do a cruisetour to Alaska and why? We are considering next year and know nothing about it. I have heard whales one time of the year and bears another. So any and all help would be appreciated!:D

[Yukon]

There just is no "one-size-fits-all" best time - it depends on your interests and priorities. My top priority is getting no rain, so I'll keep going from late May through June, the driest part of an average summer.

[GMoney]

And my priorities are no bugs, smaller crowds and open trails with no snow, so I prefer to go in late August / early Sept.