Cruising down the West Coast of the US is a special experience, a unique blend of comfort, adventure, and some of the most outstanding landscapes and cities in the world. A luxury cruise combines fine dining, incredible views, and exciting activities, and is a true joy.

From the sun-drenched beaches of California to the dramatic, storm-tossed coastline of the Pacific Northwest, a West Coast cruise delivers everything any traveller could possibly want. From glamorous cities like San Francisco and Portland to amazing outdoor adventures in the Olympic National Park and in the shadow of Mount Rainier, a luxury cruise up the Pacific Coast is the ultimate escape. Here’s how to plan the perfect adventure to ensure your cruise is a spectacular success.

Choose the Right Cruise Line

Choosing the right cruise line can make a huge difference to your luxury cruise experience. Each cruise line is different and has its own specialism, whether that’s ultra-luxury service, adventure, or fine dining. It is worth researching all your options and deciding what sort of cruise you are looking for before booking.

Choose the Best Time to Cruise

There is never a bad time to cruise up the West Coast, but you will have a completely different experience depending on when you choose to take your vacation. The peak season for Pacific Coast cruising tends to be May to September when the weather is warm from California to Alaska and the seas tend to be calmer. This is a great choice if you want to explore the great outdoors in Washington, Vancouver, and Alaska. But if you are looking to spend less with a West Coast cruise deal and don’t mind so much about warmer weather, then the shoulder seasons in April and October are a great choice. And finally, the winter months offer a completely different experience, with California still warm but the Northwest frozen, ideal for winter sports like skiing, snowshoe trekking, and exploring the majestic glaciers of the Alaskan fjords.

Plan Your Excursions and Experiences

There are some truly exceptional excursions and experiences to try on a luxury West Coast cruise, so it is important to choose wisely and book in advance. Before you set off, take a look at what is on offer, from wine-tasting in Napa to a helicopter ride over the Kenai Fjords, and reserve your spot on the ones you can’t miss out on. Of course, it is worth keeping a little flexibility in your schedule for spontaneity and last-minute decisions, but getting a few key excursions planned in advance will ensure you don’t miss out.

Pack Wisely

Packing for a luxury cruise is a careful balancing act. Although your luggage will be taken care of most of the time by concierge staff, you don’t want to burden yourself with too many bags (particularly when heading out on a shore excursion), but equally you won’t want to forget any essentials. Make sure you have a good day bag for trips, use packing cubes to maximize your luggage space, and use a packing list to help you remember what you need and organize your packing more efficiently.

Don’t Skimp on the Suite

Finally, don’t be tempted to skimp on the suite! Your stateroom is arguably the most important part of your cruise experience, so give yourself leeway to splash out a little. When you are watching dolphins and whales from your private balcony as the sun sets you’ll be glad you did.

For the perfect blend of relaxation, indulgence, and excitement, it is hard to beat a Pacific Coast cruise. It offers the perfect way to explore some of the most exciting and beautiful spots in the US, in comfort and style, and makes for a truly memorable vacation.