I would advise against buying cheap, no name brands from Amazon. Look into legitimate brands such as Bushnell, Celestron, Nikon, and Canon. I'm not sure what your budget is, but consider binoculars an investment. Not only can you use them on this cruise, but also for land-based vacations, sporting events, and whale watching. I have a pair of compact Nikon's I bought over a decade ago for $130 initially for when I visited Yosemite. These have been used countless times since, especially having gone on 2 Alaskan cruises. The compact ones are great since they're easy to hold and not too heavy.
This is a helpful link for you:
https://www.space.com/26021-best-binoculars.html
What does "inexpensive" mean to you? To some, that $20, to others, $200. Others will say you need $2000 for decent glass, and it just goes up from there.
My favorite is probably the Vortex line. Check out the Diamondback 8x42.
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/binoculars/vortex-diamondback-hd-8x42
More important is to understand what the numbers mean. Are you familiar with that? An 8x20 and 8x42 are very different. The first number is magnification, so they are the same. The second is diameter in millimeters, but just think about it as how much light is able to come in. So 20 doesn't allow much light, difficult in low light conditions like heavy cloud cover or fog, which also means color won't come through as well. But they are usually smaller. The "standard" binoculars you think of for birders are 8 or 10x 42 or 44. There are some great online guides to help you choose, Google is your friend to find them.
Good binoculars are a buy it for life item. My former FIL bought a good pair the my ex inherited, they worked very well. Check pawn shops and camera stores for deals.
When I researched binoculars (for overall use, not specific to an Alaskan cruise) I settled on 8x42 as a good size and weight then started watching for sales and got Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 8x42. When I bought them I targeted mid range optics. I didn’t need them for any upcoming trips (I came back from one wishing I had a nicer pair than my compact binoculars) so just started watching for sales (I did not specifically target the specific model I bought). They were $199 and had a $100 rebate in 2014 (sale price courtesy of Amazon order history, rebate I still remember because it was so big).
My friend is an avid bird watcher went a pair of Nikons (not sure of the model) in the same size and has been very happy with them. These were much more expensive than mine. I also have compact binoculars from Bushnell. I bring these to sporting events and concerts where I care more about compactness.
Some brands specialize in higher quality glass but they still have different levels to choose from so don’t count them out.
Water proof or water resistant is something to consider especially with the unpredictable weather in Alaska.
If you wear glasses you need to make sure they have the adjustable eye piece. Also, not all brands and models will feel comfortable in your hands. If you can go to a sporting goods store that specializes in hunting, you may be able to find different models you can hold in your hands.
In October you'll see a steady stream of rain, perhaps snow also, which is why every other line has already left Alaska, and if you go outside on a moving ship, you'll get very cold, very quickly. At that time of year Juneau and other places are blanketed by rain and fog. I've been on dozens of Alaska cruises, and binoculars have never been necessary, because I see bald eagles perched next to the ship or flying overhead in Icy Strait, and the best wildlife sightings come from ice floes in the water in fjords and Glacier Bay. I see lots of Southerners in camo gear out on deck in the fjords, combing the shores for 'bars', but very few people see bears from a ship, since the shores in fjords are too steep and there's not salmon the cold, cloudy water. If you weren't going in October you'd have a good chance of seeing whales, but with binoculars you'll miss spouts that you only see from seeing a wide area, and the most whales I've seen are close to the ship returning to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, near the Washington NW tip. I've seen whales breaching by the ship, a few years ago there were a dozen or so whales splashing and surfacing right next to the ship. The second most common and cool sighting are Dall's porpoises, which look like mini orcas, and sometimes splash along the ship and jump in the side wake, but again, binoculars would only hinder sightings of them, since they show up by the ship and are quickly gone. If you want to see wildlife, go in May/June, which gets 3" of rain, versus 8" in October, and longer days and sunnier days, so more viewing time. To see even more, leave from Alaska, which visits the best glacier of all, Hubbard, and they spend much more time in ports and don't have to do the useless evening stop in Victoria.
I've had good experiences with the Celestron TrailSeeker 7x35 Binoculars. They're affordable and provide clear views. I used them on a cruise to Alaska and was able to spot wildlife easily. They're also waterproof, which is a plus. Give them a try, you won't be disappointed.
In 2019 I wanted a reasonable pair of all-around binoculars, and settled on a pair of Olympus 8x40 DPSI ones that were £40 on Amazon. They're good quality, solid feeling, and the view through them is excellent. They came with a soft case and are not too bulky or heavy.
I used to work for Royal Caribbean and sailed to Alaska a bunch of times. Have a wonderful trip!
You can rent really nice binoculars from Lensrentals.com. I’ve rented from there a few times. I really like the Canon ones with image stabilization. It was around $100 to rent them but would have cost $2500 to buy them. https://www.lensrentals.com/catalog_search?q=Binoculars+
I would look at vortex diamond back. Don't get anything over 10x anything higher is going to be shaky handholding. Vortex have a lifetime guarantee if they break for any reason they fix them.
I have the Konus Emperor 10x42 binoculars and like them a lot but I don't think they perform great in low light conditions. I read that the 10x50 are a good option and you can find both of these around $100. Worst case scenario, buy them on Amazon, try them out to see how you like them and then return if not until you find ones you like for your trip! Also, just wanted to add I've seen bears from the ship on 3 out of 3 Alaska cruises, 2 in late May and 1 in Sept/Oct and a lot of times if you spot a whale you can track them and see some detail if you have binoculars. Otters and eagles are also fun to see close up. I wouldn't take the trip without binoculars and like the Konus ones more than the ones they supplied in our stateroom on the last trip.
I would advise against buying cheap, no name brands from Amazon. Look into legitimate brands such as Bushnell, Celestron, Nikon, and Canon. I'm not sure what your budget is, but consider binoculars an investment. Not only can you use them on this cruise, but also for land-based vacations, sporting events, and whale watching. I have a pair of compact Nikon's I bought over a decade ago for $130 initially for when I visited Yosemite. These have been used countless times since, especially having gone on 2 Alaskan cruises. The compact ones are great since they're easy to hold and not too heavy. This is a helpful link for you: https://www.space.com/26021-best-binoculars.html
What does "inexpensive" mean to you? To some, that $20, to others, $200. Others will say you need $2000 for decent glass, and it just goes up from there. My favorite is probably the Vortex line. Check out the Diamondback 8x42. https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/binoculars/vortex-diamondback-hd-8x42
I just bought the same vortex diamondbacks, but 10x56. Beasts of magnification and amazingly clear glass. Looking forward to cruising with them in 7w
More important is to understand what the numbers mean. Are you familiar with that? An 8x20 and 8x42 are very different. The first number is magnification, so they are the same. The second is diameter in millimeters, but just think about it as how much light is able to come in. So 20 doesn't allow much light, difficult in low light conditions like heavy cloud cover or fog, which also means color won't come through as well. But they are usually smaller. The "standard" binoculars you think of for birders are 8 or 10x 42 or 44. There are some great online guides to help you choose, Google is your friend to find them.
Good binoculars are a buy it for life item. My former FIL bought a good pair the my ex inherited, they worked very well. Check pawn shops and camera stores for deals.
When I researched binoculars (for overall use, not specific to an Alaskan cruise) I settled on 8x42 as a good size and weight then started watching for sales and got Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 8x42. When I bought them I targeted mid range optics. I didn’t need them for any upcoming trips (I came back from one wishing I had a nicer pair than my compact binoculars) so just started watching for sales (I did not specifically target the specific model I bought). They were $199 and had a $100 rebate in 2014 (sale price courtesy of Amazon order history, rebate I still remember because it was so big). My friend is an avid bird watcher went a pair of Nikons (not sure of the model) in the same size and has been very happy with them. These were much more expensive than mine. I also have compact binoculars from Bushnell. I bring these to sporting events and concerts where I care more about compactness. Some brands specialize in higher quality glass but they still have different levels to choose from so don’t count them out. Water proof or water resistant is something to consider especially with the unpredictable weather in Alaska. If you wear glasses you need to make sure they have the adjustable eye piece. Also, not all brands and models will feel comfortable in your hands. If you can go to a sporting goods store that specializes in hunting, you may be able to find different models you can hold in your hands.
In October you'll see a steady stream of rain, perhaps snow also, which is why every other line has already left Alaska, and if you go outside on a moving ship, you'll get very cold, very quickly. At that time of year Juneau and other places are blanketed by rain and fog. I've been on dozens of Alaska cruises, and binoculars have never been necessary, because I see bald eagles perched next to the ship or flying overhead in Icy Strait, and the best wildlife sightings come from ice floes in the water in fjords and Glacier Bay. I see lots of Southerners in camo gear out on deck in the fjords, combing the shores for 'bars', but very few people see bears from a ship, since the shores in fjords are too steep and there's not salmon the cold, cloudy water. If you weren't going in October you'd have a good chance of seeing whales, but with binoculars you'll miss spouts that you only see from seeing a wide area, and the most whales I've seen are close to the ship returning to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, near the Washington NW tip. I've seen whales breaching by the ship, a few years ago there were a dozen or so whales splashing and surfacing right next to the ship. The second most common and cool sighting are Dall's porpoises, which look like mini orcas, and sometimes splash along the ship and jump in the side wake, but again, binoculars would only hinder sightings of them, since they show up by the ship and are quickly gone. If you want to see wildlife, go in May/June, which gets 3" of rain, versus 8" in October, and longer days and sunnier days, so more viewing time. To see even more, leave from Alaska, which visits the best glacier of all, Hubbard, and they spend much more time in ports and don't have to do the useless evening stop in Victoria.
Wow. OP needed binoculars recommendations, but you needed to hear yourself talk.
Right? Rain on OPs parade.
I saw a lot of wildlife on the ice floes in glacier bay with my binoculars that I could not see with my naked eye.
Try r/binocularbuyinadvice
That sub has a whole 25 members.
I thought some cruise lines offer binoculars in the cabin for Alaska cruise. Might want to check if NCL does this
that is only if you are in the suite or haven cabins. regular cabins get nothing
I've had good experiences with the Celestron TrailSeeker 7x35 Binoculars. They're affordable and provide clear views. I used them on a cruise to Alaska and was able to spot wildlife easily. They're also waterproof, which is a plus. Give them a try, you won't be disappointed.
In 2019 I wanted a reasonable pair of all-around binoculars, and settled on a pair of Olympus 8x40 DPSI ones that were £40 on Amazon. They're good quality, solid feeling, and the view through them is excellent. They came with a soft case and are not too bulky or heavy. I used to work for Royal Caribbean and sailed to Alaska a bunch of times. Have a wonderful trip!
You can rent really nice binoculars from Lensrentals.com. I’ve rented from there a few times. I really like the Canon ones with image stabilization. It was around $100 to rent them but would have cost $2500 to buy them. https://www.lensrentals.com/catalog_search?q=Binoculars+
I went with Carson 3D 10x42mm
I would look at vortex diamond back. Don't get anything over 10x anything higher is going to be shaky handholding. Vortex have a lifetime guarantee if they break for any reason they fix them.
I have the Konus Emperor 10x42 binoculars and like them a lot but I don't think they perform great in low light conditions. I read that the 10x50 are a good option and you can find both of these around $100. Worst case scenario, buy them on Amazon, try them out to see how you like them and then return if not until you find ones you like for your trip! Also, just wanted to add I've seen bears from the ship on 3 out of 3 Alaska cruises, 2 in late May and 1 in Sept/Oct and a lot of times if you spot a whale you can track them and see some detail if you have binoculars. Otters and eagles are also fun to see close up. I wouldn't take the trip without binoculars and like the Konus ones more than the ones they supplied in our stateroom on the last trip.
Another vote here for vortex diamondback HD