March is here, which means cruise season is right around the corner

March is not the typical month to start thinking about summer travel.

But this is not a typical March. With little to no snow on the ground, travelers are itchy to make plans for a great adventure.

Springtime is officially “early season” too. Still, it’s hard to imagine that next month is the beginning of cruise season in Alaska.

Norwegian Cruise Lines offers some solid deals on the first cruises of the year aboard the Norwegian Jade.

Sail on April 28 from Whittier all the way to Vancouver, B.C., for as little as $492 per person, double occupancy. That’s the price for an inside cabin. It’s $50 more for an oceanview cabin. Do you want a balcony? That’s a little more: $712 per person.

Something wonderful is happening to cruise prices this year, thanks to a new law in California. The Consumer Legal Remedies Act requires companies operating in the state to include all mandatory taxes and fees in the initial price.

Previously, cruise companies could advertise super-low prices, then tack on hundreds of dollars in fees, taxes and port charges later. That scheme is no longer allowed: Prices must be all-inclusive.

Three more sailings in May on the Norwegian Jade are available for $518-$542 per person, double. Ports of call for the Jade include Vancouver, B.C., Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait (Hoonah) and Whittier. Travelers are responsible for their own airfare to or from Vancouver.

One cruise offer for Alaskans really stands out. Alaskan Dream Cruises, based in Sitka, operates a fleet of small ships, for 40-89 passengers. Instead of sailing to or from Seattle or Vancouver, the ships cruise between Juneau and Sitka, taking in out-of-the-way sights and spending more time in places like Glacier Bay.

For the past few years, the company has offered an early-season discount for Alaska residents. This spring, Alaskan Dream Cruise has four sailings in May at 70% off.

Because the ships are smaller, the regular prices are more: exceeding $5,000 for a weeklong itinerary. The price includes accommodations, all activities (including kayaks and guided excursions to beaches along the way) and meals. With the discount, prices start at $1,529 per person. Sure, that’s more than a cruise on the big ships. But with fewer people and a smaller ship, travelers get a little more elbow room.

There are three itineraries available at the Alaska resident rate. Sailing dates range from May 17 and May 30. Ports include Petersburg, Sitka, Auke Bay (near Juneau) and the company’s private lodge at Orca Point, on Colt Island.

Travelers can go to the website and check out the itineraries, but no online booking is permitted. The Alaska resident special only is available over the phone: 855-747-8100.

Alaska is not the only destination where cruise companies are offering specials. But the Alaska specials are a good excuse for travelers along the Railbelt to explore the beautiful Inside Passage, including Juneau and Ketchikan.

Carnival Cruises offers a good deal on the Panorama between Long Beach and Baja California. Prices start at $503 per person, departing May 18. Ports include Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas. All taxes and fees are included in the price.

There are other specials on cruises that stay closer to shore.

Both Kenai Fjords Tours and Major Marine Tours are offering four-hour cruises of Resurrection Bay from Seward. Watch for gray whales as well as birds and wildlife on the shore. There might even be some sea lions on the rocks.

Kenai Fjords Tours offers a “Kids Sail Free” special. Adults can sail for as little as $99 and two kids (age 2-11 years) can cruise free through May 15. A hot lunch is included on the cruise.

Major Marine Tours offers Alaska residents a 20% discount on all cruises, including summertime sailings on the six-hour national park cruises. If travelers choose to book a hotel stay at Harbor360 Hotel, Major Marine will offer a 25% discount on both the hotel and the cruise (through April 30). To receive the Alaska resident special, travelers must call to book: 907-224-8030. Proof of residency is required at check-in.

For a land-lubber’s getaway, check out Alyeska Resort, where they offer Alaska residents up to 30% off the base rate.

The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, which now opens in March for spring and summer stays, offers a 30% discount for travelers who stay between March 27 and May 4. Use the coupon code “SPRING.” The regular price is $225 per night, plus $28 in taxes. Using the coupon brings the total to $186.38 per night.

If you’re traveling from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula by air this summer, there are changes in the works.

Between Anchorage and Homer, Ravn Alaska has ended its daily service. That leaves Aleutian Air the only operator, with two flights each day on the Saab 2000 aircraft. Aleutian charges $145-$180 each way.

Between Anchorage and Kenai, the situation is a little different. Grant Aviation offers 22 flights per day. Kenai Aviation has another five flights per day. Both carriers use planes that can accommodate nine passengers.

Beginning June 6, Aleutian Air will start operating twice each day, using the Saab 2000 aircraft, which seats 50 passengers. Initially, Aleutian plans two flights each day. Right now, Aleutian is just matching the fare charged by the other carriers: $145 each way.

On June 9, Aleutian resumes its seasonal service between Anchorage and King Salmon with two flights each day. Alaska Airlines also flies the route twice each day.

Special rates for Alaskans to explore the state take the sting out of high travel costs. Just as important: The deals offer residents a chance to see a slice of their own backyard … vast as it is.