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Cruise to Alaska

Why should i go on a cruise to alaska.

Alaska cruises in 2024 are some of the best ways to experience the dramatic environment of the largest US state, with several cruise lines offering a range of itineraries to choose from. Consider booking a 3-day all-inclusive cruise with Princess Cruise Alaska and Royal Caribbean Alaska–letting you see towering glaciers, beautiful wildlife and even, at the right time of year, the mystifying spectacle of the aurora borealis–the northern lights!

How can I find a cheap cruise to Alaska?

Cheap cruises to Alaska from Seattle or the West Coast are easy to find on Expedia. Just sort your search results by price to put the cheaper options at the top of the results page. You can implement as many filters as you like, including comparing itineraries to visit places like Juneau and Skagway . Even so, you're more likely to find the most affordable options with few to no filters and by having flexible dates. Booking an Alaska cruise in 2024 is usually cheaper than booking at the last minute. A 3-day cruise in 2024 will be less costly than a 7-day cruise to Alaska.

Which cruise lines to Alaska are available?

Some of the best cruise lines to Alaska include Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean Alaska cruises, both of which offer high-end luxury options like staterooms with balconies, 24-hour room service, and famous entertainment shows. A Princess cruise to Alaska is another fine option for its wide range of events, fine dining, and comfortable amenities, like hot tubs in your room. You can use the cruise line filter to ensure that your results only contain some of the best Alaskan cruise lines or even specific ships that you prefer. No matter your preferences, there are plenty of options. Choose a 4- or 5-day Alaska cruise from Seattle in 2024 or a 7-day all-inclusive cruise from Florida, for example. Book your Alaska cruise in 2024 early and get the widest choice.

How can I find Alaska cruise deals?

Alaska cruise deals will be marked on your search results page with a green text bubble above the estimated price. When searching for a 4-day, 5-day or 3-day Alaska cruise, such as from Florida, in March 2024, keep an eye out for these markers to be able to see cruises that have special deals. A longer 7-day cruise to Alaska that lets you visit more ports like Victoria in Canada can pack in more travel than a shorter Alaska cruise that only visits Juneau , even if it costs a bit more.

What should I look out for when booking a cruise trip to Alaska?

When booking a cruise trip to Alaska, use the filter options on the left-hand side of the results page to tailor the results to you. For example, you can filter by cruise line and cabin experience or trip length for a 7-day all-inclusive cruise or a 5-day cruise in 2024. To get the most out of your Alaska cruise vacation, you'll need to consider the type of cruise experience you want. If you're here for the boat, a massive luxury cruise ship like Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas can get you to some of the most iconic spots, like Juneau or Icy Strait Point , while still having room for tons of amenities on board to make the most of your 5-day cruise in Alaska. Remember that while the ship is in port, you can usually come and go as you like if you wish to rest in your own stateroom or take some time out from sightseeing.

What are some of the best Alaska cruise destinations?

Cruises that go to Alaska have quite a few ports of call, and you'll be able to choose among places like Ketchikan and Haines cruise ports. Ketchikan is particularly interesting for travelers who want to do a bit of shopping on the shore, but Haines boasts onshore activities like kayaking, hiking, and bird watching which is ideal for a longer 7-day cruise. The best cruises in Alaska boast a multitude of different activities, from Kenai fjords tours to the Alaskan northern lights.

When is the best time for an Alaska cruise vacation?

An Alaska cruise in July or August 2024 or 2025 is a great time to visit since the temperatures are warm, the wildlife is active, and the days are long. This is also the busiest season, so some travelers who don't mind lower temperatures may prefer the shoulder seasons around late spring and early fall for an Alaska cruise in November 2024 or 2025. You might even be able to spot the famous Northern Lights between April and August on a 2024 Alaska cruise.

How long does it take to go on a boat cruise to Alaska?

The length of the cruises that go to Alaska depends on where you depart from and where in Alaska you're going, but a 2- to 3-night Alaska cruise is possible with just a day of sailing. For example, an Alaska cruise to Juneau from Seattle in May 2025 can get you there on day 3 after leaving Seattle in the early evening. Some of the best Alaskan cruise lines visit the state's more northern reaches and could necessitate a 5-day cruise to Alaska or longer.

What are some great luxury cruises to Alaska?

Some great options for a luxury cruise to Alaska can be found through Royal Caribbean on the Brilliance of the Seas , or through the Holland America Line . A luxury cruise to Alaska tends to be outfitted with a variety of high-end amenities, such as private pools, hot tubs, solariums, and even full suites with living rooms and separate bedrooms. Book your Alaska cruise in August 2024 to make the most of the outdoor amenities. Royal Caribbean 's ship specifically offers a solarium with a private pool and hot tubs so you can stay as cozy as you want.

Can I book all-inclusive cruises to Alaska?

Some of the best all-inclusive cruises to Alaska are offered by Princess and Norwegian and feature live music and even Broadway shows. On the Discovery Princess , for instance, you'll find 2 sky suites on the top deck with stunning views, along with several restaurants and activities. Whether you're looking for a 7-day cruise or a 5-day cruise, relax and enjoy your vacation without overthinking. An all-inclusive cruise to Alaska is the way to go!

How do I find a family cruise to Alaska?

To find a family cruise to Alaska, keep an eye out for those that have amenities for all ages– Norwegian and Celebrity cruises to Alaska offer a lot of different options in this respect. For example, the Norwegian Bliss ship has an open-air laser tag area and a 1,000-ft-long racetrack. The best family cruises to Alaska offer different amenities for different age groups as well as shorter 5-day cruises to suit families. Cruises such as the Celebrity Solstice feature adults-only areas, like lounges with private pools, bars, and more.

How can I book an adult cruise to Alaska?

You'll find quite a few options available from Princess and Celebrity for an adults-only cruise. The Celebrity Solstice specifically has its own adults-only solarium, which is ideal for an Alaska cruise in June 2024 and 2025. You will also be able to make the most of a wide variety of bars, lounges, and spas. An adults-only cruise to Alaska offers a serene experience, allowing passengers to enjoy the solitude of the Arctic and unwind without the responsibilities often associated with family travel.

Can I book an Alaska honeymoon cruise?

You and your partner can enjoy an Alaska honeymoon cruise with couples-oriented activities with cruise lines like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean . On the Norwegian Jewel , for example, couples can indulge in a variety of dining options with 15 restaurants to choose from and also enjoy vibrant nightlife with 15 bars and nightclubs. Choose a 5-day cruise or a 7-day all-inclusive cruise for a longer stay. These special honeymoon ships offer enhanced amenities like spa treatments, massage, sauna, and more to make your romantic holiday one for the ages.

How do I book a cruise to Alaska on Expedia?

Whether you’re booking a 5-day cruise from Seattle in May 2024 further afield, such as an Alaska Cruise from Los Angeles, the best way to book a cruise that goes to Alaska on Expedia is to take advantage of our multiple search filters to find the cruise that fits your needs best. When you find the right cruise, you can book everything you need right on our site and be well on your way to the scenic glaciers of Alaska, such as on a Glacier Bay tour from Juneau .

Can I get last-minute cruise deals to Alaska?

Depending on when you search, you can find last-minute Alaska cruises by entering your travel dates into Expedia search to see what's on offer, both for longer 7-day cruises in Alaska and shorter 5-day cruises. Keep in mind that as the departure date approaches, some cruises offer discounts on tickets as they seek to fill their few remaining vacancies. This is often the case for shorter trips, such as a 3-night cruise to Alaska or a cruise to Alaska from Seattle , for example.

Do I need a passport to cruise to Alaska?

No, American citizens do not need a passport for Alaska cruises. Enjoy Alaska at any time of the year, whether you’re interested in an Alaska cruise in December 2024 or over the summer. Because of this, you don't have to worry about whether or not you're booking a closed-loop cruise to Alaska. The exception is Alaska cruises from Canada, as you'll need your passport to get to Canada.

Can I cancel my Alaska cruise?

In case you need to change your mind and cancel your cruise to Alaska, simply go to your My Trips page and follow the instructions for cancellation. Keep in mind that your refund amount often depends on how far in advance you cancel. Every cruise has different policies, so make sure you check what they are before finalizing your booking.

Why should I book an Alaska cruise vacation with Expedia?

Booking with Expedia makes planning the ultimate Alaska cruise in 2024 easy thanks to the array of cruise line options and convenient search filters. Are you looking for a shorter 3-day cruise? A January Alaska cruise in 2024? Or 7-day cruise deals? You could save money by finding current deals by looking for green text above the price in the search results. One Key members may even be able to earn points on their booking that can be redeemed for later discounts. Join for free today.

About Alaska Cruises

Alaska is one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations, famed for relentlessly beautiful scenery stretching along its icy coastline. From the boat, you may see orcas playing in the water or bald eagles flying overhead. Gaze in awe at rocky, snow-capped mountains cascading into glacial blue waters. Alaska cruises offers myriad options for ports, ships and itineraries.

Typical Alaska cruise vacations last about seven days, either heading inland to ports along the Gulf of Alaska such as Juneau , Seward , or Whittier . These shorter journeys tend to leave from Seattle or Vancouver . Longer sailings are available, with 14-day round-trip Alaska cruise from San Francisco offering spectacular views of the American and Canadian west coasts.

Alaska is immensely popular as a cruise destination, which means you can shop around for Alaska cruise deals . Peak times are the summer months of June, July and August, when you have the warmest weather and the best chance of spotting wildlife. Plan your cruise during the months on either side to get a cheap cruise to Alaska with fewer fellow travelers.

book a cruise to alaska

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING AN ALASKAN CRUISE

Heather McManus - April 9, 2019

A newbie’s guide to cruising the last frontier.

View Article

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6 REASONS TO TAKE AN ALASKA CRUISE ON THE NORWEGIAN JOY

Kyle Keeling - May 21, 2019

Check out why you should consider the Norwegian Joy for your Alaska cruise

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If you’re looking for a cruise vacation that’s a little bit out of the way and a little bit out of the ordinary, make an Alaska cruise your first choice. If your first thought is “Alaska… cool!” you’re on the right track — even in the mild summer season, you should still pack your sweater. Grab it and get up here because Alaska is a natural wonder through and through, and the coastal panhandle region Carnival sails to is perhaps the most stunning. How’s Alaska planning on stunning you? Alaska cruises will do it with quaint seaside towns like Ketchikan and Skagway, and with stunning harbor vistas like Juneau’s. Cruising Alaska will also give you a first-row ticket to the best of nature — including fjords, wildlife and mountains galore. “Oh, mother nature… now you’re just showing off.”

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Discover The Wild Beauty Of The Last Frontier

From 6-night getaways to immersive, 13-night Cruisetours that combine the wild, forested beauty of Alaska’s coast with the majesty of Denali National Park, there’s an Alaskan cruise style and length to suit you. Sail one-way between Vancouver and Seward or Vancouver and Seattle, round-trip from Vancouver or Seattle, or on a Cruisetour between Vancouver and Anchorage or Fairbanks.

Featured Alaska Cruises

Dawes glacier cruises.

Prepare for a thrill as you approach the head of the 30-mile Endicott Arm fjord to face Dawes Glacier, a 600-foot-tall wall of ice. Other Alaska cruise highlights include Juneau; remote Ketchikan, and historic Skagway.

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Hubbard Glacier Cruises

Sail from Vancouver to North America’s biggest glacier, seven miles wide and the height of a 30-story building. Ports along this Alaska cruise include Ketchikan; Juneau, the perfect spot for whale-watching; and Icy Strait Point, where you can search for bears and eagles.

One-Way Alaska Cruises

Sail one-way between Vancouver and Seward or Vancouver and Seattle, and you’ll see a stretch of Alaska’s forested coastline against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and lichen-draped forests.

Option for Land & Cruise Package: Extend your sailing with a Cruisetour, which will take you to Denali National Park, Anchorage, and Talkeetna, among other destinations.

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Why Cruise to Alaska with Celebrity Cruises

Live life to the fullest on a luxury Alaska cruise with Celebrity. We have three ships in Alaska, sailing itineraries ranging from 6 or 7 nights to immersive 9- to 13-night Cruisetours that combine the excitement of sailing Alaska’s rugged coast with the awe-inspiring wilderness of Denali National Park and the towns and cities of the vast interior. Explore the best Alaska cruises available with a range of departure ports including Vancouver, Seward, and Seattle, and a choice of thrilling round-trip or one-way itineraries. 

Immerse yourself in the wildlife, scenery, and culture ashore and return to aboard our contemporary, design-led ships. After enjoying the untamed beauty, return to your Alaska cruise and rejuvenate your spirit in The Spa. Watch for whales and dolphins from the privacy of your Infinite Veranda stateroom, where the touch of a button brings the outside in. 

Elevate your Alaska cruise to the next level at The Retreat®, with sumptuous suite accommodation, access to a tranquil lounge, and dining at the exclusive Luminae at The Retreat. 

Let Celebrity take you to some of Alaska’s most exciting ports, whether your dream is to get close to breaching humpbacks on a whale-watching adventure or follow the treacherous trail of early gold prospectors over the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Sail the Inside Passage, watching for bears foraging on stony beaches, or gaze in wonder at the towering, blue-white wall of the mighty Hubbard Glacier.  

Personal service will be the hallmark of your Alaska cruise adventure, on board as well as ashore, where our range of carefully curated excursions includes everything from zip-lining over the forest canopy to floatplane adventures and driving a team of sled dogs across the icy expanse of a glacier. Choose the style to suit your personal taste, from Destination Highlights to Small Group Discoveries, or even custom-designed Private Journeys.

Endless Options for Exploration

You’ll be immersed in nature at every point of your Alaska cruise. Vast, creaking blue-white glaciers inch their way to the sea as jagged, snow-capped mountain peaks pierce the sky. Bears prowl rock-strewn beaches, while salmon-laden rivers rush through pristine, old-growth forest, bald eagles perched watchfully in the treetops. 

Learn about the heady days of the Gold Rush. Kayak silent fjords on your journey along the coast of the Last Frontier. Let Celebrity’s award-winning ships take you to the most dazzling locations in the 49th state, from bustling Juneau to pretty Ketchikan. Or extend your stay with one of our Alaska Cruisetours to explore Alaska’s interiors. Head deep into the wilderness of Denali, immerse yourself in the exciting contemporary culture of Anchorage, and spend time in quirky, arty Talkeetna.

On an Alaska cruise, you’ll experience everything from raw, untamed natural wonders on an extravagant scale to rich history, buzzing cities, vibrant and delicious cuisine, and a warm welcome.

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The best time to visit Alaska is during its summer season, between May and September. June is usually the driest month with the finest weather.

book a cruise to alaska

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If you’re about to embark on your dream vacation and don't know what to pack for an Alaska cruise, here is the ultimate Alaska cruise packing list.

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An Alaska whale-watching cruise is one of the best ways to see the world’s largest mammals in their natural habitat.

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With more than 30,000 bald eagles in the state, Alaska is one of the best places to spot these majestic creatures.

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Discover the best things to do in Alaska, where its vast landscapes, glaciers, wildlife, and rich history offer endless opportunities for adventure.

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Why a Cruise is the Best Way to See Alaska

The scene in America’s Last Frontier is breathtaking from the water. Discover why cruising is the best way to see Alaska.

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Tips for Photographing Alaska’s Landscape & Wildlife

Alaska is a dream destination for most, but it’s a paradise for photographers, with dramatic and diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

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Cruising in Alaska

Is an Alaska cruise good for families?

Absolutely. With spectacular wildlife and dozens of thrilling, kid-friendly activities, Alaska is perfect for families. Kids will love spotting bears and whales, and the whole family can try sea kayaking, go zip lining, join guided hikes through the forest, and learn to drive a team of husky dogs. Here’s all you need to know about cruising in Alaska as a family.

Find out More

Can I add a land tour before or after my Alaska cruise?

With one of our 9- to 13-night Alaska Cruisetours, you can combine your seven-night Alaska cruise with an exciting land tour where you’ll visit destinations like cultured Anchorage, folksy Talkeetna, and wild Denali, giving you a more diverse experience of the magnificent 49th state and more opportunities to spot the Big Five: Moose, caribou, wolf, Dall sheep, and grizzly bear. 

Will I see a glacier on my Alaska cruise?

Many of our itineraries spend a day cruising the beautiful Endicott Arm Fjord, the end of which is dominated by the mighty Dawes Glacier. Others take you to Hubbard Glacier, a vast wall of ice. 

From Juneau, you can take an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier, where you can see fantastic views of the ice on a hike or join a kayak tour. From Seward, you could join a challenging hike to Exit Glacier, which flows slowly from the enormous Harding Icefield. Wherever you go in Alaska, you’ll see glaciers in the distance, high in the mountains, sometimes hanging dramatically over a wall of rock.

What should I pack for an Alaska cruise?

When you’re packing for an Alaska cruise, you’ll want to plan for any kind of weather, from hot sun to ethereal mist and rain showers—often in the same day. Layers, light waterproof jackets, good walking shoes, and a hat and gloves are the essentials; Alaska can be cold as well as warm and sunny.

Pack binoculars for spotting all that incredible wildlife, and camera lens or smartphone. You will also need sunblock and insect repellant. Remember swimwear for the ship; even if it’s cool outside, the Solarium on board is climate controlled and covered, so you can relax on a lounger in the warmth, and swim in the pool. Pack Evening Chic outfits for our dressier nights. 

If you join activities like kayaking, all safety gear will be provided.

What are the best things to do in Alaska?

Alaska is all about exploring the Great Outdoors with family and friends, learning about US History and enjoying wildlife. There are hikes, kayaking, mountain biking, ziplining, and dog sledding for more energetic travelers. 

For a less testing but equally thrilling experience, you could join a whale-watching tour, or take a helicopter or floatplane flightseeing trip, soaring over forests and glaciers. Alaska is brimming with history and culture, too. Explore the cultures of the Native Alaskans, and learn about the Klondike Gold Rush.

Make a point of trying the local cuisine in Alaska, which is famous for its seafood. You’ll find Alaskan salmon on every menu. King crab is delicious in a chowder, or with melted butter. Black cod and halibut are delicious and often served with fries; fish and chips is a popular dish in Alaska. You’ll also find seasonal berries on every menu, locally roasted coffee, and a wide assortment of craft beers.

What kind of animals can I see in Alaska?

You’ll likely see a wide variety of animals in Alaska. If you’re lucky, you can spot brown and black bears; the Spasski River Valley near Icy Strait Point is a great place for bear-spotting, as are the rivers around Ketchikan in July, peak salmon spawning season, when bears come to feast on the fish. For guaranteed bear viewing, head to the Fortress of the Bear near Sitka, which raises orphaned bears in a natural setting. 

You’ll also see whales; the Inside Passage is a great place to spot humpbacks and orcas. Look out for bald eagles perched in the trees, steller sea lions spread out on rocks, and cute sea otters bobbing in the water. To search for the Big Five—grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, and moose—extend your vacation with a Cruisetour and a visit to Denali National Park. 

When's the best time to cruise to Alaska?

Alaska’s summer season begins in early May and extends until late September. There are compelling reasons to cruise to Alaska in any month of the summer, depending on whether you’re interested in maximizing your chances of spotting whales, seeing the Northern Lights, getting closer to glaciers, or traveling when there are fewer people around. See our blog post to learn more about the best time to cruise to Alaska. 

What Celebrity ships sail to Alaska?

Celebrity Cruises has three ships operating different itineraries in Alaska. These include Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Solstice, and Celebrity Summit.

Where do Alaska cruises embark from?

Most of Celebrity’s Alaska cruises sail round-trip from either Vancouver or Seattle. You could also opt for a one-way cruise between Vancouver and Seward or Vancouver and Seattle. If you choose a Cruisetour, you could sail from Vancouver to Seward and then fly out of Anchorage after the tour. Other itineraries begin in Fairbanks and, after the land journey, sail south from Seward to Vancouver.

How long are Alaskan cruises?

Celebrity’s Alaskan cruises range from six to seven nights, but if you extend your voyage into a Cruisetour, the duration is nine to 13 nights. You could also consider extending your vacation with a night or two in either Vancouver or Seattle, depending on which itinerary you have chosen.

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Ocean Waters and Snow Mountains Part of the Alaska Experience

ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

Alaska cruises.

Adventure comes first on the last frontier.

No holiday in the world delivers once-in-a-lifetime adventure like Alaska. Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all. Take off by dog-sled across thousand-year-old ice as you soak in otherworldly sights. Trek across the majestic Mendenhall Glacier for breathtaking views of the wildest country. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears and whales. And do it all from onboard one of four thrill-filled ships. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running.

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Family watching out for whales on an Alaskan Cruise

OF ICE AND MOUNTAINS

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes,  imposing glaciers  and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness. 

Seals in Alaska Inside Passage

JOURNEY INWARD

Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective.

Majestic Glacier in Alaska

GLACIERS WILL MOVE YOU

In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve  massive icebergs . Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders.

Magnificent Denali National Park Alaska

JOURNEY TO 'THE GREAT ONE'

In the centre of the state,  Denali National Park  is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, 'The Great One', formerly known as Mt McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your holiday.

Beautiful Mountain View in the National Park, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

FEEL THE RUSH

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories you couldn't have made anywhere else during your cruise to Alaska. 

Alaska Dog Sledding Excursion

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the  Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour . The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill.

Whale Watching Activity in Alaska

WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?

Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a  whale-watching tour . There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water.

Alaska Charter Helicopter Tour

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape.

Juneau, Alaska Blue Glacier Ice Cave

RELEASE YOUR WILD SIDE ON THE BEST ALASKA CRUISE

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate holiday. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 20 years running.

iFly and Flowrider Sunset in Alaska

QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Quantum of the Seas® heads to the Last Frontier from Seattle . This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather. Edge of your seat entertainment, all weather activities like the fan-favourite Flowrider® and unparalleled views from every room.

EXPLORE MORE

Ovation of the Seas North Star Bar in Alaska

OVATION OF THE SEAS

Pioneer America’s Last Frontier onboard Ovation of the Seas®, one of the world's most groundbreaking ships and among the boldest ships to ever sail Alaska. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm . Scan the surrounding waters on your way to Juneau for glimpses of wildlife from the North Star®, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. 

Brilliance of the Seas Hero

BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS

Brilliance of the Seas® gets you up close to the glacial giants of The Last Frontier – from the expansive Hubbard to the calving Dawes. You can add once-in-a-lifetime to the itinerary for your wildest week ever. Go wildlife spotting in Juneau, peak-seeking in Sitka and take-on rugged adventure in Haines. Getting to your coolest getaway yet is easy for the whole family with sails roundtrip from Vancouver

Radiance at Hubbard Glacier - Alaska

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing lifts, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

Alaska is not a formal place; people even wear jeans to the opera. Focus more on comfort when deciding what clothing to pack.

Cameras, binoculars, rain ponchos and jackets are useful, but add these to the souvenirs you'll be picking up and soon your bag will be too heavy to tote around. Bring along a quality day pack to make it easier to hold your necessities.

Learn a few words in Alaska's local lingo: the 'Alcan' is the Alaska-Canada Highway, for example, and 'fish stories' are the local version of tall stories – unreliable tales of mythological proportions, often told by fisherman.

ALASKAN CUISINE WILD IS THE WAY 

Alaskan food focuses on locally sourced ingredients that reflect the state's rugged terrain and the vast oceans surrounding it. These nutrient-rich waters serve up some gorgeous fish and shellfish, from super-fresh salmon to huge Alaskan King Crabs that can feed a crowd, while game meats and berries from the wilderness form a perfect marriage of flavour.

Best Alaska Smoked Salmon

SALMON IS CENTRAL

Freshly caught wild salmon is served up at backyard BBQs and the finest restaurants. For something different, try the sweet and savoury treat Indian Candy, salmon that is sweetened and smoked till hard.

Typical Alaskan Sourdough Bread

SOURDOUGH WON'T LET YOU GO

Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch.

Alaskan Wild Berries Pie Dessert

GO WILD FOR BERRIES

Alaskan wild berries are sweet and pack a powerful punch of flavour. Whether served up in jams, sweets, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.

 National Park Mountains Snow, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Flowers Nature Mountains , Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Misty Fjords National Monument, Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Resurrection Bay Mountain Side Ocean Kayaking Nature, Seward, Alaska

Seward, Alaska

Coastal Town Seascape Views, Sitka, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Chilkat Peninsula, Skagway, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

National Park Forest, Inside Passage, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Iceberg Snow Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Vancouver Island Mountains, Inside Passage, British Columbia

Inside Passage, Canada

Seascape Mountain Side Ocean, Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Glacier Icy Snow, Endicott Arm & Glacier Dawes

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Alaska Glacier Bay Mountains

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Chilkoot Lake Haines Alaska

Haines, Alaska

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An Expert's Guide to Booking the Perfect Alaska Cruise in 2023

By Scott Laird

Alaska Cruise 2023 An Expert's Guide to Booking the Perfect Voyage to Suit Your Travel Style

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Alaska has been a popular cruise destination for decades, and the industry has continued a trajectory of growth. Each summer season there seems to be another cruise line sailing Alaskan waters, while the longtime incumbents are relentless in their addition of new itineraries, amenities, and excursions. 

What looks like an endless buffet of choice can lead to analysis paralysis for many first-time Alaska visitors—even if they’re veteran cruisers who have already figured out big questions like their preferred cruise line or favorite ship class. 

Here are five questions to consider in order to find the best Alaska cruise for you.

When is The Best Time to Book?

Alaska is a popular destination for multi-generational groups . Any large group booking multiple cabins or needing more than a pair of spots on shore excursions should start thinking about booking Alaska cruises about a year in advance to secure the best availability for their group size. So too should travelers who have specific non-negotiables on things like stateroom category, ship, or itinerary. 

However, that doesn’t mean that last-minute bookers are out of luck. While popular itineraries and cabin categories have a tendency to sell out early (balcony accommodations are particularly sought after for scenic Inside Passage cruising), there’s still often enough inventory left for cruise lines to offer enticing deals for the summer during the “wave” booking season from January through March. They’ll even offer last-minute specials right up until the time of sailing, but selection will be limited and the most popular shore excursions will have long wait lists. 

Cruise lines offer enticing deals for the summer during “wavequot season from January through March.

Cruise lines offer enticing deals for the summer during “wave" season from January through March. 

Is it better to cruise one-way or roundtrip? 

Like almost any choice one makes when booking a cruise, it all comes down to personal taste. Roundtrip cruises offer the convenience of embarking and disembarking at the same port (typically Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco), but itineraries are generally limited to Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage. 

Visitors wanting to see Alaska’s Interior, Fairbanks, and Denali National Park , should book a one-way cruise to or from Anchorage (which is served by the cruise ports at Whittier and Seward) for land-based touring either before or after their Inside Passage cruise. Many cruise lines, including Holland America Line , Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity offer fully packaged “Cruisetours” that combine a one-way Inside Passage cruise with a rail or motor coach itinerary mainly focused on Denali, but also offering journeys to other parts of Southcentral Alaska.

Is Seward or Whittier a better port for Anchorage? 

Each cruise line has their preferred port—Holland America Line and Princess Cruises berth at Whittier. Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas—currently berthing at Seward—will move operations to Whittier upon completion of berths currently under construction. Most other one-way cruises berth in Seward.

Whittier is closer to Anchorage, and some itineraries even take disembarking passengers directly to Denali or Talkeetna the same day. Whittier is also a convenient port for cruising College Fjord, which most northbound sailings do on the final day before arriving in Whittier. Whittier is, however, a tiny community that is little more than a deep-water port, while Seward is a larger community and regional base for a more diverse collection of tours and activities.

Seward is farther from Anchorage, but the train or coach ride is roughly an extra hour of travel through a spectacular mountain pass on the Kenai Peninsula, then the lines merge near Whittier and the last hour of the journey is the same, hugging the Chugach Mountains alongside Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage. 

It’s worth noting that shoreside transportation outside of cruise line-operated transfers can be more limited in Whittier, so passengers embarking there may wish to ensure they include transfers from Anchorage in their cruise package. From Seward, travelers wanting to spend a few days exploring Kenai Fjords National Park or one of the wilderness lodges can book Alaska Railroad transfers on their regular scheduled service.

I've been to Alaska before—how can I cruise differently? 

Cruisers who are veterans at Inside Passage itineraries on the big ships have really only seen a preview of the nooks and crannies of the region. Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises operates small-ship sailings from Sitka, getting into the straits and narrows that the big ships won’t fit, and oftentimes determining itineraries by reports of sea life migrations and weather conditions.

Return visitors who still want that big ship experience might try a different category of cruise line. The major operators—Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, are all premium-tier cruise lines, but the luxury cruise lines have also deployed ships to Alaskan waters. 

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is operating roundtrip Vancouver sailings, bringing onboard topflight lecturers ranging from adventure traveler Bear Grylls to undersea archaeologist Mensun Bound on select voyages. On every voyage, guests will find guides from Alaska Native Voices, sharing the cultural history and lore of the local Huna people to  Sit’ Eeti Gheeyi  (Glacier Bay National Park), and guest speakers from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

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Silversea has “Door-to-Door” pricing on many of its Alaska cruises , meaning the cruise fare includes airfare, hotels, and all transfers—including transfers from home to the departure airport. Onboard the all-suite ships, there’s butler service in every suite, fine dining, and select shore excursions included. The largest Silversea ship sailing to Alaska also carries just under 600 guests, allowing for port calls at lesser-visited stops like Wrangell, Haines, and Valdez.

Are there less-crowded alternatives?

Hurtigruten, the Norwegian expedition cruise line, offers sailings between Vancouver and Nome , hitting not only the lesser-visited spots on the Inside Passage, but also the virtually untouristed and volcano-dotted Alaska Peninsula, where guests can spot Brown Bears in Katmai National Park, go bird-watching in St. Paul Island and uninhabited St. Matthew Island in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, and explore the eerie ghost town of Unga.

Closer afield, but no less secluded is the Prince William Sound Explorer from Uncruise, where guests will depart Whittier and wake up among the glaciers of little-visited Icy Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. Much of the itinerary is “Captain’s choice” based on conditions and sealife movements, but the massive Columbia and Meares glaciers and the Sound communities of Cordova and Valdez—also off the big ship routes—hold prized spots on the itinerary. 

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8 Things to Consider When Booking an Alaska Cruise

Alaska is a dream destination for many travelers, and a majority of the state’s annual visitors arrive on a cruise ship. Those who cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage marvel at calm waters and spectacular scenery as the ship glides through protected waterways. Along the way, you may see whales, orcas, dolphins, and a host of other marine life from the comfort of your deck chair.

The ships come in a dizzying array of sizes and price points, and the itineraries can combine innumerable ways so that the planning can appear daunting. To help make things easier, here are a few things to know ahead of planning your journey.

The Best Time to Take an Alaskan Cruise

The best time to go depends on whether you're aiming for ideal weather or smaller crowds.

Alaska’s tourism season is short, starting in mid-to-late May and typically buttoning up by the end of September. Volume peaks in June and July, with most destinations seeing the fewest crowds before Memorial Day or later in August.

The weather in Alaska is always unpredictable, but is generally at its warmest and sunniest during the peak months. May can be cool to mild, and chances of rain increase from mid-August onward; as the days begin to rapidly shorten this time of year, temps also begin to cool.

The Best Time to Book an Alaskan Cruise

Book ahead for selection, wait for bargains.

Conventional wisdom for Alaska cruises is to book a year in advance—particularly for travelers who want the best selection of sailing dates and cabins during the June/July peak season. Bargain hunters who are more flexible can often snag deals during the “Wave” booking season in January and February, when cruise bookings for all destinations peak; last-minute deals can also be found as late as June.

Cruise lines tend to price higher for early bookings, with included add-ons like onboard credits or prepaid gratuities to entice buyers. Last-minute offers, on the other hand, are typically cruise-only. It also pays to monitor fares after the initial deposit—many cruise lines will honor lower fares after the initial booking as long as the final payment hasn’t been made. However, lower fares may not come with the same included amenities originally applied.

One-Way or Round Trip?

With a few exceptions, large-ship Alaska cruises typically operate one-way from Whittier or Seward to Vancouver, or round trip from the West Coast ports of Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, or Los Angeles.

Round-trip itineraries are a great way to avoid the often higher airfares associated with flying to different airports to embark and disembark the ship, but that convenience often comes with a higher cruise fare.

Round-trip itineraries are also geographically limited to the Inside Passage, while one-way itineraries cross the Gulf of Alaska and offer additional scenic cruising in College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier. Travelers who are interested in touring Southcentral and Interior Alaska by land before or after their cruise should book a one-way itinerary.  

Cruise or Cruisetour?

Many large-ship lines—including Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean—have significant land operations in Alaska and offer cruisetours, a combination cruise and land tour for a single price.

Specifics vary by company, but in general, cruisetour guests will seamlessly transition between their cruise ship and land, traveling via narrated rail or motorcoach to company-owned lodges. At the lodges, guests can continue booking excursions and activities, similarly to how they would during their cruise. The one major difference is that unlike the more all-inclusive pricing onboard the ship, the land portion of most cruisetours generally doesn't include meals (although some “deluxe” or “fully escorted” itineraries do).

Cruisetours are ideal for travelers who don’t mind a set itinerary and prefer not to deal with the logistics of booking transportation and accommodations (which can be scarce and expensive during peak season) on their own. It’s also worth noting that the cruisetour experience can be difficult to duplicate for individual travelers, as the large cruise companies tend to dominate the landscape for transportation and lodging options, particularly in Denali National Park .

Cruisetours are not the best choice for travelers who prefer to travel away from groups or want flexibility with their schedules. Itineraries often run at a vigorous pace, with some early morning starts and evening arrivals when traveling between cities. It’s also worth noting that the accommodation options at or near Denali National Park are not luxury resorts—they’re wilderness lodges providing what is best described as a “better-than-modest” standard of accommodation.

Travelers wishing to continue their land tours in Alaska should strongly consider purchasing cruise line transfers between Anchorage and Whittier or Seward; cruise passengers comprise virtually all of the traffic between those cities, and alternative options for transfers are extremely limited. Outside of cruisetour packages designed to funnel cruise ship passengers directly to top attractions, most individual touring in Alaska will begin and end in Anchorage—not in the smaller cruise ports.

What Sights Should I Hold Out For?

Most of the top scenic attractions on cruises are capacity limited. Glacier Bay National Park , the banner destination for scenic glacier cruising, cannot accommodate all the large cruise ships each season. So, if Glacier Bay is a must, be sure to select a cruise that features it.

That said, the limited number of Glacier Bay entrance passes means that cruise lines have started calling at Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm for scenic cruising, and port calls at gems like Sitka are growing in popularity after years of downturn.

Denali National Park is a major draw for many visitors, but it’s also worth exploring alternative options such as the Kenai Peninsula, Copper River Center (both available on many cruise tours) or Katmai National Park (often booked as a separate add-on from Anchorage).

Should I Book an Outside Cabin or Balcony?

That’s a never-ending debate among veteran cruisers, but if there’s any destination that seems tailor-made for balcony staterooms, it’s Alaska. A significant portion of the time spent cruising in Alaskan waters is incredibly scenic. Book on the starboard (right) side of the ship for northbound itineraries, and on the port (left) side of the ship for southbound itineraries.

Another benefit to balcony staterooms is that travelers can step outside to gauge the weather when dressing for their day. Alaskan weather patterns can be deceptive—viewed through a window, a crisp sunny day can appear warmer than it really is, or a stiff breeze requiring a windbreaker may not be readily apparent.

Big Ship or Small Ship?

Ships sailing in Alaskan waters range from the newest megaships from the world's largest cruise lines to intimate expedition ships that can squeeze through narrower passages and transport passengers to deserted island beaches. On these smaller ships, the destination (and conversation about it) is front-and-center in the onboard experience; however, expedition vessels, while comfortable, lack many of the amenities of large cruise ships. Travelers who simply can’t live without an onboard casino or that chic wine bar are better off booking the larger ship.

An added benefit of small-ship cruises is that cruisers can usually leave their passports at home—the ships are often American-built and flagged, meaning they’ll depart from Alaskan ports and aren’t required to make foreign port calls.

Is a Pre- or Post-Cruise Hotel Room Necessary?

For travelers arriving or departing from Anchorage, almost always. Northbound sailings dock early in the morning, and passengers headed directly for the airport can often get there within a few hours. However, most flight departures from Anchorage for destinations further than the U.S. West Coast are in the early morning (too early for cruise ship arrivals) or around midnight, leaving a full room-less day in the city.

Even the post-arrival excursions that many cruises offer don’t eat up much time, so guests are often stuck in the ticketing lobby at the airport hours before their flight with all their checked luggage in tow (airlines can’t accept checked bags more than a few hours prior to departure, for security reasons).

Hotel rooms in Anchorage are expensive in the summer, but cruisers with more than a few hours to kill may appreciate overnighting in Anchorage (which has much to see and do) and departing at their preferred time the next day.

For departures from West Coast gateways, it’s easier to arrive the day of departure and go straight to the ship, but it’s almost always a good idea to fly in the night before to account for the possibility of delays. Arriving in West Coast ports is much easier than arriving in Anchorage, as there are typically flights available throughout the day.

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With 46,600 miles of shoreline—more than all 48 lower states’ coasts combined— Alaska is often best explored aboard a cruise ship. It gives you a chance to see the state’s remarkably diverse wildlife with minimal effort and see Alaska’s natural landscape from a new perspective.

But there’s a lot to consider when booking an Alaskan cruise—from excursions to costs to routes—so much so that it can be overwhelming for longtime cruise aficionados and first-timers alike. For help making the most of your vacation in No. 49, we consulted with Alaska cruise experts—here’s what they recommend to keep in mind as you start planning your trip.

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to September, so you’ve got a fairly small window—about five months—to take this trip. You’ll have the warmest weather in June, July, and August, when temps peak in the low to mid-60s, but you’ll also encounter the biggest crowds. Alternatively, May and September—Alaskan cruise shoulder season—you’ll find fewer crowds and only slightly cooler temps.

Money, money, money

Cost is a primary factor when planning an Alaska cruise and you can find one at just about every price point. You’ll find fares as low as $230 per person for a short trip in a large ship’s interior room, and as high as $20,000 per person for a suite on a smaller ship’s multi-week itinerary. To get a deal—and the best cabin selection—regardless of budget, you’ll need to book early, around a year in advance, said Aaron Saunders, senior editor at Cruise Critic .

“Last-minute deals are available, but these tend to appeal more to locals that live within driving distance of Vancouver and Seattle,” he said. Also keep in mind that not everything is included in the cruise fare and costs can add up quickly with add-ons like Wi-Fi, tips, shore excursions and more on certain lines.

One more thing to note: More expensive does not necessarily mean more luxurious—it could just mean the ship is smaller or offers a unique itinerary. For example, UnCruise Adventures’ ships are a little older (many were built in the mid-1980s), but cruisers will often pay higher fares because of the line’s low number of passengers, flexible itineraries, and adventurous offerings like kayaking, biking, hiking, and paddleboarding.

Yes, balcony rooms are worth it

Balcony Stateroom aboard Norwegian Jewel

If you’re on a budget, you might be tempted to book an interior cabin with no windows. But Alaska super-cruisers say booking an exterior room is actually worth the splurge. In particular, spring for one that has a balcony for the best scenic views, said Jason Leppert, who runs Popular Cruising .

And no matter where you are on the ship, be sure to have your camera or a pair of binoculars at the ready at all times.

“Keep your eyes peeled for whales, eagles, bears, and other wildlife that call Alaska home,” said Windy Dockum , a travel advisor who specializes in Alaska vacations. “Many cruise ships also offer onboard naturalists who can help you spot and identify these animals.”

Size matters

Yes, ship size is often a matter of personal preference—do you like rubbing elbows with 4,000 other cruisers every day, or does a few hundred sound more relaxing? But there are other pros and cons that go beyond the number of passengers.

Generally speaking, larger ships run by companies like Princess , Celebrity , Norwegian and Holland America offer more onboard amenities—multiple restaurants and bars, glitzy casinos, luxe pools and spas, and Broadway-style shows—than smaller ships from groups like Seabourn , Silversea , and Viking . However, travelers on bigger ships may also spend more time waiting in line while getting on and off the ship—and these vessels may be limited to ports that can accommodate their size.

If you’re hoping to get farther off the beaten path, smaller ships have the advantage: They can get up close with glaciers, pause to watch wildlife, and visit less-visited port towns such as Pelican , Haines , and Wrangell . Since they have fewer passengers and crew members, they also tend to offer a more intimate experience, Dockum said. However, they usually come with a higher price tag and typically have more bare-bones onboard offerings—maybe just one dining room and a lone pianist, instead of multiple restaurants and full-blown musicals. Also, if you’re the type of cruiser who loves making friends on vacation, you’ll have fewer travelers to hob-knob with.

Picking the right route

Cruise ship in Alaska on foggy morning

Alaska cruise ships generally take one of two routes: the Inside Passage or the Gulf of Alaska. The Inside Passage is the more popular of the two, weaving among southeastern Alaska’s islands and fjords. Ships typically sail roundtrip from either Seattle or Vancouver , with most itineraries lasting about a week and stopping in ports like Ketchikan , Skagway , and Juneau . This route is best for those who tend to get seasick, as the waters tend to be calmer. Roundtrip journeys also are often more affordable, since travelers can book flights to and from Seattle or Vancouver, which have large airports and lots of flight options.

On the flip-side, cruises that continue north into the Gulf of Alaska, the swath of the Pacific Ocean that hugs the state’s southern coast, generally run one way between Seattle or Vancouver and the Alaskan port towns of Whittier or Seward . Though it varies greatly, gulf cruises are often a bit longer, ranging from 7 to 14 days. These one-way sailings can also be more expensive, since they require a flight into or out of Alaska; they also require traveling across the at-times bumpy ocean so seasick-prone travelers may have a trickier time.

Historic downtown of Ketchikan, Alaska

Alaska’s pristine wilderness is the big draw for many cruisers and, as a result, many shore excursions involve exploring the state’s natural landscapes. Depending on your cruise, you can go dog-sledding or rock climbing, paddle around in a kayak, or soar in a helicopter. But you don’t have to be an extreme athlete to enjoy Alaska—many cruise lines also offer mellower excursions, like scenic train rides and jet boat tours. You’ll also find more urban excursions like historical walking tours, lumberjack shows, and scenic drives in larger ports like Skagway and Ketchikan .

Whatever you opt to do while visiting Alaska, be sure to secure your shore excursions as soon as possible after booking, especially if you have your heart set on in-demand outings like helicopter tours, bear-watching treks, and glacier walks, said Heidi Bucolo, who runs Eat Sleep Cruise with her husband, Dan.

“Unfortunately, there are only so many slots for these sought-after tours,” she said. “If travelers don't book early, they may miss out. The earlier travelers book, the greater likelihood they will get the tours they want at the desired times.”

Also, be forewarned: Alaska excursions tend to be pretty pricey—typically $100 and up. Prioritize the must-sees for you and your travel crew and give yourself permission to skip excursions at a few ports of call, Saunders said.

“Instead, wander the towns and experience the history that’s right there,” he said. “Have some local seafood for lunch. Wash it down with a local beer or a coffee at a local shop. Alaskans are super friendly, and there’s always something to learn about the history and culture of each town, no matter how small.”

Packing primer

No matter when you visit or what excursions you signed up for, be prepared for the weather to change at a moment’s notice. It may be warm and sunny when you leave the ship in the morning (don’t forget to apply sunscreen!), then turn chilly and cloudy in the afternoon. Wear layers and definitely pack waterproof gear like a rain jacket.

“Being out in the rain is only a problem if you aren’t dressed for it,” said Saunders. “Alaskans and experienced Alaskan cruisers know this, and often pack extra layers in waterproof backpacks to bring ashore, just in case.”

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lake near Denali with moose

Alaska Cruisetours

An Alaska cruisetour is our award-winning cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage paired with a scenic train ride into Interior Alaska, plus up to 3 nights at McKinley Chalet Resort, our immersive lodge at the gates of Denali National Park. If you choose, continue the journey into the Yukon on your Alaska cruisetour. From the depths of the icy waters to the tops of snow-capped summits and everything in between, combine land and sea for unforgettable moments. Witness a world of wildlife, including whales and eagles, from the open decks of our ships and spot Alaska’s "Big 5" — moose, bears, Dall sheep, caribou, and wolves as you ride our luxury glass-domed McKinley Explorer® deep into the heart of a wilderness unseen by most. Breathe in fresh mountain air and roast s’mores under the stars at your base camp for adventure.

Find Your Perfect Cruisetour

Alaska Cruisetour Planning Made Easy

More about alaska cruisetours.

Bear and her cubs seen on an Alaska Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park

Experience Alaska With A Land & Sea Cruisetour

Best Deal Ever Up to 60%Off Premium Amenities

Early Booking Bonus on Alaska Cruisetours

On this page - plan your alaska cruise tour:, the premier denali experience.

We offer a fully comprehensive and unforgettable Denali experience based on our 75-year history in the Great Land. Our Alaska cruisetours feature transportation, accommodations and more to make your wildest Denali dreams come true.

McKinly Chalet Resort at Denali

Your basecamp to Denali adventures set among rugged Alaska wilderness. Enjoy creature comforts, exquisite local cuisine and lively Denali Square.

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Travel deep into Denali National Park for sightings of Alaska’s Big Five: grizzlies, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves and moose. An expert guide narrates every spectacular sight.

McKinley Explorer Train

Ride the rails through Alaska backcountry aboard the McKinley Explorer® domed luxury train. Enjoy signature dishes and cocktails on board. An Alaska train tour like no other.

river fishing in Alaska's interior on a cruise excursion

Add The Yukon To Your Denali Cruisetour

Featured alaska cruisetour ports.

We offer an array of Alaska cruisetours and a mix of both iconic ports and seldom-seen gems. Get to know the authentic Alaska.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Our Alaska cruisetours give more than just a glimpse of the "Great One". Settle in for up to three nights and truly connect to North America’s tallest mountain and ragged ridgelines.

Skagway, Alaska

Experience Alaska’s ghost towns and gold fields. Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad to a historic mountain pass. Or retrace the steps of prospectors on the Chilkoot Trail.

Dawson City, Yukon

Venture into Dawson City, where the frontier spirit is strong. Pan for gold, take in spellbinding beauty of the Yukon River, pop into the Jack London Museum.

Alaska Travel Tips & Articles: Cruisetours

Explore the vast interior and the rugged coast on one amazing trip. Alaska cruisetours combine the iconic Alaska cruise with a voyage into Denali National Park and the Yukon Territory. Read more about Alaska land and sea cruisetours.

Alaska Cruisetours: A Great Way to See the Great Land

Experience Alaska by land and by water.

Visiting Alaska's Denali National Park

The wilderness experience of a lifetime.

Explore Alaska by Train – Alaska Train Tours

Get ready for scenery.

2023 Cruisetour Feature Comparisons

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Alaska Cruisetours

Explore denali national park on an alaska land and sea package, what's an alaska cruisetour.

Cruise:  Enjoy our top-rated 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise vacation with two glacier-viewing experiences during your time on board.

Train:  Enjoy scenic rail travel from the ship to the lodge via our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service for an all-encompassing Alaska cruisetour.

Lodge:  As a part of your Alaska cruisetour, spend three or more nights on land at Princess Wilderness Lodges located riverside near legendary national parks.

Explore Your Cruisetour Options

Need help choosing.

10 - 13 Nights

Denali Explorer

  • Most popular
  • 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise
  • 3-6 nights on land
  • Exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® Alaska rail service
  • Stay in the Denali-area
  • Natural History Tour into Denali National Park
  • Fairbanks or Anchorage
  • Select sightseeing included

13 - 15 Nights

Off the Beaten Path

  • Go deeper into Alaska
  • Kenai and/or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
  • Unique National Parks and Canadian Rockies Cruisetour options
  • 6-8 nights on land
  • Princess Alaska rail service
  • Fairbanks and/or Anchorage

12 - 17 Nights

Connoisseur

  • Highest level of service
  • Escorted by a Tour Director
  • 5-10 nights on land
  • Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park
  • Most meals included

10 - 11 Nights

On Your Own

  • Most affordable option
  • For independent travelers
  • 3-4 nights on land
  • No pre-scheduled activities

Katmai National Park cruisetour

New and exclusive to Princess! Offering a deeper connection with Alaska wildlife, this brand new itinerary combines a 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise and two nights in Anchorage. Spend a day viewing brown bears at Katmai National Park and visit Alaska’s premier Wildlife Conservation Center

Ultimate Wildlife Adventure cruisetour

A Princess exclusive, this new cruisetour is curated to provide whales breaching in Glacier Bay National Park, bear viewing in Katmai National Park and observing Denali’s “Big 5” such as moose and caribou in Denali National Park. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled with the opportunities to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitats. This 13-night cruisetour also features a visit to Alaska’s premier Wildlife Conservation Center.

National parks cruisetours

Explore five of Alaska’s National Parks with our National Park Cruisetour. Cruise Glacier Bay’s pristine waters, be awe-struck by Kenai Fjords icefields and feed your wanderlust by adventuring into Denali National Park. Accompanied by two more National Parks, the 15-night cruisetour is designed for explorers and wanderers.

Canadian Rockies cruisetours

Experience the breathtaking scenery of Banff National Park in the heart of the Rockies on our 14-night cruisetour with a 7-day Alaska cruise and luxury Rocky Mountaineer rail travel.

Alaska Cruisetour Experience

A closer look at Alaska’s interior.

Princess wilderness lodges

With Princess, you won’t just explore Alaska’s landscapes, you’ll live amidst them in our custom-built wilderness lodges. Located riverside next to some of the most renowned national parks, these warm and welcoming lodges are the perfect spot to bask in Alaska’s best attractions. As a part of your Alaska cruisetour, explore and unwind with comforting amenities and breathtaking scenery.

Voyage of the glaciers

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise vacation. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Along the way, enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary – including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Direct-to-the-Wilderness® Alaska Rail Service

With glass-domed railcars, our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service takes you into the heart of Alaska without juggling multiple tickets or confusing transfers. Enjoy convenience and comfort from ship to train and then directly to your Princess Wilderness Lodge in the Denali-area. We’ve taken care of everything on your Alaska cruisetour, so you can spend less time worrying and more time exploring.

Visit Denali National Park on every Alaska cruisetour

Every Princess Alaska cruisetour takes you to Denali National Park so you can enjoy a land beloved by millions but only seen by the adventurous. This national park is a dream destination for any serious Alaska traveler. With some of the most stunning wilderness in existence and famous wildlife, it’s part of the definitive experience of traveling to the Great Land’s wild interior.

Princess Lodges & Alaska Cities

Comfortable riverside lodges surrounded by natural beauty.

  • Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge®
  • Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®
  • Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge®
  • Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge®
  • Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge®
  • Anchorage (Whittier)

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska cruisetour to the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge®, where you can take in the beauty of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the United States. Snow-covered mountains dominate the skyline while rivers feed the earth below. Explore your surroundings on a Copper River rafting trip, or fish for Alaska salmon in the mesmerizing waters.

All of our Alaska cruisetours include a stay at our premier Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®, just one mile from the entrance of Denali National Park overlooking the Nenana River. Access some of the most stunning sights on earth — wilderness, wildlife and untamed land. Go flightseeing by Denali’s snow-covered peak, fly-fish for Arctic grayling, raft the Nenana River or venture into Denali on a park tour.

On the banks of the Chena River lies the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge®. With riverside dining and frontier décor, the Fairbanks Lodge is the perfect excuse to extend your Alaska cruise vacation and dive deeper into your surroundings. Cruise down the Chena River on a sternwheeler riverboat, pan for gold at Gold Dredge 8 or ride ATVs through surrounding forests underneath the midnight sun.

Situated on the Kenai Peninsula overlooking the Kenai River, the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge® is surrounded by mountains, rivers and wilderness inviting you to explore. Adventure through Chugach National Forest, cruise past Kenai Fjords National Parks’ glaciers or fish along the Kenai River. Take in the sights of this natural masterpiece at a leisurely pace only on an Alaska cruisetour.

Situated within Denali State Park near the Chulitna River, the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge® offers unparalleled views of Denali from the treehouse as well as the Great Room and expansive deck in the main lodge. Tour a working Alaska homestead and learn how the Great Land’s residents have become so self-sufficient. Or land in a helicopter on a glacier beneath the tallest peak in North America on your Alaska cruisetour.

Only an hour and a half from the cruise port of Whittier lies the largest city in Alaska – Anchorage. Visit the Chugach National Forest, the second largest national forest in the United States. Spend the day absorbing history at the Anchorage Museum. Or visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and see brown bears, moose and bison living in a protected habitat that perfectly emulates the wild.

Explore the Great Land

Voyage closer to the sights, sounds, wildlife and traditions that make Alaska unique.

Between the natural masterpieces and the animate personalities, every part of Alaska tells an extraordinary story. On an Alaska cruisetour with Princess, discover what makes the Great Land so special, and craft your own tales of your time on land and sea.

A sensory experience

Don’t just see the Great Land’s glaciers, feel them come alive on an Alaska cruisetour. Get up close to Mother Nature’s masterpieces and listen for the crash of “white thunder”. Visit wilderness playgrounds like Glacier Bay National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – along with even more natural wonderlands like Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord and Hubbard Glacier.

A nature lover's dream

From bald eagles to humpback whales, many animals call Alaska home. The waters are teeming with marine life, like king salmon, while the land is decorated by the colorful coats of Denali National Park’s “big five” – including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou. On an Alaska cruisetour, encounter wildlife in their natural habitats and experience their unique personalities for yourself.

Mountains & National Parks

National treasures

Alaska’s national parks are nothing short of impressive. Denali National Park boasts the continent’s highest peak, and Glacier Bay National Park is one of the world’s largest protected areas. You can discover even more magnificence during your Alaska cruisetour at Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords National Parks, where one of the four largest ice caps in the world invites guests to explore its terrain.

Alaska excursions

Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.

Alaska Cruise Onboard Experience

Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land.

Alaska Seafood

Fresh and bountiful, like Alaska itself

Alaska's seafood is famous, and we bring the best to you with locally inspired dishes from the state’s best eateries. With Cook My Catch excursions, catch your own salmon or halibut with the help of a local expert, and in the evening our talented chefs will prepare your haul for your dinner — a Princess exclusive. From ship to shore, the best is at your fingertips on our Alaska cruises.

Meet Local Alaskans

Real Alaska from local Alaskans

Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise.

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Great experiences from the great land

Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium. At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Or savor tree-inspired bites at our very own Sappy Hour. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine, and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2024-2025

The best cruise line in Alaska just keeps getting better! From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess.

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise.

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Alaska Ports of Call

From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Check out our helpful checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise with Princess.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

See Alaska through our guests' eyes.

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Alaska cruises.

See the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife, and national parks.

Denali National Park

Home to North America’s tallest peak.

Train Travel

Explore Great Land with Princess exclusive rail service.

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How much does an alaska cruise cost in 2024.

Compare the prices of these eight voyages before booking your Alaska cruise.

Alaska Cruise Cost

The Holland American Line Noordam ship in Skagway, Alaska.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

If you're planning a cruise to Alaska this year, you may be enticed by low prices (in the hundreds) for a weeklong cruise. However, it's important to know that those fares are just the beginning of the cost for the entire trip.

Typically, the lowest advertised prices with mainstream cruise lines don't include taxes and port fees, specialty dining costs, alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks, shore excursions , Wi-Fi access, gratuities and other expenses. On top of that, bargain fares usually refer to inside cabins with no windows. In a picturesque, bucket list destination like Alaska, you will realistically want a room with a private balcony so you can take in the spectacular scenery from the comfort of your room.

When to cruise to Alaska depends on what you're interested in seeing and doing during your vacation , but summer is typically the best time to visit The Great Land. Between mid-May and mid-July, you can experience 24 hours of daylight. This period is also an optimal time for wildlife viewing; you can see bears feasting on salmon, humpback whales and orcas, furry baby moose and thousands of nesting bald eagles. Cruise lines often reserve their lowest prices for sailings early or late in the Alaska cruising season , but it's still possible to find deals in the middle of the summer.

With all of this in mind, we've listed both the lowest interior cabin fares and the average total costs for a balcony stateroom across eight popular cruise lines for weeklong itineraries in June 2024. (Note: All fares quoted are per person, double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Prices were accurate at the time of writing.)

Find your perfect cruise

Holland America Line

The Holland America Line Noordam in Yakutat Bay.

Holland America Line's 2024 Alaska season extends from April to September; in 2024, there are more than 60 cruise-only voyages and cruisetours (combined land and sea packages). With the exception of one 28-day journey, itineraries range from seven to 18 days.

Average starting price (per person)

This June, Holland America 's lowest-priced itinerary is the 7-Day Glacier Discovery Southbound voyage departing from Whittier, Alaska, on June 23, 2024, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam . The voyage features scenic cruising in Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and the Inside Passage. You'll also stop in the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, before disembarking in Vancouver, British Columbia . The starting price is $409 per person for an inside cabin, and veranda staterooms start at $2,114 per person (cruise-only fare).

Starting price (per person)

For this sailing, there is a $291 charge per person for taxes, fees and port expenses. Specialty dining, alcoholic drinks (and many nonalcoholic beverages, such as bottled water and specialty coffees), excursions, Wi-Fi access, gratuities and some other amenities cost extra.

Instead of paying for these extras individually, you can book Holland America's "Have It All" package. It covers one dinner at a specialty restaurant; one shore excursion (up to $100 per guest); a signature beverage package (for drinks up to $11 each) and a Wi-Fi package. For a limited time, you can also receive a $200 onboard credit per stateroom. A veranda stateroom plus the package starts at $2,569 per person.

If you purchase the "Have It All" package with the veranda stateroom, select the location of your cabin yourself (an additional $90), add in the port taxes and fees ($291) and include crew gratuities at $17 per guest, per day for non-suite staterooms ($119), the total cost is about $3,000 per person. You'll still need to budget for drinks that cost more than $11 each; bottles of wine with dinner; additional evenings of specialty dining; other shore excursions and miscellaneous expenses.

Total cost: From $3,069 per person

Princess Cruises

The Crown Princess in Haines, Alaska.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Princess is offering 14 unique itineraries and 68 cruisetours during the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September. Itineraries range from a seven-day cruise to a 17-day escorted cruisetour.

Princess's lowest-priced cruise in June is the 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay (Northbound) from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska , on Grand Princess. Embarking on June 5, 2024, the sailing includes scenic cruising in College Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, a day at sea and stops in the coastal towns of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway in Alaska. Interior cabins start at $448 per person, while staterooms with a balcony start at $1,698 per person. If you select your own balcony stateroom (instead of letting the cruise line place you), the cost is $1,791 per person.

Additional fees (taxes, gratuities, etc.)

Taxes, fees and port expenses for this cruise will run you $284 per person. At the $1,791 rate, you will be in the Princess Standard fare class, which includes the ships' complimentary dining venues, entertainment and the MedallionClass experience.

You can upgrade to Princess Plus (starting at $2,211 for a balcony room) to add Wi-Fi access (one device per guest); gratuities; a beverage package (covering drinks up to $15 each); two fitness classes per cruise; two premium desserts per day; two casual dining meals and more. For additional amenities, such as Wi-Fi access for up to four devices per guest; a higher-level beverage package (for drinks up to $20 each); two specialty dining meals per guest; unlimited exercise classes and more, opt for the Princess Premier package. Balcony rooms under this category start at $2,351 per guest.

If you purchase the Princess Premier package with the balcony room, the total cost with port taxes and fees is a little more than $2,600 per person – and the pricing is nearly all-inclusive. This package may also include free cruise fare for third and fourth guests traveling in the same stateroom. You will still need to budget for shore excursions; note that over-the-top experiences like flightseeing, helicopter and dog sledding tours, and scenic rides on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway can get pricey.

Total cost: From $2,635 per person

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Norwegian Bliss in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the longest Alaska cruising seasons. In 2024, there are 44 scheduled cruise and cruisetour itineraries between April and October, ranging from seven to 18 days.

The June 3, 2024, sailing on Norwegian Jewel is Norwegian Cruise Line 's least expensive Alaska cruise that month, starting at $449 per person for an inside cabin. In comparison, a balcony cabin starts at $1,879 per person. The itinerary – Alaska: Hubbard Glacier & Skagway – embarks from Seward, Alaska, and includes scenic sea days cruising Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage, plus stops in the ports of Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan (Ward Cove) in Alaska, before disembarking in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The line's ongoing "Free At Sea" deal is included in the price and features an unlimited open bar, free specialty dining (up to $180 for the first two guests in the stateroom), a discount of $50 per excursion and complimentary Wi-Fi access (a savings of up to $200).

Open bar and specialty dining gratuities in the package are approximately $175 per person. Taxes, fees and port expenses are about $302 per person. You'll also need to include the additional $20 per person, per day service charge ($140 for the seven-day voyage).

If you book the balcony stateroom at $1,879 per person, which includes the "Free At Sea" package, and add in the taxes and port fees, dining and beverage gratuities and the daily service charge for the crew, the total cost for the cruise is around $2,500 per person. Remaining costs for shore excursions, specialty dining over $180, additional Wi-Fi usage, gratuities and other miscellaneous costs are not included in the "Free At Sea" package.

Total cost: From $2,496 per person

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas in Seattle.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International's 2024 Alaska cruise season extends from April to September; there are 50 scheduled cruise-only and land-and-sea tours. Combined pre- and post-cruise tours last up to 13 nights, and cruise-only itineraries last between six to eight nights.

For the lowest fare in June, sail from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, on a seven-night cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas on June 7, 2024. The inside cabin fare starts at $438 per person. A balcony stateroom starts at $2,877 per person (to select your own room). This voyage cruises around Alaska's Hubbard Glacier, sails the Inside Passage in Canada and stops in Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan in Alaska.

The guaranteed balcony price at $2,877 is for a smaller stateroom; you can select a larger cabin for a higher cost. Taxes, fees and port expenses for the cruise are $389 per person.

The total cost for the balcony stateroom, port taxes and fees, and gratuities ($18 per person, per day) for this Royal Caribbean cruise is about $3,400 per person. This price does not include extras like specialty dining, shore excursions, beverage packages or Wi-Fi access, so you will need to budget extra to cover those expenses.

Total cost: From $3,392 per person

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Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney cruise ship in the Alaska fjords.

Kent Phillips | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has 19 five- to nine-night itineraries for the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September.

The lowest price for a seven-night Alaska cruise in June with Disney Cruise Line is the June 3, 2024, voyage on Disney Wonder . The price for an inside cabin starts at approximately $3,472 for two guests, which includes taxes, fees and port expenses. In contrast, the fare for a guaranteed veranda stateroom starts at about $6,482 for two guests (including the additional fees); at this rate, Disney will select your specific cabin.

This round-trip sailing embarks from Vancouver, British Columbia. You'll begin your journey with a day at sea, then glacier viewing at Stikine Icecap in Alaska. Guests will stop in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska before another sea day and disembarkation in Vancouver.

Guests staying in regular stateroom accommodations will have gratuities of about $15 per person, per night. Once you add that in, you're looking at a cost of close to $6,600 per room (based on double occupancy) – or around $3,300 per person, if you split it. This price covers the cruise fare, taxes and port fees, the complimentary dining venues, onboard entertainment and gratuities for the crew.

You will need to budget extra for port adventures, beverages, and meals at adults-only venues like the Cadillac Lounge and Italian-themed Palo. The line offers Wi-Fi packages for an additional fee, which you can select once on board. You will also need to pay extra for alcoholic beverages, and there is an 18% gratuity added to bar and beverage services.

Total cost: From $6,587 per room (double occupancy)

Carnival Cruise Line

The Carnival Miracle in Alaska.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line's 2024 Alaska season runs from April through September, and there are 16 itineraries that range from seven to 14 days.

The lowest Alaska fare in June is $814 per person for the June 4, 2024, voyage aboard Carnival Spirit . The seven-day round-trip itinerary departing from Seattle, Washington , includes one day at sea, cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord and stops in the Alaska port towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, plus Victoria, British Columbia. A guaranteed balcony room without an obstructed view starts at $1,579 per person.

Taxes, fees and port expenses for this cruise are about $313 per person. If you'd like Wi-Fi access, you can purchase the Social Wi-Fi Plan starting at approximately $15 per person, per day. The higher level Value Wi-Fi Plan costs about $20 per person, per day, while the Premium Wi-Fi Plan comes in at around $21 per person, per day.

A nonalcoholic beverage package, Bottomless Bubbles, starts at around $10 per adult and around $7 per child each day. For nonalcoholic beverages and select alcoholic drinks (up to $20 each), purchase the Cheers package. It starts at about $60 per person, per day, but you can save 10% if you purchase the package before you sail. With Cheers, you'll also receive a discount on bottles of wine (plus other perks). Gratuities cost $16 per person, per day, in a regular stateroom. Restaurants like the Mexican-inspired BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint are complimentary.

When you add up the price of the balcony stateroom, port taxes and fees, the Value package for Wi-Fi access, the Cheers beverage package and gratuities, you're looking at around $2,600 per person for this Carnival Cruise Line itinerary. In addition to those expenses, you'll have to budget extra funds for shore excursions, specialty dining and some other amenities.

Total cost: From $2,564 per person

Silversea Cruises

The Silver Nova lit up at night.

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises is offering 35 Alaska voyages between May and September 2024. The shortest itinerary is seven days and the longest itinerary is 16 days.

The lowest-priced Alaska cruise with Silversea in June is the June 27, 2024, seven-day sailing aboard Silver Muse from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seward, Alaska. The intimate 596-guest ship will visit Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Valdez in Alaska – and complete two days of scenic cruising – before disembarking in Seward.

The all-inclusive port-to-port fare starts at $4,350 per person for a Classic Veranda Suite (the most affordable suite category with a balcony). For a room with a window instead of a balcony, book a Vista Suite starting at $3,350 per person.

Silversea's all-inclusive fares include luxurious suite accommodations, Champagne upon arrival, butler service and other perks. The pricing covers port taxes and fees; complimentary gourmet dining; all beverages, including Champagne, wine, beer and premium spirits; and gratuities. You'll also receive personalized, attentive service with a nearly one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, and at least one included shore excursion in every port. Complimentary excursions in Skagway include a ride on the White Pass Scenic Railway, a visit to a sled dog and musher's camp and the Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float Adventure. Many of the included excursions with Silversea are quite costly on other lines.

There are no additional fees with the all-inclusive fare. However, you might incur additional personal expenses if you choose to order a fancy bottle of wine with dinner or book an extreme shore excursion adventure, like flightseeing over the glaciers.

Total cost: $4,550 per person (all-inclusive)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

A suite balcony on the Regent Seven Seas Explorer.

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas' 22 Alaska cruises in 2024 sail between May and September and last seven to 14 nights.

The seven-night voyage on June 5, 2024, is the line's lowest-priced June sailing in Alaska, starting at $6,599 per person. Guests on Seven Seas Explorer will sail from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, with stops in Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska, plus two days of scenic cruising at the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier.

The 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares include a luxury veranda suite with a welcome bottle of Champagne and a fresh fruit arrangement. You'll also have an in-suite minibar, free valet laundry service and other upscale amenities. In addition, the fare includes a selection of free unlimited shore excursions; free unlimited beverages with fine wines and spirits; prepaid gratuities; complimentary specialty restaurants; unlimited Wi-Fi access and more.

There are no additional expenses on this Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyage – unless you choose a shore excursion that comes with an added cost or purchase a special bottle of wine at dinner.

Total cost: $6,599 per person (all-inclusive)

Bottom line

The low base fares for Alaska cruises on larger cruise lines may grab your attention, but as you click through to see what's included and make your booking, you'll find additional costs on nearly every page.

Before making a reservation, be sure to read the fine print and find out exactly what's included (and not included) in your cruise fare. You may find that booking an all-inclusive rate with a luxury line offers a better value – an option that you may never have considered unless you compared the total price of each cruise.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica . She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. She used her knowledge of Alaska cruises and extensive research to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
  • The Top Luxury Alaska Cruises
  • The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises
  • The Top Northern Lights Alaska Cruises
  • Alaska Cruise Packing List

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How we are saving almost 50% on airfare for our cruise to Alaska

Summer Hull

If the last few years have taught or reinforced any lessons, it is to always, always take the trip when the option presents itself. That includes those big, intimidating, once-in-a-lifetime adventures that can feel scary to put into motion.

With that in mind, we recently booked a big, expensive, two-cabin cruise to Alaska for the summer of 2023. The trip will include not only my kids, who will somehow already be 13 and 8 next summer, but also my parents. This includes my dad, who at 74 years young by next summer has never sailed — and likely won't other than on this one, big trip.

To sail from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Alaska (and back), you obviously have to first get to Vancouver. And with weeklong cruises to Alaska already pretty pricey, the prospect of also needing five round-trip summertime airfare tickets is ... painful.

Since there are only so many ways to save on the Alaska Disney cruise itself (and we are using every tip in the book), I'm also leaning into using every trick to save on airfare that I can muster.

After going through the gamut of various ways to save on airfare, I've landed on what may be the best way to book airfare when cruising to Alaska: the Alaska Airlines companion certificate .

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Flying to Seattle vs. Vancouver

Some cruise lines sail to Alaska from Seattle, while others depart from Vancouver.

Examples of some cruise lines that depart from Vancouver include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Silversea, Holland America and our chosen line, Disney. Because of complex laws and regulations , cruises that sail from Seattle still have to make a stop in Canada, but that's a tale for a different story.

If you choose to book an Alaska cruise on a line that departs from Vancouver, it may still be in your best interest to fly to Seattle.

Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas Alaska

Even ignoring the different levels of paperwork and regulations required to fly internationally into Canada versus staying within the U.S., the price of tickets alone may quickly drive you to look back south of the border.

Using our summer 2023 sailing dates as an example, tickets from Houston to Vancouver start at $600 to $700 round-trip per person — and all but the priciest options require a connection.

However, nonstop airfare prices to Seattle for the very same dates range from $300 to $450 round-trip per person. Obviously, prices vary by date and originating city, but outside of unique sales or situations, I'd expect the pattern of Vancouver costing more than Seattle to largely hold for departures from other U.S. cities.

You need to also factor in the cost, time and hassle of getting from Seattle to the port in Vancouver when making your decision. But quickly cutting airfare costs for five people by up to half by flying to Seattle instead of Vancouver frees up some room and tolerance for those factors.

We've done that roughly three-hour drive before to go skiing in Whistler, British Columbia , and it wasn't too bad, even with the border crossing. But, with a weeklong cruise, you do need to get creative so that you aren't paying for a rental and parking for days that you are at sea and aren't using it.

One option to get from Seattle to Vancouver includes the Amtrak Cascades train, which is scheduled to return later in 2022. For now, the route is operated by buses, but the train should return before next summer. Right now, non-discounted prices are starting at $68 each way, with 50% discounts for kids and 10% discounts for seniors.

Another option would be doing two one-way car rentals, but note that not all car rental agencies permit one-way international rentals. Budget and Avis are two rental options that, based on searches, do permit these one-way rentals.

Related: Choosing the best Alaska cruise for your family

The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare

It just so happens that one of Alaska Airlines ' hubs is in Seattle. And while this will obviously vary, in our case, it has the cheapest flight option by a pretty healthy margin.

But that's just the beginning of the story.

Alaska Airlines has a buy-one-get-one companion voucher awarded at each credit card account anniversary year (and sometimes one comes as part of a card's sign-up bonus, too). It has very few use restrictions, as long as you are flying within the United States.

You get this annual certificate just by having an Alaska Airlines credit card , including the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card and Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card .

As a relevant aside, if you are in the market, the Alaska Airlines Visa Business card has welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare; ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

To use the Alaska Airlines companion voucher, purchase one economy fare on a domestic Alaska Airlines-operated flight with your Alaska Airlines credit card (aka not using miles) and then the second ticket will cost you just $99 plus some taxes and fees, which in this case are just under $37.

book a cruise to alaska

That translates to paying for one ticket to Seattle at a rate that is already a few hundred dollars less than flying into Vancouver — and getting the second ticket for $135.63, which in an era when summer airfare has been quite the bear, is a relief.

Related: Best Alaska cruise tips

Total savings on airfare for our Alaska cruise

We currently have five people planning to go on the cruise, but I'm going to show cash airfare numbers just for four people — because we are likely using miles for the fifth as the companion certificate works best in pairs.

For four nonstop, round-trip tickets from Houston to Seattle on our preferred dates and times (using Alaska Airlines companion vouchers for two of those tickets), our cash cost is $1,145.68.

book a cruise to alaska

If we instead purchased four nonstop tickets from Houston to Vancouver for our needed times and dates, it would cost $2,976.

That $1,830 in savings is a pretty big price difference in my book — and that's on top of some of the easier logistics of just flying domestically instead of internationally.

Naturally, we'll need to deduct from the savings the ultimate price of a train, bus or car to go from Seattle to Vancouver and back again, once we decide on those details as the sailing gets a bit closer. What we'll likely do as a hedge is book one-way car rentals to and from Seattle and Vancouver. Currently, prices for two one-way rentals are starting at around $400. Hopefully, with the train coming back online and the relevant child and other discounts, our ground transportation prices will get a little lower, but at least we know it shouldn't get worse than that.

book a cruise to alaska

Bottom line

There isn't one best way that applies in all situations, but if you are planning an Alaska cruise and Alaska Airlines operates from your home airport, using an Alaska Airlines companion certificate from a cobranded credit card to fly two people to Seattle for less is a tactic worth considering to bring down the total airfare cost.

This is especially true if your Alaska cruise departs from Seattle, but even if you depart from Vancouver, it can still be worth it to fly to Seattle in some situations. Needing a handful of tickets makes the savings even greater for us since we do have access to multiple companion vouchers.

By saving on airfare, you have more cash for other things — such as booking some of the best Alaska cruise shore excursions .

Related: How my unused Alaska Companion Fare saved a co-worker nearly $700 on summer travel

Updated 9/27/2023

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Be on the lookout for humpback whales and other marine life and then feast on an array of seafood. No place along the Alaskan panhandle attracts more humpback whales than Point AdolphusThe sight of a whale breaching the water’s surface is absolutely mesmerizing. Dall’s porpoises, Stellar sea lions, harbor seals and orca whales are also plentiful in these nutrient-rich waters. A sumptuous meal of classic Alaskan dishes awaits you back on shore. The menu will include shrimp, crabs, Andouille sausage and every imaginable side dish. Afterwards, you can roast marshmallows and make s’mores around the campfire.

• Watch for whales breaching the water’s surface. • Look for porpoises, sea lions, seals and bald eagles, as well. • Feast on classic Alaskan seafood dishes and roast marshmallows around a campfire.

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Travel | travel: alaska is ready for another record-breaking cruise season.

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Alaska is home to more than 30,000 grizzlies, but the state’s cruise industry is experiencing anything but a bear market as momentum of last year’s record-breaking season is expected to continue in 2024.

Looking at the most-visited Alaskan port as a proxy for the ship-shape southeastern side of the state, Juneau set a new mark a year ago with 1.65 million passengers descending on the capital city during cruise season, which generally runs from early April to late October. That figure from the Juneau Chamber of Commerce is a Danali-sized jump of 30% compared to the previous mark set in pre-pandemic 2019.

Coinciding with Alaska’s 65th anniversary of statehood, the upcoming cruise season appears to be just as robust with 19 cruise lines sending 43 ships to the Last Frontier. Kicking things off for the second straight year is the 4,008-passenger Norwegian Bliss, which is scheduled to dock in rustic Skagway on April 8. With four mainstream-category ships homeported in either Seattle or Vancouver, Norwegian Cruise Line ( ncl.com ) has nearly 100 more after that. Impressive, but two competing companies have staked out larger claims in this modern-day, maritime Alaskan gold rush; Holland America Line ( hollandamerica.com ) is sending seven premium-class ships for 141 total cruises, and at the top of the totem pole is Princess Cruises ( princess.com ), which is celebrating its 55th year in these waters with seven premium ships sharing 158 departures.

Rafting alongside Mendenhall Glacier is a chance-of-a-lifetime adventure for many. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Not counting grand voyages with itineraries so rich that they make a visit to Alaska seem more like a pitstop, this cruise season will see more than 800 trips of mostly seven to 10 days starting or ending on this side of the Pacific. Where they’re all going is a destination rich in unparallel wilderness, wildlife and native culture. In other words, bucket list stuff.

“Alaska is one of those places that draws you in and sets the hook right away,” said Kristi Switzer, destination marketing manager for Travel Juneau ( traveljuneau.com ). “Visitors come for the otherworldly experience of being in the presence of glaciers and fjords, seeing whales and bears, and finding the balance of Alaska Native cultural heritage with the rustic sophistication found in the capital city and other places within this magnificent state.”

Sometimes just seeing a whale's tail is a win when on an Alaskan tour. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Although Switzer recommends visits lasting several days instead of several hours, the city’s destination evangelist hopes that a partial day in Juneau and each major Alaskan cruise port has over 1.5 million passengers wanting more.

“This magical corner of the world has so much to offer beyond being a checkmark on people’s bucket lists,” she said. “Make time to enjoy the fascinating culture, spectacular outdoor recreation, unique shopping, amazing restaurants and artist galleries that Juneau and all of Southeast Alaska have to offer.”

Walking on a glacier is one of the more exciting shore excursions Alaska has to offer. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Alaska is a checkmark for about three-quarters of all passengers headed there, according to the Alaska Tourism Industry Association, and the same can be said for two ships this season.

Starting with a six-day sail out of Vancouver on May 11, the namesake of Celebrity Cruises’ ( celebritycruises.com ) popular Edge class will make her Alaskan debut with weeklong roundtrips from Seattle through Sept. 13. The 2,918-passenger vessel features a unique “outside-in” architecture that provides more floor-to-ceiling glass on the exterior and expanded outdoor spaces to soak up the Alaskan coastlines.

Skagway, a popular cruise port, is the northernmost point in Alaska's Inside Passage. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Edge will be joined by a pair of fleet mates for the season, albeit Summit’s seven-day roundtrips are turnarounds out of Anchorage or Vancouver and Solstice’s weeklong jaunts are solely based in the British Columbian seaport. Celebrity, a premier-category cruise line, meaning it’s between the economical mainstream class and pricy luxury level, has 57 departures to Alaska scheduled this year.

The other new recruit is Silver Nova, the youngest Silversea Cruises ( silversea.com ) ship in the luxury fleet to ever service Alaska. Capped at 728 guests, Silver Nova was launched last year and has the goods to do justice to a dreamlike place that captures the imagination of wilderness lovers and history buffs.

“Silver Nova is the ideal ship for Alaska cruising,” said company spokesman Brad Ball. “Her innovative design, which prizes openness over symmetry and incorporates an unprecedented use of approximately 4,000 square meters of glass, immerses guests into the incredible scenery of Alaska from virtually all venues and suites, with far-reaching views at every turn.”

While in Skagway, let happy and hard-working sled dogs take you on a spin around Musher's Camp. (Photo by David Dickstein)

The ship’s reimagined pool deck, which overlooks the water on her starboard side, and all-new outdoor venues — the Dusk Bar and the Marquee — allows unique openness to view spectacular Alaskan glaciers and wildlife. Those who want to experience an older and smaller Evolution-class Silversea vessel can book the Silver Muse, which also will sail mostly seven- to 14-day trips between Anchorage and Vancouver.

Because nearly every Alaskan cruise includes the staples — Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, and Denali with a land add-on — some cruise lines like to shake things up with unique itineraries.

Holland America has a roundtrip that makes it easy to visit the 49th and 50th states without a long flight. A new “Glaciers & Volcanos: Alaska to Hawaii” cruise, part of the premium line’s Legendary Voyages collection of journeys from 25 to 59 days, departs on Aug. 31 from Seattle or Sept. 1 from Vancouver aboard the 1,916-passenger Westerdam. The near-four-week-long itinerary includes seldomly visited Kodiak and Dutch Harbor before heading down to the tropics to make four calls to three Hawaiian islands.

Seabourn ( seabourn.com ) strives to offer a more tasteful Alaskan cruise and not only because it’s an ultra-luxury cruise line. “Caviar on the Ice” is a savory and swanky soiree on every Alaskan voyage, and when the 450-passenger Odyssey is in Sitka, a town originally built by Russian traders in the early 1800s, Seabourn guests can enjoy a culinary adventure that includes a scenic drive to a taproom for a sampling of local brews and a few eateries to try Siberian-rooted pelmeni dumplings and a hot dog made with caribou that the locals call “reindeer dawgs.” Sorry, vegetarians and friends of Santa, but Blitzen on a bun is da bomb.

Red Onion Saloon, a former bordello built in 1898, is a top attraction in historic Skagway. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Carnival Cruise Line ( carnival.com ) is staying with a three-ship deployment in Alaska this season. Sharing the workload of 55 roundtrips generally lasting seven to 11 days are Carnival Spirit (2,610 passengers) and Carnival Luminosa (2,260) out of Seattle, and Carnival Miracle (2,667) from San Francisco. Another mainstream cruise line, Royal Caribbean ( royalcaribbean.com ), has four ships making 85 runs to Alaska from Seattle, Vancouver and Anchorage: Ovation of the Seas, (4,905) and older sister Quantum of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas (2,543) and Radiance of the Seas (2,466).

Disney Cruise Line ( disneycruise.com ) is sending its 2,700-passenger Disney Wonder out of Vancouver for 15 week-long roundtrips, one five-day spin leaving on July 24 and an extended nine-day voyage on July 15.

Other cruise lines showing passengers a whale of a time in Alaska include Crystal, Cunard, Hurtigruten, Lindblad/National Geographic, Oceania, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas and Viking.

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Now arriving: Alaska Access

Welcome to Alaska’s new membership program—bringing frequent flyers like you more benefits than ever before. With Alaska Access, you’ll be the first to know about (and score) the very best fares we have to offer.

Wi-Fi voucher

Stay connected and productive onboard, or just sit back and stream your favorite shows.

Early sale access

Be the first to land low fares to your favorite destinations during our legendary sales.

Personalized fare page

Get the best seat for the best price with an easier, member-only way to view deals.

Airplane

What you’ll enjoy

Alaska Access: beyond the benefits; it’s our way of saying we care. Reduce the time you spend browsing with member-only fare pages, early access to sales, and monthly delivery of a Wi-Fi voucher to stay connected on your journey.

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How it works

For $5 a month, you get a personalized fares link and Wi-Fi voucher sent straight to your inbox, available whenever you’re ready for takeoff. Plus, for some of our largest sales of the year, you will be alerted via the Alaska Airlines Mobile App the night before we publish to the general public.

Already a member?

We hope you’re enjoying all the benefits Alaska Access has to offer. Need to update your account details? Simply hop on board with our trusted subscription partner, Recurly. Just log into Recurly with the same email or create an account if it’s your first time managing your membership.

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Frequently asked questions

Early Sale Access - With an Alaska Access you’ll be the first to know about some of our biggest sales. Look out for in-app notifications alerting you to the upcoming sale the night before the rest of the world finds out (with the ability to book at sale prices immediately). This means you can book your favorite route times and seats on our deals before they’re gone!

Savings - Whether you’re a frequent user of our onboard Wi-Fi or have been wanting to try it, with your Alaska Access membership, you get a one-time-use voucher every month! Satellite Wi-Fi allows you to stream, browse and chat on-board with internet service that’s more like what you’re used to on the ground. Satellite Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere we fly - with the exception of flights above the Arctic Circle in Alaska.

For some of our largest sales of the year, you will be alerted via the Alaska Airlines Mobile App of all the sale details the night before we publish to the general public. You’ll be able to book the sales prices from the moment you’re notified, through the end of the sale. This early access means you can pick your preferred flight times and seats before others begin taking advantage of the sale.

We want you to spend less time planning your trip and more time enjoying it! A personalized fare page through Alaska Access is a unique web page where you’ll be able to see our lowest fares by money and miles to our more than 500 global destinations! This view takes the guesswork and time out of finding the best valued flights on Alaska Airlines.

When you fly with us, staying connected is easy. The morning after subscribing, you’ll receive your first voucher (also called promo code ) - when applied at checkout via Alaskawifi.com onboard your flight, your total for the inflight session will reflect $0. You will then receive one single-use voucher on the first of every month to the email address you used to sign up for Alaska Access as long as your subscription is valid.  Vouchers expire at the end of each calendar month and do not roll over, and can only be redeemed by the subscriber on file. 

You do not have to be a Mileage Plan Member to sign up for Alaska Access but you can only receive your early sale access benefit when you have a Mileage Plan account. You are highly encouraged to link your Mileage Plan account at signup for Alaska Access. If you don’t have one yet, you can join for free before finishing your enrollment in Alaska Access.

Mileage Plan members will not earn miles for purchasing Alaska Access but our award-winning mileage program allows you to Earn miles with us, oneworld® Alliance member airlines and our Global Partners, experience award travel, and gain MVP® elite status sooner than you think. Learn more about our Mileage Plan here .

Alaska Access is a fixed price of $5 per month including taxes and fees. 

Miles and wallet funds are not an available payment method for Alaska Access.

Every Alaska Access member must be at least 18 years of age and have their own subscription. We plan to add the ability for minor children and even companies to establish group accounts in the future!

Yes, when signing up for the subscription, please be sure to enter the customer’s accurate first, last name, email, and all pertinent information, to ensure the account reflects the recipient’s contact information. Be sure to inform the recipient that the subscription was purchased on their behalf as the confirmation email will not explain that the subscription is a gift.

Account information can be changed through our trusted subscription partner Recurly's  Account Management Page (use your subscription email to log in) or call us at 1-866-347-7414 .

The Alaska Access membership requires a 12-month commitment. Though we’d be sad to see you go, if you want to set your subscription to expire at the end of this term, please do so through our trusted subscription partner Recurly's Account Management Page and use your email to log in.

book a cruise to alaska

How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost in 2024?

I f you're planning a cruise to Alaska this year, you may be enticed by low prices (in the hundreds) for a weeklong cruise. However, it's important to know that those fares are just the beginning of the cost for the entire trip.

Typically, the lowest advertised prices with mainstream cruise lines don't include taxes and port fees, specialty dining costs, alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks, shore excursions , Wi-Fi access, gratuities and other expenses. On top of that, bargain fares usually refer to inside cabins with no windows. In a picturesque, bucket list destination like Alaska, you will realistically want a room with a private balcony so you can take in the spectacular scenery from the comfort of your room.

When to cruise to Alaska depends on what you're interested in seeing and doing during your vacation , but summer is typically the best time to visit The Great Land. Between mid-May and mid-July, you can experience 24 hours of daylight. This period is also an optimal time for wildlife viewing; you can see bears feasting on salmon, humpback whales and orcas, furry baby moose and thousands of nesting bald eagles. Cruise lines often reserve their lowest prices for sailings early or late in the Alaska cruising season , but it's still possible to find deals in the middle of the summer.

With all of this in mind, we've listed both the lowest interior cabin fares and the average total costs for a balcony stateroom across eight popular cruise lines for weeklong itineraries in June 2024. (Note: All fares quoted are per person, double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Prices were accurate at the time of writing.)

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Holland America Line

Holland America Line's 2024 Alaska season extends from April to September; in 2024, there are more than 60 cruise-only voyages and cruisetours (combined land and sea packages). With the exception of one 28-day journey, itineraries range from seven to 18 days.

Average starting price (per person)

This June, Holland America 's lowest-priced itinerary is the 7-Day Glacier Discovery Southbound voyage departing from Whittier, Alaska, on June 23, 2024, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam . The voyage features scenic cruising in Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and the Inside Passage. You'll also stop in the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, before disembarking in Vancouver, British Columbia . The starting price is $409 per person for an inside cabin, and veranda staterooms start at $2,114 per person (cruise-only fare).

Starting price (per person)

For this sailing, there is a $291 charge per person for taxes, fees and port expenses. Specialty dining, alcoholic drinks (and many nonalcoholic beverages, such as bottled water and specialty coffees), excursions, Wi-Fi access, gratuities and some other amenities cost extra.

Instead of paying for these extras individually, you can book Holland America's "Have It All" package. It covers one dinner at a specialty restaurant; one shore excursion (up to $100 per guest); a signature beverage package (for drinks up to $11 each) and a Wi-Fi package. For a limited time, you can also receive a $200 onboard credit per stateroom. A veranda stateroom plus the package starts at $2,569 per person.

If you purchase the "Have It All" package with the veranda stateroom, select the location of your cabin yourself (an additional $90), add in the port taxes and fees ($291) and include crew gratuities at $17 per guest, per day for non-suite staterooms ($119), the total cost is about $3,000 per person. You'll still need to budget for drinks that cost more than $11 each; bottles of wine with dinner; additional evenings of specialty dining; other shore excursions and miscellaneous expenses.

Total cost: From $3,069 per person

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Princess Cruises

Princess is offering 14 unique itineraries and 68 cruisetours during the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September. Itineraries range from a seven-day cruise to a 17-day escorted cruisetour.

Princess's lowest-priced cruise in June is the 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay (Northbound) from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska , on Grand Princess. Embarking on June 5, 2024, the sailing includes scenic cruising in College Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, a day at sea and stops in the coastal towns of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway in Alaska. Interior cabins start at $448 per person, while staterooms with a balcony start at $1,698 per person. If you select your own balcony stateroom (instead of letting the cruise line place you), the cost is $1,791 per person.

Additional fees (taxes, gratuities, etc.)

Taxes, fees and port expenses for this cruise will run you $284 per person. At the $1,791 rate, you will be in the Princess Standard fare class, which includes the ships' complimentary dining venues, entertainment and the MedallionClass experience.

You can upgrade to Princess Plus (starting at $2,211 for a balcony room) to add Wi-Fi access (one device per guest); gratuities; a beverage package (covering drinks up to $15 each); two fitness classes per cruise; two premium desserts per day; two casual dining meals and more. For additional amenities, such as Wi-Fi access for up to four devices per guest; a higher-level beverage package (for drinks up to $20 each); two specialty dining meals per guest; unlimited exercise classes and more, opt for the Princess Premier package. Balcony rooms under this category start at $2,351 per guest.

If you purchase the Princess Premier package with the balcony room, the total cost with port taxes and fees is a little more than $2,600 per person – and the pricing is nearly all-inclusive. This package may also include free cruise fare for third and fourth guests traveling in the same stateroom. You will still need to budget for shore excursions; note that over-the-top experiences like flightseeing, helicopter and dog sledding tours, and scenic rides on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway can get pricey.

Total cost: From $2,635 per person

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Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the longest Alaska cruising seasons. In 2024, there are 44 scheduled cruise and cruisetour itineraries between April and October, ranging from seven to 18 days.

The June 3, 2024, sailing on Norwegian Jewel is Norwegian Cruise Line 's least expensive Alaska cruise that month, starting at $449 per person for an inside cabin. In comparison, a balcony cabin starts at $1,879 per person. The itinerary – Alaska: Hubbard Glacier & Skagway – embarks from Seward, Alaska, and includes scenic sea days cruising Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage, plus stops in the ports of Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan (Ward Cove) in Alaska, before disembarking in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The line's ongoing "Free At Sea" deal is included in the price and features an unlimited open bar, free specialty dining (up to $180 for the first two guests in the stateroom), a discount of $50 per excursion and complimentary Wi-Fi access (a savings of up to $200).

Open bar and specialty dining gratuities in the package are approximately $175 per person. Taxes, fees and port expenses are about $302 per person. You'll also need to include the additional $20 per person, per day service charge ($140 for the seven-day voyage).

If you book the balcony stateroom at $1,879 per person, which includes the "Free At Sea" package, and add in the taxes and port fees, dining and beverage gratuities and the daily service charge for the crew, the total cost for the cruise is around $2,500 per person. Remaining costs for shore excursions, specialty dining over $180, additional Wi-Fi usage, gratuities and other miscellaneous costs are not included in the "Free At Sea" package.

Total cost: From $2,496 per person

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Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International's 2024 Alaska cruise season extends from April to September; there are 50 scheduled cruise-only and land-and-sea tours. Combined pre- and post-cruise tours last up to 13 nights, and cruise-only itineraries last between six to eight nights.

For the lowest fare in June, sail from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, on a seven-night cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas on June 7, 2024. The inside cabin fare starts at $438 per person. A balcony stateroom starts at $2,877 per person (to select your own room). This voyage cruises around Alaska's Hubbard Glacier, sails the Inside Passage in Canada and stops in Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan in Alaska.

The guaranteed balcony price at $2,877 is for a smaller stateroom; you can select a larger cabin for a higher cost. Taxes, fees and port expenses for the cruise are $389 per person.

The total cost for the balcony stateroom, port taxes and fees, and gratuities ($18 per person, per day) for this Royal Caribbean cruise is about $3,400 per person. This price does not include extras like specialty dining, shore excursions, beverage packages or Wi-Fi access, so you will need to budget extra to cover those expenses.

Total cost: From $3,392 per person

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Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has 19 five- to nine-night itineraries for the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September.

The lowest price for a seven-night Alaska cruise in June with Disney Cruise Line is the June 3, 2024, voyage on Disney Wonder . The price for an inside cabin starts at approximately $3,472 for two guests, which includes taxes, fees and port expenses. In contrast, the fare for a guaranteed veranda stateroom starts at about $6,482 for two guests (including the additional fees); at this rate, Disney will select your specific cabin.

This round-trip sailing embarks from Vancouver, British Columbia. You'll begin your journey with a day at sea, then glacier viewing at Stikine Icecap in Alaska. Guests will stop in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska before another sea day and disembarkation in Vancouver.

Guests staying in regular stateroom accommodations will have gratuities of about $15 per person, per night. Once you add that in, you're looking at a cost of close to $6,600 per room (based on double occupancy) – or around $3,300 per person, if you split it. This price covers the cruise fare, taxes and port fees, the complimentary dining venues, onboard entertainment and gratuities for the crew.

You will need to budget extra for port adventures, beverages, and meals at adults-only venues like the Cadillac Lounge and Italian-themed Palo. The line offers Wi-Fi packages for an additional fee, which you can select once on board. You will also need to pay extra for alcoholic beverages, and there is an 18% gratuity added to bar and beverage services.

Total cost: From $6,587 per room (double occupancy)

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Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line's 2024 Alaska season runs from April through September, and there are 16 itineraries that range from seven to 14 days.

The lowest Alaska fare in June is $814 per person for the June 4, 2024, voyage aboard Carnival Spirit . The seven-day round-trip itinerary departing from Seattle, Washington , includes one day at sea, cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord and stops in the Alaska port towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, plus Victoria, British Columbia. A guaranteed balcony room without an obstructed view starts at $1,579 per person.

Taxes, fees and port expenses for this cruise are about $313 per person. If you'd like Wi-Fi access, you can purchase the Social Wi-Fi Plan starting at approximately $15 per person, per day. The higher level Value Wi-Fi Plan costs about $20 per person, per day, while the Premium Wi-Fi Plan comes in at around $21 per person, per day.

A nonalcoholic beverage package, Bottomless Bubbles, starts at around $10 per adult and around $7 per child each day. For nonalcoholic beverages and select alcoholic drinks (up to $20 each), purchase the Cheers package. It starts at about $60 per person, per day, but you can save 10% if you purchase the package before you sail. With Cheers, you'll also receive a discount on bottles of wine (plus other perks). Gratuities cost $16 per person, per day, in a regular stateroom. Restaurants like the Mexican-inspired BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint are complimentary.

When you add up the price of the balcony stateroom, port taxes and fees, the Value package for Wi-Fi access, the Cheers beverage package and gratuities, you're looking at around $2,600 per person for this Carnival Cruise Line itinerary. In addition to those expenses, you'll have to budget extra funds for shore excursions, specialty dining and some other amenities.

Total cost: From $2,564 per person

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Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises is offering 35 Alaska voyages between May and September 2024. The shortest itinerary is seven days and the longest itinerary is 16 days.

The lowest-priced Alaska cruise with Silversea in June is the June 27, 2024, seven-day sailing aboard Silver Muse from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seward, Alaska. The intimate 596-guest ship will visit Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Valdez in Alaska – and complete two days of scenic cruising – before disembarking in Seward.

The all-inclusive port-to-port fare starts at $4,350 per person for a Classic Veranda Suite (the most affordable suite category with a balcony). For a room with a window instead of a balcony, book a Vista Suite starting at $3,350 per person.

Silversea's all-inclusive fares include luxurious suite accommodations, Champagne upon arrival, butler service and other perks. The pricing covers port taxes and fees; complimentary gourmet dining; all beverages, including Champagne, wine, beer and premium spirits; and gratuities. You'll also receive personalized, attentive service with a nearly one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, and at least one included shore excursion in every port. Complimentary excursions in Skagway include a ride on the White Pass Scenic Railway, a visit to a sled dog and musher's camp and the Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float Adventure. Many of the included excursions with Silversea are quite costly on other lines.

There are no additional fees with the all-inclusive fare. However, you might incur additional personal expenses if you choose to order a fancy bottle of wine with dinner or book an extreme shore excursion adventure, like flightseeing over the glaciers.

Total cost: $4,550 per person (all-inclusive)

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas' 22 Alaska cruises in 2024 sail between May and September and last seven to 14 nights.

The seven-night voyage on June 5, 2024, is the line's lowest-priced June sailing in Alaska, starting at $6,599 per person. Guests on Seven Seas Explorer will sail from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, with stops in Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska, plus two days of scenic cruising at the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier.

The 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares include a luxury veranda suite with a welcome bottle of Champagne and a fresh fruit arrangement. You'll also have an in-suite minibar, free valet laundry service and other upscale amenities. In addition, the fare includes a selection of free unlimited shore excursions; free unlimited beverages with fine wines and spirits; prepaid gratuities; complimentary specialty restaurants; unlimited Wi-Fi access and more.

There are no additional expenses on this Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyage – unless you choose a shore excursion that comes with an added cost or purchase a special bottle of wine at dinner.

Total cost: $6,599 per person (all-inclusive)

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Bottom line

The low base fares for Alaska cruises on larger cruise lines may grab your attention, but as you click through to see what's included and make your booking, you'll find additional costs on nearly every page.

Before making a reservation, be sure to read the fine print and find out exactly what's included (and not included) in your cruise fare. You may find that booking an all-inclusive rate with a luxury line offers a better value – an option that you may never have considered unless you compared the total price of each cruise.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica . She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. She used her knowledge of Alaska cruises and extensive research to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
  • The Top Luxury Alaska Cruises
  • The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises
  • The Top Northern Lights Alaska Cruises
  • Alaska Cruise Packing List

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

The 8 Top Alaska Cruise Lines of 2024

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