silversea alaska cruise dress code

Silversea dress code: What to wear on a Silversea cruise

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The Silversea dress code includes smart resort-style clothing and elegant informal-wear, as well as classic formal gowns and Tuxedos.

In this article

• The dress code
• What to wear during the day – the daytime Silversea dress code
• What to wear on Silversea shore excursions
• The Silversea dress code after dark

The Silversea dress code is more traditional than other luxury cruise lines. The dress code ranges from casual to formal depending on the time of day and the activities you have planned. 

Most guests on Silversea cruises wear resort-style clothing in the morning and afternoon, but at night they like to dress up. This is especially so on formal nights when Dior evening gowns and Zegna Tuxedos are commonplace.

Do Silversea Cruises have formal nights?

Yes, there are formal nights on all Silversea cruises including expedition voyages. There is at least one formal night on every cruise.

Do you need to wear a tie on Silversea cruises?

No, the Silversea dress code doesn’t call for a tie unless it is formal night. On those occasions a tie or bowtie should be worn.

Do you have to dress up on formal nights?

No, you don’t. You can dress in casual or informal wear at some of the restaurants.

How many formal nights are on a Silversea cruise?

The number of formal nights will depend on the length of the cruise.

What should you wear to the spa on Silversea?

If you are visiting the onboard spa you should dress in casual resort-wear, or the fluffy robe supplied in your suite.

What to wear during the day – the daytime Silversea dress code

The days on a Silversea cruise are relaxing and carefree. The Silversea dress code reflects this. 

Silversea suggest smart resort-style clothing in public areas during the day. For women this includes dresses, shorts, slacks, blouses and T-shirts. Men can wear shorts, jeans, shirts and T-shirts. 

Attire around the pool deck is even more relaxed where swimsuits and sarongs are de rigueur . It’s worth noting that you can’t wear a swimsuit at indoor dining venues.

What you should wear on a shore excursion will depend on the activity and climate. However, the rule of thumb is to keep your clothing comfortable. Also prepare for unexpected changes in the weather.

Warm weather shore excursions generally call for light fitting clothing. It is also wise to wear a broad brimmed hat for protection from the sun.

Cool weather shore excursions require more clothing. This usually includes long pants, sweaters or knits, as well as scarfs and even puffer jackets.

It’s worth remembering cultural sensitivities when dressing for a shore excursion. Some religious and cultural sites have strict dress codes. This might mean wearing clothing that covers your arms, legs or head. Consult the Silversea shore excursions desk if you are unsure of what to wear.

The Silversea dress code at night time steps up a notch. After 6:00pm the dress code will be either casual, informal or formal. The dress code will be advised in the Silversea newsletter known as the Daily Chronicles.

On casual nights ladies wear pants, blouses, skirts or casual dresses. On the other hand, men dress in open-neck shirts and slacks. Jackets are not required.

Informal wear includes dresses or pantsuits for ladies while men wear smart pants and jackets. Ties are optional.

On formal nights ladies should wear an evening gown. Men wear a Tuxedo or dark suit with either a tie or bowtie.

There will always be at least one formal night per voyage. In fact, the longer the voyage, the more formal nights. Cruises of less than 10 days have one formal night , cruises between 10 and 13 days have two formal nights , while longer cruises have three formal evenings .

Most guests enjoy dressing up on formal nights, but you don’t have to. You can dress informal or even casual on formal nights. Informal can be worn at restaurants including La Terrazza, Seishin, Kaiseki or Silver Note. Casual clothing is always acceptable at the Hot Rocks and Spaccanapoli outdoor restaurants.

More information on the Silversea dress code can be found at the Silversea website .

About the Author: Jason Kerr

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13 comments.

keeping the dates of formal night a mystery after restaurant reservations open doesn’t serve guests well. Please provide the date of formal nights before restaurant reservations open. Not everyone likes formal nights.

What night on a 7 day cruise is formal?

Thank you for your question. The formal night will vary depending on the voyage. It will usually be posted in the embarkation edition of The Chronicles and always in The Chronicles on the night before.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards Jason Kerr Managing Editor

my husband and I have enjoyed cruising on Silversea’s, unfortunately I recently lost my husband witch now obliges me to travel alone or with a companion “separate rooms of course” I must say that whenever we had dealings with SS there has never been a problem. And given my loss and grieving I hope you excellent service and sensitivity continues .greetings

Interesting.But please on an Antartica Silver cloud trip go through the dress code.Thank you

Their published dress code is actually very confusing. “Formal” isn’t really formal as I’ve ever known it, and their own website suggests…very circuitously…that informal and casual attire is okay, even in venues designated as formal:

“While for some Guests putting on the Ritz is de rigueur at dinner, for others, casually elegant is the epitome of a vacation wardrobe. To accommodate all lifestyles, Silversea has introduced casually elegant dining for those Guests choosing a slightly more relaxed ambience on formal evenings. While we request formal wear for Guests dining in Atlantide, S.A.L.T. Kitchen and La Dame, Guests may choose informal wear for dining in La Terrazza, Kaiseki and Silver Note. Dining at The Grill and at Spaccanapoli is optional casual all nights. Following dinner, all Guests are free to take advantage of our public spaces for both entertainment or after-dinner drinks.”

In actual practice it seems that no dress code is enforced, and that they recognize the world is less and less formal in attire. However, they certainly do make it difficult to understand their expectations…which may or may not be anything other than, “We’ll take you as you are.”

I didn’t retire to wear a tux on vacation.

What days are formal on a 14 day silver muse cruise to Alaska.

Thank you for your question. There will typically be at least two formal nights on 14-day Silversea cruise. The specific days will be advertised in the Daily Chronicles newsletter.

You are so right. I even burned all but one “funeral” tie. 50 years of dressing up for work every day was enough!!

I want to spoil my partner with a luxury cruise that we can afford but he is a true country man and only wears formal trousers for weddings and funerals. Does this mean we would be not welcome to eat at where we can afford?

Thank you for your question. It is one that is often asked about Silversea. That said, Silversea do retain a more formal dress code than other luxury lines. Perhaps you might like to consider Seabourn as an alternative; they are also ultra-luxury but not quite so formal.

We fly to Tokyo on April 1 and leave on a 17 day cruise in Japan on the 3rd on Silversea’s. I was not planning on wearing a long formal any night although I have short dresses to wear and dressy pant outfits. My husband will not wear a tux any night. At the French restaurant should he wear a tie? When we were on Seabourn in the Baltic I did not see any ladies with long formals on. I am feeling stressed in regard to dress. We have traveled all over the world.

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Silversea: Tips on the Dress Code

Even many of my close friends have the impression that Silversea is more on the formal side; this really is a misperception.  I thought this information regarding the dress code for one of our favorite lines could be helpful to you.

Cruise Days                        Formal                Informal                Casual

1-7 days                                  1                             3                           3

8-10 days                                2                             4                          2-4

11-14 days                              3                             5                          3-6

14 plus days                           4                             6                          4 plus

On the Silver Spirit, they offer casual dining every night at the Pool Grille called Hot Rocks.  This concept has been so successful that Silversea plans to roll out this dining choice across the classic fleet.

La Terrazza has always been offered as a dining choice for those who prefer informal dress.

Of course, many guests enjoy the exclusivity of dining in the privacy of their own suite. My husband and I never went to the dining room for dinner on one of our cruises; we had cabin service every evening as we had an unbelievable balcony with the most gorgeous of sunsets. It was like our own private yacht.

The Prince Albert II expedition ship does not have any formal evenings at all.

2 thoughts on “Silversea: Tips on the Dress Code”

What is the difference between informal and casual?

In the past, informal meant dress slacks and a sport coat for men..often with a tie. While casual meant slacks and a sport/golf shirt.

You will have to ask the line specifically. The codes used to be Formal, Informal and Casual…meaning most nights you wore a jacket to dinner.

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Alaska dress code

By julmops , February 9 in Silversea

Recommended Posts

Good morning all,

Sorry about a divisive matter but we are cruising on the Muse in June this year from Seward to Vancouver and I'm trying to get a straight answer when it comes to dress code.

My understanding is that Silversea would be more relaxed with the dress code compared to other destinations.

Before you jump on me, let me add that we cruised Silversea previously and loved the dressing up situation.

My question is more about avoid packing things that wouldn't be necessary ( I prefer to travel lighter if I can 😉 )

Many thanks in advance !

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Share on other sites.

Formal is OPTIONAL on the Alaska ocean cruises. Blazer is fine. Have a great cruise.

Agree. Formal is always optional on these short Alaska cruises. My husband took a blazer and tie and I took black pants and a nice silk top and we were fine. The rest of the dress code is the same, ie. no jeans in the dining room, collared shirts etc. The weather may be cold and rainy, or warm and sunny, so fill your suitcase with clothes for the shore excursions not formal wear.

Thank you both ! I will pack accordingly. Layers seem to be the main focus here 😉

I am told men do not need sport jacket on Alaska cruise. 

A Tucson Guy

18 minutes ago, bitob said: I am told men do not need sport jacket on Alaska cruise. 

Only to stay warm!!

1 minute ago, A Tucson Guy said: Only to stay warm!!

We’ll take a sweater instead !!

We are on an 11 day Alaska cruise on the Muse in May. It is too soon for the bowties in MySilversea, but based on the dress code section of the Silversea website (found under General Cruise Information/ Packing Your Cruise Luggage/ Dress Code...All ships except Nova), I would expect 2 formal nights. Even on a formal night, a  blazer would be sufficient if eating in LaT, Kaiseki or optional in the Grill. However, a jacket is stated to be required in the indoor bars and venues on formal nights.

On 7 day Alaska cruises the same dress code section states that although the formal night is optional,  jackets are required.

We have not sailed with Silversea in Alaska before, but elsewhere our recent experience on the classic ships (this spring on the Muse and fall on the Dawn)  has been that the dress code is generally being enforced, at least in the indoor restaurants and to a somewhat lesser extent in the bars.

We just got off the Nova, which has a relaxed dress code, but the no shorts after 6 pm policy was being enforced in the  indoor bars and restaurants. The no jeans policy was enforced to a lesser extent.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Faqs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below are basic answers to some common questions. For a more comprehensive reference, this website's  General Information pages  contain details on pre-cruise preparations as well as what to expect once on board. And, of course, you should always feel free to  Contact Silversea  to speak with a helpful sales associate.

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What Is The Dress Code On Silversea Expedition Cruises?

Silversea Expedition cruises are renowned for offering travellers the opportunity to experience some of the most remote and breathtaking locations on Earth. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, Silversea’s expedition ships take guests to the ends of the earth in style and comfort. But what should you wear on Silversea Expedition cruises?

First, it’s important to note that Silversea has a casual dress code. During the day, you’ll want to dress for comfort and practicality. This means packing a variety of layers that can be easily added or removed depending on the weather conditions. It’s important to remember that many of the destinations visited on Silversea’s expeditions can be cold and windy, so be sure to bring warm, waterproof clothing.

For excursions, you’ll want to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes that are suitable for hiking and walking on uneven terrain. A backpack or daypack is also recommended for carrying essentials such as sunscreen, water, and a camera.

In the evenings, the dress code on Silversea Expedition cruises is typically “smart casual.” This means that while formal attire is not required, you’ll want to dress up a little for dinner and evening events. Men might wear a jacket and tie, while women might opt for a dress or trouser suit. Jeans and sneakers are discouraged in the dining room and other public areas after 6 pm.

For special events such as the Captain’s Welcome Dinner or a themed party, you may want to dress up a bit more. However, even for these occasions, formal attire is not required. It’s always a good idea to check with the cruise line in advance if you have any questions about what to wear.

In summary, the dress code on Silversea Expedition cruises is casual during the day and smart casual in the evenings. Remember to pack warm, waterproof clothing for outdoor excursions, and bring comfortable shoes for hiking and walking. While formal attire is not required, you’ll want to dress up a little for dinner and evening events. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy all that Silversea’s expedition ships have to offer in comfort and style.

Check out our other Silversea blog posts about excursions and dining !

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Alaska dress code

By julmops , February 9 in Silversea

Recommended Posts

Good morning all,

Sorry about a divisive matter but we are cruising on the Muse in June this year from Seward to Vancouver and I'm trying to get a straight answer when it comes to dress code.

My understanding is that Silversea would be more relaxed with the dress code compared to other destinations.

Before you jump on me, let me add that we cruised Silversea previously and loved the dressing up situation.

My question is more about avoid packing things that wouldn't be necessary ( I prefer to travel lighter if I can 😉 )

Many thanks in advance !

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Formal is OPTIONAL on the Alaska ocean cruises. Blazer is fine. Have a great cruise.

Agree. Formal is always optional on these short Alaska cruises. My husband took a blazer and tie and I took black pants and a nice silk top and we were fine. The rest of the dress code is the same, ie. no jeans in the dining room, collared shirts etc. The weather may be cold and rainy, or warm and sunny, so fill your suitcase with clothes for the shore excursions not formal wear.

Thank you both ! I will pack accordingly. Layers seem to be the main focus here 😉

I am told men do not need sport jacket on Alaska cruise. 

A Tucson Guy

18 minutes ago, bitob said: I am told men do not need sport jacket on Alaska cruise. 

Only to stay warm!!

1 minute ago, A Tucson Guy said: Only to stay warm!!

We’ll take a sweater instead !!

We are on an 11 day Alaska cruise on the Muse in May. It is too soon for the bowties in MySilversea, but based on the dress code section of the Silversea website (found under General Cruise Information/ Packing Your Cruise Luggage/ Dress Code...All ships except Nova), I would expect 2 formal nights. Even on a formal night, a  blazer would be sufficient if eating in LaT, Kaiseki or optional in the Grill. However, a jacket is stated to be required in the indoor bars and venues on formal nights.

On 7 day Alaska cruises the same dress code section states that although the formal night is optional,  jackets are required.

We have not sailed with Silversea in Alaska before, but elsewhere our recent experience on the classic ships (this spring on the Muse and fall on the Dawn)  has been that the dress code is generally being enforced, at least in the indoor restaurants and to a somewhat lesser extent in the bars.

We just got off the Nova, which has a relaxed dress code, but the no shorts after 6 pm policy was being enforced in the  indoor bars and restaurants. The no jeans policy was enforced to a lesser extent.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

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• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 5 hours ago

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 05:35 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 11:50 AM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 02:48 PM

LauraS · Started Monday at 05:25 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
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Everything You Need to Know About Silver Nova

• Asymmetrical
• Otium Suites
• Medallion Suites
• Horseshoe pool area
• Marquee restaurant

Silver Nova

Doing something well is commendable; doing something new and doing it well defines vision. Silver Nova, Silversea’s newest 728-passenger ship carrying 556 crew is not only a continuation of a legacy in luxury voyages but also represents a bold way forward for the brand.

Nova, from “new” in Latin, marks a commitment to innovate and push the boundaries of shipbuilding and sustainability and to provide an unparalleled cruise experience. The ship is the 12th in the Silversea fleet. Silversea executives took delivery of the ship in July 20; her first voyage was Aug. 14.

“ Silver Nova introduces an industry-leading approach to sustainability, an unprecedented openness to the world and an entirely new take on luxury at sea,” says Barbara Muckermann, the president of Silversea, who called Nova “the future of ultra-luxury cruise travel,” adding, “She is a beauty.”

What makes Silver Nova so different?

Beginning with its basic structure, Nova’s difference extends to its steel frame. This ship, the first in the new Nova Class for Silversea, will become the largest and most spacious of the Silversea fleet, thanks to a “horizontal” design.

This breakthrough in layout means more square footage to accommodate the plush lounges and extraordinary bars and restaurants. Silver Nova is the first Silversea vessel to be constructed at Germany’s Meyer-Werft shipyard. Silver Ray is the second and also is the second Nova-class ship. It celebrated its float-out Feb. 25 and looks to debut in June.

The design difference of Silver Nova also extends to its all-balcony suites, which includes some of the best views. A contemporary aesthetic is paired with additional open-air spaces, creating Silversea’s strong connection between the ship and guests’ surroundings.

Below deck, revolutionary design also applies to technology and engineering; Silver Nova is designed to achieve low-emission operation.

Let’s take a closer look at the new elements that make Silver Nova unique.

Asymmetrical design makes Nova different

Employing asymmetrical design, Silver Nova confines accommodations to the front of the ship and entertainment spaces to the back of the vessel. Silver Nova will have venues that run the length of the ship, allowing expansive vistas and long, continuous stretches of space.

Bringing key structural elements toward the inside of the ship also allows more seamless integration between the outside elements and interior of Silver Nova. Floor-to-ceiling glass will form many of the structural but see-through “barriers” around the decks, which means unimpeded views.

Enhanced technology means noise and vibrations from the engine room on this first Nova-class vessel are no longer an issue, allowing latitude in the placement of suites and public spaces.

New and redesigned public spaces

Silver Nova’s 1,400-square-foot pool area makesit clear that this is a different concept for a ship. The horseshoe-shaped area features the largest pool in the fleet. Also on the outer decks: an infinity-style Cliff Whirlpool on Deck 11 and the all-new Dusk Bar, one deck below.

Premiering on Silver Nova: The Shelter, an intimate, evening-only bar with a maximum capacity of 32. This Deck 3 venue is ideal for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap, opening to the Atrium with Atlantide and S.A.L.T. Kitchen on either side.

The Venetian Lounge has a capacity of 370 guests, who can listen to lectures or attend performances in this two-story space. The S.A.L.T. Lab and S.A.L.T. Bar have been relocated from their midship position on other Silversea ships to Deck 10 for views that integrate the outside into the spaces. They also are larger.

The Otium Spa aboard Silver Nova features the brand’s largest thermal suite, inspired by the ancient baths of Rome. Guests will find a steam room, sauna, decorative water fountain and floor-to-ceiling windows. It will be the first Otium Spa to have a spa-centric indoor pool.

Inventive suites

Silver Nova has 13 suite categories that contain a choice of 364 suites. The ship’s interior designers strove for premium, residential touches, including decorative lighting, fluted mirrors and plush furniture. The concept is described as “whispered luxury.”

The crown jewel of any Silversea suite at sea is the Otium Suites , a new category that has eye-catching “walls of windows” offering a 270-degree view. Again, the ship’s design allows this unique space at the aft starboard corner at the back of the ship. Guests in Otium Suites, at 1,324 square feet, will be treated to premium amenities as well as a large living room.

Master Suites , also a new concept, offer accommodations of 721 to 826 square feet and have balconies that wrap around the back of the ship and bathrooms that offer views to the outside. Medallion Suites are 50 percent wider than a standard veranda suite and also have a larger balcony.

Re-imagined dining concepts

Five decks’ worth of restaurants, bars and entertainment spaces create a lively hub on Silver Nova. Ten bars and lounges and eight distinct dining venues create a bounty of choices. These venues are spread across the ship, allowing easier social connections in a more open-concept floor plan.

Returning restaurant concepts include Atlantide and S.A.L.T. Kitchen, along with new design concepts, including the Marquee . This light-filled space on Deck 10 incorporates the existing Grill and Spaccanapoli authentic pizzeria into one casual but elegant dining venue.

Specialty dining venues Kaiseki and La Dame  are more luxe than ever. Wine plays an important role at La Dame. where exclusive pairings will be offered.

On Silver Nova, art is at the heart

Guests will find more than 1,700 pieces of artwork onboard Silver Nova, making it a veritable floating gallery of sculpture, collages, photographs, tapestries (and pieces that look like tapestry). Guests will find antique maps and even a muraled ceiling in the library that beckons passengers to look up and revel in the piece painted specifically for this spot.

Silver Nova’s new on-board dress code

During the day, guests can don casual wear “similar to five-star resort sportswear,” a note from Silversea President Barbara Muckermann says, and also suggests wearing flats or low heels on desk.

After 6 p.m. , the ask is for elegant casual for casual evenings. Women may wear slacks and blouses or skirts or a causal frock. Men may wear a collared shirt and slacks, but a jacket is optional. If you would like to wear dressier garb, you are welcome to do that too. Note that on formal optional nights, men must wear a jacket indoors.

Based on the length of the cruise, you may not need formal attire. A seven-day cruise is elegant casual every evening, unless you wish to go dressier; an eight- to 14-day cruise has one or two formal optional nights, and a cruise of 15 days or more will have at least two formal optional nights.

An emphasis on sustainability

Our impact on the environment directly affects our ability to enjoy Earth’s wonders and waterways for generations to come. Silversea recognizes that reducing its carbon footprint is imperative, and the cruise line is wasting no time by introducing sharpened sustainability efforts with its Nova class ships. 

Beginning with Silver Nova, Silversea has unveiled its first LNG (liquid natural gas)-powered cruise ship. Silver Nova has have three sources powering its engines, including the ability to plug into shore power while docked. This means that in each destination, this forward-thinking vessel aims to emit zero emissions.

The new technology fits into Royal Caribbean Group’s broader Destination Net Zero campaign , which aims to achieve net zero emissions across its cruise brands, including Silversea, by 2050.

For future Nova Class vessels, sustainable materials will be incorporated into the ships’ interior design. 

The debut of Silver Nova

The inaugural sailing of Silver Nova was Aug. 14, departing from Venice (Fusina). The week-long public debut cruised the Mediterranean, calling on six ports across Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro before returning to Fusina — the port for Venice just across the Venetian Lagoon. 

Where Silver Nova sails

Silver Nova, scheduled through spring 2025, and will sail to five continents in its first two years of operation.

Silversea’s flagship will kick off its inaugural season in the Mediterranean, cruising along the Dalmatian Coast, before alternating among the European cities of Rome, Barcelona and Lisbon, Portugal, for the rest of the fall.

Then, Nova will reposition to New York from Portugal to begin Caribbean and Central American itineraries for the winter season. Later, the ship heads to South America.

Silver Nova will spend the summer 2024 season plying the waters of Alaska and Canada, with seven-day sail dates through mid-September. Choose from Vancouver, Canada, to Seward, Alaska, or the reverse.

In September 2024, Silver Nova will relocate to Asia on an 18-day voyage from Vancouver, Canada, to Tokyo . The ship will then sail two October cruises from Tokyo before departing Singapore for Cairns, Australia, on Oct. 31. For the winter season, Silver Nova will make inaugural calls throughout the Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand.

Voyages available to book in late 2024 into 2025 include a variety of 16-day cruises from Cairns to Sydney; Sydney to Auckland, New Zealand; Auckland to Sydney; Auckland to Melbourne, Australia; and an 18-day cruise from Melbourne to Singapore.

Silver Nova will sail four Asia cruises between Feb. 24 and April 23, 2025, before the vessel embarks on a transoceanic passage to Alaska , arriving May 8, 2025.

How do I book a voyage on Silver Nova?

Silver Nova is open for bookings . Highly coveted top-tier suites are already wait-listed on many of Silver Nova’s initial itineraries.

What’s next for Silversea?

Being the first in this class means that more ships, including Silver Ray, are to follow. Its inaugural cruise is set for June 2024.

Just Back From…An Atlantic Crossing on Silver Nova

Penguins in Antarctica: Types, Facts and How to See Them

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

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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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