royal caribbean alaska cruise documents

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Answered: Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise?

One of the biggest questions we hear is whether or not you need a passport to cruise. It seems like a simple question, especially if your cruise is going to Alaska. After all, you are likely leaving from the United States, visiting the United States, and returning back to the U.S.

Alas, not everything is cut and dry. We’ll cover the details, but the bottom line is that it’s much easier to cruise to Alaska with a passport .

If you don’t have one, then yes, you can still cruise to Alaska in most cases if you are an American passenger . You will need at least an official birth certificate and photo ID (if 16 years or older) as almost all Alaskan cruises also make a stop in Canada.

Full details are below…

Are Passports for American Citizens on an Alaskan Cruise?

The rules surrounding identification and border crossings can be hairy. Fortunately, for American citizens traveling on a cruise, there is a loophole designed to make it easier for people to travel without a passport.

It’s called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and the rule has a section for “closed-loop cruises.” These are cruises that begin and end at the same port. So if you sail from Seattle, head to Alaska and Canada, and then return to Seattle, you are on a closed-loop cruise.

U.S. citizens traveling on these cruises only have to show government-issued ID (typically a driver’s license) and a birth certificate to re-enter the country.

Here’s what the Customs and Border Protection says on the topic :

“As a reminder, since June 1, 2009, all U.S. and Canadian citizens 18 years and older, who enter the United States at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere need to present either a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, or a valid passport or other acceptable document for WHTI compliance. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) are able to enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID . U.S. and Canadian citizen children ages 16 and under are able to enter with only proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Verbal claims of citizenship alone are not sufficient to establish citizenship for entry into the United States. CBP.gov

There are a couple of important points on this. First, if you look at any Alaskan cruise, you’ll notice that there is always a stop in Canada.

That’s because laws state that foreign-flagged ships (which almost all cruise ships are) can’t usually take passengers from one U.S. port to another without making a stop somewhere along the way in another country.

Since you will be stopping in a foreign country, you need some sort of citizenship documents, like an official birth certificate or passport. A driver’s license or other photo ID alone won’t cut it (except in a few specific cased with the new “ Enhanced ID “).

Secondly, each cruise line has their own specific rules regarding documentation needed to travel. This makes it dependent on the cruise line itself if you have to bring a passport or not.

To be clear, every cruise line recommends you travel with a passport even if you are on an Alaskan cruise. This is because should anything happen and you have to get off the ship in another country (medical emergency, ship breakdown, etc.), it’s much easier to get home with a valid passport. Even the U.S. State Department recommends you travel with one .

But if you don’t have a passport already, most of the time you can sail to Alaska with only a birth certificate and photo ID.

Permanent U.S. Residents, Canadian Departures, Foreign Citizens on Alaska Cruises

What if you aren’t an American citizen sailing from the United States and returning on a closed-loop cruise? In that case, you will almost always need a passport .

For instance, say instead of cruising from Seattle you are sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia. That means you’ll be flying, driving, or taking a train into Canada to get to the cruise port. This will require a passport. 

What about permanent residents of the U.S.? Customs and Border Protection says they do not require you to have a passport, but that it will likely be required by other countries that you visit.

And of course, if you are a foreign citizen traveling to or from the United States then you’re required to have a passport.

For more on official requirements, you can read these articles:

• CBP: Do I need a passport for a cruise?
• CBP reminds Seattle cruise ship passengers of ID requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport to cruise to Alaska? In most cases, no a passport isn’t required, but it is a good idea. If you are an American citizen and your cruise begins and ends in Seattle, then the trip likely falls under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). These rules allow you to sail on “closed-loop” cruises with only an official birth certificate and a photo ID.

That said, your cruise line or your specific itinerary could require a passport. 

What about kids? Do they need a passport or ID? If you are taking your Alaskan cruise with kids, they will either need a passport or a birth certificate (if on a closed-loop cruise) as well. Kids under 16 years old aren’t required to have a photo ID.

How much does a passport cost? How long does it take to get? These days you can expect to pay about $160 to get a passport that’s valid for 10 years. The regular processing times are 6-8 weeks, but you can get it expedited and get it faster.

More on Taking an Alaskan Cruise

• Complete Guide to Taking an Alaskan Cruise
• How Alaskan Cruises Differ From Caribbean Cruises (And It’s NOT Just Colder)

29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 You’d Never Think Of)

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What documents do you need for a cruise? From passports to printouts, here's what to take

Boarding a cruise ship isn't like boarding a city bus or hopping on the subway. Because cruises involve international travel, you won't be allowed to sail if you don't have all the proper cruise documents and identification. That means you'll want to know exactly what to take with you and, once you have a list, double and triple check it to ensure you haven't forgotten anything.

The check-in process can be intimidating if you haven't gone through it before. You might be wondering what, exactly, cruise documents are, which ones you need and how you obtain them.

Gear up for a successful and stress-free embarkation day, and make sure you have all the necessary items on hand and ready to go with this guide.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What are cruise documents?

Necessary cruise documents include acceptable official forms of identification, proof of your booking number and boarding information, and confirmation that you aren't ill. You must present these upon arrival at the port.

Only after port officials check and verify each of these at the terminal will you be permitted to board your ship.

At a time when eco-friendliness is top of mind and nearly every traveler has a mobile phone, it's easy to rely on apps to keep everything in one spot and avoid wasting paper. However, what would happen if your phone was lost, stolen or broken during your travels? For that reason, I always advise printing hard copies of anything you might need in a pinch, using as little paper as possible.

Pack all necessary travel documents in your carry-on luggage so you have them on hand when needed.

Documents needed for cruisers to board a ship

Identification.

For most cruises, you'll need a passport book that's valid for at least six months from the day your sailing ends. In some cases, you can use a passport card instead of a passport book , but that will only work if you plan to reenter the United States via your ship from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean.

Similarly, if your cruise is a closed-loop voyage (one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port and visits destinations in the Western Hemisphere, with a few exceptions), you can embark using an original birth certificate and driver's license if your cruise line allows it.

However, neither a passport card nor the combination of a birth certificate and license will allow you to fly to a foreign country or return to the U.S. from a foreign country by air. If you must fly to a foreign port for embarkation or if something unforeseen happens on your sailing and you need to cut your cruise short and fly home from a foreign port, you will need a passport book for identification.

Additionally, if you are a U.S. permanent resident, you must carry your green card. You can use it instead of a passport on closed-loop sailings, but carrying a passport from your country of citizenship is highly recommended. Also note that if your green card is expired, you likely will not be allowed back into the U.S. You are responsible for contacting the embassies in the places you'll be visiting to make sure there is no additional paperwork required.

Boarding passes

Similar to what you'd need for a flight, a cruise boarding pass is the document that shows you've checked in for your sailing, set up an onboard charge account for purchases and chosen a boarding time . It also includes relevant information like your name, booking number and cabin number.

Most cruise lines now have mobile apps that allow you to check in prior to arriving at the terminal and pull up your boarding passes electronically. If you don't plan on using the app, come prepared with a printed copy of your boarding pass; having one will speed up the check-in process on boarding day.

If you arrive without a boarding pass, don't worry. In a pinch, the check-in desk can look up your reservation in the system when you arrive, but it will add to the time you spend in the terminal before boarding your ship and beginning your vacation.

Health information

For years, cruise lines have required passengers to fill out health forms before boarding in an effort to prevent the spread of norovirus on board . Following the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, lines have expanded health screenings to include questions about coronavirus symptoms.

Some cruise lines will ask you to complete a paper form at the terminal on embarkation day, while others will allow you to complete it a few hours before you arrive. If you fill it out in advance, whether or not you'll need to print out confirmation depends on your cruise line and whether the form is completed online or through a mobile app.

Although most cruise lines have rescinded their COVID-19 vaccination mandates , a handful of lines still require passengers to show proof that they have received their shots. Check with your cruise line directly for the most current details, and be sure to have your original vaccine card on hand if your sailing requires verification.

Likewise, check to see if any of the destinations you're visiting requires specific inoculations for entry; if they do, carry proof that you've received them.

Visas and other destination-specific documents

Depending on the destinations your cruise is visiting, you might be required to obtain visas or other documents that grant you permission to enter and stay in a specific country or region. As a passenger, it's your responsibility to know when you need to apply for a visa, how much it will cost you and how much time you need to allow for processing.

Sometimes your cruise line will take care of visa procurement on passengers' behalf and cover any associated fees. Check the official websites of the countries on your itinerary to see what's required, and contact your cruise line directly to ask if it can take care of applying for you. Keep all required documents with you for your trip.

Cruise line luggage tags

If you're planning to leave luggage with porters when you arrive at the terminal, make sure you print out the paper luggage tags — one per bag — provided by your cruise line when you receive your check-in documents. The tags are prefilled with information like your name and cabin number, so the ship's crew knows where to deliver your belongings after suitcases are loaded onto the vessel by the porters.

If you're driving to your embarkation port, you can attach the tags before you leave home. If you're flying in, I suggest packing a small roll of duct tape in your bag and attaching the tags after you land so they aren't accidentally ripped off during transit.

Permission to travel

If you're pregnant, most cruise lines require you to disclose that and provide a note from your doctor verifying your due date and that you're fit to travel. No cruise line will allow you to sail if you are more than 24 weeks along before the conclusion of the voyage.

In a similar vein, if you're planning to travel with someone else's kids and they won't have a parent or guardian on the cruise, you will also need a notarized letter granting you permission to take them out of the country and consent to medical care on their behalf in the event of an emergency. You might also want to have a similar letter handy for your own children if you will be traveling with them alone and their last name does not match yours.

Useful information to carry while cruising

Other travel information

If you're flying in for your cruise, flying home after or staying at a hotel before or after your sailing, it's not a bad idea to have information like airport and hotel addresses, flight numbers, confirmation numbers and boarding passes printed for reference (and as a backup if you lose your phone or charger).

Emergency contacts

In case something goes wrong while traveling, you'll want to carry a printed list of emergency contacts and their phone numbers, as well as contact information for your doctor, credit card companies and bank, and the local embassies or consulates for the countries you're visiting.

Having these easily accessible ensures you'll know what to do if you have an emergency, lose your passport or find a hold on your travel funds.

Travel insurance information

For me, travel insurance isn't negotiable; it's a necessity. With the pandemic and how overbooked flights and hotels can be these days, I like the peace of mind that comes with knowing I'm covered if something goes wrong.

If you've purchased travel insurance for your cruise, you should print out and carry the policy card listing your policy number and the phone number of the insurance company. If your trip is interrupted or canceled, or you experience a medical emergency, you'll have the key information handy so you can get help immediately.

Photocopies of important documents

Although you should always take steps to protect your personal documents and only take them out with you when necessary, you also want to be prepared in case your wallet or passport is stolen or misplaced.

Make photocopies of the information page of your passport or passport card, the front and back of your driver's license and birth certificate (if using it for a closed-loop voyage), and the front and back of each credit card. Keep them in a safe place, separate from the originals, when in transit and in your hotel room or cruise cabin safe when you get to your destination.

These copies won't replace the real things, but they could help to speed up the process if you have to procure replacements.

Bottom line

Cruise documents provide the verification you'll need to board your vessel on embarkation day. They include identification, boarding passes, health forms and any required visas, which you should always keep handy in your carry-on bag or personal item.

You'll need to keep track of several documents, but if you plan ahead and follow the list above, you should have no problem ensuring you have everything you'll need for a successful and seamless boarding experience.

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Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise?

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Alaska is a bucket-list, adventure-filled destination, and a cruise is one of the best ways to see it.

Some places in America’s largest state are not even accessible by road, so a cruise ship is the ideal way to see many wonderful sights without having to pack or unpack.

But a common question is, do you need a passport to cruise to Alaska? Even though Alaska is part of the U.S., the answer can depend on the embarkation and disembarkation points, where the ship sails and your age.

Let’s get into the details to help you understand what you need to bring on your next Alaskan cruise so that you’re not surprised at the gangway.

Do I need a passport to cruise to Alaska?

Alaska is part of the United States, but some cruises either depart from a Canadian port like Vancouver or make a stop in a Canadian port like Victoria. In these cases, it is necessary to have a passport or passport card with you as identification.

But there is a loophole. Thanks to something known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, some cruises are classified as “closed-loop cruises.” These are cruises that begin or end at the same U.S. port.

So if your cruise starts and ends in, say, Seattle and sails to Alaska (and even makes a stop in Canada), you don’t necessarily need to bring a U.S. passport.

» Learn more: Cruises where you don’t need a Passport

If you’re a U.S. citizen who doesn’t have a passport or is waiting for one to be renewed , you can bring an official U.S. birth certificate and government-issued photo ID.

Both documents would be necessary for anyone 16 and older. Those under 16 only need to show a U.S. birth certificate since they may not have photo identification yet.

Travelers crossing the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea can opt to use a passport card instead of their passport book. But if you have a change of plans and need to take a plane, you would be out of luck as you would need a passport book to fly.

» Learn more: The best Alaska cruises

What if my Alaska cruise doesn’t sail to Canada?

Chances are your Alaska cruise will make a stop in Canada due to U.S. law that says that foreign-registered cruises cannot sail between most U.S. ports without making a stop in another country along the way.

Since cruise lines register their ships in foreign countries for more favorable tax reasons (among other considerations), they are not able to transport passengers on a purely domestic itinerary. That’s why they stop in a foreign port, and Canada is conveniently on the way.

This practice dates back to a regulation known as the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886. While the writers certainly were not envisioning kids on waterslides vacationing with their families or binocular-toting cruisers getting up close and personal with glaciers when they drafted it, the law continues to be valid today.

But back to the main question of do you need a passport to go to Alaska? Maybe.

If the cruise is not a closed-loop cruise, then you would need passport identification to board the ship.

There are also some “Inside Passage” sailings on smaller ships (where you may fly into and out of an Alaskan airport from the Continental U.S.) and do not make a stop in Canada.

Still, a passport may be necessary if any of your shore excursions enter Canada. For this reason, some cruise lines may still require them on these sailings.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

Alaskan cruise passports recapped

Whether or not you need a passport for your Alaska cruise will depend on your itinerary. You’ll want to check with the cruise line since it may have its own rules and regulations, but U.S. citizens on a closed-loop cruise have more flexibility.

The answer to do you need a passport to cruise to Alaska depends on where you’re departing from and returning to. Even if you visit a Canadian port, you may be able to sail to Alaska with just a U.S. birth certificate and photo identification.

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What Royal Caribbean Ship Should You Pick in Alaska?

There are so many options to consider when you plan an Alaska cruise on Royal Caribbean, from when to go to which itinerary will satisfy all your Alaska adventure longings.

Often the decision process begins with which Royal Caribbean ship works best for your travel group. Are you traveling with youngsters who are constantly in motion? Does your group crave dining variety as much as it does whale sightings as you cruise through the chilly waters of the Pacific?

Royal Caribbean offers two quite different classes of ships sailing a variety of itineraries in Alaska . One class of ships is big -- very big, meaning lots of passengers. The other class, not so much. There are also slight differences between the individual ships themselves, even within the same class.

Can the mega ships give you the same Alaska experience you are looking for? Do they go where you want them to go? Cruise Critic has done the research for you. Here are the answers to your Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise questions.

The Royal Caribbean Gold Standard in Alaska: Radiance-class Ships

Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas are currently sailing Alaska itineraries, each carrying between 2,000 and 2,400 passengers, depending on how many extra berths are occupied (as in, how many children are onboard).

Radiance sails 7-night, one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, while Serenade is sailing 7-night, round-trip cruises from Vancouver. The perceived advantage of these ships is that they are smaller, allowing them to go where Royal Caribbean's bigger ships cannot.

The reality of that is that Radiance-class ships are still big ships. They are only small by comparison to the larger Quantum-class ships .

The itineraries of both Radiance-class ships go a bit farther north than the larger ships, allowing both ships time at Hubbard Glacier on at least some of the sailings. On its one-way route, Radiance has two sea days -- the least sea days of all the itineraries. Serenade's route usually has either three or four sea days. The real differences are in what these smaller ships offer -- and don’t offer -- for those who choose to cruise on them. Here are our pros and cons for the Radiance Class ships in Alaska.

Pros of a Radiance-class Ship in Alaska

The Radiance ships have ample scenery-watching space, plenty of it protected from the elements. Options include the adults-only Solarium, featuring windows along the sides of the ship, the Windjammer Café, Viking Crown Lounge, Diamond Club, for Crown & Anchor members at the Diamond level and above, plus covered areas on Deck 11 near the outdoor pool.

Both ships have miniature golf, which might come in handy for entertaining the kiddos on those long summer evenings.

Both ships have outdoor movie nights at the pool, as well as actual cinemas for afternoon matinees. Plus, there are climbing walls, sports courts, and kids' pools for use when weather allows.

Though they have fewer specialty restaurants than their larger cousins, they both offer a Chef's Table, Chops Grille steakhouse , Izumi sushi , and Giovanni's Table for Italian food. Radiance also has a Brazilian steakhouse called Samba.

The Radiance class ships have fewer overall choices of staterooms, they have some coveted options: Rear facing balconies, and something called an "Ultra Spacious Ocean View" that sleeps up to six guests in 256 square feet.

It may seem like a minor detail, but it's easier to get around on a smaller ship. The distance between venues and activities is shorter, which might make these ships a better fit for anyone who cannot walk long distances.

Cons of a Radiance-class Ship in Alaska

Though there are suites, neither Radiance-class ship offers the Suite Class perks available on larger ships. That means no Genies, no Concierge Lounge, and no Coastal Kitchen for suite lovers.

There are no Studio staterooms for solo travelers to Alaska.

There's only one large show venue on these smaller ships. That limits the entertainment options a bit on any given night.

There are spaces that can feel crowded on smaller ships, even though they carry fewer passengers. The Solarium is one such place on chilly days in Alaska.

Neither ship is very new. Radiance launched in 2001; Serenade launched in 2002.

Quantum Class: Royal Caribbean Big Ships Seemingly Designed for Alaska

Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas both sail 7-night round-trip cruises from Seattle. Though not Royal Caribbean's largest class of ships, both carry between 4,100 and 4,900 passengers, depending on how many berths are filled.

Both ships' itineraries include Skagway, Sitka, Juneau, and the glaciers of the Endicott Arm Fjord. Some of Quantum's schedules include Icy Strait Point. Both ships aim to get you near the glaciers; both ships are technically cruising the Inside Passage, which includes all the port towns and waterways of Southeast Alaska.

Both ships make their required Canadian port of call at Victoria, sometimes mid-day, but often in the evening. Ovation's itineraries include as many as four sea days when you count the scenic cruising days. Quantum's schedule typically includes three sea days.

Where the bigger ships shine is in their onboard choices. Whether you are talking about dining, activities, or stateroom categories, the options to choose from can be mind boggling. How do they really stack up against the smaller ship experience in Alaska? Here are our pros and cons:

Pros of Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class Ships in Alaska

Space. These ships have space. Even when at max capacity, there are plenty of places passengers can spread themselves out, leaving room to roam in between.

There's an indoor swimming pool open to all ages. That's in addition to the shallow pools and hot tubs in the adults-only, forward-facing Solarium with its incredible ocean views.

The Seaplex is an incredible innovation for busy families on cruises to Alaska. When the ship is in motion, the kids can be too. The massive indoor space is home to everything from bumper cars to soccer games. Yup, it's that big.

Quantum-class ships offer unique options like RipCord by iFly and the North Star bubble that lifts you up and over the side of the ship for stunning views.

More dining options. Both Quantum and Ovation have a dozen places to get food -- not counting Windjammer Café or the Main Dining rooms. Plus, suite guests have a fabulous thirteenth option: Coastal Kitchen . It's like a luxurious private dining room.

More entertainment options. Each night passengers can choose between the show in the Royal Theater, the incredible robotic shows in Two70 or a wide range of musical acts in venues like The Music Hall or Schooner Bar .

Forward-facing Spacious Ocean View staterooms. These have big round windows looking out over the bow of the ship and the ocean beyond. Hard to top that in an affordable cabin measuring 214 square feet.

Sea, Sky, and Star Suite classes and all the perks that go with them. There are an incredible number of suites tempting you on these ships. You're splurging on Alaska -- why not really splurge?

As expected, the casinos on these ships are huge. That means less waiting for your favorite slot machine or a seat at a table game.

Cons of a Quantum-class Royal Caribbean Ship in Alaska

There's no miniature golf. It's a small thing, but Alaska in the summer with its late sunsets almost begs for a round of golf on the upper decks.

There aren't any aft balconies. Zip. Zero. Nada. Nothing back there to placate the masses longing for an affordable balcony overlooking the wake of the ship.

There's no promenade. Unlike most of Royal Caribbean's smaller ships, there's no deck with a wide outdoor walkway tucked under the lifeboats allowing passengers to circle the ship outdoors. There are a couple of doors on Deck 5 that let you step outside onto a narrow walkway behind the lifeboats, but that's not a true promenade.

There will be crowds. For the most part, the crowd flow on these behemoths is well designed. Expect reservations for shows, lines to disembark in ports, and long wait times for omelets in Windjammer. Also expect to get lost -- maybe more than once.

The casino is not open during the hours these ships sail into and out of Puget Sound, including often on the entire last night of the cruise. When Victoria is the final port, the ship never escapes to international waters to allow gambling. It’s not a big deal for most, but for those who cruise to play, it might be.

Looking Ahead: What Royal Caribbean Ships Will Be in Alaska in 2023?

In 2023, Serenade of the Seas is replaced by Enchantment of the Seas -- a Vision-class ship that is older and a bit smaller than the Radiance-class ships, but which has been retrofitted to have many of the same offerings.

It has far fewer dining options, relying on Chops Grille to satisfy the need for specialty dining. For its size, it has a large number of Junior Suites, which might present an opportunity for those who typically cruise in balcony staterooms to level up to a suite, gaining both space and the bonus of Crown & Anchor double points per night.

Bottom Line: Which Royal Caribbean Ship Sounds Best for Your Alaska Cruise?

Choose your ship wisely for your Alaska cruise. Sure, you'll spend a large part of your time adventuring in port, but you'll spend far more time cruising. You want that time onboard to be comfortable and enjoyable for everyone in your travel party.

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9 Things to Do During Your Alaska Summer Cruise

Published on October 7, 2021

1. Hike Amid Alaska's Wildflowers

2. Take a Scenic Fjord Cruise

3. Cast Your Line for Salmon

4. Say 'Cheers' at Alaska's Breweries

5. Discover Native Alaskan Culture

6. Ride America's Most Scenic Railroad

7. See Alaskan Summer Wildlife

8. Get Up Close and Personal With a Glacier

9. Catch the Sun Setting — If It Does

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Travel | Alaska is ready for another record-breaking…

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Breaking News

Travel | more potential jurors dismissed as trump’s hush money trial enters second day, 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.

The most-visited Alaskan port, 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 April to late October. That figure from the Juneau Chamber of Commerce is a Denali-sized jump of 30 percent compared to 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 docked in rustic Skagway last week. With four mainstream-category ships homeported in either Seattle or Vancouver, Norwegian Cruise Line  has nearly 100 more after that.

Two competing companies have staked out even larger claims in this modern-day, maritime Alaskan gold rush. Holland America Line is sending seven premium-class ships for 141 total cruises. And at the top of the totem pole is Princess Cruises , which is celebrating its 55th year in these waters with seven premium ships sharing 158 departures.

Not counting grand voyages with itineraries so rich they make a visit to Alaska seem more like a pit stop, 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 unparalleled 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. “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.”

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 will have 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.

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 ’ popular Edge class will make its 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 has 57 departures to Alaska scheduled this year.

The other new recruit is Silver Nova, the youngest Silversea Cruises  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 incorporates an unprecedented 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 nearly four-weeklong itinerary includes seldomly visited Kodiak and Dutch Harbor before heading down to the tropics to make four calls to three Hawaiian islands.

Seabourn  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.

Disney Cruise Line  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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