cruise routes for alaska

Alaska Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries, Ports, Tips, & More

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When you think of a cruise vacation, Alaska might not be the first destination that comes to mind.

Alaska is one of the most scenic destinations in the world, offering an escape into America’s Last Frontier. The lush rainforest, snow-capped mountains, abundant wildlife, and blue glaciers provide an experience unlike any other.

But the rough terrain makes it challenging to navigate by land, so it’s best to explore Alaska by cruise ship.

This Alaska cruise guide covers everything you need to know before you sail to Alaska. We’ll cover what to pack, the best time to sail, cruise ports, things to do, weather, wildlife, and more.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Why Cruise to Alaska?

There are several reasons why people cruise Alaska, but one way or another, people are drawn to the state for its incredible scenic beauty.

Alaska is home to a beautiful snow-capped mountain landscape, abundant wildlife, vibrant Alaskan native cultures, Gold Rush history, art, culture, and the largest temperate rainforest in the world.

Alaska is one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. And an Alaska cruise is unlike any other. Alaska cruises are less of a party and more of a laid-back scenic cruise.

Exploring Alaska by land is both tricky and expensive. Many cities are inaccessible by land. A land tour is expensive between cars, trains, ferries, and hotels.

The best way to explore Alaska is by cruise ship.

An Alaska cruise allows guests to explore multiple ports of call and experience the state through hands-on shore excursions.

Unlike other cruise destinations, Alaskan ports aren’t separated by large bodies of the ocean. The land is visible throughout most of the sailing, and you can often spot whales, eagles, and other wildlife from the ship.

Not sure if Alaskan cruises are for you, here’s what to expect on an Alaskan cruise .

Best Time to Crusie Alaska

The Alaska cruise season runs from May to late September, with some sailings in April and October.

The short cruise season owes itself to the weather. Aside from the winter cold providing an uncomfortable experience, many regions of Alaska become inaccessible as the water turns to ice.

The best time to cruise Alaska depends on what you want to see and do. For smaller crowds and lower cruise fares, you’ll want to sail at the beginning or end of the cruise season (May, June, or September).

May, June, and September are known as the shoulder season. With kids still in school, there’s less demand for cruise vacations. Sailing during the shoulder season is the best time to find cheaper cruise fares.

The peak season for Alaska cruises is July and August. If you sail during these months, you’ll find higher prices and larger crowds.

But if you want to see wildlife, you should take an Alaska cruise during July or August. Summer also provides the best weather, with warmer temperatures, lower rainfall, and more hours of sunlight.

Best Alaska Cruise Itineraries

Alaska cruises come in two forms; one-way cruises and round-trip sailings .

Round-trip cruises are the most popular, typically beginning and ending in Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, Canada .

Most round-trip sailings travel along Alaska’s Inside Passage, visiting ports like Juneau and Skagway and scenic destinations like Tracy Arm Fjord or Mendenhall Glacier.

You’ll likely have to choose a one-way cruise if you want to travel further north on your Alaska cruise. One-way cruises begin and end in different ports, typically embarking or debarking in Seward, Alaska.

A one-way cruise is the best way to visit the Gulf of Alaska, with calls in northern ports like Whittier or Hubbard Glacier .

Inside Passage

Inside Passage, cruises are the most popular Alaska cruise route. These week-long sailings embark in either Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, British Columbia .

The Inside Passage consists of a series of passages along the West Coast. Glacial ice formed the passages over 250 million years ago. The glaciers carved the unique rivers, islands, and ocean passages that make up the Inside Passage.

As you pass through the passage, you’ll notice the unique footprint of the glaciers that carved the mountains and waterways.

Some of the tallest mountains have sharp edges towards the peaks. Mountains with rounded peaks were once submerged beneath the glacier, eroding their sharp edges. The mountains with sharp peaks stood above the glaciers. By carefully looking at the structure of the mountains, you can see just how massive the past glaciers were.

Inside Passage cruises are popular for the incredible scenery, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and whale species.

Even on sea days, there’s always something to look at.

Inside Passage cruises typically have a”scenic cruising” day at a Fjord or glacier. You won’t leave the ship on scenic days, but it’s a chance to witness some truly incredible scenery.

Inside Passage, itineraries are best for nature lovers, outdoorsy, and active-minded people .

From the ship, it’s fun keeping an eye on the water for local whale pods or searching the shoreline for bears, moose, or sea lions.

If you’re in luck, you can spot plenty of wildlife from the deck of the cruise ship. On our last 7-day cruise, we could spot pods of orcas, humpback whales, seals, and bald eagles without leaving the vessel.

Popular ports of call along the Inside Passage include Juneau, Ketchican, Sitka, Skagway, Haines, Icy Strait, and Tracy Arm Fjord.

Shore excursions provide the best chance to explore the beauty of Alaska or enrich yourself with the area’s deep history and culture. Through the shore excursions, you can learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Alaska or the fortune-seekers who traveled to the region during the Klondike Gold Rush.

While cruising through the Inside Passage, the islands create a natural break from the open ocean, calming the water. If you’re worried about getting seasick on a cruise ship , Alaska is one destination where you won’t spend much time in the open ocean.

Gulf of Alaska

If you book a Gulf of Alaska cruise, you’ll experience other less-visited cruise ports further north.

Most Gulf of Alaska cruises is one-way cruises traveling from Vancouver or Seattle to Seward or Whittier . If you embark in Seward or Whittier, you’ll have to fly into Anchorage, Alaska, and take the train or bus to and from the cruise port.

It’s a drive that can take an hour or two. You’ll have to book your transportation, but you can often book through the cruise line.

And it’s essential to keep in mind that you won’t be able to book round-trip airfare, which means you’ll have to pay more for flights.

Gulf of Alaska cruises tend to be 7-nights in duration , though you’ll find a few 8 and 9-day itineraries.

Some cruise lines offer round-trip sailings from Seattle and Vancouver. The round-trip Gulf of Alaska cruises tend to be 12 to 14-day itineraries , and you’ll likely spend at least two days at sea (not including scenic cruising days).

In addition to visiting some of the ports along Alaska’s Inside Passage, itineraries also include up to two scenic cruising days . The scenic destinations may include College Fjord, Glacier Bay, or Hubbard Glacier.

The seas in the Gulf of Alaska can be particularly rough. If you’re prone to seasickness, you may want to think twice before booking a Gulf of Alaska cruise.

Longer West-Coast Sailings

Some cruise lines offer longer west-coast sailings that begin in San Francisco. The round-trip sailings have four or more sea days, a scenic day, port visits along the inside passage, and a call at either Vancouver or Victoria, British Columbia.

With for or more sea days, West-coast sailings are best for people who like to spend multiple days at sea .

You may find rougher seas at the beginning and end of the cruise until your cruise ship reaches the Inside Passage, where the waters are calmer.

Cruise Tours

A cruise ship is one of the best ways to visit Alaska. But there are many destinations that you can’t visit by sea.

Many cruise lines offer tours combining a traditional Alaska cruise with a bus tour. Cruise tours allow you to extend your vacation and explore further inland.

The three to seven-night land tour allows passengers to explore destinations not accessible to cruise ships.

The cruise tours visit places like Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, the city of Fairbanks, and the Kenai Peninsula.

Most cruise tours begin as one-way Alaska Gulf cruises before passengers embark on a bus tour through northern Alaska. Some cruise tours bring travelers into Canada’s Yukon territory, and there are even some round-trip cruise tours.

Locals lead the tours, so you will get to know the land and culture firsthand.

Because the tours venture farther north than most cruise itineraries, they provide the best opportunity to see the northern lights. If you want to increase your chances, you should book towards the end of the Alaska cruise season, in late October.

Cruise tours are ideal because they provide fully booked itineraries. Guests don’t need to worry about booking transportation, hotels, or activities both on and off the ship.

The activities are often included in the tour price, though you may need to pay extra for some excursions.

Best Alaska Cruise Lines

Almost every mainstream cruise line provides Alaskan cruises.

Holland America and Princess Cruises are two of the most popular cruise lines for Alaska sailings. They have a long history of offering trips around Alaska and provide the largest selection of itineraries and cruise tours.

There are cruise lines of all price ranges sailing in Alaska, with budget-friendly lines like Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean and luxury cruise lines like Seabourn and Silversea Cruises.

For unique experiences, you may want to try smaller expedition cruise ships like Alaskan Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventure.

In the past, cruise lines sent their older and smaller cruise ships for Alaskan itineraries. But with younger crowds and growing demand for cruises to Alaska, cruise lines have started to offer some of their latest ships.

Royal Caribbean has positioned Ovation of the Seas , one of the newest cruise ships, in Alaska. The ship’s North Star provides an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you simply can’t pass up.

No matter your preferences, you can find a cruise ship to fit your dream vacation.

Best Cruise Lines for Long Alaskan Sailings

If you’re looking for longer Alaska sailings of 12 or more nights, you’ll want to stick with Holland America or Princess Cruises .

Both cruise lines offer plenty of longer sailings and a large selection of cruise tours.

Best Alaska Cruises for Families with Kids

Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line are perfect for families sailing with kids .

The cruise lines offer kids’ clubs, from babies to teens, catering to all ages.

Some people wouldn’t consider Alaska a family-friendly cruise destination.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Alaska is an excellent destination for families with kids. From mountains to whales, there’s so much for kids to see. If you choose the right shore excursion, you can create an adventure that’s both fun and educational.

And with cruise lines sending their latest and greatest ships to the region, you’ll find enough entertainment for the whole family.

Still not convinced. I can tell you from experience that my favorite cruise as a kid was our trip to Alaska.

Best Cruise Lines for Adventure-Seekers

If your dream vacation includes hiking in Tongass National Park, Kayaking on Lake Chiliak, or overnight camping, you’ll want to look at expedition cruises.

Expedition voyages feature smaller ships with a greater focus on adventurous activities. Smaller vessels can better access less habited areas of Alaska and provide a closer look at the Last Frontier.

Expedition cruise lines often include complimentary shore excursions and provide zodiacs, kayaks, and bikes for you to use.

The cruises are very different than a traditional cruise to Alaska, with a greater focus on education, enrichment, nature, and the environment. Expedition-style cruises often bring scientists and naturalists to provide lectures and act as tour guides.

If you’re an adventure-seeker looking for the vacation of a lifetime, you’ll want to look at UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, or Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic .

Best Luxury Cruise Lines Sailing Alaska

Several luxury cruise lines are sailing in Alaska, including Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Cunard Line, and Seabourn Cruises .

There’s a significant benefit to sailing on a luxury cruise to Alaska. With fewer passengers on the ship, you won’t need to fight through the crowd for a prime sightseeing spot.

You’ll also find a more intimate experience with personalized shore excursions and better service.

Luxury cruise lines often visit less-traveled cruise ports, including Wrangell, Alaska, and Klemtu, British Columbia.

But there’s one significant benefit to sailing on a luxury cruise line.

Small-ship, luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent can navigate more waterways than larger mainstream cruise lines. They can get close to glaciers and travel to the twin-Sawyer Glaciers at the end of Tracy Arm Fjord.

Best Cruise Lines for Couples

Couples looking for a romantic getaway should choose Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, or Holland America .

The cruise lines provide a slightly upscale atmosphere with fewer kids and affordable cruise fares.

Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise

There are lots of things to do in Alaska . There’s more to do than you’ll have time for when it comes to Alaskan cruises.

Unlike a Caribbean cruise, where most days are spent lounging on a beach, most Alaska tours and activities are outdoor adventures.

Alaska offers opportunities for active travelers, history buffs, shopping, wildlife encounters, and sightseeing.

It’s always a good idea to research your port of call to get information about the shore excursions before you embark on your cruise.

Some of our favorite things to do on an Alaska cruise include:

• White Pass and Yukon Route Railway (Skagway)
• Mount Roberts Tramway (Juneau)
• Kayaking on Chilkoot Lake (Haines)
• Exploring Gold Rush history
• Panning for gold
• Helicopter tours
• Glacier tours in Glacier Bay National Park
• Whale watching

Best Alaska Cruise Ports

You’ll have a different experience at Alaska cruise ports compared to Caribbean cities. The ports of call in Alaska have different atmospheres and personalities.

Where Skagway is a historic small town full of history and adventure, Juneau is a large city with great eateries and shopping.

As you might expect, the best Alaskan cruise ports are also the busiest. You can expect long lineups and higher prices at popular attractions if you’re sailing during peak season.

Book a shore excursion or cruise tour if you want to explore Alaska’s wilderness or venture beyond the town center.

Juneau is Alaska’s capital city, located at the base of Mount Juneau. The city is notable for its lack of roads leading in our out. You can only reach Juneau by plane or boat.

If you’re not afraid of heights, the Mount Roberts Tramway is a must-see activity. The 15-minute tram ride takes you to the top of Mount Roberts, where there’s a lookout point, bald eagles, a gift shop, and a restaurant.

Juneau is home to the Mendenhall Glacier. The glacier is a popular destination for hiking and kayaking tours. If you want an up-close glacier experience, you can book a helicopter tour and glacier walk.

More : Things to do in Juneau Alaska

If you’re interested in Gold Rush history, you’ll want to visit Skagway, Alaska. The town of Skagway was once the gateway to the Klondike in Canada’s Yukon territory (the site of the famous gold fields).

Thousands of prospectors visited Skagway in the late 1890s with dreams of finding gold.

Much of the gold rush history is preserved. Many of the original buildings remain, as are the town’s wooden boardwalks.

Skagway’s most popular attraction is the White Pass railway . The train ride takes passengers along the original route used by prospectors during the height of the gold rush.

More : Things to do in Skagway Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska, is best known as the “Salmon capital of the world.” But the town is also popular for its Misty Fjords National Monument and numerous totem poles carved by Alaska’s Indigenous peoples, the Tlingit.

The city is home to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack show. Tourists worldwide come to see athletes wield axes and saws while competing in lumbering activities. The show is within walking distance of the cruise port and a must-see if you’re in town during the event.

Sitka is a little fishing town located on Baranof Island.

The town is the former capital of Russian America and offers a glimpse into the past with Russian landmarks and museums. Landmarks like the Russian Bishop’s House and St. Michaels Orthodox Cathedral are some of the famous historical sites.

The town is full of museums, shops, and small restaurants. Wildlife lovers should take a whale-watching tour in Sitka Sound or visit the Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bear rescue centers.

Sitka is the best town to visit if you’re hoping to spot bald eagles. There are so many bald eagles in Sitka that you’d have to try not to see one.

Sitka National Historical Park is the oldest national park in Alaska. The park is home to over 20 hand-carved totem poles scattered along the nature trails. It’s also the site of the final battle between indigenous Tlingit people and the Russians

More : Things to do in Sitka

Haines is a newer cruise port of call. The town has less than 2,000 residents and isn’t as touristy as other Alaska cruise ports.

Haines is best known for its fishing, golf, wildlife, and Chilkoot Lake. The lake is a popular destination for its immense beauty and the site of the salmon rush.

The town is also home to a hammer museum with the world’s second-largest hammer located out front.

More : https://highseascruising.com/things-to-do-in-haines-alaska/

Seward is located along the Gulf of Alaska and is an excellent port for exploring the outdoors. There are mountain biking tours, fishing excursions, and kayaking adventures.

The city is home to Fort William H. Seward and the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Scenic Cruising Destinations

Most Alaskan cruises include at least one “scenic cruising” day. You won’t leave the ship on a scenic day, but you’ll have an incredible view of Alaska’s scenery.

The most popular scenic cruising destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm, and College Fjord.

It’s important to note that the cruise line may cancel scenic cruising days due to weather. The fjords and narrow passages are difficult for large cruise ships to navigate. If the weather conditions aren’t perfect, the captain may cancel the scenic sailing or sail to an alternative destination.

Glacier Bay National Park : The expansive bay provides a window to 250 million years ago when the land was covered by ice. Most cruise lines stop at Marjorie Glacier, located 55 miles into the park. While sailing along the bay, keep your eye out for bears, mountain goats, eagles, and grizzly bears.

Hubbard Glacier : The largest glacier visited by cruise ships. Hubbard Glacier is an impressive 6 miles wide with a 400-foot tall face. We were fortunate enough to sail beside the glacier and were awestruck by the blue ice wall that stood before us. (We were also entertained by an otter playing on an iceberg.)

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier : The 32-mile-long fjord is home to the beautiful Dawes Glacier. The glacier is home to many wildlife species and was founded by John Muir in the 1880s.

Tracy Arm Fjord: One of the most popular scenic destinations for Alaska cruises, located only 50 miles south of Juneau. At the end of the 30-mile-long fjord sits the South Sawyer Glacier and the North Sawyer Glacier. Tracy Arm Fjord is famous for its narrow passageway and towering mountain landscape.

Northern Lights Cruises

Millions of passengers travel to Alaska every year, hoping to see the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights are most visible further north during darker nights.

You best to see the Northern Lights on a cruise ship by booking a Gulf of Alaska itinerary during September .

The Gulf of Alaska itinerary brings you the furthest north, and sailing in September provides more hours of darkness.

You can increase your chances by visiting Denali National Park, where there’s less population and light pollution. Still, it’s never a guarantee that you’ll see the Northern Lights.

When to Book an Alaskan Cruise

The best time to book an Alaskan cruise is as early as possible . Cruise fares are often the cheapest when first released to the public.

If you purchase your cruise fare early and later find a lower price, you can take advantage of price protection and ask the cruise line to honor the lower price.

Because of the popularity of Alaska cruises and the short sailing season, cruise fares tend to be more expensive than traditional Caribbean sailings.

An Alaska cruise can cost between $500 to $10,000 per person depending on the cruise line, cabin category, flights, hotel, shore excursions, and drink purchases.

In general, you don’t want to wait for last-minute discounts on unsold cabins  unless you live near Seattle or Vancouver.

Alaska is one of the cruise destinations where we recommend booking a balcony accommodation. There’s nothing we love more than sipping a coffee on our balcony while admiring the picturesque views.

Due to their popularity, balcony cabins on Alaskan cruises are more expensive than traditional Caribbean sailings. You can expect to pay a higher price if you book a balcony.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

When you visit Alaska, you’ll want to pack very differently than you would for a Caribbean cruise.

You’ll want to pack clothing for all types of weather and temperatures.

It’s essential to dress in layers. Because of the fast-changing weather in Alaska, it’s not possible to dress for the weather.

It might be warm in the morning, then cold and rainy in the afternoon.

Dressing in multiple layers prepares you for any weather. It helps to take a backpack or waterproof bag to put extra layers if you don’t need them.

Most importantly you should bring a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof shoes. If there’s one thing you can count on in Alaska, it’s rain. It also helps to pack an umbrella or a rain poncho.

If you’re unsure what to pack for your Alaska cruise, check out our printable Alaska cruise packing list .

Common items to pack for an Alaska cruise include:

• Lightweight raincoat
• Warm clothing, hats, gloves, sweaters
• Camera and tripod
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Bathing suit
• Waterproof bag for kayaking or rafting excursions

Alaska Cruise Weather

The Alaska cruise weather changes rapidly throughout the day. One minute it’s warm, and the next, it’s cold and rainy. Only for it to change again ten minutes later.

The weather can drop into the 40s or 50s in the morning during the cruise season. But on sunny days, the temperature can rise into the mid-70s.

It’s important to remember that Alaska is home to the world’s largest temperate rainforest, and you can almost guarantee that it will rain during your cruise.

The weather in Alaska changes rapidly throughout the day. One minute it’s warm, and the next, it’s cold and rainy. Only for it to change again ten minutes later.

Even if it’s sunny when you’re on the ship, you can expect the weather to change at a moment’s notice.

Marcello De Lio

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Alaska Cruise Routes

All the ways to experience an Alaska cruise.

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Find a Cruise

Alaska cruise routes can be broken down into two main categories, those that travel between Alaska and Vancouver, and those that travel between Alaska and Seattle. Alaska-Vancouver cruises have the most route options, while Seattle-Alaska cruises offer only roundtrip itineraries from Seattle.

Cruises between Vancouver and Alaska can be further broken down by the specific route. Here you'll see northbound glacier route cruises that travel from Vancouver to Seward and Vancouver to Whittier . These typically start with a full day at sea and a first port call in Ketchikan , then proceed to two or three more ports within the Inside Passage. The final days of the route are often spent at sea. Northbound Whittier cruises also include a day sailing through beautiful College Fjord in Prince William Sound.

Southbound cruises sail the opposite routes, going from Seward to Vancouver and Whittier to Vancouver . Most Alaska cruises are seven days long, although some 10-day itineraries are available. There are also a select number of routes that run roundtrip from Vancouver .

Our Cruise Finder is a useful tool that you can use to find cruises based on your preferred route. Simply select the route to see individual sailings listed by cruise line and vessel. You can further narrow results by picking your preferred Alaska cruise line and sailing date. Once you've found your perfect cruise, request a quote from us online or give us a call at 800-208-0200.

One of the perks of taking a Vancouver glacier route cruise is being able to fit in an Alaska land package either before or after your cruise. You can use our Trip Finder tool and search for pre - or post-cruise land tours to complete your Alaskan vacation.

Seward to Vancouver Cruises

Sail south from Seward along tidewater glaciers, through misty fjords, and to colorful ports on this seven- or 10-day route run by Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. Learn More >

Whittier to Vancouver Cruises

Sailed by Princess Cruises and Holland America, this route flows south through Prince William Sound to Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, and three ports in southeast Alaska. Learn More >

Vancouver to Seward Cruises

Cruise northward within the Inside Passage to places like Ketchikan and Glacier Bay on a seven- or 10-day trip. Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean run this route. Learn More >

Vancouver to Whittier Cruises

Cruised by Princess and Holland America, this northbound route features three port calls and a day in Glacier Bay. It concludes with a trip through College Fjord, a beautiful inlet within Prince William Sound. Learn More >

Best Alaska Cruise

Whether it's by cruise route, cruise line, or sailing dates and rates, here's how to pick the best Alaska cruise. Learn More >

Alaska Cruise Finder

Find an Alaska cruise and request a no obligation cruise quote. Choose roundtrip Seattle cruises or, even better, glacier route cruises between Vancouver and Whittier or Seward. Learn More >

Alaska Cruise Deals

Save on your Alaska cruise with discounts, specials, and an exclusive transportation booking bonus when you reserve with us. Learn More >

Round Trip Alaska Cruise Vancouver

From the Canada's cosmopolitan Vancouver cruise roundtrip through landscapes ripe with natural splendor and simple seaside towns. Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America run this seven-day route. Learn More >

Round Trip Alaska Cruise Seattle

See Alaska's Inside Passage on a cruise offering the convenience of roundtrip travel within the States. Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises operate this seven-day route. Learn More >

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How To Choose The Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary

Learn how to select which Alaska cruise itinerary is the best based on convenience, adventure, and scenic cruising Alaska’s many beautiful waterways.

With thousands of miles of lush wilderness, glacier-filled fjords and passages, raffish outposts and towns, choosing the best Alaska cruise itinerary is tough. Luckily, you’ll have loads of options with our award-winning Alaska itineraries and our ships sized just right to navigate narrow inlets and to experience Alaska grandeur comfortably.

It all depends what’s most important to you—convenience, adventure, or specific scenery. Whatever you decide to see and do, you’ll have an incredible time.

Here are some factors to consider when picking the best cruise to Alaska.

Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary For Convenience

7-day round-trip cruises to alaska.

If you want to view Alaska’s natural splendors, but don’t have more than a week or so consider seven-day cruises that depart Seattle or Vancouver and return to the same spot. Watch silvery skyscrapers fade into the distance and say hello to fjords, rugged coastlines and blankets of lush temperate rain forests.

A departure from Seattle offers a convenient (and cheaper) city to fly into for U.S. travelers, while Vancouver offers more opportunities to cruise the scenic Inside Passage.

One-Way Alaska Cruises

One-way Alaska itineraries cruise for seven days one-way, northbound or southbound. These offer the flexibility of flying into Alaska and exploring on your own time before or after the cruise. You’ll still spend seven glorious days at sea and will experience more of Alaska’s coast and inlets.

All cruise itineraries stop into fascinating Alaska ports. Our itineraries include stops in iconic Alaska cities such as Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan and some off-the-beaten-path ones, such as stunning Haines and Sitka.

Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary For Adventure

Got time? You can see Alaska’s glacier-filled waters, the majestic Denali, and vast Yukon territory all in one trip. These unique 9- to-14-day Alaska cruises are optimized for adventure but also quite convenient with land transportation via motorcoaches and domed railcars and resort stays as part of the itinerary.

You can take to the seas first or travel by land. All  Alaska Cruisetours  include up to a three-night stay in Denali National Park (single- double- or triple-Denali). One example would be flying to Fairbanks from Seattle, busing to Denali, staying the night at the resort and then cruising from Whittier down to Vancouver, through the Inside Passage and back to Seattle via motorcoach.

Holland America Line is the only cruise line with a Yukon experience. If you dream of following the fascinating route of gold rush stampeders, downing a sourtour cocktail in Dawson City or rafting whitecapped rapids, consider a Denali & Yukon Cruisetour adventure.

Best For Scenic Cruising

Scenic cruising is a day spent gliding through amazing natural or historic waterways. Here are some ideas for choosing the best Alaska cruise itinerary based on what you would most like to see:

Glacier Bay:  Our Alaska cruise itineraries have more options for scenic cruising through Glacier Bay, an ever-changing biosphere. It is only accessible by water or plane, so if you choose an itinerary with Glacier Bay, you’ll experience a remote, serene U.S. National Park that few get to see. Wildlife sightings are frequent and local experts come aboard to offer natural insights and cultural context. Truly unforgettable.

Tracy Arm Fjord:  A fjord of placid, emerald-green water flanked by steep cliffs and old-growth forest. Twin Sawyer glaciers at its terminus frequently dump ice into the water and you may see chubby seals and otters chilling out on floes. You may also spot some Alaska land animals, such as mountain goats, bears, and even wolves.

The Inside Passage:  Protected waters teeming with exciting wildlife that’s just north of Vancouver and winds to southern Alaska.

College Fjord:  Expect to see a lot of fascinating glaciers while scenic cruising College Fjord. The glaciers on the left are named for women’s colleges and those on the right are named for men’s, the result of the 1899 Harriman Expedition with John Muir and other scientists.

Ready to find the best cruise to Alaska for you? Check out  Alaska cruises

VIEW ALL ALASKA CRUISE TIPS, TRAVEL ARTICLE & VIDEOS .

The 9 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler in 2024

Even with a season that only runs from April through October, Alaska draws roughly 40 big cruise ships and dozens of smaller cruise vessels each year, making it one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world after the Caribbean and Europe. The best Alaska cruises range from off-the-beaten-path voyages on vessels carrying fewer than 100 passengers to weeklong jaunts through the Inside Passage aboard megaships that hold thousands.

It can be hard to figure out which cruise ship will deliver your idea of a "bucket list" experience in The Last Frontier. A lot comes down to your travel style, preferences and budget.

Some travelers demand luxury Alaska cruises , while others don't mind going less fancy if it means close encounters with bears and other creatures in the wilderness. Some look for romance, while others want to introduce the kids or grandkids to glaciers and eagles, gold panning and sled dogs.

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

The good news is there's a ship in Alaska for you no matter your taste or style. Here's a beginner's guide to the best Alaska cruises to help you narrow down your choices.

Best for megaresort fans: Ovation of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is known for its floating megaresorts, which carry thousands and are big on amenities, glitz and a certain amount of glamor — think flashy casinos, high-tech shows and lavish spas. Dining and drinking venues number in the dozens, while amusement park features thrill the kids and adrenaline-seekers.

The line always stations one or two Quantum-class ships in Alaska for the season. On the 4,180-passenger Ovation of the Seas, you can order a drink from a robotic bartender, try simulated skydiving or surfing experiences, and take a ride in a glass capsule that travels high above your ship on a mechanical arm — a weird and wonderful way to see the Alaska scenery. Adults can linger in the glass-walled Solarium, relaxing in the indoor pools and whirlpools, while their kids zoom around the SeaPlex in bumper cars.

Ovation of the Seas sails round-trip from Seattle on seven-night cruises, but the exact itinerary varies by week. The ship cruises Endicott Arm for scenic views of Dawes Glacier and typically visits three Alaska ports and Victoria.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Best for land and sea adventures: Koningsdam

Holland America Line has offered Alaska cruises for 75 years and is clearly a market leader. The line tops the list in terms of cruises, as well as cruise tours, which combine time sailing with overnight stays on land. The company operates its own lodges, rail cars and motorcoaches for exploration of Alaska's interior and beyond.

Related: The coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise

The line will send six ships to Alaska in 2024, with tour offerings to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage. However, it's the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam that offers some of the most interesting cruise tour itineraries out there.

The ship offers nine- to 14-night cruise tours that head into the Canadian Yukon, following the route of the Klondike Gold Rush from Alaska to northwestern Canada. You'll sail from Vancouver to Skagway, with a stop in Glacier Bay National Park then travel to Whitehorse and Dawson City in the Yukon before continuing on to Fairbanks (the gateway to Arctic Alaska), Denali National Park (home to North America's largest peak) and Anchorage.

On board, enjoy live music at Billboard Onboard and B.B. King's Blues Club, play a game of pickleball on the outer deck or enjoy fine dining at numerous restaurants serving sushi and Asian cuisine, steak, seafood, Italian fare and Dutch treats.

Best for families: Disney Wonder

If you're traveling with young kids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, make a beeline for Disney Cruise Line and its Alaska-based Disney Wonder. The ship has an extensive children's program, high-quality entertainment, and such activities as water slides and play areas.

Cabins are designed with families in mind and include split bathrooms (one with a toilet and sink, the other with a shower/tub combo and sink), as well as sofabeds and bunks to sleep four in a cabin. Disney-themed restaurants and attentive wait staff take the stress out of family mealtimes.

Bonus: Everyone's favorite Disney characters will be on board for shows and meet-and-greets. Goofy might even make an appearance as you admire soaring eagles, blue icebergs and glaciers.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Best value Alaska cruise: Radiance of the Seas

When cruise lines send a fleet of ships to Alaska for the summer, the older, smaller ships tend to offer more reduced prices than you'll find on the lines' larger and newer ships.

Royal Caribbean's 20-year-old ship Radiance of the Seas mainly sails weeklong, one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, with prices below $100 per person, per night, for inside and outside cabins on many departures.

However, its late-season September 2024 sailing from Seward to Vancouver is the cheapest Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise of the season. At the time of this guide's posting, it started at just $456 per person for an inside cabin. (Generally, you'll find better deals from April to early June and in September than you will in the height of summer.)

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

The ship might not have all the crazy attractions of its Alaska counterpart Ovation of the Seas, but it still offers kids clubs, outdoor movies, indoor adults-only solarium, rock-climbing wall, themed parties and multiple dining venues — making it a great value for the price.

If you're looking for other surefire ways to save, inside and ocean-view cabins are often much cheaper than balcony cabins on Alaska cruises. Those private verandas are highly desirable, with everyone seeking views of the wilderness, snow-capped peaks and glaciers. As those reserves get low, the prices tend to get higher.

Bargain seekers should either book early for these accommodations or choose inside, outside or guarantee cabins (where you don't pick your room location) to save more.

Best for Alaskan adventure: Wilderness Legacy

If adventure is what you crave on an Alaska cruise, you should seek out the small ships of UnCruise Adventures. All of the line's itineraries boast an active component, but its "Wild, Woolly and Wow" itinerary claims to be "the most active back country itinerary" of UnCruise's 2024 Alaska cruises.

A day aboard the 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy might start out with a hike to a glacial lake followed by an early-evening kayak adventure in Thomas Bay. Or, you might enjoy a bit of scenic cruising by LeConte Glacier (where the big ships don't go) then continue the fun with hiking and biking the trails of Ideal Cove. Guided skiff tours will take guests in search of Alaskan wildlife in remote bays and secret coves.

Big ships can only offer deckside viewing of the marvels of Glacier Bay, but UnCruise Adventures sends its ships to the rarely visited outback. In Fern Harbor, Dundas Bay or No Name Cove, passengers can get up close to the natural wonders with birding expeditions, paddleboarding, beach walks, and more hiking and kayaking.

The seven-night itinerary sails round trip from Juneau.

Best for multigenerational groups: Discovery Princess

Alaska has become a hot spot for multigenerational family travel, with grandparents taking their kids and grandkids of all ages on a memory-making holiday. Princess Cruises is a line that offers something for everyone, and its Alaska-based Discovery Princess is our top choice for family reunion groups.

The two-year-old Discovery Princess sails round trip to Alaska from Seattle, a convenient U.S. home port for families to fly or drive to. Its "North to Alaska" program will delight kids with sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, and lure their parents and grandparents with local seafood on restaurant menus and onboard cultural programming with Alaska residents.

While the kids enjoy Discovery Princess' spacious children's and teens' clubs, the adults might linger over a craft cocktail or enjoy a massage in the onboard spa. The family can come together for meals in a variety of casual and fine dining restaurants, and enjoy original production shows as the ship sails between ports.

Best for luxury lovers: Seabourn Odyssey

If you envision sipping Champagne as you watch a glacier thunderously calve into the sea, consider booking an all-inclusive luxury cruise on a Seabourn ship.

The 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey throws a dash of adventure into its luxurious surroundings. In addition to offering passengers complimentary Champagne and caviar and housing them in spacious suites, the ship boasts an onboard expedition team and does a posh version of expedition cruising in Alaska, using inflatable Zodiac craft and kayaks.

Seabourn calls its program Ventures by Seabourn. Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team. They lead the outdoor activities and provide passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska. Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in gourmet cuisine in multiple restaurants, enjoy a complimentary cocktail or relax in an upscale spa.

Seabourn Odyssey sails both one-way itineraries between Vancouver and Juneau and round-trip itineraries from Vancouver. It visits popular Alaska ports like Ketchikan and Sitka, as well as less-touristed destinations like Wrangell, Prince Rupert (a port city in Canada) and Rudyerd Bay. Note that the ship is departing the cruise line after its Alaska season, so this is your last chance to sail on the elegant cruise ship.

Related: The 4 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best for off-the-beaten-path travel: National Geographic Quest

If you're looking to get away from the mega-cruise-ship crowds, the best Alaska cruise for you might be with Lindblad Expeditions. The 100-passenger National Geographic Quest (and its twin, National Geographic Venture) frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in Alaska on weeklong itineraries between Juneau and Sitka.

Guests can explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or search for orca and humpback whales in Frederick Sound. Lindblad has special permits to bring passengers into the wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the Tongass National Forest, beyond what the big ships can offer. A hike on Chichagof Island is the perfect opportunity to spot bald eagles in the wild.

One day is even dedicated to serendipitous exploration. The ship's captain has the flexibility to seek out the best remote islands and bays for beachcombing, tide pooling, hiking and kayaking adventures.

As long as you don't mind a mellower environment where lectures and impromptu guitar singalongs replace casinos and show productions, you'll be right at home as you deeply experience coastal Alaska.

Best for solo travelers: Norwegian Bliss

Solo travelers don't always have to pay double to cruise Alaska on their own. Several ships feature cabins designed and priced for one. Several Norwegian Cruise Line ships feature cozy studio cabins designed and priced for one person, and the 4,004-passenger Norwegian Bliss offers 82 solo rooms on its round-trip Seattle cruises to Alaska.

These solo cabins get our vote because they're located in a complex where a private lounge encourages mingling. Lone travelers can also meet their shipmates while waiting to hop into a race care on the ship's go-kart track, at a showing of "Jersey Boys" or over a muddled drink at the Sugarcane Mojito Bar.

The ship sails seven-night cruises from Seattle, visiting Dawes Glacier, Sitka and Icy Strait Point, as well as Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia.

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Best Alaska Cruise Itineraries

Last updated: August 14th, 2023

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The best Alaska cruise itineraries offer plenty of opportunities to sightsee magnificent glaciers, spot exotic wildlife, and engage in outdoor adventure. With stops in vibrant cities and former gold rush boomtowns, there’s no shortage of exciting Alaska cruises to embark on.

If you’re considering a vacation to the Last Frontier, here are some of the best itineraries tailored to the type of experience you’re looking for.

Best Alaska Cruises For Families

Whale-watching in Alaska

An Alaska cruise with kids (or older teens) offers plenty of adventures for the whole family to enjoy, such as whale watching and kayaking next to waterfalls.

While all of our Alaska itineraries have port stops and excursions that make for a great family cruise , it’s a good idea to research each port of call before deciding which cruise will be the best match for your family.

Find a cruise itinerary that stops in Ketchikan during the end of summer or beginning of fall in Alaska , when you’ll be able to witness a dramatic salmon run. Kids will be in awe when they spot massive amounts of salmon coming in from the ocean and swimming and leaping upstream in the river, where bears and other wildlife are waiting to feast.

Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau, Alaska

During a stop in Juneau , you can take the family up the Mount Roberts Tramway, visit a one-eyed bald eagle, and go on a kid-friendly hike up the mountainside for incredible views from above.

White Pass & Yukon Railroad in Skagway, Alaska

In Skagway , kids will be delighted to go on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Alaska. Built during the Gold Rush era, this stunning route travels over mountain passes and through gorgeous valleys, climbing almost 3,000 feet above water.

Enjoy the scenery while aboard the vintage passenger train, or for some extra family-friendly fun, combine your ride with an excursion to pan for gold.

See Itineraries

Best Cruise Itinerary To Alaska For Couples

Alaska might not be the first destination that comes to mind for couples looking to go on a romantic getaway , but a scenic cruise to Alaska, with its promise of adventure and dreamy landscapes, makes for the perfect couple’s trip.

Seward, Alaska

On a couple’s cruise to Alaska, strengthen your bond on a thrilling shore excursion, take a walk by the harbor, cuddle on your veranda with a cup of hot chocolate, and make memories that will last a lifetime in any of our ports of call.

Situated on the Sitka Sound and surrounded by the Tongass National Rainforest, Sitka is an incredible place for couples and other cruisers to go on nature-filled excursions. Take a kayaking trip around the sound, go on a hike through the rain forest, or explore the quaint seaside town of Sitka, where you can enjoy a salmon bake for lunch, which is a quintessential Alaska food experience.

Watch: Discover Icy Strait Point With Celebrity Cruises

Animal and adventure-loving couples will find their oasis in Icy Strait Point . This unique port of call was developed specifically for cruise ships and serves as a great starting point for shore excursions that show you the wild and rugged side of Alaska.

For thrill-seeking couples, Icy Strait Point’s shore excursions include glacier hikes, sea kayaking, crabbing expeditions, and more. Go on the ZipRider, the longest ZipRider in the world, where you’ll be able to see stunning views of the tall coniferous trees and the sparkling water of the bay below.

Best Cruises To Alaska For Seniors

Alaska is the ideal vacation destination for senior cruisers who either want to relax and enjoy the scenery or engage in some outdoor fun.

From the comfort of a veranda stateroom or one of the ship’s outdoor decks, see stunning close-up views of towering glaciers while sipping a mug of hot chocolate, or spot whales in their natural habitat as an onboard naturalist shares interesting facts.

There is a wealth of excursions to choose from in each port of call you stop in. Go on a wine and distillery tour in Victoria, British Columbia , one of the most picturesque cities in North America and a popular destination in our Alaska itineraries.

Board a small boat in Icy Strait Point and explore the pristine waters of Port Frederick, where you’ll search for sea otters, whales, and puffins.

Or soar high above Glacier Bay National Park during a flightseeing tour and spot hemlock forests, waterfalls, and glaciers from a fixed-wing plane.

Watch: The Alaska Railroad

If you have an extra few days, you can venture further inland with a cruisetour . Stay in authentic lodges and marvel at the incredible interior landscapes aboard a luxurious train.

See Alaska cruisetour itineraries

Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary To See Wildlife

One of the biggest draws of taking a cruise to Alaska is the opportunity to spot abundant wildlife in their natural habitat.

Brown bears in Alaska

An Alaska cruise route that stops in Icy Strait Point is sure to appeal to animal lovers. There, you can trek along the famous Trail of the Bears in Spasski River Valley, where you’ll find brown bears, black-tailed deer, and regal bald eagles.

Read: Amazing Animals to See in Alaska

Victoria in British Columbia is considered one of the best places to spot whales in the wild. Climb aboard an eco-friendly zodiac boat and search for migrating orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, and marine birds.

Ketchikan, Alaska

In Sitka, double up and take a guided boat tour through the Sitka Sound, where you’ll see a number of marine wildlife including porpoises and harbor seals, and later visit the Alaska Raptor Center, a facility where injured eagles and other birds of prey are rehabilitated and then released back into the wild.

Alaska Cruise Itineraries From Seattle

Alaska cruises departing from Seattle typically last seven nights and feature stops in five ports of call: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria, and Seattle.

These itineraries also include a cruising day through Alaska’s Endicott Arm Fjord, a 30-mile-long stretch full of natural beauty, that ends at the gorgeous Dawes Glacier. Step out into your veranda or head up to one of the ship’s outdoor decks and be soothed by the granite Alaskan mountains , cascading waterfalls, drifting icebergs, and spectacular glaciers.

During a round-trip Alaska cruise from Seattle , you’ll also sail through the Inside Passage, a maze of fjords and bays home to a number of animals including bald eagles, sea lions, and whales.

Top Alaska Cruises From Vancouver

There are a number of different Alaska itineraries that depart from Vancouver. If you don’t have many vacation days to spare, you can choose a shorter itinerary that lasts five nights. If you have a little bit more time, pick a seven- to nine-night itinerary that visits a number of different ports including Ketchikan , Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka, depending on your journey.

Most cruises from Vancouver to Alaska also sail to Hubbard Glacier, allowing you to witness its majestic beauty from up close. Nicknamed the “galloping glacier,” Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America and one of the few that is still actively thickening and not receding.

Read: Round-Trip Alaska Cruise From Vancouver

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

On a cruise to Hubbard Glacier, you’ll witness one of its thunderous calving displays, which occurs when huge blocks of ice (some as tall as a two-story building) fall off from its exterior and crash into the water below.

Alaska Cruise Itineraries From Seward

Alaska cruises from Seward sail south and end in Vancouver, British Columbia. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you’ll interact with wildlife and learn more about the region’s unique habitat.

Southbound cruises from Seward visit a number of exciting Alaskan ports, including the historic mining town of Skagway; Icy Strait Point, where you can sign up for fun outdoor adventures; and Ketchikan, where you’ll see one of the world’s largest collections of indigenous totem poles.

Extend your vacation with one of our Alaska cruisetours, which last from 9 to 13 nights and combine a 7-night cruise with a few days on land in destinations including Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali.

Visit the cosmopolitan city of Anchorage, then stop in the picturesque town of Talkeetna, where you’ll be surrounded by Denali, the tallest peak in North America. Experience hiking in Alaska up the trails of the Denali National Park or go on a river rafting adventure down the Nenana River.

Gift shop in Talkeetna

Book Your Alaska Cruise

Find the Alaska cruise that matches your interests and timeframe by browsing all of our Alaska cruise itineraries on our website . The best staterooms and suites on Alaska cruises sell out quickly, so don’t delay booking your cruise adventure to Alaska.

Related Itineraries

Alaska Southbound Glacier

• 7 nights ON CELEBRITY SUMMIT
• DEPARTING FROM SEWARD, ALASKA
• Starting from $234 USD

Alaska Northbound Glacier

• DEPARTING FROM VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
• Starting from $336 USD

Alaska Dawes Glacier

• 6 nights ON CELEBRITY EDGE
• Starting from $688 USD

Alaska Hubbard Glacier

• 7 nights ON CELEBRITY SOLSTICE
• Starting from $699 USD
• Starting from $750 USD
• 7 nights ON CELEBRITY EDGE
• DEPARTING FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
• Starting from $8127 USD

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ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

Alaska cruises.

Adventure comes first on the last frontier.

No vacation 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 dogsled 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.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals

Want more time to plan the adventure of a lifetime? Our 2024 Alaska sailings are now open.

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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. 

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.

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.

JOURNEY TO "THE GREAT ONE"

In the center 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 vacation.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

RELEASE YOUR WILD SIDE ON THE BEST ALASKA CRUISE

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. 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.

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-favorite Flowrider®* and unparalleled views from every room.

EXPLORE MORE

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

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 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 elevators, 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.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling.

The best time to travel to Alaska depends on your priorities. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

No two days will be the same, and you'll need to pack your clothing to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day. Think layers: zip-up sweaters, boots, rain jackets.

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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 tales — unreliable yarns 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 flavor.

SALMON IS CENTRAL

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

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.

GO WILD FOR BERRIES

Alaskan wild berries are sweet and pack a powerful punch of flavor. Whether served up in jams, candies, 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.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Inside Passage, Canada

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Seward, Alaska

Related Destinations

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Which Alaska Itinerary Is Best: Planning The Perfect Cruise

Planning an Alaskan cruise can be challenging. Who should you sail with, which ports to visit and which Alaska cruise itinerary is best? In this guide to cruising Alaska , I’ll compare the itineraries so you can find the one that works for you.

That decision depends on many factors, like if you’re cruising with children, whether you’re prone to motion sickness, the length of your journey, and whether you prefer small ships or larger vessels.

No matter which Alaska itinerary you choose, the voyage will captivate you with its rustic towns, beautiful national parks, and indigenous cultures.

Cruises to Alaska sail from late April to early October, with July and August being the prime months. With so few weeks to sail, you should book early, so you research ports of call and decide on shore excursions.

In contrast to a Caribbean cruise, an Alaska cruise can experience vastly different weather.

Choosing The Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary For You

Here are some factors to consider when deciding on an Alaskan cruise.

• How much time do you have? Most cruises are seven days, but you can see more on a longer itinerary. If you’re on a budget, there are cruises under seven days, but they don’t generally visit a glacier.
• Some cruises don’t visit a glacier or fjord. If that’s important to you, find one that goes to Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, or one of the fjords.
• Do you have a preferred debarkation port? Many Americans prefer to fly to Seattle because it’s a domestic flight.
• Do you want to see Denali? If so, you’ll need to book a cruise tour.

• If you prefer big ships, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line’s mega-ships only sail from Seattle , Washington.
• Is it essential to cruise with fewer children? If so, choose a cruise line that caters to adults. Alternatively, select a sailing in the off-season when the kids are in school.
• Do you suffer from motion sickness?
• Do you want a roundtrip itinerary or prefer a one-way, which cruises further north?

Inside Passage Alaska Cruises For Motion Sickness

If you suffer from motion sickness, picking an Alaska cruise can be tricky. Ideally, you’ll want to select one that sails the inside passage.

Most inside passage cruises depart from Vancouver, British Columbia, but you may find a few sailings from Seattle, Washington.

Those residing in California might want to fly to a northern embarkation port than take a roundtrip itinerary from San Francisco.

Since cruising the Pacific Coastal often experiences rough seas, a shortened cruise from Seattle or Vancouver is preferable to one from the southern United States. However, you’ll have to add an airline ticket.

Once you’ve chosen a sailing, select a mid-ship stateroom on one of the lower decks. Newer ships may experience less motion than older vessels. Travel with motion sickness medication and know how to prevent it.

Since cruise lines build new vessels with the latest technology, their stabilizers can minimize the motion of rougher waters.

Not only do inside passage cruises offer smoother sailings, but they are more picturesque too. 

Since you sail between Vancouver Island and the mainland, you’ll enjoy views of smaller islands and lush rainforests.

Best Cruise Itineraries To See Alaska Glaciers

Glacier Bay Vs. Hubbard Glacier , that question gets asked again and again. There’s no right or wrong answer here. It really depends on the experience you’re looking for.

Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site, and for a good reason. The national park exudes a natural beauty that’s hard to describe.

An itinerary to Glacier Bay includes multiple glaciers such as John Hopkins, Margerie, Lamplugh, and Grand Pacific. 

Your captain will decide which glaciers to approach, and that decision may be dependent on weather, ice, and time.

Select cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Cunard have a naturalist onboard. Throughout the trip, they will give lectures on the glaciers, flora, fauna, and Alaska ports.

If you want a naturalist, make sure you book with a line that provides one.

Only two large cruise ships a day can enter the park and must be accompanied by a park ranger. The scenic cruising lasts hours and often includes a commentary on the landscape, wildlife, and history. 

Princess Cruises, Holland America, and other selected lines offer these coveted itineraries. In contrast, a  cruise to Hubbard  in Disenchantment Bay allows you to see North America’s largest calving glacier.

How immense is Hubbard Glacier? It’s seven miles wide and won’t fit in a photograph.

Unlike most North American glaciers, it’s advancing, providing the best calving action. Its colossal face drops apartment-sized icebergs into the bay, creating small tidal waves.

As the ice breaks off the terminus, the wall reveals stunning blue and aqua shades.

Is The Fjord Experience A Better Option?

Cruising through a fjord is quite different. The narrow passage has steep granite walls, often filled with mist and shadowed sunlight. 

Those granite cliffs adorned with moss boast cascading waterfalls as high as 1,000 feet. If you prefer to cruise a fjord, College, Tracy Arm, and Endicott are your choices. 

While College Fjord offers multiple glaciers named after famous colleges, it’s only available on a one-way itinerary to the Gulf of Alaska.

Both Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm are further south and included in itineraries from Vancouver, Seattle, and California.  Tracy Arm Fjord  contains two glaciers at the end of the 48 km fjord.

Larger cruise ships only have access to South Sawyer Glacier, as North Sawyer or Sawyer Glacier has retreated, making the passage too narrow.

In late April and early May, ice often blocked the passage of cruise ships. So, if you’re planning an Alaska cruise in the month of May , choose a sailing at the end of the month.

Adjacent to Tracy Arm, Endicott Arm provided a straightened route to Dawes Glacier. Like Tracy Arm, it can have ice early in the season.

Vessels that cruise to Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm usually do so on the day they dock in Juneau. 

Since the city and fjords are part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Area, it makes sense to visit both on the same day. 

However, you’ll have a shortened stop in Juneau by including both on the same day. 

One-way itineraries and very selected cruises include TWO days of cruising to a glacier(s). It may take some searching to find them on a 7-day cruise.

Return Or One-Way, Which Itinerary Is Best?

If you reside in Seattle or Vancouver, you may lean toward a roundtrip cruise itinerary which requires no airfare. Although, a return Alaska cruise can only sail so far before returning to its embarkation port.

Cruises that go one-way, or Gulf of Alaska cruises, sail further north but require a flight to get home. These one-way cruises may include College Fjord, Valdez, Kodiak Island, and either Seward or Whittier.

If you want to sail further but don’t want to fly, a 14-day back-to-back cruise allows you to see College Fjord, Prince William Sound, and spend a day in Anchorage before making the return journey.

But, most of these Alaska itineraries repeat the same cruise ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.

Repositioning cruises that sail between Vancouver and Asia follow the Gulf of Alaska route and provide stops in Alaska, Japan, and other Asian nations.

Should you choose a one-way itinerary, it’s best to add on a land tour.

What Are My Options For Land Tours?

While many cruise lines offer cruise and land tours, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises do it best.

Holland recently celebrated 75 years of sailing to Alaska, while Princess has offered itineraries since the 1960s.

Princess has five wilderness lodges; Copper River, Mount McKinley, Denali, Fairbanks Riverside, and Kenai Wilderness Lodge.

Their domed railcars provide a ship-to-lodge transfer with unobstructed views of the pristine landscape.

Holland America, like Princess, has a domed luxury train called the McKinley Explorer. It takes guests to the McKinley Chalet Resort, a gateway to Denali National Park.

The park encompasses six million acres of wilderness, home to unique Alaskan wildlife. If you want an Alaska itinerary with a chance to see wildlife, you must visit Denali.

Cruise and land tours start at 9 days and go up to 18 days, with an option to begin or end in Fairbanks or Anchorage.

The longer itineraries visit more places such as Kenai, Talkeetna, Alyeska (Girdwood), Copper River, Whitehorse (Yukon), and Dawson City (Yukon).

Selected itineraries combine the Canadian Rockies with an Alaska cruise. These packages include luxury accommodations at the Fairmont Hotels in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper.

After visiting first-class destinations such as Moraine Lake and the Columbia Icefields, you board the Rocky Mountaineer Train for an unbelievable rail journey to join your cruise ship in Vancouver.

This itinerary checks off many bucket list places from Anchorage to Lake Louise, Alberta.

Do Smaller Ships Have Better Itineraries?

Cruising on a small ship has advantages and disadvantages. So, it’s best to decide what works for you. Small vessels can dock in towns not accessible by larger ships.

Luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Viking, or Windstar Cruises often offer these itineraries. Pricing may be a significant factor in choosing itineraries with these cruise lines.

If you opt to go on a small vessel, you’ll benefit from a longer itinerary with more unusual ports of call.

On an extended journey, you could visit Valdez, Prince Rupert, Kodiak Island, Wrangell, Petersburg, Point Adolphus, or Kenai.

These itineraries provide an intimate experience and may include shore excursions that travel into more remote wilderness areas.

In contrast, mega-ships like the Norwegian Bliss and RCI’s Ovation of the Seas are about the onboard experience, not the itinerary. If you’re looking for the best cruise line to Alaska and traveling with kids, the ship may be more critical than the itinerary.

Best Alaska Cruise Itineraries For Port Days

When reviewing the port days, most vessels stop at Juneau (the capital), Ketchikan, and Skagway. Should you choose a cruise longer than seven days, there will be more stops.

Most seven days itineraries have three port days, although a few have four. Quantity isn’t necessarily better. The best cruise itineraries provide the longest hours in Alaskan ports.

So, if you opt for more ports, you could end up with port spots of just four or five hours.

Should you book a Norwegian ship, your vessel with dock in Ward Cove, outside Ketchikan. You will need a shuttle to reach downtown, which cuts into your port day.

Let’s examine the most common ports and see which ones appeal to you.

Juneau, The Capital

Being the capital city, Juneau offers the greatest selection of tours and excursions. If you haven’t had your fill of glaciers, hop on a  shuttle to see Mendenhall Glacier, part of the Juneau Icefields.

If the salmon are running, black bears often stroll Steep Creek in search of a tasty meal.

Operators often package Mendenhall with a whale-watching tour. In May, humpback whales migrate to Alaska to feed, and tours will guarantee sightings.

For those without a budget,  dog sledding on an icefield and flightseeing by helicopter are top shore excursions. 

Book early because these bucket list adventures sell out more than six months in advance.

In town, you’ll want to stop by the Red Dog Saloon, which has the iconic saloon doors. Its most famous drink on the menu is a “duck fart.”

If you’re hungry, head over to Tracy’s Crab Shack, where the lineup is long, and the prices are high. But you’re in Alaska, so you have to eat King crab!

As the salmon capital of the world, anglers can test their skills at catching fish in Ketchikan Creek. Ketchikan has an interesting history revealed at Dolly’s House Museum on Creek Street.

Built on stilts, Ketchikan’s Creek Street provides a lovely stroll on a warm day. Its shops and boutique are one-of-a-kind and not the same chains found in other cruise destinations.

Be warned because Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in North America, with an average rainfall of over 141 inches! 

So, pack a waterproof jacket (even in summer) because the sunshine may come in liquid form.

The top tour picks in Ketchikan go to the Misty Fjords floatplane excursion and the  crab tour on the Aleutian Ballad.

Typical to fjords, the Misty Fjords National Monument contains steep cliffs surrounded by the lush Tongass Rainforest.

Alternatively, the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour allows you to ride on a vessel featured in the “Deadliest Catch” TV series.

Sitting at the end of Lynn Canal, Skagway offers a fascinating history of the Klondike Gold Rush. Much of the tours center around the Gold Rush and what it took to build the Yukon railroad.

The  White Pass narrow-gauge railway , Skagway Float Tour, and Gold Rush Salmon Bake all focus on the get-rich prospectors who traveled north searching for gold.

Families might enjoy panning for gold, visiting the dog musher’s camp, or taking to the trees on a zip-lining excursion. 

If you prefer to forego a shore excursion, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and local museums document the history of the Gold Rush.

Like Skagway, Sitka is another town with a great history. When the United States purchased Alaska from Russia, the transfer occurred at Sitka (the capital of Alaska at that time). At Castle Hill, you can see where the American flag was raised for the first time.

Sitka is home to St. Michael’s Cathedral, the first Orthodox Catholic Church in North America. While it may seem ordinary on the outside, the inside contains some extraordinary religious artwork.

So, if you want to see wildlife, Sitka is the better choice. The  Fortress of the Bear refuge rescues orphaned bears, and the Alaska Raptor Center houses injured birds of prey and returns them to the wild when possible.

Sitka is also home to a large population of otters. Once almost hunted to extinction, the protected species has grown in numbers, and you can enjoy them on an otter tour.

Icy Strait Point

Located on Chichagof Island, Icy Strait Point is the ideal stop for those who love nature. Unlike the other ports, there is no real town here. Hoonah, a native village, is a mile away.

While the Huna Totem Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line are still developing Icy Strait, this port best suits those willing to pay for excursions. Wheelchair users won’t find this port very accessible.

While Icy Strait Point offers many things to do, the tours are unique. For thrill-seekers, Icy Strait features one of the largest ZipRiders globally. 

Alternatively, it’s one of the best places to go whale watching because of its location close to Glacier Bay National Park.

Best Itineraries To See Alaska Wildlife

Alaska cruises don’t offer any guarantees of seeing wildlife. While whales are prolific during the Alaska cruise season, you’ll want to keep your binoculars handy to look for them.

Cruise ships sail in the deepest waters, and whales feed close to land. Viewing from a large vessel is different from taking a smaller boat tour.

So, regarding wildlife, consider selecting an itinerary with these towns to increase your odds of spotting big game.

Whales –  Juneau and Icy Strait Point offer the best places to see whales on a tour. You may see harbor seals, sea lions, and eagles too.

Harbor Seals  – Tracy Arm Fjord in late May/early June or Hubbard Glacier.

Bald Eagles  – The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour in Ketchikan (you’ll enjoy them in a natural setting) or the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka.

Caribou  – Denali National Park.

Bears  – Steep Creek at Mendenhall Glacier when the salmon are running, a bear-watching tour on Chichagof Island, an excursion to Katmai National Park, and the Fortress of the Bear in Sitka. 

Also, keep the binoculars handy in Glacier Bay as bears often scour the shoreline for food.

You don’t usually see bears early in the season. They tend to stay in the higher areas when they come out of hibernation. Later in the summer, they move to lower ground to feed.

Sea Otters  – An otter tour in Sitka offers the best chance to see these playful creatures.

When’s The Best Time To See The Northern Lights?

If seeing the northern lights is on your bucket list, it’s essential to know that if you travel during the optimum time, there’s no guarantee to see them.

The Aurora Borealis is unpredictable, but here’s what you can do to increase your chances of observing it.

Book an itinerary late in the season, like late September and October, and add on a land tour. If land tours aren’t available, consider planning your own land itinerary.

On land, travel inland to Denali, Fairbanks, or an area away from light pollution. Then, check the Aurora Borealis forecast online to see the best chance for viewing.

Choosing the best Alaska cruise itinerary and cruise line comes down to personal choice. What’s right for one person may be different from the correct one for you.

Some may prefer a longer cruise on an expedition vessel like UnCruise or National Geographic. You may be limited in time and need a smoother route.

Don’t overthink it; go with what feels right. Once you arrive in Alaska, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to visit.

Tuesday 2nd of January 2024

Fantastic coverage Karen. I thank you so very much. You’ve answered so many questions my husband and I have had. Your descriptions, suggestions and broad coverage of many varieties of details are amazing. We live in Ontario and would fly to Vancouver to do a longer cruise 12 or more days to see so much variety. We’re big outdoor hikers and reading your descriptions are motivating. We’ve wondered how much difference we would see and experience with a few days at a Denali stay? I know there was a rock landslide a while ago that might prevent the train reaching that area if you’re aware of that at all?

We like travelling with Princess and love your observations about their services, care and specific details.

Any further info , suggestions etc you have personally we would love to hear about. We are active 71 year old retired school Principals looking to have experiences of a lifetime.🤩

Thank you for your well covered information.

Karen Hosier

Kim, due to a rock slide, Denali is close beyond mile 43 for another 2-1/2 years. Visitors go to Denali to see wildlife such as bears and moose. If you live in Ontario, it might not be important to you.

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Alaska Cruise Routes: The True Best Alaskan Cruise Routes

There are over 34,000 miles of tidal shoreline in Alaska just waiting for you to discover. Sure, Alaska cruise routes might vary from company to company, but the views are anything but inconsistent.

Glaciers lurk between the shadows of rugged mountain peaks. Lakes glisten with the amber glow of approaching dusk. Fjords, dense with rainforest, tunnel their way inland towards sheets of ice as clear as glass.

And above it all, watching in silent contemplation, stands   Mt. McKinley , North America’s highest peak.

Of course, that’s just the topography.

Wildlife and Soul

It really doesn’t matter which one of the Alaska cruise routes you opt for, the wildlife always astounds. Humpback whales share the waters with Pacific white-sided dolphins,   salmo n shark , and   Beluga . In harbors dotted across the Alaskan coast, sea lions, otters, and seals hunt, laze, and frolic.

Bears lumber from the forested coastline in search of berries, trout, and other tasty treats. Caribou, elk, and moose throw wary eyes at packs of roaming gray wolves. Dall sheep share the highlands with over 300 varieties of nesting birds.

Alaska Cruise Routes 

Which is all well and good, but it does present a would-be traveler with a problem. With so much to see and do, fitting everything in is close to impossible.

Choosing the right trip is, indeed, no easy task. The list of available Alaska cruise routes is not small. Cost, time, and starting location all play their part in the final decision.

But it’s just as essential to get a feel for the lay of the land before making a decision. A checklist of must-see attractions helps narrow down choices. For some, wildlife sightings are a priority. Others might set their hearts on specific locales such as a trip to the State Capitol   Juneau  or a visit to the   Hubbard Glacier .

Always the journey

So with sea sickness patches ordered and thermal underwear packed, a simple choice presents itself. Should you book a round trip or begin your journey in Alaska?

Flying into Whittier, Seward, or the state capital allows for a seven-day cruise down to Vancouver, stopping off at several choice locations without treading old ground.

Round trips allow for more extended rest periods and offer increased flexibility. With these more circuitous Alaska cruise routes, travel from anywhere on the west coast is possible. Still, Vancouver, Seattle, and San Fransisco remain the most popular points of embarkation.

Never the destination

There is no such thing as a definitive list of things to see and do on a trip to Alaska. Not every cruise has time to stop at every single location.

Even so, you might be surprised by how much the cruise operators manage to fit in, even on a short cruise. There are, after all, some sights that pretty much everyone is going to want to see.

The Inside Passage 

The Inside Passage is a coastal route that weaves between the islands of the Pacific North West. Steaming north from Vancouver or Seattle, the course takes you through some truly stunning scenery.

Glacier-carved fjords flanked by pristine forest rest against a background of snow-capped mountains. Untouched islands drift by as bald eagles soar above cliffs of towering granite sprinkled with waterfalls, coves, and bays. There’s a reason that almost every single one of the Alaska cruise routes on the market spends at least some part of the journey here.

It takes about two days to cross this stretch of water, and a stopover at   Ketchikan  is the norm on most routes, although some ships take you to   Prince Rupert  first.

Juneau 

All but the most bespoke of Alaska cruise routes anchor at the state capital of   Juneau  at least once per journey. Here, travelers can indulge in some fine dining, go on the fishing trip of a lifetime,shop, whale-watch, and perhaps even brave the   tramway  up to Mount Roberts.

Topping most peoples lists, though, is a tour of the breathtaking   Mendenhall Glacier,  located just 13 miles away from downtown.

Skagway 

Not all Alaska cruise routes make a pit stop at   Skagway , a town with a population of just 1,100, that is situated some 100 miles north of Juneau. The rarity of visitations is something of a pity really; the rich history of the area makes for a pleasant contrast with the hustle of modernity.

Here, many of the gold rush-era buildings remain. A stroll down this town takes you back to the pioneering days of the 19th century in ways few other places can.

Glacier Bay 

West of Juneau sits a 65-mile long fjord that marks the outer age of the 3.3 million acres   Glacier Bay  national park. Fed by over a dozen tidewater glaciers and flanked by the world’s highest   coastal mountain  range, the fjord is a sight to behold indeed.

Restrictions on the size and number of cruise ships allowed to steam through the area mean that many cruises bypass it altogether. If scenery is your thing, it might be best to book yourself on one of the Alaska cruise routes allowed passage.

Kodiak Island 

For most cruises, Kodiak Island is just a little too far off the beaten track to warrant a visit. To get there, you need to sail northwest, past the College Fjord, then west, across Anchorage and the seaside village of   Seward .

Kodiak Island is generally the last stop of any round trip and the most westerly point of most cruises. For that reason, cruises that include a visit to the home of the largest  land carnivore  on the planet tend to be longer than most. A round trip from Vancouver or Seattle generally lasts 12 to 14 days.

The Best Alaska Cruise Routes 

Of course, these are just some of the highlights that help make up any one of dozens of Alaska cruise routes. Planning a trip should never feel like a game of Tetris — things should just fit into place automatically. At least, that’s the theory. It’s often trickier than it might at first seem.

Fortunately,   Cruise Critic  can help with that. Selecting Alaska as a destination allows you to filter results tailored to your own needs. You can choose cruise lengths, departure location, and even indicate which ports of call you want to make.

Once that is settled, all you need to do is peruse any one of the hundreds of Alaska cruise routes listed on the site.

San Fransico round trip 

The trip from the  Golden Gates to Alaska and back  takes only 11 days. Reaching Juneau on day four, this Princess cruise makes stops at Skagway then passes across Glacier Bay before arriving at Sitka. From there, the ship sails South to picturesque Victoria before heading back to San Francisco.

Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier 

The Vancouver to Seward journey is a great way to take in as much of what Alaska has to offer in the shortest possible time. Vancouver is, after all, only one day’s sail from the Inside Passage.

A pause at   Ket c hikan  — the salmon capital of the world no less — allows you to stretch your legs before you head deeper into the Alaskan hinterland. Making its way past the Icy Strait Point, the cruise stops at Juneau, Skagway, and then up to the spectacular Hubbard Glacier.

The last leg of the trip takes you to the charming town of Seward, one of Alaska’s oldest communities. And from there, you can fly back home in comfort.

Seattle to Skagway and back 

Another popular embarkation point, Seattle sits only a little south of Vancouver. Traveling from this point helps to maximize the time spent enjoying Alaska.

An eight-day cruise sees you sail north, reaching Juneau on day three and spending the next two days at Skagway and Glacier Bay respectively. The ship then heads south to Victoria before arriving back in the Emerald City itself.

Longer Cruises 

If you’re lucky, you might be blessed with a little extra time and perhaps a little extra money. If so, a more extended cruise can provide a memorable trip free of the compromise that shorter journeys often demand.

Great Alaskan explorer 

This 14-day journey with   Holland America  begins in Seattle and loops all the way around to Kodiak before heading back via Sitka. Things kick off with a trip through the Inside Passage. While there, you’ll experience the rustic charm of Juneau, the historical nuance of Ketchikan, and the stunning vistas of the Icy Straight.

Thrown into the mix, however, are a few wildcards.

Stopping off at   Homer  for a spot of halibut fishing or a trip to the spa is welcome enough, but you also get to experience the sights and sounds of the state’s most populated city,   Anchorage .

The final leg, a layover at Kodiak Island marks a fitting conclusion to an already incredible trip.

Ultimate glacier and fjord adventure 

The best way to maximize time spent in Alaska is to fly into the state first and then make your way back home the long way around.

Such is the case with Sebourne’s ultimate, 15-night fly-cruise package. Starting from Seward and ending in Seattle, the trip is as close to “all-in” as you’re likely to find. A four-day cruise across some stunning coastline takes you to the Inian Islands, Haines, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan.

But you also get to explore some places most other Alaska cruise routes avoid. The tour includes a visit to the Misty Fjords national monument and an overnight anchorage at the   City of Wrangell .

Later, you’ll stop at the charming village of Klemtu — home of the Kitasoo Native Band — and spend some time in the oldest community on Vancouver Island, the heritage town of   Alert Bay .

Alaska La Vista 

And that’s just for starters.

In truth, there are so many different Alaska cruise routes to choose from that listing them all isn’t possible. Not that it would help all that much if we could do so. Because the trick is to find a cruise that works for you — one that matches your budget and lends itself well to your busy schedule.

By setting yourself some hard parameters, you can take some of the stress out of choosing one route over another. And with that done, all you need to do is climb aboard. Well, that, and take a deep breath.

And prepare yourself for the northern adventure of a lifetime.

I've been everywhere, man. Crossed the deserts bare, man. I've breathed the mountain air, man. Of travel, I've had my share, man. I've been everywhere!

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Alaska Cruises from Vancouver

Take in the scenic inside passage on a roundtrip alaska cruise from vancouver.

Uncover treasures in the Great Land on an Alaska cruise from Vancouver. Relive Gold Rush history, experience Native Alaskan culture and come face-to-face with some of Mother Nature’s greatest masterpieces. On a roundtrip Inside Passage cruise, enjoy quicker access to Alaska while also exploring the friendly ports of British Columbia.

Itinerary Ports

When you cruise to Alaska from Vancouver, encounter unique ports of call that are rich in history, culture and natural beauty.

• Endicott Arm
• Glacier Bay National Park
• Hubbard Glacier
• Icy Strait Point

Endicott Arm is a jewel in Alaska’s crown. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska.

When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park.

The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. See it for yourself on an Alaska cruise with Princess.

Icy Strait Point is home to the remote Tlingit village of Hoonah, home to fewer than 800 people and a deep Native history. The nearby Spasski River Valley holds one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears, who are often found hunting for salmon in the rivers. Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation.

Juneau is unlike any other city in the United States. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.

Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska.

On an Alaska cruise, take your pick of attractions in the port of Sitka. See how bald eagles and local bird populations receive first-class treatment at the Alaska Raptor Center. Encounter wildlife in their natural habitat at the Fortress of the Bear. Or experience the culture of Russian Alaska on a visit to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, and relive Native history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.

Canada's third largest city feels like a North American metropolis mixed with a small European town. Explore the rainforest within Vancouver, B.C. — Stanley Park — and visit the continent's second largest Chinatown during your Alaska cruise vacation. Soar above the city's lush natural environment in a sky gondola for panoramic views, or get up close to the local sea life at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Why Choose This Itinerary?

Discover the top reasons to cruise to Alaska from Vancouver.

• Glacier Viewing  — Alaska’s glaciers were meant to be admired. That’s why every Alaska cruise from Vancouver includes at least one glacier viewing experience to either Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier.
• Three Historic Ports of Call  — Fish for salmon in Ketchikan, pan for gold in Skagway or fly over snow-capped mountains in Juneau. Relive Alaska’s greatest tales in these spirited ports of call on an Inside Passage cruise.
• Convenient Roundtrip Air Travel  — On a roundtrip cruise to Alaska from Vancouver, enjoy easier travels to and from your cruise vacation with the opportunity for even more adventure before you set sail or after your trip ends.
• A Visit to Vancouver  — From Chinatown to Stanley Park, uncover old-world history amidst new-age living in Vancouver before or after your Alaska cruise.

Ships on this Itinerary

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from our smaller vessels to large ships. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at the glaciers passing by before enjoying local seafood in one of our many eateries during your Alaska cruise.

Caribbean Princess®

Coral Princess®

Grand Princess®

Ruby Princess®

Sapphire Princess®

Alaska Cruise Experience

We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks.

Alaska Glaciers

One of the biggest reasons people visit

Glaciers feel alive. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Alaska Wildlife

Untamed, just like Alaska

Alaska is home to a rich array of wildlife, from the famous Big Five animals that live in Denali National Park — grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou — to bald eagles and humpback whales that migrate through the Inside Passage. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.

Alaska Mountains & National Parks

National treasures

With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Along with Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

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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