Best Alaska Cruises: Imagine the awe-inspiring sight of a massive glacier calving into the sea, the spray of a humpback whale breaching the surface, and the charming allure of a Gold Rush-era town. This is Alaska, and a cruise is the perfect way to experience its magic. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of the Best Alaska Cruises, from choosing the right cruise line to planning unforgettable shore excursions.
Why Choose an Alaskan Cruise?
Alaska's stunning landscapes, rich Indigenous cultures, and thrilling outdoor excursions make it a top cruise destination. Cruises offer unparalleled access to remote areas like Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, and the Inside Passage, areas often inaccessible by other means. Picture yourself surrounded by towering mountains, pristine forests, and an abundance of wildlife. Popular activities include whale watching, dog sledding, hiking, kayaking, and exploring historic towns like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.
Top Cruise Lines for Alaska
1. Holland America Line – Best for Classic Alaskan Experience
Why Choose It? Holland America Line has been cruising Alaska for over 75 years and offers some of the most immersive experiences.
Best Ships: Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Westerdam, Noordam
Top Itineraries: 7-day Inside Passage from Seattle or Vancouver, 14-day Land+Sea Journeys combining Denali National Park
Standout Features: Onboard naturalists, Alaska-themed culinary experiences, and exclusive Glacier Bay access
2. Princess Cruises – Best for Glacier Bay National Park
Why Choose It? As a top-rated cruise line for Alaska, Princess offers extensive itineraries and exclusive permits to Glacier Bay National Park.
Best Ships: Royal Princess, Discovery Princess, Majestic Princess
Top Itineraries: 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers (Whittier to Vancouver), Inside Passage roundtrip from Seattle
Standout Features: North to Alaska enrichment programs, award-winning shore excursions, and direct rail access to Denali National Park
3. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) – Best for Freestyle Cruising
Why Choose It? NCL provides a laid-back, flexible experience with no formal dining schedules, making it great for families and solo travelers.
Best Ships: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Jewel
Top Itineraries: 7-day Alaska cruises from Seattle or Vancouver, open-jaw options including Seward
Standout Features: Observation lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows, go-kart racing at sea, and spacious balcony staterooms
4. Royal Caribbean – Best for Adventure Seekers
Why Choose It? Royal Caribbean is known for its action-packed ships and exciting shore excursions.
Best Ships: Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas
Top Itineraries: 7-night Alaska Glacier cruises from Seattle or Vancouver
Standout Features: Glass-enclosed North Star observation pod, RipCord skydiving simulator, and youth programs
5. Celebrity Cruises – Best for Luxury & Modern Design
Why Choose It? Celebrity offers a premium experience with top-tier dining, elegant ships, and wellness-focused travel.
Best Ships: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Millennium
Top Itineraries: 7-day Alaska Hubbard Glacier Cruise from Vancouver
Standout Features: Luxurious accommodations, rooftop gardens, and gourmet dining curated by Michelin-star chefs
6. Disney Cruise Line – Best for Families
Why Choose It? Disney’s Alaska cruises combine adventure with world-class entertainment for all ages.
Best Ships: Disney Wonder
Top Itineraries: 7-night Alaska Cruise from Vancouver
Standout Features: Disney-themed shore excursions, Broadway-style shows, and character meet-and-greets
Why Choose It? For those seeking an all-inclusive, intimate cruise, these lines offer smaller ships with high-end service.
Best Ships: Silver Muse, Seabourn Odyssey
Top Itineraries: Expedition-style Alaska cruises exploring remote coves and glaciers
Standout Features: Butler service, gourmet dining, expert-led expeditions
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Main Departure Ports for Alaska Cruises
Alaskan cruises typically depart from several key ports, depending on the cruise line and itinerary:
United States
Seattle, Washington – One of the most popular departure points for roundtrip cruises through the Inside Passage. Common for Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America, and Princess.
San Francisco, California – Some longer itineraries start here, mainly offered by Princess and Carnival.
Los Angeles, California – Less common, but some extended Alaska cruises begin here, especially repositioning cruises.
Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia – A major hub for one-way and roundtrip Alaska cruises, frequently used by Holland America, Celebrity, Princess, and Disney.
Victoria, British Columbia – Occasionally included as a port of call for Seattle-based cruises rather than a departure port.
Alaska (For One-Way Cruises)
Seward, Alaska – Many one-way Gulf of Alaska cruises from major lines like Holland America, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean begin or end here.
Whittier, Alaska – Often used by Princess Cruises for one-way itineraries.
Book A Hotel In Your Departure City:
Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
The Alaska cruise season runs from May to September, with each month offering unique benefits:
May & June: Best for fewer crowds and blooming landscapes
July & August: Warmest weather and peak wildlife viewing
September: Fewer tourists, fall foliage, and potential Northern Lights sightings
Unforgettable Shore Excursions: Experiencing Alaska Up Close
Shore excursions are a vital part of your Alaskan cruise experience. Here are some popular options:
Glacier Trekking and Ice Climbing: Experience the thrill of walking on a glacier and exploring its icy formations.
Whale Watching Tours: Get up close and personal with humpback whales, orcas, and other marine wildlife.
Flightseeing: Soar over glaciers, mountains, and forests for breathtaking aerial views.
Dog Sledding: Mush through the snow with a team of sled dogs (available year-round on some glaciers).
Kayaking and Canoeing: Explore secluded coves and waterways at your own pace.
Wildlife Viewing Tours: Search for bears, eagles, moose, and other Alaskan animals in their natural habitat.
Cultural Experiences: Learn about the rich history and traditions of Alaska's Indigenous cultures.
Gold Rush History Tours: Step back in time and explore the towns and sites that played a role in the Klondike Gold Rush.
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Wildlife Viewing Tips: Increase Your Chances of Encounters
Bring Binoculars: Essential for spotting wildlife at a distance.
Camera with Zoom Lens: Capture stunning photos of Alaskan animals.
Timing is Key: Certain animals are more active at specific times of day or year. Ask your cruise line or excursion operator for advice.
Be Patient: Wildlife viewing requires patience and a keen eye.
Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing animals in their natural habitat.
Packing Tips for Alaska's Unpredictable Weather
Alaska's weather can change quickly, so it's important to pack layers:
Waterproof and Windproof Jacket: Essential for protection from rain and wind.
Fleece or Wool Layers: For warmth in cooler temperatures.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes: For exploring on shore excursions.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: For getting around the ship and ports.
Hat, Gloves, and Scarf: Even in summer, temperatures can be cool, especially near glaciers.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun, even on cloudy days.
Cruisetours (Land & Sea): Exploring Beyond the Coast
Consider a Cruisetour, which combines a cruise with a land tour, to delve deeper into Alaska's interior. These packages often include visits to Denali National Park, where you can witness the majestic Mount McKinley (Denali), and other inland destinations. Cruisetours offer a more comprehensive Alaskan experience, allowing you to explore both the coastal and interior regions.
Choosing the Right Alaska Cruise
Consider the following when selecting your Alaska cruise:
Itinerary: Inside Passage for calmer waters or Gulf of Alaska for more rugged scenery
Ship Size: Larger ships offer more amenities, while smaller ships provide a more immersive experience
Shore Excursions: Look for options like glacier trekking, whale watching, and cultural tours
Budget: Prices range from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury, depending on the cruise line and stateroom type
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Our Alaskan Adventure: A Personal Perspective
Having explored Alaska by cruise multiple times, we can confidently say it's an experience that truly lives up to the hype. From the thrill of spotting humpback whales breaching the surface to the awe-inspiring beauty of glaciers calving into the sea, each voyage has been filled with unforgettable moments. The food, especially the fresh Alaskan seafood, has always been a highlight, and the sheer grandeur of the Alaskan landscape is simply breathtaking. We highly recommend an Alaskan cruise to anyone seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a truly remarkable vacation.
Final Thoughts
An Alaskan cruise is an unforgettable journey through one of the world's most stunning natural landscapes. Whether you choose a family-friendly line like Disney, an adventure-packed voyage with Royal Caribbean, or a luxury escape with Silversea, the right cruise will enhance your experience. Book early for the best deals and itinerary options!
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