Alaska Cruises
Overview
## Alaska Cruises Cruises: Your Complete Destination Guide
Alaska Cruises represents glaciers, wildlife, and wilderness that create bucket-list experiences fundamentally different from tropical cruising. Whether you're a first-time cruiser testing the waters or a veteran seeking your next adventure, this destination delivers experiences that justify its popularity among cruise travelers.
Understanding what makes Alaska Cruises special - and what to expect during your voyage - helps you plan a trip that exceeds expectations rather than falling victim to common pitfalls.
### Why Alaska Cruises Draws Cruise Travelers
Alaska cruises offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of nature's most spectacular displays. Sail through the Inside Passage, watch glaciers calve into the sea, spot humpback whales, and explore charming coastal towns. The journey combines adventure, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery that will create memories lasting a lifetime.
The cruise format works particularly well for Alaska Cruises exploration. Ships handle logistics between destinations while you enjoy the journey. Each port offers distinct character without requiring hotel changes or transportation arrangements. The all-inclusive nature of cruising simplifies budgeting for what might otherwise become an expensive multi-destination trip.
### Best Time to Cruise Alaska Cruises
Timing affects everything from weather to pricing to crowd levels. May through September comprises the entire season, with June-July offering best weather and August providing wildlife opportunities.
Peak season: Higher prices and more crowded ports, but optimal conditions for most activities
Shoulder season: Better value with acceptable weather, fewer tourists in port
Off-peak: Lowest prices and emptiest ports, with weather trade-offs depending on destination
Your flexibility with timing represents one of the most powerful tools for optimizing your Alaska Cruises cruise experience.
### Major Ports of Call
Alaska Cruises cruises typically visit ports including:
Juneau: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
Ketchikan: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
Skagway: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
Glacier Bay: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
Sitka: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
Victoria: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
Icy Strait Point: Each port offers unique experiences worth researching before your sailing. Understanding what makes each stop special helps prioritize your limited time ashore.
Ship itineraries vary significantly - some focus on popular ports while others venture to lesser-known gems. Your priorities for port experiences should influence itinerary selection.
### Alaska Cruises Cruise Highlights
The experiences drawing travelers to Alaska Cruises include:
- Watching glaciers calve
- Spotting whales breaching
- Photographing bears fishing for salmon
- Riding the White Pass Railway
- Exploring totem pole parks
These represent the iconic activities, but countless smaller moments create lasting memories - unexpected encounters with locals, perfect sunset views from deck, and serendipitous discoveries in port.
### Practical Tips for Alaska Cruises Cruisers
Experienced travelers share this hard-won wisdom:
Pack layers regardless of sailing month
Book whale watching and glacier tours in advance
Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing
These insights come from real experiences rather than marketing materials. Following them improves your odds of a smooth, enjoyable voyage.
### Alaska Cruises Cruise Pricing
Cruises to Alaska Cruises start around $599 per person for inside cabins during value season on mainstream cruise lines. Actual pricing depends on:
Cruise line selection: Mainstream lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian) offer the lowest entry points. Premium lines (Celebrity, Princess) cost more for elevated experiences. Luxury lines multiply costs but include more.
Itinerary specifics: Popular ports and longer sailings command higher pricing than repositioning cruises or less-trafficked routes.
Seasonal timing: Peak season dates cost 30-50% more than shoulder or off-peak sailings.
Cabin choice: Moving from inside to balcony adds significant cost but transforms the experience.
### Cruise Lines Serving Alaska Cruises
Several major cruise lines operate extensive Alaska Cruises itineraries:
Royal Caribbean: Known for mega-ships with innovative features, Royal Caribbean offers extensive Alaska Cruises coverage with ships featuring rock climbing walls, surf simulators, and Broadway-style entertainment.
Carnival Cruise Line: The fun ship approach brings accessible pricing and lively atmospheres. Great for families and first-time cruisers seeking value without sacrificing quality.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Freestyle cruising means no fixed dining times or dress codes. Solo travelers appreciate studio cabins, while families enjoy the flexibility.
Celebrity Cruises: Premium experiences with sophisticated dining appeal to couples and food enthusiasts. Modern ships with sleek design aesthetics.
Princess Cruises: Destination-focused programming with enrichment lectures and cultural experiences. Appeals to travelers wanting more than just sun and beaches.
### Alaska Cruises Itinerary Length Options
Cruise lengths to Alaska Cruises vary from quick getaways to extended voyages:
Short cruises (3-5 nights): Perfect for first-timers testing the waters or travelers with limited vacation time. Hit the highlights without major time commitment.
Week-long cruises (6-8 nights): The sweet spot for most travelers, balancing port variety with value. Enough time to settle into cruise rhythm without feeling rushed.
Extended voyages (9+ nights): Deep exploration with more ports and sea days. Better value per night with more immersive destination experiences.
### Booking Your Alaska Cruises Cruise
Cruise Now Pay Later makes Alaska Cruises accessible starting at $599. Secure your preferred sailing and cabin now while spreading payments over time. No need to wait until full savings accumulate.
Popular itineraries and desirable cabins disappear months before sailing. Lock in your Alaska Cruises cruise today and pay on a schedule that works for your budget. Early booking secures better cabin selection and often lower prices.
Alaska Cruises delivers the cruise experience travelers dream about. Whether this is your first voyage or one of many, this destination rewards exploration with memories that last far beyond the journey home.
### Trusted Resources and Further Reading
Planning a cruise vacation involves research, and we believe in pointing you toward the most reliable sources. The following organizations provide authoritative information that can help you make informed decisions about your upcoming voyage:
- [Alaska Travel Industry Association](https://www.alaskatia.org) - Official Alaska tourism resource
- [National Park Service - Alaska](https://www.nps.gov/state/ak/) - Alaska national parks information
- [Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)](https://cruising.org) - The world's largest cruise industry trade association
- [Centers for Disease Control - Vessel Sanitation](https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/) - CDC cruise ship health and sanitation ratings
These resources offer the latest travel advisories, health recommendations, and destination-specific information that every cruiser should review before departure.
Highlights
- Spectacular glacier viewing
- Whale watching
- Historic gold rush towns
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Northern lights (late season)
- Salmon fishing excursions
- Bald eagle sightings
Itinerary Details
Alaska cruise itineraries are designed to maximize scenic cruising while providing ample time in fascinating ports. Here are the most popular options:
7-Night Inside Passage Round-Trip from Seattle
This classic itinerary offers the best value for Alaska cruising:
- Day 1: Depart Seattle in the evening, cruising through Puget Sound
- Day 2: Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage - prime whale watching
- Day 3: Juneau, Alaska's capital - whale watching, Mendenhall Glacier, or helicopter tours
- Day 4: Skagway - White Pass Railway, Gold Rush history, Chilkoot Trail
- Day 5: Glacier Bay National Park - full day of scenic cruising past tidewater glaciers
- Day 6: Ketchikan - Totem Bight State Park, Misty Fjords flightseeing, salmon fishing
- Day 7: Scenic cruising south
- Day 8: Return to Seattle
7-Night Alaska Glacier Cruise (One-Way)
Maximizes glacier viewing with no backtracking:
- Day 1: Depart Vancouver, British Columbia
- Day 2: Scenic cruising through Inside Passage
- Day 3: Ketchikan - Creek Street, Saxman Village totem poles
- Day 4: Juneau - Tracy Arm Fjord excursion, Mendenhall Glacier
- Day 5: Skagway - White Pass Railway, dog sledding on glacier
- Day 6: Glacier Bay National Park - rangers board the ship for narration
- Day 7: College Fjord and Hubbard Glacier - up to 26 glaciers in one day
- Day 8: Arrive Whittier/Seward for Denali extensions
10-14 Night Denali Explorer Package
Combine your cruise with an interior Alaska land tour:
- 7-Night cruise (as above)
- Train journey on the Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park
- 2-3 nights at Denali for wildlife safaris and mountain views
- Optional extensions to Fairbanks for gold panning and midnight sun
Small Ship Expedition Cruises
For intimate encounters with Alaska's wilderness:
- Vessels carrying 50-300 passengers access narrow fjords and remote bays
- Zodiac excursions for up-close glacier viewing
- Kayaking among icebergs and whale encounters
- Expedition teams lead hikes and nature walks
- UnCruise Adventures, Lindblad Expeditions, and Windstar excel here
Scenic Cruising Highlights
- Tracy Arm Fjord: Dramatic canyon with twin Sawyer Glaciers
- Glacier Bay: 7 tidewater glaciers including Margerie and Johns Hopkins
- Hubbard Glacier: Alaska's largest tidewater glacier, 6 miles wide
- College Fjord: Named for Ivy League schools, features 16 glaciers
- Misty Fjords: 2,300 square miles of wilderness (flightseeing recommended)
Fleet Information
Choosing the right ship for your Alaska cruise significantly impacts your experience. Here's your complete guide:
Holland America Line - The Alaska Pioneers
Holland America has sailed Alaska for over 75 years, longer than any other line. Their partnership with McKinley Chalet Resort and exclusive rail cars provides the most comprehensive Alaska experience. The Koningsdam and Eurodam feature extensive viewing decks perfect for glacier watching. Their "EXC In-Depth" program offers unique excursions developed specifically for Alaska ports. Appeal: Adults and couples seeking enrichment and culture.
Princess Cruises - Born in Alaska
Princess literally built the Alaska cruise industry and maintains the strongest land tour presence. Their MedallionClass ships offer convenient OceanNow service and easy shore excursion booking. Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge and Denali Princess Lodge are purpose-built for cruise extensions. The North to Alaska experience includes narration by park rangers and native storytellers. Ships like Discovery Princess and Majestic Princess carry 3,600+ guests with excellent viewing areas.
Norwegian Cruise Line - Freestyle Alaska
Norwegian Bliss was specifically designed for Alaska with expansive observation lounges and The Waterfront outdoor promenade. Freestyle dining means no fixed schedules to conflict with wildlife viewing. Their Harvest Caye experience in Belize was so successful they're developing Alaska programming. Strong appeal for families and those seeking flexibility.
Royal Caribbean - Adventure Alaska
Quantum-class ships like Ovation of the Seas bring Royal Caribbean's signature activities to Alaska. North Star viewing capsule rises 300 feet for unprecedented glacier views. Younger guests enjoy FlowRider and SeaPlex while parents relax in the spa. Good choice for families wanting both Alaska scenery and cruise ship excitement.
Celebrity Cruises - Luxury Alaska
Celebrity Edge-class ships represent the cutting edge of cruise design with the revolutionary Magic Carpet platform. Modern luxury approach with exceptional dining (including Eden restaurant). Retreat suites offer exclusive access to premium experiences. Destination Immersion program partners with naturalists and local experts. Appeals to discerning travelers and couples.
Disney Cruise Line - Alaska Magic
Disney Wonder brings family magic to Alaska waters. Character experiences with appropriate Alaska theming, incredible kids' programming, and Tracy Arm cruise make this perfect for families. Adults-only Remy restaurant and Quiet Cove pool provide grown-up escapes. Premium pricing but exceptional quality.
Small Ship and Expedition Lines
UnCruise Adventures: 22-90 guests, active adventures, authentic Alaska immersion
Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic partnership, expert naturalists, Zodiacs
Windstar Cruises: 212-guest Star Breeze, luxury expedition style
American Cruise Lines: U.S.-flagged ships, extended itineraries, coastal waterways
Pricing Guide
Alaska cruises command premium pricing due to the limited season and exceptional demand. Here's everything you need to know about Alaska cruise costs:
Base Cruise Fares (Per Person, Double Occupancy)
Interior Cabins: $150-300/night - Views aren't essential when you'll be outside!
Ocean View Cabins: $200-400/night - Fixed windows for private glacier watching
Balcony Cabins: $300-600/night - Highly recommended for Alaska; smell the sea air
Suites: $500-2,000+/night - Concierge service, premium locations, extra space
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Peak Season (June-July): Highest prices, best weather, longest daylight
Shoulder Season (May, August): Good value, slightly fewer crowds
Value Season (Early May, September): Lowest prices, cooler weather, fall colors/northern lights possibility
Shore Excursion Costs (Budget Accordingly)
Whale watching: $150-200 per person
Helicopter glacier landing: $300-500 per person
White Pass Railway (Skagway): $130-180 per person
Dog sledding on glacier: $500-700 per person
Salmon fishing: $250-350 per person
Mendenhall Glacier and whale combo: $200-280 per person
Misty Fjords flightseeing: $250-350 per person
Alaska excursions are pricier than Caribbean options due to specialized equipment and remote logistics. Book popular excursions early as they sell out months in advance.
Cruise Tour Extensions
Denali 3-night package: $800-1,500 per person
Denali 4-night package: $1,200-2,000 per person
Fairbanks extension: Additional $400-800 per person
Kenai Peninsula: $500-900 per person
What's Unique to Alaska Cruises
Many cruise lines offer cold-weather amenities:
- Complimentary fleece blankets on deck
- Hot chocolate and soup during glacier cruising
- Binoculars available for guest use
- Naturalist programs and port talks
Cruise Now Pay Later for Alaska
Our flexible payment plans are perfect for Alaska cruises:
- Reserve peak season dates with just $200 down
- Spread payments over 12-24 months
- Lock in prices before they increase
- Example: A $3,000 Alaska cruise plus Denali tour = just $250/month for 12 months
Best Booking Strategies
- Book 12-18 months ahead for best balcony cabin selection
- Wave Season (January-March) offers OBC and excursion credits
- Consider one-way itineraries for maximum glacier exposure
- Add the Denali package for the complete Alaska experience
Frequently Asked Questions
The Alaska cruise season runs May through September. June and July offer the warmest weather (55-65°F) and longest daylight hours, with up to 20 hours of light. May provides spring scenery with snow-capped peaks, while August and September offer fall colors and better chances of seeing the northern lights. Wildlife viewing is excellent throughout the season, though salmon runs and bear fishing peak in July-August.
For round-trip cruises from Seattle, U.S. citizens can travel with a birth certificate and government-issued ID due to the WHTI Closed Loop exception. However, cruises departing from or arriving in Vancouver require a passport. We strongly recommend all travelers carry a valid passport in case of medical emergencies requiring air evacuation to Canada, or if you need to fly home from Alaska unexpectedly.
Dress in layers! Pack: waterproof jacket and pants, warm fleece or wool sweater, comfortable walking shoes with good grip, hat and gloves (even in summer), binoculars, camera with zoom lens, motion sickness medication if prone, casual dinner attire, and one dressy outfit for formal nights. Most ships offer loaner rain jackets and umbrellas. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential due to long daylight hours.
Humpback whale sightings are nearly guaranteed during the summer months, particularly around Juneau and during Inside Passage cruising. You'll likely see multiple whales from the ship during scenic cruising. For close encounters, book a dedicated whale watching excursion - these small boats can approach whales responsibly while captains follow whale movement patterns. Orca pods are commonly spotted, and gray whales migrate through in May.
No, Glacier Bay access is limited by the National Park Service to a specific number of ships daily. Most 7-night itineraries from major cruise lines include Glacier Bay, but some substitute Tracy Arm Fjord or Hubbard Glacier. Both alternatives offer stunning glacier viewing. When booking, verify which glacier experience is included in your itinerary. Tracy Arm features the twin Sawyer Glaciers in a dramatic narrow fjord, while Hubbard Glacier is Alaska's largest tidewater glacier.
Many experienced Alaska cruisers consider balcony cabins essential. Unlike Caribbean cruises where you spend most time at ports, Alaska's scenic cruising through Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm, and the Inside Passage is a primary attraction. A balcony allows you to step outside instantly when whales are spotted, enjoy morning coffee surrounded by pristine wilderness, and photograph wildlife without crowds. If budget is tight, prioritize excursions over cabin upgrades.
If your schedule and budget allow, absolutely! Denali offers a completely different Alaska experience - interior wilderness, grizzly bear viewing, and the chance to see 20,310-foot Denali (Mount McKinley) on clear days. The Alaska Railroad journey between Anchorage and Denali is scenic and nostalgic. Most cruise-tour packages include 2-3 nights at lodges with wildlife safari excursions. This is the best way to experience both coastal and interior Alaska.
Traveler Reviews
We've been on 15 cruises but nothing compares to Alaska. The morning we woke up in Glacier Bay and stepped onto our balcony to witness Margerie Glacier calving into the sea - I literally cried. The scale is impossible to convey in photos. Juneau's whale watching excursion brought us within 50 feet of humpbacks. Our naturalist guide in Glacier Bay pointed out mountain goats on the cliffs and explained the glacier's recession. Simply life-changing. Book the balcony - trust us on this one!
Splurged on the helicopter and dog sled adventure in Juneau - worth every penny! Flying over the Juneau Icefield, landing on Mendenhall Glacier, and then dog sledding with actual Iditarod dogs was the most incredible experience of my life. The cruise itself was fantastic too - saw countless whales from the ship, and the White Pass Railway in Skagway transported us back to Gold Rush days. If you're on the fence about Alaska, just book it. You won't regret it.
Brought our kids (11 and 14) on a Disney Alaska cruise and it was the perfect blend of Disney magic and real Alaska adventure. The rangers who came aboard for Glacier Bay were incredibly engaging - even our skeptical teenager was asking questions! Panning for gold in Skagway, watching sea otters in Ketchikan, and the ship's programming kept everyone happy. Disney does Alaska right. Already planning a return trip when the kids are older for more adventurous excursions.
Let me set expectations: Southeast Alaska is a temperate rainforest. It rained 4 of our 7 days. That said, the rain didn't diminish the experience - if anything, the mist hanging over the glaciers added to the mystique. Packed rain gear was essential. Saw a brown bear in Ketchikan, countless eagles, and our first whale breach ever in Juneau. The ship's crew handled everything smoothly despite weather adjustments. Knock off one star only because I wish someone had told me to bring waterproof hiking boots!
After doing large-ship Alaska twice, we tried an UnCruise expedition with 60 passengers. What a difference! We kayaked among icebergs, hiked through old-growth forest, and had zodiac excursions where we were 20 feet from sea lions. The naturalists were marine biologists and former park rangers who shared insights you'd never get on a megaship. Saw orcas hunting for 30 minutes from the bow. Yes, it costs more, but if you're serious about wildlife and nature, small ships are worth the investment.