Best All Inclusive Cruise to Alaska

Looking for the ultimate Alaskan adventure without the hassle? The best all inclusive cruise to Alaska combines luxury, convenience, and unforgettable scenery. From gourmet dining and premium drinks to guided excursions and onboard entertainment, these cruises offer everything you need for a stress-free journey through glaciers, fjords, and charming coastal towns.

Key Takeaways

• All-inclusive means more value: Enjoy meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, tips, and excursions without extra fees, making budgeting simple and travel seamless.
• Top cruise lines lead the way: Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises offer some of the most comprehensive Alaska packages with high service standards.
• Glacier viewing is a must: Look for itineraries that include Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier for awe-inspiring ice formations and wildlife sightings.
• Shore excursions enhance the experience: Kayaking, whale watching, and dog sledding tours bring you closer to Alaska’s natural wonders.
• Best time to go is May to September: Mild weather, long daylight hours, and active wildlife make summer the ideal season for an Alaskan cruise.
• Smaller ships access remote ports: Ships under 200 passengers can dock in scenic towns like Ketchikan and Haines, offering a more intimate experience.
• Book early for perks: Early reservations often include cabin upgrades, onboard credits, and priority excursion booking.

Why Choose an All Inclusive Cruise to Alaska?

Imagine waking up to towering glaciers, spotting a humpback whale breaching in the distance, and sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail—all without worrying about the bill. That’s the magic of the best all inclusive cruise to Alaska. These voyages are designed to remove the stress of travel, letting you focus on what really matters: the breathtaking scenery, the wildlife, and the memories you’ll carry home.

Alaska is one of the last true frontiers on Earth. Its rugged coastline, dense forests, and icy fjords are unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere. But exploring such a vast and remote destination can be logistically challenging—unless you’re on an all-inclusive cruise. These cruises bundle everything from meals and drinks to Wi-Fi, gratuities, and even shore excursions into one upfront price. No surprise charges, no hidden fees. Just pure, uncomplicated adventure.

What sets an all-inclusive Alaska cruise apart is the level of service and convenience. You’re not just a passenger; you’re a guest being pampered from the moment you step onboard. Think multi-course dinners with locally sourced seafood, premium spirits at the bar, and expert naturalists leading educational talks about the region’s ecosystems. Whether you’re sipping champagne on your balcony as a glacier calves into the sea or learning about Tlingit culture in a port town, every detail is curated for comfort and immersion.

What Does “All Inclusive” Really Mean?

The term “all inclusive” can vary between cruise lines, but in the context of Alaska, it typically covers far more than just food and drinks. Most top-tier all-inclusive Alaska cruises include:

– Unlimited meals at all onboard restaurants
– Premium beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits
– Wi-Fi for staying connected (a rarity on remote routes)
– Gratuities for crew and staff
– A selection of guided shore excursions
– Onboard enrichment programs and entertainment

Some luxury lines go even further, offering complimentary spa treatments, private balcony cabins, and personalized concierge services. For example, Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn include airfare, pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, and unlimited shore excursions—making them truly “everything included” experiences.

But even mid-tier lines like Holland America and Princess offer robust all-inclusive packages that cover the essentials. Their “CruisePlus” or “Princess Premier” packages bundle drinks, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining, giving you peace of mind and predictable costs.

The Value of Convenience in Remote Destinations

Alaska’s ports are often small, remote, and accessible only by boat or plane. Planning independent travel between Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan can be expensive and time-consuming. An all-inclusive cruise eliminates that hassle. Your ship becomes your floating hotel, transporting you seamlessly from one stunning location to the next while you relax, dine, and enjoy entertainment.

Imagine docking in Juneau at 8 a.m., joining a guided whale-watching tour by 9, and returning to your ship by noon for a gourmet lunch—all without lifting a finger to book or coordinate. That’s the power of an all-inclusive Alaska cruise. The logistics are handled, the timing is optimized, and you’re free to simply enjoy the journey.

Top Cruise Lines Offering the Best All Inclusive Alaska Cruises

Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to Alaska. Some specialize in adventure, others in luxury, and a few strike the perfect balance. Here are the top contenders for the best all inclusive cruise to Alaska, based on value, service, and itinerary quality.

Holland America Line: Classic Elegance with a Focus on Nature

Holland America has been sailing Alaska for over 70 years, and it shows. Their ships are known for their refined atmosphere, excellent service, and strong emphasis on Alaskan culture and wildlife. The ms Amsterdam and ms Nieuw Statendam are popular choices, offering mid-sized vessels that balance comfort with access to smaller ports.

Their “Have It All” package is one of the most comprehensive in the industry. For a single price, you get:

– Shore excursions (up to a certain value)
– Specialty dining
– Premium beverages
– Wi-Fi
– Gratuities

Holland America also partners with the National Park Service, offering expert naturalists onboard who provide daily lectures and guide glacier-viewing sessions. Their itineraries often include Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll witness massive ice formations and possibly see sea lions, otters, and bald eagles.

One traveler shared, “I loved how the crew knew the wildlife patterns. We saw a pod of orcas just as our naturalist predicted—right off the starboard side during dinner!”

Princess Cruises: The “Love Boat” of the North

Princess Cruises is another Alaska veteran, with a fleet designed specifically for the region. Their ships feature the “Movies Under the Stars” outdoor theater, glass-bottom aerial trams in port, and the “North to Alaska” program, which brings local artisans and chefs onboard to share regional flavors and crafts.

The Princess Premier package includes:

– Unlimited beverages
– Wi-Fi
– Specialty dining
– Crew gratuities
– One shore excursion per port

Princess also offers “ cruisetours,” which combine a cruise with a land tour into the interior of Alaska. You can extend your trip with a visit to Denali National Park, ride the Alaska Railroad, or stay in a luxury lodge near the glaciers. This makes Princess a great choice if you want to see both coastal and inland Alaska in one seamless trip.

Their ships, like the Grand Princess and Discovery Princess, are larger but well-designed for scenic cruising, with wraparound promenades and panoramic lounges perfect for glacier viewing.

Celebrity Cruises: Modern Luxury with a Twist

Celebrity Cruises brings a contemporary, design-forward approach to Alaska. Their Edge-class ships, like the Celebrity Edge, feature innovative architecture, including the Magic Carpet—a moving platform that serves as a restaurant, bar, and boarding area.

Celebrity’s “Always Included” pricing model means that every fare comes with:

– Wi-Fi
– Tips
– Unlimited drinks
– Premium dining

This makes them one of the most transparent and value-packed options. Their Alaska itineraries often include less-crowded ports like Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan, with excursions like zip-lining through temperate rainforests or bear viewing in Tongass National Forest.

One standout feature is their “Celebrity Silhouette” experience, where guests can enjoy a private cabana on the top deck with butler service—perfect for sipping champagne while watching a glacier calve.

Regent Seven Seas: The Ultimate Luxury Experience

For travelers seeking the pinnacle of luxury, Regent Seven Seas offers the most inclusive Alaska cruise available. Their “Ultra-Inclusive” fare covers:

– Round-trip airfare
– Pre- and post-cruise hotel stays
– Unlimited shore excursions
– All beverages and specialty dining
– Wi-Fi and gratuities

Regent’s ships, like the Seven Seas Explorer, are all-suite, all-balcony vessels with spacious accommodations and personalized service. Their Alaska itineraries often include overnight stays in ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, giving you more time to explore.

One guest described it as “like having a personal travel concierge for two weeks.” From private helicopter tours over glaciers to gourmet picnics in remote coves, Regent turns Alaska into a five-star adventure.

Must-See Destinations on an Alaska Cruise

An all-inclusive cruise to Alaska isn’t just about the ship—it’s about the destinations. Here are the top ports and natural wonders you shouldn’t miss.

Glacier Bay National Park

This 3.3-million-acre park is a crown jewel of the Alaska cruise experience. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay is home to over a dozen active glaciers, including the massive Margerie and Lamplugh Glaciers. Ships slow to a crawl here, allowing passengers to witness ice calving—the dramatic moment when chunks of ice break off and crash into the water.

Naturalists onboard provide live commentary, explaining the geology and ecology of the area. Wildlife sightings are common: harbor seals rest on ice floes, brown bears fish for salmon along the shore, and bald eagles soar overhead.

Tip: Book a cabin on the port side if your ship enters Glacier Bay in the morning—you’ll have the best views of the glaciers as the sun rises.

Juneau: Alaska’s Capital with a Wild Heart

Juneau is the only state capital in the U.S. that can’t be reached by road. It’s accessible only by air or sea, which adds to its remote charm. The city blends urban amenities with wild landscapes. You can tour the Alaska State Museum, sample local craft beer, or take a helicopter tour to the Mendenhall Glacier.

Popular excursions include:

– Whale watching in Stephens Passage
– Dog sledding on a glacier (via helicopter)
– Gold panning in historic gold rush sites

One of the most memorable experiences is the “Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watch” combo tour, where you’ll hike near the glacier and then board a boat to search for humpback whales.

Skagway: A Step Back in Time

Skagway looks like it’s frozen in the 1890s Gold Rush era. Wooden boardwalks, false-front buildings, and costumed interpreters bring the history to life. The town is small but packed with character.

The highlight here is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, a narrow-gauge train that climbs 2,800 feet through steep cliffs and tunnels. The ride offers jaw-dropping views of waterfalls, gorges, and snow-capped peaks.

Other top activities include:

– Panning for gold at Liarsville
– Visiting the Red Onion Saloon (once a brothel, now a museum)
– Hiking the Chilkoot Trail (a historic route used by prospectors)

Skagway is also a gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where you can learn about the hardships faced by stampeders.

Ketchikan: The Salmon Capital of the World

Ketchikan is known for its vibrant Native American culture, totem poles, and abundant wildlife. It’s one of the rainiest places in Alaska, but that’s what keeps the temperate rainforest lush and green.

Don’t miss:

– The Totem Heritage Center, which houses original 19th-century totem poles
– A guided tour of a Tlingit village
– A floatplane ride over Misty Fjords National Monument

One of the most popular excursions is the “Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Adventure,” where you’ll soar above the treetops and learn about the ecosystem from a naturalist.

Hubbard Glacier: The Largest Tidewater Glacier in North America

If your cruise doesn’t go to Glacier Bay, it might visit Hubbard Glacier—a massive river of ice that’s over 7 miles wide and 700 feet tall. Ships often stop here for several hours, allowing passengers to watch for calving events.

The glacier is so large that it sometimes blocks Russell Fjord, creating a temporary lake. When the ice eventually breaks, it causes a dramatic surge of water—a phenomenon known as a “jökulhlaup.”

Wildlife here includes sea lions, harbor seals, and a variety of seabirds. The sheer scale of the glacier is humbling, reminding you of nature’s power and beauty.

Best Time to Take an All Inclusive Alaska Cruise

Timing is everything when it comes to Alaska. The cruise season runs from May to September, but each month offers a different experience.

May and Early June: Fewer Crowds, Lower Prices

The season kicks off in May, when the weather is mild and the days are getting longer. You’ll find fewer tourists, lower prices, and the chance to see spring wildlife—like newborn bear cubs and migrating birds.

However, some shore excursions may be limited, and not all lodges or attractions are open yet. It’s a great time for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a bit of unpredictability.

Mid-June to August: Peak Season

This is the most popular time to cruise Alaska. The weather is warmest (average highs of 60–70°F), the days are long (up to 18 hours of daylight), and all excursions and attractions are fully operational.

Wildlife is active: whales are feeding, bears are fishing, and bald eagles are nesting. However, ports can be crowded, and prices are at their highest.

Tip: Book at least 6–9 months in advance to secure the best cabins and excursion spots.

September: Fall Colors and Quiet Ports

As summer winds down, September offers a quieter, more reflective Alaska experience. The crowds thin out, prices drop, and the landscape transforms with golden larch trees and red fireweed.

It’s also a great time for wildlife viewing, as animals prepare for winter. You might see moose in the marshes or salmon spawning in the rivers.

The downside? Some excursions may be reduced, and the weather can be cooler and wetter. But for those seeking solitude and natural beauty, September is a hidden gem.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your All Inclusive Alaska Cruise

Even with everything included, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to make your trip unforgettable.

Book Early for the Best Perks

Cruise lines often offer early-bird discounts, free upgrades, and onboard credits for bookings made 9–12 months in advance. These perks can save you hundreds and ensure you get a prime cabin location.

Choose the Right Cabin

For glacier viewing, an outside cabin with a window or balcony is essential. Port-side cabins are best for Glacier Bay (if your ship enters in the morning), while starboard-side cabins offer better views on the return.

If you’re prone to seasickness, choose a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck—it’s the most stable part of the ship.

Pack Smart for Variable Weather

Alaska’s weather can change quickly. Pack layers: a waterproof jacket, fleece, thermal underwear, and sturdy walking shoes. Don’t forget binoculars, a camera with extra batteries, and motion sickness medication—just in case.

Take Advantage of Onboard Enrichment

Many all-inclusive cruises offer lectures by naturalists, historians, and photographers. These sessions can deepen your understanding of the region and help you spot wildlife more effectively.

Try Local Cuisine

Alaska is famous for its seafood. Don’t miss the king crab, halibut, and fresh salmon served onboard. Some ships even host “Alaska Night” with regional dishes and live music.

Respect the Environment

Alaska’s ecosystems are fragile. Follow guidelines for wildlife viewing, avoid single-use plastics, and support local, sustainable businesses in port.

Conclusion: Why an All Inclusive Cruise is the Best Way to See Alaska

An all inclusive cruise to Alaska isn’t just a vacation—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey through one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. From the comfort of a luxury ship, you’ll witness glaciers calving, whales breaching, and forests teeming with life—all without the stress of planning, budgeting, or logistics.

Whether you choose the classic elegance of Holland America, the modern flair of Celebrity, or the ultra-luxury of Regent Seven Seas, you’re guaranteed an experience that’s as seamless as it is unforgettable. With everything from meals and drinks to excursions and Wi-Fi included, you can focus on what really matters: soaking in the beauty of the Last Frontier.

So pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready for the best all inclusive cruise to Alaska. The ice is calling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in an all inclusive Alaska cruise?

Most all-inclusive Alaska cruises include meals, premium drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and a selection of shore excursions. Some luxury lines also include airfare, hotel stays, and unlimited excursions.

Which cruise line is best for an all inclusive Alaska cruise?

Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises offer excellent all-inclusive packages. For ultra-luxury, Regent Seven Seas provides the most comprehensive inclusions.

When is the best time to book an all inclusive Alaska cruise?

Book 6–12 months in advance for the best prices, cabin selection, and early-bird perks like upgrades and onboard credits.

Do I need travel insurance for an Alaska cruise?

Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended. It can cover trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and missed connections, especially in remote areas.

Can I see whales and bears on an all inclusive Alaska cruise?

Absolutely. Whale watching is common in Juneau and Icy Strait Point, while bear viewing is possible in areas like Tongass National Forest and Glacier Bay.

Are shore excursions included in all inclusive cruises?

Many all-inclusive packages include a set number of shore excursions. Check your cruise line’s policy—some offer one per port, while others include unlimited tours.