Embarking on a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise offers unforgettable access to glaciers, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. From dog sledding on ice fields to whale watching in pristine waters, these excursions deliver adventure and awe in equal measure.
This is a comprehensive guide about best excursions on royal caribbean alaska cruise.
Key Takeaways
- Glacier-focused tours are a must: Visit iconic sites like Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay for jaw-dropping ice formations and calving events.
- Wildlife encounters abound: Spot humpback whales, sea lions, bears, and bald eagles on expertly guided excursions.
- Dog sledding on glaciers is a unique highlight: Experience this Alaskan tradition with real mushers on remote ice fields.
- Scenic rail journeys offer breathtaking views: The White Pass & Yukon Route provides dramatic mountain and valley vistas.
- Native cultural experiences deepen your trip: Learn about Tlingit heritage through storytelling, art, and traditional performances.
- Book excursions early for best availability: Popular tours fill quickly, especially during peak summer months.
- Pack layers and waterproof gear: Weather in Alaska can change fast—be prepared for rain, wind, and cool temperatures.
[FEATURED_IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER]
Introduction: Why Alaska with Royal Caribbean?
Imagine cruising past towering glaciers that calve icebergs into icy waters, spotting a humpback whale breach just yards from your ship, or standing on a remote glacier while a team of sled dogs races across the snow. This isn’t a dream—it’s what awaits on a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise. Known for its innovative ships, top-tier service, and carefully curated itineraries, Royal Caribbean transforms the Last Frontier into an accessible, awe-inspiring adventure.
Alaska is one of the world’s last great wildernesses, and Royal Caribbean’s cruises are designed to bring you as close as possible to its raw beauty. Whether you’re sailing from Seattle, Vancouver, or Seward, the cruise line offers a range of routes that highlight the region’s most dramatic landscapes. But the real magic happens when you step off the ship. That’s where the excursions come in—carefully crafted experiences that let you dive deeper into Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, culture, and history. From helicopter tours over icy fjords to kayaking among sea otters, these adventures turn a scenic cruise into a life-changing journey.
Top Glacier Excursions: Ice, Awe, and Adventure
Glaciers are the crown jewels of Alaska, and Royal Caribbean ensures you don’t miss them. Whether you’re marveling at the sheer scale of Hubbard Glacier or hiking across a centuries-old ice field, glacier-focused excursions are among the most popular—and for good reason. These tours offer a rare chance to witness one of nature’s most powerful forces up close.
Hubbard Glacier: Nature’s Ice Cathedral
One of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America, Hubbard Glacier is a must-see on any Alaska cruise. While the ship sails near the glacier, many guests opt for a closer look via a guided boat tour. These excursions typically depart from the port of Yakutat or nearby areas and take you right up to the glacier’s face. You’ll hear the deep rumble of ice calving—chunks the size of buildings breaking off and crashing into the water. It’s loud, dramatic, and utterly unforgettable.
For an even more immersive experience, consider a helicopter glacier landing. These tours lift you from the ship or port and fly you over the glacier’s vast expanse. Once you land, you’ll walk on the ice with crampons, guided by experts who explain the glacier’s formation and movement. It’s a surreal experience—standing on ice that’s thousands of years old, surrounded by silence and snow-capped peaks. Just remember: dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes. The ice can be slippery, and temperatures stay cool even in summer.
Mendenhall Glacier: Accessible and Stunning
Located near Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska—and one of the most visited. Royal Caribbean offers several excursions here, including guided hikes, canoe tours on Mendenhall Lake, and even zipline adventures through the surrounding rainforest. The glacier itself stretches over 13 miles and is part of the larger Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S.
One standout option is the Mendenhall Glacier Trek and Canoe Adventure. This full-day excursion begins with a scenic drive to the glacier, followed by a guided hike across the ice. You’ll learn about glacial science, see crevasses and meltwater streams, and snap photos with the glacier as your backdrop. Afterward, you’ll paddle a canoe across the serene lake, where icebergs float like giant diamonds. It’s a peaceful contrast to the power of the glacier—and a great way to stretch your legs after days at sea.
Glacier Bay National Park: A UNESCO Wonder
When your Royal Caribbean cruise passes through Glacier Bay, you’re entering a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most protected wilderness areas on Earth. While the ship sails slowly through the bay, park rangers come aboard to share insights about the glaciers, wildlife, and conservation efforts. But for a more active experience, consider a kayaking or small-boat excursion.
These tours launch from Bartlett Cove and take you into quieter inlets where you can paddle alongside icebergs and listen to the silence broken only by dripping water and distant bird calls. It’s a meditative experience—one that makes you feel small in the best way. Keep your camera ready: you might spot a black bear foraging on the shore or a sea otter floating on its back.
Wildlife Adventures: Whales, Bears, and More
Alaska is a wildlife lover’s paradise, and Royal Caribbean’s excursions are designed to maximize your chances of spotting its most iconic animals. From humpback whales breaching in the Inside Passage to brown bears catching salmon in rivers, these tours offer front-row seats to nature’s greatest shows.
Whale Watching in Juneau and Icy Strait
Juneau is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales, and Royal Caribbean offers several whale-watching excursions from this port. Most tours use small, fast boats that can get you close to the action—without disturbing the animals. You’ll cruise through Stephens Passage, a hotspot for marine life, with expert naturalists on board to explain whale behavior and migration patterns.
One popular option is the Juneau Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest. This 3.5-hour tour includes a narrated boat ride, complimentary binoculars, and a guarantee: if you don’t see whales, you get a free return trip. Many guests also spot sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles. For an even more thrilling experience, try the Icy Strait Point Whale Adventure, which combines whale watching with a zipline ride through the rainforest canopy. It’s a wild combo—literally.
Brown Bear Viewing in Ketchikan and Hoonah
For a true Alaskan adventure, nothing beats seeing a brown bear in the wild. Royal Caribbean partners with local guides to offer bear-viewing excursions in prime habitats like Anan Creek near Ketchikan and Pack Creek on Admiralty Island near Hoonah. These tours require a bit of travel—often by small plane or boat—but the payoff is worth it.
At Anan Creek, you’ll board a floatplane for a scenic flight over the Tongass National Forest. Once you land, a naturalist guide leads you to a viewing platform overlooking a salmon stream. In summer, bears gather here to feed, and you might see mothers with cubs or large males competing for the best fishing spots. The experience is both thrilling and humbling—watching these powerful animals in their natural habitat reminds you of Alaska’s untamed spirit.
Sea Otters, Eagles, and More
While whales and bears get the spotlight, Alaska is home to countless other species. Sea otters float in kelp beds, puffins nest on rocky cliffs, and bald eagles soar above every coastline. Many excursions include opportunities to see these animals, especially on kayaking, boat, or wildlife cruises.
For example, the Ketchikan Rainforest Wildlife Cruise takes you through the Misty Fjords, where you might spot sea otters playing in the water or eagles perched on tall trees. The tour includes a stop at a salmon hatchery, where you can learn about local conservation efforts. It’s a great way to see a variety of wildlife in one outing—and to support sustainable tourism.
Cultural Experiences: Connecting with Alaska’s Heritage
Alaska isn’t just about nature—it’s also rich in culture, especially the traditions of the Indigenous peoples who have lived here for thousands of years. Royal Caribbean offers several excursions that celebrate this heritage, from storytelling and dance to art and history.
Tlingit Culture in Juneau and Ketchikan
The Tlingit people are the original inhabitants of Southeast Alaska, and their culture is deeply woven into the region’s identity. In Juneau, the Alaska Indian Arts excursion lets you visit a Native-owned cultural center where artisans demonstrate traditional crafts like totem pole carving, beadwork, and weaving. You can even try your hand at making a small souvenir to take home.
In Ketchikan, known as the “Totem Pole Capital of the World,” the Totem Bight State Historical Park tour offers a guided walk through a collection of restored totem poles and a traditional clan house. A local Tlingit guide shares stories about the symbols, legends, and social structure behind the art. It’s a moving experience that goes beyond typical tourist attractions—offering insight into a living culture.
Native Performances and Storytelling
Many excursions include live performances by Native dancers and storytellers. These shows feature traditional regalia, drumming, and songs that have been passed down through generations. The Alaska Native Voices tour in Skagway, for example, includes a performance at a cultural center followed by a Q&A session with the artists. It’s a chance to ask questions, learn about contemporary Native life, and appreciate the resilience of Alaska’s First Peoples.
These cultural experiences are more than entertainment—they’re a way to honor and support Indigenous communities. Royal Caribbean works with local tribes to ensure these tours are respectful, accurate, and beneficial to the people who call Alaska home.
Adventure Excursions: Thrills on Land and Water
If you’re looking for more than sightseeing, Royal Caribbean’s adventure excursions deliver adrenaline-pumping fun. From ziplining through rainforests to dog sledding on glaciers, these tours are perfect for active travelers who want to experience Alaska in motion.
Dog Sledding on a Glacier
Dog sledding is an iconic Alaskan tradition, and there’s no better place to try it than on a real glacier. The Heli Dog Sledding excursion, available from Juneau and other ports, begins with a helicopter ride to a remote ice field. Once you land, you’ll meet a team of energetic sled dogs and their musher. After a brief training session, you’ll take the reins and guide the team across the snow.
It’s a surreal experience—gliding over ice with only the sound of paws on snow and the wind in your face. The dogs are friendly and well-trained, and the musher is always nearby to help. Even if you’ve never tried dog sledding before, this tour is beginner-friendly and incredibly fun. Just bundle up—temperatures on the glacier can be well below freezing, even in summer.
Ziplining and ATV Adventures
For a different kind of thrill, try ziplining through the Alaskan rainforest. The Icy Strait Point Zipline is one of the longest and fastest in North America, with eight lines that take you over 1,300 feet above the ground. You’ll soar over lush forests, rivers, and even a waterfall—all while learning about the local ecosystem from your guide.
If you prefer wheels to wires, the ATV Wilderness Adventure in Skagway lets you drive a four-wheeler through rugged terrain, crossing streams and climbing hills with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great way to cover more ground and see parts of Alaska that most tourists never reach.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
For a quieter adventure, consider a kayaking or paddleboarding tour. These excursions let you explore Alaska’s waterways at your own pace, gliding past icebergs, sea caves, and quiet coves. The Misty Fjords Kayak Adventure from Ketchikan takes you into a pristine wilderness area where you might see seals, eagles, and even a black bear along the shore.
Paddleboarding is also gaining popularity, especially in calm bays near Juneau and Sitka. It’s a great full-body workout and a peaceful way to connect with nature. Most tours provide all the gear and instruction, so even beginners can join in.
Scenic Rail and Boat Tours: Relax and Take It All In
Not every excursion needs to be high-energy. Some of the most memorable experiences on a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise are the relaxed, scenic tours that let you soak in the views without breaking a sweat.
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
This historic narrow-gauge railroad, built during the Klondike Gold Rush, is one of Alaska’s most iconic attractions. The White Pass Scenic Railway tour takes you on a 66-mile round trip from Skagway into the mountains, with steep grades, sharp curves, and breathtaking views of waterfalls, gorges, and snow-capped peaks.
The train itself is a vintage beauty, with open-air cars that let you feel the wind and hear the whistle echo through the valleys. Onboard guides share stories about the gold rush, the engineering challenges of building the railroad, and the people who lived and worked here. It’s a relaxing ride that feels like stepping back in time.
Scenic Boat Cruises and Fjord Tours
For a more intimate view of Alaska’s coastline, try a small-boat cruise. The Misty Fjords Flightseeing and Boat Tour from Ketchikan combines a scenic flight over the fjords with a boat ride through the water. You’ll see towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests—all from different perspectives.
Another relaxing option is the Glacier Bay Day Cruise, which departs from Juneau and sails deep into the national park. With large windows and open decks, the boat offers unobstructed views of glaciers, wildlife, and mountain peaks. Naturalists provide commentary throughout the journey, making it both educational and scenic.
Tips for Choosing and Booking Excursions
With so many options, it can be hard to decide which excursions to book. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise:
- Book early: Popular tours like dog sledding and bear viewing sell out fast, especially in July and August. Reserve your spots as soon as your cruise is confirmed.
- Check physical requirements: Some excursions, like glacier hikes and ATV tours, require a moderate level of fitness. Read the descriptions carefully and be honest about your abilities.
- Layer up: Alaska’s weather is unpredictable. Wear moisture-wicking base layers, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell. Don’t forget gloves, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Bring a camera with extra batteries: You’ll want to capture every moment, but cold weather drains batteries quickly. Bring spares or a portable charger.
- Consider a mix of activities: Balance high-energy adventures with relaxing scenic tours to avoid burnout.
- Support local guides: Many excursions are led by Alaskan residents. Tipping is appreciated and supports the local economy.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Alaskan Adventure
A Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise is more than a vacation—it’s a journey into one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. The excursions are your gateway to glaciers, wildlife, culture, and adventure, offering experiences you can’t get anywhere else. Whether you’re dog sledding on a glacier, watching whales breach in the distance, or learning about Tlingit traditions, each tour adds depth and wonder to your trip.
The key is to plan ahead, stay flexible, and embrace the unexpected. Alaska doesn’t follow a schedule—it follows nature. So pack your sense of adventure, dress in layers, and get ready to be amazed. With the right excursions, your Royal Caribbean cruise will be more than a trip. It’ll be a story you tell for the rest of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best excursions for families on a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise?
Family-friendly options include whale watching in Juneau, the Icy Strait Point zipline, and the Mendenhall Glacier canoe tour. These excursions are engaging for kids and adults alike, with guides who make learning fun.
Are Royal Caribbean Alaska excursions worth the cost?
Yes, most excursions offer excellent value given their duration, expert guides, and unique access to remote locations. Booking through Royal Caribbean also ensures safety and convenience.
Can I book excursions after boarding the ship?
Yes, but availability is limited. It’s best to book online before your cruise, especially for popular tours like dog sledding and bear viewing.
What should I wear on Alaska excursions?
Wear layers: a base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell. Sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential, especially for glacier hikes and boat tours.
Are there vegetarian or dietary-friendly options on excursions?
Many excursions include light meals or snacks. Inform Royal Caribbean of dietary needs when booking, and guides will often accommodate requests.
Do I need travel insurance for Alaska excursions?
Highly recommended. Travel insurance can cover cancellations, medical emergencies, and weather-related disruptions, which are more common in remote Alaskan regions.
