How to Pick the Best Alaska Cruise

Choosing the best Alaska cruise can feel overwhelming, but this guide simplifies the process. Learn how to match your travel style with the right ship, itinerary, and season for an unforgettable Alaskan experience.

Key Takeaways

• Decide on your travel style first: Are you looking for luxury, adventure, or family fun? Your preferences will shape every other decision.
• Choose the right cruise line: Each brand offers a unique vibe—from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious—so pick one that fits your expectations.
• Focus on the itinerary, not just the ports: Glacier viewing, wildlife spotting, and shore excursions matter more than just the number of stops.
• Travel during peak season for best weather: May through September offers milder temps, longer days, and more wildlife activity.
• Book early for better deals and cabin choices: Popular routes and suite categories sell out fast, especially on smaller ships.
• Consider a one-way cruise for flexibility: These often include airfare and let you explore both Seattle and Vancouver.
• Pack smart for variable weather: Layers, waterproof gear, and binoculars are must-haves for any Alaska cruise.

How to Pick the Best Alaska Cruise: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve decided to take an Alaska cruise—congratulations! You’re about to embark on one of the most breathtaking journeys on Earth. From towering glaciers and snow-capped mountains to whales breaching in icy waters and charming coastal towns, Alaska offers a front-row seat to nature’s greatest show. But with so many cruise lines, ships, itineraries, and booking options, how do you pick the best Alaska cruise for you?

Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through every step. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, we’ll help you make smart, confident choices so your Alaskan adventure is everything you dreamed of—and more.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to:
– Match your travel style to the right cruise line
– Choose the best time to sail
– Pick an itinerary that maximizes wildlife and scenery
– Select the ideal ship size and cabin type
– Book at the right time for the best value
– Pack and prepare like a pro

Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Define Your Travel Style and Priorities

Before you even look at cruise lines or dates, take a moment to ask yourself: What kind of traveler am I?

Your answer will shape every decision that follows. Are you looking for a relaxing, luxury experience with fine dining and spa treatments? Or are you more of an adventurer, eager to kayak near glaciers and hike through temperate rainforests? Maybe you’re traveling with kids and need family-friendly activities and flexible schedules.

Here’s how to narrow it down:

Are You Seeking Luxury or Value?

Some travelers want to be pampered. If that’s you, look for cruise lines like Seabourn, Silversea, or Regent Seven Seas, which offer all-inclusive experiences with gourmet meals, private balconies, and personalized service. These ships are smaller, more intimate, and often include extras like shore excursions and premium beverages.

On the flip side, if you’re budget-conscious but still want a great experience, consider lines like Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), or Royal Caribbean. They offer larger ships with tons of entertainment, multiple dining options, and lower base fares—though you’ll likely pay extra for extras like drinks and excursions.

Do You Prefer Adventure or Relaxation?

Alaska is a destination where the journey is just as important as the destination. If you love being active, look for cruises that offer kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, or even flightseeing tours. Smaller ships often provide more access to remote areas and unique excursions.

If you’d rather unwind with a book on your balcony while glaciers calve in the distance, a larger ship with a spa, quiet lounges, and panoramic views might be more your speed.

Are You Traveling with Family or Solo?

Families with kids should look for cruise lines with robust kids’ clubs, family cabins, and activities like rock climbing walls or movie nights. Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are excellent choices for families.

Solo travelers might prefer smaller ships with social events, single-occupancy cabins, or roommate-matching programs. Holland America and Princess Cruises often cater well to solo cruisers with enriching lectures and communal dining.

Step 2: Choose the Right Cruise Line

Once you know your travel style, it’s time to pick a cruise line. Each brand has its own personality, so matching it to your preferences is key.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

– Seabourn: Intimate ships with all-inclusive pricing, gourmet dining, and expert naturalists on board. Perfect for travelers who want a high-end, immersive experience.
– Silversea: Similar to Seabourn, with a focus on elegance and personalized service. Great for couples or solo travelers seeking refinement.
– UnCruise Adventures: Adventure-focused small ships that go where big ships can’t. Ideal for active travelers who want to kayak, hike, and zodiac into remote fjords.

Mid-Size Ships with Enrichment Programs

– Holland America Line: Known for its classic elegance, excellent enrichment programs (like cooking demos and wildlife lectures), and strong Alaska expertise. Ships like the Nieuw Amsterdam offer a great balance of comfort and adventure.
– Princess Cruises: A longtime favorite for Alaska cruising. Offers the “MedallionClass” experience for convenience, plus the “North to Alaska” program with local experts and themed events.

Large Ships with Family Fun

– Royal Caribbean: Massive ships with rock climbing, surf simulators, and Broadway-style shows. Great for families and first-time cruisers.
– Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): “Freestyle Cruising” means no fixed dining times or dress codes. Ideal for flexible travelers who want variety and freedom.
– Carnival Cruise Line: Fun, casual, and affordable. Perfect for a lively, no-frills Alaska trip with lots of onboard entertainment.

Budget-Friendly and Value Options

– American Cruise Lines: U.S.-flagged ships that sail exclusively in American waters. Offers coastal itineraries with a focus on history and culture.
– Alaska Dream Cruises: Small, locally owned ships that support Alaskan communities. Great for travelers who want an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Step 3: Pick the Best Time to Cruise Alaska

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

May and Early June: Shoulder Season Perks

– Pros: Fewer crowds, lower prices, and the start of wildlife activity. You might see newborn calves (humpback whales, sea lions) and blooming wildflowers.
– Cons: Cooler weather, some excursions may not be fully operational, and daylight hours are increasing but not yet at peak.

Mid-June to August: Peak Season

– Pros: Warmest weather (50s–70s°F), longest daylight (up to 18–20 hours), full range of excursions, and peak wildlife viewing. This is the best time for glacier calving and whale watching.
– Cons: Highest prices, largest crowds, and limited cabin availability. Book early!

September: Fall Beauty and Savings

– Pros: Stunning fall colors, fewer tourists, lower prices, and active wildlife preparing for migration. Bears are often spotted fishing for salmon.
– Cons: Cooler temps, shorter days, and some tours may start winding down.

Pro Tip: If you want the best weather and wildlife, aim for late June to mid-August. But if you’re on a budget and don’t mind cooler temps, September can be a magical—and more affordable—time to go.

Step 4: Evaluate the Itinerary and Ports of Call

Not all Alaska cruises are created equal. Some spend more time at sea, while others pack in multiple ports. Here’s what to look for:

Glacier Viewing Opportunities

The highlight of any Alaska cruise is seeing glaciers up close. Look for itineraries that include:
– Tracy Arm or Endicott Fjords: Narrow, dramatic fjords with towering waterfalls and icebergs.
– Glacier Bay National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with massive tidewater glaciers. Only a limited number of ships are allowed each day, so this is a special experience.
– College Fjord: Features numerous glaciers named after Ivy League schools.

Key Ports to Consider

– Juneau: Alaska’s capital, accessible only by boat or plane. Great for whale watching, Mendenhall Glacier, and dog sledding on a glacier.
– Skagway: Gold Rush history, scenic train rides on the White Pass & Yukon Route, and hiking trails.
– Ketchikan: Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Explore Native culture, rainforests, and Totem Pole Park.
– Hubbard Glacier: One of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America. Ships often stop here for breathtaking views.
– Icy Strait Point: A private destination with zip-lining, bear viewing, and Tlingit cultural experiences.

One-Way vs. Round-Trip Cruises

– Round-trip cruises: Depart and return to the same port (usually Seattle or Vancouver). Convenient if you’re flying in and out of the same city.
– One-way cruises: Sail from Seattle to Vancouver (or vice versa). These often include airfare and let you explore two major cities. Plus, you avoid backtracking.

Pro Tip: One-way cruises are often more scenic, as they follow the Inside Passage in one direction and exit via the open ocean or Glacier Bay in the other.

Step 5: Choose the Right Ship Size and Cabin Type

Ship size affects everything from itinerary flexibility to onboard experience.

Small Ships (Under 200 passengers)

– Pros: Can access remote areas, more personalized service, quieter atmosphere, and often include expert naturalists.
– Cons: Fewer entertainment options, limited dining choices, and higher per-person cost.

Mid-Size Ships (200–1,000 passengers)

– Pros: Great balance of intimacy and amenities. Often include enrichment programs and good shore excursion options.
– Cons: May still have limited access to certain fjords due to size.

Large Ships (1,000+ passengers)

– Pros: Tons of activities, multiple dining venues, Broadway-style shows, and family-friendly features.
– Cons: Can’t visit all ports (e.g., no Tracy Arm), more crowded, and less time in port due to tender requirements.

Cabin Selection Tips

– Balcony cabins: Worth the splurge for glacier viewing and wildlife spotting.
– Oceanview cabins: Good value if you plan to spend most time on deck.
– Interior cabins: Budget-friendly, but you’ll miss the views. Best for travelers who prioritize price over scenery.

Pro Tip: On larger ships, cabins on higher decks (especially midship) offer better views and less motion. On smaller ships, cabins near the bow or stern may offer unique perspectives.

Step 6: Book at the Right Time for the Best Value

Timing your booking can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.

Book Early (12–18 Months in Advance)

– Best for securing preferred cabins, suite categories, and popular itineraries.
– Early booking discounts and promotions are common.
– Airfare and hotel packages are often cheaper when booked together.

Look for Last-Minute Deals (2–3 Months Before Departure)

– Cruise lines often discount unsold cabins to fill the ship.
– Great for flexible travelers who can book on short notice.
– Risk: Limited cabin choices and higher airfare.

Watch for Special Offers

– Free or discounted airfare (common on one-way cruises)
– Onboard credit
– Free drink packages or shore excursions
– Senior, military, or resident discounts

Pro Tip: Use a travel agent who specializes in Alaska cruises. They often have access to exclusive deals and can help you navigate complex itineraries.

Step 7: Prepare for Your Cruise Like a Pro

Once you’ve booked, it’s time to get ready.

Packing Essentials

– Layers: Temperatures can vary from 40°F to 70°F. Pack base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket, and warm hat.
– Waterproof gear: Rain is common. Bring a good raincoat and waterproof shoes.
– Binoculars: Essential for spotting whales, bears, and distant glaciers.
– Sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun reflects off snow and water—UV exposure is high.
– Camera with extra batteries: You’ll want to capture every moment.

Health and Safety

– Check vaccination requirements.
– Bring motion sickness remedies (ginger chews, patches).
– Consider travel insurance that covers trip cancellations and medical emergencies.

Onboard Tips

– Attend the naturalist lectures—they’re free and incredibly informative.
– Book popular shore excursions early—they sell out fast.
– Use the ship’s app to check daily schedules and dining reservations.

Troubleshooting Common Cruise Concerns

What if the Weather Ruins Glacier Viewing?

While you can’t control the weather, most cruise lines have backup plans. Ships may reposition to better viewing areas or offer indoor activities like lectures or movies. Remember: even on cloudy days, Alaska is stunning.

What if I Get Seasick?

Choose a midship cabin on a lower deck—it’s the most stable area. Bring over-the-counter remedies like Dramamine or consider a prescription patch. Ginger supplements also help.

What if My Shore Excursion Is Canceled?

Weather or wildlife activity can lead to cancellations. Most cruise lines offer refunds or alternatives. Always have a backup plan—explore the port on your own or enjoy the ship’s amenities.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Alaska Cruise Awaits

Picking the best Alaska cruise doesn’t have to be stressful. By defining your travel style, choosing the right cruise line and itinerary, and booking at the right time, you’ll set yourself up for an unforgettable adventure.

Remember: the best cruise isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the biggest—it’s the one that matches your interests, budget, and expectations. Whether you’re sipping champagne as a glacier calves or hiking through a misty rainforest, Alaska will leave you in awe.

So start planning, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the Last Frontier like never before. Your perfect Alaska cruise is out there—now you know how to find it.