What Alaskan Cruise Is the Best

Choosing the best Alaskan cruise depends on your travel style, budget, and must-see destinations. From luxury liners to small expedition ships, Alaska offers unforgettable wildlife, glaciers, and scenic beauty—this guide helps you pick the ideal voyage.

Key Takeaways

• Itinerary matters most: Look for cruises that visit Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, and key ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway for the full Alaska experience.
• Ship size affects experience: Large ships offer more amenities and entertainment, while small ships provide closer wildlife encounters and access to remote areas.
• Time of year impacts scenery and weather: Peak season (June–August) offers warm weather and long days, while shoulder months (May and September) mean fewer crowds and lower prices.
• Onboard activities vary widely: Some lines focus on education and nature, while others emphasize luxury, dining, and nightlife.
• Shore excursions enhance the journey: Book wildlife tours, glacier hikes, or cultural experiences in advance for the best availability and value.
• Budget influences your options: Mainstream lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are more affordable, while luxury brands like Seabourn and Silversea offer all-inclusive, high-end experiences.
• Reputation and reviews count: Research past passenger feedback and expert ratings to ensure a smooth, enjoyable voyage.

Introduction: Why an Alaskan Cruise Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure

Imagine standing on the deck of a ship, wrapped in a warm jacket, as a massive glacier calves into the sea with a thunderous crack. Or picture yourself spotting a humpback whale breaching just yards from the railing, while eagles soar above snow-capped peaks. This is the magic of an Alaskan cruise—a journey through one of the world’s last true wildernesses, where nature takes center stage.

Alaska’s rugged coastline, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife make it a dream destination for travelers seeking adventure, beauty, and a break from the ordinary. A cruise is one of the best ways to experience it, offering comfort, convenience, and access to remote areas that are difficult to reach by land. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Alaska delivers unforgettable moments at every turn.

But with so many cruise lines, ships, and itineraries to choose from, how do you decide which Alaskan cruise is the best for you? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your ideal voyage depends on what you value most: luxury, adventure, affordability, or educational experiences. In this guide, we’ll break down the top options, compare key features, and help you find the perfect Alaskan cruise that matches your travel dreams.

What Makes an Alaskan Cruise the “Best”?

When people ask, “What Alaskan cruise is the best?” they’re really asking which one offers the best value, experience, and memories for their specific needs. The “best” cruise isn’t just about the biggest ship or the highest price tag—it’s about alignment with your personal travel style.

Some travelers prioritize comfort and luxury, wanting fine dining, spacious suites, and spa services. Others are drawn to Alaska for its raw, untamed nature and prefer small ships that can navigate narrow fjords and get closer to wildlife. Families might look for kid-friendly activities and entertainment, while retirees may value relaxed pacing and expert naturalist guides.

The best Alaskan cruise also considers timing. Cruises typically run from May to September, with peak season in July and August. These months offer the warmest weather, longest daylight hours, and the most active wildlife. However, they also come with higher prices and larger crowds. Traveling in May or September—shoulder season—can mean fewer people, lower fares, and still-plenty of wildlife sightings, though weather may be cooler and some attractions less accessible.

Ultimately, the best Alaskan cruise is the one that delivers the experiences you’re hoping for, whether that’s witnessing a glacier calving, learning about Native Alaskan culture, or simply relaxing with a cup of coffee as the coastline glides by.

Top Cruise Lines for Alaska: A Breakdown by Experience

Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to Alaska. Each offers a unique flavor of the journey, from budget-friendly fun to ultra-luxury escapes. Here’s a look at the top players and what they bring to the table.

Mainstream Lines: Affordable Fun with Great Itineraries

If you’re looking for a balance of value, entertainment, and solid Alaska coverage, mainstream cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) are excellent choices.

Royal Caribbean is known for its large ships packed with activities—rock climbing walls, surf simulators, multiple pools, and Broadway-style shows. Their Alaska itineraries often include Glacier Bay, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, with options for both 7- and 10-day cruises. While the ships are big, they offer a wide range of cabin types and dining options, making them great for families and first-time cruisers.

Carnival focuses on fun and affordability. Their “Fun Ships” are lively, with comedy shows, themed parties, and casual dining. Carnival’s Alaska cruises typically depart from Seattle or Vancouver and visit the same key ports. They’re a solid pick if you want a relaxed, budget-friendly trip without sacrificing the core Alaska experience.

Norwegian Cruise Line stands out for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept—no fixed dining times, no dress codes, and lots of flexibility. NCL offers a variety of Alaska itineraries, including some that go as far north as Seward and Whittier (gateway to Denali National Park). Their ships are modern and comfortable, with plenty of dining and entertainment options.

Luxury Lines: All-Inclusive Elegance and Personalized Service

For travelers who want to experience Alaska in style, luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises offer all-inclusive, high-end voyages.

Seabourn’s small ships (around 450 passengers) provide an intimate, refined experience. All drinks, gratuities, and most shore excursions are included. Their Alaska cruises often feature expert naturalists, gourmet dining, and access to remote areas like the Inside Passage and Tracy Arm Fjord. Seabourn also offers unique experiences like kayaking among icebergs and Zodiac tours near glaciers.

Silversea is similarly luxurious, with all-suite accommodations and a high staff-to-guest ratio. Their ships are slightly larger than Seabourn’s but still small enough for personalized service. Silversea’s Alaska itineraries emphasize wildlife and culture, with visits to native villages and opportunities for bear viewing in places like Ketchikan and Haines.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises takes luxury a step further with truly all-inclusive pricing—flights, hotels, shore excursions, drinks, and Wi-Fi are all covered. Their ships are spacious and elegant, with multiple dining venues and spacious balconies. Regent’s Alaska cruises often include overnight stays in ports like Juneau, giving guests more time to explore.

Expedition Ships: Adventure and Immersion in the Wild

If your idea of the best Alaskan cruise involves getting up close with nature, consider an expedition-style voyage with lines like Lindblad Expeditions (in partnership with National Geographic), UnCruise Adventures, or Hurtigruten (now known as HX).

These small ships (typically under 200 passengers) are designed for exploration, with reinforced hulls for icy waters, Zodiac landing craft, and expert guides. They focus on education, sustainability, and immersive experiences.

Lindblad Expeditions offers science-driven voyages with National Geographic photographers, naturalists, and historians on board. Their itineraries often include remote areas like the Tongass National Forest, Glacier Bay, and the Aleutian Islands. Guests might go kayaking in icy coves, hike through old-growth forests, or attend lectures on marine biology.

UnCruise Adventures is all about adventure and authenticity. Their ships are cozy and casual, with a focus on outdoor activities like hiking, paddleboarding, and whale watching. UnCruise often visits lesser-known ports and offers flexible, spontaneous excursions based on wildlife sightings.

Hurtigruten (HX) combines expedition travel with a strong commitment to sustainability. Their ships are eco-friendly, and their itineraries emphasize cultural exchange and environmental education. HX offers both classic Inside Passage routes and longer Arctic voyages that go as far as the Arctic Circle.

Best Itineraries: Where to Go and What to See

The route your cruise takes can make or break your Alaska experience. The best Alaskan cruise itineraries include a mix of glacier views, wildlife hotspots, and culturally rich ports. Here are the must-see destinations and why they matter.

Glacier Bay National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay is one of the crown jewels of Alaska. This vast protected area is home to over a dozen active glaciers, including the famous Margerie and Lamplugh Glaciers. Most major cruise lines include a day in Glacier Bay, where ships slow to a crawl to allow passengers to witness calving ice and listen to the eerie silence of the wilderness.

The park is also a hotspot for marine life. You might see humpback whales, sea lions, otters, and even the occasional brown bear along the shore. Rangers from the National Park Service often come aboard to give presentations and answer questions, adding an educational layer to the experience.

Hubbard Glacier

At over 7 miles wide and 700 feet tall, Hubbard Glacier is one of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America. It’s a dramatic sight, especially when chunks of ice break off and crash into the sea. Some cruises, particularly those departing from Seward or Whittier, include a stop at Hubbard Glacier, offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

Unlike Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier is not a national park, so there are no rangers on board. However, the sheer scale of the glacier makes it a highlight for many passengers.

Juneau

As Alaska’s capital city, Juneau is accessible only by boat or plane—making it a unique port of call. Nestled between mountains and water, Juneau offers a mix of urban charm and outdoor adventure.

Popular excursions include a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway for panoramic views, a visit to the Alaska State Museum, or a whale-watching tour in the surrounding waters. Many travelers also take a helicopter tour to land on a glacier or go dog sledding on the Juneau Icefield.

Skagway

Step back in time in Skagway, a Gold Rush-era town frozen in the 1890s. With its wooden boardwalks, historic saloons, and steam train, Skagway feels like a living museum.

The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway is a must-do—a scenic train ride that climbs steep mountain passes and offers stunning views of waterfalls and valleys. Other popular activities include gold panning, hiking, and visiting the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

Ketchikan

Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan is famous for its Native Alaskan culture, totem poles, and lush rainforests.

Visitors can tour the Totem Heritage Center, watch a traditional dance performance, or take a floatplane tour to nearby Misty Fjords National Monument. The area is also prime for fishing, kayaking, and spotting bald eagles.

Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is the scenic waterway that runs along Alaska’s southeastern coast. It’s the backbone of most Alaska cruises, offering calm waters, dense forests, and frequent wildlife sightings.

As your ship glides through this narrow channel, keep your eyes peeled for orcas, porpoises, and sea lions. The passage is also dotted with small, remote communities and stunning fjords, making it one of the most beautiful stretches of the journey.

Choosing the Right Ship: Size, Amenities, and Onboard Experience

The ship you sail on plays a huge role in your overall experience. Larger ships offer more entertainment and dining options, while smaller ships provide intimacy and access to remote areas.

Large Ships: More to Do, More People

Ships from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and NCL can carry 2,000 to 4,000 passengers. These floating resorts feature multiple pools, theaters, casinos, specialty restaurants, and kids’ clubs.

Pros: Great for families, lots of activities, wide range of cabin types, frequent departures.

Cons: Can feel crowded, longer wait times for dining and excursions, less time in port due to larger passenger numbers.

If you enjoy a lively atmosphere and don’t mind sharing the ship with thousands of others, a large ship can be a fun and affordable way to see Alaska.

Small Ships: Intimate and Immersive

Luxury and expedition ships typically carry between 100 and 500 passengers. These vessels prioritize comfort, service, and access to nature.

Pros: More personalized service, shorter lines, ability to visit smaller ports, closer wildlife encounters, expert guides.

Cons: Higher price point, fewer entertainment options, limited cabin availability.

Small ships are ideal for travelers who value quiet, education, and a deeper connection with the destination.

Onboard Activities and Enrichment

The best Alaskan cruise lines enhance the journey with educational programming. Look for ships that offer:

– Daily lectures by naturalists, historians, or marine biologists
– Live music and cultural performances
– Cooking demonstrations featuring local Alaskan ingredients
– Photography workshops
– Kids’ programs with nature-themed activities

For example, Holland America Line is known for its “Explorations Central” program, which includes talks on Alaskan history, wildlife, and conservation. National Geographic Expeditions takes it further with on-board experts and hands-on activities.

Practical Tips for Booking the Best Alaskan Cruise

Now that you know what to look for, here are some practical tips to help you book the best Alaskan cruise for your needs.

Book Early for the Best Deals and Availability

Alaska cruises are popular, and the best cabins—especially those with balconies—sell out quickly. Booking 6 to 12 months in advance gives you the widest selection and often lower prices. Some lines also offer early-bird discounts or onboard credit incentives.

Consider Your Departure City

Most Alaska cruises depart from Seattle, Vancouver, or Seward/Whittier. Seattle and Vancouver offer more flight options and are easier to reach for U.S. travelers. Seward and Whittier are closer to Denali National Park, making them ideal if you plan to combine your cruise with a land tour.

Pack Smart for Variable Weather

Alaska’s weather can change quickly. Even in summer, temperatures range from 40°F to 70°F. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes, and binoculars for wildlife viewing. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses—glare off the water can be intense.

Book Shore Excursions in Advance

Popular excursions like whale watching, glacier hiking, and train rides often sell out. Booking through your cruise line ensures you get a spot and can be convenient, though third-party operators may offer lower prices and more flexibility.

Check for Inclusions

Luxury lines often include drinks, gratuities, and excursions in the fare. Mainstream lines may charge extra for specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and drinks. Read the fine print to avoid surprise costs.

Travel Insurance Is a Must

Alaska’s remote location and unpredictable weather mean delays and cancellations can happen. Travel insurance can cover trip interruptions, medical emergencies, and missed connections.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Alaskan Cruise

So, what Alaskan cruise is the best? The answer is personal. The best cruise is the one that matches your interests, budget, and travel style. Whether you’re drawn to the luxury of Seabourn, the adventure of UnCruise, or the family fun of Royal Caribbean, Alaska has a voyage for you.

Focus on the itinerary—make sure it includes Glacier Bay, key ports, and glacier views. Consider the ship size and onboard experience. And don’t forget to book early, pack wisely, and embrace the unexpected moments that make Alaska so magical.

An Alaskan cruise isn’t just a vacation—it’s an immersion into one of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. With the right planning, it can be the trip of a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to take an Alaskan cruise?

The best time for an Alaskan cruise is typically June through August, when the weather is warmest and wildlife is most active. However, May and September offer fewer crowds and lower prices, with still-plenty of scenic beauty.

Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?

If your cruise departs and returns to the same U.S. port (like Seattle), a passport is not required—though it’s highly recommended. If your cruise stops in Canada (like Vancouver), a passport is mandatory.

Are Alaskan cruises family-friendly?

Yes, many cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer kids’ clubs, family cabins, and activities for all ages. However, smaller expedition ships may be better suited for older children and adults.

Can I see the Northern Lights on an Alaskan cruise?

The Northern Lights are rarely visible during the summer cruise season due to nearly 24-hour daylight. For aurora viewing, consider a late September or winter land tour instead.

How much do shore excursions cost?

Shore excursions range from $50 to $300+ per person, depending on the activity. Whale watching, glacier hikes, and train rides are popular mid-range options, while helicopter tours are more expensive.

Is Wi-Fi available on Alaskan cruises?

Most ships offer Wi-Fi, but it can be slow and expensive due to satellite connections. Luxury lines often include Wi-Fi in the fare, while mainstream lines charge by the hour or day.