What Cruise Lines Go to Alaska From Vancouver This Summer

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) brings its signature “freestyle cruising” concept to Alaska, appealing to travelers who want flexibility and variety. Ships like the Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy offer 7-day round-trip voyages from Vancouver, with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. NCL’s ships are larger (up to 4,000 passengers), with a focus on entertainment, dining, and onboard activities.

What makes NCL unique is its open dining policy—no fixed meal times or dress codes. With 20+ dining options, including specialty restaurants like Le Bistro (French) and Cagney’s Steakhouse, foodies will be spoiled for choice. Their Alaska excursions are equally diverse, from a Dog Sledding Adventure on a glacier to a Helicopter & Icefield Discovery tour. NCL also partners with local operators to offer eco-friendly activities, like kayaking in Misty Fjords.

Insider Tip: Book the “More at Sea” package to get free specialty dining, a beverage package, and Wi-Fi—ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Celebrity Cruises: Modern Luxury Meets Alaskan Wilderness

Celebrity Cruises elevates the Alaska experience with its Solstice-class ships (e.g., Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse), which feature sleek design, high-end amenities, and a focus on sustainability. Their 7- to 14-day itineraries from Vancouver include scenic cruising in places like Hubbard Glacier and Icy Strait Point. Celebrity’s ships are slightly smaller than NCL’s but offer more spacious staterooms and a refined atmosphere.

Celebrity’s Alaska Immersive program includes expert-led talks, wildlife spotting with naturalists, and farm-to-table dining using Alaskan ingredients. Their excursions are curated for adventure seekers: try a Zipline & Rainforest Canopy Tour in Hoonah or a Flightseeing Tour over Denali. The Rooftop Garden on deck is a standout feature, where you can enjoy a drink while watching glaciers drift by.

Pro Tip: Upgrade to the “Retreat” suite category for access to a private lounge, butler service, and exclusive dining.

Royal Caribbean International: Adventure for All Ages

Royal Caribbean brings its signature “adventure-first” approach to Alaska with ships like the Quantum of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. Their 7-day “Alaska Glacier Cruise” departs Vancouver weekly from May to September, with stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka. Royal Caribbean’s ships are packed with family-friendly amenities, from rock climbing walls to Broadway-style shows.

What sets Royal Caribbean apart is its Adventure Ocean program for kids and teens, which includes themed activities like “Junior Naturalist” workshops. Adults can unwind at the Vitality Spa or enjoy live music at the Schooner Bar. For excursions, try the Glacier Point Wilderness Tour (a 4×4 ride through Tongass National Forest) or a Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour in Juneau.

Insider Tip: Book the “Ultimate Family Suite” for a two-story stateroom with a slide, private cinema, and in-room slide.

Small-Ship and Luxury Cruise Options

UnCruise Adventures: Intimate Wilderness Experiences

For travelers seeking a more intimate, nature-focused journey, UnCruise Adventures offers small-ship cruises (max 60–86 passengers) from Vancouver to Southeast Alaska. Their 7- to 14-day itineraries focus on wildlife viewing, kayaking, and cultural immersion. Ships like the Wilderness Explorer and Wilderness Discoverer are designed for exploration, with kayaks, paddleboards, and a flexible itinerary that allows for spontaneous wildlife encounters.

UnCruise’s Alaska voyages include stops in remote areas like Chichagof Island and Baranof Island, where you’ll have a higher chance of spotting bears, whales, and eagles. Their “Adventure Guides” are experts in local ecology, and excursions are included in the price (no extra fees for kayaking or hiking). Meals are family-style, with fresh Alaskan seafood and produce.

Pro Tip: Pack waterproof gear—UnCruise’s itineraries are highly weather-dependent, and rain is common in Alaska’s rainforest climate.

Silversea Cruises: All-Inclusive Luxury

Silversea Cruises offers ultra-luxury Alaska itineraries aboard ships like the Silver Muse and Silver Shadow. With a guest-to-crew ratio of nearly 1:1, Silversea provides personalized service, butler service for all staterooms, and an all-inclusive pricing model (drinks, gratuities, and excursions are included). Their 7- to 12-day voyages from Vancouver include scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay, with optional helicopter or seaplane tours.

Silversea’s Alaska Enrichment program features lectures by historians, naturalists, and indigenous storytellers. Excursions range from a Private Gold Rush Tour in Skagway to a Helicopter Glacier Walk in Juneau. The onboard spa and gourmet dining (including a French restaurant by Relais & Châteaux) cater to discerning travelers.

Insider Tip: Book a “Grand Suite” for a private veranda, whirlpool bath, and dedicated butler.

What to Expect: Itineraries, Ports, and Scenic Cruising

Typical Itineraries

Most Alaska cruises from Vancouver last 7 days and follow a similar pattern:

• Day 1: Embarkation in Vancouver (Canada Place)
• Day 2: Scenic cruising (e.g., Inside Passage)
• Day 3: Ketchikan (gateway to Misty Fjords)
• Day 4: Juneau (state capital; whale watching)
• Day 5: Skagway (Klondike Gold Rush history)
• Day 6: Scenic cruising (Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier)
• Day 7: Return to Vancouver or disembark in Seward/Anchorage

Round-trip itineraries (returning to Vancouver) are most common, but one-way cruises (ending in Seward or Whittier) are also available. Longer 10- to 14-day itineraries may include stops in Sitka, Haines, or Icy Strait Point.

Must-See Ports

• Ketchikan: Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” this port offers rainforest hikes, totem pole parks, and flightseeing tours over Misty Fjords.
• Juneau: Alaska’s capital is a hub for whale watching, Mendenhall Glacier, and gold mine tours.
• Skagway: Step back in time on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad or pan for gold in the Klondike.
• Glacier Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park features tidewater glaciers, humpback whales, and bald eagles.
• Hubbard Glacier: One of Alaska’s largest glaciers, it’s known for its dramatic calving (ice chunks breaking off).

Scenic Cruising

Alaska’s fjords and glaciers are best viewed from the ship’s deck. Cruise lines like Holland America and Princess offer glacier viewing decks with binoculars and naturalist commentary. For the best experience:

• Arrive early (6–7 AM) to secure a front-row seat.
• Bring a jacket—glacier viewing can be chilly even in summer.
• Use a zoom lens for wildlife photography.

Practical Tips for Booking Your Vancouver-to-Alaska Cruise

Best Time to Sail

Alaska’s cruise season runs from May to September. Each month has pros and cons:

• May: Fewer crowds, lower prices, but shorter daylight hours.
• June–July: Peak season (best weather, longest days, most wildlife).
• August: Slightly cooler temperatures, fall colors starting.
• September: Lower prices, fewer kids, but higher chance of rain.

For optimal conditions, book a cruise in late June to mid-August.

Booking Tips

• Book early: Popular itineraries (e.g., Glacier Bay) sell out 6–12 months in advance.
• Compare packages: Look for deals like “Kids Sail Free” (Royal Caribbean) or “Free Airfare” (Holland America).
• Choose your stateroom wisely: Balcony cabins offer the best views, but interior cabins are cheaper.
• Check port fees: Vancouver charges a $35–$50 per person embarkation fee.

Packing Essentials

• Layered clothing (temperatures range from 45°F to 70°F).
• Waterproof jacket and hiking boots.
• Binoculars and a camera with zoom lens.
• Motion sickness medication (if prone to seasickness).
• Passport (required for re-entry to Canada).

Data Table: Cruise Lines Comparison (2024 Summer)

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Cruise for You

Alaska is a destination that defies expectations—a place where glaciers meet rainforests, whales breach beside cruise ships, and every turn reveals a new wonder. For travelers embarking from Vancouver, the journey itself is part of the adventure, with the Inside Passage offering a scenic prelude to the Alaskan wilderness. Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of Holland America, the family-friendly fun of Royal Caribbean, or the intimate luxury of UnCruise and Silversea, there’s a cruise line that matches your style and budget.

As you plan your summer 2024 voyage, remember that the best cruise isn’t just about the ship—it’s about the experiences. Will you kayak beside a calving glacier? Pan for gold in Skagway? Spot a brown bear fishing in a stream? The answer lies in choosing an itinerary that aligns with your passions. With the cruise lines covered in this guide, you now have the tools to make an informed decision. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the Last Frontier from the comfort of a Vancouver departure. Your Alaskan adventure awaits!

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines go to Alaska from Vancouver this summer?

Major cruise lines like Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean offer Alaska voyages from Vancouver. These departures typically run from May through September, with itineraries highlighting glaciers, wildlife, and coastal towns.

Which cruise lines offer the best Alaska itineraries from Vancouver?

Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are renowned for their immersive Alaska experiences, including glacier-focused routes and onboard naturalist programs. Both lines frequently depart from Vancouver, making them top choices for scenic and educational summer cruises.

Are there budget-friendly cruise lines sailing from Vancouver to Alaska?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line provide more affordable options for Alaska-bound cruises from Vancouver. These lines often feature shorter 7-day itineraries and frequent summer promotions.

Do any luxury cruise lines go to Alaska from Vancouver?

Upscale lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises operate luxury Alaska voyages from Vancouver, all-inclusive fares and premium amenities. Their smaller ships access scenic routes while offering personalized service.

What cruise lines from Vancouver visit Glacier Bay in Alaska?

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are two major lines that include Glacier Bay National Park in their Alaska itineraries from Vancouver. Both feature park ranger-led narration during the glacier viewing experience.

Can I take a round-trip Alaska cruise from Vancouver?

Yes, most major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises offer round-trip Alaska voyages from Vancouver. These convenient sailings typically last 7–14 days and avoid the need for one-way flight arrangements.