What Is the Best Cruise in Alaska

Choosing the best cruise in Alaska depends on your travel style, budget, and interests. Whether you’re after luxury, adventure, or family-friendly fun, Alaska offers unforgettable itineraries through pristine wilderness, towering glaciers, and charming coastal towns. This guide breaks down the top options so you can pick the perfect voyage.

Key Takeaways

• Itinerary matters most: Look for cruises that visit Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, and scenic ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan for the full Alaskan experience.
• Ship size affects experience: Smaller ships offer more intimate wildlife viewing and access to remote inlets, while larger ships provide more onboard amenities.
• Best time to cruise: May through September offers mild weather, longer days, and peak wildlife activity—July and August are busiest but most reliable.
• Top cruise lines: Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises consistently rank highest for service, excursions, and Alaskan expertise.
• Shore excursions enhance the trip: Book glacier hikes, whale watching, dog sledding, and cultural tours in advance for the best availability.
• Pack for variable weather: Even in summer, layers, waterproof gear, and binoculars are essential for comfort and wildlife spotting.
• Consider a cruise-tour combo: Extending your trip with a land tour lets you explore Denali National Park and interior Alaska beyond the coast.

Why Alaska Is a Cruise Destination Like No Other

Alaska isn’t just a vacation—it’s a journey into the wild heart of North America. With its dramatic fjords, snow-capped peaks, and vast stretches of untouched wilderness, Alaska offers a cruising experience that’s both awe-inspiring and deeply peaceful. Unlike tropical destinations, an Alaska cruise immerses you in raw natural beauty, where glaciers calve into icy waters, bears fish for salmon, and bald soars glide overhead.

What makes Alaska truly special is its unique blend of adventure and serenity. You can spend your morning watching a glacier the size of a skyscraper crack and collapse into the sea, then enjoy a quiet evening sipping hot cocoa on your balcony as the sun sets over misty mountains. The rhythm of an Alaska cruise is slower, more contemplative, yet filled with moments of pure wonder. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates stunning landscapes, Alaska delivers.

What Makes the Best Cruise in Alaska?

So, what exactly defines the best cruise in Alaska? It’s not just about the ship or the price—it’s about the overall experience. The best Alaska cruise matches your travel style, offers rich itineraries, and provides opportunities to connect with nature and local culture. Let’s break down the key factors that separate a good cruise from a truly unforgettable one.

Itinerary: The Heart of Your Alaskan Adventure

The route your ship takes is arguably the most important factor. The best cruises include must-see destinations like Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its massive tidewater glaciers and diverse wildlife. Hubbard Glacier, one of the largest in North America, is another highlight, often producing thunderous calving events that echo across the water.

Ports of call also define the experience. Juneau, the state capital, offers access to the Mendenhall Glacier and whale-watching tours. Skagway brings Gold Rush history to life with its wooden boardwalks and the scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Ketchikan, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” invites you to explore Native Alaskan culture and lush rainforests.

Some cruises also include lesser-known gems like Icy Strait Point, where you can zipline through old-growth forests or watch brown bears from a safe distance. Others may visit Sitka, a town rich in Russian and Tlingit heritage. The more diverse and immersive the itinerary, the richer your Alaskan experience will be.

Ship Size and Style: Intimacy vs. Amenities

Alaska cruises come in all shapes and sizes, and your preference here will shape your trip. Large ships—like those from Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean—boast Broadway-style shows, multiple dining venues, and expansive kids’ clubs. They’re ideal for families or travelers who enjoy a bustling onboard atmosphere.

On the other hand, smaller ships, such as those from UnCruise Adventures or Lindblad Expeditions, offer a more intimate experience. With fewer passengers, you get closer wildlife encounters, more personalized service, and access to remote inlets that larger vessels can’t reach. These ships often include naturalists and photographers on board to enhance your understanding of the environment.

Mid-sized ships from lines like Holland America and Princess Cruises strike a balance. They’re large enough to offer comfort and variety—think multiple restaurants, spa services, and enrichment lectures—but small enough to navigate narrow channels and provide a sense of connection to the landscape.

Onboard Experience: Comfort and Enrichment

The best cruise in Alaska isn’t just about what’s outside the ship—it’s also about what’s inside. Look for ships that offer educational programming, such as talks by marine biologists, historians, or local Indigenous guides. These sessions deepen your appreciation of the region and prepare you for shore excursions.

Dining is another key factor. Many top Alaska cruises feature regional cuisine, like fresh-caught salmon, Dungeness crab, and reindeer sausage. Some ships even host cooking demonstrations or local guest chefs. For example, Princess Cruises partners with Alaska Native communities to offer authentic cultural dining experiences.

Comfort matters too. Balcony cabins are highly recommended—there’s nothing like waking up to a view of mist rising off a fjord or watching a pod of orcas swim by at sunrise. Even if you spend most of your time exploring, having a private space to relax and reflect enhances the journey.

Top Cruise Lines for Alaska: Who Does It Best?

Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to Alaska. Some have decades of experience navigating these waters and building relationships with local communities. Here are the top contenders for the best cruise in Alaska.

Holland America Line: The Alaskan Expert

Holland America has been sailing Alaska since the 1950s and is often considered the gold standard for Alaskan cruising. Their ships, like the ms Nieuw Amsterdam and ms Eurodam, are mid-sized and designed for comfort and exploration. They spend more time in Glacier Bay than most other lines—up to eight hours—giving you ample opportunity to witness glacial activity.

What sets Holland America apart is their focus on enrichment. Their “Explorations Central” program features local experts, cultural performances, and hands-on activities. They also offer a robust shore excursion program, including exclusive access to the historic Gold Rush town of Haines.

Their service is consistently praised for being warm and attentive, and their dining options include a specialty restaurant featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine. If you value tradition, reliability, and a deep connection to Alaska, Holland America is a top choice.

Princess Cruises: The Scenic Route

Princess Cruises is another heavyweight in Alaska, known for their “North to Alaska” campaign and their fleet of ships built specifically for the region. Their vessels, like the Grand Princess and Ruby Princess, offer panoramic viewing areas, including the iconic “Movies Under the Stars” pool deck screen—perfect for watching glaciers under the northern lights.

Princess excels in itinerary variety. They offer both one-way and round-trip cruises, as well as cruise-tour combos that include stays in Denali National Park. Their “Discovery at Sea” program brings in naturalists and historians to educate guests about Alaskan wildlife and culture.

One standout feature is their partnership with the U.S. National Park Service, which allows their ships to enter Glacier Bay with a park ranger on board. This adds an educational layer to the experience and ensures minimal environmental impact.

Celebrity Cruises: Modern Luxury Meets Wilderness

For travelers seeking a more contemporary and luxurious experience, Celebrity Cruises offers a fresh take on Alaska. Their Edge-class ships, like the Celebrity Edge, feature innovative design, including the “Magic Carpet”—a movable platform that serves as a restaurant, bar, and embarkation area.

Celebrity focuses on modern comfort and sustainability. Their ships use advanced wastewater treatment systems and have reduced single-use plastics. Onboard, you’ll find upscale dining, spa services, and stylish lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows.

While they may not spend as much time in Glacier Bay as Holland America or Princess, Celebrity makes up for it with unique shore excursions, like helicopter tours over glaciers or private wildlife cruises. Their itineraries often include Victoria, British Columbia, adding a touch of Pacific Northwest charm.

UnCruise Adventures: The Ultimate Small-Ship Experience

If you’re looking for something truly different, UnCruise Adventures offers small-ship, adventure-focused cruises that feel more like an expedition than a traditional cruise. Their ships carry fewer than 100 passengers, allowing for flexible itineraries and spontaneous wildlife encounters.

UnCruise emphasizes active exploration—think kayaking among icebergs, hiking in temperate rainforests, and Zodiac excursions to remote coves. Their guides are often marine biologists or naturalists who share fascinating insights about the ecosystem.

This line is ideal for travelers who want to get off the beaten path and experience Alaska in a more personal, immersive way. It’s not for everyone—there are fewer formal amenities—but for adventure seekers, it’s hard to beat.

Best Time to Cruise Alaska: Timing Is Everything

Choosing when to go can make or break your Alaska cruise experience. The official cruise season runs from May to September, but each month offers something different.

May and Early June: Quiet Beauty and Lower Prices

Traveling in May or early June means fewer crowds and lower prices. The weather is cooler, but the landscapes are lush and green, and wildlife is active after winter. You’ll have a good chance of seeing bears foraging along the shore and migratory birds returning to nest.

One downside is that some shore excursions may not be fully operational yet, and daylight hours, while long, aren’t at their peak. Still, for travelers seeking solitude and value, this is an excellent time to go.

July and August: Peak Season for a Reason

These are the most popular months—and for good reason. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F, and daylight can last up to 18 hours. Wildlife is abundant: whales are frequently spotted, bears are active, and salmon are running.

The downside? Crowds. Popular ports like Skagway and Juneau can feel busy, and shore excursions book up quickly. If you’re traveling during this time, book your cruise and excursions well in advance.

September: Fall Colors and Fewer Crowds

September offers a unique blend of benefits. The summer crowds have thinned, but the weather is still pleasant. The real draw is the fall foliage—temperate rainforests turn golden and crimson, creating stunning photo opportunities.

Wildlife is still active, and you might even catch the northern lights on clear nights. Some cruise lines offer special “fall foliage” itineraries during this time. Just be prepared for cooler temperatures and the possibility of rain.

Shore Excursions: Making the Most of Your Port Stops

The best cruise in Alaska isn’t complete without unforgettable shore excursions. These activities let you dive deeper into the culture, history, and natural wonders of the region.

Glacier Adventures

No Alaska trip is complete without getting up close to a glacier. Options include helicopter tours that land on the ice, dog sledding experiences on the Juneau Icefield, and guided hikes on the Mendenhall Glacier. Some tours even include a chance to taste thousand-year-old ice!

Wildlife Viewing

Whale watching is a must. Tours in Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan offer high chances of spotting humpbacks, orcas, and gray whales. Bear viewing excursions, particularly in places like Pack Creek on Admiralty Island, let you observe brown bears in their natural habitat.

Cultural Experiences

Learn about Alaska Native cultures through visits to totem parks, cultural centers, and performances. In Ketchikan, you can watch master carvers at work or attend a traditional Tlingit dance show. Some tours include storytelling sessions with local elders.

Adventure Activities

For the thrill-seekers, options include zip-lining through forests, river rafting, and flightseeing tours over fjords and mountains. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway offers a scenic train ride through historic Gold Rush territory.

Packing Tips for Your Alaska Cruise

Packing for Alaska requires preparation. The weather can change quickly, and you’ll want to be ready for everything from sunny days to sudden rainstorms.

Essential items include:

• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Layered clothing (thermal base layers, fleece, sweaters)
• Sturdy, non-slip walking shoes
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Camera with extra batteries (cold drains them fast)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (glare off the water and ice is intense)
• Swimsuit (for the ship’s hot tub—yes, people do it!)

Don’t forget motion sickness remedies if you’re prone to seasickness, especially when navigating narrow channels. And always carry a reusable water bottle—many ships encourage sustainability.

Should You Choose a Cruise-Tour Combo?

For many travelers, the best cruise in Alaska is just the beginning. A cruise-tour combo extends your journey into the interior, allowing you to explore Denali National Park, Fairbanks, or the Kenai Peninsula.

These land tours typically include hotel stays, guided excursions, and scenic train rides like the Alaska Railroad. You might go flightseeing over Denali (North America’s tallest peak), visit a sled dog kennel, or take a river cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Princess and Holland America offer some of the most seamless cruise-tour packages, with transportation and lodging handled for you. It’s a great way to see more of Alaska without the hassle of planning multiple legs of travel.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Alaska Cruise

So, what is the best cruise in Alaska? The answer depends on you. If you value tradition and educational depth, Holland America is hard to beat. For scenic beauty and variety, Princess Cruises shines. If luxury and modern design are your priorities, Celebrity offers a fresh take. And if you crave adventure and intimacy, UnCruise Adventures delivers.

No matter which line you choose, an Alaska cruise is a journey of a lifetime. It’s a chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature, history, and wonder. With the right planning, the right ship, and the right mindset, your Alaskan adventure will stay with you long after the voyage ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to cruise Alaska?

The best month depends on your preferences. July and August offer the best weather and wildlife, but are busiest. May and September provide fewer crowds and lower prices, with September adding beautiful fall colors.

Do I need a passport for an Alaska cruise?

If your cruise is round-trip from a U.S. port and doesn’t visit foreign countries, a passport isn’t required—but it’s highly recommended. If you visit Canada (like Victoria, BC), a passport is mandatory.

Are Alaska cruises family-friendly?

Yes! Many lines, like Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, offer kids’ clubs, family excursions, and entertainment. Look for ships with youth programs and activities like glacier hikes suitable for older children.

Can you see the northern lights on an Alaska cruise?

It’s possible, especially in September when nights are darker. However, sightings aren’t guaranteed. For better chances, consider a land tour in Fairbanks or Denali during the aurora season (August to April).

How much do shore excursions cost?

Prices vary widely, from $50 for a city tour to $500+ for helicopter glacier landings. Book early for the best selection, and consider booking through your cruise line for convenience and peace of mind.

Is Wi-Fi available on Alaska cruise ships?

Yes, but it’s often slow and expensive due to satellite connections. Some ships offer limited free Wi-Fi, but expect to pay for faster, unlimited plans. Consider unplugging and enjoying the scenery instead.