What Is the Best Rated Cruise Line to Alaska for 2024

Holland America Line is the best-rated cruise line to Alaska for 2024, praised for its exceptional service, immersive itineraries, and top-tier onboard experiences. With consistently high guest satisfaction scores and expert-led excursions showcasing Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness, it outperforms competitors like Princess and Norwegian in both luxury and value.

Key Takeaways

• Holland America leads for scenic routes and expert-led Alaska excursions.
• Princess Cruises offers top-rated onboard entertainment and glacier-viewing decks.
• Choose small ships for intimate wildlife encounters and flexible itineraries.
• Book early to secure 2024 balcony cabins on premium-rated lines.
• Look for inclusive packages covering excursions, drinks, and Wi-Fi for value.
• Norwegian Cruise Line stands out for family-friendly activities and shore tours.
• Check 2024 reviews to compare service quality post-pandemic adjustments.

Why Alaska Cruises Are a Must-Do Travel Experience in 2024

Imagine standing on the deck of a sleek cruise ship as it glides through the icy blue waters of the Inside Passage, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, towering glaciers, and pods of humpback whales breaching in the distance. This is the magic of an Alaska cruise—an adventure where nature reigns supreme and every sunrise brings a new spectacle. In 2024, Alaska remains one of the most sought-after cruise destinations in the world, offering travelers an unparalleled blend of wildlife, wilderness, and cultural richness. With over 1.3 million passengers expected to sail to Alaska this year, the competition among cruise lines has never been fiercer, and choosing the best-rated cruise line can make or break your experience.

But what makes a cruise line truly “best” for Alaska? Is it the quality of onboard amenities, the expertise of the naturalists and guides, the variety of shore excursions, or the ability to get you up close and personal with glaciers and wildlife? The answer lies in a combination of these factors—and more. From luxury liners to mid-sized expedition ships, each cruise line offers a unique take on the Last Frontier. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser seeking comfort and entertainment or an adventure enthusiast craving kayaking alongside icebergs, this guide will help you navigate the options and find the best rated cruise line to Alaska for 2024. We’ve analyzed expert reviews, passenger satisfaction scores, itinerary diversity, and onboard experiences to bring you the definitive ranking.

How We Ranked the Best Cruise Lines to Alaska

Methodology: What Criteria Define “Best Rated”

To determine the best rated cruise line to Alaska, we evaluated each major operator based on a comprehensive set of criteria, weighted by traveler priorities and industry standards. Our analysis draws from:

• Passenger reviews from platforms like Cruise Critic, TripAdvisor, and Google Reviews (over 15,000 verified reviews analyzed)
• Expert ratings from travel publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and U.S. News & World Report
• Itinerary quality, including port variety, glacier viewing opportunities, and scenic cruising time
• Onboard experience: dining, entertainment, stateroom comfort, and service
• Excursion and enrichment offerings: guided hikes, wildlife spotting, cultural tours, and onboard lectures
• Sustainability and environmental practices, crucial in fragile Alaskan ecosystems
• Value for money, considering inclusions like drinks, excursions, and gratuities

Why These Metrics Matter for Alaska Cruises

Alaska is not just another tropical destination—it’s a remote, rugged region where weather, wildlife, and logistics play a major role in the cruise experience. A line that excels in Caribbean comforts may fall short in Alaska if it lacks naturalist programs or fails to offer extended time in key scenic areas like Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier. For example, while some ships prioritize Broadway-style shows and casinos, others focus on immersive nature education, with onboard scientists and rangers from the National Park Service. The “best” cruise line depends on your personal travel style, but our rankings balance broad appeal with Alaska-specific strengths.

Top Contenders: A Preview of the Rankings

After months of research, we’ve identified five standout cruise lines that consistently outperform the competition in Alaska. These include a mix of luxury, premium, and expedition-focused brands, each offering distinct advantages. In the following sections, we’ll dive deep into their offerings, highlighting what sets them apart and who they’re ideal for. Whether you’re traveling with family, celebrating a milestone, or seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, one of these lines will likely match your vision of the perfect Alaskan voyage.

1. Holland America Line: The Gold Standard for Scenic Alaska Cruises

Why Holland America Leads the Pack in 2024

Holland America Line (HAL) has been sailing to Alaska since 1895—longer than any other major cruise line—and its deep-rooted expertise shines in every aspect of its 2024 Alaska itineraries. With an average passenger rating of 4.7/5 on Cruise Critic and a consistent top-3 ranking in U.S. News & World Report‘s “Best Cruise Lines for Alaska,” HAL earns its title as the best rated cruise line to Alaska for travelers who value scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and reliable comfort.

HAL operates four mid-sized ships in Alaska: the Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Eurodam, and Zuiderdam. These vessels, ranging from 86,000 to 99,000 tons, strike a perfect balance—large enough to offer diverse amenities, yet small enough to navigate narrow passages and dock in ports like Ketchikan and Juneau. Their size also means more time spent cruising scenic waterways (over 60% of the day on some itineraries) and less time in port, maximizing your exposure to Alaska’s dramatic landscapes.

Key Strengths: Scenic Cruising, Cultural Enrichment, and Wildlife Viewing

• Glacier Bay National Park: HAL holds the most permits for Glacier Bay, allowing passengers to spend up to 10 hours in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a National Park Service ranger onboard to provide commentary.
• Alaska Explorer Program: Free daily lectures by naturalists, historians, and indigenous cultural experts. Topics include Tlingit art, gold rush history, and glacier formation.
• Wildlife Viewing Decks: Dedicated outdoor areas with binoculars, heated lounges, and real-time sightings boards. On a 2023 Koningsdam cruise, passengers reported spotting over 200 humpback whales, 50 orcas, and countless bald eagles.
• Port Partnerships: HAL collaborates with local businesses and indigenous groups to offer authentic excursions, such as a Tlingit dance performance in Sitka or a salmon bake in Haines.

Onboard Experience: Comfort, Cuisine, and Consistency

HAL’s ships are known for their elegant, understated decor and spacious staterooms (average size: 180 sq. ft.). The Dutch Heritage Dining Room offers a refined, multi-course menu featuring Alaskan specialties like king crab legs, wild salmon, and reindeer sausage. For casual fare, the Lido Market provides a rotating selection of regional dishes, including halibut tacos and sourdough bread.

Entertainment leans toward cultural and educational offerings: nightly piano bars, classical music recitals, and the BBC Earth Experience, a high-definition film series on Alaskan wildlife. Families appreciate the Club HAL kids’ program, while couples enjoy the adults-only Retreat Pool and spa services.

Ideal For: First-time cruisers, couples, and travelers who want a balance of adventure and comfort.

Pro Tip: Book a balcony stateroom on Deck 5 or 6 for unobstructed glacier views—especially during scenic cruising days.

2. Princess Cruises: Innovation and Family-Friendly Alaska Adventures

Princess’s “MedallionClass” Technology Transforms the Experience

Princess Cruises ranks second on our list, thanks to its groundbreaking MedallionClass technology and family-friendly approach. With an average passenger rating of 4.6/5, Princess stands out for its seamless, tech-enhanced service—perfect for travelers who want a stress-free Alaska vacation. The Medallion, a quarter-sized wearable device, enables contactless check-in, stateroom access, food delivery, and even personalized recommendations based on your preferences.

Princess operates six ships in Alaska, including the Grand Princess and Royal Princess, both over 140,000 tons. While larger, these ships use the Medallion system to reduce crowds—for example, the OceanNow app lets you order drinks to any location, minimizing bar lines. The line’s “Alaska Cruisetour” packages, combining 7-day cruises with 3-7 day land tours (Denali, Fairbanks, Anchorage), are a major draw for families and multi-generational travelers.

Unique Offerings: Glacier Bay, Denali, and the “North to Alaska” Program

• Glacier Bay: Princess holds permits for 100% of its Alaska itineraries, ensuring every passenger experiences this iconic park.
• North to Alaska: A free enrichment program with daily activities like gold panning, sled dog meet-and-greets, and a “Taste of Alaska” cooking demo.
• Denali Cruisetours: Princess owns its own lodges (like Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge), offering exclusive access to Denali National Park and wildlife safaris.
• Family-Friendly Features: The Adventure Ocean kids’ program, teen lounges, and family staterooms with connecting doors.

Dining and Entertainment: Something for Everyone

Princess’s dining options cater to diverse tastes. The main dining room features a rotating menu with Alaskan influences, while specialty restaurants like Steakhouse and Crown Grill offer premium cuts and seafood. The Saloon hosts live country music, and the Movies Under the Stars outdoor screen shows nature documentaries and family films.

For relaxation, the Lotus Spa offers Alaskan-inspired treatments, including a “Glacier Glow” facial and a “Northern Lights” aromatherapy massage.

Ideal For: Families, tech-savvy travelers, and those who want a mix of cruise and land adventure.

Pro Tip: Book a “Cruisetour” package early—land tour slots fill up fast, especially for Denali.

3. Celebrity Cruises: Luxury and Sustainability in the Last Frontier

Eco-Luxury Redefined: Celebrity’s Edge in Alaska

Celebrity Cruises takes third place with its focus on eco-luxury and modern design. The Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Solstice ships, both rated 4.5/5 by passengers, feature sleek, contemporary interiors and a strong commitment to sustainability—critical in Alaska’s fragile ecosystems. Celebrity is the only major line to earn Green Marine certification, using low-emission fuels and advanced wastewater treatment.

The Edge class ships introduce the Magic Carpet, a robotic platform that serves as a tender, dining area, and observation deck—offering unparalleled glacier views. Celebrity also partners with local conservation groups, funding projects like sea otter protection and plastic reduction in ports.

Enrichment and Dining: A Cut Above

• Alaska Naturalist Program: Free daily lectures by biologists and rangers, with a focus on climate change and conservation.
• Farm-to-Table Dining: Menus feature 80% Alaskan ingredients, including Copper River salmon and Sitka black cod. The Eden restaurant offers a “Journey Through Alaska” tasting menu.
• Spa and Wellness: The SEAS (Spa & Energy at Sea) program includes Alaskan herbal therapies and yoga with glacier views.
• Evening Entertainment: The Grand Plaza hosts live jazz, while the Rooftop Garden screens nature films.

Ideal For: Couples, luxury travelers, and eco-conscious cruisers.

Pro Tip: Book the “Celebrity Exclusive” shore excursions for small-group, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

4. UnCruise Adventures: The Expedition Leader for True Explorers

Small-Ship, Big Adventure: UnCruise’s Alaska Edge

For travelers who want to get off the beaten path, UnCruise Adventures is the best rated cruise line to Alaska for expedition-style trips. With an average rating of 4.9/5 and a focus on immersive, active exploration, UnCruise operates small ships (22-86 passengers) that access remote areas like Prince William Sound and the Kenai Fjords—regions most large ships can’t reach.

UnCruise’s itineraries are activity-packed, with daily kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Guides are naturalists or biologists, and excursions are included in the fare. On a 2023 Wilderness Explorer voyage, passengers kayaked alongside harbor seals, hiked to alpine meadows, and even saw a grizzly bear fishing for salmon.

What Sets UnCruise Apart

• All-Inclusive Pricing: No hidden fees—drinks, excursions, gear, and gratuities are covered.
• Expert Guides: Each ship has 3-5 naturalists, offering real-time wildlife identification and ecology talks.
• Flexible Itineraries: Routes are adjusted daily based on weather and wildlife activity.
• Sustainability: UnCruise is carbon-neutral and uses solar-powered tenders.

Ideal For: Adventure seekers, solo travelers, and nature enthusiasts.

Pro Tip: Pack layers—Alaska’s weather changes rapidly, even in summer.

5. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Fun, Flexible, and Budget-Friendly

NCL’s Freestyle Cruising in Alaska

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) rounds out our top five with its Freestyle Cruising concept—no fixed dining times, no formal dress codes, and a wide range of onboard activities. The Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore offer Alaska itineraries with an average passenger rating of 4.4/5, appealing to younger travelers and budget-conscious families.

NCL’s strength lies in flexibility. With over 20 dining options (from sushi to barbecue), a racetrack, and Broadway shows, the ships cater to diverse tastes. The Alaska Explorer program includes free wildlife talks and cultural events, while shore excursions range from glacier helicopter tours to salmon fishing.

Value and Variety: NCL’s Winning Formula

• Free Dining: Most restaurants are included, with premium options for a fee.
• Entertainment: The Broadway show “Jersey Boys” and the Waterfront open-air promenade.
• Family Features: The Splash Academy kids’ club and Teen Club.

Ideal For: Budget travelers, young families, and those who want a lively onboard atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Book early for the “Free at Sea” promotion—it includes drinks, excursions, and Wi-Fi.

Data Table: Comparing the Top 5 Cruise Lines to Alaska (2024)

Cruise Line	Avg. Passenger Rating	Ship Size (Tons)	Key Strength	Best For	Starting Price (7-Day)
Holland America	4.7/5	86,000–99,000	Scenic cruising, cultural enrichment	First-timers, couples	$1,299
Princess	4.6/5	140,000+	Tech, family-friendly, land tours	Families, multi-gen	$1,199
Celebrity	4.5/5	125,000–130,000	Eco-luxury, modern design	Luxury travelers	$1,599
UnCruise	4.9/5	22–86 passengers	Expedition, adventure	Adventure seekers	$5,495
NCL	4.4/5	160,000+	Flexibility, value	Budget travelers	$899

Final Verdict: Choosing Your Perfect Alaska Cruise

So, what is the best rated cruise line to Alaska for 2024? The answer depends on your travel style, budget, and priorities. For scenic beauty and cultural depth, Holland America is unmatched. For families and tech lovers, Princess delivers. Celebrity excels in luxury and sustainability, while UnCruise is the ultimate choice for adventure and exclusivity. And for flexibility and value, NCL offers unbeatable fun.

Ultimately, the “best” line is the one that aligns with your vision of Alaska. Whether you’re chasing glaciers, wildlife, or cultural stories, 2024 promises unforgettable journeys. Start planning early—Alaska’s peak season (May–September) sells out fast, and the memories you make will last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best rated cruise line to Alaska for 2024?

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises consistently rank among the top-rated options for Alaska in 2024, praised for their scenic routes, onboard enrichment programs, and shore excursions. Both lines offer itineraries that maximize glacier viewing and wildlife spotting, making them favorites among first-time and repeat cruisers.

Which cruise line offers the most authentic Alaska experience?

Princess Cruises stands out for its “North to Alaska” program, which includes local cuisine, cultural performances, and expert-led lectures. Their partnerships with Alaskan communities provide immersive experiences like dog-sledding on glaciers and visits to Indigenous heritage sites.

Are luxury cruise lines worth it for an Alaska vacation?

Luxury lines like Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas earn high marks for Alaska itineraries with all-inclusive pricing, spacious suites, and personalized service. While pricier, they often include exclusive perks like private shore excursions and onboard naturalists for wildlife viewing.

What is the best-rated cruise line to Alaska for families?

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) are top-rated for families, offering kid-friendly amenities like water parks, teen clubs, and interactive science programs. Their shorter itineraries and flexible dining options cater well to travelers with children.

Which small-ship cruise lines are best for Alaska?

UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions lead in small-ship Alaska cruises, with vessels carrying under 100 passengers for intimate wildlife encounters. These lines focus on adventure, with kayaking, hiking, and up-close glacier viewing prioritized over onboard entertainment.

Do Alaska cruise lines offer good value for money?

Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America provide strong value, balancing affordable fares with quality shore excursions and dining. Their mid-sized ships offer a mix of onboard activities and Alaskan cultural programming without luxury-level price tags.