Choosing the best cruise ship for Alaska depends on your travel style, budget, and must-see destinations. Whether you prefer luxury, adventure, or family-friendly fun, this guide breaks down the top ships sailing Alaska’s stunning coastlines, glaciers, and wildlife-rich waters.
This is a comprehensive guide about which cruise ship is the best for alaska.
Key Takeaways
- Size matters: Smaller ships access remote fjords and wildlife areas, while larger ships offer more amenities and entertainment.
- Itinerary is key: Look for routes that include Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, and ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.
- Onboard experience varies: Luxury lines like Seabourn and Silversea offer all-inclusive service, while mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean focus on family fun.
- Wildlife and scenery are front and center: Choose a ship with plenty of outdoor viewing areas, balconies, and expert naturalists onboard.
- Best time to sail: May through September offers mild weather, long daylight hours, and peak wildlife activity.
- Shore excursions enhance the experience: Book whale watching, dog sledding, or glacier hikes in advance for the best availability.
- Consider your travel style: Solo travelers, couples, and families will each find different ships that suit their needs.
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Which Cruise Ship Is the Best for Alaska?
Imagine standing on the deck of a ship, wrapped in a warm jacket, binoculars in hand, as a humpback whale breaches just 50 yards away. Towering glaciers calve ice into icy-blue waters, and snow-capped peaks rise sharply from the sea. This is Alaska—raw, majestic, and unforgettable. But to truly experience it, you need the right cruise ship.
Alaska is one of the most spectacular cruise destinations in the world. Its rugged coastline, pristine wilderness, and abundant wildlife make it a bucket-list journey. However, not all cruise ships are created equal when it comes to exploring this vast and wild region. The best cruise ship for Alaska depends on what you value most: luxury, adventure, family activities, or immersive nature experiences.
With dozens of ships sailing Alaska each summer, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Some are massive floating resorts with rock climbing walls and Broadway-style shows. Others are intimate expedition vessels designed to get you close to glaciers and grizzly bears. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the options and find the perfect ship for your Alaskan adventure.
What Makes a Great Alaska Cruise Ship?
When evaluating which cruise ship is the best for Alaska, it’s important to consider more than just size or brand. Alaska’s unique geography and climate demand ships that can deliver both comfort and access to remote natural wonders.
One of the biggest factors is ship size. Smaller ships—typically under 200 passengers—can navigate narrow fjords and enter ports that larger vessels can’t reach. For example, ships like the National Geographic Sea Bird or the Lindblad Expeditions fleet can sail into Tracy Arm Fjord, where towering waterfalls and icebergs line the walls. These intimate vessels often carry expert naturalists, marine biologists, and photographers who enhance the experience with daily lectures and guided Zodiac tours.
On the other hand, larger ships—like those from Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line—offer a wider range of onboard activities. Think ice skating rinks, surf simulators, multiple pools, and Broadway-caliber entertainment. While they may not get as close to glaciers, they provide a more resort-like experience, which can be ideal for families or travelers looking for variety.
Another critical factor is itinerary. The best Alaska cruises include Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its massive tidewater glaciers and diverse wildlife. Not all ships are permitted to enter Glacier Bay—only a limited number are allowed each day, and they must be accompanied by a National Park Service ranger. Ships that do visit often spend a full day cruising the park, offering unparalleled views of calving glaciers and marine life.
Ports of call also matter. Ketchikan is famous for its Native totem poles and rainforest hikes. Juneau offers access to the Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching tours. Skagway is a gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush history and the scenic White Pass & Yukon Route railway. A great Alaska cruise ship will include these key stops and allow enough time in port to explore.
Balconies and Outdoor Spaces
One thing you’ll quickly learn on an Alaska cruise: you’ll want to be outside as much as possible. The scenery changes every hour, and wildlife sightings are unpredictable. That’s why ships with ample outdoor deck space and private balconies are highly desirable.
Look for ships where a high percentage of cabins have balconies. For example, Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class ships feature Infinite Verandas—balconies that can be opened or closed with the push of a button—giving you flexibility in any weather. Holland America Line’s newer ships, like the Nieuw Statendam, also offer generous balcony space and large observation lounges.
Even on larger ships, outdoor areas like the Promenade Deck or Sky Park are designed for scenic cruising. Some ships, like those from Princess Cruises, feature the “Movies Under the Stars” outdoor theater, perfect for watching a film while glaciers drift by.
Expert Guides and Enrichment Programs
Alaska isn’t just a pretty view—it’s a living classroom. The best cruise ships for Alaska include enrichment programs led by naturalists, historians, and marine biologists.
For example, Holland America Line partners with the Glacier Bay National Park Service and the Alaska Raptor Center to offer educational talks, wildlife spotting sessions, and cultural presentations. Their “Dancing Bear” program introduces guests to Alaskan wildlife through interactive displays and live animal rescues.
Similarly, UnCruise Adventures—a small-ship expedition line—employs local Alaskan guides who share stories of indigenous cultures, gold rush history, and ecological conservation. These guides often lead shore excursions, giving you a deeper connection to the land and its people.
When choosing a ship, check if they offer daily lectures, wildlife checklists, or guided nature walks. These small details can transform your cruise from a scenic tour into a meaningful journey.
Top Cruise Ships for Alaska in 2024
Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into some of the best cruise ships for Alaska this year. We’ve categorized them by travel style to help you find the perfect match.
Best for Luxury: Seabourn Odyssey
If you’re seeking five-star service, gourmet dining, and intimate access to Alaska’s wildest corners, Seabourn Odyssey is a top choice. This 458-guest ship offers all-suite accommodations, many with private verandas, and a staff-to-guest ratio that ensures personalized attention.
Seabourn’s Alaska itineraries often include Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, and lesser-known ports like Wrangell and Haines. The ship’s shallow draft allows it to sail into narrow inlets, and its fleet of kayaks and Zodiacs lets guests explore up close.
Onboard, you’ll enjoy multiple dining venues, a full-service spa, and nightly entertainment. But the real highlight is the Seabourn Ventures program, which offers guided excursions like glacier hiking, bear viewing, and cultural tours with local Tlingit guides.
One guest described their experience: “Watching a glacier calve from our private balcony while sipping champagne—that’s the Seabourn difference.”
Best for Families: Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas
For families with kids and teens, Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas strikes the perfect balance between adventure and fun. This 2,140-passenger ship features a rock climbing wall, mini-golf, a surf simulator, and a full ice-skating rink—rare on Alaska cruises.
The ship sails classic 7-night itineraries from Vancouver or Seattle, visiting Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. While it doesn’t enter Glacier Bay, it does offer scenic cruising near Hubbard Glacier, with rangers onboard to explain the geology and wildlife.
What sets Radiance apart is its youth programs. Kids can join the Adventure Ocean program, which includes science experiments, scavenger hunts, and themed parties. Teens have their own lounge with video games and movies.
Parents appreciate the variety of dining options, from casual buffets to specialty restaurants like Chops Grille. And with multiple pools and hot tubs, there’s always a place to relax after a day of exploring.
Best for Adventure: UnCruise Adventures’ Wilderness Adventurer
If you’re the type who wants to kayak beside icebergs, hike through old-growth forests, and spot orcas from a Zodiac, UnCruise Adventures is for you. The Wilderness Adventurer carries just 74 guests and is designed for active exploration.
This small ship sails week-long itineraries in Southeast Alaska, focusing on remote areas like the Tongass National Forest and the Inside Passage. Excursions include guided kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and wildlife photography workshops.
UnCruise’s guides are often local Alaskans with deep knowledge of the region. One guest recalled, “Our guide pointed out a mother bear and cubs crossing the river—something we’d never have seen from a big ship.”
The onboard experience is casual and communal, with family-style meals and open seating. There’s no formal entertainment, but the real show is outside—every day brings a new adventure.
Best for Scenic Cruising: Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess
Princess Cruises is known for its “Pillars of the Park” experience, which brings Glacier Bay to life. The Grand Princess, a 2,600-passenger ship, sails 7-night roundtrip cruises from Seattle, offering stunning views of the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay.
What makes Princess stand out is its focus on scenic cruising. The ship features the “Movies Under the Stars” outdoor theater, where you can watch films while glaciers drift by. The Skywalkers Nightclub, located at the top of the ship, offers panoramic views perfect for sunset watching.
Princess also partners with the National Park Service to provide ranger-led programs in Glacier Bay. Guests receive a commemorative pin upon entering the park—a small but meaningful touch.
Dining options include the specialty restaurant Sabatini’s and the casual International Café. The ship also offers a variety of shore excursions, from dog sledding on a glacier to salmon baking in Haines.
Best for Intimate Experiences: Silversea’s Silver Whisper
For travelers who value privacy, elegance, and all-inclusive luxury, Silversea’s Silver Whisper is a standout. This 382-guest ship offers butler service, fine dining, and a relaxed pace perfect for savoring Alaska’s beauty.
Silver Whisper sails 10- to 14-night itineraries that include remote ports like Sitka, Petersburg, and Kodiak. The ship’s small size allows it to anchor in pristine bays, where guests can kayak or take Zodiac tours among icebergs.
Onboard, you’ll enjoy multiple open bars, a spa, and enrichment lectures by naturalists. The all-inclusive pricing covers gratuities, beverages, and most excursions, making it a stress-free option.
One Silversea guest said, “It felt like a private yacht—everyone knew our names, and the service was flawless.”
What to Look for in an Alaska Cruise Itinerary
Choosing the right ship is only half the battle—your itinerary can make or break your Alaska experience. Here’s what to look for when comparing cruise routes.
Glacier Bay National Park
As mentioned earlier, Glacier Bay is a must-see. Only a limited number of ships are permitted to enter each day, and they must be accompanied by a National Park Service ranger. If Glacier Bay is on your list, confirm that your ship visits—and how much time it spends there.
Most ships cruise through the park for 6–8 hours, offering views of Margerie and Lamplugh Glaciers. Some, like Holland America and Princess, offer full-day scenic cruising with ranger commentary.
Hubbard Glacier
If Glacier Bay isn’t on your itinerary, Hubbard Glacier is a worthy alternative. At over 7 miles wide, it’s one of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America. Ships like Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss offer scenic cruising near Hubbard, often with rangers onboard.
Ports of Call
The best Alaska cruises include a mix of popular and lesser-known ports. Here’s a quick guide:
- Ketchikan: Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan offers rainforest hikes, totem pole parks, and cultural centers like the Totem Heritage Center.
- Juneau: Alaska’s capital is accessible only by boat or plane. Don’t miss the Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching tours, and the Mount Roberts Tramway.
- Skagway: A Gold Rush-era town with wooden sidewalks and historic saloons. Take the White Pass & Yukon Route railway for breathtaking mountain views.
- Haines: A quieter port with excellent bear viewing, kayaking, and the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
- Sitka: A blend of Russian and Native Alaskan culture, with historic churches, wildlife refuges, and sea otter sightings.
Scenic Cruising Days
Some of the most memorable moments on an Alaska cruise happen when the ship is at sea. Look for itineraries that include full days of scenic cruising through the Inside Passage or near glaciers.
These days are perfect for relaxing on deck, attending lectures, or simply soaking in the views. Ships with large observation lounges or glass-enclosed promenades—like those on Celebrity Cruises—are ideal for bad weather days.
Tips for Choosing the Right Alaska Cruise Ship
With so many options, how do you pick the best cruise ship for Alaska? Here are some practical tips to help you decide.
Consider Your Travel Style
Are you traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids? Do you prefer relaxation or adventure? Your answers will guide your choice.
Solo travelers might enjoy the social atmosphere on a mid-sized ship like Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam, where communal dining and enrichment programs foster connections.
Couples seeking romance may prefer a luxury line like Seabourn or Silversea, where private balconies and fine dining set the mood.
Families with young children will appreciate the activities and youth programs on ships like Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas or Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder.
Book Early for the Best Selection
Alaska cruises sell out quickly, especially for ships that visit Glacier Bay. Popular itineraries—like roundtrip Seattle or Vancouver—often book up a year in advance.
Booking early also gives you the best cabin selection. Balcony cabins with forward or aft views are highly sought after for glacier viewing.
Check the Season
Alaska’s cruise season runs from May to September. Each month offers a different experience:
- May–June: Fewer crowds, lower prices, and blooming wildflowers. Wildlife is active, but some excursions may be limited due to snow.
- July–August: Peak season with warm weather, long days, and full excursion availability. Expect larger crowds and higher prices.
- September: Cooler temperatures, fall colors, and fewer tourists. Wildlife is still active, and prices drop significantly.
Read Reviews and Compare Ships
Before booking, read recent passenger reviews on sites like Cruise Critic or TripAdvisor. Look for comments about cabin comfort, food quality, and shore excursions.
Compare ships side by side using cruise line websites or travel agents. Pay attention to details like balcony size, dining options, and included amenities.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Alaska Cruise
So, which cruise ship is the best for Alaska? The answer depends on you.
If you crave luxury and personalized service, Seabourn or Silversea might be your ideal match. For families seeking fun and variety, Royal Caribbean or Disney Cruise Line offer unbeatable entertainment. Adventure seekers will love the immersive experiences on UnCruise or National Geographic ships. And if you want a balance of comfort and scenic beauty, Princess or Holland America are excellent choices.
No matter which ship you choose, an Alaska cruise is a journey you’ll never forget. From the thunderous crack of a calving glacier to the quiet beauty of a misty fjord, Alaska’s wonders are best experienced from the deck of a well-chosen ship.
Take the time to research, compare itineraries, and think about what matters most to you. Whether it’s wildlife, history, or simply the joy of being surrounded by nature, the right cruise ship will bring Alaska to life in ways you never imagined.
Pack your layers, charge your camera, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to cruise Alaska?
The best time to cruise Alaska is from late May to early September. July and August offer the warmest weather and longest days, while May and September provide fewer crowds and lower prices. Wildlife is active throughout the season.
Do all cruise ships visit Glacier Bay?
No, not all ships visit Glacier Bay National Park. Only a limited number of ships are permitted each day, and they must be accompanied by a National Park Service ranger. Check your itinerary to confirm if Glacier Bay is included.
Are balconies worth it on an Alaska cruise?
Yes, balconies are highly recommended for Alaska cruises. They allow you to enjoy the scenery and wildlife in private, especially during scenic cruising days near glaciers. Many guests say a balcony enhanced their experience significantly.
What should I pack for an Alaska cruise?
Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, warm sweater, gloves, and hat. Waterproof shoes are essential for shore excursions. Don’t forget binoculars, sunscreen, and a camera with extra batteries—Alaska’s lighting changes quickly.
Can I see whales on an Alaska cruise?
Yes, whale watching is one of the highlights of an Alaska cruise. Humpback, orca, and gray whales are commonly spotted, especially near Juneau and Icy Strait. Many ships offer whale-watching excursions or have naturalists onboard to help spot them.
Are shore excursions worth the cost?
Shore excursions can be worth the cost, especially for unique experiences like dog sledding on a glacier, bear viewing, or flightseeing over glaciers. Book popular tours in advance, as they often sell out. Some cruise lines offer bundled excursion packages at a discount.