Choosing the best Alaskan cruise depends on your travel style, budget, and interests. Whether you want luxury, adventure, or family fun, Alaska offers unforgettable journeys through glaciers, wildlife, and scenic towns. This guide breaks down the top options to help you pick the perfect cruise.
Imagine standing on the deck of a ship, wrapped in a warm jacket, as a towering glacier calves into the icy blue water with a thunderous crack. Seals bask on floating ice, eagles soar above snow-capped peaks, and the crisp mountain air fills your lungs. This is Alaska—a land of raw beauty, untamed wilderness, and unforgettable moments. And there’s no better way to experience it than on a cruise.
But with so many cruise lines, ships, and itineraries to choose from, how do you decide which is the best Alaskan cruise for you? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your ideal voyage depends on what you value most: luxury, adventure, family fun, or budget-friendly travel. Some travelers want gourmet meals and spa treatments, while others crave kayaking through icy coves or spotting humpback whales up close. The good news? Alaska’s cruise season—typically from May to September—offers something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top cruise lines sailing Alaska, compare their strengths, and help you find the perfect match. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, you’ll get practical tips, insider insights, and real-world examples to make your decision easier. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the world of Alaskan cruising.
Key Takeaways
- Best Overall Alaskan Cruise: Holland America Line offers a balanced mix of comfort, scenic routes, and enriching onboard experiences.
- Best for Luxury: Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas provide high-end service, gourmet dining, and all-inclusive packages.
- Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean feature kid-friendly activities, entertainment, and spacious family cabins.
- Best for Adventure Seekers: UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions focus on small ships, wildlife encounters, and active excursions.
- Best for Scenic Views: Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises sail through iconic fjords and offer excellent observation decks and glass-bottom boats.
- Best Budget Option: Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line deliver affordable fares with solid itineraries and onboard fun.
- Best for Wildlife Enthusiasts: Small expedition ships like those from National Geographic and Oceanwide Expeditions maximize wildlife sightings with expert guides.
📑 Table of Contents
Understanding the Alaskan Cruise Experience
Before we compare cruise lines, it helps to understand what makes an Alaskan cruise unique. Unlike Caribbean or Mediterranean voyages, Alaska cruises are all about nature, wildlife, and dramatic landscapes. You’ll sail through narrow fjords, pass by active glaciers, and visit charming coastal towns like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Most itineraries last 7 to 10 days and follow one of two main routes: the Inside Passage or the Gulf of Alaska.
The Inside Passage: A Classic Coastal Journey
The Inside Passage is the most popular route, stretching from Seattle or Vancouver up the coast of British Columbia and into southeastern Alaska. This route is known for its calm waters, lush rainforests, and frequent wildlife sightings. Ships often stop at ports like Ketchikan (famous for its totem poles and salmon), Juneau (the state capital, accessible only by boat or plane), and Skagway (a historic gold rush town). This route is ideal for first-time cruisers and families, as it’s less prone to rough seas.
The Gulf of Alaska: Bigger Waters, Bigger Views
The Gulf of Alaska route typically departs from Seattle or Vancouver and sails north to Seward or Whittier (near Anchorage), often including a stop at Hubbard Glacier—one of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America. This route offers more dramatic scenery, including towering ice walls and expansive ocean views. However, it can be rougher due to open water, so it’s better suited for travelers who don’t get seasick easily. Some ships also offer one-way cruises that end in Seward, allowing you to explore Denali National Park via land tour.
What to Expect Onboard
While the ports are the main attraction, the onboard experience matters too. Most Alaskan cruises feature naturalist-led lectures, wildlife spotting sessions, and cultural presentations about Native Alaskan heritage. Dining often highlights local seafood—think fresh king crab, salmon, and halibut. Many ships also offer themed nights, live music, and enrichment programs. Don’t forget to spend time on the deck: early mornings and evenings are prime times for spotting whales, sea lions, and even bears along the shore.
Top Cruise Lines for Alaska: A Detailed Comparison
Now that you know what to expect, let’s look at the best cruise lines for Alaska. Each has its own style, strengths, and ideal traveler profile. We’ll break them down by category to help you find your match.
Visual guide about Which Is the Best Alaskan Cruise
Image source: thetravelshots.com
Best Overall: Holland America Line
Holland America Line consistently ranks as one of the best options for Alaskan cruises. With a fleet of mid-sized ships like the Koningsdam and Zaandam, they strike a perfect balance between comfort, service, and scenic access. Their ships are designed for Alaska, with large observation lounges, open decks, and even a dedicated “Explorations Central” hub for guest speakers and local experts.
One standout feature is their partnership with the National Park Service. Onboard naturalists and rangers give daily talks about wildlife, geology, and conservation. They also offer unique shore excursions, like dog sledding on a glacier or visiting a native cultural center. Holland America’s itineraries often include Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where ships slow down to let passengers soak in the views.
For example, their 7-day “Glacier Discovery” cruise from Seattle to Vancouver includes stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, plus a full day in Glacier Bay. The ship’s open bow design lets you get up close to icebergs, and their dining options include a specialty restaurant serving Alaskan-inspired dishes. Prices are mid-range, making it a great value for the experience.
Best for Luxury: Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas
If you’re looking to splurge, Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas offer some of the most luxurious Alaskan cruises available. These all-inclusive lines provide spacious suites, personalized service, and gourmet dining with wine pairings. Seabourn’s Odyssey-class ships, for instance, feature private verandas, a full-service spa, and a retractable marina for launching kayaks and Zodiacs directly from the ship.
Regent Seven Seas takes luxury a step further with truly all-inclusive pricing—covering airfare, shore excursions, gratuities, and even Wi-Fi. Their Seven Seas Explorer is one of the most luxurious ships at sea, with marble bathrooms, butler service, and a Canyon Ranch spa. On Alaska cruises, they offer exclusive excursions like private helicopter tours over glaciers or gourmet picnics in remote wilderness areas.
While these cruises come with a higher price tag—often $8,000 to $15,000 per person—they’re ideal for travelers who want to explore Alaska in comfort and style. The small ship size (under 500 passengers) also means more intimate experiences and better access to remote ports.
Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean
Traveling with kids? Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are top choices for family-friendly Alaskan cruises. Disney’s Disney Wonder sails seasonal routes from Vancouver, offering themed entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and kids’ clubs with supervised activities. Their onboard dining includes kid-approved menus, and the ship’s design—with nautical themes and Disney touches—keeps children engaged.
Royal Caribbean takes a different approach with larger ships like the Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas. These vessels feature rock climbing walls, mini-golf, ice skating rinks, and Broadway-style shows. Their “Adventure Ocean” program offers age-appropriate activities, from science experiments to scavenger hunts. Plus, their itineraries often include fun shore excursions like zip-lining in Ketchikan or gold panning in Skagway.
Both lines offer connecting cabins and family suites, making it easy to travel with multiple generations. Just keep in mind that larger ships may not access the narrowest fjords, so scenic views might be slightly limited compared to smaller vessels.
Best for Adventure Seekers: UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions
For travelers who want to get off the beaten path, UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions offer expedition-style cruises focused on adventure and wildlife. These small ships (often under 100 passengers) sail into remote areas, offering activities like kayaking, hiking, and Zodiac tours.
UnCruise’s Spirit of Discovery, for example, offers 7-night itineraries that include glacier hikes, whale watching, and visits to native villages. Their “active cruising” approach means you’re not just watching Alaska—you’re experiencing it. Meals are casual but delicious, with a focus on local ingredients.
Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, takes it a step further with expert naturalists, photographers, and scientists onboard. Their National Geographic Sea Lion and Sea Bird ships are equipped with hydrophones to listen for whale songs and glass-bottom Zodiacs for underwater viewing. Excursions might include tracking brown bears in Katmai National Park or exploring sea caves by kayak.
These cruises are ideal for active travelers who don’t mind rustic accommodations and are eager to learn. Prices are higher than mainstream lines, but the immersive experience is unmatched.
Best for Scenic Views: Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises
If your priority is breathtaking scenery, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises excel in delivering panoramic views. Princess’s Grand-class ships, like the Grand Princess, feature the “Movies Under the Stars” pool deck and a glass-bottom “Princess SeaView” lounge that extends over the water. Their “North to Alaska” program includes local cuisine, live music, and cultural performances.
Celebrity Cruises, with ships like the Celebrity Solstice, offers a more modern, upscale experience. Their “Infinite Veranda” staterooms blend indoor and outdoor space, perfect for watching glaciers calve. They also offer a “Destination Immersion” program with local experts and regional dishes.
Both lines sail through iconic spots like Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay, and their large observation decks ensure everyone gets a great view. Celebrity tends to be slightly more contemporary, while Princess leans traditional—choose based on your style.
Best Budget Option: Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line
Traveling on a budget? Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offer affordable Alaskan cruises without sacrificing fun. Carnival’s Spirit and Legend ships sail from Seattle, with prices starting around $500 per person for a 7-day cruise. They offer lively entertainment, comedy shows, and family-friendly activities.
NCL’s Pearl and Jewel provide “Freestyle Cruising,” meaning no fixed dining times or dress codes. This flexibility appeals to travelers who want to explore at their own pace. Their itineraries often include Glacier Bay and popular ports, and they offer a variety of shore excursions at different price points.
While these ships are larger and less intimate, they’re a great way to see Alaska without breaking the bank. Just book early for the best deals and consider adding travel insurance in case of weather delays.
How to Choose the Best Alaskan Cruise for You
With so many options, how do you pick the right one? Start by asking yourself a few key questions:
- What’s your budget? Luxury lines cost more, but budget options can still deliver a great experience.
- Who are you traveling with? Families, couples, and solo travelers have different needs.
- What activities interest you? Wildlife, hiking, culture, or relaxation?
- How important is scenery? Smaller ships access narrower fjords.
- Do you prefer a set schedule or flexibility? Some lines offer fixed dining, others are more casual.
Also consider the time of year. May and September are less crowded and cheaper, but wildlife may be less active. July and August offer the best weather and longest daylight hours, but also peak prices and crowds.
Insider Tips for a Memorable Alaskan Cruise
To make the most of your trip, here are a few pro tips:
- Pack layers: Weather can change quickly. Bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and binoculars.
- Book excursions early: Popular tours like whale watching or glacier hikes sell out fast.
- Arrive a day early: Flights to Vancouver or Seattle can be delayed. Give yourself buffer time.
- Try local food: Don’t miss fresh seafood, reindeer sausage, or wild blueberry pie.
- Respect wildlife: Keep a safe distance and follow guide instructions.
Conclusion
So, which is the best Alaskan cruise? The answer depends on you. If you want a balanced, enriching experience, Holland America is hard to beat. For luxury, choose Seabourn or Regent. Families will love Disney or Royal Caribbean, while adventurers should consider UnCruise or Lindblad. Scenic lovers will enjoy Princess or Celebrity, and budget travelers can’t go wrong with Carnival or NCL.
No matter which line you pick, an Alaskan cruise promises awe-inspiring views, unforgettable wildlife, and memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning today—your dream voyage awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to take an Alaskan cruise?
The best time is typically July and August, when the weather is warmest and wildlife is most active. However, May and September offer fewer crowds and lower prices, with still-decent weather and beautiful scenery.
Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?
It depends on your itinerary. Closed-loop cruises (starting and ending in the same U.S. port) don’t require a passport, but it’s highly recommended in case of emergencies. Cruises departing from or arriving in Canada require a passport.
Can I see whales on an Alaskan cruise?
Yes! Humpback, orca, and gray whales are commonly spotted, especially in summer. Look for ships with naturalist guides and whale-watching excursions for the best chances.
Are Alaskan cruises expensive?
Prices vary widely. Budget lines start around $500 per person, while luxury cruises can exceed $10,000. Mid-range options like Holland America offer great value for around $1,500–$3,000.
What should I pack for an Alaskan cruise?
Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, warm fleece, gloves, and sturdy shoes. Don’t forget binoculars, sunscreen, and a camera. Formal wear is rarely needed.
Can I go ashore in every port?
Most cruises allow passengers to disembark at each port, but some remote areas may have limited access. Check your itinerary and book excursions in advance for the best experiences.