The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Table Of Content

• Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Encore
• The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: Crowds, Weather and Cost Are All Factors
• Longer Alaska Cruises: A Chance to Explore More of the State
• For gadget and entertainment fans: Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas
• Alaska Northern Lights Cruises: When to Go and What to Consider

The Inside Passage is a sheltered waterway between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland that extends north to Alaska. It's known for calm waters and excellent scenery (often including Glacier Bay). The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United Status Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found. If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices.

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Encore

Alaska may be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to Gold Rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury. They tend to have fewer families – a bonus for a romantic getaway – and a loyal following of regular passengers – a great way to make new friends. Additionally, you may have the option of sailing from larger cities, which translates to money saved on transportation. Stopping along many ports of call through the Inside Passage, their itineraries offer a detailed view of this area of the state, including up-close Zodiac/kayak trips to glaciers. A third excellent option is the destination-focused itineraries aboard select Celebrity Cruises ships.

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: Crowds, Weather and Cost Are All Factors

Your best high-end bets are Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar. You'll need to set aside a good chunk of money to spend on shore excursions when you're in Alaska. They can be incredibly expensive when compared to experiences in the Caribbean or Mexico.

Longer Alaska Cruises: A Chance to Explore More of the State

Whichever itinerary you choose, you can be sure to have a plethora of adventurous excursions at your fingertips, right from the ship. One day could find you paddleboarding in the morning and hiking in the afternoon, or maybe kayaking and taking a skiff out later in the day to try and spot wildlife. All excursions are led by experienced expedition teams, who provide all the equipment needed to make the most of your time in Alaska. Disney Cruise Line set sail in 1998 with its first three- and four-night trips to the Bahamas and made its way to Alaska in the spring of 2011.

Best Alaska cruise lines for families with teenagers

For travelers seeking the epitome of indulgence amidst Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes, luxury cruise lines offer an unrivaled experience. With their impeccable service, opulent amenities, and the finest attention to detail, these cruise lines promise an unforgettable journey through the Last Frontier. Princess Cruises has a long-standing reputation for providing exceptional experiences in Alaska. As one of the pioneers of Alaskan cruising, Princess offers an immersive journey into the heart of the wilderness. With their expert naturalist guides, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the local wildlife and ecosystems.

Nearly a dozen major cruise ships operate Alaska cruises out of Seattle during the summer months, giving cruisers plenty of choice. The top decks of Holland America vessels, notably, lack many of the kid-focused attractions found on the top decks of more family-focused ships operated by the likes of Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. The best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for retirees, in our view, are the sailings offered by Holland America on both the 1,964-passenger Westerdam and 2,104-passenger Eurodam. Yes, the 3,998-passenger Norwegian Encore is a cruise ship that generally caters to the masses, not the luxury crowd.

For gadget and entertainment fans: Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas

Norwegian Bliss is one of their ships with these studio cabins meant for one person and a lounge where they can mingle with other single travelers. This can commonly be found at the beginning and end of the cruise season during April, May and September. The summer months make it more expensive due to higher demand since kids are out of school. Princess offers a “direct-to-the-wilderness” rail service, which means passengers can step off the ship and onto the train to head to their next adventure. Oceania Regatta prides itself on fine dining and an upscale yet comfortable ambiance.

Princess Cruises Ends 2023 with Top Awards from Prestigious Travel Industry Organizations Around the World - PR Newswire

Princess Cruises Ends 2023 with Top Awards from Prestigious Travel Industry Organizations Around the World.

Posted: Thu, 28 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

You’ll leave no stone unturned in Alaska if you embark on this grand adventure! Being one of the premier land and sea Alaska cruises, you can expect to get intimate with the landlife. This means encounters with the famous Big Five — moose, wolves, grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep. Another one of my favorite seven-day Alaska cruises is the aptly named 7 Night Alaska Glacier Cruise offered by Royal Caribbean as well as Holland America, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. Alaskan Dream Cruises’ itineraries are designed by Alaskans who know their area and are passionate about sharing their state’s natural beauty, history, and culture with guests. Passengers can expect to see glaciers, rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife such as whales, bears, and eagles.

Regatta offers an experience that's close to luxury without being all inclusive or priced sky high. Dry docked in 2021 for a routine refurbishment, this Quantum Class ship holds 4,905 passengers and truly offers something for everyone. The Discovery Princess had her naming ceremony in April of 2022, so she’s a brand-new addition to the line’s fleet.

Royal Caribbean says a roundtrip cruise for two people in an inside cabin (including taxes and fees) in June aboard the Quantum of the Seas would cost $1,956. This sailing will also take travelers to the Hubbard Glacier or Stikine Icecap, among other places. Whether you visit the Inside Passage or venture inward to Denali National Park, there is a cruise for every price point, desire and type of traveler. It was recently brought over from Costa, so it has a completely different vibe from Carnival’s other ships. It’s got the Italian flair found on Costa’s ship but has undergone an extensive retrofit to make it feel more at home to Carnival cruisers. The ship tends to appeal to a more mature crowd, though you will see more families and multigenerational groups on Alaska cruises.

Again, this option is based less on the ship-based entertainment and more on the ‘learn about and experience Alaska’ approach. Our final smallest ship recommendation is to experience a truly unique sailing. They also offer itineraries for a catamaran and a converted tugboat – for a one-of-a-kind Alaska cruise. For the anglers, book a passage with The Boat Company traveling the waters between Sitka and Juneau. With no traditional ports of call, the two ships of this line stop at the unexpected for nature activities, hiking and wildlife viewing – along with some great fishing.

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are known for offering combined land and sea adventures in Alaska. These cruises include overland journeys, scenic train travel, and extended land tours, allowing guests to explore more of The Last Frontier. Researching different cruise lines, comparing prices, and considering factors like ship size, itinerary, and included amenities can help you find the best Alaskan cruise that fits your budget. Booking early or opting for shoulder seasons can also offer more affordable options. Immerse yourself in the majestic wonders of Alaska with these land and sea adventure options.