An Alaska cruise will take you to one of the top-rated places in the world to explore. You can visit glaciers, towns, native people, and see incredible wildlife.
If you want to plan an Alaska cruise, you'll need to think about the time of year to visit, picking the best cruise line, the Alaska cruise ports, and shore excursions to peruse. It's not easy to make the perfect choice for every single option.
A cruise to Alaska is appealing for a few key reasons. First and foremost, it's an affordable and convenient way to see the beautiful and rugged land. Unlike the rest of the United States, it's difficult to get around the state on land, but ships can easily get to the major attractions along the Inside Passage.
Alaska also is home to abundant wildlife: whales, eagles, bears, and moose. Add the Native cultures and history from the gold rush era, and you have a lot of fun things to see, try, and explore.
Given the value of a cruise vacation, it makes getting around Alaska quite reasonable. This is especially true given how much is included with the cruise fare.
When you're ready to experience everything Alaska has to offer, we have the all the planning tips you need for a better Alaska cruise.
More: Best Alaska cruise tips
What months do cruises go to Alaska?
The vast majority of cruise ships visit Alaska between May and September, although some lines may sneak in a few sailings in April or October.
Given how far north Alaska is, it's only warm enough to offer cruises in the summer months. Plus, the tourist trade within Alaska is only geared up for the summer.
Wondering about the Alaska weather and how warm or cold it will be? Temperatures and weather conditions can vary wildly depending on the time of day. It can be as cold as the 40s or 50s, and as warm as the 70s or 80s. On top of that, the chance of rain is always present, because it tends to rain often.
Choosing the time of year to go will be a balancing act of price, weather, and what your plans are in each port. Typically you'll find lower prices in April or May and September or October.
More: Best month to cruise to Alaska
Alaska itineraries
Most Alaska cruises sail what's known as the Inside Passage, which is a route that goes along the southeastern coast of Alaska. There are some cruises that go further north into the Gulf of Alaska, but these tend to be open-jaw sailings, where the cruise begins in one port and ends in another.
There are a few different kind of Alaska cruise itineraries you can choose from, and each has its advantages.
Inside Passage
It's very likely if you look at an Alaska cruise, you'll end up with one that goes through the Inside Passage and it probably departs from either Seattle or Vancouver, and offers stops along Alaska's panhandle. Expect three or four ports of call on any sailing.
Alaska’s Inside Passage is a water route between the Gulf of Alaska and Puget Sound. The Inside Passage abundant animal viewing opportunities, with whales, orcas, sea lions, seals, eagles, bears, raptors and more along the way. You'll also encounter glaciers and quiet towns during the transit.
The most common and popular ports of call on an Inside Passage voyage include:
- Juneau
- Icy Strait Point
- Ketchikan
- Haines
- Skagway
You can also expect a glacier viewing day. Technically, this is a sea day without any port stop, but the ship gets close to Dawes Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier.
Another compelling reason to choose an Inside Passage cruise is for the calmness of the water. Unlike the Gulf of Alaska, the "motion in the ocean" tends not to be too bad here, which means there's less chance of getting seasick.
Gulf of Alaska
The advantage of a cruise that goes through the Gulf of Alaska is you'll see more of Alaska, and likely go to more remote areas than other ships do.
In addition to Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point, there's a chance you could visit College Fjord, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.
It's likely a one-way sailing like this would begin or end in Vancouver, with the other end of the sailing in Whittier or Seward. To reach these ports, you will fly to Anchorage, and then take land transportation. Airfare could be more expensive, as well difficult to come by compared to flights to Seattle.
Another potential downside to Gulf of Alaska sailings can be the sea conditions, which can be rough. I wouldn't say this is a reason not to book it, but be prepared to combat seasickness.
California cruises to Alaska
There are also cruises to Alaska from San Francisco, but they will be at least 10 nights long. It's great for anyone that can easily travel from the West Coast, but you'll have many more sea days than the other types of Alaska cruises.
If you take a West Coast cruise to Alaska, expect port stops in Victoria, British Columbia on your way to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Icy Strait Point.
Sometimes there are repositioning cruises from California to Vancouver to get a ship into position for the Alaska season.
More: Best luxury Alaska cruises to book
Best cruise line for Alaska
There are many cruise lines that offer cruises to Alaska every year. Some cruise lines have a bigger presence than others. The lines with the most ships include Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America.
The smaller luxury ships tend to get you to less crowded ports, such as Lindblad Expeditions or Hurtigruten.
When shopping for an Alaska cruise, there are going to be all sorts of prices to consider, with cheaper options, luxury lines, and everything in-between.
Best Alaska cruises for families
If you're ready to bring your kids and entire family to Alaska, you'll find ships with kids activities, programming, and ways to keep everyone entertained throughout the cruise.
Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are the top family cruise choices in Alaska, because they have the best kids clubs, activities to do onboard the ship, and entertainment too. Plus, there's lots for older kids too on these lines, including teen clubs, rock climbing walls, pools, laser-tag and go-karts.
Disney Cruise Line might seem attractive until you see the price. You'll pay a ridiculous premium for a Disney cruise in Alaska, and I think your money is better spent on another family line.
Carnival tends to send its older cruise ships to Alaska, so save the fun ships for the Caribbean.
More: Best Alaska Cruises for Families
Best line for couples
Couples could find almost any line a good fit, but Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, or Royal Caribbean could all be excellent choices.
The choice depends largely on what sort of couple is looking to travel. A newlywed couple might want more of a party and celebration cruise, whereas a retired couple might prefer a quieter luxury experience.
SilverSea, Oceania, and Seabourn are great for retirees, empty nesters, and couples who want a premium experience (and higher price tag) and don't mind being in bed by 10pm.
If you're a newly wed, give Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, or Princess Cruises a try.
Best cruise lines to visit the most remote places
Vacationers who want to see the most exotic ports and experience an adrenaline-packed cruise, will find UnCruise Adventures, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions offering this sort of opportunity.
Expedition lines often include shore excursions in their cruise fare, along with complimentary use of kayaks or bikes. Plus, they include local experts onboard to provide informative learning sessions.
Things to do in Alaska
You'll probably find each Alaska cruise port offering lots of choices of how to spend your time, including glacier viewing, history seminars, wildlife viewing, and culinary tastings. There's something for all ages, including young children.
More: Best shore excursions on an Alaska cruise
A top must-see are the glaciers. You could take a bus or taxi to a park and view the glaciers from afar, or get closer through a seaplane or helicopter. Floatplane and helicopter tours can bring you right up to, or even on top of, a glacier. Expect amazing views along with the high price tag.
There are opportunities to see animals in every cruise port, such as eagles, bears, seals, whales, or salmon. Eagles are nearly everywhere, while bears and whales may require a specific excursion.
Speaking of wildlife, another highly sought-after tour are fishing trips, where you can go deep sea fishing, catch salmon, or go crab fishing.
Some of the best tours if you have kids are animal viewings, such as dog sled meets, bear tours, and aquariums.
You'll find in every port shopping opportunities, which range from kitschy tourist souvenirs to local crafted goods to diamond jewelry.
More: Things You Should Never Do in Alaska, According to a Local
Best Alaska cruise ports
There is a great deal of overlap between ports, but that's because they are the best Alaska cruise ports. While it may be crowded, once you take an excursion or tour out of the immediate port area, Alaska's vast open spaces will feel more welcoming.
Juneau
Alaska's state capital has a lot to offer, from going on a floatplane to view glaciers, take a walk down its historic streets, or go fishing along a picturesque inlet.
Juneau is a water lover's dream destination, and you could take a guided kayak trip to Mendenhall Lake, or visit the touch tank at the Douglas Island Pink and Chum Hatchery.
My favorite Juneau shore excursion is to go to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, and then take a leisurely hike to Nugget Falls to view the glacier.
More: Local’s Guide of Places to Visit in Juneau
Skagway
At the northernmost point of the Inside Passage is Skagway, a historic town that will make you feel like you've returned to the Gold Rush era. Downtown buildings still have their gold rush charm, and forgotten military pillboxes still dot the landscape.
The town is surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers and pristine forests, making it the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. It's the perfect port for hiking, fishing, or just taking in the views.
The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad is a railway that will take you on a 3 hour journey through the mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It's a must-see attraction.
More: What to See and Do in Skagway
Ketchikan
Ketchikan has a smaller feel than the cities, and is surrounded by lush rainforests, pristine bays, and breathtaking glaciers.
It's best known for the opportunities to experience the Tlingit and Haida cultures. You can visit the Totem Heritage Center or the Totem Bight State Historical Park.
Ketchikan is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including whales, sea lions, and bears. Look for a small boat tour to take you out to view wildlife.
More: What to See and Do in Ketchikan
Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point offers a sustainable tourist stop that aims to preserve the local heritage and natural beauty of the region. It's actually a Native Alaskan owned port.
There are whale watching, Tlingit historical tours, zip lines, and fishing tours.
The ZipRider is one of the world's largest zip lines that will take you on six different lines that drop over 1330 feet.
Sitka
The one-time capital of Alaska, Sitka has a unique blend of Tlingit and Russian cultures. Located on Baranof Island, Sitka is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those looking for a relaxing getaway.
The Sitka National Historical Park shares the area's Tlingit and Russian heritage, or you could take part in activities such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
There's also an abundance of wildlife in Sitka, such as bald eagles, humpback whales, and more. Harbor tours will allow you to view them throughout the summer. Check out the Sitka Sound Science Center for interactive exhibits that are a good choice if it's raining.
More: Sitka guide
Haines
For a small town feel, Haines offers a more intimate and authentic look at Alaska's natural beauty. Haines is best known for outdoor activities and native culture.
There are great hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing activities. Haines also has some of the best opportunities to learn about Tlingit culture and town history through the numerous local museums and cultural centers.
You could also hike through a rainforest while in Haines. Trails are available for every skill level, and many family-friendly options can be found near town.
More: Top things to do in Haines
Glacier viewings from your cruise ship
Nearly all Alaska itineraries will include a se day where your ship sails near a glacier, offering the best glacier viewing opportunity you'll find.
You won't get off the ship. Rather, your ship will get as close as it safely can to the glacier, and then spin around or remain stationary so guests can get views of the glacier.
Some cruise lines have park rangers or local experts onboard to provide expert narration of what you're seeing.
Depending on which ship you book, you could experience a scenic cruise viewing of one of these glaciers:
- Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
- Hubbard Glacier
- Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers)
- College Fjord
More: Hubbard Glacier vs Glacier Bay: Which is better on an Alaska cruise?
Best time to book an Alaska cruise
The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when they first go on sale, which is often more than a year in advance. Prices tend to go up as more cabins are booked, so picking the right sailing early means you'll likely get the lowest price.
Demand for Alaska cruises is usually high because of how short the season is, and how desirable it is to visit Alaska.
Cruise lines will run sales throughout the year, and that correlates to ebbs and flows of prices. However, your best bet is to book sooner than later, especially if you care about the type of cabin you have. Balcony cabins are very popular for all the viewing opportunities, and it's the first category of rooms to sell out (in addition to suites).
There are last-minute deals on Alaska cruises, but they tend to be for inside cabins that have no views of the outside, and usually for the shoulder season when it could be colder or more rainy than normal.
More: Best time to book an Alaska cruise
What to bring on an Alaska cruise
Weather can be incredibly unpredictable in Alaska, so you'll need to plan to wear different layers every day.
A lightweight, breathable base layer should be the first layer. On top of that, you put on a long-sleeved, lightweight layer that provides extra warmth. The final layer is a waterproof jacket to use when it rains. You can always remove or add back layers as the weather dictates.
Versatility is the key with what you bring. You want quick-drying, water-resistant fabrics in case it rains. Clothing that can be re-used and won't be soiled easily is another good idea.
My favorite accessories to bring on an Alaska cruise include a broad-brimmed sun hat, binoculars, and good-quality water bottle.
