An Alaska cruise is the ideal getaway for couples who want to spend time together while having the opportunity to explore the majestic landscape of the Last Frontier. With a growing number of itineraries and dozens of ships sailing to the region, there are numerous options tailored toward adults who enjoy all that cruising has to offer.
There are a number of cruise lines offering a range of fantastic itineraries for couples who want to cruise to Alaska. World-class dining, adults-only spaces, spas, casinos, and entertainment are all geared toward couples wanting to spend some quality time together while exploring the Great White North.
Whether you’re looking for a splurge bucket list cruise or a budget-friendly getaway, we have found some incredible itineraries departing from convenient West Coast options like Seattle and Vancouver.
Here is our list of top cruises for couples who want to sail the Alaska coast, enjoy its incredible views, and one-of-a-kind excursions onboard ships that cater to adults.
Celebrity Cruises
7-Nights Alaska Dawes Glacier – Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Cruises is known as an award-winning cruise line that provides upscale cruise experiences, and their trips to Alaska are no exception. They offer guests the opportunity to discover the wild beauty of the Last Frontier on its newest Edge class of ships. The acclaimed Celebrity Edge is the first in its revolutionary series of ships that have won many awards for its bold approach to cruising. The innovative ship is now headed north to Alaska waters, heading to popular ports of call with an extensive array of excursions.
Running throughout the Alaska cruise season, the 7-night Alaska Dawes Glacier cruise departs from Seattle, visiting Endicott Arm, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, an impressive itinerary that couples will love. Sea days provide the opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the region, visit the spa, and delight in the food and entertainment that this ship is known for.
Celebrity Edge was launched in 2018 and welcomes 2,918 passengers onboard. Although guests of any age are welcome on Celebrity ships, the onboard amenities and world-class cuisine make it a perfect choice for couples who want to cruise to Alaska. Venues like Eden and the Magic Carpet provide stunning views of the landscape while enjoying a drink or a bite to eat. A range of excursions lets guests see the varied landscape, wildlife, and history of Alaska.
Viking Cruises
11- Day Alaska & Inside Passage – Viking Sea
Known for its river cruises, Viking also offers ocean sailings, including Alaska itineraries. As an adult-only cruise line with guests aged 18 and above, it is the ideal choice for couples who value this type of environment.
For guests who truly want to indulge in an adult-only experience and want to explore the Last Frontier, Viking offers an in-depth itinerary that spans 11 days with an incredible itinerary that features port stops in Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Valdez, and Seward. A cruise like none other with the opportunity to explore so much of Alaska, and a major bonus – the cruise line provides one free excursion in each port.
This ship provides a more intimate setting for couples as the Viking Sea carries less than 1,000 passengers and 500 crew onboard. The cruise line is focused on service and the overall cruise experience. They have a philosophy of “no nickel and diming” with no pressure sales tactics, no photo sales or art auctions, for a more relaxed environment. They also boast no inside cabins, no formal nights, and no casinos. Viking’s cruise fare is one of the most inclusive in the industry and covers specialty dining, 24-hour room service, free wine, beer, soft drinks, and specialty coffees/ and hot teas. All of the inclusions make for a relaxed cruiser experience for couples.
Princess Cruises
10-Day Denali Explorer – Sapphire Princess
Princess Cruises is one of the best-known cruise lines, sailing to Alaska for over 50 years. They focus on value and offer cruisers a huge selection of choices in destinations and unique itineraries. Their Alaska offerings are truly impressive. The cruise line is famous as “the Love Boat” and although kids are welcome on the ship, it is well suited to adults with adult-only areas and a wide range of dining options and entertainment.
For couples who want to splurge, this one-way, 10-day itinerary departs from Vancouver and ends in Fairbanks. With visits to the famous Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, Anchorage, Ketchikan Juneau, and Skagway, there are many excursion options and opportunities for glacial viewing. Following the cruise, couples will enjoy time at Princess exclusive lodges – Mt. McKinley, Denali, and Fairbanks, for unparalleled access to Alaska's parks, wilderness, and top-rated excursions.
Although the Sapphire Princess was launched in 2004, it was refurbished in 2018. It welcomes up to 2,670 guests onboard - a smaller cruise ship by today's standards. But it offers plenty with several amenities and activities that cater to adults. There are a number of dining options, such as Italian, a steakhouse, and a gastropub, with flexible dining times. In the evening, couples can enjoy entertainment, including original shows, casinos, and lounges, or spend some time on seas days in the adult-only deck area and luxurious spas and pool/ deck area.
Holland America Line
7-Day Alaska Explorer – MS Westerdam
Holland America Line has been sailing to Alaska for over 75 years and is considered to be a destination expert for this majestic landscape. While it isn’t an adult-only cruise line, its elegant itineraries and onboard amenities attract adults who don’t need all the bells and whistles of newer ships.
The cruise line has a number of great options for couples wanting an affordable getaway. Leaving from Seattle throughout the summer, the 7-day Alaska Explore cruise provides incredible value without missing out on what makes Alaska so special. With prices under $500 per person, it is a budget-friendly cruise that covers some incredible ports such as Juneau, Sitka, Victoria, and Ketchikan. It is a great opportunity to explore Alaska with industry experts, heading to some of its most famous coastal ports with a wide range of excursions to choose from.
Holland America’s MS Westerdam is a smaller ship that has a capacity of just under 2,000 guests. While it has been in service since 2004, it has been refurbished and is an ideal environment for couples who enjoy a more intimate cruise experience. The ship has won multiple Best Cruise Ship awards thanks to its superb bars, entertainment, and dining venues. When not in port couples will love their heavenly Greenhouse Spa & Salon, breathtaking views from the top-deck, a friendly game of pickleball at Sea with top-deck views.
