Seattle is a major departure port for cruises to Alaska, providing vacationers with a ton of choices for those looking for a northern cruise vacation full of majestic landscapes and wildlife.
A significant benefit of sailing out of Seattle is that there are eight major cruise lines operating out of the port, meaning there are plenty of itineraries and price points to choose from. There are a number of roundtrip cruises departing from the port, and many do not even require a passport. Adding to the convenience, Seattle is served by a major international airport, with over 1,000 flights per day. With so many flights to choose from, Seattle is one of the most convenient and affordable departure ports for Alaska cruises.
Whether you are a family looking for a fun Alaska cruise, a couples getaway, a budget-friendly vacation, or an authentic Alaska cruise experience, there is the right cruise for you that heads to the Land of Midnight Sun.
Here are our top choices for the best Alaska cruises leaving from Seattle this year.
Best value: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Cruise Line
Although both Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer similar value and amenities for multigenerational cruisers, Norwegian just slightly edges out the competition with its low cruise fares and numerous inclusions.
One of the best options is Norwegian Bliss, which sails on a 7-night cruise of the Inside Passage. The itinerary features scenic cruising of Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier as well as port visits in Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Victora, to name a few. With cruises starting as low as $700 for a week, these great deals include the cruise line's famed Free at Sea promotions that offer complimentary open bar, specialty dining, excursions, and wi-fi (with some conditions).
Built in 2018, the Norwegian Bliss has had some refurbishments in 2021. The ship is a good size, welcoming up to 4,000 guests, and it is among the biggest Norwegian ships sailing to Alaska this year.
A major bonus is that it was custom-built with Alaska cruises in mind and has several great features, such as a 20,000-square-foot revolutionary Observation Lounge, perfect for taking in the breathtaking view of Alaska. It has a number of specialty dining options, plenty of bars, live musical productions, including the Jersey Boys Show, and lots of fun activities like a racetrack, aqua park, laser tag, and mini golf.
Best couples cruise – Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is known as an award-winning cruise line that provides upscale cruise experiences, and their trips to Alaska are no exception. Running throughout the Alaska cruise season, their 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. A wide array of bars, entertainment, activities, and shops are some of the best parts of cruising with this famed cruise line. 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. Mulit-purpose venues like Eden and the Magic Carpet provide stunning views of the landscape while enjoying a drink, listening to music, or having a bite to eat. A range of excursions lets guests see the varied landscape, wildlife, and history of Alaska.
Best family fun – Carnival Spirit, Carnival Cruise Line
Famous for their “fun” ships and great prices, Carnival Cruise Line is another popular option for families wanting to explore the Last Frontier. Carnival Spirit offers numerous dates for its popular 7-day cruise that sails from Seattle to Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria, Canada. A great way to explore the Inside Passage of Alaska, with plenty of onboard amenities to entertain families while on the ship.
Carnival's ships offer families many activities and entertainment options. Featured activities include their Waterworks park, mini golf, Seuss at Sea program, arcades, slides, and much more. T
hey have plenty of fun food options and a number of inclusive dining options like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and Pizza Pirate, along with the standard buffet and main dining room fare. Extensive entertainment options include live musical productions, comedy shows, and theme parties.
The namesake of this class, Carnival Spirit, was originally built in 2001 but was refurbished in 2019. For those that like the more intimate feel of a “smaller” " it has a capacity for 2,124 guests with 930 crew but still packs in lots of fun.
Best Alaska itinerary – Koningsdam, Holland America Line
Both Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are famed for being experts in Alaska cruising, with add-on tours that provide the opportunity to see even more of Alaska's majestic landscapes and wildlife. However, Holland America Line is the only one that offers extended cruises when sailing from Seattle. The cruise line has been sailing to Alaska for over 75 years and is considered to be an expert for this destination.
Sailing onboard the Koningsdam, the cruise line offers a spectacular 12-day Yukon and Denali cruise that departs from Seattle. Heading to Vancouver, Tracy Arm Inlet Juneau, Skagway, Whitehorse, the Yukon, Fairbanks, Denali National Park, and Anchorage.
A major bonus is the chance to explore even more of Alaska with a two-night stay to visit Denali National Park as part of the cruise line's Tundra Wilderness Tour. As one of their newer ships, Koningsdam is a fantastic option for those wanting to cruise to Alaska.
Launched in 2016, It is considered a mid-size ship with 2,650 guests and is part of the Pinnacle Class, which introduced a more modern take on decor, as well as new dining and entertainment options. This ship has won a number of awards for dining and service and is known for its quality.
