Alaska’s incredible scenery, epic glaciers, and wildlife make it a popular choice for many cruises. But which Alaska itinerary is the best? The answer is somewhat subjective and depends on what's important for your cruise vacation.
The main debate is usually between the Inside Passage and the Gulf of Alaska, each with unique pros and cons. But there are some other factors to consider, such as ports of call, how long of a cruise, which ship, and the range of excursions offered. These things all help to shape the overall cruise experience and should be part of the decision-making process.
With so many great options out there, here’s what is important to know when deciding which Alaska cruise itinerary is right for you.
Inside Passage itinerary
The Inside Passage is a popular Alaska cruise, many of which are 7 days in length and leave from Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia. These sailings head north, cruising around the thousands of islands that the southern region of Alaska is known for. Beyond stunning landscapes, the waters in the Inside Passage tend to be calmer than those of the open Gulf.
Popular ports of call on this route include stops in places such as Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines, and Skagway. These ports are good options as they provide a wide range of activities, such as visiting glaciers, kayaking, exploring historic gold rush towns, and the chance to see plenty of wildlife. These types of cruises offer scenic viewing of Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park, both of which have spectacular views.
With so many cruise lines sailing the Inside Passage, there are tons of great options in terms of length and price. This type of itinerary may be the ideal way to go for a first-time cruiser who is not sure what to do. There are even 4 or 5-day “sampler” cruises to get a taste of what it is like to sail to Alaska. Princess Cruise Lines has a 4-day sampler, and Disney Cruise Line has a 5-day cruise leaving from Vancouver. Embarking in Seattle is one of the most affordable options when cruising, as flights are much cheaper than those to Alaska or Vancouver.
Gulf of Alaska itinerary
Cruises to the Gulf of Alaska offer a different perspective. Most often, these are one-way cruises, either northbound from ports like Seattle or southbound from ports such as Anchorage. In addition to visiting the ports of the Inside Passage, there is the opportunity to see the Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord both of which are renowned for their picturesque and rugged landscapes.
This can be a great alternative for those who want to explore Alaska in more depth. In addition, many passengers like to add pre or post-cruise land tours to visit places such as Denali National Preserve and Park or maybe spend time in Fairbanks to catch a glimpse at the Northern Lights.
These itineraries can be more costly than Inside Passage cruises, as you need to fly in or out of Alaska for the cruise. Another point to consider is that the waters can be rougher in the Gulf Of Alaska, but of course, weather is never a certainty. But for those who want to spend more time in the Last Frontier, a Gulf of Alaska cruise can be a fantastic vacation.
Other Alaska itineraries
Other alternatives for cruises to Alaska include sailing out of San Francisco and Los Angeles. These tend to be 10+ days, as the ship needs more time to sail north. This can be an excellent option for those who live in California, providing an easier way to get to the port without the hassles of air travel.
For those looking for something a little more unique, there are also some longer cruises that include Alaska and other destinations. For example, Princess Cruises offers a 22-day cruise that starts in Japan, heading across the Pacific to Alaska with stops in places such as Anchorage and Hubbard Glacier. Another interesting option, Norwegian Cruise Line, has a cruise that starts in Honolulu, heading to Alaska with stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point.
There is also the opportunity for an in-depth, immersive experience. A great example is Hurtigruten Expeditions and its 14-day Wilderness, Glaciers and Culture. This southbound cruise provides the chance to take in the incredible views of Alaska with exceptional activities. Guests can experience nature, participate in hands-on activities, and visit numerous ports of call. Onboard, cruisers can enjoy a variety of lectures and discussions with experts along with the use of the Science Center and extensive library.
Other factors
Beyond looking at the itinerary, there are other factors to weigh when booking a cruise to Alaska. Here are some of the top considerations:
Cruise line - There are many cruise lines offering sailings to Alaska, everything from Royal Caribbean Norwegian, Carnival to Disney, and more upscale or boutique cruise lines like Viking. There is something for every budget.
Length of cruise - Most major cruise lines offer cruises to Alaska between May and September. While 7-day cruises tend to be among the most popular, there are also other options ranging from 4 to 20+ days. Usually, the longer the cruise, the higher the overall cost, but deals can be found, especially when sailing in shoulder season.
Embarkation/dismembering ports - It is important to look at a convenient departure port, especially if you need to fly. As noted, some cruises, especially those to the Gulf of Akasska, either start or finish in Alaska, leading to higher flight costs.
Type of ship- Cruisers who are open to sailing on different sizes and types of ships have more options available. There are some ports that can’t handle larger ships, which may limit itineraries. Multigenerational cruisers or families with younger kids may focus on ships with more amenities to create a relaxing balance for their cruise, with plenty of activities for everyone.
Immersive experiences - It is a good idea to consider what Alaska-focused activities and excursions are offered with a cruise. For example, Princess Cruises offers a North to Alaska Program that features local personalities, activities, and food to bring the most to the experience. Guests can have a chance to meet a mountain climber, a prize-winning dog sled champion, or a real-life fisherman from Discovery Channel's famed show Deadliest Catch.
