Alaska is a breathtaking destination to explore, and taking an Inside Passage cruise is the perfect way to see it.
Cruise options typically begin in either Seattle or Vancouver, and deciding which port to depart from can seem daunting. However, each city has its own unique benefits that make it well worth considering.
Seattle
Seattle offers travelers convenient access to Alaska-bound cruises since it’s only a short flight away from many major cities in the US.
Additionally, many Alaska cruises that leave from Seattle feature overnight stays in Alaska ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan—allowing for more time to explore Alaska’s stunning coasts and mountains.
On the flip side, some of these Alaska cruises may not be able to visit the famous Glacier Bay due to tight Alaska cruise schedules departing from Seattle.
Vancouver
On the other hand, Vancouver is often favored by Canadian travelers looking to take an Alaska cruise due to its proximity.
Many of the Alaska cruises leaving from Vancouver offer more time in Alaska’s remote ports like Sitka and Haines—as well as more chances to take part in popular activities like whale watching and kayaking around serene bays!
Plus, most of these Alaska cruises will also include visits to Glacier Bay National Park so you can view its impressive glaciers up close!
Should you cruise from Seattle or Vancouver?
For Alaska cruise-goers looking for a budget-friendly option, cruising from Seattle is the ideal choice. By taking advantage of the comparatively lower airfare costs within the United States, passengers can save money on travel expenses without needing to obtain a passport.
What's more, booking with one of several mainstream cruise lines out of Seattle allows travelers to compare prices. Additionally, selecting Seattle as the starting point gives cruisers an opportunity to explore Victoria’s waterfront and Butchart Gardens before or after their Alaska trip, while also avoiding having to extend their Alaska cruise with post-cruise tours into Alaska’s interior if they don't have the extra time or budget.
Alternatively, Vancouver offers Alaska cruisers options for luxury lines and one-way sailings combined with post-cruise tours into Alaska.
Passengers who prefer itineraries with more scenic cruising or who wish to explore Canada before or after their Alaska trips might find it worthwhile to acquire a passport in order to take advantage of this option. Furthermore, depending on the chosen itinerary, pre-or post-cruise tour offerings from Vancouver will likely provide travelers with a deeper and more immersive experience than they would receive from Seattle sailings alone.
