cruise to alaska what to know

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Complete Guide to Taking an Alaskan Cruise (What It’s Like)

When it comes to cruising, there is nothing quite like sailing to Alaska. It’s difficult to explain exactly what it’s like to sail to the 49th state, surrounded by mountains, wildlife, and amazing natural beauty. That’s because no matter how many photos or videos you see, it simply doesn’t do it justice.

Maybe you’ve sailed the Caribbean, but we can tell you that the experience of sailing Alaska is completely different in what you see, the experience onboard, and even your other passengers. In fact, there are many people who may not have any interest in cruising, but do consider taking a trip to Alaska.

Whether you’ve sailed dozens of times or never stepped foot on a ship, there’s plenty to know about taking a cruise to this part of the world. Below, we cover a cruise to Alaska from bow to stern, including everything from costs to tips and much more.

In This Article...

Answered: Why Take an Alaskan Cruise

First things first, why take an Alaskan cruise? What’s so special about sailing to this part of the world? And if you’re interested in seeing the state, why not just visit by taking a flight?

Let’s start with why you would want to visit Alaska in the first place. No matter where you’ve traveled before, there’s little doubt that the landscape of Alaska compares — or beats — anything you’ve ever seen.

The state is one of the last unspoiled places in the United States. Mountains rise literally out of the water. Wildlife, including whales and bald eagles, are abundant. Even glaciers are a regular sight on many cruises.

In short, Alaska is one of those “bucket list” destinations that just doesn’t have an equivalent. It has to be seen to be believed.

That’s also where taking a cruise offers a better experience than a traditional vacation.

Unlike places in the continental United States, much of Alaska is not easily accessible via car. That means seeing multiple locations — even if they are relatively close to each other — often means traveling by plane or boat.

With a cruise, you have the ability to easily travel between different ports of call, allowing you to see much more in a short time. Being on the water, you’re also able to get up close to the scenery.

Most cruises in the Caribbean are in port for the day, and then head to sea each evening — meaning there isn’t much to see in between. In Alaska, even when you’re sailing, there’s still plenty to experience. The Inside Passage, which is the inner route that takes you all around the southeast of Alaska, takes you right next to the stunning landscape all day long.

In other words, if you’ve ever wanted to experience the state, there is no better way to do it than by cruise ship .

The Atmosphere on Board

One major difference of a cruise from Alaska compared to other cruises is the atmosphere onboard.

Head to the Caribbean and you’re likely to have a big sail away party, pumping music, free-flowing drinks, dancing, and more. And while there’s plenty to do on the ship when sailing in Alaska, the atmosphere is decidedly more subdued.

In part, this is due to the weather. While we wouldn’t describe sailing to Alaska during the summer season as “cold,” there are definite chilly moments. For example, it might be 75 and sunny one day, but other days it might be 50 degrees and raining. Especially if the ship is sailing (which creates a strong breeze), then this isn’t exactly “hang out and party at the pool” weather!

As well, you’ll find a different crowd on a trip to Alaska than a trip to the Caribbean. Now, you might be under the impression that Alaskan cruises are filled with older passengers. While older passengers are well represented, you’ll likely find the crowd remarkably diverse. All ages are on the cruise, and passengers from all over the country and the world.

That said, we’ve found the crowd does have fewer young adults that make a trip to the Caribbean more lively. All in all, expect an atmosphere that’s a lot quieter than what you would see on a four-day cruise from Miami.

Cost of Sailing Alaska

One thing that cruising is known for is offering great value. Instead of paying for airfare, a hotel room, entertainment, food, and more, it’s all included in one price that’s typically much lower than all of those put together. (Though since the return of cruising, prices have definitely moved higher.)

That’s definitely the case for Alaska, where the cost of arranging travel to all the ports you visit would be considerably higher for most people than taking a cruise. That said, in general you’ll find that a trip to Alaska will be more than a cruise to the Caribbean.

Cruises to Alaska can vary greatly, but even a good deal will typically be $600-$700 per person as a minimum for an interior cabin. Trips during the peak months can start higher than that. Of course, then you have port fees and taxes, as well as gratuities, onboard spending, and more.

Remember that most trips last a week, meaning there aren’t many opportunities for inexpensive, short getaways like you see from ports in Florida. As well, you have to factor in things like shore excursions, which tend to cost more than on a cruise to elsewhere.

And then there’s also the cost of airfare. Most cruises to Alaska depart from Seattle or Vancouver. Since most of the country lives far from these ports, you’ll have to consider airfare and transportation to the port.

All told, we think $2,000-$2,800 per person for a 7-day cruise to Alaska is a good estimate — not including airfare . You can cruise for less (or more), but this should give you an idea of what you’ll pay. For a more detailed breakdown on costs, read our article here .

Departure Ports

As mentioned, if you’re cruising to Alaska then you’re most likely departing from one of two port cities: Seattle or Vancouver.

Seattle (Pier 66): Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, Pier 66 is the starting point for cruises from Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas. The centrally located port is convenient in that it’s easily reached by public transportation, making it relatively simple to get there from the airport.

Seattle (Pier 91): A few miles north of Pier 66, Pier 91 is where most cruises depart from the city. Here you’ll find names like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess and others setting sail. It’s on the northern side of downtown, offering a great view of the city as you depart to head north. The facility is a little harder to get to, and you’ll need a ride like a taxi or Uber.

Vancouver (Canada Place): The last of the “big three” terminals that bring the most passengers to Alaska, Vancouver’s Canada Place sits right on the edge of downtown. From here, you’ll sail around Vancouver Island before heading up to Alaska. For those from the U.S., flights to Vancouver tend to be more expensive, which is something to keep in mind when searching for cruises.

Ports of Call in Alaska/Canada

There are a number of places that you can visit on an Alaskan cruise, with most week-long trips working in a visit to four ports and viewing a glacier from the ship. So you can take multiple cruises before you hit all the available ports of call. Below we’ve highlighted some of the most common ports.

Ketchikan : The closest Alaskan port to the continental United States, this town is still a healthy 700-mile cruise from Seattle. Here you’ll find a downtown that’s near the docks in what’s known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” There’s also a good bit of native history, including a number of areas to see totem poles (both original and recreated). But be sure to bring a rain coat — the area is essentially a rainforest, receiving more than 150 inches of rain per year!

Sitka : Sitting protected in Sitka Sound on the west side of Baronof Island, Sitka offers up a lot of history to visitors. First it was the home to native peoples prior to Russians arriving in the fur trade. But it was also here that the Russians handed over Alaska to the United States in the mid 1800s. Today you can tour the quaint town and still see signs of Russian and native influence, including St. Michael’s Cathedral and Sitka National Historical Park, complete with countless totem poles. ( See our guide to Sitka here .)

Skagway: Possibly the farthest north you’ll go on most cruises, Skagway’s claim to fame was as a starting point to head to the Yukon during the gold rush. Today, it’s kept that feel with a small but bustling downtown that looks right out of the turn of the century. Except today, it most definitely caters to tourism, with all sorts of storefronts and restaurants. One popular excursion is to take a train up into the mountains where the scenery is amazing. ( See our guide to Skagway here .)

Juneau: Alaska’s capital city, Juneau sits at the base of Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts. The town is split into two sections, with ships docking in downtown. From here you can take an excursion to see the Mendenhall Glacier, explore the city (including a visit to the capitol building), grab a bite to eat, or do some souvenir shopping, and more. We like that there’s a real city here — not just a spot built for tourists.

Victoria: Due to U.S. law, a foreign vessel (which most cruise ships are) must make a stop at a foreign port before returning to the United States. If sailing from Seattle, that stop is usually in the city of Victoria, British Columbia. Here you’ll find a gorgeous city that’s a must-see. We’d recommend doing some sort of tour to be able to see all the sights quickly, followed by a stop in the downtown harbor area to see the Legislative Assembly building, the Empress Hotel, and the Royal BC Museum.

Arms & Glaciers: In addition to actual ports of call, many ships work in a sailing tour through an arm of a fjord and a view of a glacier. Here, the walls of the mountains narrow even more, putting you right in the middle of the beauty of Alaska. Then, you get to see a glacier at the end of the cut, along with ice in the water along the way. It’s a neat experience you can only get a few other places on the planet.

Excursions in the Last Frontier

What can really set a cruise to Alaska apart from any other cruise you’ll take are the shore excursions. It’s no exaggeration to say that excursions in Alaska allow you to do things that you simply can’t do anywhere else.

Glacier Tours: Many cruises to the state offer a route that takes you past a glacier on the ship (it will be listed on the itinerary). Even so, one popular thing to do is go explore the glacier in an up close and personal way. This can include everything from helicopter rides that land on the ice to kayak trips to the foot of the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau.

Wildlife Viewing: Whales, eagles, and bears? Alaska is famous for its wildlife and there’s no shortage of viewing opportunities no matter what you want to see. Just cruising between ports you might see whales, but there are also excursions that take you whale watching in hot spots. Bald eagles can be seen in the wild, but Sitka provides a sanctuary where you are guaranteed to see them. There is also a sanctuary to get a look (safely) at bears.

Sightseeing Tours: Of course, the reason you go to Alaska is to see the sights, whether it’s touring an amazing natural landscape or a historic city (or most likely, a combination of both). Any port you dock will offer some sort of tour of the area, ranging from walking to a motor coach to a train ride. These are typically affordable and a great way to see a lot of things in a short period of time.

You can check your cruise line’s list of excursions to see what your options are. In addition, you can also play it by ear. The ports you visit will have booths setup on land where you can go and explore your options — so don’t feel like you have to book something on the ship.

Tips & Things to Know About Sailing Alaska

While we have a full list of dozens of tips and things to know about sailing to Alaska , below we cover some of what we think are the most important items.

Be Ready for Long Daylight Hours (Messes With Your Sleep) Maybe you “know” that daylight hours during the summer in Alaska are long. It’s another thing to experience it. Depending on the month you visit, the sun can rise as early as 4 a.m. and not go down until closer to 11 p.m. That means you end up getting up earlier and staying up later. After a few days, don’t be surprised if the lack of rest catches up with you.

Be Selective on the Ship You Sail (Indoor Areas Are Important) Perhaps nowhere is it more important to pick the right ship for your cruise than when cruising Alaska. Here, weather is such a big factor. Days can range from 75 degrees and sunny to 45 degrees and rainy. That’s why we suggest a larger ship with more covered spaces, such as indoor pools and covered recreation areas. These provide more areas to enjoy instead of feeling “stuck” inside the ship while you’re sailing.

Dressing Can Be Hard (Layers Are a Must) Keeping in the theme of weather, you’ll likely find that it’s a little harder to dress for Alaska. When it’s warm and sunny, it is literally t-shirt and shorts weather. But cool and rainy… along with wind while the ship is moving? You’ll want to be bundled up with a hat, gloves, and jacket. And sometimes, those two can occur on the same day. It’s well-known, but dressing in layers is a must when you head to Alaska.

Excursions Are Pricey (But Worth It) Excursions were mentioned above, but we didn’t mention price. If you’re used to sailing the Caribbean, be prepared for sticker shock. The outings here are typically much higher priced than elsewhere. You can still find things to do under $100 per head, but most trips run at least $150 in our experience, with high-end excursions like helicopter tours running $300+ per person.

Don’t Miss the Scenery Between Ports Sail to the Caribbean and the schedule is typically stop in a port, enjoy the day, and then get back on the ship. Once the ship departs, there’s not much to see as you sail to the next port of call. In Alaska, there’s always something to see… and it shouldn’t be missed. Whether it’s sailing next to mountains or doing some whale-spotting as the ship cruises, there’s quite a bit to experience even between ports.

Balconies Are Worth It, But Don’t Fret Yes, if you’re going to get a balcony cabin, then Alaska is a great place to do it. There’s plenty to see the entire trip, and it’s nice to be able to simply step out on the balcony to take in the view.

But even if you don’t get one (they are more expensive), you will have plenty of opportunity to see the scenery. Ships have lots of open deck space for you to watch the mountains and water go by, so it’s not a huge loss if you don’t have your own private balcony. As well, with the long daylight hours, an interior cabin (which gets plenty dark) may help you sleep better.

If You’re On the Fence About Alaska… Book it. You Won’t Regret it Finally, if you’re still wondering if you should or shouldn’t take that cruise to Alaska, we say do it. It certainly can be a large amount of money to spend. But personally, sailing to Alaska is unlike any other cruise we’ve taken. It’s a chance to experience a landscape you can’t really visit any other way. You get to see and do things that you just don’t get anywhere else. We have yet to hear anyone be disappointed with a cruise to Alaska. It’s doubtful that you would be the first.

More on Cruising Alaska:

• How Alaskan Cruises Differ From Caribbean Cruises (And It’s NOT Just Colder)

44 Must-Have Alaskan Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Secrets

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20 Best Alaska Cruise Tips To Know Before Booking

The process can be overwhelming if you’re planning your first Alaska cruise. However, in this article, you’ll discover essential tips for booking an Alaska cruise.

While it may be hot down south, what can you expect of the weather further north? What do you need to pack? Will you see whales? Keeping on reading to find the answers to these questions and many more.

Many travelers go to Alaska once due to cost. However, after your first trip, you will likely want to make the journey again if you live in North America.

So, before booking your Alaska cruise, here are some essential tips.

1. Excursions Are Expensive

Top Alaska cruise excursions come at premium prices, and some sell out more than six months in advance. So, if it’s on your bucket list to  dog sled on a glacier , take a Jeep tour, or do a helicopter and hike tour, bite the bullet, and book it.

Helicopters can only seat up to six guests, so spaces are limited. Rarely do companies offer these tours at discounted prices because they fill up fast. Expect to pay over USD 600 per person for some of these tours.

Cruise passengers can enjoy an adrenaline zip line activity in Icy Strait Point. It runs from the top of Hoonah Mountain to sea level. At USD 155 for a 90-second ride, the ticket price may outweigh the need to go.

Be prepared to spend more for excursions than you did for your cruise. Consider a cheaper stateroom if your bucket list excursion is a bit out of your price range. 

You’ll still enjoy the same amenities, food, and scenery from the deck. However, the money saved can pay for the experiences you want.

Also, in some cases, you can book directly with the tour operator than through the cruise line. You could save on the cost of the excursion ticket. Remember, the best excursions sell out fast, so avoid this mistake on your Alaska cruise .

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2. You Don’t Need A Balcony Cabin

Most past guests will tell you that a balcony room is a must when cruising to Alaska. After all, a cruise through the Last Frontier provides scenic views you won’t find in other destinations.

If you’re going to spend your entire budget on your cruise fare, you won’t be able to take any excursions. So, book what you can afford and consider foregoing that balcony cabin for an interior room or ocean view instead.

Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas  and Quantum of the Seas offer an inside cabin with a virtual balcony. These come with floor-to-ceiling high-definition screens that show real-time views of the scenery outside.

While you won’t have the benefit of fresh air or being able to step outside, you can see the scenery and know when the ship is pulling into port.

By selecting a different stateroom, you can still enjoy the same food and entertainment onboard and use the extra money to take a shore excursion or two.

3. Not All Cruise Lines Go To Glacier Bay

If it’s on your bucket list to visit Glacier Bay National Park, not all major cruise lines go there. So, if you’re loyal to one cruise line, such as Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises, you’ll need to settle for another itinerary or opt for a different company.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site only allows two large cruise ships to sail in the park a day. A park ranger will board your vessel and narrate the journey.

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, who have been cruising to Alaska the longest, take the lion’s share of sailings. All other lines must win slots by way of a lottery.

Currently, Norwegian Cruise Line, Seabourn, and Britain’s Cunard Queen Elizabeth hold the other rights to cruise in Glacier Bay.

If you book a one-way cruise between Vancouver and Whittier or Seward on Holland America or Princess Cruise Line, you’ll enjoy two scenic cruising days to glaciers. You’ll spend one day in Glacier Bay and the other day at Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Alternatively, smaller ships like Uncruise offer expedition-type cruises to Glacier Bay.

4. Don’t Overpack 

It can be very challenging packing for Alaska compared to a Caribbean cruise. Even if the forecast calls for warm weather, you could experience cold and wet.

Expect cooler temperatures if you’re booked on an Alaska cruise in May or September. With visits to glaciers and ports, you could go from winter wear one day to shorts and a t-shirt the next day.

Instead of packing for four seasons, take a little bit of everything and add layers as you need them.

All ships have laundry: some provide a fee for service, while Princess, Cunard, and Carnival have self-serve launderettes. In fact, the Cunard Queen Elizabeth and Discovery Princess have complimentary laundry facilities (including soap and fleecy).

So, don’t overpack for your cruise. If you’re cold, you can always purchase Alaska-themed clothing from the ship’s shop or do some impromptu Alaska souvenir shopping at a cruise port.

5. Bring Binoculars

You need binoculars to see bald eagles, humpback whales, and other wildlife on your Alaskan cruise! While premium cruise lines may provide them, traditional cruise lines don’t.

Your binoculars don’t need to be expensive, but having a pair is necessary for Alaska. We use this compact pair which we carry in our port day backpack. They are lightweight and don’t take up much space.

Alternatively, you can use a more powerful  model like these.  They include a small tripod, and you can attach your cellphone to take photos through the binoculars.

Humpback whales swim through the inside passage as you sail. With your binoculars, look for the plumes of mist near the shoreline. You could also spot a bear foraging for food.

If your itinerary includes a trip to Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, the cliffs around the glaciers are prime areas to see mountain goats. Around Sitka, you could spot sea otters.

Check for dark spots on the icebergs when cruising near Hubbard Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, or Sawyer Glacier. These are often harbor seals enjoying the midday sun.

6. It Can Be Cold, Even In Summer

When  packing for Alaska, bring layers regardless of the weather forecast. A trip to Alaska might shock the system if you’re from Florida, Texas, or a warm-weather destination.

It could reach the low 80s on port days in the summer months. However, expect temperatures in the low 40s (or lower) on glacier viewing days. Having the right outfits for Alaska is essential.

The wind off the glaciers can chill you to the bone. So, wear a base layer as you’d wear for skiing, and add clothing on top.

If you’re taking a helicopter excursion to a glacier, you’ll need a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat. While you could luck out and experience warm weather, it’s best to expect something colder.

If you luck out, you could use the Lido deck pools. Otherwise, choose a vessel with an indoor pool or enjoy the hot tubs instead.

7. You Could Get Seasick

If you suffer from seasickness, you may not want to book an Alaskan cruise from California. The sailings up and down the Pacific Coast are notoriously rough.

Select one that sails the inside passage when choosing an itinerary from Seattle or Vancouver. Sailings from the Vancouver port provide the calmest seas, and you’re less likely to get motion sickness.

Although the Queen Charlotte Sound and Gulf of Alaska (if you’re cruising one way) could have choppy waters. To be safe, learn about and how to prevent seasickness.

Another tip to avoid rough waters is to avoid an itinerary that stops in Sitka. Located on the west coast of Baranof Island, cruise ships must sail the open waters of the Pacific to access Sitka Sound. These waters can be pretty choppy, with no islands to shield the swells.

Lastly, if you tend to get motion sickness, book a mid-ship cabin on the lower decks.

8. Wi-Fi Can Be Spotty In Alaska

If you decide to purchase the cruise line’s Wi-Fi, don’t expect the lightning speeds you enjoy at home. While there have been considerable advances in recent years regarding internet speed, Wi-Fi in Alaska can be very slow or non-existent.

Spotty service is a common complaint no matter whom you sail with, but lines like Cunard and Disney can be worse than others.

Cruise ships get their signals from satellites positioned over the Equator. So, the further north you travel, the less reliable the signal.

If you sail from or to Vancouver, the first and last day will have service for part of the way. Cruise ships sail between the mainland and Vancouver Island, close enough that you can receive cell coverage.

9.  Alaska Cruises Are More Casual

Contrasting warmer destinations, Alaskan cruises are pretty casual. Unless you’re cruising on a line with a strict dress code, such as Cunard, expect guests to wear comfy cruise attire.

Since it can be cold in Alaska, plan to take fleece, sweats, and base layers. Going to dinner in dark jeans and a shirt or top is perfectly fine.

Unless you’re cruising during a heat wave, you’ll want to dress for warmth onboard and on glacier cruising days.

Even your formal night could be optional, depending on the cruise line.

If you haven’t packed enough warm items, the stores onboard have area-specific themed clothing. So, if you need a waterproof jacket, fleece top, or sweatshirt, you can buy it all onboard.

10. You Won’t Always See Wildlife

Alaska cruises are all about the scenery, glacier, and wildlife. For many guests, it’s their first time seeing a glacier, whale, or bear. If you hope to see moose, bears, or even whales, you could be out of luck.

If you cruise to Alaska in April or early May, you’ll unlikely see whales. Humpback whales migrate from Hawaii, and only the males arrive in May. The females, with their young, come later, being slower swimmers.

Bears come out of hibernation in May and stay higher in the mountains. In later months (July and August), the bears move to lower areas to feast when the salmon run.

Moose and mountain goats are rarely seen. You’ll only have a slightly better chance of seeing moose if you’re traveling to Denali National Park.

To increase your chances of seeing wildlife, keep your binoculars handy. Check the shoreline for bears, the waters for whales and porpoises, the icebergs for seals, and the trees for bald eagles.

11. It Can Rain Anytime

Much of Alaska’s scenery is comprised of the Tongass National Forest, North America’s largest rainforest. Rainforests aren’t the result of dry weather. April, May, and June offer the driest months.

As the summer arrives, the chances of rain increase, so by August, an Alaska cruise has a 50% chance of showers. Ketchikan is one of the United States rainiest cities, averaging over 140 inches of annual rainfall.

Since you’re visiting a rainforest, prepare for your trip by bringing waterproof gear. Waterproof jackets such as a Columbia or Helly Hansen are essential. Since it can downpour on port days, waterproof footwear such as Vessi footwear  are vital too.

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The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable. It can be hot and dry one week and cold and rainy the next. While you hope for a warm and dry week, preparing for the alternative is best.

12. Mosquitoes Can Be Rampant

When cruising to Alaska , chances are you’ll have to contend with mosquitoes somewhere on your journey. After all, you’re visiting a rainforest.

While they don’t exist everywhere across the state, areas that experience higher amounts of rainfall tend to be home to larger populations of these pesky bugs.

Northern Alaska is particularly prone to mosquito swarms during the summer. So, if you’re doing a land tour, remember the bug repellent when adventuring into Denali National Park.

Wooded areas, streams, lakes, and other wetlands will likely house large numbers of mosquitoes. In Skagway, mosquitoes are bad on the Chilkoot Trail and along Pullen Creek near the cruise dock.

Guests in Juneau can expect mosquitoes and biting flies when hiking Mount Roberts and trails in Mendenhall Glacier Park.

13. Spring Can Be Drier Than Summer

In most destinations, spring brings rain, and summer provides sunshine with little precipitation. Not so in Alaska. Cruising in the springs generally provides for drier days.

As the weeks and months go by, the chances of rain increase. However, you will benefit from warm temperatures. So cooler and drier vs. warmer and wetter, take your pick.

Unpredictable is the best word to describe Alaskan weather. Juneau, the capital averages 4.75″ of rain in May, 8.5″ in August, and 13.3″ a month later.

Further north, Anchorage sees less fluctuation in precipitation. It averages less than an inch in May and around 3″ in August and September.

Ketchikan, the rainfall capital of Alaska, features a liquid sunshine next to the visitor center. May brings just over 5 inches of rain, which climbs to almost 11″ by September. No matter when you visit Ketchikan, you have a 50% chance of seeing rain.

14. Weather Can Change Your Itinerary

Most passengers travel to Alaska to see the tidewater glaciers. However, the weather could affect your cruise itinerary if you sail in the first four weeks of the season.

Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm are notorious for having ice flow block a ship’s passage in April and May. Ships will sail up the arm but turn around once they spot ice.

Sometimes, vessels skip the fjords due to thick fog. Since the fjords are narrow, captains need good visibility to cruise the small channel.

Large amounts of ice can prevent vessels from getting close to glaciers. In 2022, the Norwegian Sun hit an iceberg at Hubbard Glacier. The July cruise was cut short since the ship needed some repairs.

15. Tour Operators May Cancel Excursions Due To Weather

Shore excursions that use a plane or helicopter only fly in good weather. So, if it’s stormy or there’s low cloud cover, port tours sometimes get canceled. However, don’t worry; you will receive a full refund.

Since cancellations happen more than you think, have a backup plan on what to do on your port day. Most cancellations take place in Juneau.

Here, guests book helicopter tours for dog sledding or hiking on a glacier. Instead, pick up an impromptu whale-watching tour or catch a  shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier.

If your floatplane excursion to the Misty Fjords National Monument gets canceled in Ketchikan, plan to explore the colorful history of Creek Street. Known as the globally salmon capital, Ketchikan provides a great place to try seafood.

16. Seafood Isn’t Necessarily From Alaska

Cruise passengers expect a selection of Alaskan seafood during their cruise. Some cruise lines even have a “taste of Alaska” night when they feature seafood dishes.

However, most of the seafood comes from somewhere other than Alaska. Cruise lines have signed contracts with food wholesalers who supply their fleets worldwide. Cruises from Seattle receive their supplies in Seattle.

Alaska cruises from and to Vancouver get their supplies in Vancouver, not in Seward or Whittier. During a galley tour on a Princess, I learned their seafood supply comes from New Zealand.

With the decline in the crab population in Alaska, the Alaska’s Fish and Game Department has stopped crab fishing for the 2022 to 2023 season.

So, if you’re hoping to taste king crab in port, chances are, it comes from another destination. Not only will you eat crab from another country, but you may need to pay a higher price due to the shortage in Alaska.

17. You May Not See The Northern Lights

If you’re hoping to get a glimpse of the spectacular Aurora Borealis, an Alaska cruise provides you with that perfect opportunity!

The winter months provide the best chances for clear skies, away from light pollution and city lights. But Alaska cruises don’t run in winter.

While the chance of seeing the northern lights is small, if you’re lucky enough, you could spot them on a shoulder season cruise. The Aurora, like the Alaska weather, is unpredictable.

No matter when you choose to embark on your Alaska cruise, check the Aurora forecast to access your chance of catching the light show.

To see the Aurora, it needs to be dark. Alaska experiences long days in summer, and it’s sometimes light until 11 pm. With only a few hours of darkness, it diminishes your chances of seeing the light show.

Denali, Alaska, is a great spot to witness the spectacle of the northern lights. Located at a far northern latitude and having almost no light pollution, it’s the perfect place for nighttime viewing. The prime viewing period for the Aurora is between late August and September.

18. Some Ships Dock At Ward Cove

If you book with Norwegian, and your cruise itinerary includes Ketchikan, you’ll dock in Ward Cove. Norwegian Cruise Lines developed Ward Cove as a stand-alone alternative to docking downtown.

Located seven miles north of Ketchikan, cruise passengers need to catch a shuttle to access tours, shopping, and attractions in town.

If you want to walk off your vessel and explore the downtown area, think twice about booking with Norwegian. However, Ward Cove might be the perfect dock if you love the wilderness and prefer a remote location.

Ward Cove was opened in 2021. While still relatively new, the cruise line will develop the area, add more amenities and offer more stand-alone tours as time passes. You could say it’s Alaska’s version of a CocoCay or Great Stirrup Cay.

Cruise guests have mixed opinions on docking in Ward Cove. If you want to avoid the added burden of taking a shuttle bus to and from town, you’ll need to pick a different itinerary or another cruise line.

19. Prepare To Go Over Budget

You may need to double your budget for an Alaskan cruise. Even if you find a cheap deal, the expensive excursions will blow your initial allowance.

If you’re flying from Australia, Asia, or Eastern European, chances are, you’re making this trip once. So, if it’s on your bucket list to ride the  White Pass train , spend a day halibut fishing, take a helicopter ride, or go whale watching, do so.

Alaska cruises are notoriously expensive when you factor in all the costs, such as flights, hotels, tours, and cruise extras. Sailing in the peak months (July and August) will cost you significantly more than the shoulder season (April/May and September/October).

If you’re on a budget, you can save money by selecting an older vessel such as the Norwegian Jewel or the Grand Princess.

20. Not All Itineraries Are Created Equal

While many ships sail to Alaska with options for different embarkation ports, not all itineraries are created equal. Heck, some don’t even visit a glacier!

Before booking your vacation, do your research and decide which ports and glaciers you want to visit. You may prefer a wilderness-based cruise, while others may choose ports with a rich history. No one cruise will suit everyone.

Only some lines go to Glacier Bay, and College Fjord is only included on a one-way itinerary from or to Vancouver.

If you want to add on a land tour or do a self-guided trip to Denali National Park, you’ll need to sail to or from Seward or Whittier.

During the Alaska cruise season, you can find a cruise that includes more than one glacier sighting. Since all vessels have yet to reposition for the Alaska season, you could find a cruise that goes to two glaciers in April or early May. A 2-for-1 deal, that’s something worth booking!

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

My family is going to Alaska on Princess this June. In Juneau and Ketchikan we are renting cars and driving to some trails we want to hike. The car rentals are at the airport, so we will need transport to the airport from the cruise port and back again. What are the transportation options like? Do you think this will be a problem?

Forever Karen

Taxis are readily available and I know they have Lyft in Juneau, although get rideshare may be different if there are multiple ships in port.

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ALASKA , CRUISES , NORTH AMERICA , UNITED STATES · June 11, 2018 Last Updated on March 10, 2024

A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO TAKING AN ALASKA CRUISE

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

If you have never taken a Alaska cruise  before then you absolutely should! Cruises are an amazing way to visit a destination and maximise how much you see whilst you are there.

After taking two cruises in Alaska I have collected a bunch of tips and advice that I think will help first timers to plan for the cruise, make the most of their time on board and above all have fun! My most recent cruise was with Carnival Cruises in Alaska and in this guide I share my top tips for joining an Alaskan (or any other) cruise!

1) Packing For An Alaska Cruise

First things first, before you even start thinking about what items to pack for your Alaska cruise you probably are wondering if you can take a suitcase, or if you should have a soft bag for a cruise. Cruise cabins are not huge, but they are well designed to maximise the space and provide large wardrobes, plenty of drawers and usually space to store your hard shell suitcases.

On our recent cruise with Carnival we had two large suitcases (around 20kg each) and we had plenty of space to hang up all of our clothes and store the cases in the wardrobe. However, if you prefer travelling with a soft bag this will also ensure you can tuck it away in a wardrobe too.

In terms of clothing for an Alaska Cruise, definitely bring warm items and most importantly a windbreaker jacket. Even when the sun is shining and warm (which we were lucky enough to have through the week), the wind on the upper decks can be chilly. One of the best parts of an Alaskan cruise is that there is usually a beautiful landscape to enjoy as you sail so you will want to be on deck for most of it.

Bring some hats, gloves, good walking shoes or boots, and other warm weather gear for your day trips. A rain jacket and umbrella is also advised as Alaska weather can often be overcast and rainy so be prepared for that.

For the evenings, there will be at least two “elegant” evenings where everyone on the cruise dresses up for dinner and drinks. Men will wear full suit and tie or even a tux and women can wear their best dresses. So make sure that you bring a couple of elegant outfits for these evenings, and if you like to dress up it’s nice to do this even on the casual nights!

2) Selecting A Cabin Type For Your Alaska Cruise

For most people cabin selection will be based on your budget but there are a few things to consider when selecting your room and whether its worth upping your budget a little to get a room you truly love. There are a variety of state rooms, and I think the first choice is whether you want an interior room (no windows), a sea view room (has a window), a balcony room or a suite with balcony.

If you are claustrophobic or get a little seasick, then going for a room with a window or balcony is essential. We enjoyed a balcony room and found this was such a great way to be able to enjoy the sailing days, relaxing on the balcony, book in hand, waiting for a whale to swim by!

The second consideration is which part of the boat you want to be on, the back, middle or front. Honestly, I personally don’t think this is as much of a consideration as selecting which room type you go for. The selection of which location is usually based on what you want to be close to, but with activities on board all over the boat you will be walking from one end to the other no matter what.

One thing to check if possible is that you are not in a middle corner room. Our room was on a corner in the middle of the ship where the next section of cabin rooms and balconies jutted out farther than ours to one side. This meant we had a large wall next to our balcony completely obscuring the view to the left and front of the boat so could not see anything ahead of us when we were sailing.

Here are some excellent Alaska cruise options to explore!

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3) The Best Time Of Year To Go On An Alaska Cruise

This Alaska cruise was my second time visiting Alaska, and both times I visited in mid-May and was blessed with absolutely amazing weather with sunshine and clear skies everyday.

Based on my experience I would definitely recommend going in May, however if you are interested in seeing the salmon season and capturing photos of the bears fishing for salmon this is later in the season between mid-July and mid-August.

4) Tips For Boarding Your Cruise

Boarding a cruise is probably the only part of a cruise that can be a bit slow. You will receive information beforehand about boarding times and what time the ship departs, these are important to follow – the ship will not wait for you so make sure you know your ship departure time and have flights that arrive in plenty of time to get you through the airport, to the dock and through the boarding process. Personally I would advise arriving a night before so that you do not have to worry about this.

Once you arrive at the port, boarding can be slow. There will be several lines to hand in your luggage, show your passports, check in and then waiting for your boarding group to be called to get onto the boat. As long as you are prepared for this, it’s really not a big deal and just know that you will spend a few hours getting on board – but once you are on-board the fun begins!

If you don’t want to line up then you could purchase priority boarding which allows you to skip the queues and be first on-board the boat. This really is a wonderful luxury and I would recommend it!

5) Once On-Board Insider Tip

My first timer’s tip for once you get on-board the boat is not to head straight to your cabin, but to take a tour of the entire boat and get yourself acquainted with everything on-board. When we arrive in any new travel destination we always take a walk and familiarise ourselves with the area, and on-board a cruise is no different.

Also, depending on the cruise you are taking this gives you an opportunity to get ahead of the other guests and book yourself into your preferred restaurant or pick the excursions before everyone else does.

6) Picking Your Cruise Activities & Excursions 

Perhaps the hardest part of the cruise is deciding which activities to take and making sure that you get the ones that you want. In your cabin you will find a detailed document with all the excursions available and there are a lot!

My suggestion is to go through your Alaska cruise activity packet and star the ones you think appeal to you, and there are usually a few slightly different variations of each trip. For example, there will be whale watching, whale watching with lunch, and also whale watching with both a glacier trek and lunch, so it’s hard to know what to select. Read these carefully and choose the one that sounds best, keeping in mind the price and time of each excursion.

Once you have your general picks, head down to the activities desk and have a chat with one of the representatives. They usually have their favourites and will help you decide between the myriad of options available.

In Alaska, I suggest that you do the following activities on the port days:

• Juneau: Helicopter and glacier walk
• Skagway: White Pass and Yukon Full Day trip
• Ketchikan: Lumberjack show or the flight-seeing seaplane

7) Seeing The Wildlife In Alaska

A big part of visiting Alaska is making sure that you see the wildlife. One of the great things about taking a cruise is that you can see this right from the boat. When you are on-deck or wandering around the boat, the on-board naturalist will call attention to any wildlife that is seen throughout the cruise.

In Alaska this will include orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sea otters, eagles and even bears if you are lucky! When you are in your cabin, check the TV channel schedule and tune into the naturalist channel so that you hear when something has been spotted from the side of the boat and you can either quickly head to your balcony or, if it’s on another side of the ship, run up to the main deck.

8) WIFI On Board

Wifi on board cruises is available at an addition fee and depending on whether you need it for work you can make a decision on whether you think the additional cost is worth it to you. It’s also worth noting that the Wifi is relatively slow so make sure to finish any urgent work or large downloads/uploads before boarding the ship. I personally think taking a cruise in Alaska and having the opportunity to switch off from your phone to enjoy your surroundings is a good thing!

Another note is that whilst you are travelling by cruise you will likely travel into international waters and your cell provider may charge you some hefty fees if you have your service turned on, so make sure to turn off your roaming and stick to airplane mode whilst on board.

9) Cruise Hygiene

With so many people on board, viruses, coughs and colds can spread quickly among passengers. A good rule for you is to bring some handbag sized hand sanitiser and use the hand sanitiser provided around the boat and in the buffet areas every time you see them.

On a cruise you really can’t wash your hands too many times, so be sure to keep yourself healthy by practicing good hygiene.

10) Alaska Lectures 

When you go on holiday you probably don’t picture yourself sitting in a lecture theater, but on an Alaskan cruise you absolutely should! Rangers come on-board when the ship sails through glacier bay and going to the on-board education sessions are a great way to learn a lot about the area, how these glaciers evolved, whether they are advancing or retreating, the wildlife in the area and lots more.

The details for these lectures, along with all the fun activities available on board, are given to you each day in your cabin.

11) Use The Carnival Cruise App

One of the really helpful things on the cruise was the Carnival App which details everything you need to know about what’s happening on board, the daily activities, ship port times, etc. We found this app really helpful to plan what we wanted to do on board.

With so many options it is hard to keep up with the daily schedule, but the app allows you to favourite things you are interested in so you can be reminded of the times and not miss out on anything fun you want to do!

A First Timer’s Guide To An Alaska Cruise Wrap Up

I hope you found this Alaska cruise guide helpful. You can also check out 10 Reasons To Visit Alaska On A Cruise which has more useful information and you can explore these Alaska Cruises  to book.

Taking a cruise though Alaska is truly an unforgettable, bucketlist adventure. If you want more cruise inspiration read 20 Cruises To Take Before You Die . Happy exploring!

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Alaska on a cruise. If you have any questions about the destination, please leave these in the comments below.

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Please visit our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

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Read More About Cruises & Alaska

• 20 Cruises To Take Before You Die
• 10 Reasons To Visit Alaska On A Cruise
• 10 Reasons To Take A Carnival Cruise To Cozumel
• Skagway, With Pass & The Yukon Train, Alaska
• The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Alaska

We Are Travel Girls Founder & Editor Becky van Dijk of  BeckyvanDijk.com Connect with Becky  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  YouTube

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This article is a paid partnership with Carnival Cruise line, as always all opinions are my own and reflect my true experience on the Alaska cruise. This website is a free resource and to keep it free for our readers we may use affiliate links in our articles. Please see our Disclosures for more information.

You’ll Also Love

Cardiff Cruises says

July 10, 2018 at 5:46 am

Awesome article!! I appreciate your article you have shared here excellent information. It’s helpful for us. Thanks for sharing this article.

April 21, 2019 at 12:05 pm

Your photos are so great! Would love to see more!

Nallely says

August 3, 2019 at 11:30 pm

Did they require a passport for re-entry into the US, do you leave the us ?

We Are Travel Girls says

August 3, 2019 at 11:40 pm

Hi Nallely,

Some of the cruise routes do leave the US and enter Canada, either departing to/from Vancouver or making a stop in Victoria. If your route includes Canada as a stop then you will need a passport. Other routes are “closed-loop” and only visit Alaska without any Canadian stops so for those routes you would not need a passport (assuming you are a US citizen). I recommend checking with your specific cruise and they should have more information on visa requirements. Thanks for reading!

– Becky, Founder of We Are Travel Girls

October 16, 2019 at 8:22 am

Thanks for this informative post. We have never been on a cruise before and are currently looking at booking an Alaska cruise next summer. Your article is so helpful!

January 13, 2020 at 8:09 am

I have heard that Carnival cruises in the Caribbean are a younger party crowd. Is the atmosphere different on Alaskan cruises?

January 13, 2020 at 8:57 am

The general crowd was older and more relaxed on our Alaska cruise. Most people were interested in doing day trips from the port, getting dressed up for evening dinners and seeing the glaciers, and it was not at all a party crowd. I hope that helps!

Thanks for reading,

Becky, Founder of We Are Travel Girls

Virginia Nelson says

June 24, 2023 at 1:42 pm

I loved this article! We are leaving for an Alaskan cruise this August. I am 71 young and do not tend to dress up much. Plus I’m a little fat 🤨. Not to bad but self conscious. What are options for dressy dinners? I’m from Minnesota so I’m set with warm clothes! It’s just the dressing up I’m not good at. I don’t want to embarrass my husband or our traveling companions. Btw I’m usually a nice dresser just nothing fancy. Thank you.

Vanessa Rivers says

June 26, 2023 at 9:41 pm

Hi Virginia! Thanks for reading, glad you liked the article! You don’t have to dress up too fancy on a cruise. Black slacks and a silk top or sweater or a dress and sandals (depending on if your destination is warm or cold). I’m sure you’ll look great no matter what you wear! Hope you have the best time! X, Vanessa Rivers, Co-Founder – We Are Travel Girls

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21 Alaska Cruise Tips to Help You Plan the Perfect Cruise

Alaska is a bucket list destination for many people, however, planning a trip there can seem a bit overwhelming. One popular way to visit the 49th state is by taking a cruise. This post will cover my top 21 Alaska cruise tips to help you plan your trip.

I absolutely loved my cruise tour to Alaska and learned so much during my trip. Now I want to pass on these lessons to help you have an equally enjoyable time.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, when you click on these links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Use My Recommended Travel Resources to Help Book Your Trip!

Flights : Skyscanner Cruises : Cruise Critic Hotels: Expedia or AccessibleGo (wheelchair-accessible rooms) Travel Insurance : Insure My Trip Tours : Viator

Alaska Cruise Tips: Planning Your Cruise

My Alaska cruise tips start at the very beginning when planning your cruise to help you get started off on the right foot. There are many things to consider when choosing the right cruise and what to expect when traveling to Alaska so these tips will help you with that process.

1. Set and Stick to a Budget

Like Hawaii, Alaska is an expensive destination. However, it can be visited on a variety of budgets. To have the best experience and not overspend beyond what you can afford, make sure to set a budget or spending limit and stick to it.

A realistic budget, depending on the deals you can score, is around $2,600 per person including airfare, 7-night cruise, and excursions. Of course, this price can vary depending on where you fly from, what excursions (if any) you choose to do, the length of your cruise, which cruise line you choose, and the type of cabin you book.

We’ll talk more about ways you can save money on your Alaska trip later in the post but for more general information make sure to check out my other post on how you can save on your next cruise .

2. Plan a Cruise Tour if You Have the Time

While cruising to Alaska is a great option as it makes visiting towns such as Juneau and Ketchikan easier, traveling to inland Alaska is also an incredible experience. As a result, if you have the time and budget, I highly recommend doing a cruise tour.

A cruise tour is a land and sea package all organized through the cruise line and includes things such as transportation, lodging, and sometimes meals and some excursions (depending on the type of tour you choose).

When I visited Alaska, I did a 2-week cruise tour arranged by Princess and it was fantastic. Moose were a common sight and the scenery was very different from the coast. Some of my favorite stops were Denali National Park and the Kenai Peninsula for Kenai Fjords National Park.

👉🏻 Read my Princess Alaska cruise tour review post for all the details on my trip.

3. Splurge on a Balcony if it’s in the Budget

While most ships have an open deck for glacier and wildlife viewing, there’s nothing quite like sitting on your own balcony and taking in the scenery with a warm beverage. Additionally, waking up to beautiful mountain views or watching the sail in or sail away from the port from the comfort of your own room is also a wonderful experience.

Spending time on your balcony can also help increase your chances of seeing wildlife. I saw several cute little otters floating by during the trip. You may also spot whales or bears from a distance on shore.

4. Arrive at Your Embarkation Port a Day Early

Don’t spoil your sure-to-be amazing trip by missing the ship because you didn’t allow for a cushion in case of flight delays or other problems that may pop up. Instead, arrive at your embarkation city at least a day early.

The other benefit of this strategy is that it gives you time to adjust to any time changes and allows you to explore the city. Common departure ports for Alaska cruises include San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Whittier (the port used for Anchorage). Each of these cities has wonderful things to do and see before you depart on your cruise.

👉🏻 Find deals on hotels for your departure port by clicking here .

5. Compare Itineraries Across Cruise Lines

All Alaska cruise itineraries are not created equal. While the common stops include Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, other ports such as Sitka and Icy Strait Point are options as well. Furthermore, the arrival times to ports and the length of time you’ll be docked can vary by itinerary and cruise line.

You don’t want to choose an itinerary where you only have a short time in a port that you are really looking forward to. On the other hand, there really isn’t a bad port in Alaska, so no matter which towns your cruise visits, you’re sure to have a great time.

Find Your Perfect Alaskan Cruise

Compare cruise lines and itineraries to f ind the right Alaskan cruise for you by clicking here .

6. Make Sure Glacier Bay National Park is on Your Itinerary

One of the highlights of an Alaskan cruise is sailing into Glacier Bay National Park. Park rangers come on board and provide commentary as you glide through the icy waters and up to the famous Marjorie Glacier.

During your time in the park, make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife such as brown bears, whales, and even mountain goats. Additionally, if you’re lucky, you may even see a glacier calving, something that is on everyone’s Alaskan bucket list.

While all Alaskan cruise itineraries include sailing by glaciers, there is something truly special about sailing into Glacier Bay National Park. However, not all ships or cruise lines sail here as the number of ships each day is restricted. Make sure to check the itinerary to ensure you sail to this area.

7. Choose the Right Size Ship for You

A quick look at cruises and you’ll notice that there is a wide range of styles and sizes of ships available. Each has its pros and cons.

While larger ships may have more amenities and attractions, they are too large to sail all of the inside passage. Instead, they must go out into open waters for a portion of the passage closest to Canada.

On the other hand, smaller ships can sail the entire inside passage and may offer a more intimate and relaxing experience with fewer people. So, it’s important to think about what is important to you and the experience you would like to have when choosing which cruise ship to sail on.

8. Northbound Cruises Can Seem More Impressive

Cruises to Alaska have the option of a northbound route (Vancouver to Whittier) or a southbound route (in the opposite direction). Neither is a wrong choice, however, many people (including the naturalist on board) suggest doing a northbound itinerary.

The reason is that you start in a more temperate rainforest with lots of green scenery and then as your journey continues, things just keep getting bigger and better. It can leave you with a more impressive feeling than seeing all the best stuff at the beginning of your trip.

As an added perk, cruise tours often cost a little less when you do the land portion of the tour after your cruise rather than before. Although, you will hear most people suggesting doing the land portion first as they believe it’s busier than the cruise itself. Personally, I found both parts to be equally busy so it didn’t make a huge difference to me.

9. Sail in May and September for Cheaper Prices

As promised, I want to also give you some tips to help save you some money on your Alaska cruise. Sailing in the shoulder season, before school gets out or after it starts, tends to have cheaper prices. The tradeoff is that the weather may be a little more cooler or unpredictable.

Not only will you get better prices during this period, but the ships may be less crowded with fewer kids and families as well. It may even mean that you can afford to splurge for that balcony cabin.

Pro Tip: May and September are the cheapest months to sail to Alaska but you may also find decent deals for early June as well.

10. Look for Last-Minute Sales

Another way to score cheaper Alaskan cruise fares is to look for last-minute sales. You can look for these deals in a couple of ways. First, when searching for cruises, look only 1-2 months out for deals. Second, head to your favorite cruise line website and look for any last-minute deals they are offering to Alaska. Lastly, set up alerts to let you know when the price of your desired cruise drops.

Of course, this method works best if you have a flexible schedule and can travel on fairly short notice. Honestly, I’ve seen last-minute cruise fares for under $500 per person for an inside cabin. What a deal! That includes your cruise cabin, meals, and entertainment for 7 days (but the price doesn’t include port fees or taxes).

It’s also important to note, that there are possible downsides to this strategy which include the cost of airfare. Typically, the closer you get to your travel dates, the cost of airfare increases. However, it still can be possible to grab a good deal on airfare, especially when you use tools such as Skyscanner .

👉🏻 Look for and find the perfect last-minute deal on Cruise Critic by clicking here .

11. Expect Excursions to Be More Expensive

One of the reasons why I want to provide money-saving tips for the cruise fare is because the excursions in Alaska are expensive. Even shorter tours can average around $50 per person (which can add up fast).

Of course, there are options for free things to do in Alaska, but you don’t want to travel all the way there and not check off some of the incredible things on your Alaskan Bucket List . Make sure to budget for these more expensive excursions by looking up the average prices of the things you want to do.

Pro Tip: To help stay on budget, prioritize what activities are most important to you and then combine those with lesser expensive or free activities.

Now I know there will be a debate between booking excursions through the cruise line itself vs through vendors directly or through sites such as Viator . The truth is, while booking direct or on Viator can be cheaper than the cruise line, the excursions still won’t be cheap.

I will say that if you are a wheelchair user, like myself, then I found the best luck at finding wheelchair-accessible shore excursions to be through the cruise line. I sailed with Princess and they offered at least one accessible excursion in each port I visited. Additionally, they were not all “drive-by” tours where you were stuck on a bus the whole time.

👉🏻 Find shore excursions that fit your interest and budget by searching on Viator by clicking here .

12. Pack Binoculars

Viewing wildlife while on your cruise will surely be one of the highlights of your trip. However, it is important to remember that it may be seen from a great distance. In fact, sometimes bears will be along the shore, but you won’t even know it unless you have binoculars and are searching for them.

That’s why I highly recommend that you bring a good pair of binoculars with you to ensure the best wildlife viewing experience. If you don’t already have a pair, you can find some pretty decent ones that won’t take up your whole suitcase on Amazon.

👉🏻 Search for binoculars on Amazon by clicking here .

13. Bring a Camera with a Good Zoom Lens

Similarly, once you find the wildlife with your binoculars, you’ll want to capture that perfect shot. To do this, you will need to bring a camera with a good zoom lens.

Don’t worry if you don’t want to lug a huge and heavy camera around, there are some point-and-shoot options that work really well. This is the camera that I use on all of my trips. As someone who enjoys photography for the disabled , I need to be creative in the equipment I use to help ensure it’s not too heavy and that I can keep it stable.

👉🏻 Find a lightweight camera with a good zoom lens on Amazon by clicking here .

14. Layers Will Be Your Friend

If you don’t know already, you will soon learn that the weather in Alaska varies greatly and is unpredictable. It could start out cloudy and rainy but by the end of the day be sunny and warm.

To combat this issue, plan to wear layers so that you are comfortable during your trip. Generally, plan to pack t-shirts (both short and long-sleeved), pants, shorts, a zip-up fleece, coat, hat, gloves, and of course either a rain jacket or rain poncho. Having options to layer up or take off clothing items will help ensure you are prepared for whatever mother nature throws at you.

It can be especially chilly and windy when viewing the glaciers (either from your balcony or out on the deck). As someone who has difficulty controlling my body temperature, I found using a wheelchair cozy or lap blanket especially helpful in being more comfortable.

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15. Ask for Alerts for the Aurora Borealis

While most of the summer you will have too much daylight to see the northern lights, it may be possible (if you’re really lucky) to see them in mid to late September. To be on the safe side, ask the cruise line to call and notify you if they become visible (which tends to be very late at night or very early in the morning while you will be sleeping).

Even if the aurora borealis make an appearance, don’t expect optimal viewing conditions. The light pollution from the ship and any nearby towns or cities will affect how well you will be able to see them.

Alaska Cruise Tips for During Your Cruise

Now that we’ve covered tips for planning your cruise, let’s get into my Alaska cruise tips for while you are onboard the ship. Following these suggestions are sure to add to what already will be a trip of a lifetime.

16. Attend the Onboard Enrichment Programs

When sailing in Alaska, most cruise lines (but not all) provide some sort of enrichment program to allow you to experience the destination more in-depth either through special menus, onboard entertainment, or lectures.

Princess (who I sailed with) offered a naturalist who was a native Alaskan to tell us about the glaciers and wildlife we may encounter as we did the scenic sailing and with lectures. Additionally, they had Alaskan-inspired dishes on the menus in the main dining room. Furthermore, they also brought on board an Alaskan musician and Libby Riddles (the first woman to win the Iditarod race).

I found each of these enrichment activities to significantly add to my Alaskan cruise experience and really enjoyed them. Make sure to look at the daily schedule (either the paper delivered to your room or on the app) to find times and locations for these activities. I believe that Holland America offers similar programs during their voyages, I know they did when I cruised with them to Antarctica .

17. You Can Hear the Naturalists on Your TV

As I mentioned above, there may be a naturalist on board your cruise to talk about the glaciers, help spot wildlife, and talk about the wildlife found in Alaska during your cruise. They will most likely give lectures on sea days, but they will also speak anytime you are doing scenic sailing (like in College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier).

You can hear their commentary on the open decks of the ship, but if you’d rather enjoy the scenery from your balcony, there is still a way you can listen. Make sure to tune your stateroom tv into the Bridgecam channel and leave your balcony door ajar so you can enjoy the privacy of your balcony while still enjoying what the naturalist has to say.

18. Prepare for lots of Daylight

If you’ve ever cruised or traveled to Norway, you’re probably familiar with the midnight sun. Sailing to Alaska will give you a similar experience and leave you with plenty of daylight. When I was there, we had almost 20 hours of daylight each day (although I also was there during the summer solstice).

Keep this in mind ahead of time so it doesn’t get the best of you and you realize that it’s 2 am already. Additionally, if you are sensitive to light when you sleep, plan on bringing an eye mask to help block out the light. While there are curtains that do a good job at this, light does still seep around the edges.

19. Don’t Let Rain Stop You From Exploring

Having rain during your trip to Alaska is almost inevitable. However, unless it’s a deluge, don’t let it stop you from exploring all that the ports have to offer. Just chalk it up to having the full Alaskan experience and do your best to enjoy the excursions you had planned.

If you happen to be one of the very lucky ones that don’t experience rain in Alaska, then plan to go out and buy a lottery ticket.

20. Try the Local Cuisine

Many people believe that to truly experience a destination you must try the local cuisine. If you are of a similar mindset, then you’re in luck because Alaska has a lot to offer in terms of food.

While the obvious choices will be crab, halibut, and salmon, make sure to try some of the other dishes as well. These will include reindeer sausage (which can be eaten independently or on something like pizza) and Alaska’s famous shot, the duck fart (which has a strong coffee taste).

Some of the iconic restaurants you can choose to visit during your time in port to try these delicacies include Tracy’s Crab Shack (Juneau), the Red Dog Saloon (Juneau), and the Red Onion (Skagway). However, as with most things in Alaska, don’t expect the prices to be cheap.

21. Pace Yourself

There is so much to see and do in Alaska, both in port and on the ship, that I found myself wishing I didn’t need to sleep or simply that I had more time to experience it all. Know, that no matter what you do, it’s impossible to enjoy all that Alaska has to offer on one trip, even if it’s a 14-day cruise.

Instead, pace yourself so you don’t get exhausted and you can truly enjoy the activities that you do get to experience. It’s easy to lose track of time (thanks midnight sun) and try to squeeze in too much. The better alternative is to make a note of the things you’d like to try next time and plan to come back to this incredible state.

Alaska Cruise FAQs

When is the best time to cruise to alaska.

Cruises sail to Alaska between May and September. Choosing which of these months is the best depends on what you want to see during your travels. However, it can be argued that each month brings something special.

The below graphic will help you find the right time for you.

What Side of the Ship is Best for an Alaskan Cruise?

Most people will choose to have a room on the side of the ship facing land. So, if you are on a northbound cruise, that will be the right side of the ship (when you are at the back of the boat facing forward). Likewise, on a southbound cruise, you will want the left or port side of the ship.

In reality, there really isn’t a bad side of this ship to be on. This is because the scenery is great on both sides and when you are in front of the main glaciers, the captain will turn the ship so both sides have a chance to view it.

Do I Really Need a Balcony on an Alaskan Cruise?

While a balcony is a wonderful way to enjoy your voyage, it certainly isn’t an absolute necessity. There are open decks where you can still enjoy the scenery and get to experience the glaciers.

The most important thing is to choose a cabin that fits within your budget. So, if the only way you can afford to go to Alaska is by choosing an inside cabin, then, by all means, do that. Additionally, some people will opt to save money on a cheaper cabin, so they have more money for excursions.

Remember, this is your trip. Do what feels right for you and what fits within your budget. Just because some people prefer a balcony doesn’t mean you won’t have an equally amazing time.

Are Alaskan Cruises Wheelchair Accessible?

Cruising to Alaska is a great way for wheelchair users to explore the state. Major cruise lines all have designated wheelchair-accessible cabins and most offer accessible shore excursions as well. Furthermore, since Alaska is part of the United States and has ADA laws, I found navigating around ports to be very easy with good sidewalks and curb cuts.

And, if you’re like me, and want to experience Alaska’s inland communities, then cruise tours arranged by the cruise line are also accessible. The one I did with Princess had lift-equipped buses, accessible rooms at all the lodges, and offered accessible excursions. I truly had a fantastic time and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Check out my post on Tips for Booking a Wheelchair Accessible Cruise for more information.

What is the Dress Code for an Alaskan Cruise?

Unless you’re sailing with Cunard, the dress code for Alaska is pretty casual. Wear what feels comfortable for you and is weather appropriate. You will find most people in jeans and layered depending on the temperature for that day.

Specific dress codes will vary by cruise line with Norwegian and Royal Caribbean being the most casual and lines such as Princess and Holland America having a more business casual approach.

Pools will still be in use (although most are not heated) so feel free to bring your bathing suit as well. Just make sure to also pack a coverup as you will need it for eating in the buffet (plain bathing suits are not allowed).

In the evening, jeans and a nice top or capris are appropriate. However, shorts are generally frowned upon in the main dining room. There will also be an elegant night or “dress to impress” where you will see people wearing nice dresses or dress pants and a button-up shirt (sometimes a sports coat).

Are the Waters Rough on an Alaskan Cruise?

Generally, sailing the inside passage offers calmer waters as you cruise along the shore and in a protected inlet. However, if your ship is too large and needs to go out into open waters, you may run into some choppy waters. Likewise, if you’re sailing from Seattle or San Francisco, you may also have a little rougher seas.

Other factors that will influence the waters are any storms that you may encounter.

Will I See the Northern Lights on an Alaskan Cruise?

Very rarely do people see the northern lights during their cruise to Alaska. This is due to the long hours of daylight, light pollution from the ship, and where you are latitude-wise. However, it is possible to catch a glimpse of them if you sail in mid to late September. For your best chance to see this magnificent spectacle, plan to go more inland to Fairbanks (either on your own or on a cruise tour).

Alaska Cruise Tips Recap

I truly hope that my Alaska cruise tips have helped you to plan a fantastic trip. I have no doubt that you will fall in love with Alaska just like I did and make you want to go back again someday. Feel free to reach out and let me know what you loved most about your trip.

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I'm Kristin and I was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, which impacts my mobility and breathing. Despite this challenge, I have travelled across the United States and abroad and want to share my accessible travel information with others.

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ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

Alaska cruises.

Adventure comes first on the last frontier.

No vacation in the world delivers once-in-a-lifetime adventure like Alaska. Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all. Take off by dogsled across thousand-year-old ice as you soak in otherworldly sights. Trek across the majestic Mendenhall Glacier for breathtaking views of the wildest country. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. And do it all from onboard one of four thrill-filled ships. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals

Want more time to plan the adventure of a lifetime? Our 2024 Alaska sailings are now open.

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OF ICE AND MOUNTAINS

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes,  imposing glaciers  and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness. 

JOURNEY INWARD

Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective.

GLACIERS WILL MOVE YOU

In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve  massive icebergs . Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders.

JOURNEY TO "THE GREAT ONE"

In the center of the state,  Denali National Park  is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your vacation.

FEEL THE RUSH

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories you couldn't have made anywhere else during your cruise to Alaska. 

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the  Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour . The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill.

WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?

Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a  whale watching tour . There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water.

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape.

RELEASE YOUR WILD SIDE ON THE BEST ALASKA CRUISE

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 20 years running.

QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Quantum of the Seas® heads to the Last Frontier from Seattle . This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather. Edge of your seat entertainment, all weather activities like the fan-favorite Flowrider®* and unparalleled views from every room.

EXPLORE MORE

OVATION OF THE SEAS

Pioneer America’s Last Frontier onboard Ovation of the Seas®, one of the world's most groundbreaking ships and among the boldest ships to ever sail Alaska. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm . Scan the surrounding waters on your way to Juneau for glimpses of wildlife from the North Star®, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. 

BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS

Brilliance of the Seas® gets you up close to the glacial giants of The Last Frontier — from the expansive Hubbard to the calving Dawes. You can add once-in-a-lifetime to the itinerary for your wildest week ever. Go wildlife spotting in Juneau, peak-seeking in Sitka , and take-on rugged adventure in Haines. Getting to your coolest getaway yet is easy for the whole family with sails roundtrip from Vancouver

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling.

The best time to travel to Alaska depends on your priorities. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

No two days will be the same, and you'll need to pack your clothing to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day. Think layers: zip-up sweaters, boots, rain jackets.

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Planning a Trip To Alaska: Land vs. Sea | Royal Caribbean Cruises

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Best Brilliance of the Seas Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Start sailing today.

Our Family Alaska Cruise: A Vacation We'll Never Forget | Royal Caribbean Cruises

On our family Alaska cruise, we created lifetime memories by sharing glacier spotting, dog sledding, flightseeing and other adventures with our teens.

Alaska Souvenirs to Take Home With You So You Never Forget Your Trip | Royal Caribbean Cruises

After traveling somewhere new, you want to bring something back with you to remember all of your fun adventures. Don't miss these Alaska souvenirs.

What to Pack for a Cruise to Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take the guess work out of what to pack for a cruise to Alaska with this guide that tells you what to bring and why you'll be glad you did!

Alaska Food: Where to Find the Best Food in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

Fun Activities for kids in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Fun activities for kids abound on an Alaska cruise. Embark on a thrilling journey with young explorers through breathtaking landscapes.

Dive Into Alaska Traditions on Your Next Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Whether you're curious about Alaska native culture or other Alaska traditions, here's how to make these an integral part of your trip up north.

What Is the Best Way to See Alaska? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

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Top 10 Most Beautiful Port Cities | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cruising is a wonderful thing. It can bring you to some of the most beautiful port cities in the world.

Why You Should Take an Alaska Summer Vacation Cruise

Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option, too.

Best Vacation Spots in Alaska in the Summer

Alaska in the summer is a must for adventure travelers looking for wilderness hiking, epic glaciers, dog sledding, and sea kayaking

Hiking on Alaska Glacier Tours

Ever wanted to go on an Alaska glacier tour to experience hiking in its open nature? Here is your travel guide for planning the best adventure vacation.

The Most Instagrammable Places in Alaska

Find the most Instagrammable places for your next vacation cruise to Alaska. Come discover the prettiest spots to take pictures with our travel photo guide.

Visiting Scenic Restaurants in Alaska

Plan your romantic Alaskan cruise with our adventurer’s guide to discovering the coziest vacation spots and most scenic restaurants for couples traveling in Alaska.

Honeymoon Cruise in Alaska

Planning a honeymoon cruise to Alaska? We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most romantic destinations to vacation for couples.

The Best Craft Breweries in Alaska

For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska.

Must-Sees for Your Once in a Lifetime Alaska Cruise Vacation

Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation.

Conquer the World's Longest Zip Line in Alaska

Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure.

Dog Sledding Tours

There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.

Top Tips for Planning a Cruise to Alaska

Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more.

Alaska Helicopter Tours

There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. Take your breath away as you travel above its amazing glaciers.

The Best Alaska Cruises

Your Guide to the Best Cruises From Alaska. Learn more about the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver.

Alaska is not a formal place; people even wear jeans to the opera. Focus more on comfort when deciding what clothing to pack.

Cameras, binoculars, rain ponchos and jackets are useful, but add these to the souvenirs you'll be picking up and soon your bag will be too heavy to tote around. Bring along a quality day pack to make it easier to hold your necessities.

Learn a few words in Alaska's local lingo: The "Alcan" is the Alaska-Canada Highway, for example, and "fish stories" are the local version of tall tales — unreliable yarns of mythological proportions, often told by fisherman.

ALASKAN CUISINE WILD IS THE WAY 

Alaskan food focuses on locally sourced ingredients that reflect the state's rugged terrain and the vast oceans surrounding it. These nutrient-rich waters serve up some gorgeous fish and shellfish, from super-fresh salmon to huge Alaskan King Crabs that can feed a crowd, while game meats and berries from the wilderness form a perfect marriage of flavor.

SALMON IS CENTRAL

Fresh-caught wild salmon is served up at backyard BBQs and the finest restaurants. For something different, try the sweet and savory treat Indian Candy, salmon that is sweetened and smoked till hard.

SOURDOUGH WON'T LET YOU GO

Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch.

GO WILD FOR BERRIES

Alaskan wild berries are sweet and pack a powerful punch of flavor. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Inside Passage, Canada

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Seward, Alaska

Related Destinations

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First Time Cruisers to Alaska: Answers to 10 Common Questions

by Prof. Cruise · Published March 13, 2022 · Updated January 25, 2024

Introduction

You’re probably here because you’ve booked yourself on a bucket-list cruise to Alaska. I did the same thing for my honeymoon ten years ago and loved it so much I moved to Seattle, quit my job as a college professor to become a full-time cruise blogger, and have cruised to Alaska well over a dozen times since (that’s the Reader’s Digest version of the story, but you get the gist). And if there’s one thing I love almost as much as cruising to Alaska myself, it’s helping my family and friends plan cruises to Alaska and sharing in their adventures through photos and stories when they return. I also receive numerous questions through my blog and social media sites from those contemplating or planning cruises to Alaska.

The purpose of this post is to answer the most common of those questions based on my own research and experience. Do remember that mine is just one perspective and, while I have years of experience cruising to Alaska and live in downtown Seattle with a view of both cruise piers from my living room, I’m not the ultimate authority on the subject (though I aspire to be, one cruise at a time). As I always used to tell my students before I retired as a Professor of Psychology to become a Professor of Cruising, triangulate your sources! Find at least three reputable sources that say the same thing before you deem a piece of information credible. So with that…

Ten of the Most Common Questions Asked by First Time Cruisers to Alaska

1. what will the weather be like at port on my cruise to alaska.

Ask this question of three different people who’ve cruised to Alaska and you’ll probably get three different answers:

“It was warmer on my Alaska cruise than it was at home in Florida! And now I own six pairs of do-it-yourself cutoff shorts to prove it!”

“It rained so much on my cruise to Alaska that there was no land portion on my Duck Boat tour of Ketchikan ! We floated through town on puddles!”

“Temperatures were chilly in the morning on my Alaskan cruise, but warmed up a bit by afternoon. We dressed in layers which worked out great! We did experience a bit of drizzly rain in some places, but expected that.”

Or you could ask this question of one person (me) who’s cruised to Alaska over a dozen times and she’d tell you that she’s experienced every possible weather condition and has greeted her table-mates at dinner in the MDR both sweaty and red-faced from a hot, sunny hike (ever hear of a shower?) and short three fingers lost to frostbite (hope she purchased travel insurance ).

All that is to say that the weather at port in Alaska can vary greatly and be unpredictable, especially over the last several years (which have trended warmer). However, it’s useful to look at average high and low temperatures and rainfall totals by port and month to get a sense of what you’re more likely to experience:

You’ll note that it rains a LOT in Ketchikan – it’s one of the rainiest cities in America (making my home city of Seattle seem almost arid by comparison).

I’d also strongly suggest looking at the weather forecast for each port right before you leave home so you can make any necessary last minute packing tweaks.

We’ll get to my packing tips in a second, but first, many people also ask: What about the temperature onboard the ship on a cruise to Alaska ?

While indoor areas of the ship will be temperature controlled (so if you’re always hot or cold on a cruise ship, you probably won’t notice much difference on a cruise to Alaska – I always seem to freeze in the theater and pack a sweater even on hot weather cruises), stateroom balconies and outdoor public decks can be chilly and downright cold on scenic cruising days (there’s a reason those glaciers you see are *mostly* still frozen).

2. What do people wear on formal nights on an Alaskan cruise?

Speaking of what to wear on the ship, people often ask me what people wear to the main dining room on formal nights on an Alaskan cruise. I’ve cruised to Alaska on all the non-luxury cruise lines (Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, NCL, Royal Caribbean, and Princess) and dress onboard every ship has been more casual in general and much more casual on designated “formal” nights than on cruises to warm weather destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas.

While I’m known for being (sometimes low-key offensively) casual, my black leggings, blouse, and dressy Crocs always fit right in on cruises to Alaska, even on formal nights. And Mr. Cruise usually wears slacks and a collared shirt on formal nights and nice jeans and a collared shirt on non-formal nights. Always double check your cruise line’s particular dress code to make sure you’re in compliance, but definitely leave the tux/suit or gown at home. You’ll need to save room in your luggage for a coat, hat, and gloves! Speaking of which…

3. What should I pack for a cruise to Alaska?

Packing clothes for a cruise to Alaska can be challenging with the varying weather conditions in port and on the ship and due to some of the unique excursions you may book (what does one wear to walk on a glacier, exactly?). There are also many non-clothing items you should consider bringing to enhance your comfort and experience. See my Packing Guide for a Cruise to Alaska for tips on items you’ll want to consider adding to your suitcase specifically for Alaska.

But don’t forget to also pack the usual items you’d bring for a cruise, minus formal wear, sundresses, multiple swimsuits (do pack one if you enjoy the hot tubs and heated pools), and sandals. Leave most of your shorts and short-sleeved shirts at home too – one versatile pair of shorts and a few short-sleeved shirts should do the trick in case you luck out and get some warm weather days at port.

4. Which are the best excursions to book on a cruise to Alaska?

First, let me address something you’ll notice about cruise ship excursions in Alaska – they’re expensive! Very expensive! And while I know many are more comfortable booking excursions through the cruise lines for various reasons, Alaska is an easy place to save money by either booking directly through a private tour company or exploring ports on your own.

Why is Alaska such a great and easy place to book tours independently or explore on your own?

• It’s English speaking.
• It’s an America state, so (assuming you’re an American) you can pay using the currency you already have or your credit card without incurring any international fees.
• Your cell phone will likely work (I’ll address this in more detail later).
• It’s generally very safe (taking ordinary precautions you’d take anywhere, of course).
• Towns are small and easy to navigate by car or foot (meaning, for example, that a traffic jam would be very unlikely to cause you to miss your ship if you rented a car or booked a private excursion).
• Alaskan port towns rely on tourism as a major part of their economy and most of it comes from cruise ship passengers. If you book through the cruise line, they take a cut. Book directly and help out the local community.
• And directly related to the point above, most tour operators in Alaska will offer free cancellation in case your cruise ship itinerary changes or your cruise gets cancelled and guarantee to get you back to your ship on time (be sure to verify this before you book and only book with operators who offer it). Because they rely so heavily on cruise ship passengers to survive, they have built in policies, procedures, and time buffers to make sure they don’t badly tarnish their reputation by causing someone to eat a large deposit due to circumstances out of their control or miss their ship.
• There are interesting, beautiful places you can walk to (many free) from every cruise terminal in Alaska (unless you’re sailing on NCL – then you’ll have to take an NCL bus from your cruise terminal to the downtown area in certain ports).
• Absolute worst case (which I’m sure has happened, but in all my years of cruising to Alaska I’ve never heard of a single case first hand), you miss your ship, ports are close together and flights between them aren’t super expensive (some ports in Alaska are actually only accessible by plane or boat, so small float planes from town to town are commonplace).

Definitely do whatever you’re most comfortable with though!

Having done most of the popular tours at each port as well as having explored extensively on my own, I have a separate Guide to the Best Excursions for your First Cruise to Alaska with an option for every budget. Most of the tours I recommend can either be purchased privately (I provide a link when possible) or through your cruise line. For those who enjoy hiking, I also have a Guide to Hiking at Every Port on your Cruise to Alaska with beginning (some are really more walks) to advanced hikes.

Will there be tour operators selling tours as I disembark my ship at each Alaska port?

I get asked this follow-up question a lot. Some people like to book their tours once they arrive at port. And there are some good reasons to do that:

• Weather. Fog, especially during the morning hours, can dramatically change the experience you’ll have on certain excursions in Alaska. For example, the tram in Juneau. You’ll either see some of the most spectacular scenery on earth or it will essentially be an expensive ride in a white-paneled elevator. Solution? Wait and see what the conditions are when you arrive and purchase your tickets at the base of the tram.
• You drank too much the night before. For the benefit of those hiking below you, maybe avoid ziplining.
• You’ve discovered you’re prone to seasickness. If you get seasick on a large cruise ship, you’ll invariably get seasick on a small whale watching vessel. Maybe wait and see how you feel.
• You like to bargain and comparison shop. While haggling isn’t customary in Alaska like it is in some other popular cruise destinations, sometimes tour operators will offer discounts or “specials” to fill their available slots, especially if you wait until past the initial morning rush. A few times I’ve (rather loudly) asked one tour operator in a line of booths if they are running any “specials” only to have another tour operator rush over to offer me a great deal.

Whatever the reason you may have for wanting to do this, there WILL be booths with tour operators selling tours outside of where your cruise ship docks at most ports. Just keep walking until you see them. For passengers on NCL ships, tour booths may not be located near your cruise terminal, but instead where you exit the NCL shuttle buses.

Will there be taxis available as I disembark my ship at each Alaska port?

Some people like to hop in a taxi to explore nearby sites on their own. I’ve done this in both Juneau and Ketchikan. Taxis were available near the ship and the driver gave me a card with a number to call when I was ready to return (double check that your cell phone works before committing to this option). I can’t speak with any personal experience about the other ports (chime in in the comments if you have experience with taxis in Icy Strait Point, Sitka, or Skagway).

5. How can I see whales on my cruise to Alaska?

If you’re cruising to Alaska, you’re likely hoping to see whales! And I’m here to assure you that, unless you never leave the casino because you feel like luck is on your side due to the great weather you’re getting in Alaska this week (wait…), you will! Now how close you’ll see them is another question.

I’ve seen whales from my cruise ship on every cruise to Alaska (I’ve sailed in every month from May through October) and sometimes I’ve been lucky enough to see them very close up and active! However, what you’re most likely to see from your cruise ship are quite a few whale spouts in the distance and (through your binoculars if you can ever get them to the right spot in time) some humpback backs (trying saying that five times fast) and tails as they dive.

If you want a near guarantee (in fact, most tours offer a guarantee) that you’ll see humpbacks up close, book a whale watching tour . The best two ports to do so in are Juneau and Icy Strait Point. For a smaller boat and a more intimate experience, book through a private company instead of through your cruise line.

Follow up question: What month is the best to see whales on my cruise to Alaska?

Is it just me or does the life of a humpback whale sound pretty great? I mean, they spend the summer in a cool place eating nonstop and the winter someplace warm getting it on (breeding).

Over 500 humpback whales (the type you’re most likely to see on an Alaskan cruise) begin arriving back in southeast Alaska, to feed in the rich waters of the inside passage, from their winter homes in Mexico, Hawaii, and Asia around April and stay through most of the cruise season. If you’re on one of the last sailings in late September or early October, you’ll see fewer whales and if you want the best shot at seeing them bubble-net feeding, cruise in June or July .

What is bubble-net feeding, you ask? Well, it looks like this:

And is when a group of humpback whales work together (teamwork, guys!) to blow a net of bubbles to surround and confuse their prey. Then they swim through the middle with jaws wide open to scoop it up. It looks a little like peak hours at the buffet on a cruise ship, actually, and is a fascinating thing to see.

6. Will salmon be spawning on my cruise to Alaska?

One of the best memories I have of cruising to Alaska was when my young son and I were in Ketchikan during the height of the salmon run. We took off our shoes and got right into Ketchikan Creek where we were surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of salmon fighting to make it upstream. I remember looking at my little guy, four or five at the time, squealing with excitement and delight and thinking, “I’m going to remember this moment with you for the rest of my life.” He’s nine now and still remembers it too!

The best time to see the salmon spawning on an Alaskan cruise is typically between mid-July and mid-September. However, the unusual heat over the past few seasons moved that timeline up some.

7. What’s the best month to see bears on a cruise to Alaska?

It should come as no surprise that the best time to see bears at port in Alaska coincides with the salmon run from mid-July to mid-September and that the best spots to see them are near the mouths of streams and rivers.

I’ve also seen them outside of that window though, so don’t distress if you’re not cruising during that time. You should also know, if you’re worried about bears, that in all my cruises to Alaska and the many, many hikes I’ve taken at every port, I’ve never had a scary bear encounter (although I ALWAYS take the proper precautions – everywhere you’ll visit on a cruise to Alaska is bear country and you need to be prepared). I’ve only ever seen bears from buses, boats, or on a tour where we were seeking them out with an experienced bear tracker.

8. Can I see the Northern Lights on a cruise to Alaska?

Yes, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights on a cruise to Alaska. In fact, I saw them on my last cruise to Alaska in October 2023! But it’s only a real possibility on the last cruises of the season in late September and October. Be sure to download an app or join a Facebook group that tracks the aurora forecast and shares current information, so you know when you need to head outside (usually in the middle of the night) to look. Some ships will also have a sign-up at Guest Services where they will call you in the event of any activity. Be sure to also connect with the naturalist onboard your cruise ship. They’ll be on the lookout too and will share any information they have with you. Good luck! Be sure to share pics with me if you’re lucky enough to catch it!

9. Where’s the best place to get eat on my cruise to Alaska?

This is a bit like asking a Catholic nun for dating advice, as I’m a vegetarian and don’t eat seafood (which is what most people want to sample while in Alaska). However, my husband, Mr. Cruise, does and I’ve talked to lots of other Alaskan locals and fellow cruisers about this question. Here’s a photo of Mr. Cruise’s huge hands next to the king crab legs he ordered at Tracy’s on our honeymoon cruise:

I’ve been asked this question about dining at port so often that I put together a separate guide, based on years of research. You can see it here:

Where to Eat at Every Port on your Cruise to Alaska

Be sure to also share any other spots you’ve discovered to the comments!

10. Will my cell phone work on my cruise to Alaska?

If you have one of the four major cell phone carriers, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, or Verizon, your phone will likely work while in town at each port in Alaska and you won’t incur roaming charges like you would at an international port (this is assuming you’re an American). However, if you venture out into wilderness areas, coverage will be spotty and unreliable. Also, if you have an obscure carrier like I do (Republic Wireless), you may not have coverage. I don’t have any coverage at all in Alaska, but Mr. Cruise has an AT&T plan and has experienced pretty good coverage.

While at sea on your Alaska cruise, you’ll want to keep your cell phone in airplane mode at all times to avoid possible international roaming charges or your phone connecting to the ship’s Wireless Maritime Service in which case your carrier will charge you “Cellular at Sea” rates ranging from $2.50 to $6.00 per minute depending on the carrier. If you must use your cell phone to place calls at sea, check with your carrier to see if they offer a cruise package (many now do).

The bottom line here is that your phone will probably work on land in towns and cities in Alaska, but won’t work at sea unless you purchase a special plan from your carrier. I strongly recommend you check with your particular carrier prior to your cruise to understand your current coverage and to inquire about additional coverage you may wish to purchase.

Send me photos of whales and the Northern Lights, NOT your cell phone bill (I warned you to put your phone in airplane mode)!

I hope you’ve found these answers helpful and I hope, above all else, that you have a beautiful, fascinating, and memorable cruise to Alaska. Maybe it will even be life-changing like it was for me. Perhaps you’ll quit your job and move to Seattle to cruise full-time and we’ll be neighbors! And with that…

Class Dismissed.

Homework (10 points): Ask any questions you still have about cruising to Alaska in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them. You can also check out all my other Alaska cruising content by port and my Guide to Cruising from Seattle :

And be sure to follow  Prof. Cruise  on your favorite social media sites:

Twitter  (@cruiseprof)

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*I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you when you purchase items or services through links on my site. All funds are used to maintain the blog. Thank you for your support!

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23 Responses

• Comments 22
• Pingbacks 1

This was a great article! Thanks so much.

Thanks so much for the kind feedback! I’m so glad you found it helpful. Happy cruising!

Thank you for your post and my question is where and when will we get covid test if my 1st Alaskan cruise is May 23, 2022

Hi Esmeralda! Which cruise line are you on and which city are you sailing from?

I’ll be on Disney wonder may 23 and we flying in from tx. To Seattle , Seattle to Vancouver BC. Staying at hotel in Vancouver the night of May 23 and embarking Monday

What date are you leaving Texas and how long will you be in Seattle?

May 21 and Seattle 1 day

Any info about the train to Denali and/or land portion of a Princess cruise tour to/from Fairbanks?

I haven’t done that yet (it’s on my list). Please report back and let me know how you liked it!

Fantastic post. Thanks for all the info. We sail late August from San Francisco. Celebrating my 80th birthday. Have you taken a helicopter tour? Are simple soverniers real expensive in Juneau or Skagway? Looking forward to reading more about your travels.

What a perfect way to celebrate your 80th birthday! I love cruising to Alaska from San Francisco (that’s the cruise I did for my honeymoon), because you have a few extra sea days to relax and settle in and enjoy the ship. Yes, I’ve done one helicopter tour in Juneau that dropped us on a glacier for dog sledding. The helicopter tours are extremely expensive, but worth it if you can swing it (especially great for a bucket-list cruise or special occasion like a birthday). Have an amazing trip and be sure to report back with how you liked it. And happy early birthday!

Doing a 14 day Cruise/ Tour with (Grand) Princess leaving May 11 out of Vancouver. This is my first time on the Grand and first time to Alaska. How much time does the average person spend outside on deck while cruising? Is gonna be COLD in May for sure. Also, where are the best places to hang out while indoors viewing the scenery.

That should be an amazing trip! Princess does Alaska so very well and that itinerary is incredible! As for the temperature, it will definitely be cold in May on outside decks while you’re cruising. There will be times when you’ll want to be outside (scenic cruising days), so take winter clothes to bundle up. The sanctuary is also a fabulous indoor spot to watch the scenery in comfort. Enjoy your cruise and Alaska!

Thanks for this. I have cruised NCL to Alaska twice before (but only NCL) and don’t quite remember the oddities in the ports you mention. In fact, I remember it all being pretty easy, and no ship tram. Have things changed, or is it even easier from other cruise ships?

As of last season NCL now uses three new docks in Alaska in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Icy Strait Point. The one in Ketchikan requires a 25 or so minute shuttle ride to get into town and back to the ship (and there’s nothing at all located near the new dock except for a gift shop). The one in Juneau is a shorter shuttle ride (maybe 10 minutes or so), and the one in Icy Strait Point requires a short tram ride or a forest walk.

I’m Platinum on NCL and love the line, but after experiencing the new docks last summer, I would never choose (or recommend) NCL for Alaska unless I had a really, really good reason (unbelievable price, credit to use up, dying to try a new ship, etc.). It was hugely inconvenient and ate away so much time that could have been spent enjoying port or the ship.

Although we have been to Alaska 5 times via cruise ship have have two more cruises scheduled, I gained knowledge from your special insight. I do have a photo we took in May, 2017 of the Northern Lights, but couldn’t figure out how to post it here.

Wow. This is some great info, thank you. Going on our first ever cruise in May 5th on Ovation of the Seas, so this has been muchly appreciated. Did click to read the Guide to the Best Excursions for your First Cruise to Alaska but for some reason the link is broken 🙁 .

You’ll love Ovation, she’s such a fun ship! Sorry about the bad link, I’ll get that fixed. In the meantime, you can go here: https://profcruise.com/best-excursions-for-your-first-cruise-to-alaska/

I will be on NCL Bliss in Sept. It’s a round trip cruise from Seattle, WA. We will be going to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria, BC. I did notice a few excursions you did need a passport but when I did a Northern Coast cruise before and went to Victoria, we did not need a passport. Is this not true any longer? Will they let us cruise but stay on board in the port of Victoria, BC without a passport?

Hi Roberta,

In your case, with a closed-loop cruise to/from Seattle you won’t need a passport unless you’re doing an excursion that requires it (some of the Alaska excursions, especially in Skagway, drive or take a train into Canada from the US and in those cases you would need a passport). You can travel with a passport card or a state-issued ID (such as a driver’s license) and an original birth certificate. You can get off the ship in Victoria, just be sure to make it back to the ship in time, because it’s a lot harder to get home without a passport if you miss the ship. Hope that helps. Have an amazing cruise to Alaska!

This was very informative! Thank you! I am a travel agent in Las Vegas. This summer I have a group going to Italy but next summer i may have a group of drone flyers wanting to go to Alaska. What are the restrictions about flying and would there be tours specifically designed to fly.

Thank you for this detailed and informative article. I especially liked the hiking blog and enjoyed your family photos. I am traveling on HAL early June with my adult daughter (yearly mother/daughter trip). She is an avid hiker and we will be trying a few hikes in our ports of call.

[…] (10 points): Check out my Guide to Cruising from Seattle, First Time Cruisers to Alaska: Answers to 10 Common Questions, and all my previous Alaska port […]

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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Alaska Cruise 2024: The Complete Guide to Cruising to Alaska (Local Advice!)

What should I know before embarking on an Alaska cruise in 2024? Which cruise line is best for an Alaskan cruise?

As locals, we see tourists who have embarked on cruises to Alaska from the popular departure points of Seattle and Vancouver day in and day out. And most of the time, they’re unprepared! Everything from improper clothing to match the weather and not knowing what to expect from the different ports, we’ve seen it all.

That’s why we’ve decided to prepare this ultimate guide for cruising Alaska in 2024. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or an experienced one, we have all the information you need to make your Alaskan cruise unforgettable!

We’ve included information on what you can expect to spend on a cruise and our top choices for cruise lines departing from Vancouver and Seattle, as well as ample information on what to pack, the best time to go on a cruise to Alaska, how far in advance to book your cruise, and even the best side of the cruise ship to book your room on!

Alaska Cruise Prices

When planning for an Alaskan cruise adventure, a clear budget is essential, as costs can vary widely depending on the type of experience you’re looking for. For budget cruisers, the price for an inside cabin on a standard cruise line starts around $700-$1,200 per person . These rates typically cover the cruise itself, meals on board, and some limited entertainment options over a 3-5 day period.

Mid-range cruises will often feature more amenities, excursions, and the potential for outside cabins with views, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 per person . You’ll likely encounter more personalized services, a diverse range of onboard activities, and a variety of dining options that create a more memorable experience.

For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity, prices can soar to $3,000 to over $6,000 per person . Luxury cruises boast spacious suites with ocean views or balconies, gourmet dining, exclusive shore excursions, and an exceedingly high staff-to-guest ratio to ensure every need is catered to both on the ship and on land.

Bear in mind, these prices generally do not include additional costs like airfare to the cruise port, pre- and post-cruise accommodations, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and some onshore activities and excursions.

When budgeting for an Alaskan cruise, these additional expenses should be considered to have a well-rounded estimate of the total cost.

Best Alaska Cruises from Vancouver

Departing from Vancouver, Alaska’s most popular cruise departure port, gives you the opportunity to explore an abundance of stunning scenery and wildlife along the Inside Passage. Not to mention, Vancouver is a beautiful city with plenty of activities to enjoy before or after your trip!

• Holland America Line – Koningsdam
• Itinerary : Offers 7-day Inside Passage cruises with stops at popular ports like Juneau , Skagway, Tracy Arm Inlet, and Glacier Bay National Park.
• Highlights : Specialty dining, BB King’s Blues Club, and spacious staterooms.
• Notable Service : Renowned for its culinary excellence and cooking classes.
• Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Eclipse
• Itinerary : 7-day cruises, including port stops at Hubbard Glacier and Icy Strait Point.
• Highlights : Rooftop terrace, Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and world-class dining options.
• Notable Service : Personalized service with a nearly 2:1 guest-to-staff ratio.
• Royal Caribbean International – Serenade of the Seas
• Itinerary : 7-night cruises that visit the Tracy Arm Fjord and include an exclusive experience at the Dawes Glacier.
• Highlights : Wide array of dining options and spectacular entertainment such as Broadway shows.
• Notable Service : Adventure Ocean youth program, perfect for family cruises.

• Oceania Cruises – Regatta
• Itinerary : Longer itineraries up to 12 days, visiting ports like Sitka and Klawock, and including ample time for scenic cruising along the Inside and Outside Passages. Seattle and Vancouver departure ports.
• Highlights : Country club ambiance, gourmet dining experiences, and enrichment programs.
• Notable Service : Smaller vessel providing a more intimate and luxurious experience.
• Disney Cruise Line – Disney Wonder
• Itinerary : Family-friendly 5-9 day cruises with stops in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, tailored to provide entertainment for all ages.
• Highlights : Broad range of Disney-themed entertainments, deck parties, and character experiences.
• Notable Service : Kid’s clubs, family activities, and adult-exclusive venues.

Remember to review each cruise line’s specific itinerary and offerings as they may change seasonally and accommodate varying interests and preferences. It’s always recommended to book well in advance for the best selection and prices.

Best Alaska Cruises from Seattle

Embarking from Seattle, travelers have a selection of top-rated cruises offering majestic views of Alaska’s untamed wilderness and engaging ports of call. Here are the best Alaska cruises from the Emerald City!

• Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Joy
• Itinerary : 9-10 day cruises focusing on Alaskan highlights such as Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait Point, and Juneau.
• Highlights : Expansive observation lounge, Galaxy Pavilion, and multiple dining options.
• Notable Service : Features the only racetrack at sea in North America and open-air laser tag.
• Royal Caribbean International – Ovation of the Seas
• Itinerary : 7-8 night cruises visiting Skagway, Alaska’s Inside Passage, and Victoria, BC.
• Highlights : North Star observation capsule, Bionic Bar, and FlowRider surf simulator.
• Notable Service : SeaPlex indoor sports and entertainment complex with bumper cars and a floating DJ stall.
• Oceania Cruises – Oceania Regatta
• Itinerary : In-depth Alaska explorations ranging from 7 to 14 days, visiting unique ports like Sitka and Haines.
• Highlights : Intimate ambiance, The Finest Cuisine at Sea, and country club casual dress code.
• Notable Service : Destination-focused itineraries with extensive shore excursion choices for an immersive experience.

• Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Bliss
• Itinerary : 7-12 day cruises with time spent cruising the historic Inside Passage and stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Victoria, BC.
• Highlights : Observation lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows, the largest Go Kart race track at sea, and multiple dining venues.
• Notable Service : Modern, freestyle cruising with no set dining times or dress codes.
• P rincess Cruises – Emerald Princess
• Itinerary : 7-day Inside Passage cruises with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.
• Highlights : The Lotus Spa, Movies Under the Stars, and multiple specialty dining venues.
• Notable Service : Princess MedallionClass experience for personalized, high-tech cruising.

When choosing your voyage from Seattle to Alaska, consider not only the specific destinations and excursions that appeal to you but also the amenities and atmosphere that each cruise line offers to ensure the most enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

Your packing list for an Alaskan cruise during the summer season should strike a perfect balance between warmth, comfort, and practicality. Weather can be unpredictable, with cool mornings, pleasant afternoons, and chilly evenings. Here’s a detailed packing list to ensure you’re well-prepared:

• Waterproof Jacket : A breathable, waterproof jacket is essential for those unpredictable rain showers! Even during July (Alaska’s “sunniest” month), cold, sideways rain is almost a daily reality.
• Layering Pieces : Including thermal underwear, fleece jackets, or wool sweaters for insulation. Sweat-wicking socks are also a good idea!
• T-Shirts and Long-Sleeve Shirts : The weather loves to play games in Alaska, with the mornings being in the 40s and the late afternoons being in the 70s! Layers are key.
• Pants and Jeans : Durable and comfortable options for on-board wear and shore excursions.
• Shorts or Skirts : For warmer days, particularly inside the cruise ship.
• Formal Attire : At least one formal outfit for special evenings on the cruise is often required by the cruise line.
• Sleepwear : Comfortable pajamas or loungewear for sitting out on the deck.
• Sturdy Walking Shoes : For daily wear and exploring ports.
• Waterproof Hiking Boots : If you plan on more adventurous excursions like glacier treks or helicopter landings !
• Formal Shoes : For elegant dining experiences onboard, a good pair of dress shoes or simple flats that can be easily packed in your luggage. Heels can be worn. but they take up a lot of space and are often overlooked after a long day of walking.
• Casual Shoes : Sandals or tennis shoes can be great options for days at sea.

Outdoor Gear and Accessories

• Gloves and Scarves : Even in the summer months, days out on the water can get very cold very quickly. Come prepared with winter accessories!
• Sun Hat and Sunglasses : The reflection off the water can be harsh, and you don’t want to miss the sights by squinting!
• Swimsuits : Chances are that your cruise will have a pool or hot tub available to you, so even though the ocean rarely rises above 50 degrees, you can still enjoy a dip!
• Daypack or Backpack : Essential for carrying daily items and gear on excursions. I really like the Osprey Sportlite 25L for Alaska.
• Binoculars : For wildlife spotting in the distance. Don’t forget that your Alaska cruise also doubles as your whale watching tour!
• Insect Repellent : To ward off any pesky mosquitoes ashore or onboard. They can get quite nasty in the spring and summer!
• Reusable Water Bottle : The summer can get quite hot in southeast Alaska, so stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle. We personally only use LifeStraw because we love their double-filtering system!

Miscellaneous

• Sunscreen : The sun can be intense, even in cooler climates.
• Toiletries : Including all personal hygiene products and medications.
• Camera with Extra Batteries or Charger : The Alaskan scenery is something you’re going to want to capture.
• Travel Guides and Maps : We’re big “travel guide” people, and we love Fodor’s Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises !
• Seasickness Remedies : Such as bands or medication, if you are prone to motion sickness. Ginger chews also work well for some people!
• Power Strip with USB Ports : Outlets can be limited, particularly in staterooms, so if you’re traveling with more than two people then this will probably be a lifesaver.
• Waterproof Dry Bag : For keeping electronics and important documents safe and dry when on deck and on shore excursions.

Remember to check your cruise line’s luggage allowances and pack accordingly. It’s also beneficial to leave a little extra room for any Alaskan souvenirs you purchase while exploring!

FAQ: Cruising Alaska 2024

In this last section, we’ve provided our top tips regarding your upcoming Alaska cruise including when to go, if and when you’ll need to show your passport, the most popular departure points, and more!

What is the Best Month to Go to Alaska via Cruise?

The peak Alaska cruising season runs from June to August due to the warmer weather, long daylight hours, and the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities . However, the best month to cruise to Alaska typically depends on what you want from your voyage!

If you prefer a quieter cruise with fewer tourists and don’t mind cooler temperatures, consider sailing in the pre- and post-season months of May or September . May often showcases a beautiful spring bloom, while September brings the dazzling fall colors and potential for northern lights sightings .

The downfall to cruising to Alaska in the off-season months is that some excursions may only be available during the summer, meaning you could miss out on some key experiences.

What is the Average Cost of a 7 Day Alaska Cruise?

The average cost of a 7-day cruise to Alaska typically ranges between $1,000 to $2,500 per person. This cost includes accommodation, meals, and onboard activities and entertainment . However, average costs can vary widely due to factors such as the cruise line, the type of cabin you select, and the time of year you travel.

Mainstream cruise lines may offer deals as low as $599 per person for an interior cabin during the off-peak season, while premium and luxury lines can charge several thousand dollars per person for suites with exclusive amenities.

To cater to diverse budgets, many cruise lines offer different accommodation levels and package options. Price variations also reflect the extent of onboard experiences, shore excursions, and dining choices.

It’s also important to remember that you’ll need to factor in additional costs such as onboard gratuities, excursion fees, and travel insurance (we always use SafetyWing !), which can add to the overall expenditure.

Which Cruise Line is Best for an Alaskan Cruise?

When selecting the best cruise line for an Alaskan voyage, it really depends on your personal preferences and what you hope to get out of the experience. Those seeking a fun, mid-range experience will likely enjoy mainstream cruise lines such as Carnival , Holland America Line , or Royal Caribbean .

For a more luxurious and all-inclusive experience, consider premium or luxury lines like Seabourn , Silversea , or Regent Seven Seas .

Some other highly rated options for Alaska cruises include Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line .

Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise?

Whether you need a passport for an Alaskan cruise depends on your itinerary. For cruises that visit Canadian ports, as many Alaska cruises do, a passport is required . The rules also apply to all forms of identification for minors.

For “Closed Loop” cruises, which start and end at the same U.S. port and travel solely between U.S. ports, U.S. citizens may not need a passport . Instead, they can travel with a government-issued photo ID and an original birth certificate.

However, most cruise lines strongly recommend traveling with a valid passport in case of emergency, such as an unexpected flight from a foreign port or medical evacuation – these scenarios would require a passport for re-entry into the United States.

It is always best to check the specific requirements of the cruise line you are traveling with and stay up to date on travel regulations. With border laws subject to change, the safest option is to travel with a valid passport.

Can You See Northern Nights on Alaska Cruises?

Viewing the northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a breathtaking experience that’s possible on some Alaskan cruises, particularly during the late fall and early spring months when the nights are the longest .

However, the best time of year to see the northern lights in Alaska would be from September to April when the skies are darkest and the solar activity is more pronounced, which contradicts the state’s cruising season.

It’s worth noting that sightings are never guaranteed as they depend on solar activity and weather conditions. Many cruise lines will offer itineraries that sail near the Arctic Circle to increase the chance of witnessing this natural phenomenon.

For the best chance, cruises that provide shore excursions to Denali National Park or stays in Fairbanks are recommended. These regions offer prime northern lights viewing opportunities due to their northern location and darker skies away from city lights.

Is It Cold on a Cruise to Alaska?

The temperatures on an Alaskan cruise can indeed be chilly, especially if you are cruising during the shoulder months of May or September . During peak summer months, which are June through August, you can typically expect milder temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C) .

However, when the ship is sailing through glacial areas, the temperature can drop significantly due to the proximity to ice and the wind chill factor. It’s recommended that passengers prepare for a range of weather conditions by layering clothing. We can’t say this one enough!

Packing items such as a waterproof jacket, fleece or sweater, and hat and gloves can make exploring the deck and participating in shore excursions more comfortable. Don’t forget to consider the use of thermal wear if you tend to be sensitive to colder temperatures. With appropriate attire, you can enjoy the stunning Alaskan scenery in comfort!

Are Alaska Cruises All Inclusive?

Standard cruises usually include accommodation, most meals, and a variety of entertainment options onboard . However, many cruises may not cover specialty dining, certain beverages, some onboard activities, and most shore excursions.

Premium or luxury cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages, which include amenities such as gratuities, specialty dining, select shore excursions, and even airfare! Cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas and Silversea often provide more inclusive experiences.

For those looking for an all-encompassing Alaskan adventure without the worry of additional charges, it’s worth investing in these higher-end options. Always make sure to read the fine print before booking to understand exactly what your cruise package includes!

Where Do Alaska Cruises Leave From?

The most common departure cities for Alaska cruises are Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia . Alaska cruises typically depart from various ports that are conveniently located along the West Coast of the United States and Canada.

Seattle offers a range of cruises, from mainstream to luxury, with many cruise lines providing round-trip options. Vancouver is notable for its picturesque setting and often serves as the start or end point for one-way cruises along the Inside Passage.

Other departure points can include San Francisco, California , and Seward or Whittier , both located in Alaska and often used for one-way itineraries that travel deeper into the Gulf of Alaska.

How Far in Advance Should You Book an Alaskan Cruise?

When planning an Alaskan cruise, it’s generally recommended to book at least 12 to 18 months in advance . Booking early has several advantages such as better cabin selection, more itinerary options, and the possibility of early booking discounts!

Additionally, due to the limited cruising season in Alaska, which runs from May to September, cruises can fill up very quickly. For those interested in specific cabin types or have limited travel dates, booking early can be especially important to secure your desired cruise experience!

Pro Tip: Everything in Alaska books up about a year in advance. Just to put it in perspective for you, we got married in Seward in July 2022, and we had to book our wedding cake 9 months in advance! Hotels were booked up 10 months in advance and cruises were all but fully booked about 11 months in advance. What we’re saying is… book early!

Which is the Best Side of a Cruise Ship to Be on When Cruising to Alaska?

For one-way cruises traveling northbound past Hubbard Glacier and into the Inside Passage, a starboard (right) side cabin can offer picturesque views of the coastline . Conversely, on southbound itineraries, the port (left) side of the ship is advantageous for those same coastal vistas.

That being said, many cruisers prefer rooms with balconies in the middle of the ship for stability and uninterrupted views of both sides. Since routes can vary and the scenery is spectacular on all sides, an outside cabin with a balcony or window shouldn’t be overlooked simply due to the side of the ship that it’s on!

Additionally, if you’re prone to getting motion sick, a cabin on the lower decks in the middle of the ship can help alleviate symptoms. For those looking for that prime northern lights viewing opportunity, some cruise lines offer balcony cabins facing north, so just be sure to check with your specific cruise line for availability and details!

Are the Waters Rough on an Alaskan Cruise?

The waters on an Alaskan cruise, while generally calm especially in the protected Inside Passage, can sometimes be rough, particularly in the Gulf of Alaska or when crossing open stretches such as the northern Pacific Ocean .

It is also not uncommon for ships to encounter choppy waters when navigating around the more exposed areas of the coastline or near glacial fjords. However, modern cruise ships are well-equipped with stabilizers to minimize motion, ensuring a smoother experience for passengers.

It is advisable for those prone to seasickness to prepare with medication or natural remedies and to select a cabin location towards the middle of the ship, where there is typically less motion.

Other Helpful Alaska Resources

Travelling to Alaska: 30+ Tips from Two Locals Can You See Polar Bears in Alaska? The Complete Guide 21 Best Places to Visit in Alaska in 2024 (Local Picks!) Are There Penguins in Alaska? Evolution Explained Can You Drive to Alaska from the United States? Alaska in May: Pros and Cons of Visiting Alaska in Spring Alaska in October: Pros and Cons of Visiting Alaska in Fall 7 Days in Alaska Itinerary: Summer & Winter (Tips from a Local!) Moving to Alaska: 27+ Things to Know from 2 People That Did It!

Alaska cruises offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the stunning nature and wildlife of the Last Frontier. By being prepared with appropriate clothing, understanding what is included in your cruise package, and booking early for optimal experiences, you can make the most out of your Alaskan cruise!

Emily and Sean Concannon are passionate travelers, photographers, and adventurers at heart. This intrepid duo is always on the move, exploring the wild corners of the world and stepping out of their comfort zone for the thrill of discovery and the majesty of nature.

Their adventures are amplified by their love for wildlife, a passion that drives them to capture the earth's stunning biodiversity through the lens of their camera. Their faithful canine companion, Leska, adds a touch of enthusiasm to their journeys.

Together, they encapsulate the spirit of wanderlust, driven by love, curiosity, and a relentless thirst for life's next great adventure.

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15 Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

For many, an Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You don't want to screw it up because you might not get the chance for a do-over. Unfortunately, it's easier than you think to make Alaska cruise mistakes that can ruin a trip or prevent you from experiencing Alaska to the fullest.

While cruises to the Last Frontier are not polar-cruise-level adventures, they require more careful planning than for a Mexico or Caribbean sailing. You need to get all the details right, from booking the cruise and packing your bags to what to do and see during your cruise.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here's a list of things you should never do on an Alaska cruise. Avoid these Alaska cruise mistakes, and you'll be on your way to a smooth sailing.

Alaska cruise planning mistakes to avoid

No matter how many times you've cruised before, you might be shocked at how much planning you need to do for an Alaska sailing. Get these things wrong, and you might miss out on your big Alaska cruise experience.

Assume all Alaska cruises are the same

This is an easy mistake to make on your first Alaska cruise. However, matching your ship and itinerary to your expectations and travel style is crucial for a successful trip.

Are you looking for a full day of glacier time? Try a midseason sailing that visits Glacier Bay National Park . Early and late-season cruises might be unable to access the glaciers on their itineraries due to ice floes.

Want to see whales? A round-trip Alaska cruise in June is ideal. Do you want to fish for salmon? You'll want to book at the peak of the salmon fishing season, from mid-June to mid-August. Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world, and while most cruises stop there, a few don't, so make sure it's on the itinerary if you wish to fish.

Are you taking kids on your Alaska cruise? Big ships often have more for kids to do on board, which might be more important than where the ship goes. Expedition-style cruises may have less for youngsters but appeal to independent teens. These voyages offer a more intimate and close-up Alaska experience, with outings on kayaks and Zodiac boats that launch directly from the ship.

Wait to book excursions

You don't have to worry about booking tours in advance in some cruise destinations. Alaska cruises are not like that.

Alaska shore excursions fill up fast. It's worse in midsummer, but even on shoulder season sailings, you may not find space on the excursions you hoped to do if you wait until you're on the ship to book. The only solution is to sign up for tours as early as possible.

Does this mean you shouldn't take advantage of last-minute Alaska cruise deals if you find them? Of course not. Snap those babies up — just come prepared with a list of second and third choices of excursions, just in case.

Related: Tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

Overlook independent excursions

You don't have to stick with ship-sponsored shore excursions in every port in Alaska. On my last Alaska cruise, we booked kayaking independently for our stop in Ketchikan. It was one of the best experiences of the entire cruise. The company picked us up and dropped us off at the cruise ship. We were guaranteed an on-time return to the ship and paid far less than for the ship's kayaking excursions.

If you want to check out independent tours , you can find several Alaska excursion aggregators online or deal directly with independent businesses. Make sure you inquire about tour timing and leave a buffer so you won't miss your ship even if there's traffic or a delay.

Book same-day flights on embarkation day or early flights home

You don't want to find yourself stuck in an airport because of a flight delay when you should be boarding your cruise. To avoid this problem, book your flights to arrive the day before your cruise departs rather than the same day.

If you think it can't happen to you, listen to my most recent flight horror story. I was on not one but two flights on the same day, where minor mechanical problems caused deplaning and two-hour delays. I should have landed at my destination at 11:30 a.m. but didn't arrive until after 5 p.m. Had that been embarkation day, my ship would have sailed without me.

Similarly, it's always best to book departing flights home for the afternoon in case the ship is delayed returning to port or is not cleared by authorities on time. If you're flying in or out of Anchorage, know that all transportation options include several hours of travel from the ports of Seward and Whittier; you might consider overnighting in Anchorage either pre- or post-cruise to play it safe.

Skip the travel insurance

Airline issues aside, Alaska can be a wee bit hazardous. You will encounter slippery slopes and rocky roads — and that's just walking through Alaska port towns. You might be participating in more daring activities than normal, such as flying in helicopters, hiking across glaciers, kayaking icy waters or zip lining through forests. It's easy for something to go wrong.

On my last Alaska cruise, I heard about two passenger emergencies. A kid broke an arm on the ship and needed surgery, so a family of five disembarked in Ketchikan — not exactly a cheap end to their vacation, I'm guessing. Later in the sailing, a sick passenger was airlifted directly off the ship by the Canadian Coast Guard before we made it to Victoria.

If you live in the U.S., your health insurance is most likely valid in Alaska. You'll be covered for medical expenses but not the other expenses associated with any injury that interrupts your cruise. Travel insurance is the way to go unless you want to pay for flight changes and medical evacuation out of pocket.

Related: The best cruise travel insurance plans

Alaska cruise packing mistakes to avoid

Packing for an Alaska cruise can be tricky. The region's unpredictable weather means it can be rainy and 50 degrees one day, then sunny and 85 degrees the next. Mix in boat rides and glacier watching from the ship at 6 a.m., and you have a complicated packing job ahead of you. Don't make these Alaska cruise packing mistakes.

Forget your rain gear

Rule No. 1 on Alaska cruises: Pack rain gear. It might not rain one drop on your cruise, but chances are good that the weather will be wet at some point on your trip. When it does, you'll want the right gear to stay dry and not be drippy and miserable.

Waterproof shoes or boots are a must. For extra protection, spray them with a water-repellant sealer before you pack. You can stow lightweight raincoats or ponchos and pull-on rain pants in your backpack during excursions when you don't need them.

Skimp on layers

Layers are the only way to dress on an Alaska cruise. Start with thin, base-layer undergarments that won't bulk up your clothes and are comfortable even if the day turns out warmer than expected. The final layers of outerwear should be lightweight because you may need to stuff them in your backpack for half the day as the temperature rises.

I especially like puffy vests and jackets for Alaska. You can shed the jacket as temperatures allow, then lose the vest if it gets even warmer. Top everything with caps, knit hats, earmuffs and gloves. Those things might be excessive for a stroll through town but important in the wind on a whale watching boat.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Overpack on eveningwear

The dress code on most Alaska cruises is more relaxed than in other cruise destinations. Days are long and outdoorsy, leaving people less enthusiastic about rushing back to the ship to put on fancy clothes and dress shoes.

Trade out your hiking shoes for comfy flats or dress sneakers. Jazz up casual, neutral-colored slacks (even jeans) or skirts with jackets or scarves. You can leave the formalwear and high heels at home.

Cheap out on insect repellant

Mosquitoes in Alaska aren't always a nuisance, but they can be horrendous. Pack insect repellant and full-coverage clothing as though you were planning to visit a rainforest ... because you are.

If you don't plan on checking a bag, pick up bug spray in your departure city or first port of call.

Leave the binoculars and cameras at home

One question I get asked often is whether you can see whales and other wildlife from the ship. The answer is a resounding yes. Unfortunately, much of what you will see is from a distance.

You can solve that problem with a pair of lightweight binoculars. They're also useful for getting a close-up view of glaciers or spotting eagles in port. Consider bringing a pair for everyone in your group because you don't want to fight over one pair when a pod of whales comes into view.

As for cameras, I recommend that everyone in your travel group has a water-resistant camera or a waterproof smartphone case or pouch. I lean toward cameras rather than phones for two reasons. One, most cameras dropped into the depths of an Alaskan bay pose a less traumatic loss than most smartphones. My second reason is in the next section.

Related: Can you use your cellphone on a cruise?

Mistakes to avoid during your Alaska cruise

Once you're on board your ship, it's time to put all the stress of planning and packing behind you. You've made it, and you don't want to let anything get in the way of enjoying your cruise.

Stare at your phone too much

An Alaska cruise is the ideal time to hit pause on your digital life. Sure, you want to capture the amazing scenery, but you know what? Few of the pictures you take will accurately portray the scale of the beauty of Alaska.

The photos you'll enjoy most when you look back next year are the ones of your travel partners enjoying the trip. Take those, then spend your time soaking up the enchantment of this place. The news, the email correspondence and your Instagram followers can take a back seat until you're back home.

Assume the seas will be smooth

Don't be surprised if you feel seasick in Alaska's waters, even if no other cruise has made you feel that way. Cruising through the Inside Passage is generally calm, but the open waters of the Pacific Ocean can be choppy. Even the bays can churn up quickly during summer storms.

Ships also do a lot of maneuvering, including turning complete circles designed to give everyone on board access to the amazing views. Unfortunately, those tight turns can contribute to nausea for some people.

Prepare by packing motion sickness relief bands you place on pressure points on your wrists, prescription scopolamine transdermal patches, ginger candies, over-the-counter seasickness medications and herbal motion sickness patches. I've used these for years, with only one failure on a rather small ship.

You can also treat the woozies with seasickness tablets, which are often available free at the medical center or guest services, green apples from the buffet and ginger ale from your ship's friendly bartenders. Related: How to avoid seasickness on your next cruise

Spend all your time indoors

You packed all those clothing layers — now's the time to use them. The coldest part of your Alaska cruise will likely be while the ship cruises through can't-miss scenery. Don't wimp out in an observation lounge. Bundle up and head outside to fully take in the view. Your balcony may give you an edge over the folks in interior rooms, but you won't get a 360-degree vista unless you're out on the top deck.

The best souvenir advice I've received is to buy a cozy throw or blanket at your first port stop. It won't cost a fortune and will serve a purpose for the rest of the cruise. Picture yourself cozy and warm in your fuzzy Alaska souvenir blanket, sipping hot chocolate while watching glaciers calving. Once home, you'll remember your epic vacation every time you snuggle up on the couch.

Sleep through your vacation

This is not a cruise you want to sleep through — and even if that's your plan, you may have difficulty accomplishing it. Long hours of daylight, excursions and glacier viewings that start early and even your own fear of missing out can have you out of bed early and staying up later than you might on any other cruise.

Sleep apps and eye masks may help with the daylight situation. I also find that Alaska cruises are ideal for ordering room service meals. It definitely saves time before morning excursions and can provide a bit of downtime in your cabin for lunch or dinner on occasion.

Fail to try something new

Your Alaska cruise offers many opportunities to try things you might never have the chance to do again. You could walk on glaciers, snorkel in a dry suit in the frigid Alaska waters or play with sled dog puppies. Or, how about riding in a sled pulled by sled dogs? We already mentioned salmon fishing, which is surprisingly fun, even if you'd never go fishing at home.

The array of things to try in Alaska can be as tame or as adventurous as you want — it's the joy of discovery that's key. I once kayaked in Ketchikan with a woman on her first solo cruise in Alaska. She'd never kayaked before. When our marine biologist guide pulled a sea cucumber from the crystal-clear waters to show us, she squealed with delight when he offered to let her hold it. That's the kind of joy you cruise to Alaska to experience.

Bottom line

You can avoid the most common Alaska cruise mistakes with a little extra planning.

The goal is to have the Alaska cruise experience you and your travel companions long for. Achieve that by choosing an itinerary that gets you to the things you want to see and do, shopping early for excursions (especially the ones you have your heart set on) and packing gear and clothes that will keep you comfy during your Alaska adventure.

Everything else is about stepping outside, breathing in the shockingly clean air and enjoying the cruise.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Start with these stories:

• Everything you need to know about booking a trip to Alaska with points and miles
• The 9 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler in 2024
• 6 best Alaska cruises for families
• 20 must-have cruise items — including a roll of duct tape

Alaska Cruises

The great land awaits – set sail with princess, the #1 alaska cruise line.

Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries and connect with loved ones, locals and Alaska's wilderness with Princess®.

Learn more about excursions that match your interests with this curated list!

*More guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line

Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours

Alaska Cruisetours

See denali on an alaska cruisetour.

Alaska cruisetours combine our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to ten nights on land exploring Denali National Park. Travel aboard our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® train and unwind at Princess Wilderness Lodges®. Every year Princess introduces more people to Denali National Park than any other cruise line.

Find Cruisetours

Learn more about Alaska Cruisetours

Voyage of the Glaciers

Twice the glaciers.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Find Cruises

Learn more about Voyage of the Glaciers

Inside Passage Roundtrip Seattle

7-day alaska cruises.

Sail the Inside Passage, a series of channels and waterways formed by the march of glaciers, on your 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. With an abundance of landmarks and wildlife, take in the sights and sounds of the Inside Passage from the comfort of your ship or on a thrilling excursion ashore. Explore fjords, glaciers and Gold Rush-era towns on weekend voyages out of Seattle.

Learn more about cruises from Seattle

Inside Passage Roundtrip San Francisco

10 or 11-day alaska cruises.

Travel the Inside Passage on 10 or 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures. Begin by sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast. As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people.

Learn more about cruises from San Francisco

Inside Passage Roundtrip Vancouver

Alaska cruises that inspire.

Feed your hunger for adventure on a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver, B.C. Wind your way through fjords, by bright-green forests and through quaint Gold Rush-era towns on your way to the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park. Then experience age-old traditions with the locals.

Learn more about cruises from Vancouver

Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure

14-day alaska cruises.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our back-to-back Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend 14 days roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy three glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord.

NEW Alaska Long Voyages

New for 2025, we have crafted longer adventures at sea with a 22-day roundtrip voyage sailing from San Francisco that coincides with Summer Solstice and a 17-day roundtrip cruise from Seattle, featuring three days of scenic glacier viewing as well as charming ports like Wrangell and Valdez. For those voyagers seeking to sail from Southern California all the way up the Pacific coast to Alaska, try a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles.

View Cruises

2025 Alaska New Cruise & Cruisetour Itineraries. Learn more

With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska Cruise Experience

Alaska Glaciers

One of the biggest reasons people visit.

Glaciers feel alive. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Learn more about Alaska Glaciers

Alaska Wildlife

Untamed, just like alaska.

Alaska is home to a rich array of wildlife, from the famous Big Five animals that live in Denali National Park — grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou — to bald eagles and humpback whales that migrate through the Inside Passage. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.

Learn more about Alaska Wildlife

Alaska Mountains & National Parks

National treasures.

With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Along with Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

Learn more about Alaska Mountains & National Parks

Alaska Excursions

Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.

Learn more about Alaska Excursions

Alaska Cruise Ports of Call

College Fjord

The Harriman Expedition discovered College Fjord in 1899 and named the towering glaciers after the great East Coast universities of the United States, like the Harvard Glacier. With the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in the world, your scenic Alaska cruise through the fjord will make a lasting memory.

View cruises with College Fjord

Endicott Arm

Endicott Arm is a jewel in Alaska’s crown. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska.

View cruises with Endicott Arm | View Endicott Arm shore excursions

Glacier Bay National Park

When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park.

View cruises with Glacier Bay National Park | Learn more about Glacier Bay National Park

Hubbard Glacier

The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. See it for yourself on an Alaska cruise with Princess.

View cruises with Hubbard Glacier | View Hubbard Glacier shore excursions

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is home to the remote Tlingit village of Hoonah, home to fewer than 800 people and a deep Native history. The nearby Spasski River Valley holds one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears, who are often found hunting for salmon in the rivers. Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation.

View cruises with Icy Strait Point | View Icy Strait Point shore excursions

Juneau is unlike any other city in the United States. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.

View cruises with Juneau | View Juneau shore excursions | Watch video: Juneau port overview

Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska.

View cruises with Ketchikan | View Ketchikan shore excursions | Watch video: Ketchikan port overview

On an Alaska cruise, take your pick of attractions in the port of Sitka. See how bald eagles and local bird populations receive first-class treatment at the Alaska Raptor Center. Encounter wildlife in their natural habitat at the Fortress of the Bear. Or experience the culture of Russian Alaska on a visit to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, and relive Native history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

View cruises with Sitka | View Sitka shore excursions

Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.

View cruises with Skagway | View Skagway shore excursions | Watch video: Skagway port overview

Valdez is situated in Prince William Sound and serves as the gateway to the interior of Alaska. Often referred to as the "Little Switzerland", Valdez is known for its breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. It is also well-known for its role in the transportation of crude oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which ends in Valdez. Explore the charming waterfront area and take in the flavors of Valdez through culinary experiences at restaurants such as the Valdez Brewery and the Fat Mermaid.

View cruises with Valdez

Victoria, B.C.

At first glance many mistake Victoria for an English coastal city or northern European town. Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure.

View cruises with Victoria, B.C. | View Victoria, B.C. shore excursions

Wrangell is a charming and scenic harbor known for its local fishing industry. It is not as bustling as larger ports in Alaska and maintains its historic charm and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Explore its historic downtown and learn about the local culture and Native heritage while in Wrangell.

View cruises with Wrangell

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

Alaska cruise onboard experience.

Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land.

Learn more about our North to Alaska Program

Alaska Seafood

Fresh and bountiful, like alaska itself.

Alaska's seafood is famous, and we bring the best to you with locally inspired dishes from the state’s best eateries. With Cook My Catch excursions, catch your own salmon or halibut with the help of a local expert, and in the evening our talented chefs will prepare your haul for your dinner — a Princess exclusive. From ship to shore, the best is at your fingertips on our Alaska cruises.

Meet Local Alaskans

Real alaska from local alaskans.

Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise.

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Great experiences from the great land.

Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium. At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Or savor tree-inspired bites at our very own Sappy Hour. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine, and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2023-2024

The best cruise line in Alaska just keeps getting better! From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess.

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise.

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Alaska Ports of Call

From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Check out our helpful checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise with Princess.

See all Alaska cruise articles and videos

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go.

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Learn more about transfers

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

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Everything You Need to Know About Your Cruise to Alaska

• Cold weather clothing

Few places on Earth capture the human imagination like Alaska, the “Great Land” — a nickname that fits in every way. The vacation cruise industry had its beginnings here in the late 19th century, and it rightfully remains one of the top voyage destinations in the world. It is unrivaled.

What’s it like to visit Alaska?

Alaska boasts towering mountains; glistening seas; charismatic animals; brawny wild rivers and the glaciers that feed them; deep history coupled with still-thriving indigenous cultures; seafood that’s arguably the best in the world; and a unique 21st-century lifestyle that runs the gamut from freezers full of wild game to the enthusiastic embrace of modern technology. Many modern Alaskans used the internet before they ever tasted beef.

“We’ve survived thousands of years in the harshest environment on Earth,” says Inupiaq performance artist Aku-Matu (Allison Warden). “That requires some pretty sophisticated technology, and we’re still at it.”

Who should visit Alaska?

Travelers who choose thoughtfully and come to Alaska with open hearts and steady eyes — exactly the travelers for whom Silversea designs its journeys. It’s a blend of luxury with discernment, especially in shore excursions, so guests can explore as much of the real Alaska in a brief time. Will you see bears, glaciers, whales, eagles, and more? Absolutely. Witness indigenous chants and dances centuries old? Totally. Savor Alaskan seafood that may be the best on the planet? Definitely.

More important, you’ll learn how and why Alaska holds all these wonders still. The state guards its wild seafood zealously, perhaps better than any other place on Earth — especially its famous salmon and crab. Alaska Native culture is both an authentic and a powerful economic force in the Great Land, a nickname derived from the Aleut word alyeska , describing the mainland of Alaska.

Tourism is an economic mainstay (one in 10 jobs), and the experiences available to visitors are thus so diverse that Silversea can provide distinctive selections not found on bigger cruise vessels. Silversea also visits smaller ports such as Haines , Wrangell and Elfin Cove not found on big-ship itineraries.

Which ships travel to Alaska?

Silver Whisper and Silver Muse are classic ships holding, respectively, 392 and 596 guests. Silver Wind is a specially outfitted expedition vessel that sails the Bering Sea in September, carrying 274 guests. Most Alaska journeys sail between Seward and Vancouver , Canada, comprising seven days one way or 14 days round trip.

What should I pack for Alaska? What’s the weather like?

Alaska weather is famously temperamental but widely misunderstood. Skeptics derided it as a “frozen wasteland”when the U.S. bought it in 1867, but it is anything but that. The generally accepted record high temperature is 100 (in Fort Yukon , above the Arctic Circle , in 1919) but visitors will mostly experience moderate daytime highs, cool evenings, showers and sun. As an excursion guide in Juneau puts it, the all-purpose summer travel forecast is 67 degrees, partly sunny, chance of showers.

By all means bring rain gear, sweaters and fleece and shorts, sun dresses, sunglasses and, for the truly adventurous, swimsuits (more on that below). True foul-weather expedition clothing will be provided by excursion operators for those heading out to see, for example, walruses in the Bering Sea.

How about some Alaska photo tips?

If you’re filming in Alaska , tune into these photo tips from top professionals. You’ll find tips on gear as well as how to capture it. But don’t overlook the small things that can really pop with macro photography in Alaska .

Is Alaska really that big?

Alaska has 34,000 miles of ocean shoreline, more than the 49 other states combined. It has 3 million lakes, 3,000 rivers, thousands of glaciers and a half-dozen massive icefields.

At 570,000 square miles, it is by far the biggest state, bigger than Texas, California and Montana combined; and bigger than every European country except Russia. If you superimpose a map of Alaska on the Lower 48, the tip of the Aleutian Islands would be on the California coast, Ketchikan would be on the coast of Georgia and Utqiagvik (Barrow) would be in northern Minnesota.

A popular joke points out that, if you cut Alaska in half, each half would still be bigger than Texas.

But how do I get closer to this behemoth? Is there a best way?

There are numerous ways to see Alaska that give you both broad and narrow views. The deck of your ship may give you a perspective on its size and variety of its terrain, and, if you’re lucky, some of its wildlife, including bald eagles and numerous varieties of whales. Small boat excursions also give you closeups.

You also can learn a great deal about its geography by looking down from above by flightseeing in a small plane or a helicopter . Try dog sledding or glacier-hiking to get a narrower view of the beauty of the 49th state.

How many people?

More than 730,000, of whom up to 100,000 are Alaska Native. A little less than half the state’s people live in the Anchorage region. By comparison, there are 900,000 caribou, 200,000 moose and 135,000 bears.

Discover different Alaska flightseeing tours around Anchorage.

How big is Denali Park?

Denali National Park and Preserve is 6 million acres; one Denali Park ranger calls it a “life-changing experience”. At 20,320 feet, the mountain of the same name is the tallest peak in North America and is famous as a training ground for Everest expeditions.

Because its base is at 2,000 feet, the remaining 18,000 feet or so make it the biggest visible mountain on Earth. Only 14,000 feet of Mt. Everest are visible.

But will I be able to see Denali?

Denali’s prominence and proximity to the North Pacific means it makes its own weather, and it is often shrouded in clouds. The National Park Service estimates a third of visitors see the mountain.

The best places to try to see it are from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Talkeetna and many spots along the Alaska Railroad route between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Ironically, from the tourist town at the park entrance (called “Denali Park” on maps) the mountain is obscured by low ridges, and visitors must travel into the park about 15 miles to reach the first viewpoint.

Can I see the Northern Lights?

Yes. Alaska’s Northern Lights , or aurora borealis, can be seen usually from August to April; March is a prime month.

Why is Alaska so scenic?

Even lifelong Alaskans overlook the fact that billboards are outlawed in the Great Land, which is why all those snowy peaks, misty forests, sapphire inlets, and burgeoning rivers are on full view all the time from every angle.

Is it really light at midnight?

At midsummer, from Anchorage north, there is no real night-time dark. Fairbanks not only has midnight baseball (the famous summer solstice Midnight Sun Game starts at 10:30 p.m., and no lights are needed), residents like to make a point of teeing off at a golf course around 11 p.m. to play midnight golf.

This may seem enchanting to most visitors, but some find it difficult to sleep. Check out our guide to sleeping when the sun is up . Alaska home stores offer elaborate drapes to block out the night-time light. A popular do-it-yourself remedy is aluminum foil, taped to the windows. Silversea suites have curtains designed to fully block the midnight sun.

Is this really the last frontier?

“First Frontier” would be a more accurate nickname. Humans arrived in the Western Hemisphere, most anthropologists agree, by crossing over from Siberia to Alaska, in multiple waves that may date as far back as 30,000 years or more. Some people came overland, across the Bering land bridge north of Nome; many others came by boat.

What to do in Alaska

In a word (but not the only word): wildlife. At sea and on land.

The state’s memorable wild animals are the most-sought sights for most visitors. Among the water creatures: orcas, killer whales, and humpbacks, which are regular show-offs and breach often.

On land, massive coastal Alaskan brown bears , the largest on Earth; moose, caribou and muskox, which are majestic herbivores; and wolves, among others.

And, of course, the magnificent bald eagle . In the mid-1960s, as few as 1,000 bald eagles remained in the U.S. Today, after massive conservation efforts and a ban on DDT pesticides, naturalists estimate there are about 300,000 in every state but Hawaii. Alaska has more than any other state.

All these wonderful creatures are just the start of the list of possible wildlife sightings in Alaska. It’s difficult to visit Alaska and not see quite a few of the animals above, especially when you take advantage of Silversea’s curated shore excursions run by wildlife experts.

Also, discover the 5 remote cruise ports in Alaska worth exploring.

What’s the best way to see wildlife?

Go outside. Do stuff. That may sound simplistic, but it’s the truth. Wild animals are everywhere in the Great Land (caribou outnumber people, for instance) and are a part of everyday life. Moose are regularly seen in Anchorage; bears visit most Alaska cities; eagles fly the Alaska skies; and whales sometimes seem to outnumber boats.

The best way to experience all this is just to go out there: kayaking, hiking in Alaska , biking, fishing, and of course trekking through the rainforests, on the glaciers and along the rivers and lakes. You can do all those things, and more, on Silversea journeys.

Are moose and bears dangerous?

They can be. They are huge animals accurately described as “testy.” Keep your distance, and they’ll keep theirs. No, their calves and cubs are not cute and cuddly. If you are determined to come home with close-up pictures, bring very long-range lenses with your photo gear.

What’s the joke about moose?

Question: Where do moose go in Alaska? Answer: Anywhere they want.

What about Alaska’s three kinds of bears?

Black, brown, and polar. Alaska is one of just two places on the planet to see the three northern latitude ursids, and you can see all three in one trip if you are lucky, determined and select the right excursions and shore extensions well ahead of time.

Black bears can be seen in Southeast Alaska near ports of call such as Wrangell and Ketchikan. Brown bears are ubiquitous anywhere along the coast all the way to Nome, especially in Kodiak and (as grizzlies) in Denali National Park. Polar bears can only be seen along the Arctic coast, in Utqiagvik or Kaktovik or, sometimes, near Bethel .

What are the Big Five?

It’s almost impossible to visit Alaska and not see wildlife… Well, it is impossible. But it’s thoughtless and counter-productive to hitch your dreams for an Alaska trip to a mercenary need to cross specific animals off your list. Nature is not here for human entertainment, and wildlife watching is not a spreadsheet sport. Again, we promise: You will enjoy many memorable wildlife sightings. In the whole world, only Africa offers a comparable experience.

So let’s offer a 21st-century Big Five list of Alaska wildlife sights: banana slugs; tufted puffins; harbor seals; lion’s mane jellyfish; and the ultimate Alaskan animal, the raven, revered by indigenous peoples as the “trickster.”

Besides sightseeing, what else can I do in Alaska?

You can go snorkeling in Ketchikan—yes, really, wrapped in dry suits, floating above sea urchins, sea cucumbers, anemones, juvenile salmon and more.

Anchorage has one of the best urban bike trails in North America. Seward is a center for salmon fishing charters. You can float through downtown Fairbanks while paddleboarding the Chena River.

You can sing along with the Tlingit chant while watching their ancient version of the Romeo & Juliet story. You can catch your own fish, learn to forage wild foods, try your hand at carving cedar and learn to string beads Athabaskan style.

Can I pan for gold?

Gold panning attractions in Juneau, Ketchikan, Anchorage and Fairbanks all provide visitors a pan, rudimentary instruction along with history and humor, and a sack of so-called pay-dirt. Most of these venues “salt” the dirt with gold flecks — generations of Fairbanks teenagers have done this as a summer job — and most will provide a joke or two in response if you ask.

Crow Creek Gold Mine south of Anchorage provides visitors with equipment and access to a still-viable mining claim along its namesake creek. Pull up a chair, fill your pan with creek gravel, give it a swirl and see what you get.

How to see the glaciers

No place on this planet is like the surface of a glacier , as close as most people will ever get to an alien landscape. The sights, sounds, scents and textures of the ice have no parallel in daily human life, and most tours include drinking fresh meltwater, listening to the glacier creak, sigh and groan (really), poking your head into an ice cave, peering into crevasses hundreds of feet deep, and grabbing the opportunity to accomplish something unbelievable to most (see below under ‘swimming’).

Alaska glacier tours provide safety guidance and sometimes equipment, and it’s really no more difficult than any other moderate wilderness excursion. The views like the ones in the video below are incomparable.

Watch our video about the beauty of Alaska’s Hubbard Glacier :

By the way, a sightseeing flight over glaciers is a fine way to see them — but not to experience them.

OK, how about swimming?

Yes, people swim in Alaska. Remember that temperamental weather? Sometimes it is quite warm, and not just in the Interior. There’s a popular saltwater swim site in Juneau (Sandy Beach, also known as Savikko Park ); several fairly warm lakes around Fairbanks; various other sloughs, ponds and rivers where locals take a dip when the weather’s warm.

In Europe this activity is called “wild swimming,” and Alaskans have been doing it for thousands of years.

Do people really make a point of having a dip in the Arctic Ocean? Yes, they do. That way they can claim they may be able to claim they have in all the world’s oceans… something that, if it seems important to you, can be accomplished on Silversea journeys.

Last, but not least, are the notorious “blue pools” on Alaska glaciers. These are pockets of ice-melt water, intensely blue in color and wickedly cold, that daring trekkers (and their guides, when challenged) plunge into for 7 seconds, hauling out immediately while family members document the occasion. Do this and you will win bar bets for the rest of your life.

Enjoy Alaskan food

What to eat in Alaska? The answer always includes seafood, and the quality and variety are peerless. Salmon, halibut and crab are the mainstays, but there is so much more, and Silversea chefs take advantage of the opportunity to provide guests with a broad introduction to fresh North Pacific seafood.

Make this Alaskan salmon recipe at home.

What’s the best salmon?

This is a sure way to start a testy debate in any Alaska bar. There are five kinds of Pacific salmon, all with at least two names: king (Chinook); sockeye (red); silver (coho); pink (humpy); and chum (aka dog salmon, because it was traditionally used for sled dog food).

Most Alaskans vote for king or sockeye salmon; more radical fanciers include silver. Pink is fine if it’s very fresh and cooked expertly. Chum is widely used for smoked salmon. Salmon should not be overcooked, lest it be dry and leathery; if you strongly prefer fully cooked fish, halibut is a better choice.

Because you are in Alaska, where these fish are part of a vast, thriving industry, one should never accept frozen fish;  there’s simply no need. Bristol Bay is the home of the world’s largest, and last, healthy salmon fishery — in 2022, record runs brought 79 million sockeyes to the region.

Seeing the salmon run in Alaska is an excellent reminder of nature’s ecosystem. It begins as early as April and may continue into fall.

Fierce arguments also flourish over which area produces the finest salmon. Is it the famous Copper River? Or the Taku, near Juneau? Perhaps Bristol Bay. The only sensible answer is this: Try all of them.

Is there more than salmon and crab to eat?

Keep an eye out for scallops, oysters, rockfish, sablefish (black cod), spot prawns and side stripe shrimp, octopus and squid. Exotic foods, rarely encountered, include herring roe, salmon roe ( ikura ), jellyfish, sea cucumbers, mackerel and more. King crab is ubiquitous and, until recently, so was snow, although scientists, pointing to climate change, say billions have disappeared in recent times. Many Alaskans prefer Dungeness.

What about other Alaska foods?

Spruce tips lend a spicy, lemony taste to sodas, ice cream, salt and more. Alaska’s wild berries — blueberries, salmonberries , raspberries, huckleberries, two kinds of cranberries — are beloved by residents who gather bucketsful each summer.

Beach greens are found in their namesake environment and lend weight to salads. Seaweed and kelp are both flavorful and healthy. Rarest of all is the legendary, semi-mythical nagoonberry, patches of which coastal residents guard knowledge like sorcery. If you somehow encounter this (in ice cream, maybe) treasure the experience.

The history of Alaska

Alaska became the 49th state on Jan. 3, 1959, and this addition increased the size of the U.S. by one-fifth.

It had a rich history, of course, well before Vitus Bering, a Dane, arrived in 1741. Native tribes included the Tlingit, Haida, Aleuts and Inuit, among others. Russians began to colonize as early as the 1784, drawn by the rich opportunities to hunt fur-bearing animals. Eighty-three years later, Russia was having financial problems and sold Alaska to the U.S. . The population began to grow with the discovery of gold as early as 1861. The rush was over by the turn of the century, some having made a small fortune and others having made the trip to the north for nothing. The land became a U.S. Territory in 1912.

World War II came to Alaska in 1942, when Japanese troops invaded the Aleutians, including Kiska, Agattu and Attu islands and bombed Dutch Harbor in Unalaska. U.S. forces ousted them by August 1943.

On a roll? Discover the cruises to Alaska Silversea offers for the adventure of a lifetime.

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• All you need to know about Alaska cruises

A diverse place with miles of scenic coastline, Alaska is one of the most interesting destinations to visit. Around two million people visit this US state annually. Surrounded by snow, mountains, and a rugged landscape, Alaska is like no other.

Extraordinary glaciers of Alaska

If you want to glide through the snow, watch icebergs tower over the waters of the Arctic, and witness majestic whales in their natural habitat, Alaska is right up your alley. One of the most popular ways to visit Alaska is by opting for an Alaskan   cruise .

The Norwegian Alaskan Cruise

Cruises are one of the most popular ways to go out and about in Alaska. Each cruise has a personalised schedule that focuses on exciting things in the state, whether it is getting up close to the wildlife or learning more about Alaska’s culture. There are many factors to take into consideration before embarking on an Alaskan cruise expedition.

Here is everything you need to know about Alaska cruises.

Cruise lines

There are several cruise lines that offer trips and vacation itineraries to Alaska. These include the major cruise companies and small yet luxurious ships. The popular Alaska operators are Holland Americana and Princess. Yet nearly every cruise line has one ship that sails to Alaska. Some of them include:

• Carnival cruise
• Cunard line
• Disney Cruises
• Norwegian cruise line
• Regent seven seas cruise
• Silversea cruises
• Viking Cruises and more

An Alaskan cruise sails off in the distance

How long does the cruise last?

Alaskan cruises range anywhere from 4- to 29-night itineraries. But there are other cruises that have a short trip ranging from 6 to 9 nights.

When is the cruise season in Alaska?

The cruise season runs from mid-May to mid-September in Alaska. However, mid-June through mid-July is the peak season for cruisers as the weather remains favourable.

When is the best time to visit Alaska?

Cruises usually depart in July, while the least number of cruisers embark in September. The perfect time to visit Alaska depends on the activities you would like to enjoy.

• Wildlife: Wildlife spotting is unforeseeable in Alaska, but you can still catch glimpses of several animals in late May and early June. During these months, mothers and cubs or calves are generally spotted. The prime season for bear watching is from late June to early July.

Adorable sea otters in Alaska

• Fishing: Species of various fish such as Pacific salmon, Dolly Varden, rainbow and lake trout, Arctic grayling, and northern pike can be found. Fishing can be enjoyed at any time of the month in Alaska.

The well-known salmon fish

• National parks: Some cruises have land tours included in their itinerary that take cruisers through national parks, such as Denali National Park. The best season for this tour takes place in July and the following months.

The beautiful Denali National Park

• Berry picking: Summer berry picking is a popular activity in Alaska. There are many varieties of berries available in the state at places like Hatcher Pass, Eagle River Valley, Old Johnson Trail, and more. The best month for berry picking in Alaska is late August or early September.
• Northern lights: The beautiful phenomenon of the northern lights can also be seen in Alaska. The northern lights take place during all four seasons but become harder to observe under the midnight sun. The ideal month to see the northern lights is September. The far north regions and interiors of Alaska, especially Fairbanks, are the top places to spot the lights.

The dazzling northern lights in Alaska

• Midnight Sun: The midnight sun season runs from April to late August when the sun never sets. It peaks during the summer solstice in June.

The exceptional midnight sun phenomena

Where do the Alaska cruises sail from?

Alaskan cruises usually sail from Seattle, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Cruisers can also fly to Alaska’s Ketchikan, Anchorage, and Juneau to board the cruise directly.

Which itinerary is the best?

Each Alaskan cruise has its own top itinerary that they recommend to cruisers. There is no ‘one’ itinerary that is the best, as it depends on people’s preferences as well. Yet, some of the most popular ones include cruising through Alaska’s routes like the Inside Passage, Icy Strait Point, Glacier Bay, the Gulf of Alaska, and more.

The Glacier Bay route

Here are a few additional things to expect and remember about an Alaskan cruise:

Diverse Wildlife

The spectacular wildlife and tundra of Alaska can be spotted during Alaskan cruises. Grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, bison, wolves, wolverines, and more can be seen. You must always have your camera and binoculars ready to capture the movements of the animals from a distance.

A brown bear spotted in Alaska

Marine animals like sea otters, sea lions, seals, and Pacific walrus are observed in Alaskan waterways and offshore. Alaska is also the perfect place for whale watching, as you can spot nine different types of whales. These are the Blue, beluga, bottlenose, bowhead, humpback, orca, grey, minke, and sperm whales.

A humpback whale swims in the Alaskan waterways

Popular Alaskan birds such as owls, swans, puffins, and songbirds are seen in the mountains and prairies. However, the iconic birds are bald eagles, which are very common in Alaska.

Unconventional wakeup calls

Alaskan cruises often have midnight wake-up calls for the northern lights phenomenon in the middle of the night. You need to be ready for sudden calls in order to not miss important events during your trip.

Alaskan culture

Alaskan cruises have itineraries that give cruisers the opportunity to learn more about indigenous tribes, namely the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian of Alaska. Not only do you obtain knowledge about the culture and its history, but you also gain a powerful experience.

A Ketchican totem pole

Members of the indigenous communities often share stories and their way of life in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.

To spot the best and most scenic views of the glacier and marine animals swimming in the water, the balcony room must be given priority while booking.

Pick a time

It is always better to choose your cruise expedition according to the activities you would like to enjoy. Consider the peak and shoulder seasons as well as what they offer ahead of time.

Seasickness

If you get seasick easily, roundtrip cruises that spend the majority of the time in open waters may not be for you.

Unpredictable weather

Temperatures in Alaska change drastically, varying from one destination to another. Even on sunny days, it can still be cold or chilly. It is crucial to pack layers of clothing to keep yourself as warm as possible. Raincoats and waterproof essentials should also be carried, as Alaska experiences rainfall at times.

Embrace the rugged landscape

On a cruise to Alaska, you need to get used to the rustic environment and vistas. The best way to embrace the gorgeous landscapes of Alaska is by booking excursions that let you explore the beautiful glaciers.

It is important to do in-depth research before you book your cruise vacation to Alaska, as it is one of the most off-beaten travel destinations. Nevertheless, it all becomes worth it when you witness its spectacular natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and everything else Alaska has to offer.

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Alaska Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries, Ports, Tips, & More

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When you think of a cruise vacation, Alaska might not be the first destination that comes to mind.

Alaska is one of the most scenic destinations in the world, offering an escape into America’s Last Frontier. The lush rainforest, snow-capped mountains, abundant wildlife, and blue glaciers provide an experience unlike any other.

But the rough terrain makes it challenging to navigate by land, so it’s best to explore Alaska by cruise ship.

This Alaska cruise guide covers everything you need to know before you sail to Alaska. We’ll cover what to pack, the best time to sail, cruise ports, things to do, weather, wildlife, and more.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Why Cruise to Alaska?

There are several reasons why people cruise Alaska, but one way or another, people are drawn to the state for its incredible scenic beauty.

Alaska is home to a beautiful snow-capped mountain landscape, abundant wildlife, vibrant Alaskan native cultures, Gold Rush history, art, culture, and the largest temperate rainforest in the world.

Alaska is one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. And an Alaska cruise is unlike any other. Alaska cruises are less of a party and more of a laid-back scenic cruise.

Exploring Alaska by land is both tricky and expensive. Many cities are inaccessible by land. A land tour is expensive between cars, trains, ferries, and hotels.

The best way to explore Alaska is by cruise ship.

An Alaska cruise allows guests to explore multiple ports of call and experience the state through hands-on shore excursions.

Unlike other cruise destinations, Alaskan ports aren’t separated by large bodies of the ocean. The land is visible throughout most of the sailing, and you can often spot whales, eagles, and other wildlife from the ship.

Not sure if Alaskan cruises are for you, here’s what to expect on an Alaskan cruise .

Best Time to Crusie Alaska

The Alaska cruise season runs from May to late September, with some sailings in April and October.

The short cruise season owes itself to the weather. Aside from the winter cold providing an uncomfortable experience, many regions of Alaska become inaccessible as the water turns to ice.

The best time to cruise Alaska depends on what you want to see and do. For smaller crowds and lower cruise fares, you’ll want to sail at the beginning or end of the cruise season (May, June, or September).

May, June, and September are known as the shoulder season. With kids still in school, there’s less demand for cruise vacations. Sailing during the shoulder season is the best time to find cheaper cruise fares.

The peak season for Alaska cruises is July and August. If you sail during these months, you’ll find higher prices and larger crowds.

But if you want to see wildlife, you should take an Alaska cruise during July or August. Summer also provides the best weather, with warmer temperatures, lower rainfall, and more hours of sunlight.

Best Alaska Cruise Itineraries

Alaska cruises come in two forms; one-way cruises and round-trip sailings .

Round-trip cruises are the most popular, typically beginning and ending in Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, Canada .

Most round-trip sailings travel along Alaska’s Inside Passage, visiting ports like Juneau and Skagway and scenic destinations like Tracy Arm Fjord or Mendenhall Glacier.

You’ll likely have to choose a one-way cruise if you want to travel further north on your Alaska cruise. One-way cruises begin and end in different ports, typically embarking or debarking in Seward, Alaska.

A one-way cruise is the best way to visit the Gulf of Alaska, with calls in northern ports like Whittier or Hubbard Glacier .

Inside Passage

Inside Passage, cruises are the most popular Alaska cruise route. These week-long sailings embark in either Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, British Columbia .

The Inside Passage consists of a series of passages along the West Coast. Glacial ice formed the passages over 250 million years ago. The glaciers carved the unique rivers, islands, and ocean passages that make up the Inside Passage.

As you pass through the passage, you’ll notice the unique footprint of the glaciers that carved the mountains and waterways.

Some of the tallest mountains have sharp edges towards the peaks. Mountains with rounded peaks were once submerged beneath the glacier, eroding their sharp edges. The mountains with sharp peaks stood above the glaciers. By carefully looking at the structure of the mountains, you can see just how massive the past glaciers were.

Inside Passage cruises are popular for the incredible scenery, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and whale species.

Even on sea days, there’s always something to look at.

Inside Passage cruises typically have a”scenic cruising” day at a Fjord or glacier. You won’t leave the ship on scenic days, but it’s a chance to witness some truly incredible scenery.

Inside Passage, itineraries are best for nature lovers, outdoorsy, and active-minded people .

From the ship, it’s fun keeping an eye on the water for local whale pods or searching the shoreline for bears, moose, or sea lions.

If you’re in luck, you can spot plenty of wildlife from the deck of the cruise ship. On our last 7-day cruise, we could spot pods of orcas, humpback whales, seals, and bald eagles without leaving the vessel.

Popular ports of call along the Inside Passage include Juneau, Ketchican, Sitka, Skagway, Haines, Icy Strait, and Tracy Arm Fjord.

Shore excursions provide the best chance to explore the beauty of Alaska or enrich yourself with the area’s deep history and culture. Through the shore excursions, you can learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Alaska or the fortune-seekers who traveled to the region during the Klondike Gold Rush.

While cruising through the Inside Passage, the islands create a natural break from the open ocean, calming the water. If you’re worried about getting seasick on a cruise ship , Alaska is one destination where you won’t spend much time in the open ocean.

Gulf of Alaska

If you book a Gulf of Alaska cruise, you’ll experience other less-visited cruise ports further north.

Most Gulf of Alaska cruises is one-way cruises traveling from Vancouver or Seattle to Seward or Whittier . If you embark in Seward or Whittier, you’ll have to fly into Anchorage, Alaska, and take the train or bus to and from the cruise port.

It’s a drive that can take an hour or two. You’ll have to book your transportation, but you can often book through the cruise line.

And it’s essential to keep in mind that you won’t be able to book round-trip airfare, which means you’ll have to pay more for flights.

Gulf of Alaska cruises tend to be 7-nights in duration , though you’ll find a few 8 and 9-day itineraries.

Some cruise lines offer round-trip sailings from Seattle and Vancouver. The round-trip Gulf of Alaska cruises tend to be 12 to 14-day itineraries , and you’ll likely spend at least two days at sea (not including scenic cruising days).

In addition to visiting some of the ports along Alaska’s Inside Passage, itineraries also include up to two scenic cruising days . The scenic destinations may include College Fjord, Glacier Bay, or Hubbard Glacier.

The seas in the Gulf of Alaska can be particularly rough. If you’re prone to seasickness, you may want to think twice before booking a Gulf of Alaska cruise.

Longer West-Coast Sailings

Some cruise lines offer longer west-coast sailings that begin in San Francisco. The round-trip sailings have four or more sea days, a scenic day, port visits along the inside passage, and a call at either Vancouver or Victoria, British Columbia.

With for or more sea days, West-coast sailings are best for people who like to spend multiple days at sea .

You may find rougher seas at the beginning and end of the cruise until your cruise ship reaches the Inside Passage, where the waters are calmer.

Cruise Tours

A cruise ship is one of the best ways to visit Alaska. But there are many destinations that you can’t visit by sea.

Many cruise lines offer tours combining a traditional Alaska cruise with a bus tour. Cruise tours allow you to extend your vacation and explore further inland.

The three to seven-night land tour allows passengers to explore destinations not accessible to cruise ships.

The cruise tours visit places like Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, the city of Fairbanks, and the Kenai Peninsula.

Most cruise tours begin as one-way Alaska Gulf cruises before passengers embark on a bus tour through northern Alaska. Some cruise tours bring travelers into Canada’s Yukon territory, and there are even some round-trip cruise tours.

Locals lead the tours, so you will get to know the land and culture firsthand.

Because the tours venture farther north than most cruise itineraries, they provide the best opportunity to see the northern lights. If you want to increase your chances, you should book towards the end of the Alaska cruise season, in late October.

Cruise tours are ideal because they provide fully booked itineraries. Guests don’t need to worry about booking transportation, hotels, or activities both on and off the ship.

The activities are often included in the tour price, though you may need to pay extra for some excursions.

Best Alaska Cruise Lines

Almost every mainstream cruise line provides Alaskan cruises.

Holland America and Princess Cruises are two of the most popular cruise lines for Alaska sailings. They have a long history of offering trips around Alaska and provide the largest selection of itineraries and cruise tours.

There are cruise lines of all price ranges sailing in Alaska, with budget-friendly lines like Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean and luxury cruise lines like Seabourn and Silversea Cruises.

For unique experiences, you may want to try smaller expedition cruise ships like Alaskan Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventure.

In the past, cruise lines sent their older and smaller cruise ships for Alaskan itineraries. But with younger crowds and growing demand for cruises to Alaska, cruise lines have started to offer some of their latest ships.

Royal Caribbean has positioned Ovation of the Seas , one of the newest cruise ships, in Alaska. The ship’s North Star provides an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you simply can’t pass up.

No matter your preferences, you can find a cruise ship to fit your dream vacation.

Best Cruise Lines for Long Alaskan Sailings

If you’re looking for longer Alaska sailings of 12 or more nights, you’ll want to stick with Holland America or Princess Cruises .

Both cruise lines offer plenty of longer sailings and a large selection of cruise tours.

Best Alaska Cruises for Families with Kids

Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line are perfect for families sailing with kids .

The cruise lines offer kids’ clubs, from babies to teens, catering to all ages.

Some people wouldn’t consider Alaska a family-friendly cruise destination.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Alaska is an excellent destination for families with kids. From mountains to whales, there’s so much for kids to see. If you choose the right shore excursion, you can create an adventure that’s both fun and educational.

And with cruise lines sending their latest and greatest ships to the region, you’ll find enough entertainment for the whole family.

Still not convinced. I can tell you from experience that my favorite cruise as a kid was our trip to Alaska.

Best Cruise Lines for Adventure-Seekers

If your dream vacation includes hiking in Tongass National Park, Kayaking on Lake Chiliak, or overnight camping, you’ll want to look at expedition cruises.

Expedition voyages feature smaller ships with a greater focus on adventurous activities. Smaller vessels can better access less habited areas of Alaska and provide a closer look at the Last Frontier.

Expedition cruise lines often include complimentary shore excursions and provide zodiacs, kayaks, and bikes for you to use.

The cruises are very different than a traditional cruise to Alaska, with a greater focus on education, enrichment, nature, and the environment. Expedition-style cruises often bring scientists and naturalists to provide lectures and act as tour guides.

If you’re an adventure-seeker looking for the vacation of a lifetime, you’ll want to look at UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, or Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic .

Best Luxury Cruise Lines Sailing Alaska

Several luxury cruise lines are sailing in Alaska, including Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Cunard Line, and Seabourn Cruises .

There’s a significant benefit to sailing on a luxury cruise to Alaska. With fewer passengers on the ship, you won’t need to fight through the crowd for a prime sightseeing spot.

You’ll also find a more intimate experience with personalized shore excursions and better service.

Luxury cruise lines often visit less-traveled cruise ports, including Wrangell, Alaska, and Klemtu, British Columbia.

But there’s one significant benefit to sailing on a luxury cruise line.

Small-ship, luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent can navigate more waterways than larger mainstream cruise lines. They can get close to glaciers and travel to the twin-Sawyer Glaciers at the end of Tracy Arm Fjord.

Best Cruise Lines for Couples

Couples looking for a romantic getaway should choose Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, or Holland America .

The cruise lines provide a slightly upscale atmosphere with fewer kids and affordable cruise fares.

Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise

There are lots of things to do in Alaska . There’s more to do than you’ll have time for when it comes to Alaskan cruises.

Unlike a Caribbean cruise, where most days are spent lounging on a beach, most Alaska tours and activities are outdoor adventures.

Alaska offers opportunities for active travelers, history buffs, shopping, wildlife encounters, and sightseeing.

It’s always a good idea to research your port of call to get information about the shore excursions before you embark on your cruise.

Some of our favorite things to do on an Alaska cruise include:

• White Pass and Yukon Route Railway (Skagway)
• Mount Roberts Tramway (Juneau)
• Kayaking on Chilkoot Lake (Haines)
• Exploring Gold Rush history
• Panning for gold
• Helicopter tours
• Glacier tours in Glacier Bay National Park
• Whale watching

Best Alaska Cruise Ports

You’ll have a different experience at Alaska cruise ports compared to Caribbean cities. The ports of call in Alaska have different atmospheres and personalities.

Where Skagway is a historic small town full of history and adventure, Juneau is a large city with great eateries and shopping.

As you might expect, the best Alaskan cruise ports are also the busiest. You can expect long lineups and higher prices at popular attractions if you’re sailing during peak season.

Book a shore excursion or cruise tour if you want to explore Alaska’s wilderness or venture beyond the town center.

Juneau is Alaska’s capital city, located at the base of Mount Juneau. The city is notable for its lack of roads leading in our out. You can only reach Juneau by plane or boat.

If you’re not afraid of heights, the Mount Roberts Tramway is a must-see activity. The 15-minute tram ride takes you to the top of Mount Roberts, where there’s a lookout point, bald eagles, a gift shop, and a restaurant.

Juneau is home to the Mendenhall Glacier. The glacier is a popular destination for hiking and kayaking tours. If you want an up-close glacier experience, you can book a helicopter tour and glacier walk.

More : Things to do in Juneau Alaska

If you’re interested in Gold Rush history, you’ll want to visit Skagway, Alaska. The town of Skagway was once the gateway to the Klondike in Canada’s Yukon territory (the site of the famous gold fields).

Thousands of prospectors visited Skagway in the late 1890s with dreams of finding gold.

Much of the gold rush history is preserved. Many of the original buildings remain, as are the town’s wooden boardwalks.

Skagway’s most popular attraction is the White Pass railway . The train ride takes passengers along the original route used by prospectors during the height of the gold rush.

More : Things to do in Skagway Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska, is best known as the “Salmon capital of the world.” But the town is also popular for its Misty Fjords National Monument and numerous totem poles carved by Alaska’s Indigenous peoples, the Tlingit.

The city is home to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack show. Tourists worldwide come to see athletes wield axes and saws while competing in lumbering activities. The show is within walking distance of the cruise port and a must-see if you’re in town during the event.

Sitka is a little fishing town located on Baranof Island.

The town is the former capital of Russian America and offers a glimpse into the past with Russian landmarks and museums. Landmarks like the Russian Bishop’s House and St. Michaels Orthodox Cathedral are some of the famous historical sites.

The town is full of museums, shops, and small restaurants. Wildlife lovers should take a whale-watching tour in Sitka Sound or visit the Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bear rescue centers.

Sitka is the best town to visit if you’re hoping to spot bald eagles. There are so many bald eagles in Sitka that you’d have to try not to see one.

Sitka National Historical Park is the oldest national park in Alaska. The park is home to over 20 hand-carved totem poles scattered along the nature trails. It’s also the site of the final battle between indigenous Tlingit people and the Russians

More : Things to do in Sitka

Haines is a newer cruise port of call. The town has less than 2,000 residents and isn’t as touristy as other Alaska cruise ports.

Haines is best known for its fishing, golf, wildlife, and Chilkoot Lake. The lake is a popular destination for its immense beauty and the site of the salmon rush.

The town is also home to a hammer museum with the world’s second-largest hammer located out front.

More : https://highseascruising.com/things-to-do-in-haines-alaska/

Seward is located along the Gulf of Alaska and is an excellent port for exploring the outdoors. There are mountain biking tours, fishing excursions, and kayaking adventures.

The city is home to Fort William H. Seward and the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Scenic Cruising Destinations

Most Alaskan cruises include at least one “scenic cruising” day. You won’t leave the ship on a scenic day, but you’ll have an incredible view of Alaska’s scenery.

The most popular scenic cruising destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm, and College Fjord.

It’s important to note that the cruise line may cancel scenic cruising days due to weather. The fjords and narrow passages are difficult for large cruise ships to navigate. If the weather conditions aren’t perfect, the captain may cancel the scenic sailing or sail to an alternative destination.

Glacier Bay National Park : The expansive bay provides a window to 250 million years ago when the land was covered by ice. Most cruise lines stop at Marjorie Glacier, located 55 miles into the park. While sailing along the bay, keep your eye out for bears, mountain goats, eagles, and grizzly bears.

Hubbard Glacier : The largest glacier visited by cruise ships. Hubbard Glacier is an impressive 6 miles wide with a 400-foot tall face. We were fortunate enough to sail beside the glacier and were awestruck by the blue ice wall that stood before us. (We were also entertained by an otter playing on an iceberg.)

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier : The 32-mile-long fjord is home to the beautiful Dawes Glacier. The glacier is home to many wildlife species and was founded by John Muir in the 1880s.

Tracy Arm Fjord: One of the most popular scenic destinations for Alaska cruises, located only 50 miles south of Juneau. At the end of the 30-mile-long fjord sits the South Sawyer Glacier and the North Sawyer Glacier. Tracy Arm Fjord is famous for its narrow passageway and towering mountain landscape.

Northern Lights Cruises

Millions of passengers travel to Alaska every year, hoping to see the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights are most visible further north during darker nights.

You best to see the Northern Lights on a cruise ship by booking a Gulf of Alaska itinerary during September .

The Gulf of Alaska itinerary brings you the furthest north, and sailing in September provides more hours of darkness.

You can increase your chances by visiting Denali National Park, where there’s less population and light pollution. Still, it’s never a guarantee that you’ll see the Northern Lights.

When to Book an Alaskan Cruise

The best time to book an Alaskan cruise is as early as possible . Cruise fares are often the cheapest when first released to the public.

If you purchase your cruise fare early and later find a lower price, you can take advantage of price protection and ask the cruise line to honor the lower price.

Because of the popularity of Alaska cruises and the short sailing season, cruise fares tend to be more expensive than traditional Caribbean sailings.

An Alaska cruise can cost between $500 to $10,000 per person depending on the cruise line, cabin category, flights, hotel, shore excursions, and drink purchases.

In general, you don’t want to wait for last-minute discounts on unsold cabins  unless you live near Seattle or Vancouver.

Alaska is one of the cruise destinations where we recommend booking a balcony accommodation. There’s nothing we love more than sipping a coffee on our balcony while admiring the picturesque views.

Due to their popularity, balcony cabins on Alaskan cruises are more expensive than traditional Caribbean sailings. You can expect to pay a higher price if you book a balcony.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

When you visit Alaska, you’ll want to pack very differently than you would for a Caribbean cruise.

You’ll want to pack clothing for all types of weather and temperatures.

It’s essential to dress in layers. Because of the fast-changing weather in Alaska, it’s not possible to dress for the weather.

It might be warm in the morning, then cold and rainy in the afternoon.

Dressing in multiple layers prepares you for any weather. It helps to take a backpack or waterproof bag to put extra layers if you don’t need them.

Most importantly you should bring a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof shoes. If there’s one thing you can count on in Alaska, it’s rain. It also helps to pack an umbrella or a rain poncho.

If you’re unsure what to pack for your Alaska cruise, check out our printable Alaska cruise packing list .

Common items to pack for an Alaska cruise include:

• Lightweight raincoat
• Warm clothing, hats, gloves, sweaters
• Camera and tripod
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Bathing suit
• Waterproof bag for kayaking or rafting excursions

Alaska Cruise Weather

The Alaska cruise weather changes rapidly throughout the day. One minute it’s warm, and the next, it’s cold and rainy. Only for it to change again ten minutes later.

The weather can drop into the 40s or 50s in the morning during the cruise season. But on sunny days, the temperature can rise into the mid-70s.

It’s important to remember that Alaska is home to the world’s largest temperate rainforest, and you can almost guarantee that it will rain during your cruise.

The weather in Alaska changes rapidly throughout the day. One minute it’s warm, and the next, it’s cold and rainy. Only for it to change again ten minutes later.

Even if it’s sunny when you’re on the ship, you can expect the weather to change at a moment’s notice.

Marcello De Lio

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8 Things to Know About Alaska Cruises

Interesting fact: Alaska ranks as one of the top five cruise destinations among U.S. travelers. Over a million passengers per year choose to book an Alaska cruise.

Here’s another interesting fact: Alaska’s capital, Juneau, is the only capital city in America that cannot be reached by land. The only way to get there is by air or ship. Actually, that’s true about many parts of the 49th state. As a result, traveling from one Alaskan town to another can be challenging.

The Alaskan territory is brimming with unbelievable wildlife, natural wonders, and devastatingly beautiful scenery. Apart from flying from place to place, an Alaskan cruise is the easiest way to get around. So grab your favorite winter coat and welcome aboard!

Cruising in Alaska offers the opportunity to view hundreds of miles of shoreline and visit multiple ports of call. With over 30 ports of call in Alaska to choose from, you can find an itinerary that’s perfect for you.

Whichever route you choose, cruising to Alaska promises to be a once in a lifetime adventure. You’ll experience things that you won’t find any other place on earth.

Alaska is an incredibly unique travel experience. So we’ve crafted a list of cruise basics that will help you choose your best itinerary and get the most out of your trip.

1. Which Alaska cruise route is best?

Mention an Alaska cruise and the “Inside Passage” immediately comes to mind. But you need to know that there are three basic Alaska cruise itineraries to choose from. You can sail the Inside Passage, the Gulf of Alaska, and the Bering Sea.

ⓘ TIP:  The best way to avoid getting seasick on a cruise is to choose an Inside Passage itinerary. Those waters are the calmest.

Even the most seasoned cruise travelers are often surprised at the options. Not all itineraries begin and end in the same city, either. If you choose different embarkation and disembarkation points, you will be able to add on a few days of land touring before flying home. Known as a cruisetour or land-and-sea package, it offers time for fishing, hunting, hiking, or just relaxing off the grid, away from it all.

Imagine having an opportunity to get out and explore Alaska’s wilderness. Priceless!

Guided tour options. Most cruise lines offer an add-on escorted tour afterward. Transportation, accommodations, and meals will be included, while extras like flightseeing and rafting bring an additional charge.

Independent travel. Or you can do it on your own. If so, find a place that’s interesting enough to be a cruise port, but stay out of town so you can have nature at your doorstep. For example, a rustic cabin in Homer offered by baycrestlodge.com , plus its unique Alaskan blend of nature, art and cuisine would make it a complete destination.

2. When is the best time to visit Alaska?

Many of the large cruise lines now cruise to Alaska on a regular basis. But not that regular, because the state’s frigid winter climate means they can only sail five months per year. Here’s what this means for you: Because cruises to Alaska are in high demand and fill up quickly, it’s essential to book early.

But when exactly should you travel?

Peak season. Alaska’s peak tourism season runs from the beginning of June until the end of August. These three months accommodate millions of travelers, all eager to experience Alaska’s midnight sun .

This comes with a caveat: Higher demand means higher prices.

Shoulder season. Although in not as high a demand, the shoulder season months of May and September are still good times to visit the area. Alaskan cruise prices are lower, but the trade-off is that weather can be a bit colder and is known to be unpredictable.

On the other hand, the days are shorter during shoulder season. The extra darkness means you have a better chance to witness the bright colors of the Northern Lights.

3. What weather should I expect?

Summertime. In the summer months, it is not unusual to have warm days reaching up to 80 degrees in Alaska . That being said, it can also easily drop over 40 degrees in a single day between day and night so you will need to pack appropriately. Dressing in layers that can easily be added or removed is a good idea.

Shoulder season. If you travel during shoulder season, it’s important to prepare for any kind of weather. It is not uncommon to have blizzard storm conditions during the spring or the fall, so pack an appropriate winter wardrobe just in case.

ⓘ TIP:  Most of the items from our Europe in Winter packing list will be useful on an Alaskan cruise.

4. How do prices in Alaska compare to the “lower 48”?

Incidental expenses. Your cruise fare will include most essential cruise expenses, such as lodging, transportation, food, etc. However, be prepared to pay premium prices for anything that you need off the boat. Alaska imports most of its goods, making their prices fairly inflated.

Shore excursions tend to cost more here than other destinations. In many cases, you will need to travel farther and spend more time off the boat, making the cost of the tours a bit more expensive. See #6 for a tip on how to save on tour costs.

Getting there and back. Alaska is far from the rest of America, so you may end up paying another fortune for your flights. Alaska Airlines offers the most destinations in Alaska.

ⓘ TIP:  Most Alaska cruises depart from Seattle, Vancouver, Seward and Whittier. Some also depart from San Francisco, Los Angeles and Juneau. You can save money by comparing airfares before selecting your itinerary

5. What can I expect on an Alaska cruise?

Cruising in Alaska is full of quiet grandeur, filled with many hours of sightseeing along the decks of the ship. Once you’re aboard ship, you will notice that most people spend a large part of their day along the decks, watching the passing scenery. Alaska’s magnificent views are the main reason most cruisers choose to cruise here in the first place.

Each Alaska cruise line has its own vibe. Depending on which ship you choose, you could get anything from a subdued, laid-back atmosphere to a Caribbean-style party around the pool every day.

The itinerary could include everything from social events to bingo to photography lessons. There are also conservation seminars and educational tours presented by a resident naturalist. (A cruiser favorite.

ⓘ TIP: If you’re sailing to a scenic destination like Alaska, consider a room with a balcony. You can enjoy the view round the clock. Most passengers agree that it is definitely worth the extra money.

6. What Alaska shore excursions can I take?

Alaska is unlike any other place on Earth, and every cruise port has something special to offer.

Search online for “excursions in ____” and you’ll quickly discover that there are far more options than what the cruise line can possibly offer.

Your cruise ship will offer excursions as varied as whale watching, walking on top of a glacier , and hiking the base of an ancient volcano, but it’s easier and more profitable for them to focus on promoting group activities.

Your time ashore is yours to do with as you please. So if you’ve always dreamed of taking a helicopter tour in Anchorage , book the tour and go!

Cruise lines will offer you all kinds of reasons why you should book your Alaska excursion with them. Take it with a grain of salt. After all, they have a vested interest in steering you toward their options. They make less profit when people book on their own.

ⓘ TIP:   You can save money by booking with Get Your Guide or another reputable tour company. They are used to working with cruise schedules, cancellations are easier, and prices are usually lower.

7. Is it hard to sleep on an Alaskan cruise?

Days are super long during Alaska’s summer season. In fact, you’ll be able to enjoy up to 20 hours of daylight each day, with the night only slightly dimming to a dusky level. This unusual schedule is fascinating to most people and makes it easy to take in your fill of sights.

For some though, a light sky can wreak havoc on their sleep schedules. Most cruise lines offer rooms that have blackout curtains or complimentary sleep masks to help guests sleep better during the lightest hours.

It can be disorienting to realize that it is hours past your normal bedtime and it still appears to be daylight. You may be tempted to stay up late to enjoy the extended day, but it’s a good idea to keep a close watch on time. This is the cruise of a lifetime, so it’s essential to avoid exhaustion or jet lag .

ⓘ TIP:  Use your phone’s alarm to keep your body on a regular schedule.

8. What’s on the menu?

One of the most delicious perks of cruise travel is being able to enjoy local foods and gourmet cuisines. On your Alaskan cruise, you will get a taste of some of the freshest seafood on the planet.But don’t if seafood isn’t your “thing” for whatever reason. They offer a number of options for people on a special diet.

Specialties like fresh Alaskan salmon that are exported to the best restaurants in the world can be enjoyed in the ship’s dining room and restaurant. For salmon lovers, you couldn’t ask for a more delicious opportunity.

If you get the chance to tour and explore the beautiful state of Alaska, expect to have a life-changing experience. Enjoy the grandeur of the landscape and the pristine wilderness along the shores of the Alaskan coast on your next cruise. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

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Written by Dan

Professional photographer specializing in street, food and travel shots.

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Alaska Cruises

Embark On The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise

Find the Best Alaska Cruise for You

Explore the dynamic glaciers, soaring peaks and captivating history of the 49th state on our award-winning itineraries. Sail Alaska’s serene seas to Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier for a chance to witness ice calving, known as “white thunder.” Extend your Alaska vacation with a cruisetour, a combination of ocean cruise and land tour deep into Alaska’s rugged interior.

Cross Alaska’s massive ice shelves, crystal fjords, and fascinating marine wildlife off your bucket list with itineraries that conveniently depart from Seattle and Vancouver. Enjoy perks such as privileged access to Glacier Bay National Park and prime docking locations that give you a head start on sightseeing.

Our cruisetours combine an ocean cruise with a land tour into Alaska’s interior. Watch northern wilderness views unfold from aboard our glass-domed train, the McKinley Explorer®. Stay up to 3 nights at the McKinley Chalet Resort near Denali National Park. Go into the Yukon with a guide.

Find Your Perfect Cruisetour

On this page, why cruise alaska with holland america.

With us, Alaska travel is personal. We’ve been sharing the wonders of Alaska longer than any other cruise line. See the best of the Great Land’s glaciers, coastal towns and wildlife on board perfectly sized ships offering superior service and exclusive programming.

Alaska Wildlife

Few places can compete with Alaska’s wildlife diversity. With more than 20 animal sanctuaries and sightseeing excursions, we bring you closer to creatures great and small. Learn about the Big Five and other amazing animals you might spot.

White Pass & Yukon Railroad

Hop a train back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush. Built during peak gold fever, this 120-year-old iron trail traverses tunnels, trestles and misty valleys to the White Pass Summit at 2,865 feet.

Alaska National Parks

Like everything else in Alaska, the Great Land’s national parks far exceed expectations. Read about Glacier Bay’s seven tidewater glaciers, Denali’s 6-million acres of undisturbed wilderness, Kenai Fjords' astonishing Exit Glacier and other national parks.

Alaska's Glaciers

Glaciers are more than breathtaking rivers of ice. They are living laboratories that show what the Earth was like thousands of years ago and how it is changing today. Get ready for the ultimate glacier experience.

Northern Lights

Many flock to Alaska every year for a chance to witness the aurora borealis. Did you know they are more likely to display during high solar activity cycles? Find out how to pick the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska.

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Meet Alaska's Giants, Face-To-Face

With 75 years in Alaska, we know every nook, cranny and crevasse. We have more Alaska cruise port departures featuring Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. All Alaska cruises include one or more glacier-viewing days, and you’ll get closer to ‘the giants’ on ships perfectly sized for the Great Land.

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Cruise To Hubbard Glacier

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Cruises To Tracy Arm, Alaska

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Stretch out your Alaska cruise vacation with convenient weekend departures. Enjoy a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle on Alaskan Explorer itineraries or from Vancouver on Alaskan Inside Passage itineraries.

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Alaskan inside passage, featured alaska cruise itineraries.

Roundtrip Alaska Cruise from Seattle

A 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle.

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A 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver.

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Choose from seven refreshingly uncrowded ships for a front-row seat to Alaska's splendor.

Fluid lines, light-filled spaces and a blend of modern elegance and nautical tradition make Koningsdam a sublime ship for Alaska cruises.

Eurodam was named “Best for Great Dining & Diverse Destinations” and features a vast selection of entertainment venues and restaurants.

Nieuw Amsterdam

Cruise to Alaska in high style. Nieuw Amsterdam's exceptional onboard experience earned "Best Cruise Ship Overall" at the Travvy Awards.

Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam is fitting for a cruise to Alaska. Museum-quality art outfits this ship, from oils to photographs of music legends. 

An elegant and spacious Alaska cruise ship with fresh floral arrangements and garden-inspired décor. Master frontier flavor with regional cooking demonstrations on board.

Sink into refreshed suites and a new lounge, plus dining and entertainment venues. Take in Alaska’s evergreen fjords and thunderous glaciers on this Vista-class Alaska cruise ship.

Classic nautical finishes and a spectacular art collection make the Zuiderdam the ideal sanctuary for your cruise to Alaska.

Best Shore Excursions On An Alaska Cruise

Top 10 alaska shore excursions, great for families, ideal for adventurers, iconic alaska cruise ports & destinations.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska is one of the best spots along Alaska's Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. Amble historic Creek Street, a boardwalk over a wide creek that fills with salmon during certain times of year.

Skagway, Alaska

Go back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush on cruises to Skagway, Alaska , once the primary gateway to the goldfields. Take a trip on the scenic railroad and still have time to dine and shop.

Convenient Alaska Cruise Departure Ports

Our Alaska cruise departure ports have big personalities and loads of attractions.

Best Alaska Cruises from Seattle

Set out on your Alaska cruise from Seattle’s serene waterfront. Visit its most popular attractions, such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Do as locals do and fuel up at one of the numerous cafes.

Alaska Cruises from Vancouver

Sightsee in this bustling metropolis before gliding the Inside Passage en route to Alaska. Historic neighborhoods and a thriving food scene await.

Alaska Cruises from Whittier

Conveniently located an hour and a half from Anchorage, Whittier is a small town on the shore of the glacier-filled Prince William Sound.

Cruise To Alaska Travel Tips & Articles

• What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
• Planning an Alaska Cruise Itinerary with Kids

• How to Pick the Best Month For Your Alaska Cruise
• The Complete Guide to Alaska Glacier Viewing
• Top Things to Do in Alaska
• Best Places to Visit in Alaska
• Whale Watching on Alaska Cruises

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Reader's Digest

Best Alaska Cruise for Every Type of Vacationer

Posted: May 5, 2023 | Last updated: July 10, 2023

Best time to cruise to Alaska

An Alaska cruise is such a popular bucket-list item because it's one of the best ways to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Not only will you get to see breathtaking glaciers closer than you ever dreamed, but you're also likely to see eagles soaring and whales spouting—often from the deck of your ship. The best Alaska cruises give you an opportunity to explore the Far North from both land and sea, and we've got cruise tips to help you optimize your time and your budget.

The state's long, cold winters are not conducive to cruising, so the Alaska cruise season is relatively short. The best time to travel to Alaska is from late spring to early fall, with peak cruising happening during July and August. Those are also the most crowded and expensive months, so don't rule out September, which is actually the best time to see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise. But with dozens of ships sailing to Alaska, how do you decide which are the best cruise lines for you?

Luckily, when it comes to Alaska cruises, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you're traveling solo or with kids, whether you're looking for total luxury or a bargain and whether you love giant ships or something more intimate, we've found the best Alaska cruises to fit your needs. See which one sounds right for you, and once you're booked, get a head start by checking out these hidden cruise features, cruise ship code words and things you can't do on cruises .

How we chose the best Alaska cruises

To find the best Alaska cruises, we followed expert recommendations and read hundreds of user reviews and ratings. Because I've been on several Alaska cruises alone, with my family and with my husband, I also based my choices on my own personal experiences. After combining all that information, we came up with this guide to the best Alaska cruises.

Best overall

Princess cruises.

Princess has been cruising to Alaska for more than half a century, and they continue to lead the industry by bringing more guests to the state than any other cruise line. In fact, they introduced a generation to the idea of cruising via the hit TV show The Love Boat , which was set on a Princess ship and featured many episodes in Alaska! Because of their deep ties to the state, the cruise line is able to offer a variety of itineraries and shore excursions, and they even own a number of Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks , so you can add a land extension to your trip.

Onboard, there are plenty of activities for both adults and kids, including the North to Alaska enrichment program, which brings the state's culture to you so you can sample fresh Alaska seafood and hear from local celebs like Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race.

• Guests can meet Alaskan Huskies on the ship through Puppies in the Piazza!
• So many options for cruise length, extensions and land and sea packages
• Price is not all-inclusive

Best for families

Disney cruise line.

With lots of outdoor activities and great wildlife sightings, an Alaska cruise is ideal for kids, and not surprisingly, no one does it better for them than Disney . Kids will love whale watching, panning for gold, searching for black bears and going dog sledding—and they'll equally love everything Disney has planned for them on the Disney Wonder, from live shows ("Frozen" takes on a whole new meaning in Alaska) and character greetings to kids clubs they won't want to leave to themed pools and restaurants. Little ones will be just as happy to see Goofy as they are to see a glacier, making this the best cruise for kids . Before you go, check out these Disney cruise tips .

• Disney is beloved by kids of all ages
• The focus is on families
• On the pricier side

Best adults-only

If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska without the distraction of little kids, you'll be in good company on Viking . Their gorgeous ocean ships sail with a maximum of 930 passengers, all over the age of 18, so you can indulge in adult conversation over a bottle of wine or a cocktail or two. One of the many features that makes Viking the best adult-only cruise is that every single room comes with a private veranda, so you can take in the views and feel that fresh Alaska air with no one else around—and without paying extra. You can also get away without paying additional fees for shore excursions, because one is included in every port, giving you an opportunity to see the highlights of destinations including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka and Valdez.

• Every stateroom has a veranda
• A shore excursion is included in every port
• Optional cruise extensions let you explore Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage on land
• The shortest Alaska cruise is 11 days

Best for solo travelers

Norwegian cruise line.

Cruising has traditionally been a bit of a challenge for solo travelers because of the single supplement that basically makes them pay the same price for a room as two people sharing a room would pay in total. Not with Norwegian , the best singles cruise ! The first cruise line to build staterooms and common areas specifically for solo travelers, they've made it easy for singles to cruise to Alaska comfortably and affordably. The Studio Lounge is a welcoming spot to meet other solo travelers so you can join up for meals or shore excursions to places like Dawes Glacier and Icy Strait Point.

• No single supplement
• A dedicated lounge just for solo travelers
• Lots of families and kids, which may not appeal to solo travelers

Best for couples

Celebrity cruises.

The best cruise for couples , both straight and gay, Celebrity offers lots of opportunities for romantic experiences in Alaska, from hiking through a rainforest in Juneau to cuddling up during a ride back in time on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. On the ship itself, there are lots of spots where you can take some Instagrammable selfies with the majestic Alaska scenery behind you. What a backdrop for a wedding, honeymoon or vow renewal! Consider upgrading to The Retreat, Celebrity's exclusive ship within a ship, for a more private and intimate cruise.

• Many options for cruise length
• Offers land tour extensions
• Families with kids may disrupt the romantic atmosphere

Best budget

Carnival cruise line.

Yes, you can visit Alaska without spending a fortune, thanks to Carnival . You may not get all the bells and whistles that you would on more expensive cruises, but the views don't cost anything, and they're all around you as you chill by the pool or take advantage of one of the many activities and dining venues included in your fare. Save money to use for shore excursions by opting for an interior room, since you won't be spending much time in your cabin anyway.

• Affordable way to see Alaska
• Lots of cruise length options
• The party atmosphere may not be for everyone

Best luxury

Regent seven seas.

Regent's Seven Seas Explorer is all about luxury, from its all-suite design to its all-inclusive fares , which cover airfare, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants, gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry and unlimited shore excursions. With only 750 passengers, service is exceptional and personal. Itineraries can be customized to fit your specific interests, whether you want to take a glacier hike, immerse yourself in Alaska's history or eat your way through the state.

• Truly an all-inclusive cruise
• All-suite accommodations are roomy and plush
• Only one Regent Seven Seas ship sails to Alaska

Best small ship

Seabourn cruise line.

A great choice for fans of smaller, more intimate ships, Seabourn's Odyssey holds 450 passengers and treats them to a personal, all-inclusive luxury experience. Smaller ships can take you to spots where the bigger ones just can't fit, and the Ventures by Seabourn program offers optional excursions where you can get up close and personal with some of Alaska's most awe-inspiring sights via kayak and Zodiac. You'll be sailing with a world-class expedition team, including a marine biologist, ornithologist, geologist, historian, photographer and natural experts who share their knowledge through lectures and casual conversations during scenic cruisings.

• All-inclusive
• Offers 7- to 14-day cruises
• Gets you closer to Alaska's natural beauty

Best large ship

Royal caribbean cruises.

Built for cruisers who believe the bigger, the better, Royal Caribbean's megaship, Quantum of the Sea, is the biggest ship in the region, with the capacity to hold 4,905 passengers. It also boasts the tallest viewing deck on any cruise ship—perfect for enjoying the stunning Alaska scenery. Three other Royal Caribbean ships sail to the state, as well—all big and beautiful and filled with enough activities to keep travelers of every age busy, including their signature Rock Climbing Wall, simulated skydiving and surf sessions on the Flowrider. Yes, you can "surf" in Alaska!

• There's literally something for everyone
• Studio staterooms are designed for solo travelers
• It can get crowded

Best for land and sea

Holland america line.

With more than 75 years of experience in Alaska—the longest of any cruise line— Holland America knows the state inside and out and presents you with lots of ways to enjoy it, from both the sea and land. Not only do they feature the most Glacier Bay itineraries, but they're also the only way to see the Yukon in combination with a cruise. You'll get to stay at Holland America's Westmark Hotels and their beautiful McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park, enabling you to get closer to wildlife and explore more of Alaska on land.

The cruise line has also expanded its onboard programming, so guests can engage with an Alaska naturalist, dig deeper into topics like Alaska's bush pilots and learn from a National Park Ranger and local Huna Tlingit guides.

• Every cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska's iconic glacier destinations
• Only cruise line to offer an Alaska cruise combined with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon
• Land and sea Cruisetours range from 9 to 18 days
• Caters to an older crowd

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How to see the northern lights in alaska in 2024.

If seeing the northern lights in Alaska is on your bucket list, this is the year to do it.

How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

Chris McLennan | Courtesy of State of Alaska

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says solar activity is intensifying and will peak (at a higher level than previously thought) in 2024. This means travelers will have more opportunities to see the northern lights around the world .

If you're considering a trip to Alaska to witness this atmospheric phenomenon, read on to discover the best months to visit as well as a variety of viewing options.

The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska

Where to see the northern lights in alaska, northern lights alaska cruises.

• Alaska northern lights tours

Courtesy of Travel Alaska

According to the Alaska Travel Industry Association, the best time to see the northern lights is typically from Aug. 21 to April 21 , also known as the Aurora Season. While the aurora can appear at any time of night, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. are the prime viewing hours.

The winter solstice – which is the shortest day of the year, typically falling between Dec. 20 and 23 – is a particularly good time to be in Alaska for the northern lights. This day affords less daylight and more time to spot the aurora. In parts of Alaska, the amount of daylight during the winter solstice can range from around six hours in Anchorage to less than four further north in Fairbanks. Up in remote Utqiagvik (formerly called Barrow), about 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle, there are roughly 67 days of darkness from Nov. 18 to Jan. 23, resulting in even more opportunities to spot the northern lights.

Of course, 2024 is expected to be a little different. Scientists say solar activity will reach its peak from January to October, expanding the typical time frame for spotting the aurora. Ahead of and during your visit, experts recommend utilizing these forecasting resources:

• Aurora Tracker: Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aurora chaser, you'll appreciate Explore Fairbanks' real-time Aurora Tracker . This online reference shows up-to-the-minute information on the temperature, weather and likelihood of catching the northern lights in Fairbanks. Much of the data comes from one of the world's foremost aurora research centers, the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska–Fairbanks . To further assist in your search, you can also download the My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app on your smartphone.
• Aurora Forecast: For other parts of the state, the Geophysical Institute website's Aurora Forecast has daily forecasts of geomagnetic activity up to three days in advance and taken at three-hour intervals. There's also a summation on the webpage of whether the aurora will be active – or not – and where you'll find the best visibility in Alaska.

Courtesy of Aurora Villa

Below are the top destinations to consider when deciding where to see the northern lights in Alaska.

Fairbanks, known as the Golden Heart of Alaska, sits at 65 degrees north latitude, making it an excellent choice for aurora hunters, especially first-timers. It's easily accessible and offers plenty of accommodations , restaurants and other unique attractions . You can also be outside of Fairbanks within minutes to find excellent northern lights viewing locales.

Your chances of seeing the aurora display are excellent as the city sits where the activity of the polar lights is concentrated – under the ring-shaped zone known as the auroral oval. Local experts say that on clear evenings when the sky is very dark, you should be able to witness the skies light up on an average of four out of five nights in Fairbanks.

Where to stay:

• Aurora Villa : Located on the outskirts of Fairbanks, Aurora Villa offers luxurious guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows for viewing the northern lights in a cozy private space. The modern wooden cabin sits on 10 acres surrounded by forested hills, yet it's close enough to the city (less than 15 miles northeast) to explore all that Fairbanks has to offer.
• Pike's Waterfront Lodge : Located along the Chena River in Fairbanks, just minutes from Fairbanks International Airport, this property offers 180 rooms and 28 cabins for aurora-hunting adventurers. As a guest of the lodge, you can request that the front desk alert you when the northern lights appear – no matter the time of day or night. Pike's Waterfront Lodge also offers amenities to keep guests warm while viewing the light show outdoors.

Talkeetna sits about 115 miles north of Anchorage in south-central Alaska, at the base of Denali, the tallest mountain peak in North America. With its old clapboard buildings, log cabins and roadhouse dating back to 1917, this historic town offers a lot of outdoor fun beyond chasing the aurora. Main Street is filled with galleries, shops, restaurants and a brewery. The quirky village, once a former mining town, was the inspiration for the imaginary borough of Cicely in the TV show "Northern Exposure."

If you visit in December, check out the festivities at the monthlong Winterfest. This event features a parade of lights, a tree lighting ceremony and the Taste of Talkeetna food festival, plus entertaining events like the Bachelor Auction and the Wilderness Woman Competition.

When it's time to look up in the sky for the lights, local aurora hunters recommend heading out of town to Christiansen Lake or past the airport on Beaver Road. If you prefer to stay close by, look north into the sky toward Denali from Talkeetna Riverfront Park.

• Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge : Book a Mountain View room for views of Denali and the Alaskan Range. The cozy lodge offers multiple dining venues, including the award-winning Foraker Restaurant.
• Talkeetna Lakeside Cabins : These cabins provide peace and quiet on a private lake just 12 miles from Talkeetna.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is another spectacular place to view the northern lights in Alaska – not to mention one of the top tourist attractions in the U.S. The National Park Service says almost everywhere within the park is free from city light pollution, so if the conditions are right (meaning that's it's clear and dark enough), you should be able to see the aurora borealis, especially when looking toward the northern horizon.

However, when wintertime rolls around – from September or October through April – it's more difficult to access parts of the park, even though it's open year-round. Keep in mind, too, that the lodges closest to the park are typically closed from mid-September to mid-May.

Where to stay: Located less than 15 miles from the Denali National Park entrance, the Aurora Denali Lodge offers year-round accommodations equipped with queen-sized beds, smart TVs and private bathrooms. Rates at the lodge include a continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking and complimentary hot drinks. What's more, the property says visitors can expect plenty of wildlife sightings, such as bears, moose, lynxes, owls and snowshoe hares, just outside your door.

Coldfoot Camp

Coldfoot Camp is situated above the Arctic Circle in the Brooks Mountain Range, near the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The remote wilderness destination is ideal for aurora viewing since it sits directly under the auroral oval. It's also the perfect locale for backcountry snowshoeing, wildlife viewing and dog mushing.

Where to stay: The Inn at Coldfoot Camp offers rustic accommodations located in trailers that once housed Alaskan pipeline workers. The rooms include two twin beds and a private bathroom and shower. Guests can dine at the on-site Trucker's Cafe, which offers breakfast and dinner buffets in the summer months and all-day a la carte dining in the winter. When you're ready for a cold one at the end of the day, check out the Frozen Foot Saloon and order an Alaska-brewed beer.

If you prefer camping and have your own gear , you can camp free of charge on the property during the summer months. Coldfoot Camp also hosts a selection of year-round Arctic adventures and excursions, including a trip to the nearby village of Wiseman for aurora viewing.

This remote wilderness retreat has just 13 full-time residents. Wiseman is located in Alaska's Brooks Range, about 15 miles north of Coldfoot Camp, 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 270 miles from Fairbanks. The community sits directly under the auroral oval, making it one of the best places in Alaska to view the northern lights. You can expect to see the spectacle in the sky in Wiseman about 250 nights a year, especially between late August and mid-April.

• Arctic Hive : Arctic Hive has the distinction of being the northernmost yoga studio in the U.S. A common fiberglass lodge allows guests to gather for cooking and meals, and meditation, educational gatherings and other activities are hosted in a geodesic dome. Arctic Hive also offers retreats that include northern lights viewing opportunities in February and March.
• Arctic Getaway : This bed-and-breakfast sits between the middle fork of the Koyukuk River and Wiseman Creek, offering three cabins. While here, you can learn what it's like to homestead in Alaska above the Arctic Circle and enjoy outdoor activities like dog sled rides across the vast wilderness, cross-country skiing , pack rafting and flightseeing by bush plane.
• Boreal Lodging : Reachable by vehicle, Boreal Lodging has several rental options, ranging from lodge rooms to larger cabins with living areas and kitchens.

Located in western Alaska overlooking the Norton Sound of the Bering Sea, Nome is the ending point for the more than 1,000-mile, 51-year-old Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race in March. Once the most populated city in Alaska, Nome had almost 20,000 residents and an average of 1,000 new people arriving daily during the height of the gold rush in 1899. Nome is a little quieter now, with a population of less than 4,000 residents.

Where to stay: Some of the best spots for viewing the aurora are at the end of town, where the 52-room Aurora Inn & Suites is located. The hotel conveniently offers car rentals on-site.

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Situated on the banks of the Arctic Ocean, Utqiagvik is the northernmost city in the U.S. The town, formerly known as Barrow, changed its name in 2016 back to Utqiagvik, its traditional Inupiaq name. Utqiagvik is only accessible by plane: Alaska Airlines and other regional carriers offer service from both Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Where to stay: For accommodations, make reservations at a hotel named for its location – the Top of the World Hotel . The property's comfortable rooms offer views of the Arctic Ocean, and the on-site restaurant, Niggivikput (meaning "our place to eat"), serves traditional local dishes like reindeer soup. While you may be there for aurora hunting, don't miss the excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities: You may see polar bears, caribou, foxes, bearded seals, whales, walruses, migratory birds and the great snowy owl on the tundra.

Borealis Basecamp

One of the best glamping destinations in the U.S. , Borealis Basecamp is a remote 100-acre property that sits within a boreal forest 25 miles north of Fairbanks. The property features 20 individual igloos, resembling those you'd find at Arctic research stations and on polar expeditions, as well as five glass cubes. All accommodations allow guests to gaze up at the aurora and the starry night sky while snuggled up in bed. You'll also enjoy many amenities you'd find in a hotel, including full bathrooms with toiletries and a selection of coffee, hot cocoa and tea.

Choose from a variety of packages that include accommodations and activities like dog-sledding, UTV tours, helicopter sightseeing experiences and more.

Getty Images

One of the best times to cruise to Alaska is during the aurora season. Aurora season sailings to Alaska are available with the following cruise lines this year.

If you're interested in excursions for aurora viewing, look for a line that offers cruisetours, such as Holland America. These tours offer the best of both worlds, giving you time on land and at sea to view the dancing night sky. Holland America's cruisetours range from overnight stays just 2 miles from Denali National Park at the McKinley Chalet Resort to a domed luxury train ride through Alaska's backcountry on the McKinley Explorer. On a Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali, look for Alaska's "Big Five": grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves. Just keep in mind that none of the above cruise lines can guarantee you'll see the northern lights during your journey.

The best northern lights tours in Alaska

Jody Overstreet | Courtesy of State of Alaska

If you want to experience the aurora borealis by joining a tour group, you'll find a variety of options led by expert guides and granting you easier access to many of the state's remote destinations, often with other activities included. (Just be aware that, on any tour or excursion, there's no way to guarantee that the aurora will be visible.) These are some of the best northern lights tours in Alaska:

Arctic Dog Adventure Co.: Aurora Overnight Tour

Dog-sledding is one of the top winter activities in Alaska, and you can choose to do it by day or night. If you want to experience an Alaska dog-sledding adventure while chasing the aurora, book a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Arctic Dog's Aurora Overnight Tour. Highlights of this two-day, one-night excursion – which starts in Fairbanks – are dog mushing your own sled team and glamping in a heated tent under an aurora-filled sky. Other features of the tour include cold weather gear, a photography lesson and Alaska-inspired meals.

Alaska Wildlife Guide: Northern Lights & Murphy Dome Tour

Located around 20 miles northwest of the city, Murphy Dome is regarded as one of the best places to watch the northern lights in Fairbanks at nearly 3,000 feet above sea level. This location, once home to Murphy Dome Air Force Station with as many as 250 personnel stationed at the base, now houses a long-range radar station that detects military air threats from overseas.

Alaska Wildlife Guide leads 5.5-hour northern lights tours to Murphy Dome, typically from late August to early April – you can check with the company for day-to-day tour availability. Excursion prices include round-trip transportation from Fairbanks, 360-degree views of the north-facing sky, hot beverages and bottled water – in addition to (hopefully) hours of memorable aurora viewing.

Alaska Wildlife Guide: Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour

This full-day (14-hour) excursion, also offered by Alaska Wildlife Guide, begins in Fairbanks and crosses the Arctic Circle into Alaska's vast and remote wilderness. The tour includes a drive along the more than 800-mile Trans-Alaskan Pipeline and a half-mile walk along the loop at Finger Mountain with views overlooking the Kanuti Flats (depending on the season). Your guide will also stop along the riverbank after crossing the Yukon River Bridge.

During the tour, you'll learn about the history of the pipeline and hear narratives around the other included stops. A snack and warm beverage are included; then, if conditions are just right, you'll have the chance to see the brilliant light show dance across the dark, clear skies before you arrive back in Fairbanks at dawn.

Alaska Journey Tours: Northern Lights (Aurora) Chasing Tour

Get picked up at your Fairbanks hotel (or meet at the Hyatt Place Fairbanks) for this three-hour northern lights tour in a heated SUV. Guides take photos of tourgoers as well as their own photos of the night sky, which are later shared with the group. Recent travelers praise this tour, and appreciate that the guides are always determined to give them the best northern lights viewing experience.

Alaska Tours: Bettles Lodge Winter Adventure

Hosted by Alaska Tours, the Bettles Lodge Winter Adventure is available January to March and August to December. This excursion includes two, three or four nights at this wilderness lodge about 35 miles north of the Arctic Circle. During the winter days, enjoy outdoor Arctic sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing or stay warm indoors chatting with other guests at the Aurora Lodge. In the evenings, you can bundle up and head outside at one of the best places in Alaska to see the spectacle in the sky.

Prices include round-trip airfare between Fairbanks and Bettles, accommodations at the lodge, meals, a village tour and complimentary use of the Arctic gear (in season).

Alaska Photo Treks: Anchorage Aurora Quest

Alaska Photo Treks offers one of the best ways to see the northern lights in Anchorage – and you'll even learn how best to photograph the aurora, which can be a challenge to capture digitally or on film. This experience, the Anchorage Aurora Quest, is available nightly (when conditions are right), typically from mid-August to mid-April. The approximately six-hour guided tour with a professional photographer explains the science behind the northern lights and provides photo tips for budding aurora photographers in a small-group format. Tourgoers are picked up from their hotel by the guide at about 10 p.m. and return around 4 a.m., though that time can vary based on the aurora forecast.

On the Alaska Photo Treks website, you'll find a list of recommended camera equipment to bring. If you're using a smartphone, the tour group suggests downloading an aurora app and bringing a tripod. The company also advises that you'll be outdoors for about two hours, so you need to dress appropriately for the weather. For the best aurora viewing, the guides usually travel between one to three locations within a 70-mile radius of Anchorage. If you're in town for an extended stay, Alaska Photo Treks also offers a four-day pass for even more nocturnal viewing of the auroral activity.

Alaska Tours: Chena Hot Springs and Northern Lights

Chena Hot Springs Resort is known for its therapeutic waters and aurora-viewing opportunities. If you prefer to head out with a guide rather than on your own, book the Chena Hot Springs and Northern Lights tour with Alaska Tours. This package includes a four- to five-hour Aurora Expedition tour, four nights of accommodations, and access to resort amenities including cross-country skiing and snow machine tours.

Alaska Wildlife Guide: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs

Day trips are also an option for those who'd like to enjoy the resort amenities and a chance at seeing the northern lights from Chena Hot Springs. This tour offered by Alaska Wildlife Guide includes admission to the hot springs and Aurora Ice Museum as well as pickup from local hotels. Recent travelers say the tour guides are top-notch.

John Hall's Alaska: Alaska's Winter Wonders

For an extended land tour to chase the aurora – and experience Alaska's magical winter wonderland – book this bucket list eight-day adventure with John Hall's Alaska. The company's Alaska's Winter Wonders tour is offered in February and March; it features up to seven nights of northern lights viewing, as well as adventure-filled days with skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. You'll also take an awe-inspiring flightseeing bush plane ride over Denali National Park, which includes a fly-by of the Foraker, Silverthorne, Hunter and Moose's Tooth peaks before landing on the Great Gorge of Ruth Glacier – the deepest in the world.

If that's not enough adventure, test your skills at dog mushing and curling or take an aerial tram ride. Travelers can also check out the local breweries or just sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views. Additional highlights include spending two evenings under the dancing night sky in one of the domed igloos at Borealis Basecamp, as well as aurora borealis photography lessons.

All-inclusive pricing covers accommodations, meals, luxury land and small plane transportation, fully guided service, gratuities, and baggage handling – plus a black subzero jacket to keep you warm during your Alaska adventure.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times on land trips and by ship for year-round outdoor adventure and to chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She writes about the travel and culinary industries for a variety of major publications.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Packable Jackets
• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

Tags: Travel , Alaska Vacations , Vacation Ideas

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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