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Review of our Norwegian Encore Alaska 7-Day Cruise

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Are you looking for a real-life review, testimony, and photos of a Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise?

We recently had the amazing opportunity to take a 7-day Alaska cruise aboard the Norwegian Encore.

In this article, we share all of our thoughts (the good & the bad) on our Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise as well as give our honest opinion on the Encore ship and its Alaska itinerary.

We’ll also share the Norwegian cruise tips that we wish we knew ahead of time, as well as share our day-to-day experiences on shore excursions and aboard the ship.

With over 15 personal photos included, this is the ultimate Norwegian Encore Alaksa review you’ve been looking for!

Table of Contents

Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise

We chose Norwegian Cruise Lines for our much anticipated Alaska Cruise due to its 7-day, 8-night itinerary that included a day in Glacier Bay National Park (a place that not all Alaska cruise itineraries include) .

We chose to sail on the Norwegian Encore as we were referred by friends who had a great experience, and the fact that the sail dates aligned with our summer vacation week.

Further, we were largely impressed by the enormous amount of family-friendly activities found on the ship that we knew our kids (ages 11, 14, & 16) would love.

Our only other experience cruising together as a family was on a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy that we write about here .

Disney Cruise Line exceeded our expectations in terms of its elegant design, high-end services, and enchanting entertainment and set the bar high for our future cruises.

Keep reading to learn our thoughts on Norwegian Encore Alaska and if we loved it just as much.

Alaska cruises are expensive and involve a lot of scenery and sightseeing versus attractions, character, and thrills.

Though we saw children of all ages on our cruise, I recommend that kids be at least 10 years old for an Alaska cruise- or mature enough to fully appreciate the experience.

Norwegian Encore Alaska Itinerary

For comparison purposes, we took a 7-day cruise on Norwegian Encore that featured 5 ports of call.

Our sail dates were June 11th – 18th and we have an entire article on what to pack and what to wear on an Alaska cruise , as well as the 45 Alaska cruise tips that you need to know before sailing.

Do note that the Norwegian Encore also hosts a 13-day “cruisetour” (land and cruise combo) that includes 6 land tours, and 5 ports of call if that is of interest to you.

Our Norwegian Encore Alaska Itinerary & Map

• Sunday: Embarkation from Seattle , Washington
• Monday: At sea
• Tuesday: Juneau , Alaska
• Wednesday: Skagway , Alaska
• Thursday: Glacier Bay (cruising)
• Friday: Ketchikan (Ward Cove) , Alaska
• Saturday: Victoria , British Columbia
• Sunday: Disembarkation in Seattle, Washington

Other cruise lines, including Norwegian, offer itineraries with varying ports of call.

Different ports of call on a cruise to Alaska include Sitka, Icy Point Strait, Dawes Glacier, Valdez, Seward, Whittier, and more.

*Stick around until the very end of this article for a look at what we did, where we ate, and what excursions we took on each day of our Norwegian Encore Alaksa cruise.

Norwegian Encore Cruise Ship

The Norwegian Encore first launched in 2019 and is part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus category of ships.

There are 20 passenger decks with 2,043 staterooms for up to 4,903 passengers (served by 1,731 crew).

As a side note, the ship was near capacity during our 7-day Alaska cruise at a whopping 4,850 passengers!

While much information can be found on the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) website regarding the Norwegian Encore ship, we find the NCL website somewhat difficult to navigate.

For that reason, we are including a brief overview of our thoughts on the Norwegian Encore cruise ship in terms of the rooms, deck plans, restaurants, and entertainment.

Norwegian Encore Rooms

Norwegian Encore rooms, also referred to as ‘cabins’, are available in various sizes and price points.

Generally speaking, the larger, more luxurious the room, the higher the price.

Standard options include interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins, and upgraded options include The Haven spa suites, penthouse suites, and 2-bedroom family villas.

Hidden at the top of the ship, The Haven suites also feature 24-hour butler service and a private sundeck.

Most Norwegian Encore Rooms, excluding The Haven family villas that sleep 6, only accommodate 3 – 4 guests.

Because we were sailing with our family of 5, we opted for 2 adjoining Balcony staterooms. (There are a limited number of adjoining staterooms on the Norwegian Encore that make a perfect option for larger families and groups.)

They are connected by a doorway within the rooms, as shown in the photo below.

Norwegian Encore balcony room review:

• We stayed in rooms 10220 and 10222 (Deck 10, mid-ship).
• Modern, spacious, clean, and adequate storage.
• Super comfortable beds and luxurious bedding (We all loved the beds and slept wonderfully – in addition, we did not feel the ship’s motion.)
• A large bathroom that includes toiletries; powerful toilets.
• The balcony was larger than expected and includes 2 chairs and a table.
• Could opt in or out of daily room cleaning via a wall switch.
• Overall impression: Exceeded our expectations, would recommend to others.

Norwegian Encore Deck Plans

As you may know, the Norwegian Encore is a HUGE ship.

In order to not feel overwhelmed by the size of the Norwegian Encore, I highly recommend that you study the ship’s deck plans prior to departing on your Alaska cruise.

Familiarize yourself with where your stateroom is in relation to the complimentary dining, main atrium, Observation Lounge, and pool deck.

Then get comfortable with where the bars, restaurants, theater, spa, and casino are in terms of being in the front (fwd), or back (aft) of the ship.

Cruisedeckplans.com allows you to make and print a custom map (pdf) of up to 5 decks on the Norwegian Encore. (Personally, we printed off 2 separate sheets, one with Decks 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 on it, and the other with Decks 6, 7, 8, and 10, where our stateroom was.)

We found this incredibly helpful and used our custom deck plans as a ‘map’ that we carried with us at all times on the ship to help us get around. (Use these sheet protectors to keep your deck plans intact.)

When you first embark on the ship, you enter Deck 7 of the Norwegian Encore. (Immediately proceed to Deck 6 to make dining and showtime reservations – more on that coming up in ‘Tips’)

The decks we visited the most were Deck 6 (main atrium, guest services, and Starbucks), Deck 7 for the Encore Theater and The Local Bar & Grill (our favorite complimentary dining venue), and Deck 16 (main pool deck and the Garden Cafe buffet).

Norwegian Encore Restaurants

The Norwegian Encore has plenty of complimentary dining options including the Garden Cafe main buffet, a 24-hour eatery of classic pub fare at the Local Bar & Grill, and sit-down meals at Taste, Savor, and the Manhattan Room.

Taste, Savor, and the Manhatten Room all feature the same daily, rotating menu. (These are all “Freestyle dining”, meaning no reservations are needed.)

Specialty dining  (that is priced per person and often times included in cruise promotions) includes seafood at Ocean Blue, Italian at Onda by Scarpetta, Asian at Food Republic, Japanese at Teppanyaki, Mexican at Los Lobos, French at Le Bistro, BBQ at Q Texas Smokehouse, and Cagney’s Steakhouse, as well as Dolce Gelato and Coco’s for sweets. (Reservations required.)

There are also numerous  bars and lounges , including The District Brewhouse, Cellars Wine Bar, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, and Maltings Whiskey Bar, among others! 

The Observation Lounge on Deck 15 has several drink and snack stations making it a wonderful place to relax during the day.

It is also a good alternative for those looking for a light breakfast or lunch. Food items include danishes, mini quiche, fruit, bread, cheese, fruit, and desserts.

You have to get to the Lounge very early in the morning to find a good seat, however. It is a very popular lounge, and people tend to ‘save seats’ as well as ‘camp out’ there for an entire day. Head to the back and you’ll almost always find a table near the bar.

Specialty Dining Reservations

Depending on which type of stateroom you’re staying in, you can make specialty dining and entertainment reservations 90 – 130 days in advance.

Be sure to check this page as to when you can make reservations, and book your selections ASAP. Only a certain percentage of reservations open ahead of time, and popular restaurants and dining times book up fast,

If you fail to get the restaurant or reservation time of your choice, head to Deck 6 (in Teppanyaki) immediately upon boarding the ship as this is when the remaining reservations are released.

Thoughts on the Norwegian Encore restaurants:

• The Garden Cafe buffet is very busy during breakfast. We prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and ate breakfast at The Manhatten Room on most days.
• The Local Bar & Grill has a fun atmosphere that overlooks the main atrium. We had consistently good food, service, and drinks there. Our favorites were the chicken wings, loaded nachos, and burgers.
• The Manhatten Room is very busy during evening dinner hours. We mostly ate dinner at Taste or Savor for dinner- although all 3 have the same menu, so it’s just a matter of where you can get a table.
• Our cruise promotion included 2 specialty dining meals per person. We ate at Cagney’s Steakhouse and Q Texas Smokehouse.
• We LOVED and highly recommend Cagney’s Steakhouse (had filet mignon – Yum!), however, would not go to Q Texas Smokehouse again. The food at Q was good, but the service was mediocre and the ambiance was casual and dark – needed our phone flashlight to read the menu.
• Overall impression: Exceeded our expectations; the food on the ship was tasty and delicious.

Norwegian Encore Dining Tips

• When going to the Garden Cafe , have 1 person from your party search for and reserve a table while the others get their food. It is always busy and can be hard to find a table there. Your best option is to find a table in the back of the cafe.
• Complimentary soft-service ice cream machines are in the Garden Cafe. They are very popular! There is also hand-scooped ice cream in the Garden Cafe at a station.
• If we had to choose again, we would go to Ocean Blue instead of Q Texas Smokehouse.
• If the 2 specialty dining restaurants were not included in our cruise promotion, I personally would only pay out-of-pocket to visit 1 specialty dining restaurant (Cagney’s) . We found that there was plenty of variety in the main, complimentary dining.
• If you don’t mind eating early, get to the main dining rooms for dinner 5 minutes before their evening opening time. This will ensure immediate seating and quick service.
• The District Brewhouse beers, Sugarcane’s mojitos, and Maltings specialty cocktails and whiskies are awesome. Ask the bartenders for a ‘snack mix’ as all of the bars have small containers of nuts/corn nuts if you ask for them.
• At random times during the cruise, there is an additional tax on alcohol (something due to international waters/regulations) that you may or may not be warned about.
• I felt that the restaurant attire was much more casual than I anticipated.

Norwegian Encore Entertainment

The Encore offers dozens of onboard  activities , including a go-kart track (singles and doubles), laser tag, VR arcade, outdoor pools, hot tubs, and water slides, as well as a fitness center, jogging track, casino, and spa.

( NOTE: Go-karts, laser tag, the Galaxy Pavilion VR arcade, casino, and spa all cost an additional fee. Go-karts, laser tag, and the spa require reservations.)

There are also stand-up comedians, karaoke, and magic shows, as well as live music, trivia, and fun presentations in The Atrium.

The musical performance Choir of Man was the headliner show while we were on our cruise. It plays 4 different times during the 7-day itinerary and requires reservations.

All of the information regarding the next day’s activities and showtimes can be found in the daily newsletter called Freestyle Daily.

A paper copy of Freestyle Daily is placed outside of your stateroom each afternoon, and can also be found on the NCL app , or at Guest Services.

Thoughts on Norwegian Encore Entertainment

• Reservations are required for Choir of Man and can be booked ahead of time online per this chart , and then again when on the ship.
• Choir of Man was absolutely amazing, however, we wished there had been an additional main-stage production. We ended up going to Choir or Man twice both because we loved it, and because there were no other options for nighttime shows.
• Go-karting ($15 per person) at Encore Speedway, and laser tag ($9.95 per person) also require reservations, which we feel is a bummer and makes it hard to be spontaneous. Reservations filled up fast on sea days, and we ended up only being go at random ‘off times’ and were not able to go as often as we had planned.
• Encore Speedway closes unexpectedly due to weather. If you have a reservation during a weather delay, you are reimbursed but have to rebook on your own. In our case, there were no reservations left, which meant we were not able to rebook.
• There are always fun activities going on in The Atrium . Grab a seat in between performances as the seating area is limited. The Atrium Bar has quick, friendly service.
• We don’t have any tips on the casino or spa as we did not go there.
• Overall impression: Met our expectations, however, wished there were more shows as well as onboard movies shown on the big screen.

In order to avoid having to micro-manage the onboard activity fees during our sailing, we purchased each of our 3 children a set amount of onboard credit.

The onboard credit was applied to their keycards for them to use at their leisure.

This allowed them to plan ahead of time which activities they wanted to spend their onboard credit on and prevented overspending.

Norwegian Cruise Tips

Be sure to download and familiarize yourself with the Norwegian Cruise Line app. You can manage your entire trip from the app, and it does not require WiFii when being used on the ship.

NCL is not very forthcoming on when and how to make dining and show reservations, so mark your calendars accordingly . Once onboard, make reservations at the Guest Services on deck 6, or at the electronic touchscreen kiosks located at each elevator bay.

Also, on the Norwegian Encore, note that the fish on the hallway carpet always swim forward pointing to the front of the ship.

Knowing this will help you maneuver around the ship better.

Last, watch for NCL cruise promotions! We were able to get a “Free at Sea” promotion that includes unlimited open bar, 2 free specialty dining restaurants per person, free WiFii, and $100 off per shore excursion per stateroom. (For the first 2 people on the reservation.)

Tips for Online Check-in and Embarkation

• You choose your port arrival time at the time of online check-in which begins 21 days before your cruise.
• The sooner you do online check-in, the earlier you’ll be able to secure a port arrival time. (I did online check-in at 8 AM, 21 days prior to our cruise, and was able to secure the earliest port arrival time of 9:30 AM.)
• Your NCL luggage tags are mailed to you ahead of time. Place them on your suitcases (after your flight) before boarding the ship.
• Luggage delivery to staterooms is around 3 PM on the day of embarkation. Have a day bag packed of items you’ll need on the ship before your luggage arrives (i.e. passport, medications, swimsuit, sunglasses, etc.)
• Your muster station number will be on your keycard. The initial muster drill is quick and can be done in small groups, at your leisure.

Our 7-day Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise

The day before our cruise our flight from Minneapolis, MN arrived at 8 AM in Seattle, Washington.

Our early flight allowed us to have an entire day to explore Seattle, which we highly recommend leaving or finding time to do.

Upon arrival, we were able to store our luggage at our hotel, Seattle Marriott Downtown , and walk around the city from there.

We’ve written an entire article on how to spend 1-day in Seattle that will show you what you can realistically do and see in Seattle before your cruise.

Though a bit pricey, I highly recommend staying at Seattle Marriott Downtown before your Norwegian cruise!

Terminal 66 is literally right across the street (you can see the Encore directly outside the hotel windows!) and you simply walk there the morning of your cruise.

The hotel will also store your luggage for you before and after your cruise based on your flight times and if you’ll be walking around Seattle.

Day 1: Seattle, Washington

There is more than 1 cruise terminal in Seattle, so it is important to know that the Norwegian Encore ports at Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66.

At your port arrival time, enter the cruise terminal, go through security, check-in, and you’ll be given a boarding group number.

Passengers are then held in a waiting area (coffee/tea/juice are provided) until the captain signals that boarding may begin. (Exact boarding time varies by the day and is at the captain’s discretion.)

Boarding for boarding group #1 typically begins anytime after 11 AM (ours was at 11:30 AM).

Have a plan for when you initially get on the ship. I suggest first going to Deck 6 to make all dining reservations (at Teppanyaki), then all showtime reservations (at The Social Comedy Club).

Then head to your muster station for a brief safety overview.

Afterward, I recommend going to The Local for lunch. It is very laid back and overlooks the activities in the main atrium.

• 9:15 AM: Got in line (which was already 30 people deep) for our 9:30 port arrival time.
• 11:30 AM: Boarded the ship
• 11:40 AM: Made dining and show reservations, did muster station drill, made go-kart and laser tag reservations at a touchscreen kiosk
• 12:15 PM: Lunch at The Local Bar & Grill
• Toured the ship and took photos
• 5:00 PM: Departure. Went to the Sail Away pool deck party.
• 6:30 PM: Dinner at Taste
• 7:30 PM: Comedian in the Encore Theater

Day 2: Day at Sea

Any pre-booked shore excursion tickets are placed in your room on this day.

As on every day of the cruise, we spent our downtime relaxing, playing cards and cribbage in The Atrium, attending presentations & shows, eating, drinking, and enjoying the ship.

• 8:00 AM: Breakfast at The Manhatten Room
• 11:30 AM: Lunch at The Local
• 6:30 PM: Dinner at Cagney’s Steakhouse
• 7:30 PM: Choir of Man performance in Encore Theater
• 9:00 PM: Adult-only comedy shows at Social Comedy Club

Day 3: Juneau, Alaska

• 11:30 AM: Lunch at Garden Cafe
• 3:30-9:00 PM: Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Quest shore excursion
• 9:30 PM: Late-night snacks at The Local before going to bed

Recommendations if touring downtown include Red Dog Saloon and Tracy’s King Crab Shack.

Day 4: Skagway, Alaska

We needed our passports on this day’s excursion as our tour entered Canada.

• Morning hot tubbing
• 11:30 AM: Light lunch in the Observation Lounge
• 12:30-5:30 PM: White Pass Railway and Suspension Bridge shore excursion
• 6:45 PM: Reservations at Q Texas Smokehouse (specialty dining)
• 8:00 PM: Encore Speedway go-kart reservations
• 8:30 PM: Laser tag reservations
• 9:30 PM: The Beatles Invasion performance in Encore Theater

Recommendations if touring downtown include Red Onion Saloon, Klondike Doughboy, Skagway Brewing Co., and Alaska Christmas Store.

Day 5: Glacier Bay (Cruising)

This was, by far, the most scenic day of our Alaska Cruise as Glacier Bay National Park is absolutely stunning.

National Park rangers come aboard the ship and narrate about the glaciers and wildlife you see, as well as share stories about the park’s history.

The narration can be watched live in the Observation Lounge and is simultaneously broadcasted on your stateroom TV and on a large screen in The Atrium.

In addition, the captain opens up the bow of the ship on Deck 8 for this day only, and passengers can enjoy coffee, tea, and hot chocolate while viewing Glacier Bay outdoors.

• 8:00 AM: Went out to the bow of the ship to view Glacier Bay
• 9:30 AM: Breakfast at The Manhatten Room by the windows overlooking Glacier Bay
• Listened to the park ranger talks throughout the day
• Watched the views, glaciers, and wildlife sightings from our balcony stateroom
• 12:30 PM: Light snacks in the Observation Lounge
• 7:30 PM: Comedy Show in Encore Theater

Day 6: Ketchikan, Alaska

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast at Garden Cafe
• 8:15 AM-12:00 PM: Backcountry Jeep and Canoe Safari shore excursion
• 12:30 PM: Lunch at The Local
• 5:00 PM: Encore Speedway reservations (canceled due to rain)
• 5:15 PM: Dinner at Taste

Day 7: Victoria, British Columbia

Disembarkation instructions are placed in your room on this day.

• 12:00 PM: Lunch at Garden Cafe (ate on the pool deck as it was a beautifully sunny day)
• Afternoon: Sat outside around the pool all day enjoying sunshine and live music; kids went on waterslides
• 4:00 PM: Magic show in Encore Theater
• 5:00 PM: Dinner at Savor
• 8:00 PM: The ship arrived at the port in Victoria. We did not get off the ship as the timing was too late for us and we did not want to do an evening shore excursion.

Day 8: Seattle, Washington

• 9:00 AM: Disembarked the ship
• 1:30 PM: Flight home

Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise Conclusion

With an Alaska cruise having been on our bucket list for quite some time, I feel such happiness having gotten to take our family on this epic Alaskan adventure.

Overall, our experience on our Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise exceeded my expectations in our ship choice, itinerary (that included Glacier Bay), shore excursions, stateroom comfortability, and food quality – as well as Alaska in general.

We would have liked to have experienced more shows on the ship, as well as wish the family-friendly activities (go-karts & laser tag) did not cost extra money and did not require reservations.

I would highly recommend the Norwegian Encore for an Alaska sailing as well as Alaska overall in terms of a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation experience.

Happy travels!

*Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find our exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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The 8 top alaska cruise lines of 2024.

Discover the best lines and itineraries for your type of travel style.

The Top Alaska Cruise Lines

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

A cruise vacation to Alaska is a profound adventure. The spectacular natural beauty, rugged wilderness, massive glaciers and endless opportunities for wildlife viewing make a trip to the 49th state a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers. As an added bonus, cruise ships can reach remote parts of the state, including Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve: one of the most significant (and picturesque) marine and wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

With the ever-growing popularity of the destination and an extended cruising season (some lines now travel to Alaska between April and October), more ships are heading north to the shores of The Great Land. With these expanded itineraries, there's more than ever to think about when booking your Alaska cruise.

To assist in your decision-making process, U.S. News listed the top cruise lines to consider across five categories, including the best options for families , luxury-seekers and adventurers. U.S. News consulted data provided by Cruiseline.com and the results of our 2024 Best Cruise Lines rankings to help develop this list of the top cruise lines sailing to Alaska.

• Best Overall: Holland America Line; Princess Cruises
• Best for Families: Norwegian Cruise Line; Royal Caribbean International

Best for Couples: Celebrity Cruises

• Best Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Silversea Cruises

Best Small-Ship Expedition Line: UnCruise Adventures

Find your perfect cruise

Best Overall: Holland America Line and Princess Cruises

Holland america line.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Alaska cruise ships: Eurodam , Koningsdam , Nieuw Amsterdam , Noordam , Westerdam , Zaandam Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Anchorage , Fairbanks and Whittier, Alaska; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia Starting from: $379 per person for seven-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise on May 1, 2024, or Sept. 22, 2024. Round-trip from Vancouver.

Holland America Line has been cruising Alaska's pristine glacial waters for more than 75 years – longer than any other cruise line. On top of that, the line features more voyages to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve than its competitors. Seven-night round-trip sailings depart from either Seattle or Vancouver, while cruisetours – Holland America Line 's sea- and land-based packages – leave from several cities and extend each trip to nine to 18 days.

If this will be your first visit to Alaska, consider booking the comprehensive 14-day Yukon + Denali cruisetour. This Alaska adventure includes a voyage aboard Koningsdam, plus a three-night stay at Holland America's exclusive lodge in Denali National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to see Alaska's big five: moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves – and book bucket list activities like flightseeing over Denali. If it's a picture-perfect day, your pilot might even be able to land on the tallest mountain in North America, also known as "The Great One." Other excursions include meeting dog mushers from the Iditarod, landing on the Yanert Glacier, heli-hiking or embarking on a covered wagon adventure on the Alaska tundra. The Yukon Territory portion of this trip is exclusive to Holland America; while there, visit the mining town of Dawson City and learn about Northern Canada's Klondike Gold Rush of August 1896.

Another highlight of sailing Alaska with Holland America is the Alaska Up Close program, which immerses guests in an array of expert-led lectures and excursions on board and shore. When it comes to dining , Holland America is the only cruise line to achieve the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification, which means cruisers will enjoy certified sustainable wild Alaska seafood on board (think: Alaskan king crab legs and fresh salmon). You may also have access to culinary excursions in partnership with Food & Wine magazine, as well as special offerings like Alaska salmon bakes.

Cruisers should also consider one of the Holland America's new itineraries for 2024: the 28-night Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice voyage aboard Westerdam, round-trip from Seattle. This sailing, which departs on June 9, 2024, features highlights like crossing the Arctic Circle; celebrating the summer solstice in Nome, Alaska; and watching Kodiak bears – the largest bears in the world – on Kodiak Island.

Insider tip: Sample Holland America Line's famous Dutch pea soup while glacier viewing on the outside decks. The crew passes around mugs of the warm soup in this Holland America tradition that gives a nod to the line's heritage – and keeps guests warm on chilly summer days in Alaska.

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Grand Princess , Sapphire Princess , Royal Princess , Ruby Princess , Majestic Princess , Discovery Princess , Crown Princess Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seattle; Anchorage, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; San Francisco ; Fairbanks, Alaska Starting from: $398 per person for seven-night cruise from Anchorage (Whittier, Alaska) to Vancouver on May 18, 2024

Princess Cruises has a long history in Alaska, boasting more than 50 years of sailing to the Great Land. Cruise itineraries last between seven and 14 nights, and many visit the Inside Passage. Princess Cruises also owns and operates five wilderness lodges for guests of its cruisetours, plus exclusive "Direct to the Wilderness" rail service to those properties. The line's wide selection of cruisetours includes independent adventures and off-the-beaten-path destinations, like Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, the largest national park in the U.S. For travelers seeking the highest level of service and the most time on land, the Connoisseur cruisetour is a good option, including up to 10 nights ashore following the seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise. The Connoisseur trip is hosted by a tour director and includes select sightseeing outings and most meals in the fare.

Princess' special programming, North to Alaska, offers guests unique insights into the history and culture of the region with visits from local Alaskans, photography sessions, demonstrations on lumberjacking and excursions like Cook My Catch, where guests will go fishing (with a guide), then bring their fish back for chefs to prepare for dinner at one of the designated Princess lodges.

There are two new Princess cruisetours to consider for 2024. The 15-night National Parks Tour includes a seven-day cruise, visits to five national parks, scenic rail travel and a total of eight evenings across four Princess wilderness lodges. Meanwhile, the Katmai National Park Tour is a nine-day adventure that takes guests to the famed Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park & Preserve to see bears feasting on wild salmon in Alaska's wilderness.

Insider tip: While visiting Denali National Park, be sure to check out the Princess Treehouse at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Built by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," the treehouse offers a different perspective of Denali and features "Sappy Hour" and other fun activities.  

Best for Families: Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International

Norwegian cruise line.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Alaska cruise ships: Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Bliss , Norwegian Jewel , Norwegian Sun , Norwegian Spirit Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seattle ; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seward, Alaska Starting from: $349 per person for seven-night sailing between Seward and Vancouver (itineraries visit Hubbard Glacier and Skagway, or Glacier Bay, Skagway and Juneau). Available on Norwegian Jewel in April, May and June 2024.

Norwegian Cruise Line has one of the longest seasons in Alaska, extending from April through October. The line operates two of its larger ships in Alaska: Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore. These ships feature a plethora of onboard activities to keep kids and adults entertained, like racetracks, laser tag, mini-golf, complimentary kids and teen clubs, video arcades, themed parties, live performances and more. Families will also enjoy entertainment by Nickelodeon, character breakfasts, salmon bakes and sessions with a park ranger who comes on board to narrate the Glacier Bay passage. You'll find many spacious room options on board perfectly suited to larger families – especially in The Haven, the line's exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept. In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line offers select cruise deals where third and fourth guests sail free .

There are two new Alaska shore excursions for 2024: the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Trek and the Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft. The first outing takes place in Juneau , where you'll paddle a 12-person canoe across Mendenhall Lake to reach the towering glacier. Prepare to be surrounded by the spectacular setting of Tongass National Park, a 400-foot waterfall and an Arctic tern nesting ground. The second excursion, also in Juneau, takes participants on a flight into the Alaska wilderness via floatplane; you'll then paddle across a pristine glacial lake and hike the surface of Norris Glacier. Unforgettable sights along the way include densely forested mountains; the mouth of the Taku Inlet, a waterway that offers access to Juneau Icefield; and plenty of wildlife, including sea lions and bald eagles.

Also new for 2024 is the option to take the Denali Talkeetna Explorer tour after your cruise. (This cruisetour previously only took place prior to the voyage.) The 13-day sea and land package, Denali Talkeetna Explorer – Northbound Cruisetour, is available on three dates in 2024 in combination with a Norwegian Jewel sailing. The package includes a seven-night cruise; a total of six nights in Fairbanks, Denali and Talkeetna; a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline; a riverboat cruise in Fairbanks; a visit to an Iditarod dog musher's kennel; a deluxe glass-domed Alaska Railroad journey between Fairbanks and Denali; and more. You'll also have free time to book optional shore excursions like whitewater rafting, park tours, helicopter flightseeing and other outdoor adventures.

Insider tip: If you're sailing on Norwegian Bliss or Norwegian Encore, be sure to grab a front-row seat in the Observation Lounge when sailing in Glacier Bay Park & Preserve. This expansive space on Deck 15 at the bow of the ship offers breathtaking panoramic views from the comfort of inside the ship. 

Royal Caribbean International

Alaska cruise ships: Radiance of the Seas , Quantum of the Seas , Brilliance of the Seas , Ovation of the Seas Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle Starting from: $439 per person for seven-night cruise on Radiance of the Seas, Seward to Vancouver on May 24, 2024

Royal Caribbean International offers seven-night cruise-only Alaska options (some featuring the Inside Passage) and extended cruisetours (lasting nine to 13 days) with land portions before or after the voyage. Cruisetours may visit Denali National Park & Preserve, among other highlights. The line also offers select "kids sail free" itineraries, which will appeal to families.

If you want nonstop entertainment while on board, choose one of Royal Caribbean International 's two larger Quantum Class vessels: Quantum of the Seas or Ovation of the Seas. Both megaships accommodate approximately 4,900 passengers. If you prefer a smaller ship, consider booking one of the Radiance Class vessels, which hold a maximum of around 2,500 guests.

Quantum Class ships have multiple outdoor attractions that provide panoramic views of the scenery. For example, the surf simulator, FlowRider, affords views of magnificent snow-capped mountains and glaciers all around the ship. If you're adept at rock climbing, this is another chance for optimal scenic viewing – at 40 feet above the deck. Additional entertainment includes free-fall skydiving at RipCord by iFly, outdoor movie nights, live performances and musical entertainment, bumper cars, an escape room, a sports court and indoor pools for those cool Alaska summer days.

Insider tip: For more awe-inspiring vistas, take a ride on North Star. Exclusive to Royal Caribbean (on Quantum and Ovation of the Seas), the glass-enclosed capsule rises 300 feet above sea level while suspended over the ocean.

Read: The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Celebrity Summit , Celebrity Edge , Celebrity Solstice Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle Starting from: $397 per person for seven-night voyage on Celebrity Summit, Seward to Vancouver on May 17, 2024

Adventure-seeking couples will have many options to choose from during Celebrity Cruises ' 2024 Alaska season. The line's six- and seven-night cruise-only itineraries include up-close views of the Dawes Glacier in the Endicott Arm Fjord and the Hubbard Glacier, the world's longest tidewater glacier at 76 miles long. For an in-depth exploration of Alaska's interior, Celebrity's cruisetours extend the trip to a maximum of 13 nights and feature small-town destinations like Talkeetna, Alaska – the quirky village that inspired the 1990s television show "Northern Exposure." There are also themed tours centered on wildlife viewing and national parks, as well as culinary tours highlighting the flavors of Alaska.

Couples will also find plenty of adult-focused activities and entertainment on board, no matter which vessel they choose. Each ship offers a spa, multiple bars and lounges, and an excellent selection of complimentary and specialty restaurants. Celebrity's three Alaska-bound ships carry between 2,158 guests (Celebrity Summit) and 2,908 passengers (Celebrity Edge). Celebrity Edge, the newest of the ships, offers immersive entertainment and especially beautiful public spaces – like Grand Plaza, a three-story venue at the heart of the vessel.

For extra privacy during your couples' vacation, consider splurging on a suite or villa in The Retreat. This all-inclusive space features luxurious accommodations; a private lounge; a sundeck (unavailable on Celebrity Solstice); and a private restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat. The swanky culinary venue serves dishes curated by renowned French chef Daniel Boulud. In addition, you'll have a team of attendants, butlers and concierges to indulge every whim.

Insider tip: Book your Alaska cruise on Celebrity Edge. The outward-facing design of the ship and expansive outdoor spaces, including the Magic Carpet, offer guests excellent viewing opportunities of Alaska's vast landscapes, calving glaciers and wildlife, including humpback whales in the Inside Passage and around Juneau and Sitka.

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Best Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises

Regent seven seas cruises.

Alaska cruise ships: Seven Seas Explorer Departure cities: Vancouver, British Columbia; Seward, Alaska Starting from: $4,699 per person (all-inclusive) for seven-night cruise, Vancouver to Seward on May 1, 2024

Regent's Seven Seas Explorer will spend the 2024 season in Alaska, with the first sailing embarking from Vancouver, British Columbia, on May 1, 2024. The line offers 20 seven-night voyages and two 14-night sailings between May and September. The 746-passenger ship provides an in-depth exploration of Alaska's wilderness, thanks to the vessel's smaller size and all-balcony suites. Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' all-inclusive fares include free unlimited shore excursions (though select tours come with a fee); complimentary fine wines and spirits; dining at specialty restaurants; 24-hour room service; unlimited Wi-Fi access; prepaid gratuities; free valet laundry service; and more. Depending on the suite category, guests may also receive a pre- and post-cruise hotel stay with their voyage.

Complimentary shore excursions are available in a number of Alaska ports. In Ketchikan, sign up for the Tongass Rainforest Expedition, the Great Alaska Lumberjack Show or the Alaskan Lodge Adventure & Seafest. (Note: Some excursions in Ketchikan, such as the Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining option, come with an additional fee.) In Juneau, guests can take the complimentary hiking adventure through the Mendenhall Glacier National Recreation Area, home to black bears, mountain goats and other wildlife. Cruisers can also dine on wild Alaska salmon grilled over a fire at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake.

Insider tip: Take advantage of the complimentary shore excursions during your cruise. These are tours you'd normally have to pay for on a ship that's not all-inclusive – and that can add up quickly.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Silver Nova , Silver Muse , Silver Shadow Departure cities: Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia Starting from: $3,450 per person for seven-night cruise, Vancouver to Seward on Silver Muse on Aug. 1, 2024

Debuted in August 2023, Silversea's latest addition, Silver Nova, is the newest luxury vessel sailing Alaska for the 2024 season. Silver Nova features an asymmetrical design and advanced technologies that make it Silversea Cruises ' most environmentally friendly vessel yet. With just 728 guests, spacious suites (some affording 270-degree views) and outdoor spaces showcasing The Great Land's pristine wilderness, Silver Nova is an excellent luxury option for an Alaska adventure. Silversea offers seven-night itineraries on its three Alaska ships, plus longer voyages on Silver Muse and Silver Shadow.

Silversea's all-inclusive fares include pre- and post-cruise hotel stays; complimentary nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages; in-room minibars; gourmet dining; all gratuities; at least one excursion per port; butler service in every suite; and other upscale amenities. Complimentary Alaska excursions include a scenic railway tour aboard the White Pass and Yukon Railway in Skagway, the Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest in Sitka Sound and more. You can also visit the Iditarod dogs' summer camp in Juneau. For an additional cost, Silversea offers more exclusive experiences, like a helicopter ride to Mendenhall Glacier followed by a dogsledding adventure with a team of Alaskan huskies in Juneau, or a remote fly-fishing trip in Sitka.

Insider tip: Spend some time on Deck 10; you'll enjoy unobstructed views of the spectacular scenery from the comfort of the heated pool, thanks to the asymmetrical design of the pool deck.

UnCruise Adventures

Alaska cruise ships: Wilderness Discoverer, Wilderness Legacy, Safari Endeavor, Safari Explorer, Safari Quest Departure cities: Ketchikan, Juneau, Whittier, Dutch Harbor and Sitka, Alaska; Seattle Starting from: $3,600 per person for seven-night cruise, Juneau to Ketchikan (or reverse itinerary) on Wilderness Discoverer; various dates between April and September 2024

UnCruise's expedition-style small ships call on ports and remote areas in Alaska that larger ships can't access, taking guests to locales that the line coins, "UnAlaska." The five ships operating in The Great Land accommodate between 22 passengers (Safari Quest) and 86 guests (Wilderness Legacy), and there are seven-, 12- and 14-night itineraries to choose from. You can also book optional land tours, including a Denali & Talkeetna Wilderness Rail Adventure. Expedition teams take guests on kayaking, skiffing, paddleboarding, bushwhacking, waterfall walks and hiking excursions close to the glaciers and visit secluded areas and waterway passages known for optimal wildlife viewing.

Cruise fares include group transfers to and from the ship; all meals; premium wine, beer and liquor; all nonalcoholic beverages; daily activities; wellness amenities; onboard heritage and expedition guides; and access to guest experts. You'll need to disconnect from your devices in remote areas, as there is no Wi-Fi access on UnCruise vessels.

For a once-in-a-lifetime trip, book the 14-night Alaska's Fjords & Glaciers Bay Adventure Cruise on Wilderness Discoverer, a 76-passenger ship. This voyage includes birding in the South Marble Islands, where you'll see puffins, cormorants, oystercatchers and other bird species. You can also search for brown bears in Corner Bay, bushwhack in old-growth forests, visit the town of Haines to sample local brews and spirits, and more.

UnCruise has introduced a few new cruises for 2024 with a renewed focus on The Great Land. One of these is the Kids in Nature, Wild Woolly & Wow with Glacier Bay cruise. The seven-night, family-focused voyage departs round-trip from Juneau aboard Wilderness Legacy and is available on three dates between June and July. One highlight of the voyage is exploring off-the-grid in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve's "Outback."

A second new option is the seven-night Prince William Sound Explorer with Cordova cruise. This adventure visits dozens of glaciers; the small fishing village of Cordova; the Harriman and College glacial fjords; the islands of Knight and Montague; and multiple places where you can see orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, seals, sea lions, puffins and other wildlife. The itinerary is offered round-trip from Whittier, Alaska, on Safari Explorer throughout the summer.

Insider tip: Depending on your itinerary, you may be able to hop in a skiff directly off the ship to watch bears along the shore hunt for salmon just 100 feet away. This is an Alaska experience you can only have when sailing on a small ship.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica. She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• The Top Northern Lights Alaska Cruises
• The Top Antarctica Cruises
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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• Alaskan Cruises

10 Best Alaska Cruises to Take This Summer, According to Experts

We spoke to cruise experts to find the best Alaska itineraries to book this year.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

With its majestic wildlife, otherworldly glacial scenery, and endless outdoor adventure, a trip to Alaska is one for the books — and the best way to experience it, in our opinion, is by cruise. An Alaska sailing offers travelers the chance to get up close and personal to some of the destination’s most stunning natural wonders (think: Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, the Tracy Arm Fjord, and so much more). Fortunately, when it comes to the best Alaska cruises, options abound, from small-ship luxury sailings and expedition voyages to mega-ships that feel like a floating resort and theme park all in one. Ultimately, explains Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor Eric Goldring , “The question of which are the ‘best’ cruise lines for Alaska really depends on the guest’s desires as there is a balance between how in-depth they wish to delve into Alaska’s nature and Indigenous culture, what type of onboard experience they desire, and, of course, whether the cruise is family-focused.” To determine which Alaska cruise is best for you, Goldring recommends using a travel advisor “who has actually been to Alaska more than once and on different ships” so that you have “access to important first-hand knowledge.” 

According to T+L A-List travel advisor Ashton Palmer , the Alaska cruise season is short (typically from May to September) and availability is limited, which is why travelers should plan their sailings six to eight months ahead of time. While the travel advisor notes that “most trips average a week in length,” he also recommends cruisers allow time to “visit the northern part of the state, including Denali National Park, the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, and Fairbanks,” either before or after the cruise. Several cruise lines also offer land extensions (sometimes called “cruisetours”) to make the experience as seamless as possible. 

While the Alaska cruise season takes place in the warmer months, be sure to pack a few sweaters — and consider dressing in layers. When I cruised Alaska in summer 2022, the weather was (mostly) warm and sunny; however, when we sailed through Glacier Bay, it was chilly, and I was especially glad to have brought a scarf, hat, and light jacket to help brace the chill. Rob Clabbers , another T+L A-List travel advisor , agrees. What’s more, he says, “Weather can change quickly in Alaska, so one moment you may need a sweater, and the next you’re better off in shorts.” 

Meet the Expert

Eric Goldring is a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in expedition, small-ship, and medium-ship cruises. 

Ashton Palmer is a Seattle-based T+L A-List travel advisor who specializes in expedition cruises.

Rob Clabbers is a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in cruises, and he’s the founder of Q Cruise + Travel. 

Dawn Gabree is a travel advisor who specializes in Alaska cruises at Travels by Danielle.

Mary Curry is another T+L A-List advisor who specializes in small-ship cruises to Polar regions and the Galapagos. 

Now that we’ve covered the basics of all things Alaska cruising, keep reading to discover the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, featuring expert insight and award-winning picks.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruisees

Dawn Gabree, a travel advisor at Travels by Danielle who specializes in Alaska cruising, deems Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) "excellent for multigenerational families" thanks to the abundance of onboard activities. "Their larger vessels used in the Alaska market ( Encore and Bliss ) feature must-do activities like go-karting, laser tag, and water slides." On the contrary, "Their smaller vessels ( Jewel and Sun ) provide a more intimate atmosphere over the large ships." Regardless of which ship you choose, expect an array of entertainment options, including Broadway-caliber shows, which Gabree describes as "excellent." What's more, she says, "We saw their production of 'Six' on an Alaskan sailing, and it was phenomenal." The travel pro also loves the World's Best Award-winning mega-ship ocean line for its Freestyle Dining program (read: no assigned seating or fixed reservation times) and plentiful dining options to appease even the pickiest of eaters. Lastly, says Gabree, "A huge selling point for NCL is always their Free at Sea promotion, which includes perks like specialty dining, an unlimited open bar, Wi-Fi, and more. "It's a great value, in my honest opinion." 

Itinerary: The 7-day Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau, and Ketchikan itinerary sails from Seattle on select dates between April and October. Ports of call include Sitka, Juneau, Ice Strait, and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria in Canada. Scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier is also included.

Holland America Line

Tim Rue/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Holland America Line (HAL) — which recently snapped up a 2023 World’s Best Award in the large-ship ocean cruise line category — has been cruising Alaska for over 75 years. HAL prides itself on having more permits for Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line. The cruise line also offers beloved live music programming, which I got to experience firsthand on a summer 2023 Alaska sailing. Most ships boast a “Music Walk,” a section home to venues like B.B. King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard (a dueling piano bar), Lincoln Center Stage, and Rolling Stone Rock Room. After our shore excursions, we’d hop back on board the ship for drinks, dinner, and a nightcap at the dueling piano bar to jam out to hits from Billy Joel and Elton John. All of the above make HAL a popular pick among middle-aged and mature couples traveling without kids; however, onboard our summer sailing, I did notice quite a few small children traveling with their parents and grandparents. 

The onboard culinary offerings are especially noteworthy. While pulling into port one day, I remember digging into a hearty lunch of fish and chips featuring fresh-caught Alaskan halibut. (HAL is the first cruise line to serve fresh, certified-sustainable Alaskan seafood.) As of September, acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto is the Fresh Fish Ambassador as part of the line’s Global Fresh Fish Program . Cruisers can try his flavorful seafood dishes during their sailing. 

Itinerary: As a first-time Alaska cruiser, I thoroughly enjoyed the Alaska Explorer itinerary , which cruises round-trip from Seattle between June and September. Enjoy scenic cruising along the Puget Sound and Stephen’s Passage before calling on Juneau, followed by more scenic cruising in Glacier Bay. From there, it’s off to Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Victoria.

Related: The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List

Royal Caribbean International

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International — or Royal Caribbean for short — offers great fun for families of all ages looking to experience Alaska. As such, it’s no wonder why the mega-ship ocean line is loved by T+L readers and travel advisors alike. What’s more, says Gabree, “Their larger ships (Quantum Class) have equally impressive amenities like skydiving simulators (RipCord by iFLY), the FlowRider surf simulator, and SeaPlex (an indoor recreation center with bumper cars),” says Gabree. The pro is also quick to highlight the North Star observation capsule, which is available on Ovation of the Seas , which cruises Alaska. The attraction whisks passengers over 300 feet above sea level, offering picture-perfect 360-degree views. Put simply, she says, “This is a one-of-a-kind experience when sailing scenic destinations like Alaska.”

The fun continues the minute cruisers disembark in each port, with excursions ranging from dogsledding to private helicopter tours. Back on board, Gabree recommends The Chef’s Table for a truly memorable meal — and I, too, can attest to this. While on board a Caribbean sailing with the cruise line, I had the chance to indulge in this chef- and sommelier-led multi-course food and wine pairing adventure. Four years later, I still find myself dreaming of the delicious circular-shaped dessert known as “The World” — the perfect combo of peanut butter ganache, chocolate mousse, and salted caramel gelato).

Itinerary: Set sail on the aforementioned Ovation of the Seas and embark on a journey through Alaska with Royal Caribbean’s 7-night Alaska Experience itinerary . Cruising round-trip from Seattle, the ship stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka before heading onto Canada, where it calls on Victoria and Vancouver.

Princess Cruises

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Princess Cruises is among T+L readers’ top five favorite mega-ship ocean lines, and its Alaska sailings are not to be missed. Unlike other mega-ship lines, says Gabree, Princess is not at all flashy. That said, she recommends it for “more mature cruisers or those looking for a quieter atmosphere.” So, while you won’t find go-karts or race tracks aboard Princess ships, you can expect incredible educational programming. Don’t miss Puppies on the Piazza, which offers passengers the chance to interact with sled dogs brought on board by local mushers in Skagway. The line also partners with the Glacier Bay National Park rangers and the Discovery Channel to offer unique onboard exhibits and interactive activities like the Jr. Ranger Program. Similarly, says Gabree, “The naturalists that come aboard are extremely knowledgeable.” Last but not least, the service is top-notch. According to the pro, the staff is best described as “attentive and very pleasant.” 

Itinerary: Book the 14-day Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure , which sets sail on select dates between May and September. Passengers will cruise round-trip from Vancouver and visit Juneau, Skagway, Anchorage, and Ketchikan. Bonus: Scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, and Hubbard Glacier is also built into the itinerary.

Related: All 16 Princess Cruises Ships, From Newest to Oldest

Seabourn Cruise Line

Courtesy of Seabourn

This World’s Best Award-winning cruise line combines the best of expedition-style and luxury cruising, making it a popular pick amongst well-heeled, adventure-seeking travelers. Highlights include bespoke service, all-suite oceanfront accommodations (most with private balconies), world-class dining (the cruise line has a partnership with Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller), and, last but not least, a swanky country club-esque atmosphere. According to Goldring, both Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Odyssey offer similar Alaska itineraries in 2024; however, it will be the latter’s final sailing since it was sold. 

Alaska sailings feature a team of academics, scientists, and naturalists, all of whom are on hand to provide expert insight and lead excursions (think: kayaking and Zodiac tours, hiking, bear viewing, and so on). Also, according to Goldring, Seabourn ships “travel no further north than Juneau” and offer a “more intensive and nature-focused experience.” On a similar note, says Clabbers, thanks to the vessels’ small size, cruisers can “spend more time sailing through places like Misty Fjords, where most ships can’t go.” Back onboard, says Clabbers, “enjoy Champagne and caviar when you like, or relax in your suite, the spa, or elsewhere.” 

Itinerary: The 7-day Alaska Fjords and Canadian Inside Passage cruise sails from Juneau to Vancouver, calling on Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, Wrangell, Rudyerd Bay (Misty Fjords), and, finally, Prince Rupert in British Columbia. Scenic cruising through Stephens Passage, Decision Passage, Stikine Strait, and the Behm Canal are also included in the itinerary.

Celebrity Cruises

jewhyte/Getty Images

Those who prefer a “younger atmosphere on a modern, larger ship with lots of bars and restaurants and entertainment” should consider cruising Alaska aboard the Celebrity Edge, explains Clabbers. (While Edge is the newest Celebrity ship to cruise Alaska, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit also sail here . ) Per the pro, the seven-night sailings on Edge “include key destinations like Ketchikan and Skagway,” along with a quick visit to Victoria in British Columbia and scenic cruising through the beautiful Endicott Arm Fjord. Additionally, the World’s Best Award-winning line offers round-trip sailings from both Vancouver and Seattle — as well as one-way itineraries between Vancouver and Seward, the latter of which offer more time to explore (read: fewer sea days).

Regardless of the ship, passengers can expect a wide range of entertainment offerings, an abundance of bars, restaurants, and lounges, and a handful of accommodation options. Speaking of the latter, wellness-seeking duos can reserve an AquaClass stateroom, which includes perks like complimentary dining at the exclusive Blu restaurant, their very own spa concierge, and unlimited access to the adults-only Sea Thermal Suite. Alternatively, for a worth-it splurge, opt for a suite in The Retreat, which includes a dedicated team of concierges and butlers, access to a private lounge and/or sundeck (note that the latter is not available on Celebrity Solstice ), premium drinks, Wi-Fi, and access to the private Luminae at The Retreat restaurant, helmed by chef Daniel Boulud. 

Itinerary : The aforementioned 7-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary on Celebrity Edge cruises round-trip from Seattle and visits Ketchikan, Endicott Arm Fjord (scenic cruising), Juneau, Skagway, the Inside Passage (scenic cruising), and Victoria.

Related: What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Viking Ocean Cruises

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises recently nabbed a 2023 World’s Best Award in the midsize-ship ocean cruise lines category, coming in at first place for the second year in a row. The line’s identical ocean ships offer a sleek Scandinavian design, which only enhances the tranquil atmosphere on board. The luxury adults-only line is also all-inclusive, covering meals, activities, most beverages, Wi-Fi, port taxes and fees, spa access, and one complimentary excursion in every port of call. Cruisers can bask in the mountain and glacier views from the comfort of their private balcony — and, if they’re lucky, they may even spot a whale or two. Finally, in addition to classic ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, Viking Ocean Cruises’ Alaska itinerary also calls on Valdez, which is chock-full of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. 

Itinerary : The 10-night Alaska and the Inside Passage itinerary , which sails between Vancouver and Seward, “is a great choice for curious travelers who have a bit more time and want to learn more about Alaska,” says Clabbers.

Courtesy of Silversea

Those craving a luxury Alaska cruise need not look further than Silversea, says Goldring. Additionally, “While primarily for adults ranging from contemplative to active, Silversea is also a good option for families with more mature children who are more engaged with the journey than onboard child-focused activities.” Silversea guests enjoy all-suite staterooms with butler service and an all-around tony atmosphere. The line’s Door-to-Door All-Inclusive fares cover private airport transfers, economy flights, business-class upgrades or air credits, and shore excursions. 

This luxury cruise line offers classic and expedition-style cruising, the latter of which takes aboard the 274-passenger Silver Wind . (Classic cruises, on the other hand, take place on board Silver Muse , Silver Nova , Silver Shadow , Silver Whisper , or Silver Moon ). Nova and Moon offer the Sea and Land Taste program (S.A.L.T), offering culinary connoisseurs the incredible opportunity to experience the local food scene and culture both on and off the ship. Last but not least, keep in mind that Silversea sails between Vancouver and Seward (with the exception of one September 2024 itinerary, which sails from Nome to Vancouver).

Itinerary : The 7-day Vancouver to Seward sailing on board Silver Nova features Inside Passage scenic cruising and stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka. Before disembarking in Seward, enjoy scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier.

Related: This Is the Cheapest Time to Cruise to Alaska

UnCruise Adventures

Courtesy of UnCruise

“If you are looking for a more casual and laid-back experience, Seattle-based UnCruise Adventures offers down-to-earth trips with enthusiastic naturalist guides, simple accommodations, and hearty local cuisine,” says Palmer. Mary Curry , another T+L A-List travel advisor, echoes these sentiments, explaining that “small ships are the absolute best way to see Alaska if your goal is to immerse yourself in nature and wildlife.” While the cabins are no-frills, Curry stresses that the main focus of the cruise is “getting off the ship and exploring everything Alaska's Inside Passage has to offer.” With that said, when it comes to activities, options abound. Per the pro, travelers can “choose between a menu of included excursions such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, zodiac cruises, whale watching, and more.” All in all, UnCruise really does offer something for everyone. 

Itinerary : For a truly unique Alaska itinerary, consider the Aleutian Islands Adventure with Kodiak, Katmai, and Kenai Wilderness . Cruisers embark in Whittier before making their way to Kenai Fjords National Park, Kodiak Island and Foul Bay, Katmai National Park, Ugashik National Wildlife Refuge, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, the Shumagin and Unga Islands, False Pass, and Unalaska (where they’ll dock overnight in Dutch Harbor before disembarking the next day).

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Courtesy of Nation Geographic

For a true expedition-style experience, Lindblad Expeditions is your best bet. The cruise line offers itineraries in partnership with National Geographic, which have come highly recommended by almost every travel advisor we spoke to. Just take it from Curry, who tells T+L, “If you want to learn about Alaska from a team of exceptional experts, there's no better choice than a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic itinerary. “Every night before dinner,” she says, “We would hear about what we had seen on our excursions that day from the perspective of the experts — naturalists, geologists, marine mammal researchers, and even a diver who would share magical and colorful images from underwater of the area we had explored via Zodiac during the day.” According to the pro, the vessels are “some of the nicest and most modern small ships in the area,” some of which have private balconies along with “little extras” like water bottle filling stations, a mudroom to store gear, and multiple disembarkation platforms to get travelers on and off the ship quickly. Meanwhile, Goldring notes the line’s National Geographic Global Explorers family program, “which focus[es] on interactive and hands-on education with a true naturalist during outings.” As a result, cruisers can expect “a far more enriching experience [than those] offered by most other lines.” 

Itinerary : The weeklong Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness itinerary is “perfect for couples and multi-generational families interested in an engaging and authentic experience exploring the fjords, islands, and small coastal communities,” says Palmer. The itinerary sails between Juneau and Sitka throughout May and September. Along the way, cruisers will visit Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, the tiny fishing town of Petersburg, Glacier Bay National Park, and more.

Related : 21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

Related Articles

Alaska Cruise & Land Tour

Some vacations combine a cruise of spectacular coastal Alaska with a land tour that features transportation by motor coach or train and hotel stays. Before or after your cruise, you might explore Denali National Park in Alaska or the resort towns of the Canadian Rockies, for example.

• The season for Alaska cruise and land tours generally lasts from May through September.  
• Alaska cruise and land tours are typically 9 to 19 nights in length.  
• You can find the most affordable rates in the off-peak periods of May and September.  
• Alaska experiences long hours of daylight during summer, lasting up to 23 hours a day in June.  
• Passengers who end their trips in Anchorage or Fairbanks typically are scheduled to return home on late evening "red-eye" flights.  
• If you need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler

What are the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle ? It depends on what kind of traveler you are.

If you're a parent traveling with teens and tweens, you'll probably want to pick a voyage on one of the big, family activity-filled cruise ships operated by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line that sail out of Seattle each summer.

If you're looking to get away from families with young children — maybe you're a retiree looking to travel with people your own age — you'd want to check out the itineraries operated by cruise lines that cater more to couples without kids, most notably Holland America and Princess Cruises.

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

Other cruises might be best for solo travelers or travelers on a tight budget.

Here we list our top picks for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for six different types of travelers.

Best for families: Ovation of the Seas

It isn't easy picking the best Alaska cruise out of Seattle for families. There are four world-class family-focused cruise ships in the market, each of which is a contender for the best for families title: Royal Caribbean 's Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.

All four ships are loaded with all sorts of gee-whiz family attractions, from bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators on the Royal Caribbean vessels to go-kart tracks and laser tag courses on the Norwegian ships.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean ships, the Norwegian ships also have epic waterslides on their top decks, which in theory, might put them over the top in any listing of the best cruise ships for families based in Seattle.

However, keep in mind that Alaska can be chilly, even at the height of summer, and rainy, too. For that reason, we discount the value of some of the family-friendly attractions on the Norwegian ships, which are open to the elements, and consider the Royal Caribbean ships the best of the bunch for Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Both of the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska from Seattle are loaded with attractions that are protected from the elements, including those bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators. In fact, both Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas were specifically built to operate in areas of inclement weather.

Of the two ships, which are nearly identical and part of the relatively new Quantum class of vessels, we give the 4,180-passenger Ovation of the Seas the nod for best Alaska family cruise ship sailing from Seattle only because it's a couple of years newer. Newer is almost always better in the cruise world.

Related: The 6 types of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

A cavernous indoor activity area on each of the two Quantum-class ships called the SeaPlex is home to the aforementioned bumper cars, as well as such family-friendly activities as roller skating, basketball and even trapeze lessons. The two-level complex also has upstairs nooks for playing Xbox, ping pong and foosball. It's like one big play zone for families that will keep your kids busy for hours.

Each of the ships also offers one of the most unusual attractions you'll find at sea: A glass-enclosed capsule mounted on a mechanical arm that will take you and your family soaring into the sky for bird's-eye views. It's called the North Star ride.

All the above come in addition to many of the core Royal Caribbean attractions you'll find on most of the brand's ships, including pools, rock climbing walls, casinos, spas and Broadway-style shows, plus lots of eateries and bars.

Related: The 9 craziest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Of particular note, given Alaska's weather, is that one of the two main pool areas on each of these Quantum-class ships is enclosed.

Best for budget travelers: Eurodam

Our pick for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers may come as a surprise to many cruise aficionados. That's because it's not the Alaska voyages from Seattle offered by the North American cruise line best known for budget sailings — Carnival Cruise Line .

Carnival does offer cruises to Alaska from Seattle regularly with two ships: Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa. However, while Carnival is the low-cost leader in many cruise destinations, that's not always the case in the market for Alaska cruises from Seattle. Often, the lowest starting prices you'll find on cruises to Alaska from Seattle, on both an absolute and per-day basis, are the cruises offered by Holland America .

For the coming year, for instance, as of this guide's posting, there were lots of Holland America sailings to Alaska from Seattle available for under $750 per person for seven nights — some as low as $429 per person for seven nights.

There were very few Carnival sailings available for under $750 per person, with most Carnival sailings starting around $800 per person or more for seven nights.

We suspect the lower starting prices for Holland America ships as compared to Carnival ships on Alaska sailings out of Seattle is because Alaska cruises from Seattle are round-trip voyages. Many Holland America fans who cruise to Alaska choose a one-way voyage to or from the state that lets them add extra days for touring in Alaska at the start or end of the voyage. Such one-way voyages only are available out of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Holland America — the longtime leader in Alaska cruises, along with its sister company Princess Cruises — is particularly known for "cruisetours" to Alaska that combine a one-way cruise to or from the state with multiple days touring Alaska by motorcoach and train.

Holland America bases two ships in Seattle for cruises to Alaska: the 2,104-passenger Eurodam and 1,964-passenger Westerdam. Starting prices for both are relatively similar, but we give the nod for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers to Eurodam as it's a somewhat newer vessel.

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Encore

No luxury-focused cruise ships sail to Alaska out of Seattle. Still, you can get a variation on a luxury cruise experience on a voyage to Alaska from Seattle on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Encore.

Yes, the 3,998-passenger Norwegian Encore is a cruise ship that generally caters to the masses, not the luxury crowd. However, it has its own "ship-within-a-ship" luxury zone that offers a much more swanky experience for those willing to pay.

At the top front of the vessel, this private enclave, called The Haven, is home to dozens of upscale suites; a sprawling, two-deck-high pool area; a private lounge and bar; and a private restaurant. Only the deep-pocketed swells who can afford one of the suites get exclusive access to these areas.

The pool area, a true stunner, comes with comfortable padded loungers, a pool and whirlpools. Its retractable glass roof is perfect for cruises to Alaska when the weather is iffy. Guests can enjoy the deck, rain or shine.

If living large is your goal, you're not going to find anything better than this — other than with a cruise on a similar Norwegian vessel that also cruises to Alaska from Seattle. Norwegian Bliss, also based in Washington during the summer, is part of the same Norwegian Breakaway-Plus class of vessels and has a similar Haven enclave.

Related: How to turn a mass-market cruise into a luxury experience

Why did we pick Norwegian Encore over Norwegian Bliss as the ship offering the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for luxury lovers? Built a year after Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore offers one big improvement for the upscale crowd as compared to Norwegian Bliss.

On Norwegian Encore, there's a much bigger version of the exclusive, extra-charge Vibe Beach Club sunning area that's on Norwegian Bliss. Home to a full-service bar, cabanas and two hot tubs, the version of the Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Encore sprawls across both sides of the ship (instead of just one side on Norwegian Bliss) and extends upward to a partial deck above. It's just $99 or more per day to get in.

It's yet one more stylish and upscale area for cruisers looking for an upgraded experience to retreat.

Note that there is one other option for upscale Alaska cruises out of Seattle: A voyage on Oceania Cruises ' 684-passenger Regatta. While Oceania isn't considered a luxury line on the level of Silversea Cruises or Seabourn Cruise Line , it has an elegant feel. That said, given the ship's age (it dates to 1998) and limited venues, we're still in the camp that favors a Haven stay on a Norwegian ship.

Best for solo travelers: Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss are also our top picks for ships operating the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for solo travelers. Between these two, it's a tossup, though we put Norwegian Bliss in the headline above since, well, we already gave Norwegian Encore a turn in the limelight with the best-for-luxury category.

Notably, both Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore boast large private zones for solo travelers — something you won't find on any other cruise ship sailing out of Seattle. It's a hallmark of Norwegian's newest and biggest ships.

On each of the ships, the "studio" zones, as Norwegian calls them, are made up of 82 special solo cabins and a private Studio Lounge where solos can gather for happy hours and other events. Only the studio zone on Norwegian's 2010-built Norwegian Epic is bigger.

Passengers staying in solo cabins get exclusive access to the Studio Lounge (using their keycards), meaning a maximum of 82 people will share the space.

A special zone for solo travelers is a rare concept in the cruise world, where almost all rooms for vacationers are designed for two people and sold with per-person fares that are based on two people occupying the room.

The solo cabins in the studio zones are small (measuring 100 square feet) but are superbly designed to maximize storage space (something I learned firsthand staying in one on Norwegian Epic).

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

Solo passengers on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss will also find a sometimes rollicking bar scene, with plenty of counter-style seating in bars that are a great place to meet other solo travelers and friendly guests. We recommend the Sugarcane Mojito Bar on Norwegian Bliss. There, the bartender will muddle your mojitos with raspberry, guava, passion fruit or even jalapeno pepper to spice things up when you're sitting with your new solo friends.

One warning if you're considering booking one of the solo cabins: They've become so popular that they often sell out far in advance and at prices that aren't much better than booking a cabin for two.

Best for multigenerational travel: Discovery Princess

Looking for the best Alaska cruise from Seattle if you're bringing three generations of your family along for the ride? We can think of nothing better than a voyage on one of the two Princess Cruises ships that sail out of the city, the 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess and 3,560-passenger Royal Princess.

Both ships are almost identical, but we give Discovery Princess the edge only because it's newer than Royal Princess. The two vessels were built in 2022 and 2013, respectively.

Princess has long been heralded as one of the best cruise lines for multigenerational travel, in part because its ships offer a little something for travelers of all ages.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships mentioned above, the two Princess ships sailing from Seattle don't have top decks heavily skewed to family fun. Instead, their top decks offer lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas where you can enjoy the experience of being at sea without much hustle and bustle.

That makes these ships more appealing to an older demographic that doesn't necessarily want to be on a vessel that's loaded to the gills with children's fun zones and the younger family travelers drawn to that. Notably, the average age of Princess passengers is around 57, and you'll usually see many couples on board in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

Still, unlike some lines that cater to an older crowd, Princess doesn't ignore the children's market. Both Discovery Princess and Royal Princess offer an extensive children's program that gets high marks from parents, with dedicated Discovery Channel-themed Camp Discovery areas where counselors supervise free activities daily for children ages 3 to 17.

When sailing to Alaska, these ships also offer other kid-friendly events, such as Puppies on Princess, when dog mushers and their newest sled dogs come on board for meet-and-greets (and photos!). In partnership with the Discovery Channel and Glacier Bay National Park, the line also adds such kid-friendly fun during Alaska sailings as a Junior Ranger Program, totem pole decorating and a "Deadliest Catch-"themed crab sorting challenge.

In addition, an onboard Klondike Festival brings added family entertainment, including gold nugget arts and crafts projects, a naturalist exhibition, harmonica music classes and North to Alaska dance performances.

In short, Princess provides an Alaska product specifically designed to appeal to a wide age range. It's the line you take if you want an affordable ship that'll appeal to your 70-year-old parents as much as your 12-year-old kid.

Best for retirees: Westerdam

The best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for retirees, in our view, are the sailings offered by Holland America on both the 1,964-passenger Westerdam and 2,104-passenger Eurodam. We give Westerdam the slight edge for reasons we will explain below.

While Holland America draws some families with younger children, the passengers on its ships skew heavily toward middle-aged and older travelers, including many retirees. If you're nearing or already have hit retirement age and prefer to travel mostly with people who are at a similar stage in life as you, you'll feel right at home on a Holland America ship.

The top decks of Holland America vessels, notably, lack many of the kid-focused attractions found on the top decks of more family-focused ships operated by the likes of Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. That often keeps families with younger kids from booking the ships.

What you will find on the top decks of both Eurodam and Westerdam are more serene sunning areas with pools and whirlpools. Depending on your travel style, that might be all you need.

Related: The best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Both Eurodam and Westerdam mostly sail seven-night trips to Alaska out of Seattle. However, for 2024, Westerdam has added an epic new 28-night Alaska itinerary out of Seattle that will include calls in remote areas that most cruise ships never visit. The new itinerary is one reason we give Westerdam the edge among ships when rating the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for seniors.

It's the sort of itinerary that specifically appeals to retirees with the time (and money) to book such a long trip.

Westerdam is also a slightly smaller ship than Eurodam, and as a result, its demographics on any given sailing are more likely to skew toward a retired crowd. To the extent that families with younger kids book Holland America ships, they are more likely to book one of its larger vessels.

In addition to Eurodam and Rotterdam, two other good choices for retirees considering Alaska cruises out of Seattle are the two Princess ships that sail on such itineraries: Royal Princess and Discovery Princess. Like the Holland America ships, they aren't loaded with kid-focused attractions that draw families.

Bottom line

Nearly a dozen major cruise ships operate Alaska cruises out of Seattle during the summer months, giving cruisers plenty of choice.

What is the best Alaska cruise from Seattle for you? That'll depend on your personal interests and travel style because there are cruises from Seattle that appeal to everyone, including family travelers, budget travelers and retirees.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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7 Night Alaska - Seattle (Sea/Sea)

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered freestyle cruising with a variety of specialty dining restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities, including go-kart racing!

The scenic beauty of an Alaska cruise will brighten your spirit—from breaching whales to snow-capped peaks.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Norwegian Bliss - Passenger Capacity: 4,004 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2018 Last Refurbished:  2021

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Seattle, Washington , Sitka, Alaska , Juneau, Alaska , Icy Strait, Alaska , Ketchikan, Alaska , Victoria, British Columbia

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825 Norwegian Encore 2024 Review | Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise Radio

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In this episode, we review Norwegian Cruise Line's Alaska-based ship, the Norwegian Encore. Launched in 2019, this ship sails through Southeast Alaska during the summer. Matt shares his experiences from his trip, which started in Tampa, Florida, and embarked in Seattle. He provides a detailed review of the ship, including insights into the shore excursions and the onboard amenities on Norwegian Encore.  Follow Cruise Radio on Social LinkedIn  | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube  | Twitter | Patreon    

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Royal Caribbean’s $137 Million Alaska Cruise Port Approved

The Alaska Railroad’s Board of Directors has approved the Seward Company’s purchase agreement for a new cruise facility in Seward, Alaska . Valued at $137 million, this deal kicks off construction for the largest turn port in Alaska’s cruise industry.

The facility, named the Port of Tomorrow, will feature a 68,000-square-foot terminal and a 750-foot, two-berth floating dock suitable for modern cruise ships.

Once complete, the Alaska Railroad will acquire the upgraded cruise port with a 30-year pier usage agreement with Royal Caribbean Group, which owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises.

This new port will allow the company to dock its 4,100-passenger Quantum-class ships.

The agreement grants Royal Caribbean Group preferential berthing rights while allowing the Alaska Railroad to operate the facility as an open dock welcoming multiple cruise lines.

“Large developments are never easy. Today’s greenlit approval was two years in the making,” said Mickey Richardson, CEO of the Port of Tomorrow, representing the Seward Company. “The agreement guarantees cruise ships will continue to serve Seward for the next 30 years and beyond.”

Construction of the state-of-the-art port will begin after the 2024 Alaska cruise season ends in September. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel will be the final ship to use the port on September 23, 2023.

Foundational work will be completed before winter, with pier construction starting in fall 2025, ensuring no disruption to the summer 2025 cruise season, which starts in May with the arrival of Silversea Cruises’ Silver Moon on the 15th.

The port is expected to be complete by spring 2026.

Expansive Growth Amidst Growing Concerns

The new terminal in Seward will be the largest community space in the area, capable of welcoming travelers and handling provisions for cruise ships.

The 750-foot floating dock will be the largest of its kind, featuring freshwater provisioning, fuel supply from a local vendor, and shore power support.

A 150-foot transfer span will connect disembarking travelers directly to an Alaska Railroad train or other ground transportation. The port will also add a parking lot for 48 cars and 32 bus stalls.

Jason Davis, president of Turnagain, the design and build firm for the Seward port , emphasized the project’s significance, saying, “Alaska’s infrastructure growth, and for that matter, the growth of the tourism industry, depends heavily on projects supported by the cruise industry, global travel partners, and Alaskans.”

According to the Alaska Travel Industry Association, the visitor industry is the second-largest private-sector employer in the state, accounting for one in every 10 Alaska jobs and generating an economic impact of over $5.6 billion.

While Seward aims to expand its cruise offerings, other ports across the state are facing growing concerns of overtourism from residents. Juneau, the ninth busiest port in the U.S., recently agreed to restrict cruise guests per day to 16,000, except for Saturdays, which is set to 12,000.

The agreement also limits the number of ships calling per day to five, with residents pushing to have a cruise-ship-free Saturday .

Sitka, Alaska, which welcomes 600,000 cruise passengers annually, is currently seeing residents push to cap its numbers at 300,000 .

Currently, the 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel and the 696-passenger Silver Muse and Silversea’s 728-passenger Silver Nova homeport in Seward this season on voyages between Seward and Vancouver.

Royal Caribbean International’s 2,466-passenger Radiance of the Seas , Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer , Crystal Cruises’ 740-passenger Crystal Serenity , Viking Oceans’ 930-passenger Viking Orion , and Celebrity Cruises’ 2,158-passenger Celebrity Summit are also homeporting in Seward.

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The Best Way to Experience Alaska is with Norwegian

There's something about cruising Alaska that fills travelers with awe and exhilaration. Perhaps it's sailing past expansive glaciers glistening in the sunlight. Maybe it's witnessing The Last Frontier's dramatic terrain that transforms from wildflower-studded fields to immense old-growth forests that bow before snowcapped mountains stretching up toward the glow of the Northern Lights, all from the deck of your cruise ship. Or perhaps it's the opportunity to come closer to the diverse range of wildlife claiming the surrounding waterways and storied landscapes as their home. No matter what aspect of Alaska you connect with, one thing is certain — you'll want to soak in as much of the natural beauty and stunning vistas as possible during your cruise vacation .

That's why Norwegian has carefully selected its award-winning cruise ships to do just that on a variety of unique and specially-curated itineraries — for you to enjoy immersive Alaska experiences from ship to shore. Our ships are custom-built for the best way to discover Alaska while our extended sailing season allows for unique experiences like viewing the Northern Lights . If you're ready to Break Free and start planning your Alaska cruise, read on to find your ideal ship to explore The Last Frontier.

Ready to start planning? Explore all Alaska cruises .

Feel Free to Let the Outside In

Cruise alaska on norwegian bliss & norwegian encore.

Our larger cruise ships offer some pretty remarkable onboard experiences. Imagine zooming around a two-story race track as a bald eagle soars overhead. Imagine savoring a romantic dinner al fresco as the sun sinks behind jagged peaks. You can do all this and so much more aboard two of Norwegian’s ships, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore — custom-built for the spectacular.

After an incredible hike to Mendenhall Glacier , return on board and unwind in the revolutionary 180-degree Observation Lounge with your favorite cocktail or a steaming cup of hot chocolate. The Observation Lounge is located at the front of the ship and features floor-to-ceiling windows, plush chairs, and a full-service bar — the ideal space to watch Alaska’s dramatic landscape unfold before you.

Go from a wildlife tour in Icy Strait Point to taking your taste buds on tour at one of the restaurants lining The Waterfront — our quarter-mile oceanfront promenade. Settle at a table along The Waterfront, where every seat boasts the best view in the house, and enjoy fresh seafood dishes at the upscale Ocean Blue. Wave to passing sea otters, puffin, and small icebergs as you share a plate of Cagney’s Steakhouse’s famous parmesan truffle fries.

Enjoy an awe-inspiring ride on the White Pass Scenic Railway steam train and then return on board for a steam at Mandara Spa followed by total relaxation in the Thermal Suite where floor-to-ceiling windows and beautiful vistas await you.

Not only do Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore offer numerous ways to let the outside in, they also provide something for everyone to enjoy. From vibrant casinos and smash-hit Broadway shows to thrilling Aqua Parks and out-of-this-world experiences in the Galaxy Pavilion, excitement can be found around every curve of the ship. Discover more dining options than days of your cruise, unique bars and lounges to toast another incredible day in Alaska and well-appointed staterooms to match most every travel style.

RELATED CRUISES: 7-Day Alaska Cruise from Seattle on Norwegian Encore 7-Day Alaska Cruise from Seattle on Norwegian Bliss 7-Day Alaska Cruise from Vancouver on Norwegian Jade

Feel Free to Let the Moment In

More intimate alaska cruise experiences.

Our smaller ships — Norwegian Jewel , Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sun — are ideal for those seeking a more intimate cruising experience in The Last Frontier. Embark on a longer cruise itinerary set to a slower pace, allowing you more time to be immersed in authentic Alaska experiences.

Want to hang with adorable pups at a dog sled camp ? You got it. Daydreaming of the Inside Passage’s extraordinary vistas and wildlife? Bring your camera! Care to explore some of Glacier Bay’s legendary terrain? Lace up those hiking boots and bring the wonder of the surrounding nature back on board with you.

Refresh and recharge in the Thermal Spa Suite where your worries will melt away as mountainous vistas fill the floor-to-ceiling windows. Count the nearby glaciers from the comfort of a hot tub. Watch a whale splash in the sea before you take a dip in the top-deck pool. Take walking or jogging to new heights on the top-deck jogging/walking track where The Last Frontier provides an unforgettable backdrop for your workout. Then toast incredible panoramic views from the vibrant Spinnaker Lounge.

Along the way, delight in a variety of delicious dining options , from upscale French, Brazilian and Japanese cuisine to casual dishes served poolside. Start your morning with room service breakfast served on your private balcony with a side of breathtaking vistas. Then after returning from unforgettable shore excursions, make each night incredible with live entertainment and music or by rolling into good times at the casino.

Feel Free to Experience Authentic Alaska

Alaska experiences are as seemingly vast as the state’s untouched wilderness. And whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, wildlife enthusiast or history buff, finding the ideal Alaska cruise ship to get you there is a breeze with Norwegian. Our shore excursions will immerse you in unforgettable authentic experiences while our five incredible cruise ships ensure that you won’t miss a moment of the spectacular natural beauty of The Last Frontier during your Alaska cruise.  

Which Alaska cruise ship do you want to experience? Let us know in the comments! Ready to book your vacation? Explore our cruise deals and sign up for emails to get the latest offers right to your inbox.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published on Dec. 10, 2021. It has been updated to show related itineraries.

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Alaska Railroad approves $137 million cruise port for Seward

A cruise ship with Norwegian Cruise Line docks in Seward on Monday, July 4, 2022. (Emily Mesner / ADN)

The Alaska Railroad this week approved a plan for construction of a new $137 million cruise ship port in Seward that is expected to open in time for the 2026 season.

In a special meeting Thursday, the railroad’s board voted to approve the purchase of the soon-to-be-built dock that can handle larger ships than the 60-year-old dock it will replace.

The vote will allow the railroad to enter into agreements with the project developer, The Seward Company, and other partners in the project, said Meghan Clemens, a spokeswoman with the railroad. The paperwork should be signed this month, she said.

The deal, including debt, will be supported by an unusual, 30-year commitment with anchor tenant Royal Caribbean Group, according to a statement from the railroad. Royal Caribbean will have preferential berthing rights, but other cruise companies can also use the port.

[With commitment from Royal Caribbean, Alaska Railroad advances $137M plan to revamp Seward dock]

A computer rendering of the proposed dock. The Alaska Railroad is pursuing a $137 million plan to revamp its old cruise dock in Seward, after Royal Caribbean Group committed to a 30-year use of the new dock. (Rendering courtesy of The Seward Company)

“It’s a much-needed and highly anticipated project for our community,” said Kat Sorensen, city manager in the town of 3,000. “The cruise ship terminal in its current state is near the end of its useful life. To continue to see the economic impacts that tourism has in our community and our state, this terminal is definitely needed.”

The City of Seward owns the local power company and has applied for a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to pay for a shoreside electricity project, which would allow cruise ships to turn off idling engines when they’re in port, she said. That would reduce carbon emissions at the new port, she said.

[A dock project in Seward will bring even bigger cruise ships to Southcentral Alaska]

Under the plan, Anchorage-based Turnagain, a marine construction company, will build the port.

The railroad will purchase it upon completion.

“This new facility supports our commitment to deliver incredible experiences to our guests while also developing a state-of-the-art facility and community hub,” Preston Carnahan of Royal Caribbean said in the statement.

The effort won’t be delayed by the governor’s veto this week of a bill that would have provided legislative approval to issue bonds to help pay for the project, said Mickey Richardson, head of the Port of Tomorrow, which owns The Seward Company.

The bill was one of five adopted by the Alaska House of Representatives after the constitutional deadline for the end of the legislative session. The governor had said the bills could face legal challenges, leading to his veto.

The railroad had already been pursuing alternative sources of funding in case a veto occurred, Clemens said. The railroad will use a commercial loan, along with approval from the Legislature in 2022 for issuing $60 million in bonds, to provide money up front.

Richardson said the primary cost of the project, including debt and maintenance over the decades to come, will be covered by revenue from Royal Caribbean’s long-term commitment.

Alaskans won’t bear expenses for the project, he said in an interview.

“It’s a clear win-win for the community of Seward, the railroad and the travel industry,” he said.

The existing passenger dock, owned by the railroad, must be replaced, said Bill O’Leary, chief executive of the Alaska Railroad.

The new facility will include a 68,000-square-foot terminal building. A 150-foot transfer span will connect cruise travelers to an Alaska Railroad train and other ground transportation.

The 750-foot, two-berth floating dock will be the largest floating pier in the state, Jason Davis, president of Turnagain, said in the statement.

Construction on the terminal is scheduled to begin this autumn after Seward’s cruise season ends, Richardson said. Construction of the pier will occur next autumn to avoid disrupting next summer’s cruise season.

Alex DeMarban

Alex DeMarban is a longtime Alaska journalist who covers business, the oil and gas industries and general assignments. Reach him at 907-257-4317 or [email protected].