How can you tell someone just got back from an Alaskan cruise? Don’t worry, they’ll show you all 2,000 photos — mostly fog. Wah wah waaaahhh…
Alaska is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world. Its dramatic landscapes range from sunlit glaciers to misty fjords. Wildlife sightings are spectacular: think whales, dolphins, grizzlies, bald eagles, sea otters, and even reindeer. Alaska’s rich history spans Indigenous cultures, Russian fur traders, the Klondike Gold Rush, and beyond.
Thanks to the cruise industry, exploring Alaska has become accessible and affordable—even for travelers with limited mobility. With so many options available, this guide will help you navigate the choices and plan the perfect Alaskan cruise.
Choosing Your Alaska Cruise Itinerary
The most important part of your cruise is the itinerary: where you go and what you see. Cruise lines offer a variety of Inside Passage routes, and understanding the difference between round-trip, open-jaw, and one-way cruises is key.
Round-Trip Cruises
- Depart from and return to the same port, typically Seattle or Vancouver.
- Easiest for logistics (drive and park, or book a simple round-trip flight).
- Ideal for first-timers and families.
Open-Jaw Cruises
- Start in one port and end in another (e.g., Seattle to Vancouver).
- Slightly more complex travel, but can allow visits to both embarkation and disembarkation cities.
One-Way Cruises
- Travel between Seward or Whittier in the north and Seattle or Vancouver in the south.
- Cover more ground and offer land-tour extensions (like Denali), but require booking two separate flights.
For simplicity and convenience, 7-day round-trip cruises from Seattle are a great starting point.
Ports of Call and Scenic Cruising
After choosing your cruise type, you’ll want to review the ports of call and whether the itinerary includes glacier viewing days.
Must-See Ports (Typically 3 of These):
- Ketchikan: Lumberjack Show, Creek Street
- Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Mt. Roberts Tram, Red Dog Saloon
- Skagway: White Pass & Yukon Route train, Arctic Brotherhood Hall
- Sitka: Historic Russian charm, onion-domed churches
- Icy Strait Point: Purpose-built for cruisers, with cultural and wildlife excursions
While all ports have charm, your scenic glacier cruising day is often the highlight. Look for itineraries mentioning:
- Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier
- Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier
- Glacier Bay National Park (more on that below)
Glacier Bay: The Crown Jewel of Alaska Cruises
Not all cruises include Glacier Bay National Park, but those that do offer one of the most unforgettable days at sea. Strict daily limits mean only a few ships can enter. Glacier Bay permits are granted only to select cruise lines:
Authorized Lines for Glacier Bay (2025):
- Princess Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Seabourn
- Cunard
- Viking
Expect to see 3 to 5 glaciers in one day, including the famous Margerie Glacier (250 feet tall and actively calving).
Other notable glaciers in Glacier Bay:
- Johns Hopkins Glacier
- Lamplugh Glacier
- Grand Pacific Glacier
- Reid Glacier
- Gilman & Rendu Glaciers
Glacier Bay also offers exceptional wildlife viewing. Sea otters have made an epic comeback—from just 5 individuals in 1995 to over 12,000 today. You may also spot whales, bears, and eagles.
During Glacier Bay days, National Park Service rangers come aboard to give live commentary and presentations, adding educational value to your experience.
Cruise Line Recommendations
After six Alaska cruises (on Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Holland America), here’s how I rank them:
1. Holland America Line
- Best educational programs and naturalist-led wildlife viewing
- Opens ship’s bow in Glacier Bay
- Free room service and Alaska-themed menus
- Least crowded observation areas
2. Norwegian & Princess Cruises
- Solid Alaska experiences, though less personalized
3. Royal Caribbean
- Avoid for Alaska due to:
- No Glacier Bay access
- Quantum-class ships (Ovation, Anthem, etc.) have obstructed balcony views due to lifeboats
Holland America is hands down the top pick for Alaska cruises.
Cabin Selection: Why Balcony Matters
For Alaska, a balcony cabin is a game changer. You’ll enjoy private views of wildlife and glaciers from the comfort of your room. Inside cabins work for Caribbean cruises, but not for Alaska.
Tips:
- Choose midship: Better stability and easier access to ship amenities
- Avoid “guarantee” balconies: These are usually the worst locations, often with obstructed views
- Check deck plans and reviews: Look for lifeboat obstructions, especially on Quantum-class ships
Best Time to Cruise Alaska
Alaska’s cruise season runs April through October, but the best months are:
- May: Fewer crowds, lower prices, surprisingly nice weather
- September: Cooler, quieter, good chance of fall colors
We’ve had better weather in May and September than in peak July/August, which can be rainy and expensive.
Final Thoughts
If it’s your first Alaska cruise, here’s my recommendation:
- Cruise Line: Holland America
- Timing: May or September
- Itinerary: Round-trip from Seattle, including Glacier Bay or at least one glacier fjord
- Cabin: Midship balcony, specifically chosen (not guarantee)
Don’t overthink the individual ports—they’re all interesting in their own way. Focus on the glaciers, wildlife, and cruise line experience. Alaska will take your breath away.
Now go book that trip and start clearing space on your phone—you’re going to need it for all those foggy glacier selfies!
