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A Quick Rundown of Our Alaska Princess Cruises Rail Tour

Last Updated on June 13, 2022 by Adam Watts

Alaska has by far the biggest land mass of any US State. Its natural beauty is unparalleled anywhere in the world. Yet most people visiting Alaska stay on cruise ships and don’t even see the interior, which is like going to a zoo and only seeing the gift shop. You’re missing the good stuff!

With that in mind, here’s our review of the Princess Cruises rail tour.

Most people who visit Alaska do so on a giant cruise ship that floats around the southern shores of Alaska. When we were looking at Alaska, we too were drawn by the charm of sharing oxygen with hundreds of strangers in stuffy cruise ship cabins for a week, but ultimately we decided against it. However, through a cruise company called Princess we organized a rail tour from Anchorage to Fairbanks .

I’ll get into the specifics of what we did in future posts – Alaska is beautiful! – but for now, I’m just going to talk about the tour itself.

Our itinerary was planned in advance with no way of changing anything – no way of cutting a day in Anchorage, adding a day in Fairbanks, etc. It was a strict “private, you’ll be at meeting point A at exactly oh-six-hundred-hours or you’ll drop and give me 20.” Very different from our usual vacations where we often arrange things as we go.

At times, the military precision went a little too far. When we first arrived in Anchorage, we were given a welcome packet and a set of luggage tags. If you tagged your bag correctly, someone would collect it in advance and have it meet you at another point in your journey. Problem was this:

“Okay, ladies and gentlemen, listen up. You have six luggage tags in your welcome packet. You’ll notice they’re all different. That’s because they identify where your luggage will meet you.

The green tag means you’ll meet the luggage in two days time at the lodge. The blue tag means the luggage will meet you in five days in Fairbanks. However, the blue tag with white stripes on meets you’ll pick up the luggage on the train from the lodge to   Fairbanks. And the white tag with blue stripes means the luggage will meet you at the airport for your flight home. Finally, the red tag you should put on the bag you’re carrying around each day, to prevent our staff trying to yank it away from you and sending it to another destination. Does that make sense to everyone?”

See the problem?

For those counting, the sixth tag was plain black and its purpose was never unearthed. Or maybe we just weren’t paying enough attention.

Despite the military schedule, actually leaving on time to do anything was rare. For the journey from the Anchorage hotel to the train station six coaches left, each spaced fifteen minutes apart, but at one point four coaches were vying for the same pickup spot outside the hotel.

Allegedly this was due to mechanical failures and buses not able to leave the depot on time, but it was also partly because it’s mathematically impossible to plan for just how slowly 60+ year olds board buses. It’s ponderous. It’s maddening. But it’s also not their fault. Time is the Achilles heel of us all.

In some cruel karma for all our impatience, one day we had to leave at 5.30am and it happened to be the day the bus left exactly on time. It also happened to be the day we’d forgotten to set our alarm.

Miraculously we woke up at 5.22am, shoved pants onto our head and t-shirts on our feet and sprinted to the bus. We climbed aboard and sheepishly shuffled to the two empty seats at the back of the bus, past all the 60+ somethings who smirked and whispered things about young people having no appreciation for time. What bastards.

I should talk about the people a little.

First, the guides and staff. They were uniformly polite and friendly and informative, if somewhat forgettable. Since coming home, they’ve all pretty much blurred into one person, one vague face who went everywhere we did. They were someone who only works in Alaska in the summer season, spending the rest of the year in Florida or Massachusetts or Kansas, because apparently people do actually live in Topeka. The staff were also generally young, by which I mean they could get on and off the bus without taking a deep breath.

The guests, on the other hand, only wanted to talk about potted plants and property ownership. They weren’t exactly the most culturally diverse group of people. In fact here’s a group photo of them all:

We hung out with our crew for six days: two nights in Anchorage, two in Denali, and two in Fairbanks, seeing glaciers, seeing grizzlies in the wilderness, white water rafting, eating cake in the Arctic Circle, all the usual vacation things.

For anyone interested in what we actually did, here’s the exact itinerary of this Princess Cruises rail tour .

• Day 1 – fly into Anchorage, night in Anchorage Westmark Hotel.
• Day 2 – free morning that we filled with a walk around Anchorage and a free walking tour from the visitor center. Portage Glacier visit in the afternoon. Night in Anchorage Westmark Hotel.
• Day 3 – 8-hour train ride from Anchorage to Denali. Denali Dinner and Show. Night in Denali.
• Day 4 – wilderness tundra tour in Denali National Park. Free afternoon. Night in Denali.
• Day 5 – free morning. 4-hour train ride from Denali to Fairbanks in the afternoon. Night in Fairbanks.
• Day 6 – this is where we left Princess and booked a separate tour up to the Arctic Circle. Night in Fairbanks at 9th Ave B&B Hostel.
• Day 7 – city tour around Fairbanks, including the visitor center, Museum of the North, and a visit to Santa’s House in a town called North Pole. Fly home.

If anyone has been to Alaska and wants to share their tips, comment below! For a run-down on how beautiful Alaska is, read this .

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How did you ended up in the group tour with a bunch of old people? You can do all of these trip on your own.

I love this 😂 really entertaining

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Anchorage to Denali By Train: Your Guide to the Princess Rail Tour

We recently went on a 2-night train trip from Anchorage to Denali. We loved the experience and I learned a lot about it.

In this article, I will go over the train journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks. I’ll include all the onboard details, the route, stops, and highlights of the trip. I’ll also add some reasons you might not want to take the train.

This article is not sponsored, and everything written is my opinion of our experience.

About the Princess Rail Tour

This article discusses the Princess rail tour from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The same locations and views are found on the Alaska Railroad (and any other train for that matter) as they share the same track.

We booked the Blue Denali Rail Tour and did two nights in Denali.

Princess train cars are glass-domed rail cars. All seating is up top with nearly 360-degree views. The Princess Rail Tours are owned by Princess Lodges, while the Alaska Railroad has its own train cars.

Why Train Instead of Drive?

Sure, you can drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks. It’s a beautiful way to see the state. But there’s something about exploring land by train.

There are many reasons to take the train instead of driving. For us, we’ve driven all over the state but had never been on the train before, so we wanted a new type of experience.

The Princess Rail Tours were also offering 50% off, which was really the main reason we went ahead and booked. It looks like they run deals regularly, so be sure to check their site often for them.

Here are some reasons why we enjoyed the train trip:

• No need to worry about potential traffic or delays
• We could relax, have some drinks, and take in the views
• The train doesn’t follow the road, so you see different areas than you would driving.
• It could be much cheaper than renting a car, especially as a solo traveler or couple.

Downsides to Train Travel in Alaska

Some of the cons to taking a train in Alaska include time, cost, and convenience.

Cost: Train tickets can be quite expensive. If you’re traveling with a family, it’s more cost-effective to rent a vehicle than pay for multiple tickets. Usually, one ticket will cost about the same as a one-day vehicle rental.

Time: The train takes significantly longer than driving, especially in the summer. The train trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is around 8-9 hours. If you drove, it would take 5 hours.

If you add in all the delays and stops to allow other train cars to pass, it gets even longer. Our trip back from Denali to Anchorage ended up taking over 9 hours because there were so many trains on the track.

Note: There is only ONE TRACK that all trains share. So there is a lot of waiting for others to pass.

Convenience: On the one hand, not dealing with driving and parking is incredibly nice. For a long weekend, we loved it. It’s also nice to stand, walk, and stretch your legs while moving (something you can’t do in a car).

But on the other hand, you’re stuck to the train schedule and delays. You can’t make a quick stop in Talkeetna for an hour, go to many of the random shops on the side of the road, or stop to get photos of Denali if she’s out. With a train, there’s just a lot less flexibility in what you can do.

Princess Rail Tour or Alaska Railroad?

This heading is a bit misleading because all tracks and locomotives in Alaska are owned and operated by the Alaska Railroad. But, some companies pay to use their tracks. Princess Tours (the same company that owns Princess Cruises) runs rail tours and even owns lodges across the State of Alaska.

With that in mind, the main difference you’ll find is the onboard experience. All Princess Rail Tours have glass-domed upper viewing. The Alaska Railroad, however, has two different seating classes. Their Gold Star service has glass-domed upper seating, while the Adventure Class is below with large windows.

Gold Star tickets also include meals, soft drinks, and two alcoholic beverages.

I haven’t taken the Alaska Railroad, but it appears that much of the experience is similar except for the included food and drink with the gold star ticket. I’d recommend comparing prices and looking for deals to determine which is better.

The Onboard Experience

We arrived at the train station about an hour early. There’s a coffee stand with a few snacks for sale, but otherwise, there isn’t a whole lot to do.

When it was time to board, we were loaded onto large buses and taken to a location just a block away.

Once on board, we were immediately taken upstairs to the seating area. All seats are located on the upper deck of the train, with the restaurant and kitchen downstairs. At the back of the train is an outside open area. We ended up spending a LOT of time outside, as the weather was great, and it got a bit stuffy inside.

The seats all face forward like an airplane. There is a small storage pocket and a tray table as well. The seats recline a bit, similar to a plane.

On the upper deck is the bar cart. There’s one on each train car.

Are There Food and Drinks Available on Board?

Yes! Food and drink are not included in the ticket price, so be prepared to pay for everything separately.

We were offered breakfast and lunch each way when we went. Each meal is only available for a set amount of time, typically a few hours. This was plenty of time for everyone to have a turn and grab a bite to eat.

The dining carts are on the lower level. They are all booth-style seating, and we found the seats downstairs more comfortable than our seats upstairs. So, we spent as much time downstairs as we were allowed.

The food was good. It wasn’t the best meal I’ve ever had, but I was happy with our meals. There are also smaller snacks available on the upper deck.

As for drinks, the bar carts open as soon as you start moving. They have you open a tab when you get your first drink, and then close it at the end of the trip. They have some fun Alaska-themed cocktails and a full bar available.

There are plenty of staff onboard. There’s a commentator on each train car that talks about all the different towns and areas that are passed by. Be prepared to get inundated with information; they talk for the bulk of the train ride!

The Train From Anchorage to Fairbanks

The train starts off heading north out of Anchorage.

The first views you see are about 45 minutes in. On the right-hand side, you will see beautiful Pioneer Peak mountain and Knik River. Then you’ll travel along the flats, a large area in a big valley.

TIP: When passing through the flats, look out for moose! They like to hang around this area.

After you leave the flats, don’t expect much for views for a while. You’ll pass through less than beautiful areas in Wasilla, although you get a small view of Wasilla Lake.

Then you’ll continue past some lake areas in Big Lake and Willow. Unfortunately, there are a lot of places along this route that just aren’t great or well-maintained. There are some junkyards or company storage sites. But there are also some really cute homes and beautiful places around many of the lakes.

After that, you’ll make your way to Talkeetna. The train stops for pick up/drop off only and you can’t see the town from the train. If Talkeetna is on your list, you can split up this trip by staying a night or two in Talkeetna and then heading north to Fairbanks.

Once you start moving again, you will soon get to the great outdoors (essentially no man’s land). The train skirts large rivers, passes through forests that look more like rainforests, goes over creeks and streams, and even passes by some homes that are off the grid.

This part of the train trip is so pretty.

The views continue as you get closer to Denali. You’ll eventually slow as you approach Hurricane Gulch.

Once past Hurricane Gulch, you still have a while until you reach Denali station. But the views continue as you pass by more lakes, mountains, and streams until you reach your final destination.

Train Stops Between Anchorage and Fairbanks

There aren’t many stops, but here are the few that were made and some of the highlights of the trip.

This was the only real stop made on the journey. They stopped so people could get on and off, which was about 5 minutes.

Hurricane Gulch

Hurricane Gulch is the longest and tallest Alaska Railroad Bridge. Hurricane Creek sits 296 feet below. If it’s clear out, you can even see Denali. Sadly we weren’t able to see Denali on both train journeys, but the views were still incredible.

On our return trip, the train stopped for about 10 minutes and we were able to get quite a few shots overlooking the valley and mountains beyond.

Salmon Streams

We went through a few large forested areas once past Talkeetna and were able to spot streams full of salmon (in August). We were in the middle of absolutely nowhere and it was a cool sight to see.

Is the Train Child Friendly?

There were many people with kids onboard. It’s not easy getting up or down the steep steps, especially if you have younger children. So although it seems like it would be nice to walk around, the reality is that the train can be jerky and the aisles aren’t wide.

As someone with a 6-year-old and a 1-year-old, I wouldn’t take my kids on the train. It’s too long, and the seats don’t recline much. With kids, driving and being able to stop whenever you want is more convenient.

But like I said, there were many people with kids onboard. A few brave couples even had babies.

What Should You Pack for the Train?

If you are trying to save money, you can bring your own food on board. We saw many people with their own meals and snacks.

Camera Gear

I used my GoPro quite a bit on the ride and also my phone. I had my big camera, but I only used it for a few shots along the way.

The train was surprisingly cold. They turned up the a/c because they said it can get really stuffy and warm if it’s not on due to the glass dome windows. It was probably 65F inside, and we found it to be a bit warmer outside. So I recommend a blanket or something to keep you warm if that’s the case.

Travel Pillow

This trip is long and you might find yourself wanting to take a nap. I have this simple travel neck pillow and love how compact it is. I don’t use the included ear plugs or eye mask ( I have this one instead ) but it’s a quality neck pillow for flights and train travel.

Things to Do

Bring your Kindle, bring a magazine, or something to keep you busy. You’ll lose cell reception quite a bit, so I recommend having something to do during the less exciting portion of the trip!

What Isn’t Needed For the Trip?

They had plugs to charge your phones and other electronics. I’d packed my battery pack just in case, but it wasn’t necessary.

More Alaska Articles

• If you’re flying into Anchorage, I have a few articles to help you out! If you’re short on time, check out my article on how to spend 24 hours in Anchorage and how to spend a few hours in Anchorage .
• You can also see glaciers easily from Anchorage and the northern lights too.
• If you’re planning to do some driving, I have guides on driving from Anchorage to Seward , and Anchorage to Homer .
• There are plenty of day trips available from Anchorage too, including the popular resort town of Girdwood .
• I have 10-day itineraries , winter travel guides , packing guides , budget guides , and general planning tips too.
• For all of my articles, you can visit my Alaska section here .

I'm Brea, an Alaskan with a serious case of wanderlust. Join me as I share insider information and firsthand accounts to help with your travels. Find destination guides, itineraries, general travel tips, learn how to take better photos, and more! Follow me on Instagram for all my up-to-date travels @travelingigloo

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Princess Rail Dome Train

Princess Rail Dome Railcars

Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are both owned by parent company Carnival Cruises, and the combined companies operate the largest fleet of dome railcars in Alaska. The Holland America train cars operate as the McKinley Explorer , while Princess typically refers to their dome railcar operation simply as Princess Rail . You may still come across the occasional reference to the Midnight Sun Express which was the historical name used by Princess Rail in the past, but in practice both companies now market their rail product much more generically. Typically, independent guests will travel on the McKinley Explorer cars which is why AlaskaTrain.com just features the one product.

The Princess Rail train cars are similar to the McKinley Explorer, GoldStar Domes and Wilderness Express as all of these cars were custom built by the same company in Colorado. The primary difference with the Princess Rail cars is that seating in the upper level dome is at tables of 4, with half of the seats facing backwards.

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Touring by train is a fantastic way to see Alaska in the spring

Alaska Railroad locomotives head northbound along the Turnagain Arm on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Bill Roth / ADN)

The Alaska Railroad had to cancel this weekend’s trains between Anchorage and Seward because of avalanche danger.

Sure, the weather’s been crazy this year, but I didn’t have a Mother’s Day avalanche on my bingo card. Thankfully, the railroad arranged for bus transportation to and from Seward both for day-trippers and those catching a cruise ship south to Vancouver.

But the announcement served as a wake-up call that it’s time to book passage on the Alaska Railroad for travel this summer.

Already, visiting friends are calling with questions about which train to book and where to stay.

Once the avalanche risk to Seward is mitigated by the railroad’s crew, daily service on the Coastal Classic train is set to resume on May 15.

The ride from Anchorage to Seward is a beautiful one, but it calls for an early wake-up. Departing at 6:45 a.m., the train arrives in Seward at 11:20 a.m. That’s in time to take the midday glacier and wildlife cruises that leave from Seward’s small boat harbor. The train depot is close enough that it’s just a five-minute walk to check in for your boat ride.

Between now and May 31, travelers can ride the rails for $183 round-trip in Adventure Class. For an upgrade, choose Gold Star service, which includes breakfast on the way to Seward and dinner on the way back. In between meals, there’s a full-dome car to watch the scenery. Two drinks are included. The cost during the “value season” between now and May 31 is about twice as much: $376 round-trip. After June 1, the regular pricing kicks in: $211 round-trip for Adventure Class and $430 round-trip for Gold Star. Children under 12 are half-price. There’s also a military discount of 20% off published rates.

There are a few more options for traveling north from Anchorage to Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks.

In addition to the railroad’s own cars, there’s a collection of private cars that the railroad pulls each day.

The Denali Star train started its daily service on May 9, with “value pricing” through May 31.

Between Anchorage and Talkeetna, the value price is $95 each way ($226 one-way for Gold Star). After June 1, the price increases to $119 one-way ($263 for Gold Star). The Denali Star leaves at a more reasonable hour: 8:20 a.m., arriving in Talkeetna at 11:05 a.m.

The popular route for visitors is between Anchorage and Denali. After leaving Talkeetna, the train arrives at the Denali depot at 3:40 p.m. Between now and May 31, ride to Denali from Anchorage for $151 one-way in Adventure Class, or $320 in Gold Star. Again, meals, drinks and the full-dome car seating is included in the Gold Star package. Adventure class travelers can purchase their meals in the dining car, or bring their own food along.

It’s a 12-hour ride from Anchorage to Fairbanks, but it’s a great trip. Between now and May 31, ride in Adventure Class for $215 one-way. Starting June 1, the rate goes up to $277 one-way.

One-way is enough on the train to Fairbanks. It’s faster and cheaper to fly Alaska Airlines back home. If you plan ahead, it’s $98 one-way, or 5,000 miles (plus $6 in fees).

Princess Alaska Lodges offers packages which include rail transportation on the line’s private cars, plus accommodations in Talkeetna or Denali Park.

A two-day/one-night package from Anchorage to Talkeetna includes the train ride up to Talkeetna and a bus ride to the lodge from the depot. The Mt. McKinley Princess is not far from Talkeetna as the crow flies, but the drive takes about an hour from the depot. The lodge sits above the banks of the Chulitna River and affords a beautiful view of Denali from the deck near check-in. Cost is $274.50 per person, double occupancy.

A three-day/two-night package to Denali costs $499.50 per person, double occupancy. That includes round-trip rail, two nights of hotel accommodations and transfers to and from the hotel.

Princess offers one- to four-night packages, as well as rail-only fares which are comparable to the Alaska Railroad’s. The rail cars are full-dome on the top deck, with dining cars below (cost of meals is not included).

[ Are guests visiting you in Alaska? Here are a few easy options for quick journeys or easy day trips. ]

Premier Alaska Tours also offers full-dome cars on the route between Anchorage, Talkeetna and Denali. If you see the passenger trains on the tracks during the summer, Premier’s cars are distinctive because of the white paint job.

Premier’s “Wilderness Express” train cars offer a dining car below the full-dome viewing area. The seats are 23 inches wide with leather upholstery. All the seats recline and feature power ports.

Most of the travelers on the Wilderness Express are part of a group. For individual travelers, Premier works with Alaska Tour and Travel for reservations. Rates for the Wilderness Express are $285 one-way between Anchorage and Denali.

For a fun day-trip on the train, there are a couple of options.

1. Drive down to Portage and catch the train out to Spencer Glacier. It’s just a 20-minute ride on the train, but it’s a great way to get off the road system and into the wilderness. Once you arrive, go for a hike up to the lake for a view of Spencer Glacier. The cost for a round-trip ticket is $88. Spend about three hours exploring before the train returns to pick you up.

Chugach Adventures offers a package that includes the train ride and a guided raft trip down the Placer River from the lake in front of Spencer Glacier. Rafters get the chance to get up close to the icebergs before heading under the railroad bridge for the easy float downstream. Then, at the appointed moment, the guide beaches the raft and everyone gets out on the shore. Right on cue, the train comes by and picks you up for the return trip to Portage. The cost is $295 for adults, or $148 for children under 12.

2. Take the Hurricane Turn train from Talkeetna. This is the last “flag stop” rail service in America. It’s designed specifically for those who have camps or homes off the road system. Pack your own lunch for this special journey. You’re likely to see homesteaders and adventurers on this six-hour trip from Talkeetna up to Hurricane and back.

The train goes real slow over the Hurricane Bridge so you can appreciate the 296-foot drop from the rails to Hurricane Creek. The cost for the trip is $119 per adult.

Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures offers a “ River, Rail and Trail ” journey which includes the train ride from Talkeetna to Curry. From there, travelers can check out what remains of a once-popular layover for train travelers. Then, get in a jet boat for an exciting trip back to Talkeetna on the Susitna River. Stop at a trapper’s cabin for a brief tour and history lesson. Cost is $185 per adult.

Now that the avalanches are out of the way, it’s time to say “all aboard” for the Alaska Railroad.

Scott McMurren

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at [email protected]. Subscribe to his e-newsletter at alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.

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Alaska Train Tours | Our Best Selling Alaska Train Vacations with Alaska Railroad

Browse through our Alaska Train Tours and start dreaming of your train vacation through the breathtaking beauty of Alaska! Running from Seward to Fairbanks and passing through Whittier, Anchorage, Talkeetna and Denali National Park, all of our Alaska Train Trips include Alaska Railroad luxury GoldStar rail cars, which feature plush upper-level seating with a domed glass roof, an open air viewing platform and meals and drinks in the downstairs dining area.

Take the train in one direction and combine it with coach or a rental vehicle on the way back., this is the best way to plan a comprehensive exploration of alaska..

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Princess majestic Alaskan cruise - Alaska Forum

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Princess majestic Alaskan cruise

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2 replies to this topic

Get a room on a level that does not have other things (like dining rooms, etc.)

Get a mid level or higher room (not a lower room)

and as you mentioned balcony forward - either side works.

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Alaska Glaciers

Carved by the hands of mother nature, meet alaska masterpieces.

Alaska’s glaciers have shaped the surrounding landscapes for millions of years. Mountains, valleys and fjords all come from the slow march these monuments make every day. Today, the glaciers of the Great Land — once only accessible to the adventurous few — are ready for you to explore. With over 50 years of experience cruising to Alaska, we look forward to showing you these unique wonders. All Princess Alaska cruises include at least one glacier-viewing experience.

Glacier Bay National Park

Known as Alaska’s crown jewel, Glacier Bay National Park is otherworldly in its beauty and breadth. This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers millions of acres and contains seven tidewater glaciers as well as mountains and deep fjords. Its waters are even home to whales, seals and otters. Cruise to Glacier Bay National Park and let the landscapes and wildlife show you what makes it so worthy of the utmost protection.

View cruises with Glacier Bay National Park

View cruisetours with Glacier Bay National Park

Learn more about Glacier Bay National Park

Endicott Arm

Cut from age-old glacial movements, Endicott Arm is a narrow fjord over thirty miles long. Sailing down it gives you a view into some of the most dramatic vistas in the north. See the Alaska glaciers of Endicott Arm, including Dawes Glacier, and revel in the walls of ice that stretch stories above the waterline. Or delight in the cliffsides that are decorated with forests and wildlife.

View cruises with Endicott Arm

College Fjord

College Fjord is the meeting place where many of Alaska’s glaciers congregate and flow to the ocean. At the water’s edge are massive valley glaciers and dozens of smaller monuments that dot the mountainous region. Thanks to the professors who first settled here in 1899, many of these glaciers are named after the country’s best institutions of higher learning, such as Harvard Glacier.

View cruises with College Fjord

View cruisetours with College Fjord

Hubbard Glacier

Hubbard Glacier is an unforgettable sight. Alaska’s largest tidewater glacier rises hundreds of feet from the ocean floor and towers above the waves, radiating a brilliant blue in the daylight. Thanks to its exceptional movement speed — for a massive river of ice — the face of this Alaska glacier calves at an incredible rate, providing a breathtaking show for the lucky onlookers.

View cruises with Hubbard Glacier

View cruisetours with Hubbard Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier

Tucked in the coastal mountains around Juneau, this nearly 14-mile-long glacier cuts through the landscape and ends in a freshwater lake. Mendenhall is the best of Alaska’s ecosystems. It’s home to wildlife, and its rivers are brimming with salmon and trout. Not to mention, its forests burst from every inch of terrain, creating a true wonderland of nature.

View cruises with Mendenhall Glacier

View cruisetours with Mendenhall Glacier

Matanuska Glacier

With ice colored in vibrant blues and bright whites, Matanuska is a sight to be seen on an Alaska Copper River cruisetour. Considered an "ice flow", it floats through valleys under its own weight. This structure measures 24 miles in length and is responsible for creating a "weather hole" — a pocket of sunny skies and enjoyable climates that occurs due to warm valley air being pushed into the atmosphere.

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Alaska Cruises

See the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife, and national parks.

Alaska Cruisetours

Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience.

UNESCO World Heritage Site and Cruise wonder of the world.

9 Best Alaska Cruise Lines

W hether you want to witness epic wildlife, see calving glaciers in person, or check the so-called Last Frontier off your bucket list, an Alaska cruise deserves your consideration. I was born and spent my young childhood in Alaska, and the natural beauty of the state is unparalleled. A cruise along the coast anywhere in the state — especially in summer, the season of the Midnight Sun — is an excellent way to experience it.

Let these reader picks for the best Alaska cruise lines inform your itinerary, Alaska shore excursions, and beyond.

1. Holland America Line (Winner)

Holland America is celebrating 150 years of cruising this year and Alaska is one of its most popular destinations. The cruise line has an 11-ship fleet that takes cruisers all around the world, but in Alaska, where it’s operated cruises for more than 75 years, it doesn’t stop with sailing the seas and stopping in ports of call: Holland America offers both Alaska cruises and Alaska Cruisetours that invite travelers to go inland aboard the McKinley Explorer, its exclusive glass-domed train, for a McKinley Chalet Resort stay that gets them up close and personal with Denali National Park.

Between its straight-up Alaska cruises and Alaska Cruisetours, you have over 100 Holland America itineraries and seven ships to choose from. The cruise line’s ships exude classic elegance. You’ll get to marvel at the Inside Passage, an Artic Circle Summer Solstice, or the Aleutian Islands; taste the culinary creations of celebrity chefs; enjoy a diverse onboard music and entertainment lineup; and, once you’ve had your fill, sink into your stateroom’s Mariner’s Dream Bed — a plush “Euro-Top” mattress made exclusively for Holland America’s ships.

2. Norwegian Cruise Line

When it comes to its Alaska cruises , Norwegian’s goal is for cruisers to realize what it feels like “when you let the outside in,” and it boasts the best glacier-sighting experiences in the state. This pairs perfectly with Norwegian’s signature offering: Freestyle Cruising. Think an Alaska cruise with no set schedule and plenty of accessible onboard options.

Norwegian’s big, bold ships offer amenities like The Waterfront, a dedicated promenade that lets you walk a quarter-mile of the waterfront while sailing the seas (available on three of its Alaska ships: Bliss , Encore , and Joy ).

The cruise line’s seven Alaska ships depart from six ports. In addition to shore excursions, Norwegian also offers 10 Alaska Cruisetour options that take cruisers inland to Denali National Park & Preserve and as far north as Fairbanks. In many cases, cruisers are transported via a domed railcar on the famed Alaska Railroad, which promises to take anyone’s Alaska experience to the next level.

3. Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises’ six Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries prioritize travelers’ glacier, wildlife, and national park experiences. The cruise line boasts a “50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences.” In Alaska, it delivers on that commitment by serving up fresh Alaska seafood on board; introducing guests to local Alaska craftspeople, rangers, and guides; and making space for Alaska-only experiences — think on-deck sled dog puppy meet and greets and northern lights viewings from the ships’ planetariums.

Princess also boasts exclusive service on Alaska railways and five Princess Wilderness Lodges that put cruisetour travelers close to Alaska’s national parks in Kenai, Denali, Fairbanks, and the Copper River Valley. 

4. Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean currently offers a whopping 75 Alaska cruise options with round-trip and one-way cruises departing from Seattle, Washington; Seward, Alaska (a 2-hour drive from Anchorage); and Vancouver, British Columbia. Cruisers can choose from four ships, including Quantum of the Seas , the largest and potentially most decked-out ship (on-board sky-diving simulator, surfing, and rock climbing) to cruise the region.

Pro Tip: Quantum of the Seas sailings are exclusive to Alaska and Australia, so unless you’re planning to cruise “Down Under,” an Alaska cruise is your chance to experience this first-of-its-class vessel perfect for family groups and thrill-seekers of all ages.

Regardless of which ship you choose, Royal Caribbean’s Alaska expeditions promise “warm impressions of the wilderness,” meaning shore excursions and glacier viewings that prioritize comfort. Royal Caribbean also puts an emphasis on hearty, locally sourced food like wild-caught salmon, satisfying sourdough, and fresh-picked Alaska berries galore.

5. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity’s 14 Alaska cruise itineraries and 42 cruisetour options center the state’s natural beauty, wildlife, and history. The cruise line boasts five elegant ships including the recently renovated Millenium , a Forbes Four-Star-Rated “resort at sea.”

All of Celebrity’s Alaska ships feature luxurious cashmere bedding (perfect for chilly Alaska nights!), adult-only solariums, and the opportunity to upgrade to The Retreat — an exclusive all-suite, all-inclusive vacation experience that includes access to a private restaurant and private resort-style lounge.

6. Viking Cruises

Unlike other cruise lines on this list, Viking centers its Alaska & the Inside Passage itinerary around native Tlingit culture and the “region where a Wild West spirit still feels very much alive,” rather than Alaska per se. Ports of call during the 11-day cruise (Viking’s sole Alaska offering) include Vancouver, British Columbia, and Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Valdez, and Seward in Alaska.

The itinerary’s Scenic Sailings include the 500-mile Inside Passage on Day 2 and glacier-ensconced Yakutat Bay on Day 8. Cruisers will be accompanied by a Viking Resident Historian who will deliver lectures on Pacific Northwest expansion and development, indigenous people, and glaciers.

While this singular offering makes choosing your Viking Alaska blissfully straightforward, you can opt for pre- and/or post-cruise extensions in Vancouver, Anchorage, Denali, and beyond.

7. Alaskan Dream Cruises

Alaskan Dream Cruises is unique in that it offers small-vessel expeditions — no more than 76 passengers per sailing, compared to the thousands who could be aboard giant Alaska cruise liners. Itineraries combine excursions in Alaska towns and native villages with glacial bay and fjord sailings.

On board, cruisers enjoy what the cruise line calls a “relaxed ambiance” that is less about frills and more about experiencing “True Alaska with True Alaskans.” Get ready for ocean views from whichever cabin you choose, the freshest Alaskan cuisine, and opportunities to taste local craft beers and Pacific Northwest wines daily.

Pro Tip: If you want to charter your very own Alaska cruise, Alaskan Dream Cruises offers excellent options. Cruisers can charter the Misty Fjord or the Kruzof Explorer and customize an itinerary for up to 12 guests.

Alaskan Dream Cruises also boasts two exclusive island lodges — Fin Island and Orca Point — both constructed of beautiful local timber. Guests on every Alaskan Dream Cruise get a night at one of these two remote lodges, where they’ll enjoy a special seafood dinner, a campfire, cultural presentations, and, at Orca Point, an opportunity to peruse the exclusive gift shop.

Fun Fact: Alaskan Dream Cruises’ history is intimately intertwined with the U.S. Airways Flight 1549 rescue efforts, also known as Miracle on the Hudson, where half the vessels that responded to the downed flight were “highly maneuverable” ferries built by its parent company in Sitka, Alaska.

8. Oceania Cruises

Oceania currently offers 30+ Alaska cruise options , plus Pre- and Post-Cruise Land Programs that let cruisers explore places like Anchorage and Denali in Alaska and Calgary in Canada. For cruisers 5–12 years old, it also offers the Alaska Youth Explorer Program, which is staffed by camp counselors and centers around Alaska-inspired activities and programming.

All of Oceania’s cruises emphasize the locals and cuisine is a highlight. It boasts “the finest cuisine at sea,” so if you’re a foodie in search of Alaskan flavors, an Oceania cruise could be the ideal fit for you. Of its 275+ Alaska itinerary shore excursions (some of which are in the Pacific Northwest and Canada), over 50 feature drinking and dining experiences — think tea service, winery visits, cooking classes, “seafood feasts,” and beyond.

9. UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures is a favorite among TravelAwaits readers and writers alike. Recently, writers have raved about their UnCruise experiences in Mexico and the Pacific Northwest (and shared photos you have to see to believe!). Like Alaskan Dream Cruises, this is a small-ship cruise line — vessels accommodate a maximum of 86 cruisers, meaning a truly intimate experience.

UnCruise’s seven-, 12-, and 14-night Alaska itineraries are all about exploration. Their mantra: “Get ready to put boots on the ground.” Yes, there’s time to get cozy on the ship, but expect days filled with water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and whale watching, plus hiking and northern lights spotting. Feeling brave? You could even say “yes” to an UnCruise polar plunge!

Still considering your Alaska cruise options? Don’t miss TravelAwaits writer Parm Parmar’s UnCruise tell-all, Alaska By Small Ship Cruise: Wilderness, Solitude, And Wildlife Sightings .

Read more from our  2023 Best Of Travel Awards .

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits