alaskan cruises that don't stop in canada

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Q&A: Is there an alaska cruise that does not touch/stop-in Canada?

Question by Bharati : Is there an alaska cruise that does not touch/stop-in Canada? I want to take an Alaska cruise with my family, but if the ship stops at a Canadian port, I will need to get a visitor visa for Canada. I don’t want to go through that hassle. Is there a 5-7 day Alaska cruise that does not stop at Canada/British Columbia?

Best answer:

Answer by TINKERTOY ….. the 1 & only I do not understand why you need a Canadian visitor visa but here’s the deal. All cruise ships using US ports MUST (are required to) stop in a non-US port by direction of the Jones Act. This Federal Law prohibits travel between two contiguous U.S. ports. For example, you cannot board the ship in New Orleans and then debark in Tampa. Such travel would constitute point to point transportation between two U.S. ports, which is prohibited on foreign flagged ships.

These restrictions stem from a series of laws enacted in the 1920’s commonly referred to as the Jones Act. Among other things the laws require that only American owned ships transport goods and people between American ports. These laws have continually been supported by Congress and U.S. Presidents.

Unfortunately, however, gone are the days where there were cruise ships owned by American companies and sailing under U.S. flags. For primarily tax benefits and cost savings reasons such as crew salaries, even cruise lines headquartered in the United States elect to flag their ships in foreign countries, such as Panama and Liberia.

So All cruises must at some point stop in a foreign port.

This is from the Royal Caribbean web site:

Can I take a partial cruise? A: Yes! Partial cruises allow you to enjoy part of your cruise vacation in the event that you are unable to meet the ship in the scheduled boarding port, or would like to end your cruise earlier than the scheduled departure date.

Requests for security clearance concerning late boarding or early departure must be submitted in writing to the Guest Flight Operations office for consideration at least one week prior to sail date. Guests must have a confirmed reservation in order to receive clearance. If the reservation was made by a travel agency, the agency must submit the request on travel agency letterhead. Guests with reservations made directly through Royal Caribbean International or royalcaribbean.com can submit their own request. Please include a return fax number or e-mail address.

If guests are pre-approved for boarding/departure in an alternate port of call, the ship’s security staff is notified to expect the guests at the designated port. The approved guests are responsible for making all travel arrangements and will incur any additional expenses (for flights, hotels, transfers to the pier, etc.). Prepaid gratuities will be added to all approved reservations for the length of cruise.

Restrictions: Certain countries, such as the U.S., Italy and Norway, have cabotage laws affecting passenger movements. These laws restrict foreign flag passenger vessels (such as those operated by Royal Caribbean) from transporting guests from one port to another port in the same country. In the U.S., the cabotage law applicable to the cruise industry is commonly called the Jones Act but is legally titled the Passengers Services Act. A brief summary of this U.S. law follows:

If a passenger (as listed on a vessel passenger manifest) embarks in a U.S. port and the vessel calls in a nearby foreign port (such as Ensenada, Grand Cayman and Nassau) and then returns to the U.S., the person must disembark in the same U.S. port. A passenger who embarks and disembarks in two different U.S. ports (such as Los Angeles and San Diego) would result in the carrier (not the violator) being fined. The vessel must call in a distant foreign port before the U.S. embarkation and disembarkation ports can differ. The nearest distant foreign ports are in or off the coast of South America. If either the passenger’s embarkation port or disembarkation port is in a foreign country, then the provisions of this cabotage law do not apply. Nor do they apply in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Similar passenger movement restrictions exist for cruise vessels calling in Italy and Norway.

Please direct any requests and/or questions to the following e-mail address or fax number:

What do you think? Answer below!

2 Replies to “Q&A: Is there an alaska cruise that does not touch/stop-in Canada?”

You’ll need to go on a U.S.-flagged ship, which narrows your choices. (Most cruise lines are foreign-flagged, and so are required to stop at a non-U.S. port.)

Some options… http://majesticamericaline.com http://www.amsafari.com/ http://www.cruisewest.com/ http://www.sikumi.com/ http://seawolfadventures.net/

That said, these are all pretty small ships. Majestic America Line is the closest to a “regular” cruise ship, but even their biggest Alaska ship has just 223 guests.

If you want a bigger cruise ship, you’ll have to go via Canada.

Just went on an inland passage cruise last year. Even if the ship stops in Canada you do not need to get off the ship and go through Canadian customs or immigration. Also you do not need a Visa if you are a US citizen going to Canada. You do need some citizenship proof to get off the ship in the US.

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• Cruise ships to be allowed to sail to Alaska without a stop in...

Cruise ships to be allowed to sail to Alaska without a stop in Canada?

When Canada announced its ban on cruises through February 2022, it looked like a fatal blow to the summer 2021 Alaskan season, which fuels a USD 1,2-billion industry for the state.

However, on a Zoom call with reporters on March 22 to promote Alaska’s tourism industry, Governor Mike Dunleavy said that he remained “hopeful” a solution could be reached that would allow large ships to come to the state this year. The first possible path toward this is a legislative one.

Dunleavy said they were going to need to know soon if bills introduced in Congress by an Alaskan delegation were going to move forward. If passed, the legislation will allow cruise ships to sail to Alaska without a required stop in Canada, as U.S. law normally requires.

At issue is the PVSA (Passenger Vessel Services Act), which prohibits non-USA- flagged vessels from embarking and disembarking passengers at 2 different United States' ports without stopping at a foreign port in between. Most large-ship cruise companies register their vessels in foreign countries/flag-states. Most Alaska-deployed cruise ships depart from Seattle WA and spend a day in Victoria BC or Vancouver BC to satisfy the requirement.

Alaska's Governor said that should the introduced legislation be successful, “we can go directly from Seattle to, let's say, Ketchikan and not have to stop in Canada.” 

If lawmakers can't find a workaround for the PVSA or, rather, even if they can, a COVID vaccination mandate for travelers will likely be part of the solution.

A number of companies, including RCI-Royal Caribbean International and DCL-Disney , have already canceled Alaska 2021 summer voyages. Princess  and HAL-Holland America canceled Alaskan cruises through June but not from July 2021 onward.

Small-ship cruise companies operating vessels with crew+passenger capacity under 250 are not subject to the CDC's conditional sail order.

Why Do Cruises From The US Have to Stop in Canada? (or Another Foreign Port?)

If you are taking a cruise from the US, you may be wondering why all itineraries include a port stop in a foreign port.

The most notable examples of this are often Alaskan itineraries that include a Canadian port.

In many other parts of the world, it is possible to take a cruise with no ports, or a few ports in the same country.

Cruise lines having to stop in foreign ports when sailing from the US has meant that ‘cruises to nowhere’ are not possible.

There are a couple of exceptions to this rule.

Why Do Cruises From The US Have to Stop in Canada or Another Foreign Port?

All cruises sailing from the U.S. must stop in Canada or another foreign port due to the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA).

Under this act, foreign-flagged ships must visit at least one foreign country during the cruise. A cruise line would face significant penalties for not complying.

PVSA came into force in 1886. At the time, U.S. ferries & passenger liners were feeling squeezed out of domestic shipping routes by foreign companies.

The legislation was an attempt to protect and grow U.S. shipping by eliminating these foreign competitors.

Much has changed in the 135 years since, and while it now arguably prevents growth rather than supports it, the PVSA remains U.S. law.

There have been many calls for this act to be amended or removed. For cruisers, this became a particular in 2021, when Canada effectively cancelled the Alaska cruise season by refusing to allow even technical port stops for cruise ships to comply with PVSA.

The last cruise I took from the U.S. was on Carnival Magic. We sailed from New York and visited Canada. We had a wonderful time. Find out all about that cruise here:

Passenger Vessel Services Act

Under PVSA, a ship cannot transport “passengers” directly between U.S. ports.

For the purposes of this act, “a passenger” is anybody who doesn’t work for the cruise line or shipping company.

This act aimed to protect U.S. shipping companies, the idea being that foreign companies had unfair advantages – foreign government subsidies, lower operating costs due to less rigorous standards, etc.

Today, many American companies are disadvantaged and they choose to register their cruise ships in other countries.

Why Don’t Cruise Companies Based in the US Flag Their Cruise Ships There?

There are many challenges to flagging a ship in the U.S.A. A ship must be 90% constructed in a U.S. shipyard to fly the U.S. flag.

As most modern cruise ships are now built in Germany, Finland, France, or Italy, they would not meet this requirement.

Also, since most U.S. shipyards rely on lucrative government contracts to build military vessels, they lack the necessary skills to build a modern cruise ship.

Flagging a cruise ship in another country also means that the cruise line can take advantage of that foreign country’s employment regulations.

While U.S. federal law sets a $7.25 (USD) minimum wage, cruise lines can legally pay their crew on foreign-flagged cruise ships less than that amount – even when sailing from U.S. ports.

There are also significant tax benefits for cruise lines.

While this may seem unfair at first glance, it’s important to remember that most crewmembers come from developing nations and view cruise ship employment as a valuable opportunity.

The wages offered onboard are typically many times over what they can make back home, allowing crewmembers to care for their families.

Given the difficulty of immigrating to, or working in the U.S. legally, cruise ship employment is a great opportunity that wouldn’t otherwise exist for them.

To learn more about why cruise lines flag their ships in foreign ports and where the most popular countries are to flag ships, check out this post:

Almost All Cruise Ships Fly Foreign Flags, Heres 3 Reasons Why .

The Passenger Vessel Services Act applies to all ships above five tons – so this does include Ferries as well as cruise ships.

How the Passenger Vessel Services Act Affects Cruise Passengers

Cruise itineraries always include a foreign port.

Perhaps the most apparent way passengers are affected by this act is that each cruise itinerary sailing from the U.S. on a foreign-flagged ship will include one port stop in a foreign country.

This can make it difficult for passengers who do not have passports, as there are only some U.S. cruises that allow passengers to sail without passports.

They’re “Closed-Loop” itineraries, which means that the ship leaves and departs from the same U.S. port.

You should always double-check with your travel agent or cruise line to see what documentation is required for your cruise.

If a cruise must stop at a foreign port that requires a passport, an American without one would not be able to cruise on the itinerary.

To learn more about where you can cruise without a passport (from the US) and what happens if you have to disembark in a foreign port, check out this post:

Do You Need A Passport To Cruise? (Everything You Need To Know)

Cruise Lines Can Incur PVSA Violation Fines, Which Are Sometimes Passed On To Passengers.

Cruise lines incur a $762 (USD) fine for every passenger they carry between U.S. ports without a foreign port stop.

These fines can quickly add up. For example, if the current largest cruise ship in the world were at maximum occupancy and violated PVSA rules, the cruise line would be fined over $5.3 million!

If you decide to leave the cruise early on your own in a different U.S. port (except in emergencies), the cruise line might pass that $798 cost on to you.

Carnival Cruise Line warn their passengers of the following:

Any guest who, due to emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances, insists on embarking or disembarking the vessel at a different port than planned, which results in a violation of the PVSA, will accept responsibility for any resulting penalties ($762 USD per person in 2023, but subject to change each year).  Carnival Cruises

There are a couple of reasons why a passenger may leave a cruise early. They may have some form of family emergency or be injured and need to be disembarked from the cruise.

In rare circumstances, a passenger may be asked to leave a cruise, for example, if they were behaving badly or were a threat to themselves or other passengers or crew.

Cruise ships do have jails onboard where they keep passengers that are a danger – but the aim of the cruise line is never to keep passengers in the onboard jail.

To learn more about cruise ship jails, including what passengers get sent to jail for doing, check out this post:

Cruise Ship Jails – Why Do They Have Them and What Are They Like?

In reality, if the reason for breaking the act was unintentional – such as bad weather preventing docking or a medical emergency – it may be possible to avoid the fines, although this is not guaranteed.

US Flagged Ships Don’t Have to Visit a Foreign Port

The Passenger Vessel Services Act only states that foreign-flagged cruise ships can’t transport passengers between US ports without visiting a foreign country.

There is currently only one cruise ship from a mainstream cruise line that is flagged in the US and is therefore unaffected by the act.

Norwegian Cruise Line Initially Flagged Three Ships in The US to Avoid The Foreign Port Requirement

Norwegian Cruise Line has cruised in Hawaii for decades, I took a cruise to Hawaii onboard one of their US-flagged ships in 2005, which was amazing.

At one point Norwegian Cruise Line had 3 cruise ships flagged in the US to be able to cruise to Hawaii without visiting a foreign port.

Before they had US-flagged cruise ships, Hawaii Cruises would detour to Fanning Island in Kiribati, the closest foreign port to Hawaii.

This meant that the cruises technically visited a foreign port, but the detour did take 4 days.

There are several problems for a cruise line that comes with flagging a cruise ship in the US.

As a result, Norwegian Cruise Line currently only has one US-flagged cruise ship with the rest being reflagged and repositioned elsewhere.

Visiting a “Distant Foreign Port” on Open Loop Itineraries

All the restrictions discussed so far involve Closed-Loop itineraries (those that start and end in the same U.S. port).

But what about cruises that start and end in different U.S. ports? These are called Open-Loop itineraries.

If a cruise visits a “distant” foreign port such as South America, the cruise line can start the cruise in one U.S. port and end it in another.

That’s why nearly all Panama Canal cruises that begin in California and end in Florida (or vice versa) have a port call in the South American country of Columbia – usually Cartagena.

Countries such as Canada and Mexico are not considered “distant.”

What Is The Difference Between The Passenger Services Vessels Act and the Jones Act?

The difference between the Passenger Services Vessels Act and the Jones Act is that the Passenger Services Vessels Act applies to all ships that transport passengers, and the Jones Act applies to cargo ships only.

The function of both acts is the same, to prevent non-US-flagged ships from sailing from US port to US port without stopping at a foreign port.

The Jones Act was created later than the Passenger Services Vessels Act – in 1920. Many people mistakenly assume that the Jones Act applies to cruise ships – but it doesn’t.

Before You Go

Find out more about whether you need a passport to cruise here:

Find out why on some cruises, the cruise line will keep your passport while you are sailing in the article below:

Why Do Cruise Ships Keep Your Passport?

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Cruises to Canada and Alaska

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Northern Adventures Await in Canada and Alaska

Discover the raw beauty, majesty, and cultural heritage of the mighty north on a Canada and Alaska cruise. You’ll see the best of the rugged northern Pacific coastline with luxury amenities at sea and unforgettable adventures in port. These cruises depart from Vancouver, Canada, Seattle, Washington, and Seward, Alaska and take you all the way up the Canadian and Alaskan coasts against a backdrop of snowy mountains and forested shorelines. 

Some voyages are one-way, starting or ending in Seward, while others are round trip. You’ll visit historic pioneer towns, travel to breathtaking glaciers, and sail through the islands of the Inside Passage. Embark on an unforgettable cruise to Canada and Alaska with Celebrity Cruises.

Itineraries

View all cruises to canada & alaska, featured ports, ketchikan, alaska.

The port of Ketchikan is a popular stop in Alaska’s scenic Inside Passage. It showcases well-preserved indigenous and pioneer culture, beautiful nature, with chances to spot wildlife from bears to whales, and offers many activities and shopping options. While there, visit the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary to get up close to the region’s rich flora and fauna in this unique, northern climate. Wander along Creek Street, the city’s historic boardwalk that’s famous for its wooden houses built on piles over the creek. You’ll see colorful totem poles and have a chance to explore small, quirky shops and galleries.

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria is a vibrant port and capital of Canada’s British Columbia province, located at the southern end of Vancouver Island. Visit the colorful and eclectic floating homes on Fisherman’s Wharf, and try seafood fresh off a local fishing boat. Explore the Baroque-style architecture, shopping, and museums of the Inner Harbor, the cultural centerpiece of Victoria's city life. Tour the Craigdarroch Castle, a massive mansion built in the late 19th century that houses many rare Victorian artifacts and is now a national landmark open to the public.  

Juneau, Alaska

Juneau sits at the foot of some of the most majestic natural resources Alaska has to offer and is a highlight of any Canada and Alaska cruise. Start the day with a ride up to Mt. Roberts Peak on the Goldbelt Tram, offering breathtaking views of the harbor below and its surrounding mountains. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier and explore nearby Nugget Falls to see the sheer power and beauty this massive moving body of frozen water produces. End your stay with some of the world’s best salmon, cooked fresh for you or served smoked at many of the great

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Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Alaska might be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to gold rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury.

When planning an Alaska cruise, you have many things to consider: when to go for the experience you're anticipating, which cruise line is best suited to your travel style, the best Alaska cruise ports to visit and which shoreside activities you want to prioritize. It's not the kind of trip you want to throw together at the last minute — especially since the best fare deals typically go to organized travelers who book early.

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

If you're eager to spot bald eagles in the wild, ride a dog sled atop an ice field or pan for gold after a hearty salmon feast, an Alaska cruise is calling your name. Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north.

Why cruise Alaska?

Most people have similar reasons for cruising Alaska. They want to admire its rugged beauty, seek out wildlife (such as eagles, bears and whales) and learn about its Native cultures and gold rush history. It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states.

One of the key reasons to cruise Alaska versus taking a land tour is to visit destinations along the Inside Passage that you cannot reach by road. Plus, many of the state's famous glaciers are best viewed from the sea.

If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own.

A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. Instead of taking a long and expensive flight to Anchorage or Fairbanks, you can choose a cruise that sails round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver (note, you won't be able to tack on a post-cruise land trip to Denali if you do this). Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with sales, can be cheaper than you'd think.

Related: Best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore

When do cruises go to Alaska?

Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. The season is short due to weather. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises.

Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer.

When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August.

Related: Best time to cruise to Alaska

Best Alaska itineraries

Where do Alaska cruises even go? Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands. Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage.

Learn more about the best Alaska cruise itineraries for your next vacation.

Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is the most popular Alaska cruise route. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. A few lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line, offer 10-night Inside Passage cruises from Seattle or Vancouver.

Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world.

You'll find magnificent mountains (often snowcapped, even in the summertime), lush forests, waterfalls, fjords and calving glaciers. If it's marine life you've come to see, you'll find it in abundance, from whales and dolphins to sea lions and harbor seals. On land, you'll likely spy bears and Dall sheep while eagles, puffins and a host of seabirds circle above.

Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook. Shore excursions and onboard lectures will explain the cultures of the Indigenous peoples of Alaska, as well as more recent inhabitants from the Russian community in Sitka and the fortune-seekers who moved to Skagway during the Klondike gold rush in the late 1890s.

Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway. Most cruises will visit three or four ports of call.

Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore. This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier .

One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Gulf of Alaska

If you book a weeklong Gulf of Alaska voyage, you'll also enjoy exploring parts of the Inside Passage and its ports that could include a mix of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point.

You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage. Because Gulf of Alaska cruises sail farther north, scenic destinations might include College Fjord, in addition to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.

Generally, these one-way sailings travel from Seward or Whittier (the cruise ports closest to Anchorage) to Vancouver (or vice versa). Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer.

For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two. You can book the transportation on your own or through your cruise line.

Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. Be prepared if you're particularly prone to seasickness.

Related: One-way Alaska cruises vs. round-trip: Which is best?

Longer sailings from the West Coast

Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. These cruises are best suited to travelers who love days at sea.

On a 10-night cruise, you'll have four sea days (for example, two days from San Francisco to Juneau) plus a day of scenic cruising at a spot like Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Endicott Arm, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go.

Ports on these longer sailings might include Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Victoria, British Columbia.

You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season.

Related: The 5 best luxury Alaska cruises you can book right now

Cruisetours

Cruise lines understand that not all of Alaska's best sights lie along the coast. Denali National Park and the city of Fairbanks are well inland. And some coastal highlights, like the Kenai Peninsula, aren't typically visited on a seven-night cruise. So the cruise lines created their own "cruisetours": vacations that combine a weeklong cruise with a two- to seven-night bus tour.

On a cruisetour, you'll sail on a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska. Depending on the tour itinerary you choose, you might visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, Alyeska, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Fairbanks — as well as spend one to three nights in Denali National Park.

Some lines also offer Alaska cruisetours that venture into Canada's Yukon, including a few Holland America tours that combine half a cruise with a cruisetour that starts or ends in Skagway.

Your tour might include a ride on the scenic Alaska Railroad . Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions, depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Best Alaska cruise lines

Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. Some of the best Alaska cruise lines are Holland America and Princess Cruises because they have especially long histories in the region and offer cruises, as well as cruise and land tour combinations, on multiple ships each season.

If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures.

Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska

If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also to Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Princess even owns a handful of its own lodges.

Best Alaska cruises for families with kids

Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters onboard Disney cruises, or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival. Older kids will love the rock climbing walls, video game stations, sports courts, go-karts and laser tag on Royal Caribbean and NCL ships.

Related: 6 best Alaska cruises for families

Best cruise lines for adventure-seekers

Active travelers might prefer expedition-style voyages on smaller ships that include more time for adventurous activities, such as hiking in the Tongass National Forest, wildlife and glacier viewing from Zodiac rafts or kayaks, or even overnight camping. These ships often feature complimentary shore excursions, kayaks and bikes for guest use and onboard scientists and naturalists.

If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Just expect the majority of your shipmates to be older adults.

Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises.

Related: Pros and cons of small-ship cruising in Alaska

Best for multigenerational groups

Sailing with grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and kids? Try Celebrity Cruises, Holland America and Princess Cruises. These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises.

Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine-tasting class. Everyone can come back together for dinner and evening entertainment or onboard activities suitable for all ages.

Best for couples and big celebrations

The luxury cruise lines are your best bet if you're a couple and enjoy spacious suites, gourmet food, pampering (many luxe lines hire butlers to cater to every passenger) and the opportunity to meet other like-minded cruisers. The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages might also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement.

Look at Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises and Viking.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

Things to do in Alaska

Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint.

Related: Best shore excursions on an Alaska cruise

Wildlife tours are available in every port. Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife. Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them.

Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work.

Active travelers can explore Alaska by sea kayak or canoe, hike on glaciers and through rainforests, zip line, bike, ride an ATV and even snorkel (you'll need a dry suit). You can even opt for a round of golf at the course in Haines.

In Alaska, sightseeing doesn't only take place on the ground. Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dog-sledding or hiking adventure on the ice. If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway.

Alaska cruises provide plentiful opportunities to learn about Native Alaskan culture. You can get a taste of the gold rush life by trying your hand at panning for gold, attending a salmon bake or visiting a dog-sled camp. A hike on the Chilkoot Trail or ride on the White Pass Railway lets you follow in the footsteps of the miners who came to seek their fortunes. Cap your day by trying out locally brewed craft beers.

Shopping abounds, and you can buy everything from diamond jewelry to T-shirts and other souvenirs. You'll need to look carefully for Alaskan-owned stores selling local handicrafts, but they're worth seeking out.

Related: 15 Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

Best Alaska cruise ports

The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports. The immediate port area will be filled with tourist shops and eateries. If you want to see nature at its finest, you must book a tour or venture farther afield.

If you want to see some of Alaska's most rustic and charming villages or stick to wild places, book a voyage with a line like Alaskan Dream Cruises or UnCruise to visit destinations like Baranof Island, Chichagof Island, Petersburg and Wrangell.

Ketchikan is known for three things: Native Alaskan (Tlingit) totem poles, Misty Fjords National Monument and the city's distinction as the Salmon Capital of the World. The town has more standing totem poles than anywhere else in the state; see them at the Saxman Native Village and the Totem Heritage Center. Access the Misty Fjords by kayak, floatplane or scenic cruise. Fishing excursions are plentiful here, too.

Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities. It is also the jumping-off point for a Bering Sea crab fishing tour.

Alaska's capital city is interesting because no road leads from here to the rest of the state. It's located at the base of Mount Juneau, and you can only get there via boat or small plane — even residents have to bring their cars to Juneau via ferry. Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier.

For a view of the city and cruise port, take a ride in the sky on the Mount Roberts Tramway. Various wildlife-viewing trips (whale, bears and more) and visits to dog-sled camps and salmon bakes leave from Juneau.

If you're interested in Alaska's gold rush history, Skagway — 90 miles northwest of Juneau — is a port you shouldn't miss. In fact, it's the gateway to the Klondike and Dawson mining district in Canada's Yukon territory, where prospectors searched for gold in the late 1890s. The historic district still has a Wild West feel, though that's been a bit commercialized for the modern era. This port can get crowded in summer when several ships can call on the same day.

Skagway is an easy port for independent travelers who want to explore the town or go for a hike on their own. It's most famous as the terminus for the White Pass Railway into the Yukon.

Sitka is as much a working fishing town as it is a tourist destination. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary. See St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral with its onion dome and the Russian Bishop's House.

Before the Russians came, the Tlingit people settled here. You can learn about their history and culture at the Sitka National Historical Park and Sheldon Jackson Museum of Native Alaskan art. Wildlife enthusiasts might want to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, or go bird- and bear-watching.

The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found.

Animal lovers and kids tend to enjoy a visit to the Kroschel Center for Orphaned Animals here. For a special tour, go bear-watching at twilight.

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all Native Alaskan-owned. Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. The port is set on Chichagof Island, which is known for its large bear population. Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines.

Scenic cruising

Most Alaska itineraries include some "scenic cruising," where your ship sails past incredible natural sights. You'll rarely leave the ship during these sail-bys (unless you happen to be aboard certain expedition, luxury or small ships that offer the chance to get on board a skiff to get closer ... but, even then, you're still viewing these sites from the water).

Onboard naturalists generally narrate what you're seeing, so head to the observation lounge (or tune to a broadcast on your in-room television) to learn about some of the top sights featured on scenic cruising days.

Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve , Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord.

Related: Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay: Which is the better scenic cruising spot in Alaska?

When to book an Alaska cruise

The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance. You'll have your pick of itineraries and cabins — balcony cabins are popular in this scenic destination — and often the best fares.

Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early.

If you wait to book, you're not entirely out of luck. Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as " wave season "). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help.

In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in Seattle or Vancouver and don't need to book flights. While some less preferred sail dates or cabin categories might be available a few months out, spurring cruise lines to drop rates, you might have trouble finding affordable airfare and pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations that do not consume your cruise savings.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

What to bring on an Alaska cruise

When it comes to packing for an Alaska cruise, your mantra should always be: dress in layers. On the same day, you might be warm in town but chilly on your tour to a glacier. If you plan on hiking, kayaking or riding on a dog sled, you'll need the appropriate activewear.

Definitely pack for rain; consider skipping the umbrella and instead bringing a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof shoes or boots.

This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars. For more on what to bring on an Alaska cruise, check out our Alaska cruise packing list .

Bottom line

An Alaska cruise is a memorable experience. The beauty of the land and its immense history; the thrill of seeing bears, moose and bald eagles; and the mysteries of the surrounding marine life will astound you. It's a trip worth taking the time to plan and doing right — because who knows if or when you'll make it back to the Last Frontier.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Bill from Alaska delegation would allow cruises to bypass Canada ports again

Alaska’s congressional delegation wants to extend the waiver of a law that makes Alaska-bound cruise ships stop in Canada. 

Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Congressman Don Young have a new bill that would provide a one-year exemption of a requirement in the Passenger Vessel Services Act. That 1886 law says foreign ships can’t transport people between two U.S. ports directly. The cruise ships that sail to Alaska are nearly all foreign-flagged but they make a stop in Canada to get around the law.

Then the pandemic disrupted the arrangement. In 2020, Canada stopped allowing cruise ships to visit their ports. It has since lifted the ban, but the Alaska delegation wants more certainty.

“Alaskans cannot gamble again on the goodwill and commonsense of our Canadian neighbors, who failed us last year,” Sullivan said in a statement announcing the bill.

The new bill extends the expiration date of the previous waiver for 59 cruise ships that are regulars on the Alaska route.

RELATED : Cruise lines are predicting a record year, but Southeast Alaska is proceeding with caution

Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media

Liz Ruskin is the Washington, D.C., correspondent at Alaska Public Media. Reach her at [email protected] . Read more about Liz here .

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Anchorage assembly leaders aim to postpone police chief confirmation until mayor lafrance takes office, a new lawsuit over alaska’s medicaid backlog asks a judge to order faster processing, 8 young alaskans reignite a court fight over climate change and fossil fuel development.

• Royal Caribbean International

Alaska Cruise - Stopping in Canada with a Record

By PineappleJedi , July 5, 2022 in Royal Caribbean International

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PineappleJedi

I am scheduled to go on a family vacation cruise from Seattle to Alaska and there is a half day stop in Victoria on the tail end of the trip. I am currently not eligible to go to Canada because of a DUI from 6 years ago. I have applied for Criminal Rehabilitation as well as a Temporary Resident Permit. Both are in process- CR seems unlikely due to turnaround time and that it hasn't been 5 years since my court probation ending; and TRP is still pending. 

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Will you be let on to the ship in Seattle? Do they scan your passport when you get on in Seattle OR only when you arrive to the Canadian port?

Can I just not get off the ship when we stop in Canada? I don't see an issue with me just staying on the ship while everyone else goes to shore. 

Any advice or guidance is greatly appreciated! 

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reallyitsmema

This is an older thread that has posts from a couple of weeks ago from someone who had no issues boarding in Seattle.  

You won’t like this answer, but don’t try to go to Canada. 

32 minutes ago, Bxc53 said: You won’t like this answer, but don’t try to go to Canada. 

Will I be arrested on the ship? Or just denied entry? 

Possibly denied entry onto the ship

Ferry_Watcher

You will not be denied boarding at the pier in Seattle.  The Canadians will receive a copy of the final ship's manifest before reaching Victoria, BC.  I don't know if they would tell the ship not to allow you off once arriving in Canada.  It's up to you to weigh the options.

8 minutes ago, PineappleJedi said: Will I be arrested on the ship? Or just denied entry? 

A friend of ours was informed by Canadian authorities that he couldn't get off at a port stop. (Quite a few years ago) If it is just Victoria, it shouldn't be a problem. And try not to stress over it, but I wouldn't plan future drive or fly entries into the country for a while. DUI's happen to all kinds of people. 

21 minutes ago, PineappleJedi said: Will I be arrested on the ship? Or just denied entry? 

You seem to be aware that an unresolved DUI is a basis for denied entry to Canada. Once you enter Canadian waters and dock at Victoria, you are in Canada without authorization.

So, are you asking " Can I get away with it?"   Maybe.

But you would be deliberately violating Canadian Customs regulation, a criminal act.

9 hours ago, PineappleJedi said: Do they scan your passport when you get on in Seattle OR only when you arrive to the Canadian port?

Welcome to CC.

If you present one, RCI uses it as the proof of identity to board, but you could board without one (assuming you are a US citizen - you do need an alternative). Canada never sees your passport, nor do you need to present it. Enjoy the trip but may want to stay on the ship in Victoria.

smokeybandit

Interesting that DUI is a disqualifier. Do they think you're immediately going to rush out, rent a car, then go right to the bar for a binge session?

27 minutes ago, smokeybandit said: Interesting that DUI is a disqualifier. Do they think you're immediately going to rush out, rent a car, then go right to the bar for a binge session?

Both countries can be pretty unforgiving for what many consider to be minor infractions.  Lots of unfortunate stories trying to get into the US from Canadians too, even for a short vacation.  

taglovestocruise

7 hours ago, Biker19 said: Welcome to CC.   If you present one, RCI uses it as the proof of identity to board, but you could board without one (assuming you are a US citizen - you do need an alternative). Canada never sees your passport, nor do you need to present it. Enjoy the trip but may want to stay on the ship in Victoria.

Not sure about all that. Our daughter in law had the same problem, everything seemed OK until she was denied boarding at the checkin counter at LAX.  Lax was unforgiving, she was not allowed to board or get a refund. She and her husband also lost their cruise fare.  This was 2019 LAX to Vancouver.  Her DUI was from 2010.

1 minute ago, taglovestocruise said:  This was 2019 LAX to Vancouver.

That is a big difference and circumstances from the OP's itinerary.

4 hours ago, Biker19 said: That is a big difference and circumstances from the OP's itinerary.

Yes... LAX is an airport. Airports do much heavier screenings. It sounds like this example was someone flying into Canada (likely Vancouver) for a cruise departing from Canada. While there are tons of articles online from Canadian law firms that are very scary, take a look at what the spokesperson for Carnival Cruises said in a Facebook post just 2 months ago (screenshot I took today). Also, check out this link, which shows an infographic with likely result being stay on ship, for cruises that do not start or end in Canada, but simply visit a Canadian port: https://www.duicanadaentry.com/infographics/canadian-cruises-and-inadmissibility-infographic/

BirdTravels

16 hours ago, Biker19 said: Welcome to CC.   If you present one, RCI uses it as the proof of identity to board, but you could board without one (assuming you are a US citizen - you do need an alternative). Canada never sees your passport, nor do you need to present it. Enjoy the trip but may want to stay on the ship in Victoria.

On 7/4/2022 at 10:51 PM, Ferry_Watcher said: You will not be denied boarding at the pier in Seattle.  The Canadians will receive a copy of the final ship's manifest before reaching Victoria, BC.  I don't know if they would tell the ship not to allow you off once arriving in Canada.  It's up to you to weigh the options.

But you have to upload a copy of your passport or similar ID to ArriveCAN and get a QR code 3 days prior to boarding the ship in Seattle and present that QR code for embarkation. 

I would suspect that when Canada is processing your passport, you may be flagged and you will not have the ArriveCAN documentation required to board the ship in Seattle. 

Why not contact the cruise line or if you are using a travel agent and confirm if you will be allowed to board the ship ? Isn’t better to know beforehand instead of being turned away from the cruise terminal ?

As long as you are not driving the ship, I don't see what the problem is.   

Isn't DUI a life ban from Canada something you cannot overcome? I have heard it was or used to be at least But as has been said just don't get off the ship and you will probably be fine.

3 hours ago, BirdTravels said: I would suspect that when Canada is processing your passport, you may be flagged and you will not have the ArriveCAN documentation required to board the ship in Seattle. 

@PineappleJedi  can try this now with fake info to see if it's approved - that should clear up the matter.

On 7/4/2022 at 7:57 PM, Coralc said: A friend of ours was informed by Canadian authorities that he couldn't get off at a port stop. (Quite a few years ago) If it is just Victoria, it shouldn't be a problem. And try not to stress over it, but I wouldn't plan future drive or fly entries into the country for a while. DUI's happen to all kinds of people. 

Doesn't Make it right..especially in this Day and age...

8 hours ago, BirdTravels said: But you have to upload a copy of your passport or similar ID to ArriveCAN and get a QR code 3 days prior to boarding the ship in Seattle and present that QR code for embarkation.    I would suspect that when Canada is processing your passport, you may be flagged and you will not have the ArriveCAN documentation required to board the ship in Seattle.  Edited 8 hours ago by BirdTravels

While Canada requires ArriveCan, it is up to the individual cruise lines on how they enforce compliance of their passengers.  Carnival demands proof of completion (QR code) at the front door of the terminal.  Other cruise lines with a higher rate of voluntary  compliance will send forms to passengers while on board requesting they record/report their 6 ArriveCan digit number code.  I have heard other cruise lines will check for the QR code as you try to leave the ship in Victoria. 

ArriveCan is a public health registration.  It is not a travel visa or criminal data collection system

My partner got a DUI several years ago. In 2019, we did a HAL Alaska cruise RT from Seattle that stopped in Victoria. We had no problems boarding the ship in Seattle. We did some research prior to the cruise and found examples of people with DUIs who were paged to Guest Services after the ship docked in Victoria and were told that they were not allowed to disembark in Victoria. We chose to stay on the ship in Victoria and he was never paged to report to Guest Services. Granted, this was before Covid, so I have no experience with how ArriveCan might affect it. 

13 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said: While Canada requires ArriveCan, it is up to the individual cruise lines on how they enforce compliance of their passengers.  Carnival demands proof of completion (QR code) at the front door of the terminal.  Other cruise lines with a higher rate of voluntary  compliance will send forms to passengers while on board requesting they record/report their 6 ArriveCan digit number code.  I have heard other cruise lines will check for the QR code as you try to leave the ship in Victoria.  ArriveCan is a public health registration.  It is not a travel visa or criminal data collection system

Also- from many cruise threads (not related to DUI), most cruisers do not do the ArriveCan app until they get to the port. And some not until they are trying to board. The app itself says that it cannot be used until within three days until the moment of entry. It does not say that it has to be 3 days in advance. One suggestion might be for the original poster to use drivers license/birth certificate for registration with the ship, and wait until just before boarding to use the ArriveCan app.

Thousands of U.S. travelers have already sailed this season on Alaska cruises that went through Victoria, and there are no google/youtube personal stories of this happening. There are tons of websites for Canadian law firms, but no personal "I was prevented from boarding" posts or videos. In the age of youtube/facebook/insta/CruiseCritic/etc, there would be hundreds by now. Apx 2% of the U.S. population has had a DUI or other arrest that would be vulnerable to Canadian immigration law. 3000 people per ship. 10 ships per week. 5 month cruise season. ??? No personal stories on social media about getting refused entry. I think the original poster is gonna be fine.

• 6 months later...

jennybeansmn

Hey! I am wondering what ended up happening on your cruise? My bf and I both have previous DWI's from over 10 years ago and we are wanting to go on an Alaskan cruise this Fall. Its round trip Seattle but stops in Victoria. Any information is greatly appreciated!! Thank you!

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7 Last-Minute Alaska Cruises You Can Book For 2024

Check out these last-minute Alaska cruises for 2024! Grab incredible deals and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

• Cruise to Alaska for stunning landscapes, wildlife sightings, and cultural experiences. Book now for last-minute deals in 2024.
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A cruise to Alaska is a dream of wanderlust, and it makes perfect sense. An Alaskan cruise is a sensory delight, offering awe-inspiring natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and a truly memorable vacation. Indeed, cruising to Alaska is a scenic journey, as is the destination itself.

Since Alaska is a chilly state, the cruise season is short, running between mid-April and mid-September. Yet, July and August are considered the best months for an Alaska cruise . Travelers can expect diverse weather conditions, necessitating the need to pack accordingly for an Alaska cruise, even in summer , like warm clothes, waterproof gear, and comfortable footwear.

For those eager to enjoy the best of the Last Frontier State, now is the perfect time to seize a last-minute deal for an Alaska cruise in 2024. The opportunity to witness Alaska's stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique cultural experiences is not to be missed. Check out this list of last-minute cruises to Alaska in 2024 and grab any of these incredible deals to embark on an unforgettable adventure.

The Strangest Theme Cruises You Can Go On 2024-2025

7 seabourn's cruise to alaska, starting price: usd $5,799 per person.

Offering all-suite accommodations for luxury lovers, the Seabourn travels to far-flung ports . Alaska is one such wonderful location where its Odyssey ship whisks guests away for an unforgettable holiday.

Starting from Vancouver, this cruise to Alaska is a great way to experience amazing Alaskan and Canadian destinations. During its 7-night journey, the cruise travels through the Queen Charlotte Islands, Ketchikan, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Inian Islands, Icy Strait, Haines, and Juneau.

Amazing experiences and priceless memories await on this cruise! Even though it is somewhat pricey in comparison to the other cruises on the list, the amenities, activities, and excursions make it worthwhile. Get a last-minute booking on this cruise departing on July 12 and 26 and August 9, 2024. Seize any of these last-minute deals for some remarkable experiences.

6 Oceania's Cruise To Alaska

Starting price: usd $3,324 per person.

For those looking for a luxury cruise to Alaska from Seattle, this 11-night cruise is among the best!

This itinerary, on board the cruise ship Regatta of Oceania, one of the best luxury cruise liners in the US , has it all, from scenery to adventure to relaxation. The Oceania Regatta is a mid-sized luxury ship and offers an intimate and elegant cruising experience.

On this journey through the USA's Last Frontier State, guests can spot a variety of wildlife, like brown bears, breaching whales, and bald eagles, and witness scenic glacier bays and dense forests.

Also, travelers can enjoy the historic White Pass and Yukon Route railroad and many other cultural experiences and excursions when at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Prince Rupert, and Victoria (Canada).

Bookings are still open for this June 10, 2024, departure cruise. Grab this last-minute opportunity for amazing adventures.

5 Majestic Princess Cruises' Cruise To Alaska

Starting price: usd $949 per person.

Embark on an unforgettable 7-night Alaska cruise from Seattle aboard the Majestic Princess of Princess Cruise Line, which is ranked among the best cruise lines in the world .

The Majestic Princess boasts all of the signature features of the Princess cruise line, including personalized MedallionClass services and specialty restaurants with dinner menus designed by two Michelin-starred chefs, among many other amenities.

This Alaska cruise from Seattle is a 7-night journey through the amazing landscapes of the Last Frontier State. It stops at Ketchikan, Endicott Arm, Juneau, Skagway in Alaska, and Victoria, Canada, before heading back to Seattle.

Unique experiences await at every destination, such as dog sledding on glaciers, exploring lush rainforests, watching whales, and much more, making every day a new adventure.

There's still time to book this cruise for any Sunday between July 7th and September 22nd, 2024. Grab this unbeatable last-minute deal for some extraordinary experiences.

10 Best Cruise Lines For Every Type Of Traveler

4 crown princess cruises' cruise to alaska, starting price: usd $798 per person.

Another excellent last-minute deal is available on Princess Cruises' Crown Princess ship. This grand ship is just perfect to enjoy a wealth of amenities, a variety of dining options, top-notch entertainment, and revitalizing spa services, along with Alaska's wild beauty and unique culture.

The 11-night itinerary covers some of Alaska’s most beautiful destinations as well as Prince Rupert of British Columbia, Canada. The cruise starts in San Francisco, California, and takes 3 days to reach Skagway, known for its Gold Rush history . Then it visits Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert, offering scenic and cultural experiences.

Last-minute spots are available for this cruise set to depart on August 22, 2024. Snag this great deal for exceptional experiences.

3 Holland America's Cruise To Alaska

Starting price: usd $529 per person.

During this 7-night cruise onboard Holland America's Zaandam , passengers cruise through the scenic Inside Passage. The trip starts from Vancouver and ends at the same port, taking passengers through interesting destinations, including Tracy Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan.

Holland America Line is one of the best cruise lines for adults ranked by passenger reviews and it is particularly famous for Alaska cruises. The elegantly designed Zaandam cruise ship can accommodate just over 1400 guests and boasts spacious interiors, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a more intimate cruise experience.

While on board, passengers can unwind with a spa treatment, enjoy a tantalizing meal, or engage in a friendly pickleball match at sea. Additionally, activities and excursions while in ports are thrilling and unforgettable.

Grab this last-minute offer for cruises to Alaska departing on Wednesdays between June 12 and September 11, 2024, and embark on a memorable adventure.

2 NCL's Cruise To Alaska

Starting price: usd $528 per person.

NCL's Jewel Class cruise ship, Norwegian Jewel , has it all, from some of the best suites at sea and world-class entertainment to a wide range of dining options and lively bars and nightclubs. Exploring the untamed beauty of Alaska aboard this cruise ship from NCL, one of the world's best cruise lines, is undoubtedly the experience of a lifetime!

Starting in Vancouver, Canada, and ending in Seward, this 7-night Alaskan cruise makes stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Hubbard Glacier. This Alaskan cruise offers free excursions at ports of call, complimentary Wi-Fi, specialty restaurants, and an open bar, making it an unforgettable experience.

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9 Best Cruise Destinations For Every Type Of Traveler

1 royal caribbean's cruise to alaska, starting price: usd $452 per person.

This 7-night cruise on board Radiance of the Seas is jam-packed with exciting activities and experiences. Each Royal Caribbean cruise ship offers something unique and exciting to its passengers , and Radiance of the Sea has it all!

Passengers can watch movies on the poolside screen, play mini-golf, or face their fear of heights by scaling the Rock Climbing Wall. If that isn't enough, world-class cuisine and wine tasting are sure to make the trip truly memorable.

This cruise departs from Seward and makes its first stop at Hubbard Glacier. The cruise goes to Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait, Ketchikan, and the Inside Passage before ending in Vancouver. While sailing, tourists have the opportunity to watch breathtaking landscapes of foggy fjords and glaciers, along with shore excursions and adventures in each port.

This cruise is still available for last-minute booking on the first Fridays in June, July, and August 2024. Grab this lowest-price deal and enjoy some unique experiences.

Why the journey is the destination when it comes to Alaska cruises

They say getting there is half the fun. Usually, I disagree. When I travel, I want to get to where I’m going as quickly as possible to make the most of my time there. However, sailing Celebrity Edge on its maiden Alaska voyage from Seattle, I was all about the journey.

Staring up at the snow-capped mountains through the ship’s floor-to-ceiling windows and watching for wildlife in the icy waters below, I was mesmerized by the famed Last Frontier. And I realized that on an Alaska cruise , the journey is a destination.

Here’s why and what travelers should know about cruising Alaska.

Why is Alaska a popular cruise destination?

Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many people. Some may wait their whole lives for the trip. While Alaska Airlines and other carriers fly throughout America’s largest state , it isn’t as easy to navigate as the Lower 48.

Cruises allow travelers to visit multiple destinations without taking separate flights, renting a car or moving from hotel to hotel. My Edge itinerary included stops in Ketchikan, which is surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest ; the state capital of Juneau, which is only accessible by air or sea; and Skagway, home of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park . The ship also carefully navigated the stunning Endicott Arm fjord toward Dawes Glacier, a highlight of the trip.

The easy trip can also be more accessible for people with mobility issues and other disabilities. Like other cruise lines, Celebrity has a team dedicated to accessible cruising . Numerous guests on board my sailing used walkers, canes or wheelchairs. Plus, it’s just nice to be able to take in the dramatic coastlines from the comfort of a cozy cabin or lounge when it’s chilly outside.

Are cruises to Alaska worth it?

They can be. At last check, the lowest price on a seven-night Celebrity Edge Alaska Dawes Glacier sailing, roundtrip from Seattle, for the remainder of this summer is listed at $778 per person on the cruise line’s website, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. That does not include travel to or from Seattle nor any taxes or fees, which can balloon the bottom line on any cruise. Nor does it include promotional discounts, which are pretty much always available. After taxes and fees, that works to about $2,212 for two people or $1,106 per person. 

The cheapest seven-night Southbound Glacier sailing on the Edge’s sister ship, Celebrity Summit , is much less at $249 per person, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. It’s worth noting the Southbound voyage goes from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, not a round trip. Also the Summit is not an Edge-class ship , The Celebrity Edge is the first Edge class ship to sail Alaska; it was also the first ship in Celebrity’s most recent series, which also includes the new Celebrity Ascent . Edge-class ships were designed to bring guests closer than ever to their destinations, with their signature Magic Carpet cantilevered platform that extends beyond the ship’s edge and other features that bring the outside in. After taxes and fees, the Summit sailing adds up to about $1,231 for two people or about $615 a person.

Both are cheaper than flying between cities and staying at hotels for a week in Alaska, but they're also cheaper than other popular vacations. For example, seven nights at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort , a value resort at Walt Disney World , costs $955 for the room alone, including taxes and a summer promo deal. Adding seven days of park tickets, without park hopping, and the total becomes $2,195 for two people or about $1,098 per person, excluding food.

Meanwhile, cruises include all onboard meals – except optional specialty dining and alcohol. There are also a boatload of included activities, like nature talks, tai chi classes, guided arts and crafts, trivia, games and childcare. There’s live music available through the day and nightly stage shows. I sampled a little bit of everything, but for me, the best part of the ship was the views.

Inside Ascent: 3 takeaways from Celebrity Cruises' new ship

Do you see wildlife on an Alaskan cruise?

Yes. I saw whale spouts three times from the ship, though the whales didn’t breach above water. I also saw a handful of harbor seals and a dozen eagles from the ship and from shore. Bald eagles are so common in Alaska that a tour bus driver jokingly called them bald seagulls. There are 30,000 bald eagles in the state, according to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. 

I kept an eye out for bears on an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. I didn’t see any walking along the paved, wheelchair-accessible Nugget Falls Trail, but I did spot all sorts of spring buds and the most beautiful moss.

The ship’s onboard naturalist gave us a heads-up on what to look for and taught us about various species in presentations in the ship’s theater. She also broadcasted live on the ship’s TV channel and inside speakers while traveling through the Endicott Arm. However, her voice wasn’t carried on outside speakers to avoid potentially disturbing wildlife.

What is the best month to go on a cruise to Alaska?

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to early October, though dates vary by cruise line. Guests who sail early or late in the season may find lower rates than during the height of the summer, but they may miss out on warmer weather.

It was in the 40s to 50s most days of my May sailing, and it rained on our Juneau day. The onboard naturalist warned that there is no bad weather in Alaska, only poor clothing choices.

How much should I budget for an Alaskan cruise?

You should pad your budget with several hundred extra dollars for excursions and dining off-ship. Both can be pricey but enriching. My Mendenhall Glacier excursion was just under $130, including transportation and an off-site Gold Creek Salmon Bake , with all-you-can-eat fresh salmon cooked over a wood-burning fire.  I’ve never had better fried fish than the local halibut at The Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan, and I will be dreaming of the sweet, plump red king crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau for years to come.  If you want freshly caught Alaska seafood, you’ll want to get it at port.

You may be able to spot whales from the cruise ship, but if you really want to go whale watching, salmon fishing, dog sledding, or get up close to glaciers, that’s generally going to require an excursion. Excursions offered through cruise lines tend to cost more than those booked independently, but booking through the cruise line can streamline payment and ensure that the ship won’t leave without you if the excursion runs late.

One port you can enjoy on the cheap is Skagway. You can explore several exhibits and historic buildings on your own, as part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. However many visitors splurge on a scenic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway up to the Canadian border and back.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

Yes and no. The views throughout Alaska are breathtaking, and being able to enjoy them from your cabin any time of day feels luxurious. I loved waking up to mountains, thick with trees, outside my window and scanning the waters for marinelife before bed.

Just over 80% of Celebrity Edge’s staterooms have a balcony. I had an Infinite Veranda , which is unique to Edge-class ships. Rather than a traditional balcony with a sliding glass door, Infinite Verandas incorporate what would be exterior balcony space into the interior of the cabin and have a window that slides halfway down the exterior wall with the push of a button. I loved how much bigger it made the cabin feel and appreciated the extra climate-controlled living space. It was still chilly during my early season sailing, so I rarely put the window down and think I would have enjoyed a non-balcony, oceanview room just as much.

Of course, if you book an inside cabin, you can still enjoy the scenery from public areas of any ship. The Celebrity Edge brings the outside in with tons of windows, including in the buffet restaurant, Oceanview Cafe, where I spotted my first whale spout. In the back of the ship, there’s a relaxing mixed-use space called Eden with three stories of windows that I found myself drawn to daily. The solarium, with its tall windows and rows of lounge chairs, also offered expansive views. 

Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?

Maybe. For a closed-loop cruise that starts and ends in the same U.S. port, like the one I was on, all you need is proof of citizenship. 

“According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, this includes an Enhanced Driver’s License, which is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship; a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the person was born) or passport; and if 16 or older, a government-issued driver’s license or picture ID denoting photo, name, and date of birth,” according to Celebrity.

Of course, not all Alaska cruises are closed-loop cruises. Some start or end in Vancouver, Canada. There are also cruises on several smaller U.S.-flagged cruise lines like Alaska Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventures , which may not require passports depending on the itinerary.

Can you see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise?

It’s possible, but because daylight hours are so long during the summer in Alaska, the best chance to see them would be on a cruise late in the season.

I woke up in the middle of the night a few times to look for Northern Light. I didn’t see any, but I heard passengers on a previous sailing spotted them. Then again, so did people all across the country during the solar storm earlier this month.

The reporter on this story received access from Celebrity Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

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Alaska Senators Introduce New Legislation to Bypass Canada's Cruise Ship Ban

If passed, cruise ships would be allowed to travel between the state of Washington and Alaska without stopping in Canada.

Alaska senators are working to get the state's cruise season off the ground with new legislation following Canada's cruise ship ban.

Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan introduced the Alaska Tourism Recovery Act on Friday that, if passed, would allow cruise ships to travel between the state of Washington and Alaska without stopping in Canada. Currently, the Passenger Vessel Service Act — passed in 1886 — requires large foreign-flagged ships to stop in Canada before heading north to the state, which wouldn't be possible this year as Canada extended its cruise ship ban through February 2022.

"Canada's recent decision to prohibit Alaska-bound cruise ships from operating in Canadian waters creates legal hurdles that will hamstring the Alaska cruise season, creating additional economic strain on Alaska's entire economy, especially in our Southeast communities," Murkowski said in a statement . "Alaskan communities are already facing severe economic hardship and uncertainty from missing one tourism season as a result of COVID-19… Missing another cruise season would only compound the economic fallout that has been devastating for so many families."

Since Canada extended its ban, cruise lines have been forced to cancel Alaska itineraries while some have pivoted to land-based journeys . The introduction of the bill comes weeks after Alaska leaders pledged to find a workaround.

Sullivan said Canada's decision has "dire implications" for Alaska, adding the state "simply can't afford to weather another season without the tremendous economic activity that cruise ships provide to our coastal communities."

While Alaska sailings remain in jeopardy, visitors can still head to The Last Frontier to spot wildlife , explore the state's expansive national parks (including the popular Denali National Park), and listen to the deafening crack of calving glaciers .

Travelers to Alaska are no longer required to complete a COVID-19 test prior to arrival, but can choose to get tested at the airport.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

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Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise?

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Alaska is a bucket-list, adventure-filled destination, and a cruise is one of the best ways to see it.

Some places in America’s largest state are not even accessible by road, so a cruise ship is the ideal way to see many wonderful sights without having to pack or unpack.

But a common question is, do you need a passport to cruise to Alaska? Even though Alaska is part of the U.S., the answer can depend on the embarkation and disembarkation points, where the ship sails and your age.

Let’s get into the details to help you understand what you need to bring on your next Alaskan cruise so that you’re not surprised at the gangway.

Do I need a passport to cruise to Alaska?

Alaska is part of the United States, but some cruises either depart from a Canadian port like Vancouver or make a stop in a Canadian port like Victoria. In these cases, it is necessary to have a passport or passport card with you as identification.

But there is a loophole. Thanks to something known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, some cruises are classified as “closed-loop cruises.” These are cruises that begin or end at the same U.S. port.

So if your cruise starts and ends in, say, Seattle and sails to Alaska (and even makes a stop in Canada), you don’t necessarily need to bring a U.S. passport.

» Learn more: Cruises where you don’t need a Passport

If you’re a U.S. citizen who doesn’t have a passport or is waiting for one to be renewed , you can bring an official U.S. birth certificate and government-issued photo ID.

Both documents would be necessary for anyone 16 and older. Those under 16 only need to show a U.S. birth certificate since they may not have photo identification yet.

Travelers crossing the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea can opt to use a passport card instead of their passport book. But if you have a change of plans and need to take a plane, you would be out of luck as you would need a passport book to fly.

» Learn more: The best Alaska cruises

What if my Alaska cruise doesn’t sail to Canada?

Chances are your Alaska cruise will make a stop in Canada due to U.S. law that says that foreign-registered cruises cannot sail between most U.S. ports without making a stop in another country along the way.

Since cruise lines register their ships in foreign countries for more favorable tax reasons (among other considerations), they are not able to transport passengers on a purely domestic itinerary. That’s why they stop in a foreign port, and Canada is conveniently on the way.

This practice dates back to a regulation known as the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886. While the writers certainly were not envisioning kids on waterslides vacationing with their families or binocular-toting cruisers getting up close and personal with glaciers when they drafted it, the law continues to be valid today.

But back to the main question of do you need a passport to go to Alaska? Maybe.

If the cruise is not a closed-loop cruise, then you would need passport identification to board the ship.

There are also some “Inside Passage” sailings on smaller ships (where you may fly into and out of an Alaskan airport from the Continental U.S.) and do not make a stop in Canada.

Still, a passport may be necessary if any of your shore excursions enter Canada. For this reason, some cruise lines may still require them on these sailings.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

Alaskan cruise passports recapped

Whether or not you need a passport for your Alaska cruise will depend on your itinerary. You’ll want to check with the cruise line since it may have its own rules and regulations, but U.S. citizens on a closed-loop cruise have more flexibility.

The answer to do you need a passport to cruise to Alaska depends on where you’re departing from and returning to. Even if you visit a Canadian port, you may be able to sail to Alaska with just a U.S. birth certificate and photo identification.

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4 Alaska itineraries that are made for spectacular summer adventures

May 27, 2024 • 7 min read

The best itineraries in Alaska involve plenty of epic highways, wildlife, camping and scenic train routes along the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad © Justin Foulkes/Lonely Planet

In a state where the journey is as often as absorbing as the destination, the temptation to draw up a challenging, action-packed Alaska itinerary is more than compelling. Routes here take in everything from Panhandle forests to frigid Arctic tundra.

However, with a road network only slightly larger than that of Rhode Island, there’s a limit to how far you can get with a car. Fortunately, many of the state’s more remote corners are accessible by plane, train, or ferry.

Remember, Alaska is two-and-a-half times the size of Texas. If it were a country, it would be the world’s 17th largest. Even a two-week sojourn only offers a small taste of this great unsullied wilderness, but what a taste it is!   

Try these four busy itineraries that take you to Alaska's most dramatic sights and experiences.

5-day itinerary: Fairbanks to Seward by train 

This land-based itinerary takes advantage of the beautifully maintained Alaska Railroad . Start out in Fairbanks , the railroad's northernmost terminus, where you can spend a day exploring the museums and a night appreciating the remarkable phenomenon of a sun that barely sets.

Hop on the train to Denali National Park , and enjoy a good day hike on the Triple Lakes Trail . The next morning, take the extraordinary eight-hour ride to Anchorage . Along this stretch, the tracks leave the road and probe into asphalt-free wilderness, paralleling rivers instead of the highway, with the icy mass of 20,310ft Denali in view if you're lucky.

Spend two nights and one full day in Anchorage, taking advantage of its surprisingly sophisticated shopping and dining scene. Check out the world-class Anchorage Museum , or rev up for a salmon bake with a bike ride along the Coastal Trail . Then hop aboard for another spectacular journey to Seward .

Again, the train deviates from the road and takes you 10 miles into the Chugach Mountains. Seward is the southern terminus of the railroad, ending at gorgeous Resurrection Bay. Be sure to take a tour of Kenai Fjords National Park to spot sea lions, sea otters and whales before you leave.

10-day itinerary: Katmai National Park to Anan Creek 

One of the fastest-growing activities in Alaska is bear watching, and the state has no shortage of bears, nor tourists wanting to see one – preferably catching and devouring a salmon. Make it to at least one of the following destinations and you’re likely to spot one.

One of the most famous bear-viewing sites is our start point: Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park & Preserve . Here you can snap the ultimate Alaskan photo: a dozen grizzlies perched on the edge of a waterfall, snapping salmon out of the air as they leap upstream. There are so many bears here in July, in fact, that the moment you step out of your floatplane at Brooks Camp, you'll be ushered into the national parks office for a mandatory bear orientation (likely passing a grizzly or two ambling up the shore of Naknek Lake on your way).

A bit more accessible than Katmai is Denali National Park , which is accessible by road after the plane ride to Anchorage. Here you can jump onto a park shuttle bus and press your face against the glass as you scour the sweeping landscape for both brown and black bears. Not only are you likely to spot one of these legendary beasts, you’ll also probably catch sight of caribou and moose too (note that the 92-mile road is only open up to mile 43 until summer 2023).

You'll need to fly again to get to Utqiaġvik and Point Barrow for a chance to spot a polar bear at the top of the world. Photographing one of these massive white predators in the wild is an experience few will ever have. A guided tour will take you out of town where you might also catch sight of walruses near the water.

For a more urban experience, fly on to Juneau . The most affordable bear-watching in Alaska is found here, since you don’t have to travel far from the city to catch black bears feasting on salmon. Just head to Steep Creek near the Mendenhall Glacier. Time permitting, you can also make a short out-and-back hop in a seaplane to Pack Creek on Admiralty Island.

Finish off in the southern panhandle at the Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory 30 miles southeast of Wrangell, one of the only places in Alaska where black and brown bears coexist. Get here from Juneau by air.

2-week itinerary: Cruising Southeast Alaska

One of the most exciting trips is taking the Alaska Marine Highway from Bellingham, Washington , to Skagway. It’s an easy-to-plan journey through a scenic region of Alaska, although you should reserve space on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry if you want a cabin.

Board the ferry in Bellingham and enjoy the coastal scenery of Canada – including lonesome lighthouses – for a couple of days before disembarking for two days at Ketchikan . If it’s not raining, spend a day climbing Deer Mountain and enjoy lunch on the peak with panoramic views of the Inside Passage.

Head out to Totem Bight State Park to see carved totems and a colorful Indigenous community house. If it is raining, book a flightseeing tour of Misty Fjords National Monument , an almost-mystical landscape of steep fjords and waterfalls running off foggy green mountains.

Catch the ferry to Wrangell and take a wild jet-boat tour up the Stikine River, North America’s fastest navigable river. Be sure to visit Petroglyph Beach , where ancient rock carvings of faces and spirals emerge at low tide. Continue to Sitka on the ferry for an afternoon at Sitka National Historical Park and another on a whale-watching cruise.

Head to Juneau and sign up for a walk across the beautiful ice of Mendenhall Glacier . Top that off the next day by climbing Mt Roberts and then having an Alaska-brewed beer (or two) before taking the Mt Roberts tramway back to the city. In the evening enjoy one of the city’s salmon bakes and indulge in the cheerful tourist trap that is the Red Dog Saloon .

Climb aboard the high-speed Fjord Express catamaran for two days in Skagway, the historic start point for the Klondike gold rush. Board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for a two-hour trip to the summit of White Pass and in the evening catch the rollicking Days of '98 Show back in Skagway.

If you can eke out another day, take the fast ferry to Haines , a quiet, local-loving Alaskan town with some fine hikes and a great brewery. After returning to Skagway, you’ll need to backtrack to Juneau if you want to fly home – or you can jump back on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry in Auke Bay.

2-week itinerary: Burning rubber on Alaska’s uncrowded roads

Driving the very wide open roads in such a dramatic landscape is what road-tripping is all about. Get yourself a rental vehicle and stick on some Springsteen: you’re in for an amazing ride across Alaska.

Fly into Anchorage and pick up your car (make sure you book well in advance). Stop at one of the city’s large supermarkets, stock up with road-trip goodies and some liquid refreshment and then beat it out of town.

Head north and take the George Parks Hwy through Wasilla. Turn at the Talkeetna Spur Rd and hang out in Talkeetna , a laid-back climbers’ town. Spend the day on the last flag-stop loco in the US, the Hurricane Turn Train . In the evening, be sure to check out the antics at the historic Fairview Inn ’s bar.

Head back to the Parks Hwy and continue north to the Denali Highway. Open only in summer, this 134-mile dirt road traverses the foothills of the Alaska Range. Take your time – the going is rough and the scenery stunning. Pitch a tent along the road wherever it feels right, preferably next to a rushing stream, and then continue heading east in the morning until you hit the Richardson Hwy.

Travel south and then follow the McCarthy Rd east to the Kennicott River, 127 miles from Glennallen. Spend the next day exploring the quaint village of McCarthy and the amazing mining ruins at Kennecott . Return to the Richardson Hwy and head south and then west.

Continue into Valdez and stay an extra day to splurge on a Columbia Glacier cruise. Drive onto the Alaska Marine Highway ferry (reserve this in advance) and sail across Prince William Sound to Cordova. Spend 24 hours dissecting the Sound's most attractive town and its free-thinking locals, incorporating a hike around the Copper River Delta with its many bird species.

From Cordova, take a ferry to Whittier. On the same day drive 90 miles to Seward , passing through the 2.5-mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. Stay two days in Seward; book a boat tour or kayak in Resurrection Bay, but on the afternoon of the second day hightail it back to Anchorage (127 miles) to turn in your hire car before the dealer closes.

This article was first published Jun 6, 2022 and updated May 27, 2024.

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Where can I cruise without a passport?

At TPG, we always recommend cruising with a passport, but there are many reasons why you might want to set sail without one.

What if an opportunity pops up on short notice, and you don't have a passport yet? Or what if you forgot to renew yours when it expired? What if it's only a three-night cruise to the Bahamas, and the passport application fee is almost as much as the cruise fare? Or, maybe you have children nearing age 16 and can't justify paying for passports that will only be good for five years.

First of all, do you even need a passport to cruise ? The answer is often but not always. You have options to cruise without a passport because not every sailing requires them. Thanks to an international agreement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , U.S. citizens can cruise on certain itineraries within North American countries using government-issued identification (like a valid driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a government-issued birth certificate).

The cruises that you don't need a passport for are closed-loop sailings, which depart from and return to the same port within the U.S. One-way sailings from one U.S. port to another or from a U.S. port to a foreign one would require a passport.

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

Before we go further, let's clarify that when we talk about cruising without a passport, we're referring to pricey passport books that some travelers do not wish to purchase. Passport cards can also be used for identification when cruising in all the places we are about to discuss; these cards are a low-cost alternative to traveling with your driver's license and birth certificate.

Let's look at the options for where you can cruise without a passport.

Cruising to Alaska is one of the easiest ways to experience all the state offers. You'll have opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife; stroll the streets of charming coastal towns; eat your fill of local crab legs and salmon; and enjoy nature on a kayak, zip line or hike.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska without a passport, look for itineraries that begin (and end) in Seattle , San Francisco or southern California ports, such as Los Angeles or Long Beach, California. The most common length for these closed-loop Alaska cruises operated by the major cruise lines is seven nights. Cruises early or late in the season might be only four or five nights, and trips departing from LA are usually 14 nights.

What if you really want to cruise one-way from Canada to Alaska (or vice versa)? Although Canada prefers U.S. citizens who arrive by sea or land to have a passport book, it is not required as long as they have proper identification and proof of citizenship. The U.S., however, requires one of the following WHTI-approved forms of identification for entries by land or sea: passport card, enhanced driver's license, I-872 American Indian card or trusted traveler program IDs like Nexus, Sentri and Fast.

Technically, if you have one of those forms of ID but not a passport book, you can take a one-way Alaska cruise — as long as you don't have to fly to or from Canada.

More complications arise for non-passport holders who book shore excursions that involve crossing from Alaska to Canada. White Pass and Yukon Route train rides are good examples. White Pass and Yukon Route allows cruise passengers to go on the three-hour train excursion without a passport but doesn't allow them to take any longer routes. That's their policy, not a legal requirement.

This means that Alaska cruises are one instance when the passport card would be a handy alternative to traveling with both an ID card and a birth certificate. It opens up one-way itineraries.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

A cruise to the Caribbean transports you to tropical islands bathed in turquoise waters. Whether you seek warm beaches, cool drinks, water sports or cultural education, you can find a Caribbean cruise to fit the bill.

It's easy to cruise without a passport in the Caribbean: Just book one of the many closed-loop, round-trip sailings departing from a U.S. port. Most major cruise lines offer sailings that range between three and 15 nights from ports like Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; multiple ports in Florida (including Miami and Fort Lauderdale); Charleston, South Carolina; Baltimore; Bayonne, New Jersey; and New York City.

Most Caribbean islands participate in the WHTI, but it's always best to check the details specific to the ports of call included in your itinerary. Don't forget that islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are U.S. territories, so visits never require passports for U.S. citizens.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, lying 643 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Hop on a cruise ship for a direct route to the island's famous beaches and golf courses. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, but cruises are possible throughout the year.

Cruising without a passport to Bermuda is also easy. Apart from a few isolated cruises stopping in Bermuda as they come or go from other destinations, there are no one-way Bermuda cruises to confuse the situation. If you plan to sail without a passport, be wary of any Bermuda cruise longer than 10 nights. Those are likely to be point-to-point cruises that happen to include Bermuda.

Passport-free cruises to Bermuda include ample five- to 10-night sailings from the East Coast ports of Baltimore, Bayonne, Boston and Manhattan. Occasional itineraries also pop up throughout the Bermuda season departing from Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston; and the Florida ports of Miami, Port Canaveral (near Orlando) and Jacksonville.

Related: Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda?

Long known for delightful strands of beach and access to every imaginable form of water fun under the subtropical sun, the Bahamas are the ideal destination for easy and quick cruise vacations.

Skip the passport on three- to five-night Bahamas cruises sailing round-trip on most major cruise lines from the eastern Florida ports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Miami.

A few longer, seven- to 15-night itineraries stop in the Bahamas on their way into the Caribbean. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

Our southern neighbor boasts two coastlines of cruise fun. Like most tropical cruise destinations, the top draws are the beaches and the ocean; however, cruise ports in Mexico also give you access to ancient Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine and an abundance of land activities.

Mexico's Caribbean and Pacific coasts are both accessible to cruisers who do not hold passports. If you want to visit Mexico's eastern shores, you can find three- to 15-night cruises to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Progreso. Sailings depart Florida from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral; you can also find itineraries from New Orleans, Galveston and Mobile, Alabama.

Western Mexico, often referred to as the Mexican Riviera, includes the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, among others. Cruises with several major lines depart San Diego, San Pedro port in LA and Long Beach for voyages lasting anywhere from three to 10 nights.

Related: The best Mexico cruises for every type of traveler

From water sports to American history and Hawaiian culture, there's a lot to experience on a Hawaii cruise . The best part might be the ability to hop from island to island, sampling the flavors of each as you go.

Closed-loop Hawaii cruises that don't require passports come in two varieties. The short option is to fly to Honolulu and take a seven- or 10-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Pride of America. This is the only large cruise ship allowed to operate entirely within the Hawaiian Islands without visiting a foreign port.

Small-ship cruise operator UnCruise Adventures also offers seven-night, inter-island Hawaiian sailings. The American-flagged ships only cruise to and from U.S. ports, so no passport is needed, as would be the case on any domestic trip.

The long-cruise options consist of 14- to 18-night round-trip sailings from San Diego, LA (Long Beach and San Pedro) and San Francisco. You won't need a passport for these closed-loop sailings, but you do need to be prepared for multiple days at sea as you cross the Pacific from California to Hawaii.

Beware of 20-plus-night cruises that are round-trip sailings from the West Coast and would seem to fit the bill for closed-loop cruises that don't require passports. Most of these cruises don't work because they also include stops in French Polynesia, which is outside of the WHTI agreement. Passports are required for the islands in the South Pacific, which means they're required for the entire cruise.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

Canada and New England

Cruises up North America's East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec.

Mainstream cruise lines operate numerous cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coasts that don't require passports. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan, Brooklyn and occasionally Norfolk. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong fall sailings; however, a handful depart at other times of the year or are a touch longer, ranging from eight to 10 nights.

Related: The best cruises to Canada and New England

Some cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. These itineraries, like Alaska cruises, might be possible without a passport book. This is the case as long as your plans don't include flying into or out of Canada and your cruise line allows you to cruise with either a passport card or other acceptable form of identification and proof of citizenship.

We checked with a few lines for you. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but they allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Again, the passport card opens up one-way possibilities, assuming you aren't flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S.

Bottom line

While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it's not required by law in certain circumstances. Closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports that visit Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico are part of an international agreement that allows U.S. citizens to cruise without a passport. In these cases, government-issued identification and proof of U.S. citizenship are acceptable alternatives to a passport book.

Passport cards are an affordable and unquestionable alternative to carrying an ID and birth certificate. If you want to go this route, know they are not valid for travel by air into or out of any foreign country, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries — which is the primary reason most travel advisers urge cruisers to have a passport book.

As we've shown, you have plenty of options for where to cruise without a passport, and many travelers do so without incident. However, anything from engine trouble on your cruise ship to bad weather or an accident in port might necessitate a flight home from a foreign country. This would put you in an awkward position if you didn't have a passport.

Plus, as much fun as simple round-trip cruises are, passports open up additional vacation possibilities in the form of longer, point-to-point and overseas trips. Don't dismiss registering for a passport, even as you consider where you can cruise without one.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• 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
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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ADVENTURE IS A SHORE THING SHORE EXCURSIONS

DISCOVER YOUR OWN

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

The excursions and guided tours designed to take your getaway to the next level — from locally-taught culinary classes and land tours infused with culture and history, to adrenaline amping outdoor thrills and off-the-grid exploration. Ready to revisit that bucket list? Explore the possibilities for shore excursions on your next cruise below.

ADVENTURE ON LAND

No matter what your ideal adventure involves, Shore Excursions make it easy to immerse yourself in each vibrant destination you visit. Unleash your inner explorer and discover bold new ways to connect with the people, culture and places around you as you sail from one unforgettable shore to another.

EUROPE EXCURSIONS

When you explore Europe’s ancient cities, every arch and alleyway tells a story. In Sicily, you can bike across the rim of Mount Etna, which the ancient Greeks believed was home to the legendary Cyclops. In Spain, learn how to prepare tapas like a true Malagan, then savor every single bite. And venture deeper into nature — literally — as you explore the magnificent Lipa Cave in Montenegro. No matter where your journey takes you, these experiences will make every moment memorable.  

PRIVATE JOURNEYS

For those looking for a more personalized adventure, there’s Private Journeys. Our Destination Insiders leverage extensive knowledge and years of travel expertise to hand craft one-of-a-kind private tours with you in mind. You can customize an existing tour that catches your eye, or work with an Insider to create an exclusive tour experience that’s completely unique to you or a small group. Celebrating a special occasion, chasing a lifelong dream, or looking for ways to rediscover a favorite destination? Private Journeys are at your service.  

DISCOVER WONDERS BENEATH THE WAVES

Adventure doesn’t just happen onshore — there are countless marvels waiting to be discovered just below the waterline. Brave the depths and venture down to the ocean floor, or scope out the reefs as you snorkel along the surface of the sea.

SNORKEL EXCURSIONS

Take your adventure underwater and discover a whole world that’s teeming with life. Swim with sea turtles and manta rays, float over vibrant reefs, and explore colorful coral forests on a snorkeling excursion designed to bring you up close with the ocean’s most beautiful natural treasures.  

SCUBA EXCURSIONS

There’s no better way to explore the beauty beneath the waves than on a guided scuba excursion. Dive deep below the surface of the sea with a certified expert and weave through brilliant coral colonies, scour centuries-old shipwrecks and come face-to-face with exotic aquatic critters.  

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK A SHORE EXCURSION

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Long Weekend Cruises

Six Secret Finds During Your Weekend Cruise

• * Tours involving flights, trains, special events, overnight stays, hotel stays and Private Journeys must be cancelled 30 days prior to sailing to avoid cancellation penalties. Other restrictions may apply.
• + In the unlikely event that your tour is significantly delayed, we’ll make all the arrangements for you to return to the ship at the earliest opportunity at no expense to you.
• *Guests on tour under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 
• Read more on the Guest Terms site .

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