alaska cruise 2023

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2023 Alaska Cruises

Our 2023 season in Alaska continues to excite world travelers with iconic experiences found only in The Last Frontier. The rugged beauty of this untouched wilderness sets the stage for every unforgettable moment. From up-close, breathtaking views of glaciers—you just can’t imagine how majestic they are until you’re right beside one—to the native wildlife, including whales, bears, bald eagles, and moose (just to name a few). This corner of the world not only offers stunning natural beauty, but there’s so much to learn about the history and cultures of Alaska—from the native people who’ve lived here for centuries to the more recent gold rush days that brought adventurers and fortune seekers to the wilds of Alaska.

Returning to Alaska for our 2023 season is the revolutionized ship Celebrity Millennium®, and two of our Solstice Series® ships, Celebrity Solstice® and Celebrity Eclipse®. These award-winning ships set sail from Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward and offer a wide variety of 7-night itineraries that visit incredible places, including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka. No matter which sailing you choose, you’ll sail the ever-popular Inside Passage—one of the most popular experiences on any Alaska vacation—as well as visiting Hubbard Glacier or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Want an even more in-depth exploration of Alaska? Choose an immersive Cruisetour that combines the best of the coastline on a 7-night cruise along with an exciting land tour that takes you deep into the heart of the wilderness. Ride trains, boats, deluxe motorcoaches, and possibly even planes to get deeper into the wilderness. Stay in the finest lodges and savor local flavors along the way. These land and sea vacations introduce you to everything this region has to offer for exciting and unforgettable adventures. Our 2023 Alaska sailings are open for booking now. No matter which cruise or Cruisetour you choose, you’ll discover the majesty of The Last Frontier is more impressive than you ever imagined.

Departure Ports

Seward, Alaska

Vancouver, British Colombia

Seattle, Washington

Itineraries

Ships visiting alaska.

Celebrity Eclipse

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Celebrity Millennium

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Victoria, British Columbia

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

Hubbard Glacier

Alaska Cruisetours

On an Alaska Cruisetour, you’ll make your way through the breathtaking wilderness to Denali National Park aboard our glass-domed train that offers incredible views along the way. On your journey, you and your dedicated Tour Director may visit some of the most popular towns in Alaska, including Talkeetna, Alyeska, and the city of Fairbanks—with plenty of time to discover the distinctive history and personality of each place. As you make your way through the wilderness, you’ll stay in cozy lodges and savor the authentic flavors of Alaska. On both your cruise and land tour, you’ll have the opportunity to experience excursions that will have you watching for whales, hiking Denali National Park, mushing sled dogs, and even trekking a glacier

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Best Alaskan Cruises

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If you’re looking for a cruise vacation that’s a little bit out of the way and a little bit out of the ordinary, make an Alaska cruise your first choice. If your first thought is “Alaska… cool!” you’re on the right track — even in the mild summer season, you should still pack your sweater. Grab it and get up here because Alaska is a natural wonder through and through, and the coastal panhandle region Carnival sails to is perhaps the most stunning. How’s Alaska planning on stunning you? Alaska cruises will do it with quaint seaside towns like Ketchikan and Skagway, and with stunning harbor vistas like Juneau’s. Cruising Alaska will also give you a first-row ticket to the best of nature — including fjords, wildlife and mountains galore. “Oh, mother nature… now you’re just showing off.”

• Get up and go glacier-gazing, big time.
• Follow hiking trails to catch some grand scenery.
• Grab binoculars and whale-watch some big ones.

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Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord

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Prince Rupert, BC

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Valdez, Alaska

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THINKING ABOUT ALASKA?

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7 Night Alaska Experience Cruise

Your ship ovation of the seas.

SPACE AGE SURPRISES

North Star ®

Splashaway Bay℠

RipCord ® by iFLY ®

Bumper Cars

A full-on flavor fest.

Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver

Coastal Kitchen

Fish & Ships℠

An adventure onstage.

Bionic Bar ®

Live. Love. Legs.

Day 1: seattle, washington.

Seek Out the Center

Waterfront Wonders

Relive the Gold Rush

Local Cuisine

Day 2: Cruising

FlowRider ®

Adventure Ocean ®

Rock Climbing Wall

Day 3: juneau, alaska.

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon..

SEAFARING SAFARI

BECOME A MASTER MUSHER

GO FOR THE GOLD

LOCAL CUISINE

Day 4: Skagway, Alaska

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

TAKE A HIKE

GO FOR GOLD

Day 5: Sitka, Alaska

LINKS TO THE PAST

Bering history in mind.

FOR THE BIRDS

Day 6: Cruising

Chops Grille℠

La Patisserie

The Café @ Two70

Day 7: victoria, british columbia.

WALK TO REMEMBER

ADVENTURE EDEN

RAISE A CUPPA TO TRADITION

Day 8: Seattle, Washington

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Alaska Cruises

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Discover The Wild Beauty Of The Last Frontier

From 6-night getaways to immersive, 13-night Cruisetours that combine the wild, forested beauty of Alaska’s coast with the majesty of Denali National Park, there’s an Alaskan cruise style and length to suit you. Sail one-way between Vancouver and Seward or Vancouver and Seattle, round-trip from Vancouver or Seattle, or on a Cruisetour between Vancouver and Anchorage or Fairbanks.

Featured Alaska Cruises

Dawes glacier cruises.

Prepare for a thrill as you approach the head of the 30-mile Endicott Arm fjord to face Dawes Glacier, a 600-foot-tall wall of ice. Other Alaska cruise highlights include Juneau; remote Ketchikan, and historic Skagway.

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Hubbard Glacier Cruises

Sail from Vancouver to North America’s biggest glacier, seven miles wide and the height of a 30-story building. Ports along this Alaska cruise include Ketchikan; Juneau, the perfect spot for whale-watching; and Icy Strait Point, where you can search for bears and eagles.

One-Way Alaska Cruises

Sail one-way between Vancouver and Seward or Vancouver and Seattle, and you’ll see a stretch of Alaska’s forested coastline against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and lichen-draped forests.

Option for Land & Cruise Package: Extend your sailing with a Cruisetour, which will take you to Denali National Park, Anchorage, and Talkeetna, among other destinations.

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Icy Strait Point

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Why Cruise to Alaska with Celebrity Cruises

Live life to the fullest on a Alaska cruise with Celebrity. We have three ships in Alaska, sailing itineraries ranging from 6 or 7 nights to immersive 9- to 13-night Cruisetours that combine the excitement of sailing Alaska’s rugged coast with the awe-inspiring wilderness of Denali National Park and the towns and cities of the vast interior. Explore the best Alaska cruises available with a range of departure ports including Vancouver, Seward, and Seattle, and a choice of thrilling round-trip or one-way itineraries. 

Immerse yourself in the wildlife, scenery, and culture ashore and return to aboard our contemporary, design-led ships. After enjoying the untamed beauty, return to your Alaska cruise and rejuvenate your spirit in The Spa. Watch for whales and dolphins from the privacy of your Infinite Veranda stateroom, where the touch of a button brings the outside in. 

Elevate your Alaska cruise to the next level at The Retreat®, with sumptuous suite accommodation, access to a tranquil lounge, and dining at the exclusive Luminae at The Retreat. 

Let Celebrity take you to some of Alaska’s most exciting ports, whether your dream is to get close to breaching humpbacks on a whale-watching adventure or follow the treacherous trail of early gold prospectors over the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Sail the Inside Passage, watching for bears foraging on stony beaches, or gaze in wonder at the towering, blue-white wall of the mighty Hubbard Glacier.  

Personal service will be the hallmark of your Alaska cruise adventure, on board as well as ashore, where our range of carefully curated excursions includes everything from zip-lining over the forest canopy to floatplane adventures and driving a team of sled dogs across the icy expanse of a glacier. Choose the style to suit your personal taste, from Destination Highlights to Small Group Discoveries, or even custom-designed Private Journeys.

Endless Options for Exploration

You’ll be immersed in nature at every point of your Alaska cruise. Vast, creaking blue-white glaciers inch their way to the sea as jagged, snow-capped mountain peaks pierce the sky. Bears prowl rock-strewn beaches, while salmon-laden rivers rush through pristine, old-growth forest, bald eagles perched watchfully in the treetops. 

Learn about the heady days of the Gold Rush. Kayak silent fjords on your journey along the coast of the Last Frontier. Let Celebrity’s award-winning ships take you to the most dazzling locations in the 49th state, from bustling Juneau to pretty Ketchikan. Or extend your stay with one of our Alaska Cruisetours to explore Alaska’s interiors. Head deep into the wilderness of Denali, immerse yourself in the exciting contemporary culture of Anchorage, and spend time in quirky, arty Talkeetna.

On an Alaska cruise, you’ll experience everything from raw, untamed natural wonders on an extravagant scale to rich history, buzzing cities, vibrant and delicious cuisine, and a warm welcome.

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With more than 30,000 bald eagles in the state, Alaska is one of the best places to spot these majestic creatures.

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Cruising in Alaska

Is an Alaska cruise good for families?

Absolutely. With spectacular wildlife and dozens of thrilling, kid-friendly activities, Alaska is perfect for families. Kids will love spotting bears and whales, and the whole family can try sea kayaking, go zip lining, join guided hikes through the forest, and learn to drive a team of husky dogs. Here’s all you need to know about cruising in Alaska as a family.

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Can I add a land tour before or after my Alaska cruise?

With one of our 9- to 13-night Alaska Cruisetours, you can combine your seven-night Alaska cruise with an exciting land tour where you’ll visit destinations like cultured Anchorage, folksy Talkeetna, and wild Denali, giving you a more diverse experience of the magnificent 49th state and more opportunities to spot the Big Five: Moose, caribou, wolf, Dall sheep, and grizzly bear. 

Will I see a glacier on my Alaska cruise?

Many of our itineraries spend a day cruising the beautiful Endicott Arm Fjord, the end of which is dominated by the mighty Dawes Glacier. Others take you to Hubbard Glacier, a vast wall of ice. 

From Juneau, you can take an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier, where you can see fantastic views of the ice on a hike or join a kayak tour. From Seward, you could join a challenging hike to Exit Glacier, which flows slowly from the enormous Harding Icefield. Wherever you go in Alaska, you’ll see glaciers in the distance, high in the mountains, sometimes hanging dramatically over a wall of rock.

What should I pack for an Alaska cruise?

When you’re packing for an Alaska cruise, you’ll want to plan for any kind of weather, from hot sun to ethereal mist and rain showers—often in the same day. Layers, light waterproof jackets, good walking shoes, and a hat and gloves are the essentials; Alaska can be cold as well as warm and sunny.

Pack binoculars for spotting all that incredible wildlife, and camera lens or smartphone. You will also need sunblock and insect repellant. Remember swimwear for the ship; even if it’s cool outside, the Solarium on board is climate controlled and covered, so you can relax on a lounger in the warmth, and swim in the pool. Pack Evening Chic outfits for our dressier nights. 

If you join activities like kayaking, all safety gear will be provided.

What are the best things to do in Alaska?

Alaska is all about exploring the Great Outdoors with family and friends, learning about US History and enjoying wildlife. There are hikes, kayaking, mountain biking, ziplining, and dog sledding for more energetic travelers. 

For a less testing but equally thrilling experience, you could join a whale-watching tour, or take a helicopter or floatplane flightseeing trip, soaring over forests and glaciers. Alaska is brimming with history and culture, too. Explore the cultures of the Native Alaskans, and learn about the Klondike Gold Rush.

Make a point of trying the local cuisine in Alaska, which is famous for its seafood. You’ll find Alaskan salmon on every menu. King crab is delicious in a chowder, or with melted butter. Black cod and halibut are delicious and often served with fries; fish and chips is a popular dish in Alaska. You’ll also find seasonal berries on every menu, locally roasted coffee, and a wide assortment of craft beers.

What kind of animals can I see in Alaska?

You’ll likely see a wide variety of animals in Alaska. If you’re lucky, you can spot brown and black bears; the Spasski River Valley near Icy Strait Point is a great place for bear-spotting, as are the rivers around Ketchikan in July, peak salmon spawning season, when bears come to feast on the fish. For guaranteed bear viewing, head to the Fortress of the Bear near Sitka, which raises orphaned bears in a natural setting. 

You’ll also see whales; the Inside Passage is a great place to spot humpbacks and orcas. Look out for bald eagles perched in the trees, steller sea lions spread out on rocks, and cute sea otters bobbing in the water. To search for the Big Five—grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, and moose—extend your vacation with a Cruisetour and a visit to Denali National Park. 

When's the best time to cruise to Alaska?

Alaska’s summer season begins in early May and extends until late September. There are compelling reasons to cruise to Alaska in any month of the summer, depending on whether you’re interested in maximizing your chances of spotting whales, seeing the Northern Lights, getting closer to glaciers, or traveling when there are fewer people around. See our blog post to learn more about the best time to cruise to Alaska. 

What Celebrity ships sail to Alaska?

Celebrity Cruises has three ships operating different itineraries in Alaska. These include Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Solstice, and Celebrity Summit.

Where do Alaska cruises embark from?

Most of Celebrity’s Alaska cruises sail round-trip from either Vancouver or Seattle. You could also opt for a one-way cruise between Vancouver and Seward or Vancouver and Seattle. If you choose a Cruisetour, you could sail from Vancouver to Seward and then fly out of Anchorage after the tour. Other itineraries begin in Fairbanks and, after the land journey, sail south from Seward to Vancouver.

How long are Alaskan cruises?

Celebrity’s Alaskan cruises range from six to seven nights, but if you extend your voyage into a Cruisetour, the duration is nine to 13 nights. You could also consider extending your vacation with a night or two in either Vancouver or Seattle, depending on which itinerary you have chosen.

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Alaska 2023 Cruise & Cruisetour Finder

Nothing Compares to an Alaska Vacation

May -September 2023 Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours

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People visit Alaska to see glaciers, mountains and wildlife, and Princess lets you enjoy all three on cruises and cruise tours crafted over more than 50 years of sailing here. That's why more guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line and why Travel Weekly has called us the "Best Cruise Line in Alaska" for 14 consecutive years. In 2023, their newest ship Discovery Princess returns to Alaska for her second season, sailing the Inside Passage from Seattle.

Voyage of the Glaciers: This top-rated, 7-day itinerary includes two glacier-viewing experiences: one at Glacier Bay National Park and the other at either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. Tour the Gold Rush-era towns of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan for a taste of the history and local life with a More Ashore late-night stay in Juneau on every northbound sailing. Inside Passage: Princess offers 10-day roundtrip sailings from San Francisco that journey through the Inside Passage and include visits to three ports of call plus a day of glacier viewing at either Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.

We also have popular 7-day roundtrip sailings from Seattle and 7, 8 and 10 day roundtrip sailings from Vancouver, B.C. North to Alaska: Experience more of the Great Land's culture and cuisine through our award-winning North to Alaska program. Meet lumberjacks, Iditarod champions, crab fishermen, authors and storytellers on board and ashore. Snuggle with sled-dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, sample Alaska's seafood, and have a fish you caught in the morning served to your table that night with Cook My Catch.

Princess Medallion Class Experience This effortless, personalized vacation is now available on all ships. Dine when, how and where you want, and have drinks, snacks and services delivered wherever you are. Stream your favorite shows, post photos, and video chat with fast, reliable Medallion Net Wi-Fi. Watch your stateroom door unlock as you approach, and find family and friends anywhere on board. It's your vacation your way.

Air made simple: With Princess EZair, enjoy customized suggestions based on when and where you sail, low prices with flexible fares and the reassurance that we'll get you to the ship.

2023 Alaska Cruisetours

Denali Explorer   (10-13 Nights)                                    FREE Price Quote 2023 Cruisetours

Departure Dates AA3 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 AB3 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 10, 24; Jun 7, 21; Jul 5, 19; Aug 2, 16, 30; Sep 13 Majestic Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 Sapphire Princess: May 21; Jun 4, 18; Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10 BA3 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 BB3 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 10, 24; Jun 7, 21; Jul 5, 19; Aug 2, 16, 30; Sep 13 Majestic Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 Sapphire Princess: May 21; Jun 4, 18; Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10 CA3 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 8, 23; Sep 6 CB3 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 10, 24; Jun 7, 21; Jul 5, 19; Aug 2, 16, 30; Sep 13 Majestic Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 Sapphire Princess: May 21; Jun 4, 18; Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10 DA4 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 DB4 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 9, 23; Jun 6, 20; Jul 4, 18; Aug 1, 15, 29; Sep 12 Majestic Princess: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22; Sep 5 Sapphire Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 EA4 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 EB4 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 23; Jun 6, 20; Jul 4, 18; Aug 1, 15, 29; Sep 12 Majestic Princess: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22: Sep 5 Sapphire Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 FA4 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 FB4 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 9, 23; Jun 6, 20; Jul 4, 18; Aug 1, 15, 29; Sep 12 Majestic Princess: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22: Sep 5 Sapphire Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep GA4 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 GB4 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 9, 23; Jun 6, 20; Jul 4, 18; Aug 1, 15, 29; Sep 12 Majestic Princess: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22: Sep 5 Sapphire Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 HA5 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 HB5 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 22; Jun 5, 19; Jul 3, 17, 31; Aug 14, 28; Sep 11 Majestic Princess: May 15, 29; Jun 12, 26; Jul 10, 24; Aug 7, 21; Sep 4 Sapphire Princess: May 19; Jun 2, 16, 30; Jul 14, 28; Aug 11, 25; Sep 8 IA5 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 IB5 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 8, 22; Jun 5, 19; Jul 3, 17, 31; Aug 14, 28; Sep 11 Majestic Princess: May 15, 29; Jun 12, 26; Jul 10, 24; Aug 7, 21; Sep 4 Sapphire Princess: May 19; Jun 2, 16, 30; Jul 14, 28; Aug 11, 25; Sep 8 JA5 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 JB5 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 8, 22; Jun 5, 19; Jul 3, 17, 31; Aug 14, 28; Sep 11 Majestic Princess: May 15, 29; Jun 12, 26; Jul 10, 24; Aug 7, 21; Sep 4 Sapphire Princess: May 19; Jun 2, 16, 30; Jul 14, 28; Aug 11, 25; Sep 8 KA6 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 KB6 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 7, 21; Jun 4, 18; Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10 Majestic Princess: May 14, 28; Jun 11, 25; Jul 9, 23; Aug 6, 20; Sep 3 Sapphire Princess: May 18; Jun 1, 15, 29; Jul 13, 27; Aug 10, 24; Sep 7  

*Prices are per person, USD. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses additional

Alaska Cruise Experience

Princess has a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks.

What to Expect on an Alaska Cruisetour [ Land + Sea Vacation ] Cruisetours combine a 7 day cruise with a multi-day land experience, with a choice of visits to Denali, Kenai, Copper River, Canada's Yukon Territory, Anchorage, Haines, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks. The Most Popular Route: Anchorage-Denali-Fairbanks The typical Anchorage-Denali-Fairbanks [ or in reverse order ] cruisetour is offered before or after a north - or -southbound Gulf of Alaska Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, sailing between Vancouver and either Seward or Whittier, the two main docking ports for Anchorage. When you disembark your cruise ship you will head for Anchorage via motorcoach or, if they're sailing with Princess Cruises, board a "direct to the wilderness" train directly at Whittier to Denali. The train gets you there sooner.  From Anchorage you go on up to Denali National Park, a 6-million-acre preserve  full of wildlife (bears, moose, dall sheep, fox, eagles and more), massive glaciers and majestic mountains and valleys, sweeping views of subarctic tundra, and Denali (formally known as Mt. McKinley), North America's highest peak at 20,320 feet. Travelers stay at lodges in or around the park perimeter, some owned directly by Princess. After a one or two day visit you'll go by train to Fairbanks, which is a hub for amazing activities in its outlying areas, including paddle-wheel day cruises on the Chena and Tanana rivers, jet-boat rides, and excursions to gold mines and retired dredges. Passengers typically fly home from Fairbanks.  Anchorage-Denali-Fairbanks cruisetours generally run between 10 and 14 nights. A typical route, such as Princess's popular "Denali Adventure" tours, spends two days at Denali and one in Fairbanks, with the option of adding a second day in Fairbanks and one in Anchorage. Optional extensions to Kenai Peninsula and/or the Wrangell - St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

On Your Own   (10-11 Nights)                                      FREE Price Quote 2023 Cruisetours

Departure Dates

AAX (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 ABX (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 10, 24; Jun 7, 21; Jul 5, 19; Aug 2, 16, 30; Sep 13 Majestic Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 Sapphire Princess: May 21; Jun 4, 18; Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10 BAX (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 BBX (Before Cruise) Majestic Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 EAX (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 EBX (Before Cruise) Majestic Princess: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22; Sep 5 FAX (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 FBX (Before Cruise) Majestic Princess: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22; Sep 5

One of the Biggest Reasons People Visit

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

Off the Beaten Path   (13-15 Nights)                            FREE Price Quote 2023 Cruisetours

Departure Dates LA6 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26 Majestic Princess: May 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 LB6 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 21; Jun 4, 18; Jun 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10 Majestic Princess: May 28; Jun 11, 25; Jul 9, 23; Aug 6, 20; Sep 3 Sapphire Princess: Jun 1, 15, 29; Jul 13, 27; Aug 10, 24; Sep 7 MA7 (After Cruise) Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23 MB7 (Before Cruise) Majestic Princess: May 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 NA7 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 NB7 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 OA8 (After Cruise) Majestic Princess: May 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 OB8 (Before Cruise) Majestic Princess: May 26: Jun 9, 23; Jul 7, 21; Aug 4, 18; Sep 1 Sapphire Princess: May 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22; Sep 5

Untamed, Just like Alaska

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

Connoisseur   (12-17 Nights                                          FREE Price Quote 2023 Cruisetours

Departure Dates PA5 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 PB5 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 22; Jun 5, 19; Jul 3, 17, 31; Aug 14, 28; Sep 11 Majestic Princess: May 29; Jun 12, 26; Jul 10, 24; Aug 7, 21; Sep 4 Sapphire Princess: May 19; Jun 2, 16, 30; Jul 14, 28; Aug 11, 25; Sep 8 QA6 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26 QB6 (Before Cruise) Majestic Princess: May 28; Jun 11, 25; Jul 9, 23; Aug 6, 20; Sep 3 RA6 (Before Cruise) Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 RB6 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 21; Jun 4, 18; Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10 Majestic Princess: May 14, 28; Jun 11, 25; Jul 9, 23; Aug 6, 20; Sep 3 Sapphire Princess: May 18; Jun 1, 15, 29; Jul 13, 27; Aug 10, 24; Sep 7 SB8 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 19; Jun 2, 16, 30; Jul 14, 28; Aug 11, 25: Sep 8 Majestic Princess: May 26; Jun 9, 23; Jul 7, 21; Aug 4, 18; Sep 1 Sapphire Princess: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22; Sep 5 TA1 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23 TB1 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 Majestic Princess: May 24; Jun 7, 21; Jul 5, 19; Aug 2, 16, 30  

2023 Alaska Cruises

Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay 7 Days

 (Northbound) 7 Days Vancouver, B.C. ► Ketchikan ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising ► College Fjord Scenic Cruising ► Anchorage (Whittier) *Hubbard Glacier replaces Glacier Bay National Park

May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Majestic Princess

May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Grand Princess

May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6* Sapphire Princess

Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay  7 Days

(Southbound) 7  Days Anchorage (Whittier) ► Hubbard Glacier Scenic Cruising ► Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising ► Skagway ►Juneau ► Ketchikan ► Vancouver, B.C.

May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess

May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2, 16

Grand Princess May 24; Jun 7, 21; Jul 5, 19; Aug 2, 16, 30; Sep 13 Sapphire Princess

Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure 14 Days

Vancouver, B.C. ► Ketchikan ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising ► College Fjord Scenic Cruising ► Anchorage (Whittier) ► Hubbard Glacier Scenic Cruising ► Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising ► Skagway ► Juneau ► Ketchikan ► Vancouver, B.C.

 May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 Sapphire Princess

 Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) 7 Days

Seattle ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising ► Ketchikan ► Victoria, B.C. ► Seattle

May 6, 13, 20, 27; Jun 3, 10, 17, 24; Jul 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug 5, 12, 19, 26; Sep 2, 9 Crown Princess

 Inside Passage (Roundtrip from Seattle) 7 Days

Seattle ► Ketchikan ► Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier Scenic Cruising ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Victoria, B.C. ► Seattle

May 7, 14, 21, 28; Jun 4, 11, 18, 25; Jul 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Aug 6, 13, 20, 27; Sep 3, 10, 17 Discovery Princess

Inside Passage (Seattle to Vancouver, B.C.) 7 Days

Seattle ► Ketchikan ► Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier Scenic Cruising ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Vancouver, B.C. Sep 24 Discovery Princess

Inside Passage (Vancouver, B.C. to Seattle) 7 Vancouver, B.C. ► Juneau ► Hubbard Glacier Scenic Cruising ► Icy Strait Point ► Ketchikan ► Seattle Apr 30 Discovery Princess

Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) 7 Days

Vancouver, B.C. ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising ► Ketchikan ► Vancouver, B.C.

May 10; Sep 20 Sapphire Princess

Inside Passage (Roundtrip from San Francisco) 10 Days

 San Francisco ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier Scenic Cruising ► Ketchikan ► Victoria, B.C. ► San Francisco Port order varies +Sitka replaces Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord replaces Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier +Sitka replaces Skagway ♦Tracy Arm Fjord for Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier +Haines replaces Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord replaces Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier +Sitka replaces Skagway

May 17, 27*; Jun 16^; Jul 16^ , 26♦; Aug 5+, 25+; Sep 4, 14 Ruby Princess

Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) 10 Days

San Francisco ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising ► Ketchikan ► Victoria, B.C. ► San Francisco Port order varies +Sitka replaces Skagway

May 7; Jun 6, 26; Jul 6+; Aug 15 Ruby Princes s

National Treasures

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

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

Alaska: Whales, Wonders & Wildlife After the kind of year we just had, now that we're cruising again, we think you've earned it: Spend Summer in Alaska. One very cool place. One hot destination! One great geyaway!  

You Can A-Fjord These Adventures Watch for wildlife as you cruise through enchanting fjords, narrow inlets surrounded by massive glacial walls. At places like Misty Fjords or Kenai Fjords, you'll sail across the edge of where mountains, volcanic formations and turquoise waters converge. Be sure to snap a photo while you're there.  

Take A Hike Take a hike with great naturalist guides while visiting Talkeetna and Denali Alaska. Stretch you legs on trails from easy to epic. See Denali ( Mt. McKinley ) without national park crowds and all day bus tours. Owners Howard and Noelle Carbone have shared the wonders of Denali with Alaska's visitors since starting the family business in 1993. Princess guests staying at the Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge can take the Byers Lake Nature Walk and Denali Wilderness Hike. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity guests staying at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge can take the Talkeetna Lakes Hike.   

Glacier Sight-Soaring Generally, Alaska glaciers are viewed from one angle, so you can see that they are massive, but flightseeing - taking a small, low-flying plane over the landscape for a true bird's-eye view - allows you to see just how vast these rivers of ice can be. Take up an excursion out of Misty Fjord in Ketchikan, or soar above the massive Denali mountain with a Talkeetna adventure tour group. You may even get the chance to climb one of these icy giants.  

Six Million Acres Of Discovery Towering high in the center of the Alaska Range is the Denali, North America's tallest peak at 20,310 feet. Central to the cultural heritage of the native peoples who have lived here for thousands of years, the giant mountain is the ultimate symbol of the Alaskan wild. Denali National Park remains a wild kingdom, where animals large and small, roam free. View Dall sheep, wolves, caribou, moose and the mighty grizzly bear among many. And come summer, they are joined by more than 160 species of migratory birds.  

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

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

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

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

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

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

Meet the Expert

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

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

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

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

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

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

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruisees

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

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

Holland America Line

Tim Rue/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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

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

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

Related: The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List

Royal Caribbean International

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

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

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

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

Princess Cruises

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

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

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

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

Seabourn Cruise Line

Courtesy of Seabourn

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

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

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

Celebrity Cruises

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

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

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

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

Viking Ocean Cruises

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

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

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

Courtesy of Silversea

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

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

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

Related: This Is the Cheapest Time to Cruise to Alaska

UnCruise Adventures

Courtesy of UnCruise

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

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

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Courtesy of Nation Geographic

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

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

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

Related Articles

2023 Alaska Cruises: Ports, deals, & info

Is taking a cruise to Alaska in 2023 and seeing glaciers, moose, dog sledding and whales the sort of summer adventure you want to try?

The 2023 Alaska cruises look to be the best lineup of cruises to The Last Frontier yet, with lots of ships visiting the beautiful ports in Southeast Alaska.

Now is the perfect time to start planning your 2023 Alaska cruise so that you can take advantage of lower prices and greater availability of excursions, airfare, and more.

Here's a roundup of the most frequently asked questions about 2023 Alaska cruises so you know everything you need to book the perfect Alaska cruise .

When is the 2023 Alaska cruise season?

The Alaska cruise season typically runs between April and October, although most cruise lines tend to offer cruises between May and September.

The choice of which month to sail to Alaska depends on a few variables:

• What wildlife or natural scenery you want to see
• How warm/cold you are comfortable with enduring

You won't find Alaska cruises during the other months of the year due to the cold temperatures.  

When is the best month to go on a 2023 Alaska cruise?

People that are have never visited Alaska often wonder what is the best month best month to go to Alaska on a cruise .

The months of April, May, September, and October 2023 tend to be the least crowded time to go because school is in session and the cooler temperatures.

Inversely, July 2023 and August 2023 and the most popular months to go on an Alaska cruise.

Summer sees warmer temperatures but comes with higher prices and more crowds. Fall and late spring have lower prices and less crowds, but it can be chillier.

Read more : When is the best time to visit Alaska?

Which cruise lines will sail to Alaska in 2023?

You will find a variety of cruise lines offering small and large cruise ships offering a 2023 Alaska cruise:

Major cruise lines

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International
• Silversea Cruises

Small and Expedition cruise lines

• Alaskan Dream Cruises
• American Cruise Lines
• Lindblad Expeditions

Which homeports can you sail from to Alaska in 2023?

To take a 2023 Alaska cruise, you can board a ship from these ports:

• Seattle, Washington
• Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Anchorage, Alaska

Read more : Where do Alaska cruises leave from & which should you choose?

There are several small ship lines, which generally have American-built ships and crew sail from and around Alaska waters:

How long is an Alaska cruise?

Nearly all 2023 Alaska cruises are 7-nights long that visit the Inside Passage or Alaska Glacier cruises.

There are shorter and longer 2023 Alaska cruises, with some as long as 22-nights.  But odds are your 2023 Alaska cruise will be a week long in duration.

What is the best 2023 Alaska cruise itinerary?

A majority of the Alaska cruises sail the Inside Passage, which is a waterway along the southeast coast of Alaska and British Columbia that visit the glaciers and the most popular cities along the way.

Some of the longer cruises will go further north in Alaska, sailing through the Gulf of Alaska. These typically begin or end in Anchorage.

Inside Passage cruises usually begin in Seattle or Vancouver. Expect to see lots of natural sights and wildlife, even while simply sailing between ports. Cruise ships sail along the coast, which means you could see eagles, whales, dolphins, or bears from the ship along the coast.

Another great benefit to sailing the Inside Passage is less risk of getting seasick. Since your ship is sailing between large land masses, ocean conditions usually remain quite calm.

Read more : Best Alaska cruise tips for a great visit

How much does an Alaska cruise cost?

Alaska cruise prices depend on a variety of factors, but there can be deals if you are strategic about your sailing.

How much an Alaska cruise costs will depend on: cabin category, time of year, length of sailing, and cruise line you select.

An Alaskan cruise cost can range between $600 – $10,000 per person, but if that number sounds quite large, it's because there are so many choices that greatly impact the price of a cruise.

It's a mistake to assume all Alaska cruises are the same, as well as the price is going to be same regardless of when you sail or when you book.

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An Expert's Guide to Booking the Perfect Alaska Cruise in 2023

Alaska has been a popular cruise destination for decades, and the industry has continued a trajectory of growth. Each summer season there seems to be another cruise line sailing Alaskan waters, while the longtime incumbents are relentless in their addition of new itineraries, amenities, and excursions. 

What looks like an endless buffet of choice can lead to analysis paralysis for many first-time Alaska visitors—even if they’re veteran cruisers who have already figured out big questions like their preferred cruise line or favorite ship class. 

Here are five questions to consider in order to find the best Alaska cruise for you.

When is The Best Time to Book?

Alaska is a popular destination for multi-generational groups . Any large group booking multiple cabins or needing more than a pair of spots on shore excursions should start thinking about booking Alaska cruises about a year in advance to secure the best availability for their group size. So too should travelers who have specific non-negotiables on things like stateroom category, ship, or itinerary. 

However, that doesn’t mean that last-minute bookers are out of luck. While popular itineraries and cabin categories have a tendency to sell out early (balcony accommodations are particularly sought after for scenic Inside Passage cruising), there’s still often enough inventory left for cruise lines to offer enticing deals for the summer during the “wave” booking season from January through March. They’ll even offer last-minute specials right up until the time of sailing, but selection will be limited and the most popular shore excursions will have long wait lists. 

Cruise lines offer enticing deals for the summer during “wave" season from January through March. 

Is it better to cruise one-way or roundtrip? 

Like almost any choice one makes when booking a cruise, it all comes down to personal taste. Roundtrip cruises offer the convenience of embarking and disembarking at the same port (typically Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco), but itineraries are generally limited to Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage. 

Visitors wanting to see Alaska’s Interior, Fairbanks, and Denali National Park , should book a one-way cruise to or from Anchorage (which is served by the cruise ports at Whittier and Seward) for land-based touring either before or after their Inside Passage cruise. Many cruise lines, including Holland America Line , Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity offer fully packaged “Cruisetours” that combine a one-way Inside Passage cruise with a rail or motor coach itinerary mainly focused on Denali, but also offering journeys to other parts of Southcentral Alaska.

Is Seward or Whittier a better port for Anchorage? 

Each cruise line has their preferred port—Holland America Line and Princess Cruises berth at Whittier. Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas—currently berthing at Seward—will move operations to Whittier upon completion of berths currently under construction. Most other one-way cruises berth in Seward.

Whittier is closer to Anchorage, and some itineraries even take disembarking passengers directly to Denali or Talkeetna the same day. Whittier is also a convenient port for cruising College Fjord, which most northbound sailings do on the final day before arriving in Whittier. Whittier is, however, a tiny community that is little more than a deep-water port, while Seward is a larger community and regional base for a more diverse collection of tours and activities.

Seward is farther from Anchorage, but the train or coach ride is roughly an extra hour of travel through a spectacular mountain pass on the Kenai Peninsula, then the lines merge near Whittier and the last hour of the journey is the same, hugging the Chugach Mountains alongside Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage. 

It’s worth noting that shoreside transportation outside of cruise line-operated transfers can be more limited in Whittier, so passengers embarking there may wish to ensure they include transfers from Anchorage in their cruise package. From Seward, travelers wanting to spend a few days exploring Kenai Fjords National Park or one of the wilderness lodges can book Alaska Railroad transfers on their regular scheduled service.

I've been to Alaska before—how can I cruise differently? 

Cruisers who are veterans at Inside Passage itineraries on the big ships have really only seen a preview of the nooks and crannies of the region. Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises operates small-ship sailings from Sitka, getting into the straits and narrows that the big ships won’t fit, and oftentimes determining itineraries by reports of sea life migrations and weather conditions.

Return visitors who still want that big ship experience might try a different category of cruise line. The major operators—Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, are all premium-tier cruise lines, but the luxury cruise lines have also deployed ships to Alaskan waters. 

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is operating roundtrip Vancouver sailings, bringing onboard topflight lecturers ranging from adventure traveler Bear Grylls to undersea archaeologist Mensun Bound on select voyages. On every voyage, guests will find guides from Alaska Native Voices, sharing the cultural history and lore of the local Huna people to  Sit’ Eeti Gheeyi  (Glacier Bay National Park), and guest speakers from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

Silversea has “Door-to-Door” pricing on many of its Alaska cruises , meaning the cruise fare includes airfare, hotels, and all transfers—including transfers from home to the departure airport. Onboard the all-suite ships, there’s butler service in every suite, fine dining, and select shore excursions included. The largest Silversea ship sailing to Alaska also carries just under 600 guests, allowing for port calls at lesser-visited stops like Wrangell, Haines, and Valdez.

Are there less-crowded alternatives?

Hurtigruten, the Norwegian expedition cruise line, offers sailings between Vancouver and Nome , hitting not only the lesser-visited spots on the Inside Passage, but also the virtually untouristed and volcano-dotted Alaska Peninsula, where guests can spot Brown Bears in Katmai National Park, go bird-watching in St. Paul Island and uninhabited St. Matthew Island in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, and explore the eerie ghost town of Unga.

Closer afield, but no less secluded is the Prince William Sound Explorer from Uncruise, where guests will depart Whittier and wake up among the glaciers of little-visited Icy Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. Much of the itinerary is “Captain’s choice” based on conditions and sealife movements, but the massive Columbia and Meares glaciers and the Sound communities of Cordova and Valdez—also off the big ship routes—hold prized spots on the itinerary. 

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7-Day Alaskan Explorer Cruise

Our 7-day Alaska cruise from Seattle balances natural beauty with historic intrigue. Glide steel-gray waters past rugged cliffs and forested isles. Discover Victoria’s countless charms. Take thrilling excursions ashore in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. Linger at the face of frozen giants in Glacier Bay National Park. Or sidle up to Hubbard Glacier and watch house-sized icebergs cannon into the sea. Glaciers, wildlife and frontier towns are yours on these voyages.

Maps of Alaskan Explorer Cruise

Stop into iconic destinations and cruise Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier.

Ports of Call on These Cruises

• Puget Sound
• Scenic Cruising Stephens Passage
• Glacier Bay (on select cruises)
• Icy Strait Point (on select cruises)
• Hubbard Glacier (on select cruises)
• Victoria, BC

Ships Sailing This Cruise

Why Take This Cruise?

Spend more time sightseeing and less time getting there with our prime Alaska docking locations. Air travel is a breeze with roundtrip 7-day Alaska cruises. Weekend departures give you the option to stretch your vacation and explore the Emerald City.

Glacier Bay Cruise Itineraries

Hubbard glacier cruise itineraries, alaskan explorer cruise ships, understated elegance on eurodam.

Discover Great Land splendors from an award-winning ship that impresses with understated elegance. Named "Best for Great Dining & Diverse Destinations," you will enjoy a vast entertainment selection on board.

The Sumptuous Westerdam

Have a front-row seat to thunderous glaciers and crystalline fjords on this superb Vista-class ship. Sink into a refreshed suite as Alaska scenery slips by.

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Alaska Cruises

The breathtaking beauty of nature. the magic of disney., ports of call.

Explore quiet seaside hamlets, where gold prospectors once walked and land animals and sea-life abound

Navigate the Inside Passage to the last frontier, home to historic mining towns and stunning natural beauty.

Port Adventures

Whale watching and glacier flightseeing are some of the excursions offered on a Disney Alaskan cruise.

ONBOARD FUN

Entertainment.

Behold Broadway-caliber musicals and fireworks at sea, and watch new Disney movies. View More

Imaginative kids clubs, adult-exclusive hotspots, 3 themed pools—everywhere you turn, there’s something fun for everyone. View More

Amid fanciful restaurants, savor gourmet dining and casual bites—all with a dash of Disney whimsy. View More

CHARACTER GREETINGS

First-run movies, daily activities.

View all Entertainment on the Disney Wonder

YOUTH CLUBS

For the adults, sports and fitness.

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MAIN DINING

Casual dining, adult-exclusive dining.

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ALASKA CRUISE TOURS

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Explore more on your Alaska cruise by both land and sea in one seamless Alaska trip; plan an authentic holiday that goes beyond the expected. Think wild and search for bear, moose and caribou in Denali. Witness nature at its most enticing with glacier-fed lakes and inspiring mountains. Feel a part of Alaska's individualist lifestyle as you visit local artist and fishing communities in Homer. Or put your bedtime on hold and join in Fairbanks' Midnight Sun events during the bright summer solstice. Our Alaska tours give you hundreds of unique moments to capture, keep and treasure forever.

For complete programme details, download our Alaska Cruise Tour Brochure .

If you are interested in our Cruise Tours please contact our reservations department at 00800 0310 21 21 for questions and bookings.

Norwegian Bliss / Norwegian Encore / Norwegian Sun Seattle Pre-Cruise Cruise Tour

Discover the magnificent beauty and vibrant spirit of Seattle on our comprehensive full-day (six-hour) driving and walking tour, where you'll unravel the city's rich history, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking panoramas.

• 2 nights hotel stay
• Airport to hotel transfer
• Seattle Space Needle
• Pike Place Market
• Pioneer Square
• Waterfall Garden Park
• Transfer to the ship

Guests arranging their own flights must fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) for the start of this programme.

Norwegian BLISS 12-Day Denali Explorer - Pre-Cruise Cruise Tour

A comprehensive Alaska Denali programme in only five days, complete with riverboat and railroad experiences as well as a preview of Denali's incredible wilderness

• 5-Day Pre-Cruise Land Tour including overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage + 7-Day Alaska Cruise.
• Riverboat cruise and city tour of Fairbanks including a stop at the Alaska oil pipeline.
• Explore Denali with an hour Denali Natural History Tour.
• Opportunities available to purchase additional tours whilst in Denali - such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking or one of the park service programmes.
• Visit an Iditarod Sled Dog Musher’s kennel for a private tour.
• Travel the Alaska Railroad in a Deluxe Dome Railcar from Talkeetna to Anchorage.
• Economy class flight between Anchorage and Seattle as well as a transfer from the Seattle Airport to the port of Seattle for embarkation.

Guests arranging their own flights must fly into Fairbanks for the start of this programme.

Norwegian ENCORE 13-Day Denali Explorer - Pre-Cruise Cruise Tour

A comprehensive Alaska Denali programme in only six days, complete with riverboat and railroad experiences as well as a preview of Denali's incredible wilderness.

• 6-Day Pre-Cruise Land Tour including overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage + 7-Day Alaska Cruise
• Riverboat cruise and Fairbanks city tour including a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline
• Deluxe dome car journey along the rails of the Alaska Railroad between Talkeetna and Anchorage.
• Explore Denali with a Denali Natural History Tour.
• Plenty of time in Denali for optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking or one of the park service programmes.
• Economy class flight between Anchorage and Seattle as well as a transfer from the Seattle Airport to the port of Seattle for embarkation

Norwegian Jewel 11-Day Fairbanks Denali Express

*Maps are for reference and ports may vary by ship.

For enthusiasts with limited time looking to discover Alaska's historic and extreme ways of life. This tour features a Denali Park visit and an overview of Alaska's Golden Heart City.

• Riverboat cruise and city tour of Fairbanks including a stop at the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline.
• Alaska Railroad Adventure Class from Fairbanks to Denali or Denali to Fairbanks.
• Explore Denali with a Natural History bus tour.
• Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre where you will see the animals of Alaska in a natural setting.
• Brief city tour of Anchorage.
• Plenty of time in Denali for optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking or one of the park service programmes

Norwegian Jewel 11-Day Anchorage Denali Express

One of our best value land tours for time-conscious guests offering an up close Denali experience, tour of Alaska’s largest city and moderate hotel properties.

• Travel the Alaska Railroad (Adventure Class) from Talkeetna to Anchorage or Anchorage to Talkeetna.
• Explore Denali with a Wildlife Conservation Centre where you will see the animals of Alaska in a natural setting.
• Ample time for optional activities in Denali such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking, or one of the park service programmes

Norwegian Jewel 12-Day Denali/Alyeska Explorer

The best way for nature lovers in search of rustic elegance to experience Denali and the heart of Alaska's wilderness.

• Travel the Alaska Railroad on a deluxe dome rail car from Talkeetna to Denali or Denali to Talkeetna.
• Visit an Iditarod Sled Dog Musher's kennel for a private tour.
• Overnight stay at the deluxe Hotel Alyeska Resort.

Norwegian Jade / Norwegian Jewel 12-Day Denali by Rail Explorer

This programme is the perfect fit for train buffs seeking a Denali and Fairbanks experience, relaxing travel days and two segments on the rails of Alaska Railroad.

• Two Deluxe Dome Railcar segments on the rails of Alaska Railroad.
• Gold panning at historic Gold Dredge #8.
• Brief city tour of Fairbanks.
• Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre.
• Time for optional activities in Denali.

This program is the perfect fit For train buffs seeking a Denali and Fairbanks experience, relaxing travel days and two segments on the rails of Alaska Railroad.

• Explore Denali on a Denali Natural History Tour.
• Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Norwegian Jewel 14-Day Denali/Valdez Explorer

Our most picturesque tour of Denali and the Alaska wilderness featuring rarely seen vistas, spectacular mountain passes and glaciers galore. This tour offers abundant marine wildlife viewing opportunities during the day boat cruise across Prince William Sound.

• Explore Denali with a Tundra Wilderness Tour.
• Deluxe Dome rail journey from Anchorage to Talkeetna or Talkeetna to Anchorage
• City tour of Fairbanks including a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline.
• Prince William Sound boat cruise.
• Plenty of time in Denali for optional activities

Norwegian Jewel 14-Day Authentic Alaska

The most complete tour of Denali and Alaskan life in the past and present. For the active, outgoing guest, this tour offers spectacular vantage points of Mt. McKinley with time to purchase an optional all-day fishing excursion in Homer - the halibut capital of the world.

• 7-Day Alaska Cruise + 7 Day Pre or Post-Cruise Land Tour including overnights in Homer, Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks
• Riverboat cruise and city tour of Fairbanks including a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline
• Deluxe Dome Railcar journey between Talkeetna and Denali
• Visit Talkeetna, one of the best vantage points for Mt. McKinley
• Visit an Iditarod Sled Dog Musher's kennel for a private tour
• Journey through the Kenai Peninsula and visit the artsy fishing community of Homer
• Opportunity to purchase a full-day Halibut and Salmon fishing excursion
• Tour both the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre and the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Centre

Norwegian Jewel 13-Day Denali/Talkeetna Explorer

Explore Alaska as the mountain climbers do with an overnight stay in the quaint community of Talkeetna. Located 60 miles from the base of Mt. Denali, this tour gives you the best possible opportunity to see the largest mountain in North America from two distinctly different views.

• 6 day land tour fully escorted by a local guide
• Deluxe dome car journey along the rails of the Alaska Railroad between Fairbanks and Denali
• Visit an Iditarod sled dog musher’s kennel for a private tour
• Overnight in one of the finest lodges in Alaska, the Talkeetna Lodge with great views of Mt. Denali
• Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre with guaranteed animal sightings

Alaska Cruise Tips: When to Go, What to Pack, How to Choose, and More

• I’m a seasoned traveler who firmly believes the best way to experience Alaska’s incredible scenery is on an Alaska cruise.
• Think of an Alaska cruise like a floating hotel that carries you to a breathtaking new destination each day.
• Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or have lots of shipboard experience, these tips will help you make most of your Alaska cruise vacation.

I’ve cruised all over the world, and I can honestly say there’s no other cruise experience that quite compares to an Alaska cruise. Seeing the untouched landscapes, glacier-dotted shorelines, and bears at play really puts life into perspective—and makes for a truly unforgettable travel experience no matter your age.

Many people choose to make an Alaska cruise their first foray into cruising . First timers are attracted to the state’s majestic beauty, but not necessarily savvy to the bounty that a cruise ship offers. If you’re considering a cruise to America’s Last Frontier, here’s how to make the most of it.

EVERYTHING’S INCLUDED: 7 Best All-Inclusive Cruise Lines in the World  

1. You can Save Money by Cruising to Alaska in May, June, and September

The Alaska cruise season is brief. Alaska cruises start each year in May and run through early October. The most popular (and expensive) months to cruise are July and August, coinciding with summer family vacations and translating into ships that are often filled with kids. 

If you aren’t tethered to a school-year schedule ( or don’t mind taking your kids out of school ), you may want to consider a shoulder season cruise to Alaska. This translates to sailings in late May, June, or September. On these shoulder season cruises, you’re likely to find lower prices and less crowded cruise ships. 

2. Pack for All Four Seasons (and Don’t Forget Binoculars)

Alaska’s climate is notoriously unpredictable. I advise packing warm clothes that are easy to layer on and peel off. Bringing gloves, hats, and a scarf is not unreasonable. On the flip side, Alaska is quite far north, and long summer days offer midnight sun and potentially warm temperatures. Many ships have swimming pools and hot tubs, so don’t forget bathing suits and sunscreen . 

A comfortable pair of walking shoes are a must if you want to keep your feet feeling good as you explore each port of call. Binoculars can help you spot a range of animals in their natural habitat. Make sure each person in your group has their own pair so they can spot Alaska’s Big Five land mammals (Black and brown bears, moose, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep) as well as orcas, puffins, and bald eagles.

3. Shore Excursions Are a Must

As wonderful as shipboard life is, to really experience Alaska you need to disembark at each port of call. Getting off the ship is a great way to get in touch with native Alaskan culture that’s reflected in towering totem poles, hand-woven decorative fabrics, and other native crafts. Alaska cruises offer dozens of shore excursions from whale-watching to dogsledding, many curated with kids and families in mind. 

4. How to Choose between The Inside Passage or the Gulf of Alaska

The sheltered waterway known as the Inside Passage is a very popular cruise route. As your ship weaves through a patchwork of islands, with fjords and glaciers thrown in for good measure, you’ll witness wildlife and scenery that looks lifted from a postcard. Alaska cruises taking this route usually make a round-trip journey from either Seattle or Vancouver, cities that have major airports with numerous flight options.

WHERE TO GO: 25 Best Family Vacation Spots in the U.S. for All Ages

The other popular cruise itinerary is the Gulf of Alaska, a stretch of the Pacific Ocean that hugs the southern coast. This equally scenic itinerary is usually a one-way sailing, departing from Seattle or Vancouver and terminating in either Whittier or Seward, Alaska (or vice versa). If you want to add on post- or pre-cruise destinations such as Anchorage and Denali National Park, starting or ending your cruise in Alaska makes it easy to do so.

Keep in mind you will arrive and depart from different cities, requiring the purchase of a multi-city airline ticket (unless you live within driving distance from Seattle or Vancouver), which can be quite costly. 

5. Utilize the Onboard Naturalist

Booking an Alaska cruise cruise that has an onboard naturalist is a no-brainer. On my recent Princess cruise to Alaska, our Canadian naturalist went above and beyond his job’s description, spending each evening on deck 16 hanging out with passengers, helping us spot humpback whales and see the Northern Lights until well past midnight. 

Small ship cruise lines such as  Lindblad Expeditions, which partners with National Geographic , offer families a deep dive into the natural world with the expertise of naturalists who cater to curious kids as they learn environmental stewardship. 

If your ship takes you to Glacier Bay National Park, park rangers are usually brought on board as the ship cruises through the park, helping you to better understand the fragile beauty surrounding you.

6. Spring for an Exterior Stateroom

While interior cabins will save you money, Alaska’s eye-candy beauty and abundance of wildlife merit the added expense of an exterior stateroom (with a balcony if available). From the moment you wake up, you’ll be treated to spellbinding scenery at all hours. 

7. Don’t Skip the Buffet

While many large and mid-size cruise ships promote their specialty restaurants, these dining options usually incur an extra fee, which can quickly add up when you’re booking a table for your entire family. The ship’s buffet is a low-stakes, no-additional-cost way for kids to sample global cuisine. If crowds are a deterrent, hit the buffet a bit early or late, when lines tend to be thinner. 

MAKE MEMORIES: 50 Family Vacation Ideas for the Best Trip Ever  

On my family’s recent Alaska cruise, we were thrilled with the smorgasbord of edible delights from across the world. We couldn’t get enough of the authentic Indian food, feasting on tandoori chicken and fragrant curries served with refreshing raitas and savory chutneys. The Chinese food section let us customize our stir-fry with veggies and proteins of our choice, including tofu, perfect for my vegetarian daughter.

8. Be Prepared for Some Seasickness

The Inside Passage is sheltered, equaling waters that are usually quite calm. However, if your itinerary crosses the Gulf of Alaska, the sea tends to be rougher. Whichever route your ship takes, being prepared with seasickness remedies is essential. I don’t suffer from sea sickness but my daughter uses Sea-Band acupressure wristbands with good results. 

9. Take Advantage of Onboard Activities

Most large and mid-size cruise ships sailing Alaska itineraries have age-appropriate supervised clubs for kids and teens at no additional cost. These programs give young passengers the opportunity to spend time with their peers and try new activities, freeing parents to enjoy a bit of adult time. 

BRING THE KIDS: 7 Great Cruise Lines for Families (and Their 12 Most Kid-Friendly Ships)  

Cruise ships offer a range of ways for families to spend time together. Try a game of pickleball on all Holland America ships or enjoy a ride on the bumper cars at Royal Caribbean’s SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity complex at sea. Evening entertainment, including Broadway-style musical performances on Disney cruises, is always a highlight as well. 

10. Discounts for Kids Are Real and Significant

Keep an eye out for periodic kids sail free deals where children ages 18 and under can sail for no charge beyond taxes, fees, and port expenses. These promotions make a family vacation more affordable. Holland America is one cruise line that offers these bargains frequently on Alaska cruises, while small ships such as Lindblad and UnCruise always offer a $500 discount for children. 

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The post Alaska Cruise Tips: When to Go, What to Pack, How to Choose, and More appeared first on FamilyVacationist .

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Alaskan Dream Cruises Opens 2024 Bookings at 2023 Rates

Indigenously-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises has opened its 2024 cruise itineraries for booking at 2023 rates. The program of sailings includes all of the cruise line’s signature journeys along with an all-new glacier-focused itinerary.

“Glaciers are an ever-changing part of the Alaska landscape, and seeing them is at the top of many visitors’ wish lists,” said Alaskan Dream Cruises owner Jamey Cagle. “We designed this new itinerary with them in mind and created one epic adventure.”

The new itinerary will take guests to seven glaciers including Margerie, Grand Pacific, Mendenhall, Sawyer, South Sawyer and Dawes glaciers. Plus a high-speed, jet-boat excursion takes guests right to the foot of LeConte Glacier. Other highlights include Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, and a visit to the Haida community of Kasaan. There will be seven departures of the new itinerary, which departs from Sitka onboard the 49-passenger Baranof Dream.

The rest of the 2024 season comprises five- to nine-night sailings on the line’s five 12- to 76-passenger vessels.

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Bookings are now open for itineraries on the new National Geographic vessels.

Rhode Island’s governor has signed a bill that will allow Newport to increase its cruise ship passenger fees.

Guests are getting a little extra time onboard.

Windstar also announced a new promotion for Canadian residents.

The newest ship from Oceania Cruises remains on track to debut next summer.

After hitting Grenada on Monday, Beryl is expected to strike Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Tuesday.

Four Green Methanol Ships Expected to Operate in Alaska by 2032

• July 1, 2024

The Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor project is preparing a feasibility study to explore the operation of green methanol-powered cruise ships in the region.

The project’s goal is to assess the feasibility of four cruise vessels operating full Alaskan itineraries on green methanol by 2032, with at least one ship in service in the market by 2030.

Preliminary details of the planned research, which is being conducted by the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, were shared during a webinar on Thursday.

The online presentation was conducted by port and industry representatives, including Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Managing Director of the Maritime Division at the Port of Seattle and Bob Alton, Senior Director of Technical Programs and Decarbonization at Princess Cruises.

Other speakers included Vesa Koivumaa, Head of Customer Delivery at Wartsila; and Mark Stark, Sustainability Advisor, Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping.

“There are a number of alternative fuel options on the table,” said Alton. “They all have different opportunities and challenges. For the cruise sector, our bunkering strategy does afford considerable opportunity for fuel flexibility.

“The emphasis on flexibility is a high priority as we move forward and better understanding of green methanol supports a key opportunity presented by this important initiative”

Alton said they were working to better understand methanol supply, storage and operational considerations.

“Methanol comes with its own unique challenges around handling, storage and consumption,” Alton said. “That in turn impacts the vessel range, and this only increases our focus on energy efficiency.”

Alton said the company was considering retrofit upgrades and was working with technical partners.

“We need to realize a safe, fuel-flexible platform,” he said, noting that would also include biodiesel.

“A well-designed retro-installation on a modern cruise ship does have the potential to achieve fuel flexibility in an incrementally shorter time frame,” he noted.

According to the speakers, interested parties are currently in the final phases of discussion to confirm the project objectives and begin technical work.

The research is expected to evaluate the demand, production, and availability of green methanol for use as a maritime fuel in the region, the delivery of cruise ships able to run on green methanol and the readiness for bunkering of green methanol at two homeports: Seattle and Vancouver.

The study also aims to provide an analysis of consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for cruises on green-methanol-powered vessels.

Stark explained that the first vessel running on the fuel could be in Alaskan waters by 2030, with at least three additional ships expected to join by 2032.

The project’s ultimate goal is to accelerate the decarbonization of cruise operations between Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska.

Ports and communities taking part in the Green Corridor project include the Port of Seattle, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and the Alaskan port communities of Haines, Juneau, Sitka, and Skagway.

The project is also backed by cruise lines, including the Royal Caribbean Group, Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

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You can spend two months exploring Japan, more for $8K on this cruise

If Japan is on your travel bucket list, why not take the scenic route?

Holland America Line’s new Majestic Japan cruise will take guests there and back over nearly two months in 2024. During the 53-day cruise, one of the cruise line’s Legendary Voyages , passengers will also visit Alaska and Hawaii and Canada, and feature multiple overnight stays.

“This cruise allows us to offer Japan ‘from your doorstep’ with no more than a domestic air flight to Seattle,” Paul Grigsby, the line’s Vice President of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, said in a statement.

Here’s what travelers can expect.

When is Holland America Line’s Majestic Japan cruise?

The Majestic Japan cruise will sail round-trip from Seattle on Sept. 1, 2024, on the line’s 1,964-passenger Westerdam ship.

Where will the cruise sail?

The cruise will make its first stop in Vancouver. Passengers can then take in views of glaciers in Alaska’s Inside Passage and Stephens Passage, before visiting ports including Juneau and Sitka.

“Because we can linger on our way, we have chosen to visit some of the best ports in Alaska, including Kodiak and Dutch Harbor, before landing at Kushiro, Hokkaido as (the) first port of call in Japan,” Grigsby said. Other ports include Yokohama and Kobe, where the ship will stay overnight, Kochi and Hiroshima.

Bring the bikini, leave the kids: 4 things to know about sailing with Virgin Voyages

Guests can visit sites like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial , and Grigsby said travelers may also see leaves turning in the high country around Mount Tateyama.

The rest of the itinerary will include stops in Kanazawa and Nagasaki, views of Iwo Jima, an overnight stay in Honolulu and more.

How much does the cruise cost?

The sailing currently starts at $8,084 per person based on double occupancy, according to Holland America’s website .

The fares include the majority of food on board, drinks like regular coffee and tea and more.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Alaska Cruises from Seattle

Experience the great land on a 7-day alaska inside passage cruise from seattle.

Follow in the footsteps of the Yukon Gold Rush on an Alaska cruise from Seattle to some of the world’s most scenic wonders. With convenient weekend departures and proximity to the Great Land, a cruise to Alaska from Seattle allows you to leave when you want, and spend less time getting there.

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise Ports

When you cruise to Alaska from Seattle, encounter unique ports of call that are rich in history, culture and natural beauty.

• Endicott Arm
• Glacier Bay National Park
• Victoria, B.C.

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

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

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

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

Seattle is known as "The Emerald City" thanks to its green forests and lush surroundings. Pike Place Market buzzes with merchants while coffee shops house locals drinking espresso in America's coffee capital. Climb the Space Needle and enjoy the Seattle skyline, or explore the history of Pioneer Square, the city's oldest neighborhood — only when you cruise to Alaska from Seattle.

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

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

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

Why Choose An Alaska Cruise from Seattle?

Discover the top reasons to cruise to Alaska from Seattle.

• Convenient Weekend Departures  — With departures available on weekends, embark on an Alaska cruise from Seattle on a day that fits your schedule.
• Voyages to World-Renowned Glaciers  — A seven-day Alaska cruise is all you need to visit some of the region’s must-see sights – like Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park or Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm Fjord.
• Four Extraordinary Ports of Call  — Step into Alaska’s historic ports on an Inside Passage cruise with Princess®. Visit gold-rush era Skagway, salmon-rich Ketchikan, the capital city of Juneau and British-flavored Victoria, B.C.
• Roundtrip Airfare  — Worry-free booking on your roundtrip cruise to Alaska from Seattle means more time relaxing amidst glacial wonderlands and less time figuring out how you’ll get home.
• A Chance to Visit the “Emerald City”  — When you cruise to Alaska from Seattle, spend extra time exploring the city’s landscapes and uncovering the origin of its nickname.

Ships on this itinerary

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from our smaller vessels to large ships. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at the glaciers passing by before enjoying local seafood in one of our many eateries during your seven-day Alaska cruise.

Royal Princess®

Discovery Princess®

Majestic Princess®

Alaska Cruise Experience

We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks.

Alaska Glaciers

One of the biggest reasons people visit

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

Alaska Wildlife

Untamed, just like Alaska

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

Alaska Mountains & National Parks

National treasures

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

Alaska excursions

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

Alaska Cruise Onboard Experience

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

Alaska Seafood

Fresh and bountiful, like Alaska itself

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

Meet Local Alaskans

Real Alaska from local Alaskans

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

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Great experiences from the great land

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

Alaska Cruise Articles and Videos

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

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2024-2025

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

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

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

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

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

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

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

Alaska Ports of Call

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

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

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

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

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

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

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling, and the representative’s services.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. The best part is, their services are completely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes!

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

See Alaska through our guests' eyes.

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Alaska cruises.

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

Alaska Cruisetours

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

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Which one of our uniquely Alaskan experiences is right for you?

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Denali National Park bars visitors as wildfire burns near entrance

Denali National Park and Preserve has largely shut down operations because of a wildfire near the park entrance during the height of tourist season.

Park spokesperson Paul Ollig said the Riley Fire was reported early Sunday afternoon, directly across the Nenana River from the McKinley Chalet and Glitter Gulch.

“All of the public facilities in Denali’s front country are closed and will remain closed until further notice,” Ollig said.

Ollig said the fire burned quickly through black spruce.

“By about 6 in the evening we estimated it was about 350 to 400 acres,” he said.

The Riley Fire is being worked intensely by ground crews as well as helicopters and planes, according to Alaska Fire Service spokesperson Beth Ipsen.

“They were basically just doing runs, just going back and forth on this fire, dropping water, dropping retardant,” Ipsen said.

According to Ipsen, four hotshot crews arriving from the Lower 48 Monday will deploy on the Riley Fire. She said the goal is to herd the flames out of black spruce into higher terrain to the northwest — away from Alaska Railroad tracks, the Nenana River, the Parks Highway and the park entrance.

“There’s a lot of buildings, structures. There’s a lot of businesses,” Ipsen said.

The Park Service’s Ollig said the agency has taken precautions, including relocating approximately 150 employees from entrance-area housing, and evacuating the nearby Riley Creek Campground. No one is currently being allowed into the park, and the only transportation service is a shuttle to pick up hikers already in the backcountry.

“This is the busiest time of the year in the park, with the highest number of visitors, so the impacts are significant,” he said.

Ollig said visitors already at campgrounds west of the park entrance were allowed to stay Sunday, but that could change depending on fire activity.

He said the Riley Fire is suspected to be human caused, and the Alaska Fire Service says an investigator will work to determine exactly how it started.

He said that the cause of the Riley Fire has not been determined, and noted that its timing falls on a major wildfire anniversary.

“We are almost at one hundred years to the day that the 1924 fire swept through this area,” Ollig said.

Ollig said there had not been another significant wildfire in the park entrance area until now.

Dan Bross, KUAC - Fairbanks

Dan Bross is a reporter at KUAC in Fairbanks.

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Entrance to Denali National Park restricted as crews fight rapidly growing wildfire

Smoke from a fire burning about 1 mile north of the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve is seen Sunday. (Photo courtesy Cole Parks Photography)

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A wildfire near the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve grew rapidly Sunday, prompting campground and employee housing evacuations, officials said.

Denali National Park officials also said in a statement that there were suspending Monday operations at the entrance area, and the park will close to day-use visitors and personal vehicles until further notice.

The Riley Fire started in an area of black spruce near the Alaska Railroad, west across the Nenana River from Mile 239 of the Parks Highway, according to an update from the Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service. The fire, which grew from 20 acres in early afternoon to at least 350 acres by evening, wasn’t immediately threatening any structures, Denali National Park officials said in a statement.

On Sunday afternoon, BLM Alaska Fire Service said smokejumpers were reporting the fire as “100% active,” growing rapidly but staying clear of Glitter Gulch. Aircraft were dropping water and retardant on multiple passes and about 50 firefighters were working the edge of the fire, and together they continued to hold the fire north of the park’s entrance and west of the railroad, BLM Alaska Fire Service said late Sunday night.

Twenty-two smokejumpers were responding to the Riley Fire in addition to other resources, according to BLM Alaska Fire Service, and the Tri-Valley Volunteer Fire Department and the McKinley Village Volunteer Fire Department were among the agencies involved in the initial response.

A slight break from warm, dry weather is in the forecast: After temperatures pushed 70 degrees Sunday, fire officials expected temperatures in the mid-60s Monday with a chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms, and westerly winds Tuesday followed by wetter, cooler conditions.

Flames and smoke from a fire burning about 1 mile north of the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve are seen Sunday. (Photo courtesy Cole Parks Photography)

Within the park, westbound tour and transit bus services were halted Sunday and officials closed nearby trails and public facilities, such as the Denali Visitor Center, park officials said. Day-use visitors who were west of the park entrance area were shuttled eastward, the park said.

Park officials said the closure of “all visitor facilities and park operations in Denali’s entrance area” will extend into Monday. All park trails will remain closed, the park said , and the only buses that will be operating are camper buses to pick up travelers heading east. Whether campground reservations for Monday would be honored will be determined after assessing fire conditions that day, the park said.

Denali National Park and partner employees were ordered to evacuate from some housing areas located near the entrance to the park, and were being sheltered in various Healy facilities, park officials said. Visitors have also been ordered to evacuate from the Riley Creek Campground.

“Park officials continue to work closely with the Denali Borough and other partners to ensure everyone is taken care of,” the park said in an update Sunday night.

Smoke from the fire could be seen Sunday from nearby Glitter Gulch, a popular destination for visitors seeking shops, restaurants and lodging.

Smoke from a fire burning about 1 mile north of the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve is seen Sunday from along the Parks Highway. (Photo courtesy Denali Borough)

Nearly 130 Golden Valley Electric Association members lost power in the Glitter Gulch area, and the utility said on Facebook that the outage was likely caused by fire suppression efforts. Power will remain out until at least 8 a.m. Monday at the request of the fire incident commander, Golden Valley Electric said, “for the safety of those fighting the fire, and to ensure the continued fire suppression efforts do not impact GVEA’s electric equipment or cause dangerous situations to those working below the lines.”

With warm and dry conditions in some areas, other fires continued to burn and more flared up across the state.

West Yellowstone smokejumper Gabe Nevin secures the perimeter of the Montana Creek wildland fire on Sunday, June 30, 2024. (Bill Roth / ADN)

A forestry helicopter observes activity at the Montana Creek wildland fire on Sunday, June 30, 2024. (Bill Roth / ADN)

In the Mat-Su, firefighters on Sunday continued battling the Montana Creek Fire, which started the day before. The fire — located about 16 miles south of Talkeetna and near Mile 95 of the Parks Highway — grew from a quarter-acre Saturday afternoon to 172 acres Sunday, according to an update from the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection. One outbuilding was lost to the fire, fire officials reported.

Federal, state and local municipalities responded to the fire with helicopters, scooper and retardant aircraft and hand crews, among other resources. Aided by cooler weather and rain, aerial assets were able to help cool the fire perimeter and slow its spread enough to enable fire crews “to construct direct handline and install hose lays where safe to do so,” fire officials said.

Officials asked residents along the Leroy Davie Road and Montana Creek Road corridors to be prepared to evacuate on short notice, although no evacuation orders were issued.

Smoke continued to affect travel along the Parks Highway on Sunday, and officials asked drivers to slow down and use caution between Mile 94 and 100 to allow personnel to safely respond to the fire.

Temporary flight restrictions were in place over both the Montana Creek Fire and the Riley Fire near Denali National Park.

Palmer Fire and Rescue firefighters Lane Reed, left, and Dakota Remaley walk through ash on the perimeter of the Montana Creek wildland fire on Sunday, June 30, 2024. (Bill Roth / ADN)

On the Kenai Peninsula, another fire reported Saturday afternoon continued burning Sunday about 20 miles south of Soldotna, according to the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection . The Tustumena Lake Fire, which was last reported at 55 acres, posed no threat to the public as of Sunday afternoon, fire officials said.

A helicopter crew shuttle brought firefighters to the area Saturday, and after smokejumpers assisted suppression efforts, the firefighters requested aerial support from retardant and water-scooping aircraft, fire officials said.

People within the Tustumena Lake Road corridor will continue to see smoke and aviation resources in the area, state fire officials said, noting that the Slackwater boat launch on the Kasilof River was closed for fire operations.

With hot, dry conditions in Interior Alaska on Sunday, several fires continued blazing across the region.

The McDonald Fire remained active, covering more than 145,000 acres as an initial attack crew and several hotshot crews responded Sunday, BLM Alaska Fire Service said in an update . “Over the next few days, firefighters will continue scouting for opportunities to slow or hold the fire as the perimeter continues to grow,” BLM Alaska Fire Service said.

The weather was expected to cool off starting Sunday evening and help slow down the fire.

For further information about Alaska wildland fires, visit akfireinfo.com .

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Hurricane Beryl Tracker

By William B. Davis, Madison Dong, Judson Jones, John Keefe, and Bea Malsky

Beryl was a Category 4 hurricane in the Caribbean Sea Wednesday evening Jamaica time, the National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory .

The hurricane had sustained wind speeds of 130 miles per hour. Follow our coverage here .

Beryl is the second named storm to form in the Atlantic in 2024.

In late May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted that there would be 17 to 25 named storms this year, an above-normal amount.

What does the storm look like from above?

Satellite imagery can help determine the strength, size and cohesion of a storm. The stronger a storm becomes, the more likely an eye will form in the center. When the eye looks symmetrical, that often means the storm is not encountering anything to weaken it.

This season follows an overly active year, with 20 named storms — including an early storm later given the official name of “Unnamed.” It was the eighth year in a row to surpass the average of 14 named storms. Only one hurricane, Idalia, made landfall in the United States.

Typically, the El Niño pattern that was in force last season would have suppressed hurricanes and reduced the number of storms in a season. But in 2023, the warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic blunted El Niño’s usual effect of thwarting storms.

The warm ocean temperatures that fueled last year’s season returned even warmer at the start of this season, raising forecasters’ confidence that there would be more storms this year. The heightened sea surface temperatures could also strengthen storms more rapidly than usual.

To make matters worse, the El Niño pattern present last year is also diminishing, most likely creating a more suitable atmosphere for storms to form and intensify.

Hurricanes need a calm environment to form, and, in the Atlantic, a strong El Niño increases the amount of wind shear — a change in wind speed and/or direction with height — which disrupts a storm's ability to coalesce. Without El Niño this year, clouds are more likely to tower to the tall heights needed to sustain a powerful cyclone.

Sources and notes

Tracking map Source: National Hurricane Center | Notes: The map shows probabilities of at least 5 percent. The forecast is for up to five days, with that time span starting up to three hours before the reported time that the storm reaches its latest location. Wind speed probability data is not available north of 60.25 degrees north latitude.

Wind arrivals table Sources: New York Times analysis of National Hurricane Center data (arrival times); U.S. Census Bureau and Natural Earth (geographic locations); Google (time zones) | Notes: The table shows predicted arrival times of sustained, damaging winds of 58 m.p.h. or more for select cities with a chance of such winds reaching them. If damaging winds reach a location, there is no more than a 10 percent chance that they will arrive before the “earliest reasonable” time and a 50 percent chance they will arrive before the “most likely” time.

Radar map Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration via Iowa State University | Notes: These mosaics are generated by combining the 130+ individual RADARs that comprise the NEXRAD network.

Storm surge map Source: National Hurricane Center | Notes: Forecasts only include the United States Gulf and Atlantic coasts, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The actual areas that could become flooded may differ from the areas shown on this map. This map accounts for tides, but not waves and not flooding caused by rainfall. The map also includes intertidal areas, which routinely flood during typical high tides.

Satellite map Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration| Notes: Imagery only updates between sunrise and sunset of the latest storm location.

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