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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.
• Explore Denali with a Tundra Wilderness Tour.
• 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.

• 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
• Explore Denali with a Tundra Wilderness Tour
• 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
• Tundra Wilderness Tour narrated by an Alaskan naturalist
• 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

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Land Packages for Cruisers

Guided or independent land touring packages..

Home » Tours » Alaska Cruises » Land Packages for Cruisers

A great way to experience Alaska is on an Alaska cruise and land tour. If you’re visiting Alaska on a cruise ship this year, consider seeing more of Alaska’s Great Land by adding a land package to your cruise vacation. Our land tour packages get you to the best of Alaska before or after your cruise. We offer guided and independent Alaska land tours. Whether you have a week or just a few days, there’s time to see Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Denali National Park on board the Alaska Railroad before transferring to your cruise ship or airport. Adding a land tour to your cruise will give you the best opportunity to experience both marine and land wildlife viewing.

Header photo courtesy Glenn Aronwits/Alaska Railroad

Choose from 5 vacations in Alaska related to Land Packages for Cruisers

Denali & Glacier Experience

Duration: 6 days

Starting at: $1919 / pp

By train, travel along the scenic Seward and Portage Glacier Highways before entering the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the second-longest tunnel in North America. On arrival in Whittier, embark on the 26 Glacier Cruise with lunch. Enjoy viewing... Browse itinerary

Greatland Explorer Tour

Duration: 5 days

Starting at: $1199 / pp

Starting in Fairbanks, enjoy the scenic ride by train to Denali National Park and then to Anchorage. With two nights at Denali National Park, there is ample time to experience one of Alaska's most popular destinations. The Tundra... Browse itinerary

Greatland Discoverer Tour

A perfect option for those with limited time or as a pre/post land touring option with an Alaskan cruise. Travel aboard the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Fairbanks with two nights at Denali National Park. Denali is world-renowned... Browse itinerary

Visit Denali from Anchorage

Duration: 3 days

Starting at: $889 / pp

Great opportunities to view wildlife and the incredible scenery Denali is so well known for. You'll travel by motor coach from Anchorage to the Denali park entrance and spend two nights there. There is enough free time built... Browse itinerary

Denali Express Train Tour

Starting at: $879 / pp

After an overnight in Fairbanks, meet the train departing to Denali National Park. This afternoon take a guided excursion into Denali National Park and learn about the history and geology of the park, stopping when there is an... Browse itinerary

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ANSWER THE CALL OF THE WILD

Alaska cruise tours.

Complete your adventure with the best Alaska tours before or after your cruise.

From North America's tallest peak, Denali, to the stunning coastal route of the Inside Passage, Alaska is one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes on Earth. In this untouched wilderness, you’ll find ancient glacial valleys, majestic river canyons and misty emerald forests. Head to picturesque Seward, icy waters meet bright green lands. Journey into Denali National Park for a glimpse of roaming brown bears and moose. And learn more about the state's rich cultural past at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. Nothing brings you closer to history and adventure than the best Alaska Cruise Tours with Royal Caribbean.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Tours Deals

Explore more while spending less with Alaska Cruise Tours deals onboard our best cruise ships.

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BEAUTY TO GO WILD OVER

With vast forests, rolling tundra, mighty rivers, pristine lakes and towering mountains, you will feel tempted to continue exploring the outdoors with Alaska land tours after your cruise. Whether in remote outposts or cities surrounded by wilderness, the people who call the Great Land home share an independent spirit, a strong sense of community and a love of Alaska’s wild beauty so their welcome will make your visit truly memorable. 

URBAN MEETS EPIC

Alaska’s biggest city, Anchorage, is set between the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet and the dramatic snow-capped Chugach Mountains. Few places in the world can match its appealing blend of metropolitan pursuits and outdoor living. Anchorage is at its most exuberant during the summer, when locals make the most of the mild temperatures and long days to stay out late into the sunny night. The big city also boasts Alaska’s biggest and most diverse dining scene, from great burger joints and craft breweries to classic steakhouses and cosmopolitan cuisine. 

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. 

CITY OF GOLD AT THE EDGE OF THE ARCTIC

Back in 1901, riverboat captain E.T. Barnette ran aground in the shallows of the Chena, so he set up a trading post. A year later, the nearby discovery of gold transformed the remote settlement into a boomtown, and Barnette the first mayor. Fairbanks today remains a destination for adventure seekers, as the gateway to Alaska’s northern wilds and some its most isolated terrain. While home to just 32,000, Fairbanks is the big city of the interior and cultural hub for the sparsely populated region. You can still go for the gold in Fairbanks, panning just like the early prospectors did.

ADVENTURING THROUGH ALASKA

Experience the authentic interior of Alaska in supreme comfort, with luxury transportation and accommodations. The best Alaska cruise tours will take you in the finest lodges available with the personal attention and expertise of a dedicated Adventure Specialist, so you'll explore the wild lands of the Last Frontier your way. 

FULLY ESCORTED EXPERIENCES

Local connections are the difference between a good trip and a truly memorable one. And Royal Caribbean Cruise Tours are guided by a local Adventure Specialist who act as guides, historians and concierges. They are by your side for the entirety of the land tour, providing insider tips and local perspective. 

WILDERNESS EXPRESS RAILCARS

Experience the authentic interior of Alaska in supreme comfort, with luxury transportation. Enjoy travelling on the Wilderness Express®, a luxurious, glass-domed train cars, through the interior of Alaska. Royal Caribbean also employs a fleet of deluxe motor coaches to travel the interior byways of Alaska.

AUTHENTIC, CHARMING LODGING

Alaskan summer nights may be short but they should be restful. That's why Royal Caribbean over­nights in the best accommodations in the heart of every destination. These lodges and hotels allow for easy access both to the great outdoors and the communities where you can get a taste of local life.

Complete Your Adventure With The Best Alaska Tours

Alaska is the ultimate spot for unforgettable adventures. And when you combine your seven-night sailing with Alaska CruiseTours, you’ll explore the best of the Last Frontier — on land and sea. Like hiking through the rugged wilderness, dog sledding, and spotting whales in the wild. Reach new peaks and cross them off your adventure bucket list.

EMBARK ON EXTRAORDINARY

Linger longer in the Last Frontier before or after your adventure onboard Radiance of the Seas® with an Alaska CruiseTour. Start in Seward and trek into the wilds of Denali National Park, then immerse yourself in culture at the historic village of Talkeetna. Or start in Vancouver and ride past snow-capped peaks on The Wilderness Express®, explore fascinating exhibits in Fairbanks, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

EXPLORE RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

MEMORY MAKING EXPLORATION

There is so much to see, do and explore in the Great Land. With the multi night land tour, you’ll enjoy the best of Alaska in port and inland towns. The selection of adventures, explorations and tours is diverse, whether you’re looking for high-flying thrills, history and culture, wildlife, outdoor challenges or a memorable meal on a glacial lake. 

EXPLORE THE CRUISETOUR PROGRAM OPTIONS

CRUISE FROM SEWARD

PRE CRUISE TOURS

CRUISE FROM VANCOUVER

POST CRUISE TOUR

INCLUDED ADVENTURES DISCOVER ALASKA YOUR WAY  

No two travelers are exactly alike. That’s why a Royal Caribbean Cruisetour includes thoughtfully-curated experiences, like panning for gold at a mining camp in Fairbanks, scouting bears and caribou at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and scoping views on an aerial tram ride to the summit of Mount Alyeska — plus many more. Each option is designed to complement your own independent explorations for a complete and memorable Alaska vacation crafted with you in mind.

GOLD DREDGE 8

The discovery of hold transformed Alaska, and the Gold Dredge 8 tour brings the state's gold rush history and mining heritage to life. Over three decades, the pan-like dredge extracted gold just outside downtown Fairbanks. Years after closing, it re-opened as a national historic district and is a popular attraction. You'll travel there aboard a replica narrow-gauge train whose conductor shares tales of the early prospectors. Then watch the giant dredge - itself an engineering landmark - in action before getting hands-on, panning for gold the old-fashioned way. Explore the camp where the miners lived, and then enjoy some cookies and hot coffee while your fortune is weighed.

ALASKA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER

Near the very end of the Turnagain Arm Waterway, along the scenic Seward Highway, this center provides a sanctuary for native Alaskan animals in need. Here you can get up close to the orphaned, injured or displaced animals, all under expert care in their natural habitats so that they can be reintroduced into the wild. The resident population varies by the season but can include caribou and moose calves, fawns, porcupines, birds, lynx, and brown and black bears.

ALYESKA AERIAL TRAM

Outside of a flightseeing tour, the Alyeska Aerial Tram in Girdwood delivers Alaska's best panoramic views in a matter of minutes. From the Alyeska Resort at the base of Mount Alyeska, you'll ascend 2,300 feet to the summit. From the tram, you can see for miles, with even more expansive vistas from the mountaintop observation deck. The panorama includes the seven hanging glaciers and the snow-capped peaks of the Chugach Mountains, the forested Chugach valley and out to the sparkling waters of the Turnagain Arm waterway. Be sure to look down, too, and you may see wildlife ambling across the mountain's slope.

Getting There Easy Cruise Tour Guide

Got questions about CruiseTours in Alaska? We have answers. Royal Caribbean® makes traveling around Alaska simple and stress-free. From lodging to transportation, it’s all here. Read our helpful frequently asked questions or check out our CruiseTour brochure.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

Want to take your Alaska expedition to the next level? Upgrade your cruise to a Cruisetour and explore the Last Frontier on land either at the beginning or end of your northern getaway. With a CruiseTour, you’ll get to journey deeper into Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness while crossing off bucket list experiences, like a tundra trek in Denali, wildlife watching in Seward, and glacier gazing in Alyeska.

You’ll need your rest between adventures, which is why Royal Caribbean® overnights in the best accommodations in the heart of every destination. Transportation by deluxe motor coach and in the luxury glass-domed railcars of the Wilderness Express is also included, so you can travel in comfort on your way to each new experience.

Ready to venture off the beaten path? Click  here  or call  1-800-722-5059  to book your Alaska Cruisetour, or contact your travel agent.

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What Is the Best Way to See Alaska? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

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Why You Should Take an Alaska Summer Vacation Cruise

Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option, too.

Best Vacation Spots in Alaska in the Summer

Alaska in the summer is a must for adventure travelers looking for wilderness hiking, epic glaciers, dog sledding, and sea kayaking

Hiking on Alaska Glacier Tours

Ever wanted to go on an Alaska glacier tour to experience hiking in its open nature? Here is your travel guide for planning the best adventure vacation.

The Most Instagrammable Places in Alaska

Find the most Instagrammable places for your next vacation cruise to Alaska. Come discover the prettiest spots to take pictures with our travel photo guide.

Visiting Scenic Restaurants in Alaska

Plan your romantic Alaskan cruise with our adventurer’s guide to discovering the coziest vacation spots and most scenic restaurants for couples traveling in Alaska.

Honeymoon Cruise in Alaska

Planning a honeymoon cruise to Alaska? We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most romantic destinations to vacation for couples.

The Best Craft Breweries in Alaska

For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska.

Must-Sees for Your Once in a Lifetime Alaska Cruise Vacation

Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation.

Conquer the World's Longest Zip Line in Alaska

Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure.

Dog Sledding Tours

There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.

Top Tips for Planning a Cruise to Alaska

Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more.

Alaska Helicopter Tours

There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. Take your breath away as you travel above its amazing glaciers.

The Best Alaska Cruises

Your Guide to the Best Cruises From Alaska. Learn more about the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver.

Looking to explore a world-class metropolis before your adventure in the wild? A northbound cruise to Alaska lets you start your journey in vibrant Vancouver.

Opt for a southbound cruise starting in Fairbanks if you want to take your tour of the Alaskan wilderness pre-cruise.

Want to book-end your adventure with exploration in the Last Frontier? Check out one of our round-trip Alaska cruise tours that depart from and arrive at an Alaskan port.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are each small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. Find your favorite to start your Alaska land tour.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Inside Passage, Canada

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Seward, Alaska

Related Destinations

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Alaska Cruisetours

Explore denali national park on an alaska land and sea package, what's an alaska cruisetour.

Cruise: Enjoy our top-rated 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise vacation with two glacier-viewing experiences during your time on board.

Train: Enjoy scenic rail travel from the ship to the lodge via our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service for an all-encompassing Alaska cruisetour.

Lodge: As a part of your Alaska cruisetour, spend three or more nights on land at Princess Wilderness Lodges located riverside near legendary national parks.

Explore Your Cruisetour Options

Need Help Choosing?

Compare day-by-day itineraries using our Cruisetour Finder.

Denali Explorer 10 - 13 Nights

• Most popular
• 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise
• 3-6 nights on land
• Exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® Alaska rail service
• Stay in the Denali-area
• Natural History Tour into Denali National Park
• Fairbanks or Anchorage
• Select sightseeing included

Off the Beaten Path 13 - 15 Nights

• Go deeper into Alaska
• Kenai and/or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
• Unique National Parks and Canadian Rockies Cruisetour options
• 6-8 nights on land
• Princess Alaska rail service
• Fairbanks and/or Anchorage

Connoisseur 12 - 17 Nights

• Highest level of service
• Escorted by a Tour Director
• 5-10 nights on land
• Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park
• Most meals included

On Your Own 10 - 11 Nights

• Most affordable option
• For independent travelers
• 3-4 nights on land
• No pre-scheduled activities

National Parks Cruisetours

Explore five of Alaska’s National Parks with our National Park Cruisetour. Cruise Glacier Bay’s pristine waters, be awe-struck by Kenai Fjords icefields and feed your wanderlust by adventuring into Denali National Park. Accompanied by two more National Parks, the 15-night cruisetour is designed for explorers and wanderers.

View Cruisetours

Canadian Rockies Cruisetours

Experience the breathtaking scenery of Banff National Park in the heart of the Rockies on our 14-night cruisetour with a 7-day Alaska cruise and luxury Rocky Mountaineer rail travel.

Alaska Cruisetour Experience

Princess Wilderness Lodges

With Princess, you won’t just explore Alaska’s landscapes, you’ll live amidst them in our custom-built wilderness lodges. Located riverside next to some of the most renowned national parks, these warm and welcoming lodges are the perfect spot to bask in Alaska’s best attractions. As a part of your Alaska cruisetour, explore and unwind with comforting amenities and breathtaking scenery.

Learn more about Princess Wilderness Lodges

Voyage of the Glaciers

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise vacation. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Along the way, enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary – including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Learn more about Voyage of the Glaciers

Direct-to-the-Wilderness® Alaska Rail Service

With glass-domed railcars, our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service takes you into the heart of Alaska without juggling multiple tickets or confusing transfers. Enjoy convenience and comfort from ship to train and then directly to your Princess Wilderness Lodge in the Denali-area. We’ve taken care of everything on your Alaska cruisetour, so you can spend less time worrying and more time exploring.

Learn more about Direct-to-the-Wilderness® Alaska Rail Service

Visit Denali National Park on Every Alaska Cruisetour

Every Princess Alaska cruisetour takes you to Denali National Park so you can enjoy a land beloved by millions but only seen by the adventurous. This national park is a dream destination for any serious Alaska traveler. With some of the most stunning wilderness in existence and famous wildlife, it’s part of the definitive experience of traveling to the Great Land’s wild interior.

Learn more about Denali Park Tour Options

Princess Lodges & Alaska Cities

Comfortable riverside lodges surrounded by natural beauty.

Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge®

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska cruisetour to the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge®, where you can take in the beauty of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the United States. Snow-covered mountains dominate the skyline while rivers feed the earth below. Explore your surroundings on a Copper River rafting trip, or fish for Alaska salmon in the mesmerizing waters.

Learn more about Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge

Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®

All of our Alaska cruisetours include a stay at our premier Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®, just one mile from the entrance of Denali National Park overlooking the Nenana River. Access some of the most stunning sights on earth — wilderness, wildlife and untamed land. Go flightseeing by Denali’s snow-covered peak, fly-fish for Arctic grayling, raft the Nenana River or venture into Denali on a park tour.

Learn more about Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge

Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge®

On the banks of the Chena River lies the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge®. With riverside dining and frontier décor, the Fairbanks Lodge is the perfect excuse to extend your Alaska cruise vacation and dive deeper into your surroundings. Cruise down the Chena River on a sternwheeler riverboat, pan for gold at Gold Dredge 8 or ride ATVs through surrounding forests underneath the midnight sun.

Learn more about Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge

Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge®

Situated on the Kenai Peninsula overlooking the Kenai River, the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge® is surrounded by mountains, rivers and wilderness inviting you to explore. Adventure through Chugach National Forest, cruise past Kenai Fjords National Parks’ glaciers or fish along the Kenai River. Take in the sights of this natural masterpiece at a leisurely pace only on an Alaska cruisetour.

Learn more about Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge

Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge®

Situated within Denali State Park near the Chulitna River, the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge® offers unparalleled views of Denali from the treehouse as well as the Great Room and expansive deck in the main lodge. Tour a working Alaska homestead and learn how the Great Land’s residents have become so self-sufficient. Or land in a helicopter on a glacier beneath the tallest peak in North America on your Alaska cruisetour.

Learn more about Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge

Anchorage (Whittier)

Only an hour and a half from the cruise port of Whittier lies the largest city in Alaska – Anchorage. Visit the Chugach National Forest, the second largest national forest in the United States. Spend the day absorbing history at the Anchorage Museum. Or visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and see brown bears, moose and bison living in a protected habitat that perfectly emulates the wild.

View cruises with Anchorage (Whittier) | View Anchorage (Whittier) shore excursions

Explore the Great Land

Between the natural masterpieces and the animate personalities, every part of Alaska tells an extraordinary story. On an Alaska cruisetour with Princess, discover what makes the Great Land so special, and craft your own tales of your time on land and sea.

A Sensory Experience

Don’t just see the Great Land’s glaciers, feel them come alive on an Alaska cruisetour. Get up close to Mother Nature’s masterpieces and listen for the crash of “white thunder”. Visit wilderness playgrounds like Glacier Bay National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – along with even more natural wonderlands like Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord and Hubbard Glacier.

Learn more about Alaska glaciers

A Nature Lover's Dream

From bald eagles to humpback whales, many animals call Alaska home. The waters are teeming with marine life, like king salmon, while the land is decorated by the colorful coats of Denali National Park’s “big five” – including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou. On an Alaska cruisetour, encounter wildlife in their natural habitats and experience their unique personalities for yourself.

Learn more about Alaska wildlife

Mountains & National Parks

National treasures.

Alaska’s national parks are nothing short of impressive. Denali National Park boasts the continent’s highest peak, and Glacier Bay National Park is one of the world’s largest protected areas. You can discover even more magnificence during your Alaska cruisetour at Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords National Parks, where one of the four largest ice caps in the world invites guests to explore its terrain.

Learn more about Alaska mountains & national parks

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

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

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.

Learn more about our North to Alaska Program

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. Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, 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 2023-2024

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.

See all Alaska cruise articles and videos

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

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.

Learn more about transfers

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your Alaska 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 services of the representative.

View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

You May Also Like

Alaska Cruises

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

Denali National Park

Home to North America’s tallest peak.

Train Travel

Explore Great Land with Princess exclusive rail service.

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ALASKA: LAND & SEA

Departs every sunday & wednesday, may - october.

Join us as we connect with loved ones, locals, and Alaska’s wilderness. This Alaska land & sea tour is your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty of the Last Frontier from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks and connect with loved ones, locals and Alaska's wilderness with Princess.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ​

Fairbanks to Vancouver, Canada

Land first (4 days), followed by cruise (7 days)

4 Land Destinations: Fairbanks | Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge | Mt. Mckinley Princess Wilderness Lodge | Whittier

Added Pre-stay in Fairbanks with Aurora Borealis Excursion!!

3 Ports: Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska | Hubbard Glacier (Scenic Cruising), Alaska | Glacier Bay National Park (Scenic Cruising), Alaska | Skagway, Alaska | Juneau, Alaska | Ketchikan, Alaska | Vancouver, Canada

• Round-trip airfare from Burlington, VT

• All flights, transfers, port & tax

• Cruise Fare

• Hotel lodging

• Most Meals

• Gratuities, WIFI, Beverage Package

• Tour Guide on land portion of tour & transition to cruise portion

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airport meals

• Meals during excursions

• Gratuities (Tour Manager, Cruise staff)

• Optional traveler’s insurance

DAY 1  Burlington to Fairbanks

Alaska's "Golden Heart City" of Fairbanks is a great introduction to the heart of this unique state. Check in to your hotel and get ready for the beginning of your adventure.

DAY 2  Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge

A cruise along the Chena River on a Sternwheeler Riverboat is about as authentic as it gets. Later, you'll head for Denali National Park via a scenic motorcoach trip to the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. Check in with the Guest Service Desk for help in planning your own Denali adventure. Or you may enjoy the spectacular main lodge, river view deck, and Princess Village with the popular Christmas cottage and sugar shack. Be sure to check out Fannie Q's Saloon, named after a famed local homesteader.

DAY 3 Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge  

You have a full day to get out into one of America's best national parks. This afternoon, explore Denali National Park on a Natural History Tour, watching for glimpses of Denali as well as Denali's "big Five"; moose, caribou, bears, wolves and Dall Sheep. 

DAY 4 Mt. Mckinley Princess Wilderness Lodge

This morning, depart via motorcoach to the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Sit and gaze at "The Great One" from the lodge's treehouse, hear stories about climbing Denali in the Hudson Theater or roast marshmallows at the fireside patio.

DAY 5  Whittier

After a morning enjoying the lodge, you'll transfer to the historic town of Talkeetna to board the exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness Rail for the journey to Whittier and your waiting ship. 

DAY 6 Hubbard Glacier (Scenic Cruising), Alaska  

​Nicknamed the "Galloping Glacier," this east Alaskan glacier is rapidly advancing toward the Gulf of Alaska into a pristine area known as Disenchantment Bay. In fact, its movement temporarily formed a natural dam that twice closed off nearby Russell Fjord from the bay, but the intense water pressure building within the fjord-turned-lake has thus far been enough to explode through the wall of ice.   The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier measures 76 miles long and plunges 1,200 feet into the depths of the bay. Its immense beauty and phenomenal blue hues are enchanting, even from afar. But it's when your cruise ship draws closer that its towering surface really impresses, dwarfing even the uppermost deck on your ship at a whopping 40 stories high. There, with the snowcapped mountains serving as a glorious backdrop, you'll have a prime viewing spot from which to witness the glacier calving, as it often expels icebergs the size of 10-story buildings-imagine the splash! The area around Hubbard Glacier is also renowned for its wildlife, where whales, harbor seals and otters swim, brown bears, moose and black-tailed deer roam ashore, and a wide variety of seabirds soar gracefully across the sky.

DAY 7 Glacier Bay National Park (Scenic Cruising), Alaska

Princess is one of a select few cruise lines permitted to cruise the pristine waters of Glacier Bay, the highlight of our 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise. Just west of Juneau, this breathtaking national park and preserve boasts some of the world's most spectacular tidewater glaciers, such as Margerie Glacier, which often drops colossal chunks of ice into the sea. Not surprisingly, Glacier Bay National Park and its epic ice giants are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising Alaska's magnificent park system. During your scenic cruise, friendly Park Rangers will join the ship to share their knowledge of this amazing place and host a fun Junior Ranger program for kids. They may even be able to help you identify Glacier Bay's abundant wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, porpoises, harbor seals, black bears, mountain goats, bald eagles and large colonies of seabirds. Take in the awe-inspiring scenery as you enjoy an unforgettable day of sailing through this dazzling park, where you'll glide along emerald waters and past calving icebergs, and can breathe in the crisp, fresh air to your heart's content.

DAY 8 Skagway, Alaska

​Skagway was the gateway to the gold fields for the thousands who flocked to Alaska and the Yukon with the hope of striking it rich. Skagway may have boasted the shortest route to the Klondike, but it wasn't the easiest. Over 100 years ago, the White Pass route through the Coast Mountains and the shorter but steeper Chilkoot Trail were used by countless stampeders. Many a would-be miner perished on the treacherous Chilkoot Trail. The gold rush was a boon and by 1898, Skagway was Alaska's largest town with a population of about 20,000. Hotels, saloons, dance halls and gambling houses prospered. But when the gold yield dwindled in 1900, so did the population as miners quickly shifted to new finds in Nome. Today, Skagway has less than 1,000 residents. It still retains the flavor of the gold rush era.

DAY 9  Day 9 - Juneau, Alaska View

Day 10  ketchikan, alaska.

Ketchikan is known as Alaska's "First City" because it's the first major community travelers come to as they journey north. Located on an island, Ketchikan began life as an Indian fishing camp. The name Ketchikan comes from a Tlingit phrase that means "eagle with spread-out wings," a reference to a waterfall near town. In the early 1900s, when gold was Alaska's claim to fame, fishing and timber industries were established in Ketchikan. The growth of these industries helped make this Inside Passage port Alaska's fourth-largest city. Visitors to Ketchikan will be intrigued by its rich Native heritage, which includes the world's oldest collection of totem poles at Totem Heritage Center. The Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian are all a part of the city's colorful history. Ketchikan, with its abundance of salmon, is also a sportfishing paradise. Sightseers will be impressed with both the scenic town and its surroundings, especially Misty Fjords National Monument.

DAY 11  Day at Sea

Ketchikan is known as Alaska's "First City" because it's the first major community travelers come to as they journey north. Located on an island, Ketchikan began life as an Indian fishing camp. The name Ketchikan comes from a Tlingit phrase that means "eagle with spread-out wings," a reference to a waterfall near town.

In the early 1900s, when gold was Alaska's claim to fame, fishing and timber industries were established in Ketchikan. The growth of these industries helped make this Inside Passage port Alaska's fourth-largest city.  

Visitors to Ketchikan will be intrigued by its rich Native heritage, which includes the world's oldest collection of totem poles at Totem Heritage Center. The Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian are all a part of the city's colorful history. Ketchikan, with its abundance of salmon, is also a sportfishing paradise. Sightseers will be impressed with both the scenic town and its surroundings, especially Misty Fjords National Monument.

DAY 12  Vancouver, Canada

​It seems unlikely that a character named "Gassy Jack" Deighton would be responsible for one of the most beautiful cities on the continent. But that's history for you. During the gold rush, Gassy Jack saw a chance to make money from the hordes of miners on their way to the Yukon. The saloon he built became the focus of the shanty town known as Gastown. From that ragtag group of shacks, modern Vancouver was born. The provincial government persuaded settlers to change the name of the town to Vancouver, after Captain George Vancouver, who sailed the region's waters in 1792. Canada's third-largest city, Vancouver is a cosmopolitan place with a European feel and a personality all its own. It's a community with a rich ethnic mix - including the second-largest Chinatown in North America - and stunningly beautiful parks.

DAY 13  Vancouver, Canada  

PRICING   PER PERSON

Double (group of two).

$ 4,399 PER PERSON

SINGLE  

$ 6,199  

$ 4,985 PER PERSON

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*20% deposit at booking. | 3% credit card fee | Balance due 60 days prior to departure

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Alaska Cruise Tours:

A cruise tour is a voyage and land tour combination, with the land tour occurring before or after the voyage. Unless otherwise noted, optional services such as airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, land tour excursions, etc. are not included and are available for an additional cost.

Explore Wild Alaska by Land and Sea

Experience the Rugged Beauty of the Last Frontier!

Natural beauty, wildlife and history. Digital Costco Shop Card with every sailing.

Alaska is so much more than its legends and myths. Journey through the wild terrain of Alaska by cruise and discover the natural wonders that await as the rugged beauty of this pristine frontier unfolds. You can combine your Alaska cruise with an exciting land tour where you'll stay in authentic lodges and travel remote roads and railways in deluxe motor coaches and a luxurious train. A cruise tour will take you to cultured Anchorage, folksy Talkeetna, and wild Denali.

Alaska Cruises

Alaska dawes glacier cruise.

Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Edge® Digital Costco Shop Card, Vancouver to Seattle

6 Nights from $829*

Alaska Northbound Glacier Cruise

Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Summit® Digital Costco Shop Card, Vancouver to Seward

7 Nights from $299*

Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Edge® Digital Costco Shop Card, Round-Trip Seattle

7 Nights from $886*

Alaska Southbound Glacier Cruise

Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Summit® Digital Costco Shop Card, Seward to Vancouver

7 Nights from $249*

Alaska Hubbard Glacier Cruise

Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Solstice® Digital Costco Shop Card, Round-Trip Vancouver

7 Nights from $628*

Cruisetours

Grand heartland adventure cruise tour - tour #7a.

Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Summit® Digital Costco Shop Card

13 Nights from $2,719*

The Great National Parks Expedition Cruise Tour - Tour #6A

12 Nights from $2,684*

Authentic Tastes of Alaska Cruise Tour - Tour #9A

10 Nights from $2,120*

Homer Discovery and Heartland Wildlife Cruise Tour - Tour 10B

13 Nights from $2,499*

Alaska Mountain Medley Cruise Tour - Tour #5B

12 Nights from $3,261*

Talkeetna Treasures Cruise Tour - Tour #1B

10 Nights from $1,749*

Alaska Gold Rush Adventure Cruise Tour - Tour #2A

10 Nights from $1,579*

Alaska Wildlife Encounter Cruise Tour - Tour #3A

11 Nights from $2,714*

Majestic Tundra Explorer Cruise Tour - Tour #4B

11 Nights from $2,601*

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on Terms & Conditions link below for details.

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Denali National Park, Alaska

Denali is the number one reason to book Alaska cruisetours into the state’s rugged wilderness and it’s easy to understand why. At an impressive 20,310 feet above sea level, Denali isn’t just any mountain; it’s the centerpiece of Alaska’s interior, a shining jewel rising above pristine Alaska wilderness. Good news if you want more than just a glimpse of “the Great One.” When you book a cruisetour, you can settle in for up to three nights and get a true sense of North America’s tallest mountain.

Holland America Line’s Alaska cruisetours offer full immersion in Denali. Each of our land and sea cruisetours include up to three nights at our beautiful 60-acre riverside resort.

Denali Square™ at the McKinley Chalet Resort is the ultimate base camp. Spend your days sightseeing at Denali and the evenings winding down in creature comfort. Enjoy stunning views across the Nenana River into Denali National Park from virtually anywhere on the grounds, as well as upscale dining, quality entertainment, and local shopping.

Holland America Line is also the only cruise line to include the Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park on all 2- and 3-night Denali cruisetour itineraries. On this expertly guided 6- to 8-hour adventure, you’ll likely spot some combination of Alaska’s Big Five : grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and wolves. In addition, there are countless bucket list opportunities—such as river rafting, flightseeing (including the chance to land with a ski plane on Denali itself), or meeting an Iditarod dog musher and getting a sloppy kiss from a sled dog.

When looking into Alaska cruise tours, consider including Denali National Park. The wildlife is abundant and easily viewable. There are 6-million acres of untouched land to explore, some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Towering above is Denali, a mountain that will linger in your memory forever. With all of that and more, Holland America Line’s Alaska cruisetours are a dream for those who want true immersion into Denali National Park & Preserve.

McKinley Chalet Resort Video

Watch the video below for an insider’s perspective of our exclusive 60-acre resort at Denali National Park & Preserve.

McKinley Chalet Resort at Denali National Park

Top 3: things to see in denali, alaska, featured shore excursions.

Recommended For You

Alaska Cruisetours

Alaska Cruisetours Overview

View the charts below to help you select the Cruisetour land package that best fits your individual interests and vacation plans. Each chart shows the duration of each Cruisetour, the activities included and cities visited. Tour packages are numbered and lettered with “A” for Cruisetours that occur after the cruise or “B” for tours that occur before the cruise.

• 2025 Cruisetours
• 2024 Cruisetours

Alaska Wildlife Express 1A

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier Cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 3-night, post-cruise escorted land tour to Talkeetna, Denali and Anchorage.

Included Experiences — Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Denali Natural History Tour

2025 Departures — May 16 & 30, June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25, August 8 & 22

Alaska Wildlife Express 1B

2025 Departures — May 20, June 3 & 17, July 1, 15 & 29, August 12 & 26, September 9

Alaska Interior Express 2A

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 3-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Denali and Fairbanks (2 nights).

Included Experiences — Denali Natural History Tour, Fairbanks City Tour, Gold Dredge 8

Alaska Interior Express 2B

Mountain valley explorer 3a.

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 4-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Alyeska (Girdwood), Talkeetna, Denali and Anchorage.

Included Experiences — Alaska Sealife Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Wildlife Conservation Center

Mountain Valley Explorer 3B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 3A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

2025 Departures — May 19, June 2, 16 & 30 July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25, September 8

Wilderness Frontier Explorer 4A

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 4-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Denali (2 nights) and Fairbanks (2 nights).

Included Experiences — Tundra Wilderness Tour, Fairbanks City Tour, Riverboat Discovery Cruise

Wilderness Frontier Explorer 4B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 4A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

Mountain Panorama Adventure 5A

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 5-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Alyeska (Girdwood), Denali (2 nights), Talkeetna and Anchorage

Included Experiences — Alaska SeaLife Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Rail from Talkeetna to Anchorage, and more.

Mountain Panorama Adventure 5B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 5A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

2025 Departures — May 18, June 1, 15 & 29, July 13 & 27, August 10 & 24, September 7

Fjord & Tundra National Parks Explorer 6A

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier Cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 5-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Seward, Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks (2 nights).

Included Experiences — Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Tundra Wilderness Tour, and more.

Fjord & Tundra National Parks Explorer 6B

Grand mountain marvels 7a.

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier Cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 6-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali (2 nights) and Fairbanks.

Included Experiences — Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise, Anchorage City Tour, Anchorage Museum, and more.

Grand Mountain Marvels 7B

2025 Departures — May 17 & 31, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23, September 6

Alaska Wilderness Spectacular 8A

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier Cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 6-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali (2 nights) and Fairbanks (2 nights).

Included Experiences — Alaska Native Heritage Center, Tundra Wilderness Tour, Riverboat Discovery Cruise, and more.

Alaska Wilderness Spectacular 8B

Family tundra express 9a.

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 3-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Talkeetna, Denali and Anchorage.

Included Experiences — Anchorage Museum & Imaginarium Discovery Center, Murie Science & Learning Center, Dog Kennel Tour, and ...

Family Tundra Express 9B

Destination denali 11a.

7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 2-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Talkeetna, Denali and Anchorage.

Included Experiences — Denali Natural History Tour

Departures — May 17 & 31, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23

Departures — May 21, June 4 & 18, July 2, 16 & 30, August 13 & 27, September 10

Departures — May 20, June 3 & 17, July 1, 15 & 29, August 12 & 26 September 9

Departures — May 19, June 2, 16 & 30, July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25 September 8

Departures — May 18, June 1, 15 & 29, July 13 & 27, August 10 & 24 September 7

Included Experiences — Anchorage Museum & Imaginarium Discovery Center, Murie Science & Learning Center, Dog Kennel Tour

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Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise

About this tour.

Traverse the Pacific coast by land and sea aboard one of Holland America Cruise Lines’ lovely ships on a breathtaking journey that takes you from Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia. Cruise the Sternwheeler Discovery and encounter Alaska’s diverse culture and rich history. Enjoy local dishes and a lively musical performance at the Denali Dinner Theater about the first brave men to summit Denali. Ride a luxury domed railcar from Denali to Talkeetna, soak in views of the incredible landscapes from glass-ceiling railcars and open-air observation platforms as guides provide expert commentary. Travel deep into Denali National Park for the best opportunities to view the region’s wildlife. Cruise through Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage, taking in rugged natural wonders. Explore Alaska’s gorgeous capital, Juneau. Visit Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of the World.” This is Alaska as you always imagined.

Your Tour Includes

• 4 Handpicked Accommodations

Included Highlights

• Sternwheeler Discovery
• Music of Denali Dinner Theater
• Denali National Park

Your Tour at a Glance

11 Breakfasts

1 - Light & Leisurely

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $60.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Relax aboard a 7-night Holland America cruise — your fabulous floating resort.

• Cruise past Hubbard Glacier, one of Alaska's largest glaciers.

Sail through Glacier Bay, a treasure trove of glaciers and coastal islands.

Cultural Experiences:

Enjoy an unforgettable rail journey from Denali to Talkeetna in a luxury domed railcar.

Enjoy an expert guided Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park.

• Relive Alaska's Gold Rush days in historic Skagway.

Culinary Inclusions:

Enjoy a lively dinner theater performance about the first brave men to summit Denali.

• Tundra Wilderness Tour
• Luxury Domed Rail
• Hubbard Glacier
• Glacier Bay
• Inside Passage

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

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• No booking fee, *no change fees
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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour, upgrade your room.

Cruise Upgrade

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Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Room Upgrade

Cruise-Holland America Noordam

Enhance your Alaskan cruise with an upgrade to an Ocean View Stateroom or a Verandah Stateroom. You’ve come so far; treat yourself to a bit more comfort. Relax after a day exploring. Just imagine gazing out from your Ocean View Stateroom or on your private verandah as the Alaskan waters dance in the distance, framed by the incredible scenery.

*Total for all passengers

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Hotel-Westmark Fairbanks - Holland America

Climb aboard your Jet Boat – a marine mammal-friendly mode of transportation – and set sail for an incredible experience! Discover the Alaskan wildlife during an expedition that takes you up close to the whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals, eagles and other wildlife abundant in this area. Marvel at the sounds of nature and the sea – your tranquil soundtrack while a local expert narrates.

This is the ideal tour for the traveler seeking a short but in-depth look at Skagway’s natural and historical wonders. This tour showcases the best of everything that has made Skagway famous and parallels much of the train route to the White Pass Summit and beyond. Historical highlights include Brackett’s Toll Road, Dead Horse Gulch, and spectacular views of the White Pass Rail. Also included is a visit to the Gold Rush Cemetery where the legendary Soapy Smith was laid to rest. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, so be sure to bring along your camera.

Experience the magnificent beauty of Misty Fjord National Monument, a 2.1 million acre park covered by glaciers ages ago. Your pilot will narrate as you soar over majestic fjords, cascading waterfalls, and jewel-like lakes to discover some of Alaska’s most spectacular scenery. Sheer walls of granite rise over 3,000 feet comprising a truly awe-inspiring sight. Experience the tranquility of the Alaskan wilderness in a truly remote setting. Just don’t forget your camera for this amazing experience!

Cruise past Hubbard Glacier, one of Alaska's largest glaciers.

Relive Alaska's Gold Rush days in historic Skagway.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Westmark Fairbanks From $200 per night

Westmark Fairbanks

Mckinley chalet resort-holland, talkeetna alaskan lodge, holland america.

Nights 5-11

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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $150. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

Alaska Cruisetours to Denali National Park

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Denali National Park Guide

When booking your Alaska cruise, why not see everything The Last Frontier has to offer? When you decide to take one of our Alaska cruises, you have the option to select a Cruisetour (also known as a land and sea package), which extends your cruise vacation with a 2 to 6 night adventure into Alaska. With our Alaska Cruisetours , you can travel further inland and visit even more beautiful destinations like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and of course, the unforgettable Denali National Park.

When you’re looking into one of the many Alaska cruise itineraries we’ve carefully crafted, don’t forget to book a Cruisetour and create the ultimate land and sea adventure. Cruisetours must be booked when you’re booking your cruise. Unlike shore excursions where you can book excursions at anytime, our Cruisetours serve as land and sea packages to help you fulfill your dream Alaskan adventure, both on land and onboard our ship.

All of our Alaska Cruisetours overnight in Denali and include an excursion into the beautiful Denali National Park as part of our Cruisetour package. Depending on whether you choose to take a southbound or northbound Alaska cruise, you will be taking the land portion of your Cruisetour before or after your cruise. Southbound Alaska cruises start in Seward and have the land portion of the Cruisetour before setting sail. Northbound Alaska cruises start in Vancouver and have their land portion of the Cruisetour after the cruise docks in Seward.

An Alaska Cruisetour to Denali National Park is a sure-fire way to explore the incredible Alaskan wilderness, whether you prefer a laid back approach of walking tours and panoramic vistas, or you crave adventure, like whitewater rafting on the Nenana River or a soaring plane ride to catch panoramic views of Denali Mountain. This is what makes Denali must-see for any intrepid traveler. Experience the humbling and awe-inspiring spirit of Alaska for yourself when you go off the beaten path with Celebrity.

Top Sights & Attractions on an Alaska Cruisetour to Denali

Unwind in denali’s breathtaking scenery.

Booking an Alaska land and sea package is the ideal way to see Alaska. If you’re craving time in nature and fresh air, you’ll be glad you’re staying overnight in Denali on an Alaska Cruisetour. Denali National Park is unlike any other place on earth for its dense forest of evergreens and endless tundra. On the Natural History excursion, you’ll learn how early settlers lived in subarctic conditions and made Denali into what it is today. You’ll be amazed as you explore this quiet, undisturbed paradise.

Spot Bears, Moose & More Wildlife

The Tundra Wilderness excursion into Denali National Park can take you nearly 41 miles into the wilderness of the Arctic range into the subarctic tundra. You’ll have the best chance of spotting local wildlife and protected species that call the park home the deeper you go into the park’s depths. It’s extra special to spot the “Big 5” species unique to Denali: grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolf and Dall sheep. Keep your eyes peeled for these creatures as your roam.

Expand the Land Portion of Your Land & Sea Package with Land Excursions in Denali

Your Cruisetour experience with Celebrity is a build-your-own adventure. On an Alaska cruise, Denali is a hidden gem that’s not always easy to get to on your own. Denali is nearly 300 miles from the Seward cruise port after all. With Celebrity Cruises®, however, we take the guesswork out of Alaska’s most memorable places for you. While your Cruisetour has land experiences included in your package, you can also book optional land excursions on your Denali Cruisetour with your tour guide. Luckily, there are options for all types of vacationers, whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for your next adrenaline rush or a seasoned traveler wanting to learn something new about Alaska’s natural history.

Soar Above Denali Mountain in a Helicopter

Ever taken a helicopter tour at the end of the world? Well, you can on a helicopter ride across Denali National Park and Denali Mountain, which was once called Mt. McKinley, and is the highest mountain in North America. Glaciers and seemingly-endless stretches of tundra will fill your eye-line, and you’ll be surrounded by quiet, natural beauty, and roaming wildlife below.

Whitewater Adventure on Nenana River

An early morning on the Nenana River can be a peaceful, lazy experience for some, but if you’re looking for action, try out the two hour whitewater ride on intense, high class rapids. This unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime river tour is an adrenaline surge.

Explore Denali’s Many Hiking Trails

Hiking in Denali and the park’s sinuous trails of thriving evergreens are beautiful year-round. You can even hike with a dedicated park ranger and ask all your questions about Denali along the way.

Top Food & Drink Spots in Denali

Prospector’s Pizzeria & Alehouse

Is there any better combination after a day of hiking or white water rafting than pizza and a cold beer? Luckily, Prospector’s Pizzeria & Alehouse has both in spades. Beyond brick oven pizzas, they offer standard sandwich and salad fare. They provide special vegan and gluten-free entree options as well.

The Salmon Bake

Another option for eats on your Denali cruise the appropriately named Salmon Bake, is just one of the many spots to try local Alaskan salmon and other comfort foods during your time in Alaska. Stop in for live music, where local bands play every night, or fill up on crab cakes and halibut tacos, or simply to experience this fun, quirky location just a mile from Denali National Park.

Moose-AKa’s

Stray away from the conventional burger-and-fries territory and instead try Eastern-European influenced moussaka and schnitzel, plus cocktails and traditional tavern-style eats like fish and chips in a no-frills setting. Grab a cold beer and strike up a conversation with the bartender here.

Culture and History of the Denali National Park

Denali National Park came to be as Mount McKinley National Park way back in 1917, and since then, the park expanded and now encompasses over six million acres of preserved Alaskan nature. “Denali” means “the Tall One” in the language of the indigenous Athabaskan population who lived there long before 19th century settlers came out west. This name references the sweeping summit of Denali Mountain within the park. A huge part of the culture and appeal of a Denali cruise is the chance to spot native wildlife like caribou, moose, grizzly bears, and black bears. These sightings are a huge draw for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts visiting the park.

Getting to Denali on an Alaska Cruise

All of our Alaska Cruisetours have an overnight in Denali and include an excursion into the breathtaking Denali National Park as part of the Cruisetour package. There are several ways your Cruisetour will transport you to Denali before or after your Alaska cruise.

Depending on whether you choose to take a Alaska cruise southbound or northbound, your ship will either depart or arrive in the Seward cruise port . If your southbound Alaska cruise begins in Seward, you will take your Cruisetour to destinations like Denali National Park before hopping on the cruise. If your northbound Alaska cruise starts in Vancouver and ends in Seward, you would take your Cruisetour after the cruise.

When traveling on land between destinations, you will travel on an unforgettable train ride and deluxe motor coach. Our Cruisetours are carefully created to provide a comfortable, stylish and picturesque journey to the beautiful Denali National Park. Whatever you want your Alaska experience to be, your Celebrity Cruisetour to Denali will help you achieve it.

Transportation in Denali

Hourly shuttles are available between the Denali National Park Visitor's Center and the Denali Park Village lodge, where you will be staying. Your Cruisetour, however, includes all of your transportation needs during the land tour.

Shopping in Denali

While you probably won’t have time to shop when your cruise ship docks in Seward, you can pick up both kitsch and practical Alaska souvenirs when you arrive in Denali Park Village.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

Like other states, Alaska uses the U.S. dollar (USD) and the standard tipping practices that prevail across America are equally accepted here. Credit cards are generally okay to use as well. Tip your server or bartender 15-20% for good services, and don’t forget a 15% tip for taxi drivers and tour guides or operators as well.

Find Cruises to Alaska's Denali Port

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14 replies to this topic

Your best *chance* to see a variety of marine wildlife is a day cruise out of Seward , the longer the better (more time on the water = more time to come across wildlife). Major Marine's longer tours (8.5 hr. and 7.5 hrs) end Sept. 8....the shorter 6 hr. cruises are available until Sept. 22. Also be aware that in Sept. winter storms are starting in the Gulf of Alaska , so your cruise might be shortened/cancelled due to rough waters.

If by "sled dog tour" you mean flying up to a glacier to sled in snow, the latest one I know of ends Sept. 10, assuming conditions on the glacier don't force an earlier closing. No way of knowing that in advance. The others end from late August to early Sept. The wheeled dog cart rides are still available, though.

As for aurora, your best *chance* would be at the end of your trip from Fairbanks (Denali is almost as good). Be aware that the stats are that if you stay in/near Fairbanks for 3 nights, the odds of success are about 80%. That assumes you're sitting up most of the night watching for aurora to appear....

Trains south of Anchorage end Sept. 15, north to Denali/Fairbanks ends Sept. 19

Most of the guided tours herd you around like sheep. Are you sure that's what you want? Their main focus is making $$$ for them, not ensuring you have the best time possible for *you*. They'll bus/train you right past those "quaint Alaskan small towns" you'd like to explore.... Not to mention they love putting you in expensive hotels ($350+ per night).

Would you be willing to rent a car for at least part of your trip? If so, how many hours would be okay for driving each day?

As Maple said, you may want to come earlier…

I also agree that coming 1-2 weeks earlier would be worth it. There is a reason the cruise that late in the year is cheaper.

There are some great small towns in Alaska.

Before you start planning, get out a good map so you can see the areas of Alaska. Fairbanks is in the Interior…thousands of miles from towns in the Southeast. :)

Well, there is only one highway in any direction, so that makes it pretty easy to navigate! The only city big enough to cause any problems would be Anchorage --stick to the main routes and you'll be fine.

"is Skagway or Ketchikan the place to go to experience the small town feel we’re looking for"

Maybe...but...as Coalminer said, get out a map and see how far they are from Denali and Fairbanks . With only 10 days, you'd take up too much precious time just getting from one location to another. If you like galleries, Homer is the place to go, though it adds 6 more hours of driving. If you are interested in a bear-viewing tour (expensive), good selection of tours out of Homer.

And IMO Hope is a gem that most people drive right by, not even realizing it's just a few miles off the main highway near Seward . You could easily include it as a short (maybe hour or two?) detour. But the Hope Museum and Library/Gift shop are open only in the afternoons, and close down after Labor day, so plan any visit accordingly.

What you might want to do is check out the shopping in several areas, including Anchorage, to help you decide where you'd like to spend your time. Depends what you're looking for.

And who knows, if you like "quirky", Wal-Mikes near Talkeetna might be right up your alley: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g31147-d3382232-Reviews-Wal_Mikes-Trapper_Creek_Alaska.html According to Google it's open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week, but if you want to include a stop there, maybe contact Mike for verification of his hours. Apparently he's quite the character!

shopping isn’t usually my “thing”, but here is some info on shopping in a few areas, maybe can check out the links to help you decide:

https://www.alaska.org/destination/anchorage/shopping

Anchorage Market, Sat. & Sun. until Sept 8: https://anchoragemarkets.com/anchorage-market/

https://www.visitgirdwood.com/shop

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g31000-d4699566-Reviews-The_Girdwood_Center_for_the_Visual_Arts-Girdwood_Anchorage_Alaska.html

https://girdwood.com/information/glacier-gift-gallery-shop/

https://www.whittieralaskachamber.org/restaurants-and-shops/

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g31163-d4459643-Reviews-Prince_William_Sound_Museum-Whittier_Alaska.html

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g31012-d14931636-Reviews-Hope_and_Sunrise_Historical_and_Mining_Museum-Hope_Alaska.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g31012-d3962226-Reviews-Hope_Community_Library_Gift_Shop-Hope_Alaska.html

SEWARD: https://www.seward.com/things-to-do/shopping/

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractions-g31136-Activities-c26-Talkeetna_Alaska.html

https://www.talkeetnachamber.org/activities/markets-stores-and-more/

Wal-Mikes at Trapper Creek near Talkeetna, already mentioned above.

And if you decide to include Homer:

https://www.homeralaska.org/things-to-do/shopping/

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractions-g31009-Activities-c26-Homer_Alaska.html

SOLDOTNA: https://visitsoldotna.com/listing-category/retail-shopping/

So read through a few of those to see what might grab your fancy. Hopefully others will post their suggestions too.

For the basic itinerary I would suggest flying into Anchorage, drive to Seward for a Kenai Fjords wildlife/glacier cruise , maybe Homer depending what is of interest. Then drive to Talkeetna area, Denali, and ending in Fairbanks. The last 3 places mentioned all have a chance of seeing aurora--if you spend 3 nights in the Fairbanks/Denali area you have an 80% chance of success, if you're wiling to sit up most of the night watching for them. A few hotels do let you sign up for wake-up calls, but keep in mind that sometimes displays last only a few minutes and if you're the last to get called, you might miss it....

A one-way car rental (ANC with drop off in FAI) would be best. To save a bit of money, maybe a round-trip ANC rental, then rent a second car in ANC to drive north. Compare the prices to see what works out best. There is a hefty one-way fee (usually several hundred dollars), but it does save you driving back to ANC (7+ hrs. from FAI) to fly home.

If you decide you don't want to visit the Talkeetna area--which, BTW, is the best place to flightsee Denali (The Mountain)--then after traveling south of ANC to Seward et al, fly from ANC to FAI ($100 pp) to rent a second car in FAI. Denali is only a 2+ hrs. drive from FAI.

The most scenic stretch is the drive south of ANC esp. along Turnagain Arm. Lots of turn-outs to enjoy the views. If you want to include a train ride, consider doing a day trip from ANC your first day. A popular trip is the train to Spencer Glacier, esp. with add-on rafting near icebergs and scenic raft down the river, or go all the way to the turnaround point at Grandview (same train, different stops). That also includes the stretch along Turnagain Arm where the highway and train tracks parallel each other. More info: https://alaskanrafting.com/product/spencer-glacier-placer-river-float/ (as you can see, half of August is already sold out, so that might make up your mind for you if the rafting isn't available on the day you want!) or just the train ride: https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-a-train/our-trains/glacier-discovery If you want to shorten the day, you could drive to Girdwood or Portage to board the train.

Anyway, mull things over a bit and let us know your thoughts.

Thank you so much Maple_Marshmallows!

Would I even need to rent a car in Anch if I just take train? Would you recommend staying in Anch at all or just split between Seward and Fairbanks? Would the train rides be enough possible wildlife viewing without taking a separate tour for that. I’d rather invest in some tours that are worth it for sure like the long boat tour? I may add a stop to the town you were talking about also. That WalMike place sounds interesting. I’m only interested in unique shopping experiences and shopping for local type things (not shopping like we would do at home). We would mostly like to experience the wildlife and outdoor scenery.

Any Rec’s on places to stay? Other than the boat tour another do not miss tour/excursion considering our interests? Should we stay overnight at Denali?

Thanks so much! I appreciate it. We plan to maybe do a cruise in the future to check out the southeast part of Alaska and enjoy being on land this time to see sights you wouldn’t be able to on a cruise .

So much depends on your actual dates.

Yes - you can take train to Seward …best train experience and you can get around Seward quite well without a car . Do a marine tour to see ocean and bird wildlife.

Denali - If you want to see wildlife, this is one of your best opportunities. You really should stay here at least 2-3 nights.

No - I would not take train to Denali or Fairbanks…long, you zip by any wildlife, and you really would need a car in both Denali and Fairbanks . If you don’t want to drive to Denali, then fly to Fairbanks and rent a car from there…cheaper than train and Fairbanks is only 2 hours from Denali.

But again, all depends on your dates and what will be open.

Also, happy to make lodging recommendations but you need a solid itinerary prior to that. :)

Seward is a very scenic, quaint, and walkable town. Fairbanks is not quaint but I do think it has some interesting sights and the riverboat tour is fun if that is still running when you visit. In general, I would not go to the expense and distance of visiting mainland Alaska for "town" activities.. the star is the scenery and wilderness.

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Best Alaska Cruise for Every Type of Vacationer

Posted: March 15, 2024 | Last updated: March 15, 2024

Best time to cruise to Alaska

An Alaska cruise is such a popular bucket-list item because it's one of the best ways to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Not only will you get to see breathtaking glaciers closer than you ever dreamed, but you're also likely to see eagles soaring and whales spouting—often from the deck of your ship. The best Alaska cruises give you an opportunity to explore the Far North from both land and sea, and we've got cruise tips to help you optimize your time and your budget.

The state's long, cold winters are not conducive to cruising, so the Alaska cruise season is relatively short. The best time to travel to Alaska is from late spring to early fall, with peak cruising happening during July and August. Those are also the most crowded and expensive months, so don't rule out September, which is actually the best time to see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise. But with dozens of ships sailing to Alaska, how do you decide which are the best cruise lines for you?

Luckily, when it comes to Alaska cruises, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you're traveling solo or with kids, whether you're looking for total luxury or a bargain and whether you love giant ships or something more intimate, we've found the best Alaska cruises to fit your needs. See which one sounds right for you, and once you're booked, get a head start by checking out these hidden cruise features, cruise ship code words and things you can't do on cruises .

How we chose the best Alaska cruises

To find the best Alaska cruises, we followed expert recommendations and read hundreds of user reviews and ratings. Because I've been on several Alaska cruises alone, with my family and with my husband, I also based my choices on my own personal experiences. After combining all that information, we came up with this guide to the best Alaska cruises.

Best overall

Princess cruises.

Princess has been cruising to Alaska for more than half a century, and they continue to lead the industry by bringing more guests to the state than any other cruise line. In fact, they introduced a generation to the idea of cruising via the hit TV show The Love Boat , which was set on a Princess ship and featured many episodes in Alaska! Because of their deep ties to the state, the cruise line is able to offer a variety of itineraries and shore excursions, and they even own a number of Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks , so you can add a land extension to your trip.

Onboard, there are plenty of activities for both adults and kids, including the North to Alaska enrichment program, which brings the state's culture to you so you can sample fresh Alaska seafood and hear from local celebs like Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race.

• Guests can meet Alaskan Huskies on the ship through Puppies in the Piazza!
• So many options for cruise length, extensions and land and sea packages
• Price is not all-inclusive

Best for families

Disney cruise line.

With lots of outdoor activities and great wildlife sightings, an Alaska cruise is ideal for kids, and not surprisingly, no one does it better for them than Disney . Kids will love whale watching, panning for gold, searching for black bears and going dog sledding—and they'll equally love everything Disney has planned for them on the Disney Wonder, from live shows ("Frozen" takes on a whole new meaning in Alaska) and character greetings to kids clubs they won't want to leave to themed pools and restaurants. Little ones will be just as happy to see Goofy as they are to see a glacier, making this the best cruise for kids . Before you go, check out these Disney cruise tips .

• Disney is beloved by kids of all ages
• The focus is on families
• On the pricier side

Best adults-only

If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska without the distraction of little kids, you'll be in good company on Viking . Their gorgeous ocean ships sail with a maximum of 930 passengers, all over the age of 18, so you can indulge in adult conversation over a bottle of wine or a cocktail or two. One of the many features that makes Viking the best adult-only cruise is that every single room comes with a private veranda, so you can take in the views and feel that fresh Alaska air with no one else around—and without paying extra. You can also get away without paying additional fees for shore excursions, because one is included in every port, giving you an opportunity to see the highlights of destinations including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka and Valdez.

• Every stateroom has a veranda
• A shore excursion is included in every port
• Optional cruise extensions let you explore Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage on land
• The shortest Alaska cruise is 11 days

Best for solo travelers

Norwegian cruise line.

Cruising has traditionally been a bit of a challenge for solo travelers because of the single supplement that basically makes them pay the same price for a room as two people sharing a room would pay in total. Not with Norwegian , the best singles cruise ! The first cruise line to build staterooms and common areas specifically for solo travelers, they've made it easy for singles to cruise to Alaska comfortably and affordably. The Studio Lounge is a welcoming spot to meet other solo travelers so you can join up for meals or shore excursions to places like Dawes Glacier and Icy Strait Point.

• No single supplement
• A dedicated lounge just for solo travelers
• Lots of families and kids, which may not appeal to solo travelers

Best for couples

Celebrity cruises.

The best cruise for couples , both straight and gay, Celebrity offers lots of opportunities for romantic experiences in Alaska, from hiking through a rainforest in Juneau to cuddling up during a ride back in time on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. On the ship itself, there are lots of spots where you can take some Instagrammable selfies with the majestic Alaska scenery behind you. What a backdrop for a wedding, honeymoon or vow renewal! Consider upgrading to The Retreat, Celebrity's exclusive ship within a ship, for a more private and intimate cruise.

• Many options for cruise length
• Offers land tour extensions
• Families with kids may disrupt the romantic atmosphere

Best budget

Carnival cruise line.

Yes, you can visit Alaska without spending a fortune, thanks to Carnival . You may not get all the bells and whistles that you would on more expensive cruises, but the views don't cost anything, and they're all around you as you chill by the pool or take advantage of one of the many activities and dining venues included in your fare. Save money to use for shore excursions by opting for an interior room, since you won't be spending much time in your cabin anyway.

• Affordable way to see Alaska
• Lots of cruise length options
• The party atmosphere may not be for everyone

Best luxury

Regent seven seas.

Regent's Seven Seas Explorer is all about luxury, from its all-suite design to its all-inclusive fares , which cover airfare, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants, gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry and unlimited shore excursions. With only 750 passengers, service is exceptional and personal. Itineraries can be customized to fit your specific interests, whether you want to take a glacier hike, immerse yourself in Alaska's history or eat your way through the state.

• Truly an all-inclusive cruise
• All-suite accommodations are roomy and plush
• Only one Regent Seven Seas ship sails to Alaska

Best small ship

Seabourn cruise line.

A great choice for fans of smaller, more intimate ships, Seabourn's Odyssey holds 450 passengers and treats them to a personal, all-inclusive luxury experience. Smaller ships can take you to spots where the bigger ones just can't fit, and the Ventures by Seabourn program offers optional excursions where you can get up close and personal with some of Alaska's most awe-inspiring sights via kayak and Zodiac. You'll be sailing with a world-class expedition team, including a marine biologist, ornithologist, geologist, historian, photographer and natural experts who share their knowledge through lectures and casual conversations during scenic cruisings.

• All-inclusive
• Offers 7- to 14-day cruises
• Gets you closer to Alaska's natural beauty

Best large ship

Royal caribbean cruises.

Built for cruisers who believe the bigger, the better, Royal Caribbean's megaship, Quantum of the Sea, is the biggest ship in the region, with the capacity to hold 4,905 passengers. It also boasts the tallest viewing deck on any cruise ship—perfect for enjoying the stunning Alaska scenery. Three other Royal Caribbean ships sail to the state, as well—all big and beautiful and filled with enough activities to keep travelers of every age busy, including their signature Rock Climbing Wall, simulated skydiving and surf sessions on the Flowrider. Yes, you can "surf" in Alaska!

• There's literally something for everyone
• Studio staterooms are designed for solo travelers
• It can get crowded

Best for land and sea

Holland america line.

With more than 75 years of experience in Alaska—the longest of any cruise line— Holland America knows the state inside and out and presents you with lots of ways to enjoy it, from both the sea and land. Not only do they feature the most Glacier Bay itineraries, but they're also the only way to see the Yukon in combination with a cruise. You'll get to stay at Holland America's Westmark Hotels and their beautiful McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park, enabling you to get closer to wildlife and explore more of Alaska on land.

The cruise line has also expanded its onboard programming, so guests can engage with an Alaska naturalist, dig deeper into topics like Alaska's bush pilots and learn from a National Park Ranger and local Huna Tlingit guides.

• Every cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska's iconic glacier destinations
• Only cruise line to offer an Alaska cruise combined with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon
• Land and sea Cruisetours range from 9 to 18 days
• Caters to an older crowd

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Seeing Southcentral Alaska by river, lake and sea

Girdwood residents negotiate Portage Creek on stand-up paddleboards on a 70-degree day at the Portage Valley recreational area in the Chugach National Forest. (Bill Roth / ADN)

For many people, being near or out on water is at once deeply soothing and thrilling. If that’s true for you, Southcentral Alaska has world-class water adventure opportunities for every ability level.

Up close with the glaciers

Picture an ice slab the size of a house cleaving in slow motion from a massive blue and white glacier, sending up sparkling spray as it slips into the water beneath. You’re witnessing this in real time from a boat, at a safe distance but still close enough to hear.

While seeing a glacial calving event isn’t guaranteed, getting a firsthand look at a glacier is reliably awesome. Bonus: You don’t need a perfect sunny day to get the best views. The beautiful glacial blues are actually more prominent when it’s overcast.

Several outfits offer boat tours less than a day’s drive from Anchorage.

If you’re based in Anchorage and have limited time, check out the Mv Ptarmigan to Portage Glacier. Only an hour’s drive from Anchorage, you’ll spend about an hour on Portage Lake cruising right up to the face of the ice. Tickets run $49 per adult and $29 per child.

For those with more time, the 26 Glacier Tour run by Phillips Cruises & Tours says it all in the name. The nearly six-hour, narrated cruise covers 150 miles of Prince William Sound, and includes breathtaking views across College Fjord and Blackstone Bay. Tickets are $189 per adult, $125 per child, and include a meal.

A boat sit near the toe of the tidewater Surprise Glacier. (Anne Raup / ADN)

Wildlife viewing

Alaska isn’t just about pretty, old ice: You’re here to see the incredibly diverse and often charismatic wildlife! Whales, sea otters, puffins and Steller sea lions abound. Many day cruise operators focus on wildlife viewing (and you’ll likely get some glaciers in there too).

Major Marine Tours , based in Seward, cruises to Kenai Fjords National Park, where the whale-watching is world class — but then, like so much in Alaska, so is the rest. Running from $109 for an adult/$54 per child for an early spring tour, to an 8.5-hour cruise at $289 per adult, there’s an array of day tours to choose from, including private charters.

Also based in Seward, Kenai Fjords Tours ventures into Resurrection Bay and beyond, offering options for different interests and food on every tour. Choose between a wildlife vs. glacier emphasis, or calmer water tours for those with concerns. Pricing ranges from $50 per person in the early season to $238 for a full day tour.

Want to get really close to the action? Little compares to paddling at eye-level in calm blue saltwater near a wild and forested shore, watching shorebirds wheel overhead, spotting eagles on their perch, and seeing otters floating on their backs nearby. Homer provides a stunning starting point for outfitters such as True North Kayak Adventures , which runs kayak trips in gorgeous Kachemak Bay in the $150-per-person range.

Finally, while you’re out on the water, why not catch some dinner? There are myriad salmon and halibut fishing charter options in both Seward and Homer, and easy pack/flash freeze/ship outfitters back on land to get your catch conveniently and safely processed. Check out Alaska Northern Outfitters in Seward and Homer Charter Fishing in Homer as starting points. Trips run roughly $400 per person.

River rafting

Your view of Alaska is going to change the closer you are to the water. Guided rafting trips provide a family-friendly experience with more of an adventurous edge than cruises, yet still appropriate for a wide range of mobility levels.

If you choose a guided rafting tour on the fabled Kenai Peninsula, you’ll experience an otherworldly green-blue river moving your raft along surprisingly swiftly as you scan the shoreline for bears feeding on fish. This region is teeming with life. One outfitter is Alaska River Adventures , offering half- and full-day float trips beginning at $64 per adult and $29.50 for kids.

For those looking for adventure, NOVA tours based in the Matanuska Valley offer a glimpse of a more rugged, exposed, grand Alaska that makes you feel like you truly are as far north as you traveled. The light hits differently up there across an expanse of glacially fed river and jagged mountain peaks. Their Matanuska River overnight tour is customizable for different experience levels, and starts at $550 per adult and $350 per child.

Up for a spicier ride? Try a guided trip with Chugach Outdoor Center or NOVA to Sixmile Creek, near Hope. This fabled local whitewater destination is considered intermediate to advanced and not for the faint of heart (or for those who can’t swim). Choose between a Class IV, two-canyon itinerary, or three canyons including IV and V rapids, $139-$215.

Another option for experienced and intrepid explorers is the versatile and increasingly popular packrafting. For the uninitiated, packrafts are highly portable personal inflatables designed to compress into a backpack, enabling you to flex your backpacking skills while accessing more remote, wild water. You get to hike in and paddle out! Alaska Packraft School guides an overnight packraft trip through fabled Crow Pass, which includes 15 miles of hiking and 8 miles of rafting on Eagle River, for $600.

A packrafter on the lake at the toe of Spencer Glacier. (Vicky Ho / ADN)

Lakes of the Great Land

Alaska has over 3 million lakes, and some beautiful ones are only a stone’s throw from Anchorage.

Eklutna Lake sits 12 winding road miles away from the Glenn Highway. It’s tucked back into the Chugach Mountains but, at 7 miles long, is the largest lake in the region. On a clear day, it glows an ethereal blue-green. Lifetime Adventures at the lake’s edge provides day-rental kayaks starting at $50 per rental.

Craving even more adventure and an “only in Alaska” experience? Hardy travelers can try paddleboarding on an icy blue glacial lake at Knik Glacier with Alaska Sundog Guiding , for $999 per person.

The options for witnessing Southcentral Alaska from its many waterways are as numerous as there are bodies of water. You could spend a lifetime trying to see every one. Instead, why not pick one or two out of the best the region has to offer, and enjoy yourself fully while you’re there? It’s as sure of a bet you can make on creating an unforgettable life experience.

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Mountains to Sea Trails | Outdoor Explorer

Alaska’s mountains and oceans provide some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. Anchorage trails have connected the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet for decades, with a few gaps. Just recently newly created trails make it possible to bike, hike, run or ski from Glen Alps to Knik Arm of Cook Inlet without crossing a single road.

The Anchorage Park Foundation designated a route called “Mountains to Sea Trails” with a video, signage and other information to help people navigate from Glen Alps trail head in Chugach State Park to Westchester Lagoon and the Anchorage Small Boat Launch, around 24 miles. To help explain the route and its history Host Paul Twardock is joined by Anchorage Park Foundation’s Diana Rhodes, cyclist Christina Grande and filmmaker William Melton.

HOST: Paul Twardock GUESTS: Diana Rhodes , Anchorage Park Foundation Christina Grande , cyclist William Melton , filmmaker

LINKS: Anchorage Park Foundation Mountains to Sea Trails Single Track Advocates Alaska State Parks trail maps Alaska Trails Anchorage Indigenous Place Names

Paul Twardock

Paul Twardock is a Professor of Outdoor Studies at Alaska Pacific University, where he has worked since 1988. He is the author of Kayaking and Camping in Prince William Sound and help found the Alaska Sea Kayaking Symposium/Paddle Sport Fun Day. At APU he teaches a variety of undergraduate classes included Sea Kayaking, Recreation Program Design, Nordic Skiing, The Business of Recreation, and Wildland Ecosystems and Human Impacts.  Paul received his BS in Outdoor Recreation from Western Illinois University, went to work instructing for NOLS in Alaska, then received his MBA from APU.  Paul’s  research includes monitoring of campsites in Prince William Sound and Chugach State Park for human impact, trail use in Chugach State Park, and the Alaska Recreational Boating Safety Incident Database. His passions include sea kayaking, river boating of all sorts, hiking, mountain running, climbing, skiing of any kind, and birding.  One of his last adventures involved a mule ride.

Paul is one of several hosts for  Outdoor Explorer

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