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ALASKA CRUISETOURS

Extend your vacation experience and venture deep into Alaska.

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Experience the Best of Alaska by land and sea on a Celebrity Cruisetour

On an Alaska cruise, you’ll journey along the state’s southeastern coastline aboard award-winning ships experiencing the beauty of glaciers, nature’s ever-changing and fragile masterpieces. But, with a Celebrity Alaska Cruisetour, you’ll explore that and so much more.  

With one of our 9-to-13-night Alaska Cruisetours, you can combine your seven-night Alaska cruise with an exciting land tour where you’ll stay in authentic lodges and travel remote roads and railways in deluxe motor coaches and on a luxurious train with domed glass ceiling. A Cruisetour will offer opportunities to take you to destinations like cultured Anchorage, folksy Talkeetna, and wild Denali—a visit to these inland areas truly give you a feel for the diverse beauty of the 49th State. 

And, you’ll travel with a local. Few people know and love Alaska like those who live there, and the Tour Directors on a Celebrity Alaska Cruisetour are chosen for their deep roots and connections to the local communities. Part raconteur of everyday Alaskan life. Part wildlife hobbyist. Part concierge, taking care of the small details like hotel check-in. The dedicated Tour Directors on a Celebrity Cruisetour are passionate about sharing their home, and bringing you seamless service, local knowledge, and the best of the interior. 

Mother Nature truly puts on a show in Alaska. Massive open spaces, ancient forests, soaring mountains and salmon-filled rivers create exceptionally rugged, untamed beauty. Alaska has more than 57 million acres of wilderness: watersheds, mountain ranges, glaciers, wetlands, coastlines, volcanoes, tundra, and forests. It’s home to eight national parks, 100,000 glaciers, and more than 98 percent of the United States’ brown bear population.

Pristine environmental conditions make Alaska well known for its abundant wildlife. Alaska's parks provide you with up-close experiences with wildlife unlike anywhere else in the country. Getting to see a majestic brown bear snatching salmon from an Alaska stream is the memory of a lifetime. But as iconic as these massive land predators are, they're just the start of what Alaska has to offer. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles, black bears, caribou, humpback whales, orcas, and, of course, moose.

With thirty different mountain ranges and the top ten tallest peaks in North America, Alaska is a land of spectacular peaks and valleys. The Alaska Range reaches from the coastline to the interior regions and includes Denali, its showpiece mountain. At 20,320 feet, Denali is North America’s highest peak. The mountain known as the Great One towers over the surrounding Alaska Range. The view on a clear day is an intensely impressive sight.

Featured Cruisetours

The Alaskan cross-country journey is as inspiring as the destinations you’ll explore. A highlight of every Celebrity Cruisetour is a scenic ride on the railway from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Relax aboard the Wilderness Express railcars which offer 360-degree views from dome windows and reclining leather seats. Enjoy fine cuisine in the dining section, along with full bar service at your seat, while you learn about the wilderness and the region’s rich history.

All Celebrity Alaska Cruisetours include a rail experience that typically lasts for three to five hours; the below Cruisetours have extended rail experiences or multiple segments.

Premium 10 Night Talkeetna Treasures Cruisetour (Post Tour)

10 Nights | Celebrity Summit

Departs from Vancouver, British Columbia

Alaska Wildlife Encounter Cruisetour (Post Tour)

11 Nights | Celebrity Summit

The Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour (Post Tour)

12 Nights | Celebrity Summit

Featured Destinations

Denali National Park is home to Denali, the majestic 20,310-ft. high mountain formerly known as Mount McKinley and the tallest peak in North America. Spanning six million acres, the park’s terrain of tundra, spruce forest, and glaciers make it the perfect place to spot Alaska's Big 5— grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and Dall’s sheep.

The largest city in Alaska, Anchorage, is surrounded by the Chugach mountains and national park as well as Cook Inlet offering a variety of outdoor activities from hiking, biking, moose watching, boating and more. For those looking to learn more about the native people, make sure to stop at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

In sight of the great mountain, Talkeetna offers breathtaking views, a folksy frontier spirit, endless outdoor activities, and the unique ambience of its eclectic Main Street. Among climbers, Talkeetna is the ideal staging ground for preparations to summit Denali. Main Street’s log cabin cafés provide a place where you can mill with the bohemians, aviators, and adventurers who call the town home.

View All Alaska Ports

Departure ports.

There are two cruise departure ports you can choose from depending on whether you want to do your Cruisetour before or after your cruise. If you do your Cruisetour before your sailing, your trip will start in either Anchorage or Fairbanks and after the land portion you will board the ship in Seward for your 7-night sailing.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Tucked among snowcapped mountains, beaches and a rainforest, Vancouver, offers a wide variety of activities. You’ll have a chance to venture into nature with whale-watching, hiking, and kayaking or explore the city’s history and culinary side before or after your  Alaska cruise from Vancouver , with an Alaska Cruisetour.

Seward, Alaska

Charming Seward is located on an inlet in the Kenai Peninsula and Resurrection Bay. Here you can sail through the breathtaking Kenai Fjords National Park taking in the views of the fjord and captivating variety of marine life– orcas, puffins, seals, Dall's sheep, and more. Seward is also the starting point of the Alaska railroad connecting it to Anchorage and further north, a much-loved component on our Cruisetours. From here, you can enjoy an Alaska Cruisetour before or after your Celebrity Summit sailing.

Included Experiences & Optional Land Excursions

Cruisetours already include several experiences to help you explore the Last Frontier, but you can also choose to add optional excursions tailored to your likes. Ask your Tour Guide about them.

Included Experiences

On every Cruisetour, you’ll enjoy a narrated journey into the heart of Denali National Park. On select Cruisetours, you’ll enjoy additional included experiences that showcase the special qualities of each destination.

Optional Land Excursions

With the optional land excursions, you’ll enjoy the best of Alaska in its inland towns. The selection of land excursions is diverse, offering the experiences that you and your family will love, whether you’re looking for a craft beer tour, a dog sled ride, fly fishing, high-flying thrills, outdoor challenges or a memorable meal on a glacial lake. All optional land excursions are designed to make your Celebrity Cruisetour uniquely yours.

Ships Sailing to Alaska

Modernized Celebrity Summit® offers Alaska Cruisetours as a pre- or post- itinerary on its 7-night sailings.

Celebrity Edge®

Celebrity Solstice®

Celebrity Summit®

What's Included in a Cruisetour

Accommodations.

On your Alaska Cruisetour, you’ll stay in the finest lodgings available in the Alaskan interior. These boutique and local properties range from the luxurious Alyeska Resort, whose amenities include a heated pool with mountain views, to the charmingly rustic Denali Park Village, whose buildings are tucked into a forested 20-acre site along the Nenana River. All hotels and lodges on your Alaska Cruisetour will offer comfort, service, and authentic regional style for restful nights in the heart of every destination.

Transportation

A highlight of every Cruisetour is a scenic ride on the Wilderness Express rail cars that travel on the Alaska railroad that extends from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Enjoy 360-degree views from dome windows, reclining leather seats, spacious interiors, fine cuisine prepared by the onboard chef in the dining section, along with full bar service at your seat. Celebrity also uses motor coaches to travel along the miles of scenic highways, highlighting the sights along the way.

Tour Guides

Few people know and love Alaska like those who live there, and the Tour Directors on a Cruisetour are chosen for their deep roots and connections to the local communities. Part raconteur of everyday Alaskan life. Part wildlife hobbyist. Part concierge, taking care of the small details like hotel check-in. The dedicated Tour Directors on a Celebrity Cruises ® Alaska Cruisetour are passionate about sharing their home, local knowledge, and the best of the interior.

Helpful Tips Before You Go  

• Temperatures can differ based on the activity you are doing (glacier hiking, whale-watching, exploring town, etc.). Wearing layers can help keep you comfortable throughout the day no matter what the activity.
• Book  Flights by Celebrity® to be protected in case there is any cancellation.
• All locations in Alaska take US dollars and most take credit cards but be sure to check before any purchase.

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ALASKA CRUISE TOURS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Norwegian Jewel 11-Day Fairbanks Denali Express

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

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

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

Norwegian Jewel 11-Day Anchorage Denali Express

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

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

Norwegian Jewel 12-Day Denali/Alyeska Explorer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Norwegian Jewel 14-Day Denali/Valdez Explorer

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

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

Norwegian Jewel 14-Day Authentic Alaska

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

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

Norwegian Jewel 13-Day Denali/Talkeetna Explorer

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

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

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Alaska Cruisetours

An Alaska cruisetour is our award-winning cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage paired with a scenic train ride into Interior Alaska, plus up to 3 nights at McKinley Chalet Resort, our immersive lodge at the gates of Denali National Park. If you choose, continue the journey into the Yukon on your Alaska cruisetour. From the depths of the icy waters to the tops of snow-capped summits and everything in between, combine land and sea for unforgettable moments. Witness a world of wildlife, including whales and eagles, from the open decks of our ships and spot Alaska’s "Big 5" — moose, bears, Dall sheep, caribou, and wolves as you ride our luxury glass-domed McKinley Explorer® deep into the heart of a wilderness unseen by most. Breathe in fresh mountain air and roast s’mores under the stars at your base camp for adventure.

Alaska Cruisetour Planning Made Easy

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Experience Alaska With A Land & Sea Cruisetour

Early Booking Bonus on Alaska Cruisetours

On this page - plan your alaska cruise tour:, the premier denali experience.

We offer a fully comprehensive and unforgettable Denali experience based on our 75-year history in the Great Land. Our Alaska cruisetours feature transportation, accommodations and more to make your wildest Denali dreams come true.

McKinly Chalet Resort at Denali

Your basecamp to Denali adventures set among rugged Alaska wilderness. Enjoy creature comforts, exquisite local cuisine and lively Denali Square.

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Travel deep into Denali National Park for sightings of Alaska’s Big Five: grizzlies, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves and moose. An expert guide narrates every spectacular sight.

McKinley Explorer Train

Ride the rails through Alaska backcountry aboard the McKinley Explorer® domed luxury train. Enjoy signature dishes and cocktails on board. An Alaska train tour like no other.

Add The Yukon To Your Denali Cruisetour

Featured alaska cruisetour ports.

We offer an array of Alaska cruisetours and a mix of both iconic ports and seldom-seen gems. Get to know the authentic Alaska.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Our Alaska cruisetours give more than just a glimpse of the "Great One". Settle in for up to three nights and truly connect to North America’s tallest mountain and ragged ridgelines.

Skagway, Alaska

Experience Alaska’s ghost towns and gold fields. Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad to a historic mountain pass. Or retrace the steps of prospectors on the Chilkoot Trail.

Dawson City, Yukon

Venture into Dawson City, where the frontier spirit is strong. Pan for gold, take in spellbinding beauty of the Yukon River, pop into the Jack London Museum.

Alaska Travel Tips & Articles: Cruisetours

Explore the vast interior and the rugged coast on one amazing trip. Alaska cruisetours combine the iconic Alaska cruise with a voyage into Denali National Park and the Yukon Territory. Read more about Alaska land and sea cruisetours.

Alaska Cruisetours: A Great Way to See the Great Land

Experience Alaska by land and by water.

Visiting Alaska's Denali National Park

The wilderness experience of a lifetime.

Explore Alaska by Train – Alaska Train Tours

Get ready for scenery.

Compare Alaska Cruisetour Features

2024 cruisetour feature comparisons, 2025 cruisetour feature comparisons.

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Alaska Cruise and Land Tour Packages

Combine an Alaska cruise with an Alaska rail trip through the Denali backcountry, or perhaps pair it with the scenic beauty of the Canadian Rockies! Together, these two unrivalled destinations will take you on an adventure packed with jaw-dropping scenery, world-class facilities, superb accommodation and expert service.

Spanning vancouver to calgary or anchorage, denali and fairbanks, these canada & alaska cruise and land tours cover some of the most sought-after destinations in the continent., contact us to find the perfect starting point for your trip – will it be mountains, ocean or icebergs.

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Alaska Cruises

Alaska cruises and land tours, small-ship adventure cruises and day cruises.

Home » Tours » Alaska Cruises

Alaska cruises, cruise packages that include land tours , and cruise shore excursions are famous for visiting America’s “last frontier.” Whether you want to enjoy the diverse amenities available on larger cruise ships or customize a more intimate small-ship cruise for a few dozen of your closest friends and family, the experts at Alaska Tours can help you create the perfect Alaska cruise vacation.

Small Ship Cruises in Alaska

Whether your focus is cultural heritage, outdoor activities, or quiet luxury, Alaska Tours’ small-ship cruise offerings aim to please you. Itineraries start and end in Alaska and range from 7 to 14 nights. These itineraries include sights and experiences you won’t find on the larger ships, including up-close wildlife viewing, smaller coves and bays, and off-the-beaten-track communities. How small is small? These ships accommodate between 26 and 86 guests. While they may not have an onboard casino or multiple restaurants, they feature top-notch dining, spa facilities, naturalists, and plenty of guided activities like kayaking and hiking.

Inside Passage Cruises in Alaska

Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage is one of the most popular cruises in the world due to the dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and calm, protected waters in this region of Alaska. Quirky and colorful coastal communities add to the charm of an Inside Passage cruise. The entire southeast region in Alaska is part of the largest national forest in the country ( the Tongass National Forest ), which means outdoor recreation opportunities are nearly limitless.

Alaska Cruise and Land Tour Packages

One-way cruises can be combined with land tours to Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, and beyond. The wide range of room types on larger ships fits almost any budget, and an extensive menu of tours in each port highlights the region’s best.

Glacier Bay National Park Cruises in Alaska

This is the crème-de-la-crème of the Alaska cruising experience. Eight-day I nside Passage cruise itineraries start and end in Juneau. Along the way, itinerary highlights are more about experiences than locations. At Icy Strait, humpback whales are plentiful; an onboard hydrophone will allow you to listen to and see them. Enjoy mountain biking through the temperate rainforest when you go ashore on one of the many secluded islands along the Inside Passage. Roll out your yoga mat for a blissful experience as you glide quietly through Glacier Bay National Park. Some onboard amenities include gourmet food, a wine bar, and a spa. You can also charter an Alaska yacht for a private cruise if you so desire.

Alaska Day Cruises

Maybe you’re traveling independently in Alaska or are arriving or leaving from an Alaska city where you can enjoy a day cruise. Hop aboard! Wildlife, whale watching, and coastal views can all be yours on an Alaska day cruise.

Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions

A great way to experience Alaska is to hop off your cruise and take a land-based shore excursion to see Alaska’s fascinating ports. The sky’s the limit with options for touring Alaska’s famous National Parks, viewing diverse landscapes, hiking to glaciers, or photographing wildlife!

With all this in mind, the question isn’t whether to cruise Alaska; it’s when to do it and how often!

Header photo courtesy Jeff Schultz/Jeff Schultz Photography

Choose from 25 vacations in Alaska related to Alaska Cruises

Glacier and Wildlife Turnagain Arm Tour

Length: 8 hours

Starting at: $249 / pp

Enjoy the intimacy of a small group on an Anchorage day tour as you travel along the Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the country. A professional Alaska tour guide will... Browse itinerary

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Anchorage

Length: 14-15 hours

Starting at: $369 / pp

On this day trip from Anchorage, travel to Seward, Alaska, early morning by motorcoach, then depart on a wildlife and glacier cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. This seacoast area in Southcentral Alaska is famous for its rich... Browse itinerary

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

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

Length: 6 hours

Starting at: $219 / pp

On this exciting day cruise from Seward, hop on this unforgettable glacier and wildlife boat trip into Kenai Fjords National Park! This Alaska national park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers, and breathtaking scenery. As you cruise... Browse itinerary

Northwestern Fjord Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

Starting at: $270 / pp

Travel from Seward on this day trip deep into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park to the magnificent Northwestern Fjord on this full-day Alaska whale watching, wildlife, and glacier cruise. Watch for wildlife while cruising through Resurrection... Browse itinerary

Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise from Anchorage

Length: 10-11.5 hours

Starting at: $303 / pp

This full-day Alaska glacier cruise adventure in Prince William Sound begins with a coach or rail transfer from Anchorage to Whittier. Whittier is the gateway to beautiful Prince William Sound, home to large glaciers and wildlife and one... Browse itinerary

Alaska Fjords and Glaciers Cruise

Duration: 8 days

Starting at: $5800 / pp

Beginning in Juneau or Ketchikan on Alaska's Inside Passage, this adventure cruise sails through Dawes Glacier, the Wrangell Narrows, Behm Canal, and Misty Fjords National Monument. Guests enjoy daily guided opportunities to experience the wildlife and landscapes of... Browse itinerary

Columbia Glacier Cruise

Starting at: $167 / pp

This Valdez day tour with a glacier and wildlife cruise through Prince William Sound features a visit to Columbia Glacier. On board, you can view Prince Williams Sound’s diverse wildlife, including sea lions, sea otters, and whales. Learn... Browse itinerary

Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise in Fairbanks

Length: 3 hours

Starting at: $106 / pp

The perfect Fairbanks day tour combines river views and Alaska Native history and traditions! Climb aboard the Riverboat Discovery III for an unforgettable 3-hour cruise into Alaska’s history. Travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers on Alaska’s only authentic... Browse itinerary

Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise

Starting at: $4400 / pp

Discover Alaska on this seven-night adventure cruise round trip from Juneau. Destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait, Tracy Arm and Frederick Sound. Guests enjoy daily guided opportunities to experience the wildlife and landscapes of this impressive... Browse itinerary

Alaska’s Glacier Wilderness with Glacier Bay Cruise

Starting at: $6100 / pp

This seven night adventure cruise in Alaska's Inside Passage sails round trip from Juneau. Destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait, Kuiu Island, and Frederick Sound - a prolific summer feeding ground for humpback whales. Guests enjoy... Browse itinerary

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise (Extended)

Length: 7.5 hours

Starting at: $261 / pp

On this full-day Seward day tour, you will be treated to an extended wildlife and marine life cruise as you travel through Kenai Fjords National Park and the Chiswell Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Watch for Stellar sea lions,... Browse itinerary

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ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

Alaska cruises.

Adventure comes first on the last frontier.

No vacation in the world delivers once-in-a-lifetime adventure like Alaska. Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all. Take off by dogsled across thousand-year-old ice as you soak in otherworldly sights. Trek across the majestic Mendenhall Glacier for breathtaking views of the wildest country. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. And do it all from onboard one of four thrill-filled ships. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals

Want more time to plan the adventure of a lifetime? Our 2024 Alaska sailings are now open.

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OF ICE AND MOUNTAINS

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes,  imposing glaciers  and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness. 

JOURNEY INWARD

Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective.

GLACIERS WILL MOVE YOU

In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve  massive icebergs . Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders.

JOURNEY TO "THE GREAT ONE"

In the center of the state,  Denali National Park  is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your vacation.

FEEL THE RUSH

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories you couldn't have made anywhere else during your cruise to Alaska. 

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the  Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour . The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill.

WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?

Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a  whale watching tour . There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water.

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape.

RELEASE YOUR WILD SIDE ON THE BEST ALASKA CRUISE

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 21 years running.

QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Quantum of the Seas® heads to the Last Frontier from Seattle . This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather. Edge of your seat entertainment, all weather activities like the fan-favorite Flowrider®* and unparalleled views from every room.

EXPLORE MORE

ANTHEM OF THE SEAS

Making its Alaska debut, Anthem of the Seas ® is full of family-favorite thrills and chill. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm . Whether you’re challenging friends to bumper cars at the SeaPlex® or catching record-setting views from North Star®, make unforgettable memories on these 7-night cruises.

SERENADE OF THE SEAS

Bring your adventure crew to the Last Frontier for a 7-night sailing to can’t-miss glaciers and quaint seaside cities brimming with rugged charm. Go peak seaking in Sitka or and take-on rugged adventures in Haines . Once onboard, snag some adults-only time at the Solarium or treat your tastebuds to plated perfection at Izumi Japanese Cuisine. Getting to your coolest getaway yet is easy for the whole family with sails roundtrip from Vancouver .

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling.

The best time to travel to Alaska depends on your priorities. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

No two days will be the same, and you'll need to pack your clothing to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day. Think layers: zip-up sweaters, boots, rain jackets.

The Best Time to Visit Banff | Royal Caribbean Cruises

May 22, 2024

The best time to visit Banff is also the best time to cruise from Vancouver, so go ahead and pair your sailing with a side trip.

Alaska Souvenirs to Take Home With You So You Never Forget Your Trip | Royal Caribbean Cruises

May 20, 2024

After traveling somewhere new, you want to bring something back with you to remember all of your fun adventures. Don't miss these Alaska souvenirs.

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

The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 8, 2024

Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many.

Planning a Trip To Alaska: Land vs. Sea | Royal Caribbean Cruises

When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. Here's why travel by cruise ship is best here.

Best Brilliance of the Seas Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Start sailing today.

Our Family Alaska Cruise: A Vacation We'll Never Forget | Royal Caribbean Cruises

On our family Alaska cruise, we created lifetime memories by sharing glacier spotting, dog sledding, flightseeing and other adventures with our teens.

What to Pack for a Cruise to Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take the guess work out of what to pack for a cruise to Alaska with this guide that tells you what to bring and why you'll be glad you did!

Alaska Food: Where to Find the Best Food in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

Fun Activities for kids in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Fun activities for kids abound on an Alaska cruise. Embark on a thrilling journey with young explorers through breathtaking landscapes.

Dive Into Alaska Traditions on Your Next Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Whether you're curious about Alaska native culture or other Alaska traditions, here's how to make these an integral part of your trip up north.

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

As you plan your Alaska vacation, you might be torn between traveling by cruise ship, plane or even car. Here's how to decide the best way to see Alaska.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Port Cities | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cruising is a wonderful thing. It can bring you to some of the most beautiful port cities in the world.

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.

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.

Alaska is not a formal place; people even wear jeans to the opera. Focus more on comfort when deciding what clothing to pack.

Cameras, binoculars, rain ponchos and jackets are useful, but add these to the souvenirs you'll be picking up and soon your bag will be too heavy to tote around. Bring along a quality day pack to make it easier to hold your necessities.

Learn a few words in Alaska's local lingo: The "Alcan" is the Alaska-Canada Highway, for example, and "fish stories" are the local version of tall tales — unreliable yarns of mythological proportions, often told by fisherman.

ALASKAN CUISINE WILD IS THE WAY 

Alaskan food focuses on locally sourced ingredients that reflect the state's rugged terrain and the vast oceans surrounding it. These nutrient-rich waters serve up some gorgeous fish and shellfish, from super-fresh salmon to huge Alaskan King Crabs that can feed a crowd, while game meats and berries from the wilderness form a perfect marriage of flavor.

SALMON IS CENTRAL

Fresh-caught wild salmon is served up at backyard BBQs and the finest restaurants. For something different, try the sweet and savory treat Indian Candy, salmon that is sweetened and smoked till hard.

SOURDOUGH WON'T LET YOU GO

Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch.

GO WILD FOR BERRIES

Alaskan wild berries are sweet and pack a powerful punch of flavor. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.

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. Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are 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.

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

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Experience true adventures on these Collette small group tours.

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Explore the world's most beautiful waterways.

Come to know your destination during a single-hotel stay.

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Sit back, relax, and let us handle all the details. You won't miss a thing.

Enhance your tour with this easy to use mobile companion.

Combine two tours into one grand adventure.

Making the travel experience a force for good.

No worries, we're with you every step of the way.

Going guided gets you more for your money.

Find travel tips, travel advice, and answers to some of the most commonly asked travel questions here.

Meet the Tour Managers that enhance your travel experience at every turn.

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Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise From $4,299 pp* Featuring a 7-night Holland America Cruise

*Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy, tour inclusions and available options may vary based on departure date. Please select a date below for more details.

• Exploration

Set out on an inspiring journey on these faith-based travel experiences.

Your Tour at a Glance

Tour Activity Level

The activity level for this tour:

You’re a leisurely traveler. You typically take it easy and discover the energy of a new place by people-watching or soaking in the atmosphere at a local café. You can climb at least one flight of stairs, board a coach, and walk unassisted at a relaxed pace for up to 60 minutes without difficulty. You can easily handle altitudes up to 5,000 feet.

You like a balanced approach to travel. Walking two to three miles over the course of a day is no problem for you. You can partake in a two-hour leisurely walking tour, covering up to two miles (with included breaks). You can handle a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to moderate hills with relative ease and without assistance. You can climb two flights of stairs with ease. There may be 1 to 2 days on this tour when walking tours can cover 3 to 4 miles over uneven terrain. You can handle altitudes up to 6,000 feet.

You’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.

You’re ready to seize the day, whatever it may bring. You lead an active life at home (walking, biking, and half or full day hikes are things you may enjoy) and 10,000 steps a day is normal for you. You can handle longer walking tours (more than 3 hours covering 3+ miles at a steady clip) and activities that involve traversing uneven terrain, steep slopes, standing for periods of time, and varying altitudes and temperatures. You don’t mind being on the go with some early starts, late-nights, and full days. You can handle altitudes of 9,000 feet or higher with little to no issue. This level is not appropriate for travelers who use wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility assistance devices.

Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise featuring a 7-night Holland America Cruise

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Your Day by Day Itinerary

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We are currently building the itinerary for the tour date you have selected.

Enhance Your Trip

Optional excursions.

Add some more spice to your tour with this optional excursions.

Pre and Post Night Stays

Enjoy arriving early or checking out late with our Pre and Post night stays.

Tour Extensions

Extension style.

The extension style for this tour:

Independent

You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager throughout the extension, except for any time that’s set aside for independent discovery.

You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager part of the time, for some guided excursions. The rest of the time, you’re at leisure to explore the destination your own way.

You’re not accompanied by a Tour Manager during your extension stay. You’ll access locales you wish to visit on your own, and are free to create your own adventure.

Traveler Reviews

From $4,299 pp *

12 Days • 26 Meals

Thank you for your review! We look forward to traveling with you again soon.

Thank you for sharing your review, we have passed along your feedback to our team.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We have forwarded your feedback to our Traveler Relations team and a member of the team will reach out to you to discuss your specific issues and concerns. Your feedback is very important to us, we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve your issues.

Magnificent Trip to Alaska!

Great vacation, absolutely beautiful scenery..

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Alaska Discovery tour. We're very sorry that you were unhappy with your airline arrangements. Your feedback will be reviewed by the Director of Air so that the overall touring experience for our guests can be improved.

Too long & too much waiting at airports

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Alaska Discovery tour. We're very sorry to hear about the issues you experienced on tour with us. Your feedback will be reviewed by our internal department managers so that the overall touring experience for our guests can be improved.

Long long flight layover practically ruined the trip. Too much down time.

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Alaska Discovery tour. We're happy to hear you enjoyed Alaska but are sorry to hear you were disappointed with your group's outbound flight schedule. We will share your feedback with the airline and the Air Coordinators for this tour to prevent future problems of this nature.

Alaska is great, but give us more time to enjoy it!

Stress free, well organized travel experience., saw very little of fairbanks and anchorage. too much time on the ship., good until the last day.

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Alaska Discovery tour. We're sorry to hear you were disappointed with the logistics of the final day. Your feedback will be reviewed by the Product Design Team in order to improve the overall touring experience for our guests.

I would recommend Collette to anyone wanting a first class traveling experi

Wonderful trip, no worry travel, alaska vacation a trip of a lifetime, collette is the best.

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Alaska. We're sorry to hear you were disappointed with some aspects of the tour. Your comments will be reviewed by the Product Design Team in order to improve the overall touring experience for our guests.

had an outstanding experience the tour manager, Kathleen Fil was great

Great customer service, excellent tour manager, janice burnett was vey helpful whenever we asked her anything, collette made this trip very enjoyable especially the tour guide., very good lodges, meals and cruise. some logistic issues..

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Alaska Discovery tour. We do not have any reports of people with the flu or E Coli who were on board your Princess Cruise ship. If you have additional information regarding this, please contact our Guest Relations Team.

Great trip because of wonderful advice.

Thank you for the additional feedback. It is paramount that our tour managers are professional, courteous and attentive to all our guest's needs. This feedback will be reviewed by your guide's Team Leader.

No customer service. After 3 trips will never travel with Collette again

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Alaska. Please accept our sincere apology for the issues you experienced after your luggage was left on the plane in Seattle. Your feedback will be reviewed by the Tour Management and Guest Relations Teams.

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Alaska. A member of the Guest Relations Team will be reaching out to discuss your feedback

Comments from an inexperienced traveler who forgot she doesn't fit in coach

Great time, collette helped make our first land tour/cruise first rate.

The trip was amazing as well as our guide.

Alaska discovery land and sea, wonderful tour, great tour director, always rates the best., too expensive for what we got., collette is the best, totally would recommend vera, paid way too much for a sub-par trip.

Thank you for your feedback. A member of the Guest Relations Team will be reaching out to you.

Fantastic trip

Great guide, mike hepler, exceptional customer service throughout our trip, fantastic,beautiful and fun trip, overall well done., enjoyed alaskan beauty, wonderful vacation, awesome scenery and service, bucket list vacation, alaskan dream vacation, close but no cigar, your tour guide was the best chuck tracy. he made the trip the best kept a..., outstanding trip, if you want to have fun, very happy withe the service and the locations we were taken to., alaska tour experience., superb experience..

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IDENTIFICATION Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your travel. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that travelers take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

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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The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

Whether you're in it for the sightseeing, wildlife spotting or relaxing among glaciers, there's an Alaska cruise for you

Alaska is among the most popular summer vacation destinations since it’s (pretty much) the only time of year the state offers warm, sunny weather and hours of extra daylight (on my summer 2022 trip here, I remember looking at my iPhone and being surprised that the sun still hadn’t set by 9pm!). In my opinion, cruising is, by far, the best way to experience the massive state and all the beauty it has to offer since you won’t need to drive or hop on a handful of flights; plus, you’ll only need to unpack once! (The views, of course, are just the icing on the proverbial cake.)

As you scroll through our top picks for the best Alaska cruises, it’s worth noting that most options include scenic cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage, a 500-mile-long coastal route world-renowned for its wildlife, glaciers and postcard-worthy scenery. (I’ll never forget the awe I felt when watching a whale breach from the 11th deck of my cruise ship or the glacier-studded views I ogled from the comfort of my private balcony.)

Below, I’ve broken down the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, including budget-conscious cruisers, adventure-seekers and luxury lovers alike.

RECOMMENDED: The best cruises from the U.S.

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Best Alaska cruises

1.  Holland America Line’s Alaskan Explorer

Best overall experience.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates: May through September 2024

I was fortunate enough to cruise Alaska with Holland America back in August 2022 aboard the line’s uber-popular, aptly named Alaskan Explorer itinerary. Cruising roundtrip from Seattle, the seven-day journey features scenic cruising through Stephens Passage before arriving in Juneau, where my sister and I embarked on my favorite shore excursion of the trip: A dog sledding adventure! The following day, we cruised through Glacier Bay before arriving at Icy Strait Point for a few hours, which we spent whale-watching—to this day, it is one of my most cherished travel memories. Afterward, we headed to Sitka, where we went rafting and spotted wildlife like puffins and adorable sea otters before wrapping up the adventure in the final two ports of call, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia.

The onboard offerings were equally impressive, with nightly live music and some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten (Holland America is the first cruise line to serve 100 percent fresh and certified sustainable Alaska seafood on board). Just this year, the line unveiled its Glacier Guarantee : Guests are guaranteed to visit a glacier during their sailing; otherwise, they’re entitled to a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15 percent of their cruise fare.

2.  Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska Dawes Glacier

Best upscale option.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip)

Sailing dates: May through August 2024

Celebrity Cruises offers an upscale onboard experience with plenty of chic hangout spaces, stylish restaurants and contemporary staterooms. For the first time, the spectacular 2019-era Celebrity Edge—known for its 29 restaurants bars and lounges plus innovative spaces like the Magic Carpet , which the line has deemed “the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level”—will homeport in Seattle. She’ll cruise to Alaska via the seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary, including scenic sailing through Endicott Arms and the Inside Passage. As you can likely tell by its name, guests aboard this itinerary will cruise alongside the striking Dawes Glacier, which stands over 600 feet tall and can be further inspected via a thrilling shore excursion. Ports of call include Juneau, Skagway and Victoria (British Columbia).

3.  Crystal’s Vancouver to Vancouver

Best luxury cruise.

Cruises from: Vancouver (roundtrip) Sailing dates: July 2024

For a truly memorable Alaska sailing, splurge on Crystal’s seven-night Vancouver to Vancouver itinerary—and thank me later. As you can guess by its name, the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity will sail roundtrip from Vancouver, cruising through Canada’s glacier-studded Seymour Narrows before calling on Sitka and Skagway, respectively. Afterward, you’ll enjoy scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm fjord before one last port stop in Ketchikan. While in port, cruisers can embark on bucket-list-worthy excursions such as wildlife spotting tours, kayaking adventures and fishing. The on-board programming is equally impressive: All passengers, regardless of their room category, enjoy private butler service; Wi-Fi; a selection of wines, champagne, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages like water, soft drinks and specialty coffees; free gratuities; and one complimentary reservation to each of the two specialty dining restaurants, including the first and only Nobu at sea (yes, that Nobu).

4.  Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic’s Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

Best for wildlife spotting.

Cruises from: Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have teamed up to offer a handful of one-of-a-kind Alaska sailings specially suited for true adventure-seekers. The Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness itinerary, which sails from Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa (depending on your desired sail date), invites cruisers to experience Alaska’s natural landscapes and wildlife up close and personal with guidance and unique insight from an onboard expedition team . Along the way, partake in adventures like hiking through forests, cruising around icebergs via Zodiac, or searching for puffins and mountain goats in Glacier Bay National Park. Little ones can also partake in the fun: Children and teens can learn more about Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife with the National Geographic Global Explorers family program. Cruisers will sail on one of two 100-person vessels, National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture, both offer a shallow draft that, per the website, allows the ships’ captains to “navigate the inner reaches and provide more intimate experiences.”

5.  Alaskan Dream Cruises’ 2024 Ice of the Inside Passage

Best small-ship option.

Cruises from: Sitka to Ketchikan

Sailing dates: May through August 2024 This brand-new itinerary from Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dreams Cruises is ideal for cruisers craving an authentic small-ship experience. The eight-day voyage departs from Sitka aboard the 49-passenger Baranof Dream. From there, you'll enjoy scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. It’s also worth noting that, because of the ship’s small size, guests can gain an up-close view of seven different glaciers, including Margerie, Grand Pacific, Mendenhall, Sawyer, South Sawyer and Dawes glaciers, plus a high-speed jet-boat excursion to LeConte Glacier.

After cruising Glacier Bay National Park, it’s off to Juneau, followed by more scenic sailing through the Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm fjords (the latter can be explored via kayak or skiff expedition). This itinerary is also unique since it includes a Kasaan stop where guests can immerse themselves in Alaska's native culture by visiting the Haida community. The final port of call, Ketchikan, is known as “The Salmon Capital of the World.”

6.  Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Flavors of Alaska

Cruises from: Vancouver to Seward

Sailing dates: June 2024

Cruise the Last Frontier in style with Regent Seven Seas aboard the Seven Seas Explorer, which offers all-suite accommodations equipped with private balconies for soaking in the glacial views. While there are several Alaska itineraries to choose from, Flavors of Alaska , which sails from Vancouver to Seward, is among our favorites since it includes (pretty much) all of Alaska’s most popular ports of call, including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, with Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising. As such, it’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Alaska. It’s also worth noting that this particular voyage offers up to 50 free excursions, including rainforest and glacier hikes, whale-watching adventures, kayaking and fishing. While this luxury cruise line isn’t cheap, it offers excellent value with numerous amenities already included in the price, such as specialty dining, transfers between the airport and ship, an open bar package, roundtrip air on domestic flights, gratuities and two-for-one fares.

7.  Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Best for families.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates:  May through September 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere—for example, there are no set dining times—and breadth of activities and amenities. As such, it’s safe to say this mega-ship line is ideal for families of all ages. This summer, gather the family for an epic Alaska sailing aboard the aptly named Norwegian Bliss, which offers thrilling activities like go-kart racing and laser tag. The itinerary is equally impressive as the vessel itself: After setting sail from Seattle, it’s off to scenic Sitka. The following day, you’ll explore Juneau before scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Passengers will then visit Icy Strait Point (home to the state’s largest native Tlingit village, as well as awe-inspiring wildlife, including orcas and humpback whales, which, if you’re lucky, can be spotted straight from the ship). The final Alaskan port of call, Ketchikan, is renowned for its colorful Creek Street, a former red light district turned tourist attraction, where you can also spot salmon swimming upstream (and even the occasional otter or two). Before heading back to Seattle, you’ll visit Victoria, British Columbia, which just so happens to be one of my favorite ports of call thanks to its charming shops and restaurants coupled with its bustling food scene (fun fact: It’s home to the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada).

8.  Viking Cruises’ Alaska & The Inside Passage

Best adults-only.

Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Viking is renowned for its adults-only, all-inclusive cruises (think free spa access; Wi-Fi; one shore excursion per port; wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner; all-balcony accommodations). Cruisers aboard the line’s 11-day Alaska & The Inside Passage itinerary—where nobody is below the age of 18—enjoy visits to popular ports of call like Juneau, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Ketchikan, along with a stop in Valdez, a small fishing town known for its glaciers, waterfalls and scenic hiking trails, before disembarking in Seward, aka the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. The line is also known for its immersive shore excursions, including a visit to Saxman Native Village and animal encounters at the Alaska Sealife Center.

9.  Royal Caribbean’s Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier

Best budget option.

Cruises from: Seward to Vancouver

Royal Caribbean is known for its laid-back ambiance and bucket-list sailings aboard its mega-ship fleet, which offer something for everyone, be it water slides, skydiving simulators or escape rooms. With fares ranging from $299 to $625 depending on the date, the seven-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier aboard Radiance of the Seas—which offers completely complimentary activities like a rock climbing wall and Broadway-caliber entertainment, not to mention 11 dining options and several bars and lounges—is a great way to experience The Last Frontier without breaking the bank. After embarking in Seward, passengers will enjoy scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier, followed by port stops in Juneau, Skagway, Haines (famous for its majestic wildlife, including bears and eagles), Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. Before disembarking in Vancouver, travelers are in for one final treat: Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage.

10.  Princess Cruises’ Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)

Best for foodies.

Culinary connoisseurs can sail to Alaska aboard Discovery Princess, which is among the newest Princess ships to cruise Alaska this season, and the Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) is one for the books since it calls on Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria (British Columbia), along with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. Also, as part of the line’s “North to Alaska” programming, passengers can partake in unique culinary experiences, including Cook My Catch at the new specialty seafood restaurant, The Cach by Rudi. This unique offering allows cruisers to consume their very own fresh catch caught on a fishing excursion. Foodies can also partake in an onboard salmon cooking demonstration led by expert chefs, along with a four-course seafood feast at the Crab Shack, a lunch pop-up found in the World Fresh Marketplace.

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The Best Time To Go On An Alaskan Cruise, Depending On What You Want Most From The Trip

Wondering when to book your Alaskan cruise? A trip to the northernmost state is delightful at any time of year, but deciding on what you most want out of the vacation can help determine when the best time to book your sailing will be. To start, the seasonal nature of cruises will help you out: The bulk of cruises to Alaska operate from May to September from the West Coast ports of Seattle and Vancouver. So while there are fantastic Alaskan cruises to choose , maybe don't count on ringing in the New Year on one.  

As a travel writer, one of my most treasured trips is the Inner Passage cruise to Alaska I took with my kids on the Discovery Princess. Much of what we enjoyed onboard, including the ritzy dining experiences, getting bundled up to watch outdoor movies under a vast canopy of stars, and snapping roughly one billion pictures from our balcony, would be part of the experience no matter when we traveled. On the other hand, some of the most delightful aspects of the trip, like the temperate weather, the drama of calving glaciers and resulting baby icebergs, and the spawning salmon we watched launch themselves upstream, were down to the fact that we traveled as July turned to August.

Wildlife Spotting

One of the top draws of an Alaskan cruise is the opportunity for wildlife spotting, which hits its stride in the late spring and continues through the summer, before the animals tuck in to hibernate or head south for the winter. Bears, caribou, and eagles are just some of the animals that make their homes in the wildlands of Alaska, with seals, porpoises, and several species of whales splashing offshore. While orcas spend the year in Alaska, grey and humpback whales winter in warmer climates, returning north in the spring (late April/early May, according to the Travel Alaska site.) 

During our summer adventure, we spotted countless bald and golden eagles swooping through the sky and perched on tree branches and telephone poles. On a whale watching expedition, we were treated to views of the giant creatures breeching the surface and diving back into the depths while sea lions sunned themselves on the shore. Near the Mendenhall Glacier, we even spotted a bear. Wildlife safaris, nature walks, and whale-watching tours are often options for excursions. Make sure to book well in advance if creature-spotting is high on the list for your trip. 

Battling fewer crowds

Traveling when school is in session in the spring and fall is your best bet for avoiding crowds, particularly if you are sailing with a family-focused cruise line. Many people don't have a lot of flexibility on when they can travel, so if you do, take advantage! Cruise companies work hard to have ships sail at full capacity for every sailing, so the amount of people onboard might not be noticeably different no matter when you go. When you go ashore, however, the sparse shoulder season crowds will be a bonus. Fewer ships sail on fewer itineraries outside of peak season, so you won't have as many people to contend with. People dream of being alone in the wilds of Alaska . Part of the allure is the wide-open, untamed space ... seeing it without several hundred other people, give or take, seems like a good idea.

Of course, there are drawbacks to traveling to Alaska in the shoulder season. Tripadvisor user Maple_Marshmallows calls the end of April "the worst time to visit," citing spring break. It's also important to remember that some of the seasonal attractions and businesses might not be open if you travel too early or late during the cruise season.

Basking in warmer weather

Alaska is warmest in July. However, if you are booking your trip with visions of endless hours of sun-baked fun poolside, you may need to do some revision to your fantasy. Particularly along the popular Inside Passage cruise route, Alaska has a temperate climate that doesn't feel very different from the Pacific Northwest. In the region of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Ketchikan, July averages a high of 64 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 48, with 17 rainy days, according to Alaska.org . August is similar, only a few degrees cooler.

If you are doing an inland excursion or tour into places like Denali National Park, Anchorage, Seward, or Fairbanks, know that things aren't radically different, though it is slightly warmer. This region, known as the Interior or Southcentral area, averages July temperature highs of 65 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 51.

A wardrobe that would feel comfortable for Oregon weather won't be very out of place for a summer sailing in Alaska. That said, in the height of summer, you may get some unexpectedly warm days, so make sure you leave a bit of room in your suitcase for shorts and a tank top! 

Getting dazzled by the Northern Lights

The aurora borealis are more active and easier to spot during long winter nights. Travel Alaska pegs the season as August 21-April 21, so if you want a better chance to see the sweeping light show during the summer, booking your trip for as late in the sailing season as possible is your best bet.

The dancing greens and blues (and purple and red if you are really lucky) are caused by solar wind interacting with the Earth's magnetic field. Space.com explains: "As Earth's magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles ... the dramatic process transforms into a cinematic atmospheric phenomenon that dazzles and fascinates scientists and skywatchers alike."

Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights . The bad news is that in the rainforest atmosphere of the Inside Passage, where most cruises go, it tends to be cloudy and rainy during the months when the aurora is most active. That doesn't mean they are impossible to spot, but if you have an itinerary that takes you farther north, or are part of a land tour that takes you farther inland, your chances of catching a glimpse of the dazzling phenomenon increase substantially.

Keeping more money in your wallet

A trip to Alaska isn't a cheap prospect. Most visitors to the state come for the experience rather than to save money on a bargain vacation. That said, you can save quite a bit by choosing your trip dates wisely. According to Cruise Critic , the lowest average prices are in September and October, followed by prices in May. It goes to reason that the end of season months are cheaper: The weather is starting to turn, kids are back in school, and demand is less. You might be surprised that April is more expensive than May, despite the fact May is arguably a better month to travel to Alaska. Cruise Critic gives the reason for this seemingly illogical quirk — not surprisingly, it's economics. April is a transitory month in the cruise industry, with ships repositioning from their winter ports in the south to their summer ports. Not as many cruise lines run Alaska cruises in April as they do in May, meaning there are fewer cabins available, which keeps prices higher than you might expect.

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

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

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

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

Why is Alaska a popular cruise destination?

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

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

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

Are cruises to Alaska worth it?

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

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

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

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

Inside Ascent: 3 takeaways from Celebrity Cruises' new ship

Do you see wildlife on an Alaskan cruise?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much should I budget for an Alaskan cruise?

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

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

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

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

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

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

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

Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?

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

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

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

Can you see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise?

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

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

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

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5 Affordable Cruise Vacations to Book — Plus How to Find the Best Deals

Here's what you need to know to save money on your next cruise.

Best Affordable Cruise Lines

How to find the best cruise deals, tips for saving money while on board.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Cruising has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. This form of travel is incredibly convenient (read: no need to pack and unpack), and everything you need can be found right on board — ultimately taking the stress out of trip planning. Plus, with hundreds of ships at sea across dozens of lines, there’s a cruise out here for every type of traveler. Fortunately, cruising doesn’t have to cost a small fortune, and many budget-conscious travelers may opt to set sail for their next trip. Below, we’ve rounded up the best cruise lines offering affordable fares coupled with value-packed inclusions to stretch your dollar further. We’ve also tapped some expert cruise specialists to share their top tips and tricks to help you save money both on and off the ship.

Here's everything you need to know to book an affordable cruise vacation.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

This adults-only cruise line from Richard Branson — which also happens to be a Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award winner — offers excellent value. In fact, according to T+L A-list cruise advisor and Q Cruise + Travel founder and president Rob Clabbers, Virgin Voyages fares “include more than on most mainstream large-ship cruise lines.” For example, he says, “Virgin fares include internet access, gratuities, all meals — there are no cover charges for its restaurants that on most other lines would be considered specialty restaurants.” Beverages like soft drinks, coffee, and tea are also included, as are snacks, mezze at the aft terrace, and group workout classes. Best of all, there are no pricey beverage packages. “Instead,” says Clabbers, cruisers — or, as Virgin calls them, sailors — can buy their own reasonably priced drinks (think: beers from $6, $10 cocktails, and wines by the glass under $11) a la carte. Additionally, with some promotions , the cruise line throws in a “ bar tab ” credit that can be used towards drinks.

Princess Cruises

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Another World’s Best Award winner — and WBA Hall of Fame Honoree, no less — this fan-favorite ocean line is renowned for refined ships, serene ambiance, and exceptional service. Moreover, per Clabbers, passengers can choose from “optional packages to help customize a passenger’s trip that provide savings over buying things separately.” For an extra $60 per day, consider Princess Plus, which offers perks like Wi-Fi for one device per guest, gratuities, fitness classes (two per sailing), and beverages like bottled water, specialty coffee, soft drinks, and juice. Alternatively, for $80 per day, passengers can spring on the Princess Premier package, which features the same beverages plus specialty dining (two per sailing), unlimited fitness classes, premium desserts, reserved theater seating, and Wi-Fi (four devices per guest).

Norwegian Cruise Line 

Norwegian Cruise Line is a favorite among families of all ages for its over-the-top entertainment and activities (think: go-karting, Broadway-caliber productions, and so on). “While Norwegian Cruise Line may price slightly higher than some of its competitors, you need to consider the Free at Sea package,” says travel advisor Jennifer Travis of Marvelous Mouse Travels . She goes on to describe the promotion as a “game-changer when it comes to cruising” since it includes perks like a “free open bar (up to $1,400 in savings), free specialty dining (up to $180 in savings), free Wi-Fi (up to $200 in savings), and a $50 discount on excursions.” Other Free at Sea perks include 70 percent off second guests, free third and fourth guests (on select dates), and free airfare (per the cruise line’s website: “ Pay airfare for one guest, and you'll automatically lock in roundtrip flights for two ”). Also, you can’t go wrong with the Free at Sea Plus package, which includes a wider selection of beverages, more specialty dining, unlimited Wi-Fi, and additional shore excursion credits. Before booking, be sure to check the line’s full selection of deals , which run the gamut from half-off deposits to $150 cruise credits and more.

Royal Caribbean

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Zip lines, water slides, surfing simulators, ice skating, rock climbing walls: Find all this and more aboard (most) Royal Caribbean ships — and, best of all, they’re complimentary! Ideal for fun- and adventure-loving travelers of all ages — read: kids and kids-at-heart alike — it’s pretty much impossible to be bored while cruising on this World’s Best Award-winning mega-ship line . Additionally, according to Travis, Royal Caribbean “offers some of the best short itineraries,” some of which clock in at under $200 per person for two-night sailings. Longer itineraries, including a seven-night Bahamas sailing aboard one of the line’s newest ships, Odyssey of the Seas , clock in at under $600 per person. The line also offers an abundance of deals , including up to $600 off sailings, 60 percent off second guests, and more.

Carnival Cruise Line 

Courtesy of Carnival Cruises

“ Carnival Cruise Line is known for its competitive pricing without cutting back on the onboard activities or various dining options, thus making them an attractive option to budget-conscious cruisers,” explains Travis. For example, many itineraries, including a four-night Bahamas cruise from Miami , clock in at just over $150 per person. Additionally, says the travel advisor, “Carnival sails to a wide variety of destinations from so many local ports that you almost do not need to fly to your cruise ship anymore, which is another huge savings given the cost (and stress) flights can add to any vacation.” Keep an eye out for frequent flash sales for even more savings.

Booking early is an easy way to save on your next cruise vacation . “Typically,” says Travis, “the best pricing on a cruise is when the schedule is first released.” And, while you could wait for a last-minute deal, “you may not get the room category that you want.” Similarly, Clabbers says that flexibility is key when it comes to finding — and scoring — the best cruise deals . For example, he previously told T+L that if you are “very flexible and are looking for a standard room on a large ship on an itinerary that repeats week after week, you are more likely to find a promotional fare.”

Conversely, giving up some of that flexibility sometimes pays off. According to Clabbers, select cruise lines will offer lower fares to those who opt for a nonrefundable deposit instead of a refundable one. Finally, you may also consider cruising in shoulder season or even low season. Sure, the weather won’t be perfect, but the fewer crowds and cheaper fares more than make up for that, especially if you’re on a budget.

While your tab can quickly rack up once on board, there are several savvy ways to save money. For one, consider bringing your own booze. According to Travis, “Many cruise lines allow their guests to bring a specific amount of alcohol or nonalcoholic beverages onboard the ships, which can help save you money while you are on the ship.” Additionally, ​​Michele Benard , another travel advisor at Marvelous Mouse Travels, advises packing your own necessities from home — like Advil, Tums,  motion sickness medicine, and after-sun lotion — as opposed to buying them on board at a much higher price. You’ll also want to skip the souvenirs at the onboard gift shop, which tend to be more expensive than those you’d find in port.

Benard also recommends taking advantage of “all the free activities on the cruise ships,” which can include everything from water slides to trivia game shows. Pro tip: “Stay onboard during a port day, and the lines won’t be as long.” On a similar note, spa treatments tend to be less expensive on port days, so those craving some R&R — that is, sans breaking the bank — may consider booking a service during this time.

Finally, says Clabbers, save money on your next cruise by enlisting the help of an onboard cruise consultant to select your next sailing. “You will typically receive an onboard credit or savings on your next cruise, and your own travel advisor will be alerted so they can help you plan your vacation.”

Related Articles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Shore Excursions Are a Must

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Utilize the Onboard Naturalist

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

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

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

6. Spring for an Exterior Stateroom

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

7. Don’t Skip the Buffet

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

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

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

8. Be Prepared for Some Seasickness

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

9. Take Advantage of Onboard Activities

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

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

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

10. Discounts for Kids Are Real and Significant

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

You Might Also Like:

• New Vacation Trend: European River Cruise Companies Are Now Targeting Family Travelers
• I’ve Been on 6 Different Cruise Lines, Here Are the Pros and Cons of Each One
• 12 Best Amtrak Vacations and Scenic Train Rides in North America  

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

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Dozens of united airlines passengers headed to houston fall ill after international cruise, “thirty minutes before we land, we get told that they’ve been exposed to an unknown virus.”.

Gage Goulding , News Reporter , Houston, TX

Michael Lemons , Photojournalist

Ahmed Humble , Digital Content Producer

HOUSTON – More than two dozen people on a United Airlines flight to Houston on Friday became ill while the plane was traveling from Canada.

RELATED: United Airlines says it has regained some privileges that were suspended after problem flights

United Airlines flight 1528 was flying from Vancouver, British Columbia to Houston. During the flight, 25 people became sick.

According to the Houston Fire Department , the sick passengers reported symptoms of nausea.

“About an hour and a half before we hit Houston, they ask for if you’ve been on this cruise ship, could you raise your hand,” James Snell recounts from his flight.

All of the ill passengers were previously on a cruise. A total of 75 passengers flying on the plane were on that cruise.

🤒 More than two dozen passengers aboard a @united flight to @iah on Friday became sick. @HoustonFire says the passengers just got done with an international cruise. @KPRC2 is also learning that the @CDCgov is also involved in the investigation. pic.twitter.com/y9Bdmx2Nbr — Gage Goulding - KPRC 2 (@GageGoulding) June 1, 2024

Firefighters and paramedics met the passengers as they landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport following the five-hour flight from Vancouver, British Columbia.

“Then all of a sudden, the flight attendant, she put on a mask, and the guy next to me is like, ‘What do you think’s going on?’ And I’m like, ‘Bro, I don’t know. You know? I mean, COVID, we’re all going to die.’ You know what I mean,” said Snell.

Three people were “evacuated” from the airplane, but no one was taken to the hospital.

MORE STORIES INVOLVING UNITED AIRLINES

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the plane landed around 6:30 p.m.

“Then firetrucks and ambulances started pulling up,” Snell said. “They didn’t hold us very long, maybe 45 minutes-ish.”

Passengers aboard the airplane say that the pilot and flight attendants alerted them that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the illness.

“This is where it got weird,” Snell said. “He [the pilot] got over the speaker, but he came out to us and he said, ‘Hey, in my 25 years of flying, I’ve never seen anything like this. We have been quarantined by the CDC. Nobody can exit the plane until the CDC lets us off.’”

After being let off the plane passengers were screened by paramedics from the Houston Fire Department.

“As soon as you got off, you got mobbed, wanting to know if you had any symptoms and did you want to be triaged,” Snell said. “But then they let us off and I thought, man, you’re letting us off in Houston airport. Like we’re going everywhere in the world. This is how it started the last time.”

The last time refers to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s what he and other passengers thought they could be dealing with.

“We’re all trapped in this tube, and we’ve all lived through Corona. And I was just like, ‘oh, come on. Not again,’” Snell said.

KPRC2 asked the FAA, CDC, Houston Fire Department and United Airlines for information about which cruise ship the passengers who got sick were on and for the illness, but none of the organizations would provide further information.

According to information from the CDC, there have been seven outbreaks of illness on cruise ships this year.

The most recent is a norovirus outbreak on the Celebrity Summit cruise ship.

Norovirus is commonly known as the “stomach bug” and can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It’s a highly contagious virus, but is typically not a severe illness and passes in a few days, the CDC reports.

According to Celebrity Cruises’ website , the Celebrity Summit ship is currently sailing between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Vancouver is where the United Airlines flight full of sick passengers took off.

KPRC 2 asked Celebrity Cruises for more information about their outbreak and if it’s connected to the sick passengers that landed in Houston. We’re still waiting for an answer.

Meanwhile, United Airlines tells KPRC 2′s Gage Goulding that the plane is being pulled from rotation until it can be deep cleaned.

UNITED AIRLINES STATEMENT

“Several passengers who had been on the same cruise and did not feel well were on United Flight 1528 from Vancouver to Houston tonight. United Airlines is actively coordinating with health authorities to address the situation. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft will be removed from service and go through a deep cleaning before returning to service. Ensuring the health and safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.”

CDC Statement

“CDC is aware of a flight from Vancouver, British Columbia, that arrived at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday, May 31.

Public health officers from CDC’s Houston Port Health Station worked with EMS to evaluate ill passengers on board. Most of the ill passengers reported mild GI symptoms. No passengers were noted to have a fever during the flight or upon public health assessment at landing. No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up. Passengers from the flight continued with their travel plans.”

Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

About the Authors

Gage goulding.

Gage Goulding is an award-winning TV news reporter and anchor. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, he comes to Texas from Fort Myers, FL, where he covered some of the areas most important stories, including Hurricane Ian.

Ahmed Humble

Historian, educator, writer, expert on "The Simpsons," amateur photographer, essayist, film & tv reviewer and race/religious identity scholar. Joined KPRC 2 in Spring 2024 but has been featured in various online newspapers and in the Journal of South Texas' Fall 2019 issue.

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