Alaska Cruise Options

Escape the Ordinary: Dive into the Majesty of Alaska Cruises and Cruise Tours

Forget predictable vacations. In Alaska, the extraordinary unfolds at every turn, from towering glaciers that crackle in the sunshine to ancient forests teeming with wildlife. And what better way to experience this untamed wonderland than with an Alaska cruise and cruise tour?

Imagine:

Waking up to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, their reflections shimmering like jewels in the pristine waters.
Kayaking alongside playful sea otters, their whiskers twitching as they dive for clams in the icy depths.
Hiking through Denali National Park, the crisp air buzzing with the calls of eagles and the scent of wildflowers.
Stepping onto a crackling glacier, marveling at its cerulean depths and the raw power of nature.
Soaking in natural hot springs under the midnight sun, the aurora borealis dancing like a celestial ballet above.

Book your Alaska cruise and tour today and let the journey begin!

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

Alaska Trip Decision Guide

Choose the right route, season, cruise line, and optional land tour—then plan easily with Travelooza’s experts.

Vertical Divider

Step 1
Pick Your Route

Vertical Divider

Step 2
Cruise v Cruisetour

Vertical Divider

Step 3
When to Go

Vertical Divider

Step 4
Ship Style

Vertical Divider

Step 5
Staterooms

Step 6
Budgets & Flights

Vertical Divider

Explore Alaskan Ports

Travel Insurance

Step 1 - Pick Your Route

Inside Passage
(Round-trip Seattle)

Vertical Divider

Northbound
(Vancouver → Seward/Whittier)

Southbound
(Seward/Whittier → Vancouver)

Route

What it is

Best for

Typical Ports / Highlights

Inside Passage
(Round-trip Seattle)

7 nights, scenic coastal cruising in Southeast Alaska. No time in the interior.

Convenient flights, shorter trip, families & first-timers.

Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Glacier Bay or Endicott/Tracy Arm (varies).

Northbound
(Vancouver → Seward/Whittier)

One-way 7 nights up the Gulf of Alaska; pair with a land tour.

Denali, Alaska Railroad, deeper Alaska, flexible trip length.

Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord, Glacier Bay (select sailings), Anchorage access.

Southbound (Seward/Whittier → Vancouver)

Reverse of Northbound; popular after a land tour.

Easier pacing after interior touring; great glacier days.

Same highlights in reverse; frequent clear glacier viewing.

Step 2 - Cruise-Only vs. Cruise + Land (Cruisetour)

7-Night Cruise Only

Best for first timers, families, tight schedules.
Round-trip flights often lower cost.
Focus on glaciers, coastal towns, whale watching.

Cruisetour (10-14+ Nights)

Add Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Fairbanks, or Kenai.
Coach + Rail lodges, guided touring, wildlife viewing inland.
Choose Northbound/Southbound for logistics that fit the land tour.

Step 3 - When to Go - Wildlife & Highlights

Month

Wildlife & Nature

Events & Highlights

May

Whales arrive, seabirds nesting, bears emerging

Snow-capped peaks, value fares, longer daylight

June

Prime humpback & orca activity; wildflowers

Very long days; great glacier viewing

July

Peak whale watching; salmon runs begin (varies)

Warmest temps; family-friendly excursions

August

Salmon runs; bears at streams; eagles plentiful

Stable weather; berries inland

September

Fall colors; lingering whales; fewer crowds

Deal season; Northern Lights chances inland

Best by interest

Whales: June-August (add Juneau/Icy Strait Point excursions)
Bears: Late July-August at salmon streams (fly-in tours from Ketchikan/Sitka)
Glaciers: May-July for crisp vistas; pick Glacier Bay/Hubbard/College Fjord
Value: May-early June & September

Pro tip: For Denali wildlife and rail, aim for a one-way cruise paired with a 3-6 night land tour. We'll arrange luggage service and lodge stays so it's seamless.

Step 4 - Pick Your Ship Style

Mainstream
Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity. Broad activity mix, varied dining, many departure dates.

Premium/Luxury
Oceania, Cunard, Viking, Silversea, Explora. Elevated dining, included perks, smaller ships on select itineraries.

Small-Ship/Expedition
UnCruise, Lindblad, Hurtigruten. Immersive wilderness access, kayaking/zodiac, naturalist-led.

Luxury Alaskan Cruise Experiences

For travelers seeking a more refined way to explore Alaska, luxury cruise options offer an elevated blend of comfort, service, and access. These experiences focus on thoughtful details, immersive excursions, and a more personalized journey through Alaska’s remarkable landscapes.

What Sets Luxury Alaska Cruises Apart

Smaller ships with uncrowded public spaces
Spacious staterooms, often with private balconies
Elevated dining with locally inspired cuisine
Included shore excursions and enrichment programs
Attentive service with higher staff-to-guest ratios
Access to remote ports and less-traveled waterways

What's Included by Cruise Line

Each cruise line offers unique inclusions and optional upgrades. Compare below to find the best match for your style and budget.

Holland America Line
Included:
Fine dining, live music venues, destination programming, Alaska Up Close lectures
Denali / Land Experience:
Denali lodge stays with Tundra Wilderness Tour typically included; strong wildlife focus
Train vs. Motorcoach:
Rail-heavy - extensive Alaska Railroad travel (McKinley Explorer dome cars) plus coach where needed.
Extra / Upgrades:
Beverages, Wi‑Fi, gratuities (bundled in Have It All), specialty dining
Style:
Classic premium, Denali lodges, longer itineraries

Celebrity Cruises
Included:
Most fares include classic drinks, Wi‑Fi, tips; modern luxury decor
Denali / Land Experience:
Denali and interior touring with premium hotels and guided experiences
Train vs. Motorcoach:
All motorcoach - no rail included in standard cruisetours
Extra / Upgrades:
Premium beverage upgrade, specialty dining
Style:
Contemporary premium, sleek ships, Inside Passage

Princess Cruises
Included:
Meals in main dining and buffet, entertainment, destination lectures, MedallionClass app features
Denali / Land Experience:
Multiple Denali nights at Princess-owned wilderness lodges
Train vs. Motorcoach:
Rail-forward - Princess Wilderness Express with some motorcoach
Extra / Upgrades:
Beverage packages, Wi‑Fi, gratuities (bundled in Plus/Premier fares)
Style:
Premium mainstream, strong Alaska focus, lodges for land tours

Royal Caribbean
Included:
All main dining, shows, kids programs, activities
Extra / Upgrades:
Wi‑Fi, gratuities, specialty dining, drinks
Style:
Mainstream family, adventure options

Oceania Cruises
Included:
Specialty dining, soft drinks & coffees, Wi‑Fi, airfare (on select promos)
Denali / Land Experience:
Denali and interior sightseeing via curated land programs
Train vs. Motorcoach:
Coach-based
Extra / Upgrades:
Beverages (House Select), excursions packages
Style:
Upper‑premium small ship, culinary focus

Viking Ocean
Included:
Wine/beer with meals, Wi‑Fi, one excursion per port, spa access, no kids
Denali / Land Experience:
Guided Denali Explorer-style extensions paired with small-s
Train vs. Motorcoach:
Coach-first (rail not a core component)
Extra / Upgrades:
Premium excursions, beverage upgrade, airfare
Style:
Luxury‑lite, adults‑only, inclusive pricing

Silversea Cruises
Included:
All beverages, butler service, gratuities, excursions, Wi‑Fi
Extra / Upgrades:
Premium air, optional pre/post hotels
Style:
Ultra‑luxury, intimate ships

Explora Journeys
Included:
Fine dining, beverages, Wi‑Fi, gratuities, wellness access
Extra / Upgrades:
Shore excursions, air
Style:
Modern luxury, yacht‑style, wellness focus

Cunard Line
Included:
Traditional dining, afternoon tea, entertainment
Extra / Upgrades:
Beverages, Wi‑Fi, gratuities, specialty dining
Style:
Luxury heritage, formal ambiance

UnCruise Adventures
Included:
All meals, beverages, excursions, guides, gear, park fees
Extra / Upgrades:
Airfare, optional gratuities
Style:
Expedition small ship, immersive nature access

Step 5 - Stateroom Categories

Stateroom Categories – What's the Difference?
All cruise ships offer multiple stateroom types. Use this comparison to choose the option that best fits your travel style, budget, and how you plan to experience Alaska.

Stateroom Type

Why Choose It

Things to Consider

Inside

Lowest price; dark room for sleeping

No window or natural light; rely on public decks for glacier viewing

Oceanview

Window or porthole offering natural light without balcony pricing; good middle option

Window or porthole does not open; some views may be obstructed; limited viewing availability on newer ships

Balcony

Private outdoor balcony offering personal space for glacier & wildlife viewing

Higher cost; weather may limit balcony use

Mini-Suite / Junior Suite

Larger cabin, sitting area, upgraded bathroom; extra space and comfort for longer cruises

Fewer perks than the full suites

Suites

Largest cabins with maximum comfort, premium locations, added amenities; priority services; best for special occasions

Highest price; limited availability

Alaska Tip: A balcony is a wonderful upgrade, but not required. Glacier viewing is announced and best enjoyed from public decks and observation lounges.

Which Cabin Is Right for You?

Choose Inside or Oceanview if you plan to spend most of your time exploring ports, excursions, and public decks.
Choose a Balcony if private outdoor space and quiet glacier viewing matters most.
Choose a Mini-Suite if you want more room to relax without full suite pricing.
Choose a Suite for special occasions, longer sailings, or maximum comfort.

Travelooza Advisor Insight:
The "best" cabin depends on how you cruise, not just the category. We'll help you balance views, budget, ship layout, and current promotions to find the best value.

Step 6 - Budget, Flights & Timing

Air: Round-trip Seattle often lowers airfare. One-way (into Anchorage/out of Vancouver) can cost more but unlocks the interior.
Promotions: Many lines bundle drinks/Wi-Fi/gratuities—value shifts by season. We’ll do the math for your dates.
Deposit windows: Best availability 9–15 months out; late deals occur but choices shrink.

Common Promotions & Inclusions by Cruise Line
This overview shows what is typically included in the base fare and the most common promotions travelers see when booking Alaska cruises. Exact offers vary by sailing and timing.

Cruise Line

Base Fare Typically Includes

Common Promotions / Bundles

Good to Know

Holland America Line

Main dining & buffet meals, entertainment, Alaska enrichment programs

Have It All® package often available (drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, shore excursion credit)

Excellent overall value when Have It All is offered; strong Denali cruisetours

Princess Cruises

Main dining & buffet meals, entertainment, MedallionClass technology

Princess Plus® / Princess Premier® bundles drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, specialty dining

Bundled pricing simplifies budgeting; strong loyalty benefits for repeat guests

Celebrity Cruises

Main dining & buffet meals, entertainment, modern premium service

All Included fares often bundle classic drinks + basic Wi-Fi

Cleaner pricing structure; still coach-based for Denali cruisetours

Norwegian Cruise Line

Main dining & buffet meals, entertainment, freestyle dining

Free at Sea (drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, excurtion credit on select sailings)

Great for flexibility and families; gratuities often excluded from promos

Royal Caribbean

Main dining & buffet meals, entertainment, onboard activities

Fare discounts, onboard credit, reduced deposits; occasional bundle offers

Best for families and active ships; most inclusions are à la carte

Viking Ocean

Wine/beer with meals, Wi-Fi, one shore excursion per port, gratuities

Reduced deposits; air or land extension savings on select offers

Adults-only, very inclusive base fare; Denali offered as paid extension

Oceania Cruises

Specialty dining, soft drinks & coffees, Wi-Fi

Airfare credits, reduced deposits, suite upgrades on select promotions

Culinary-focused luxury; fewer bundles but high baseline inclusions

MSC Cruises

Main dining & buffet meals, entertainment, modern European-style ships

Fare discounts, onboard credit; optional Easy / Easy Plus / Premium Extra beverage packages

Value-focused pricing; drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities usually priced separately

Silversea Cruises

All meals, beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, shore excursions

Air credits, door-to-door fares, limited-time suite savings

Ultra-luxury, nearly all-inclusive; higher upfront cost, fewer surprises

Travelooza Advisor Tip: Promotions change frequently. We compare bundled vs. base fares to determine which option is the best value for your sailing and travel style--not just lowest headline price.

Quick FAQs
Do I need a passport?

Yes for most cruises that visit Canada (Vancouver, Victoria, etc.). Your ticketed name must match your passport.

Where do I see the biggest glaciers?

Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord (varies by itinerary). We’ll target sailings that feature these.

Can I add Denali?

Yes—choose Northbound/Southbound and add a 3–6 night land package with Denali, rail, and interior lodges.

What about seasickness?

Inside Passage waters are often calmer; mid-ship, lower decks help. Bring remedies just in case.

Plan with a Travelooza Advisor
Tell us your dates, travelers, budget, and interests. We’ll shortlist the 2–3 best sailings and hold space.

Start My Alaska Plan

Call 888-689-0660 | Email Us

Explore Alaskan Cruise Ports

From glacier-carved landscapes to charming coastal towns, each Alaskan cruise port offers something unique. Click on any destination below to explore must-see highlights and get a better sense of which ports you’d like included in your Alaskan cruise itinerary.

Anchorage, AK

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Wildlife Conservation Center
Downtown shops & dining
Mountain and inlet views

Denali National Park, AK

Denali scenic bus tour
Wildlife spotting
Hiking tundra trails
Ranger-led programs
Denali (Mt. McKinley) views

Fairbanks, AK

Northern Lights viewing
Chena Hot Springs
Riverboat Discovery cruise
Museum of the North
Gold dredge tour

Glacier Bay, AK

Tidewater glacier viewing
Calving ice displays
Marine wildlife sightings
Ranger narration onboard
Pristine wilderness scenery

Hubbard Glacier, AK

Massive tidewater glacier viewing
Frequent, dramatic ice calving
Towering blue ice face (one of Alaska's largest)
Long scenic cruising time
Raw, remote Gulf of Alaska scenery

Juneau, AK

Mendenhall Glacier
Whale watching cruise
Mount Roberts Tramway
Glacier Gardens Rainforest
Historic downtown Juneau

Ketchikan, AK

Creek Street historic district
Totem Heritage Center
Lumberjack Show
Misty Fjords flightseeing
Salmon and seafood tastings

Seattle, WA

Pike Place Market & waterfront
Space Needle views
Puget Sound ferry ride
Museum of Pop Culture
Fresh seafood dining

Seward, AK

Gateway port for Denali National Park
Alaska Railroad connections inland
Access to Kenai Fjords National Park
Wildlife and glacier day cruises
Start/end point for one-way Alaska itineraries

Sitka, AK

Sitka National Historical Park
Totem poles & coastal trails
Alaska Raptor Center
St. Michael’s Cathedral
Harbor and ocean views

Skagway, AK

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
Klondike Gold Rush sites
Historic Broadway Street
Scenic mountain drives
Guided hiking trails

Vancouver, BC

Stanley Park seawall
Granville Island Market
Gastown & Steam Clock
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Coastal city views

Victoria, BC

Butchart Gardens
Inner Harbour walk
British-style afternoon tea
Royal BC Museum
Parliament Buildings

Whittier, AK

Prince William Sound cruise
Glacier viewing
Scenic harbor walk
Kayaking excursions
Tunnel-to-town experience

Travel insurance can be added to your trip for all those unexpected occurrences. If you would like more information on coverage available, please visit the TRAVEL INSURANCE PAGE. If you are interested in pricing based on your age and package amount, please mark the appropriate box on the reservation form.

Common travel insurance benefits are: Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption and Trip Delay, Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Baggage and Baggage Delay, 24-Hour Worldwide Telephone Assistance Service to help your clients in the event of an emergency and more.

PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED AS YOU WILL BE DOCKING IN CANADA! Please be sure to apply for your passport at least 3 months prior to your travel date. When filling out the forms, be sure to use your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license or other government issued identification. When booking your flights, your name must be exactly as it appears on your passport. If you changed your name after receiving your passport, be sure that you use the name on your passport when booking your flights.

Please click the link below to read more about how to apply for a passport. You will find links to how to find local places to apply in person as well as forms that you can print, fill out and take with you or even how to apply online.

travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html