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

By Scott Laird

Alaska Cruise 2023 An Expert's Guide to Booking the Perfect Voyage to Suit Your Travel Style

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

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

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

When is The Best Time to Book?

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

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

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

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

Is it better to cruise one-way or roundtrip? 

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

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

Is Seward or Whittier a better port for Anchorage? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are there less-crowded alternatives?

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

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

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Best Alaskan Cruise Shore Excursions for 2023

Experience the best of Alaska with an Alaskan Cruise shore excursion. This is a list of the best excursions by each port when visiting Alaska!

Going on an Alaskan Cruise was so nice I did it twice! But seriously, one trip was just not enough to see all the magical beauty of Alaska.

Unlike a Caribbean Cruise , Alaskan cruises are all about the excursions. You can’t really drink and sunbathe on the ship, so most of your time is spent on shore taking in the picturesque beauty of glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and more!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Alaskan Cruise Excursion Tips

Tip #1: get out of town.

With most cruises, you can walk off the ship and find plenty to do. In the Caribbean, there are beaches and shopping lining every port.

But in Alaska, the true beauty is only seen through excursions.

Most ports in Alaska take you to tiny towns that cater to cruise ship passengers. Unfortunately, this often means lots of touristy shops with the same trinkets at each store. Not to mention tons of jewelry stores.

If buying touristy trinkets isn’t your thing, you will definitely want to book an excursion to get you out of the town and into the wilderness.

Tip # 2: Book Early

Because Alaskan cruise shore excursions are the best way to see Alaska, they book up early! So don’t wait. If you see a tour that you absolutely must do… book it as soon as you book your cruise.

The more popular excursions like dog sledding can often book up a full year in advance.

In Sitka, we tried to book a boating tour and found every company was fully booked at least six months out. And most were not even associated with the cruise ship.

So if you have your heart set on a certain excursion, don’t wait to book! The prices will not go down and you’ll just miss your chance.

Tip #3: Don’t Always Book with the Cruise Line

The cruise line will try to scare you and tell you that if your excursion is late, the ship will wait for you if you book with them. Which is true. But don’t let that stop you from booking elsewhere.

Tour companies rely on tourism as do most of the towns you visit. Most of them have guaranteed to get you back to the ship on time. It is extremely rare for a tour company not to get you back in time.

And when booking with the company directly, you will most likely save a ton of money.

Click HERE to check out Viator and find the best and most affordable Alaskan Cruise Excursions!

Alaskan Cruise Shore Excursions By Port

Ketchikan is typically the first port most cruise ships stop in, so it’s often the most exciting! It also offers some pretty unique experiences that other ports don’t.

Lumberjack Show: Not to be missed! The Lumberjack show is a fun place to start. It’s affordable and great for anyone. Kids love it, adults love it, and it’s perfect for anyone who isn’t the most athletic. Even as an adventurous adult, I was amazed at how much I enjoyed this show.

Ketchikan Lumberjack show

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour : If you’re a fan of the show or just want to get out on the open water and do some fishing, this is the tour for you. They dress you up and make you feel like you are a true Alaskan fisherman.

Rainforest Zip, Skybridge & Rappel Adventure: This one is for the adventure junkies! Definitely one of the most fun days I had in Alaska. You start with ziplining over the rainforest through 7 different zip lines. Then cross 3 various suspension bridges, and finish with rappelling down back to the ground.

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

Misty Fjords Expedition – 6 Passenger Boat: If budget isn’t an issue, the Misty Fjords in Ketchikan are not to be missed. If you really want to see the scenic parts of Alaska, the Misty Fjords are breathtaking and unforgettable. For a genuinely fantastic experience, check out Misty Fjords by Seaplane.

* For more information on what to do in Ketchikan that does NOT include tours, check this out: What to do in Ketchikan, Alaska on a Cruise

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is home to the Mendenhall Glacier, the Mount Roberts Tramway, and my favorite… Tracy’s King Crab Shack. Here are some popular Alaskan Cruise Shore Excursions in Juneau!

Juneau Helicopter Tour & Dogsledding Experience: Probably one of the most popular excursions in Juneau is the Glacier Dogsledding tour. You take a helicopter ride to the top of a glacier, where you get to play with husky pups before getting a sled dog ride. It books up fast so book early!

Sled Dog Discovery: If you love dogs but need a more affordable option, check out the sled dog discovery tour. You still get to play with the pups and get an amazing sled dog ride through the forest.

Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier: If dogs aren’t your thing, the next best Alaskan cruise shore excursion would be a whale-watching tour out by the Mendenhall Glacier. The glacier is one of the most popular stops in Juneau, and seeing it by boat is the best way to do it.

Juneau Shore Fishing for Alaskan Salmon: Try your hand at some authentic salmon fishing. The best part? This tour is from land, perfect for those who get seasick or have limited mobility.

Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour: If glaciers are your thing, check out this tour. You take a group boat ride past waterfalls and wildlife, and a close-up of the Mendenhall Glacier to the ice fields. Ice fields are rare and unique and can only be accessed by tour.

See Related: What To Do In Juneau on Your Own

Sitka is one of the smallest towns you’ll visit and the excursions are limited… but also book up fast because they’re aren’t too many available. Here are some popular Sitka tours.

Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bears, Totems: The raptor center and fortress of the Bears are two of Sitka’s top places to visit. See all three with an affordable tour that’s great for kids and adults with limited mobility.

  • tip: book the tour if you want to see either of these places! Taxis and rideshare are VERY limited in Sitka and you’ll find yourself stuck at one location for over an hour just waiting for a ride to the next place.

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

Whale-Watching and Marine Life Tour: If you haven’t had a chance to go whale watching yet, Sitka is a great place to do it!

Blue Lake Paddle: For athletic people, take a kayak ride out in the ocean past amazing waterfalls and scenic mountains.

Private Taxi Tour: Because of its very limited public transportation, it would be a great idea to book a private taxi tour and create your own adventure! You can plan to see the raptors, the bears, and the harbor, and even stop for lunch and shopping downtown.

Skagway is home to many unique features and to be honest, my favorite stop while on our Alaskan Cruise. The tours are all fantastic and will be very hard to choose from!

White Pass and Yukon Railway: The absolute most popular excursion and for good reasons! This is not your average train ride. The views are spectacular and will literally take your breath away. If you really want to see Alaska, this is the best way to do it. It’s also a big part of Skagway’s history.

Alaskan Cruise shore excursions in Skagway

Skagway Scooters: A highlight of our trip! If everyone in your party is over 16, you can rent scooters and set out to see the town on your own. Stop for lunch downtown, and then head out to Dyea… a ghost town… and possibly the prettiest ride you’ll ever take in your life (picture mountains on one side and the ocean with seals swimming on the other side while bald eagles fly overhead!)

Skagway scooters, Alaska, what to do

Sled Dog Discovery in Skagway: Skagway also offers sled dog rides at an affordable price if you missed it in the other ports.

Ocean Raft Alaska: For an adventure on the water, check out the ocean raft excursion. See fjords, waterfalls, and plenty of wildlife!

Chilkoot Horseback Adventure: Experience Alaska on horseback while visiting Dyea ghost town and the Chilkoot and White Pass trails, some of the most historic sites in Skagway!

See Related: Top Things To Do In Skagway While On a Cruise

Alaskan Cruise Shore Excursions

Cruising to Alaska is an experience of a lifetime! While the food and time on the boat will be tons of fun, it’s just nothing compared to your time on shore.

Make the most of your trip with the perfect Alaskan Cruise Shore Excursion!

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Best Excursions for an alaskan cruise. What to do in port when cruising to Alaska. #alaskaccruise #excursions #whattodo

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Denali, Alaska National Park Mountains

ANSWER THE CALL OF THE WILD

Alaska cruise tours.

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

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

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Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Tours Deals

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Denali, Alaska National Park

BEAUTY TO GO WILD OVER

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

Anchorage, Alaska Glaciers

URBAN MEETS EPIC

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

Denali, Alaska Tallest Peak

SIX MILLION ACRES OF DISCOVERY

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

alaska cruise tours boat ferry

CITY OF GOLD AT THE EDGE OF THE ARCTIC

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

Alaska Talkeetna Glacier Cruise Tour

ADVENTURING THROUGH ALASKA

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

Alaska Cruise Adventure Specialist

FULLY ESCORTED EXPERIENCES

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

alaska cruise tours train

WILDERNESS EXPRESS RAILCARS

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

Alaska, Hotel Cruise

AUTHENTIC, CHARMING LODGING

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

Alaska, Talkeetna Mountains

Complete Your Adventure With The Best Alaska Tours

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

Radiance at Hubbard Glacier - Alaska

EMBARK ON EXTRAORDINARY

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

EXPLORE RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Alaska Dog Sledding Excursion

MEMORY MAKING EXPLORATION

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

EXPLORE THE CRUISETOUR PROGRAM OPTIONS

Resurrection Bay Mountain Side Ocean Kayaking Nature, Seward, Alaska

CRUISE FROM SEWARD

PRE CRUISE TOURS

Harbour Downtown Waterfront Skyline Cityscape, Vancouver, British Columbia

CRUISE FROM VANCOUVER

POST CRUISE TOUR

INCLUDED ADVENTURES DISCOVER ALASKA YOUR WAY  

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

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

GOLD DREDGE 8

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

Alaska, Wildlife Moose

ALASKA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER

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

Alaska, Cruise Tours Alyeska Tram

ALYESKA AERIAL TRAM

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

Alaska, Juneau Pink Flowers

Getting There Easy Cruise Tour Guide

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

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

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

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

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

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RELATED PORTS

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

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The Best Cruises for Exploring the Beauty and Wilds of Alaska

Including islands, alaska has 33,904 miles of shoreline. the best way to see it all by boat..

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Hurtigruten ship in Alaskan fjord

Sail to Alaska on Hurtigruten’s battery hybrid-powered MS Roald Amundsen .

Courtesy of Hurtigruten

Roughly 1.5 million people visit Alaska on a cruise ship each season, according to the Cruise Line International Association Alaska . With more than 2,500 islands, mountainsides that tickle coastal waterways, a robust seasonal whale population (as well as the opportunity to spot moose, bears, and eagles, among other wildlife), and rich local culture in truly remote communities, some only accessible by water, it’s easy to see why so many travelers decide to sail in Alaska.

Each summer, scads of ships cruise Alaska’s coastal waterways, ranging from 12-person expedition-style sailings to mega-ships with passenger numbers into the thousands. Some stick to a manageable six-day itinerary within the popular and more easily accessible southeast region, while others head out on epic three-week sailings that cross multiple time zones. Some are as rugged as the 49th state, and others are pure opulence.

That’s all to say: There is probably an Alaska sailing that will match your travel style and budget. Here are eight of the best Alaska cruises to consider.

How much do Alaska cruises cost?

 The Hubbard Glacier

The best time to sail in Alaska—and see natural wonders like the Hubbard Glacier—is during the summer.

Photo by Shutterstock

Alaska cruises can cost anywhere from $500 to $7,500 per person for a five-night sailing , but total costs will depend on the size of the ship, length of the trip, and other factors like whether onshore excursions and food and beverage are included in the base rate.

Generally speaking, the larger the ship, the cheaper the initial price tag. Mega-cruises (with cruise lines such Princess, Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, and Holland America) can go for as little as $100 a night (so roughly $600 per person for a six-night sailing). These resorts at sea, however, are often not all-inclusive, so be sure to check the fine print before putting your credit card down. Passengers frequently have to pay extra (and usually at a premium) for things like specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, and off-boat activities. It’s also worth factoring in on-board activities that cost extra like the spa and gift shop.

While small-scale operators have fewer dining and entertainment options on board, they do have an edge over larger ships: better chances of seeing wildlife. The larger ships are often relegated to port towns due to their sheer size, but smaller ships can more easily navigate and visit remote areas for hiking and kayaking excursions. Because they’re not hurrying to get to a port on time, their schedules are looser than those of large-scale ships, so if a pod of orcas is spotted, they can idle and watch them a little longer. Some of the smallest boats hold between 12 and 100 passengers, and many of them are all-inclusive (or at least inclusive of almost everything except alcohol). That more intimate experience commands a higher nightly rate—anywhere between $250 and $1,500 a night.

The best time to cruise to Alaska

The best time to take an Alaskan cruise is generally between May and September. The Alaska cruise season, like the 49th state’s summer , is all too brief. The vast majority of sailings, particularly those in the Inside Passage (the island-filled coastal waterway in the southeast portion of the state), fall somewhere between Memorial Day and Labor Day. That being said, there are some shoulder season departures in April, May, September, and October.

The best time to visit also depends on your tolerance for the cold and for other travelers. Those shoulder-season trips are chilly (there’s a good chance you’ll see snow in some places and will need to bundle up more), but there are significantly fewer tourists to do battle with during shore excursions. However, the peak season (July and August) is divine. The sun hardly sets, the landscapes (save for the glaciers) are verdant, and the waterways are choked with playful whales getting their fill before winter.

Best Alaska cruises to book

 An Alaska Dream Cruise ship

It doesn’t get more authentic than an Alaska Dream Cruise.

Courtesy of Alaska Dream Cruises

Alaska Dream Cruise’s Remote Alaska Adventure

  • Cost: From $8,895 per person
  • Days: 10 days
  • Departure port: Sitka, Alaska
  • End port: Ketchikan, Alaska

What makes Alaska Dream Cruises so special is the fact that it’s the only Indigenous-owned cruise company in the United States—and that heritage presents itself in an authentic way throughout the sailings. One subtle example of this: At the top of daily dining menus are Tlingit phrases, like Xáanaa at x á gaawú áyá, meaning “it’s dinner time.” On a larger scale, the sailings are usually the only ones to visit and get a lesson on the Glacier Bay National Park Huna Tribal House (a traditional gathering place for Tlingit peoples). And because the ships are Alaska Native–owned, they’re able to go to remote, tribally owned corners of the Inside Passage that non-Indigenous companies simply aren’t allowed to, like Hobart Bay. Other items on the agenda include exploring the pristine west coast of Chichagof Island, seeing the summer fishing camp of the Tlingit people at Klawock (where there are also 21 totem poles), and walking a rain forest path to the natural hot spring pools of Baranof Warm Springs.

If you’re looking to eschew the cruise ship behemoths for something more intimate, this is it—Alaska Dream Cruises’ Kruzof Explorer holds only 12 passengers. And because it’s so small, passengers can weigh in on the daily itinerary, perhaps opting to skip a hike in favor of more time photographing the face of a glacier or watching juvenile humpback whales learn to breach. The vessel was once a Bering Sea crab fishing boat, but it’s since been turned into a comfortable expedition vessel. Meals and activities (including going for high-speed Zodiac rides, kayaking, and paddleboarding) are included.

Hurtigruten Expeditions’ Inside Passage, Bears, and Aleutian Islands

  • Cost: From $10,539 per person
  • Days: 18 days
  • Departure port: Vancouver, Canada
  • End port: Nome, Alaska

For its sophomore season in Alaska, Hurtigruten Expeditions is not holding back. In 2023, the company is offering an 19-day sailing that starts in Vancouver, Canada, before working its way past the fjords, glacier-filled straits, and Indigenous villages of the Inside Passage. Unlike most other sailings that stay within the southeast, from here, the ship hangs a hard left and chugs along to Kodiak, an island community known for humongous brown bears and prolific crab fishing. Though it’s the second-largest island in the entire United States, it’s rare that cruise ships visit, mainly because it lacks the infrastructure for big ships.

Then it’s onward to the even less visited Aleutian Islands (a chain of islands, 14 of which are volcanic, in southwestern Alaska), where guests visit the uninhabited St. Paul and St. Matthew islands and Unga Village (a ghost town), before crossing (and recrossing) the International Dateline, sailing through the Bering Strait (between the Pacific and Arctic oceans, separating the Russian Far East from Alaska), and eventually docking in Nome, the far-flung city best known as the finishing point for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Perhaps as interesting as the itinerary is the fact that the vessel, the 528-passenger MS Roald Amundsen , is battery hybrid-powered. In addition to being a model for cruising sustainably, the MS Roald Amundsen features an observation deck, science center, three Nordic-style restaurants, an infinity pool, and hot tubs. In other words, it’s definitely a place you wouldn’t mind spending 19 days.

Lindblad Expedition ship near a glacier

With Lindblad Expeditions, passengers will get up close and personal with nature.

Courtesy of Lindblad

Lindblad Expeditions’ Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

  • Cost: From $7,560 per person
  • Days: 8 days
  • Departure port: Juneau, Alaska
  • End port: Sitka, Alaska (this same cruise is also offered in reverse)

Many of the sailings to Alaska center on the state’s major ports of call, like Juneau and Sitka. There’s nothing wrong with those itineraries, but they do tend to focus more on touristy downtowns and less on the great outdoors. While this Lindblad sailing does start and end in those cities (since most cruise passengers fly in, it’s most convenient to begin the sailing in a larger port not far from a major airport before heading to more remote destinations), the days in-between are adventure packed. Multiple times a day, guests are invited to disembark for a closer look at the true wilds of Alaska. That could entail going kayaking among bobbing bits of glacial ice in Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, or going for a Zodiac ride in Frederick Sound to view whales up close. Another option includes trekking on lesser-known forest trails and getting an explainer on tide pools along smaller islands. While Lindblad has a general idea of where the vessel will stop each day, itineraries are not set in stone and the crew is not afraid to mix it up if it means having a locale to themselves or if there’s a stellar animal encounter to enjoy—this is an expedition ship, after all.

Because Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic, there’s always a professional photographer on board to help travelers best capture their trip, as well as naturalists and expert guides to put what passengers see on the voyage into a more informative context. Both the National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture make the sailing. The sister ships were purpose built to sail the North American coast and feature 50 rooms each, all with windows or portholes, private bathrooms, climate controls, and a TV, plus Wi-Fi connections.

Kayakers near shore

In Alaska, NCL offers passengers countless off-ship activities to choose from.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaska: Hubbard Glacier, Skagway & Juneau

  • Cost: From $679 per person
  • Days: 9 days
  • Departure port: Seattle, Washington
  • End port: Seattle, Washington

If we were to pick one mega-ship operator to see Alaska on, it would be Norwegian Cruise Line . If your idea of a good time includes loads of onboard amenities (like over-the-top spas, nightly theater productions, go-kart tracks, and a water park), this is the sailing for you. It’s also one of the more family-friendly lines sailing in Alaska, considering there are kids clubs and programming specifically geared at youngsters.

Over the course of nine days, this sailing on the 1,976-passenger Norwegian Sun visits seven ports, including Sitka, Ice Strait Point, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria (in British Columbia), and spends a full day puttering around the otherworldly Hubbard Glacier. All in all, the sailing is affordable, and travelers can customize the land part of their itineraries to fulfill their Alaska wish list (at an added cost), by opting for excursions that include kayaking to the face of a glacier; going on a flightseeing tour to see brown bears feast on salmon; meeting sled dogs; shopping for Indigenous handicrafts; marveling at totem poles; and visiting local breweries. On board, Wi-Fi, bar drinks, and specialty dining are free, but activities like the spa cost extra.

Ponant’s Alaska and Its Fur Traders

  • Cost: From $13,230 per person
  • Days: 15 days
  • Departure port: Nome, Alaska
  • End port: Vancouver, Canada (this cruise is also offered in reverse)

Another itinerary that focuses on lesser-visited ports is French line Ponant’s 15-day sailing starting in Nome, Alaska’s erstwhile gold-rush outpost on the sparsely populated western coast. As the boat pulls out of the harbor, guests are invited to bring their binoculars to the deck to check the landscape for reindeer (or, at the very least, to see the spooky, Cold War–era telecommunications towers on a nearby hill). After a day at sea, the first stop is St. Matthew Island, in the Bering Sea, almost equidistant from mainland Alaska and Russia. Next is St. Paul Island, where volcanoes and crater lakes are on the agenda, followed by Dutch Harbor, an Aleutian Islands community known for its prodigious number of bald eagles. Unga and Geographic Harbor wrap up the western islands. Next up will be Tsaa Fjord in the captivating (and appropriately named) Icy Bay for icebergs and glaciers. Then Sitka, a former Russian colony, and Kake, a little-visited Indigenous community known for having the tallest totem pole in the world. After a few more days in the Inside Passage, the sailing culminates in Vancouver. These sailings take place on the 264-passenger L’Austral , a high-end expedition-style ship that boasts a theater, gym, spa (with hammam), panoramic lounge, and pool.

 Top deck view with swimming pool

It’s all about those top deck views.

Courtesy of Silversea

Silversea’s Vancouver to Seward

  • Cost: From $4,700 per person
  • Days: 7 days
  • End port: Seward, Alaska

What Silversea does well is creating an onboard experience that is luxurious and one-of-a-kind but doesn’t distract from the real star of the show: Alaska.

By day, the Silver Whisper visits buzzing, historical port towns including Ketchikan, Skagway, and Valdez, where guests are invited to disembark and participate in an activity of their choosing , like leisurely bopping around the downtown area or getting spine-tinglingly close to brown bears on a flightseeing tour. Back on the vessel, after a gourmet meal and drinks, evening entertainment is viewing the deep fjords, glaciers, and abundant whales that make Alaska so magical. Spacious suites accommodate 388 guests. There’s also complimentary pilates and yoga, a gym, jogging track, spa, observation library, and a slew of bars and restaurants. What’s particularly convenient about this sailing is that it ends in Seward, making it easy to continue your Alaska vacation (a visit to Denali National Park and Preserve, anyone?) by road or rail.

Uncruise Adventures’ Wild, Woolly and Wow

  • Cost: From $4,900 per person
  • End port: Juneau, Alaska

Cruise vacations often have the reputation of being not very active. However, this UnCruise Adventures sailing is aimed at those who want an more heart-pumping immersion into some little-visited areas of the 49th state, like South Baranof Island Wilderness Area and Chichagof Island. One day might involve kayaking in Patterson Bay followed by a brisk snorkeling session. Another could see guests hiking to a glacial lake or going for a skiff tour among icebergs. And another could involve biking in an area known for its healthy population of brown bears (if you dare). These sailings take place on the intimate 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy , with cozy but comfortable cabins and unlimited activities and beverages.

Windstar Cruises’ Islands & Inlets of the Inside Passage

  • Cost: From $4,799 per person
  • Days: 11 days
  • End port: Vancouver, Canada

The Inside Passage is popular for a reason. Here you’ll find remote islands dappled with stately spruce trees, dreamy fields of pink fireweed, and long stretches of undisturbed, rocky beaches. But if you motor a bit further, there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted by electric-blue icebergs, dizzying fjords, and dramatic, millennia-old glaciers. And, sooner or later, you’ll also meet communities of hardy locals. What’s appealing about this Windstar Cruises itinerary is that it’s a good mix of Alaska’s natural landscapes and coastal cityscapes. Visits to bustling port towns like Juneau and Ketchikan are balanced with days spent entirely in the wilderness of Endicott Arm and Misty fjords.

The ship is also on the smaller size (at least compared to many of the other cruise lines operating in Alaska), holding just over 300 guests, so it’s able to tuck into areas the mega-ships can’t. And it’s a luxurious way to spend 11 days—all of the rooms aboard the Star Breeze are suites.

A woman laying in a super bloom of golden California poppies in Antelope Valley

Best Alaska Cruise Excursions according to an Alaska Guide

Last Updated on February 7, 2024

Are you looking for the best Alaska cruise excursions for your upcoming Alaska cruise? If you need some help sorting through the overwhelming number of options, I’m here to help.

I’ve worked in the Alaska cruise industry since the late 90s and have lived in two Alaska cruise ports. I have spent lots of time in all the ports, both exploring on my own and on tours.

I’ll get right to it and tell you that the two best Alaska cruise excursions are whale watching in Juneau and the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway.

There are so many wonderful Alaska cruise excursions, you really can’t go wrong with any of them, but those are my top two and explain why below. I’m defining “best” as ones that everyone will love regardless of their age, mobility or interests that are experiences unique and authentic to Alaska. I also have some honorable mentions for those with unique interests.

Alaska cruise excursions give you the opportunity to get to places you can’t get to on your own, such as out among humpback whales feeding, mountains towering above narrow fjords and flying above glaciers and mountains.

What cruise line has the best Alaska cruise excursions?

All the major cruise lines operating in Alaska offer nearly identical options at the same price points. If for some reason your cruise line is not offering a smaller, special interest tour that you want, you can book it directly through the tour company. There is no need to choose one cruise line over another for the excursions.

Whale watching in Juneau

A humpback whale tail in a gray ocean on a cloudy day with hills and forest and mountains in the distance

Juneau is one of, if not the best place for whale watching in the world. Why? Because humpback whales migrate here seasonally and are very active all summer eating and feeding their calves before they migrate south for the winter.

In my opinion, if you only do one Alaska cruise excursion, it should be whale watching in Juneau.

Of course, the number of whales you see varies from day to day, but it’s nearly a guarantee of seeing these spectacular animals on a whale watching tour. In between, you’ll have a fun boat ride in very protected water with stunning mountains all around you. You will probably see other marine mammals such as seals or sea lions on your whale watching trip as well.

A humpback whale tale in the air as the whale dives with a big splash. The tail is black with white markings and you can see mountains in the background on a cloudy day.

Most Alaska cruise itineraries go to Juneau, but if yours does not, Icy Strait Point is also excellent for whale watching (nearly as good as Juneau) and Sitka is also a very good whale watching option.

White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway

A green and yellow diesel train engine pulling a historic brown train car with a red roof. The train track is going through the forest and by mountains

The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway is another must do Alaska cruise excursion. What is truly unique and special about it is that it takes you up from the head of a fjord into the mountains through several unique climate zones and landscapes into Canada. There is no other Alaska cruise excursion that takes you to so much diversity in such a short time.

Beautiful scenery and the chance to see wildlife along with the fascinating Klondike Gold Rush history that literally put Skagway on the map are additional bonuses for the train.

There are many variations on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. There is the straightforward summit excursion that takes you back and forth from the cruise ship dock and there are many combo tours.

Combining the railroad with the dog mushing camp and gold panning is a crowd pleaser and especially fun for kids. The combo that goes into Canada’s Yukon Territory is also wonderful, though it’s a longer tour (7-8 hours) so doesn’t give you as much time to explore the town. If you like wide open spaces and getting away from it all, you’ll love the Yukon tour!

What about Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau?

Mendenhall Glacier seen in the distance behind a lake. Around the glacier are rocky hillsides covered in thick, dark clouds. There are green trees and bushes in the foreground

Mendenhall Glacier is a wonderful gem in Juneau and an extremely popular recreation area for locals as well as visitors. You can read my complete guide to visiting Mendenhall Glacier here , but the bottom line is that this is one you definitely want to book a tour to do and you need to book it in advance. It’s really challenging (though not impossible) to get to Mendenhall Glacier on your own.

Mendenhall Glacier is super popular, but you will have other glacier viewing opportunities on your cruise, so don’t worry if you decide to do other things with your short Juneau visit.

Best Splurge on an Alaska cruise excursion

If you’ve got the budget to support it, there is no more authentically Alaskan experience than getting up in the air in a small plane, float plane or helicopter! Aviation, specifically small plane aviation, plays an outsized role in the lives of day to day Alaskans so it’s a very local and authentic experience.

In addition, Alaska is such an enormous state, with endlessly changing diverse landscapes, that to really grasp it flightseeing is the way to go. That said, flightseeing is very expensive, and boat tours are also amazing so go with a boat tour if you need something easier on your budget.

The two best flightseeing opportunities in Southeast Alaska are:

  • Helicopter Glacier Dog sledding in Juneau or Skagway – on a glacier is the only way to see a dog team on snow in the summer, and the views are incredible!
  • Wings Airways float plane flight to Taku Lodge – float planes take Alaskans everywhere, and on this trip you fly over beautiful glaciers to Taku Inlet for some delicious food at Taku Lodge.

A white float plane taxiing across Gastineau Channel near Juneau with houses and forested mountains in the background

Unique Alaska cruise excursions

A totem pole in red and turquoise paint in a forest on an alaska cruise excursion in ketchikan at Saxman Native Village

  • Totem poles in Ketchikan – take an excursion to Saxman Native Village or visit any of the other totem poles that are abundant in Ketchikan . Ketchikan is an excellent place to learn about Alaska Native Culture and support Native owned businesses .
  • Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show – this is an extremely popular and unique experience in Ketchikan featuring the amazing skills and competitions that make use of real world skills.
  • Deadliest Catch tour – fans of the show Deadliest Catch must not miss this popular tour in Ketchikan. Entertaining and you get to learn a ton about Alaska’s crab fishery!
  • Misty Fjords National Monument Boat tour – the green, foggy hills and narrow fjords of this beautiful area near Ketchikan are exactly what people think of when they think of Southeast Alaska. While you’ll be seeing similar scenery throughout the cruise, this tour allows you to go in narrower areas that bigger ships can’t get to. There is also a flightseeing tour of Misty Fjords, but in my opinion the boat tour is better due to Ketchikan’s consistently rainy weather.
  • Juneau Food Tours – Foodies and anyone who loves unique local experiences MUST do the Juneau Food tour! I love food and getting to know local people when I travel so if this sounds like you, do not miss this tour .
  • Juneau Lighthouse Tours – This wonderful tour combines whale watching with a visit to tiny Sentinel Island and the Sentinel Island Lighthouse. This gives a very unique and local perspective to add to your whale watching experience. You can explore the tiny island with just a few other people which is really special.
  • History walking tours in Skagway – for history enthusiasts, you don’t want to miss a walking tour of Skagway. You can book one through the ship, or you can join up with the free walking tours offered by the National Park Service.

Best Alaska cruise excursions for specific interests

If you’re looking for tours related to your specific interests, such as fishing, hiking, kayaking or cooking, there are plenty of great options. As I mentioned earlier, all the tours in Alaska are excellent so you really can’t go wrong. Definitely choose something specific to your interests!

Ketchikan, Juneau or Sitka are the best ports for fishing excursions. Skagway is the best hiking port although there are excellent hikes available in every Alaska port .

A busy cruise port with five cruise ships far below mountains with green trees in the foreground

Kayaking is excellent in Juneau (especially the Mendenhall Glacier kayaking excursions) and Ketchikan.

Should I book my cruise excursions through the cruise line or on my own?

The easy way with the least hassle and most convenience is to book through the cruise line. This often gives you a priority disembarkation in port and very slick and seamless transportation back and forth.

That said, it’s fine to book excursions on your own, if you want to do some extra research. There is always the risk of not making it back to the ship in time, but in my experience this is not an issue with anyone operating cruise excursions in Alaska. Check in with them and make sure they offer a return to ship guarantee. Nearly all of them will.

Really this is a matter of preference and convenience. You can go either way on this one. The cost will be about the same for the same experiences.

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

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THE 10 BEST Alaska Shore Excursions

Shore excursions in alaska.

  • Night Tours
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  • 4 hours to 1 day
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  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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best alaska cruise excursions 2023

  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

1. Juneau's Premier Whale Watching! - More time on the water!

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

2. PREMIUM Sitka Scenic Tour

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

3. 3.5 Hour Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska...skip the crowds with us!

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

4. Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

5. Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

6. River Fishing and Bear Watching

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

7. Skagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

8. Skagway Shore Excursion: Half-Day Tour to the Yukon Border and Suspension Bridge

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

9. Simply Amazing Sitka Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor, & Totems

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

10. Juneau Shore Excursions: Juneau Helicopter Tour & Dogsledding Experience

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

11. Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

12. Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

13. Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

14. Sled Dog Discovery in Juneau

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

15. Icy Strait Whale & Wildlife Endeavor

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

16. Private Custom Excursion with a Local (price up to 14)

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

17. Mahoney Lake Off-Road UTV Tour

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

18. Helicopter and Glacier Dog Sledding Tour from Seward

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

19. Rainforest Zip, Skybridge & Rappel Adventure in Ketchikan, AK

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

20. Wild Adventure Yukon Tour into Canada + White Pass Summit

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

21. Year Round Glacier View & Wildlife Anchorage Adventure Tour

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

22. Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

23. Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

24. Juneau Private 3 Hour Scenic Road Trip

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

25. Guided Walking Tour of Sitka | HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

26. Wildlife Viewing Sightseeing and Whale Watching

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

27. Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing - 6.5 hrs from Skagway

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

28. Private Taxi Tour

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

29. Sled Dog Adventure and Pan for Gold in the Yukon

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

30. Photo Safari in Ketchikan, Alaska. Spend 3 hrs "off the tourist beaten path". 

What travelers are saying.

Latrice J

Alaska Shore Excursions

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

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  • Holland America
  • National Geographic
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Regent Seven Seas
  • Royal Caribbean
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  • Selection Required
  • All Destinations
  • All Activities
  • Alaska Railroad
  • Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
  • Animal and Wildlife
  • ATV and Jeep
  • Chicagof Island
  • Chilkoot Trail
  • Day Cruises and Boat
  • Denali Star Train
  • Dog Sledding
  • Flightseeing
  • Float Plane and Seaplane
  • Glacier Bay
  • Kayaking and Canoe
  • Kid Friendly
  • Northern Lights
  • Sightseeing and City Tours
  • Sitka National Historical Park
  • Taiya River
  • Talkeetna Train
  • Tongass National Forest
  • Turnagain Arm
  • Whale Watching

Top Destinations

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Juneau is the Capital city of Alaska and is surrounded by ocean, glaciers, ice fields, and mountains. The area is abundant with whales and other wildlife.

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Skagway is a formerly lawless town that was once the start of the legendary Chilkoot Trail to the Klondike Goldrush.

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Ketchikan is home to the famous Misty Fjords National Monument, which is a labyrinth of glacier carved mountains towering 3,000 feet high over canals.

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Beautiful Sitka is located on Baranof Island and is surrounded by a maze of bays, islands, and waterways.

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Icy Strait on Chicagof Island offers true wilderness for great wildlife viewing and adventures. Highlights of Icy Strait include bear viewing, salmon fishing, and whale watching.

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Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and is known as The Gateway to Denali. Nearby mountains and wilderness provide access to the interior of Alaska.

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Seward is a coastal town located about 125 miles south of Anchorage. It is home to the Kenai Fjords National Park which provides a great variety of tours!

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Whittier is only accessible by ocean or through a 2 mile one-lane tunnel under Maynard mountain. This coastal Alaskan town is home to only 200 year-round residents!

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Juneau Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour

$661.00 / Person

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Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion & Train Tour

$146.00 / Person

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Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

$219.00 / Person

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Icy Strait Premier Whale Watching Adventure

$180.00 / Person

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Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

$359.00 / Person

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Skagway Glacier Helicopter Tour

$399.00 / Person

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Deluxe Misty Fjords National Monument Tour

$375.00 / Person

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Icy Strait Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search Tour

$150.00 / Person

Recent Reviews

Stanatasia Clark, July, 2020

Miguel R, July, 2016

Kelly Hasty, July, 2016

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18 Best Things to Do in Juneau

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15 Best Things to Do in Anchorage

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Top 10 Alaska Shore Excursions

Top Alaska Shore Excursions

Seeing wild Alaska is not enough; you must get out and experience it. Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the cruise line consistently awarded "Best In Alaska" (2019 Cruise Critic, Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards). 

Our Alaska shore excursions get you closer to glaciers, wildlife and mountains. Mush a dog team over a glacier and feel the wind in your face. Go high into the mountains on the White Pass Railway for breathtaking views and a better understanding of the prospectors’ plight. Float a river in Haines as majestic eagles soar overhead. Make new friends, eat new cuisine, and watch wildlife hunt and play in their home turf. From culture to food to icy thrills, our iconic Alaska shore excursions will make your trip one to remember forever.

See Our Excursions in Action

Get a glimpse into what you’ll experience on one of our Alaska shore excursions. Better yet, come experience Alaska’s breathtaking beauty for yourself.

Video of popular Juneau excursions and sites to see on a Holland America Line Alaska Cruise

Top 10 Alaska Shore Excursions

With so many Alaska shore excursions to choose from, which one will you pick? When it comes to the Great Land, great adventures await. Check out the best cruise excursions and safaris in Alaska below.

Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure

Ride the current where the sparkling sea meets the emerald forest. Soak in the rugged Alaska wilderness. Feel one with nature on this scenic excursion.

Best Of Sitka: Otters, Raptors & Bears

Watch massive brown and black bears living their best lives at Fortress of the Bear. Make new friends of a feather at the Alaska Raptor Center. See marine animals in their natural habitat. Every wild encounter will warm your heart.

White Pass Summit Scenic Railroad

Ride the rail over high trestles to uninterrupted views of pure Alaska wilderness. Pass Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and more as your guide regales captivating Gold Rush history.

White Pass Summit Rail, Gold Panning & Barbecue Lunch

Depart from the train depot for a thrilling 40-mile roundtrip train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Visit Dredge Town, where you will enjoy an authentic barbecue lunch including ribs, chicken, and various side dishes. Experience a glimpse of the life of a prospector when you join a colorful cast of characters to learn the art of gold panning.

Haines Eagle Preserve Float & Wildlife Quest

Raft a lazy river through the lush Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Photograph eagles feasting on bountiful salmon. Bears, moose, and wolves also frequent these grounds

Taku Lodge, Feast & Five Glacier Seaplane Discovery

Fly in a classic de Havilland seaplane over five breathtaking glaciers flowing from the Juneau Ice Field, deep blue crevasses, snow-capped mountains, and the lush Tongass National Forest

Dog Sledding & Glacier Adventure By Helicopter

Helicopter onto a vast glacier ensconced by mountain peaks. Then carve through the snow with a team of sled dogs. Hike! Gee! Haw! This cruise excursion is as "Alaska" as it gets.

Alaska's Whales & Mendenhall Glacier Trail: Small-Group Experience

Zip up the Mount Roberts Tramway, treated to mountain vistas along the way. Hike alpine trails. Discover the Mendenhall Glacier, a vivid blue glacier that stretches 13 miles to Mendenhall Lake.

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour

Witness all that goes into harvesting crabs with experienced crab fishers, some you may have seen on the Deadliest Catch. You will never want this Alaska shore excursion to end.

Saxman Native Village, Dance, Totems & Lumberjack Show

Learn about Alaska culture and frontier spirit in Ketchikan. Gain exclusive access to a Tlingit carving center and watch traditional dances. Tour Saxman Totem Park and then get your heart racing at the action-packed lumberjack show.

Alaska Cruises

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Alaska Cruisetours

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

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

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

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

Explore Your Cruisetour Options

Need help choosing.

10 - 13 Nights

Denali Explorer

  • 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

13 - 15 Nights

Off the Beaten Path

  • 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

12 - 17 Nights

Connoisseur

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

10 - 11 Nights

On Your Own

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

Katmai National Park cruisetour

New and exclusive to Princess! Offering a deeper connection with Alaska wildlife, this brand new itinerary combines a 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise and two nights in Anchorage. Spend a day viewing brown bears at Katmai National Park and visit Alaska’s premier Wildlife Conservation Center

Ultimate Wildlife Adventure cruisetour

A Princess exclusive, this new cruisetour is curated to provide whales breaching in Glacier Bay National Park, bear viewing in Katmai National Park and observing Denali’s “Big 5” such as moose and caribou in Denali National Park. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled with the opportunities to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitats. This 13-night cruisetour also features a visit to Alaska’s premier Wildlife Conservation Center.

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.

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

A closer look at Alaska’s interior.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Princess Lodges & Alaska Cities

Comfortable riverside lodges surrounded by natural beauty.

  • Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge®
  • Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®
  • Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge®
  • Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge®
  • Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge®
  • Anchorage (Whittier)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the Great Land

Voyage closer to the sights, sounds, wildlife and traditions that make Alaska unique.

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.

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.

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.

Alaska excursions

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

Alaska Cruise Onboard Experience

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

Alaska Seafood

Fresh and bountiful, like Alaska itself

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

Meet Local Alaskans

Real Alaska from local Alaskans

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

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Great experiences from the great land

Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. 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 2024-2025

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

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

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

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

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

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

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

Alaska Ports of Call

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

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

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

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

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

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

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

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

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

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

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

Need help planning?

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

Cruise deals & promotions

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

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

See Alaska through our guests' eyes.

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Alaska cruises.

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

Denali National Park

Home to North America’s tallest peak.

Train Travel

Explore Great Land with Princess exclusive rail service.

The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler

Gene Sloan

What are the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle ? It depends on what kind of traveler you are.

If you're a parent traveling with teens and tweens, you'll probably want to pick a voyage on one of the big, family activity-filled cruise ships operated by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line that sail out of Seattle each summer.

If you're looking to get away from families with young children — maybe you're a retiree looking to travel with people your own age — you'd want to check out the itineraries operated by cruise lines that cater more to couples without kids, most notably Holland America and Princess Cruises.

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

Other cruises might be best for solo travelers or travelers on a tight budget.

Here we list our top picks for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for six different types of travelers.

Best for families: Ovation of the Seas

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

It isn't easy picking the best Alaska cruise out of Seattle for families. There are four world-class family-focused cruise ships in the market, each of which is a contender for the best for families title: Royal Caribbean 's Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.

All four ships are loaded with all sorts of gee-whiz family attractions, from bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators on the Royal Caribbean vessels to go-kart tracks and laser tag courses on the Norwegian ships.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean ships, the Norwegian ships also have epic waterslides on their top decks, which in theory, might put them over the top in any listing of the best cruise ships for families based in Seattle.

However, keep in mind that Alaska can be chilly, even at the height of summer, and rainy, too. For that reason, we discount the value of some of the family-friendly attractions on the Norwegian ships, which are open to the elements, and consider the Royal Caribbean ships the best of the bunch for Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Both of the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska from Seattle are loaded with attractions that are protected from the elements, including those bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators. In fact, both Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas were specifically built to operate in areas of inclement weather.

Of the two ships, which are nearly identical and part of the relatively new Quantum class of vessels, we give the 4,180-passenger Ovation of the Seas the nod for best Alaska family cruise ship sailing from Seattle only because it's a couple of years newer. Newer is almost always better in the cruise world.

Related: The 6 types of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

A cavernous indoor activity area on each of the two Quantum-class ships called the SeaPlex is home to the aforementioned bumper cars, as well as such family-friendly activities as roller skating, basketball and even trapeze lessons. The two-level complex also has upstairs nooks for playing Xbox, ping pong and foosball. It's like one big play zone for families that will keep your kids busy for hours.

Each of the ships also offers one of the most unusual attractions you'll find at sea: A glass-enclosed capsule mounted on a mechanical arm that will take you and your family soaring into the sky for bird's-eye views. It's called the North Star ride.

All the above come in addition to many of the core Royal Caribbean attractions you'll find on most of the brand's ships, including pools, rock climbing walls, casinos, spas and Broadway-style shows, plus lots of eateries and bars.

Related: The 9 craziest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Of particular note, given Alaska's weather, is that one of the two main pool areas on each of these Quantum-class ships is enclosed.

Best for budget travelers: Eurodam

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

Our pick for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers may come as a surprise to many cruise aficionados. That's because it's not the Alaska voyages from Seattle offered by the North American cruise line best known for budget sailings — Carnival Cruise Line .

Carnival does offer cruises to Alaska from Seattle regularly with two ships: Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa. However, while Carnival is the low-cost leader in many cruise destinations, that's not always the case in the market for Alaska cruises from Seattle. Often, the lowest starting prices you'll find on cruises to Alaska from Seattle, on both an absolute and per-day basis, are the cruises offered by Holland America .

For the coming year, for instance, as of this guide's posting, there were lots of Holland America sailings to Alaska from Seattle available for under $750 per person for seven nights — some as low as $429 per person for seven nights.

There were very few Carnival sailings available for under $750 per person, with most Carnival sailings starting around $800 per person or more for seven nights.

We suspect the lower starting prices for Holland America ships as compared to Carnival ships on Alaska sailings out of Seattle is because Alaska cruises from Seattle are round-trip voyages. Many Holland America fans who cruise to Alaska choose a one-way voyage to or from the state that lets them add extra days for touring in Alaska at the start or end of the voyage. Such one-way voyages only are available out of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Holland America — the longtime leader in Alaska cruises, along with its sister company Princess Cruises — is particularly known for "cruisetours" to Alaska that combine a one-way cruise to or from the state with multiple days touring Alaska by motorcoach and train.

Holland America bases two ships in Seattle for cruises to Alaska: the 2,104-passenger Eurodam and 1,964-passenger Westerdam. Starting prices for both are relatively similar, but we give the nod for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers to Eurodam as it's a somewhat newer vessel.

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Encore

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

No luxury-focused cruise ships sail to Alaska out of Seattle. Still, you can get a variation on a luxury cruise experience on a voyage to Alaska from Seattle on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Encore.

Yes, the 3,998-passenger Norwegian Encore is a cruise ship that generally caters to the masses, not the luxury crowd. However, it has its own "ship-within-a-ship" luxury zone that offers a much more swanky experience for those willing to pay.

At the top front of the vessel, this private enclave, called The Haven, is home to dozens of upscale suites; a sprawling, two-deck-high pool area; a private lounge and bar; and a private restaurant. Only the deep-pocketed swells who can afford one of the suites get exclusive access to these areas.

The pool area, a true stunner, comes with comfortable padded loungers, a pool and whirlpools. Its retractable glass roof is perfect for cruises to Alaska when the weather is iffy. Guests can enjoy the deck, rain or shine.

If living large is your goal, you're not going to find anything better than this — other than with a cruise on a similar Norwegian vessel that also cruises to Alaska from Seattle. Norwegian Bliss, also based in Washington during the summer, is part of the same Norwegian Breakaway-Plus class of vessels and has a similar Haven enclave.

Related: How to turn a mass-market cruise into a luxury experience

Why did we pick Norwegian Encore over Norwegian Bliss as the ship offering the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for luxury lovers? Built a year after Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore offers one big improvement for the upscale crowd as compared to Norwegian Bliss.

On Norwegian Encore, there's a much bigger version of the exclusive, extra-charge Vibe Beach Club sunning area that's on Norwegian Bliss. Home to a full-service bar, cabanas and two hot tubs, the version of the Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Encore sprawls across both sides of the ship (instead of just one side on Norwegian Bliss) and extends upward to a partial deck above. It's just $99 or more per day to get in.

It's yet one more stylish and upscale area for cruisers looking for an upgraded experience to retreat.

Note that there is one other option for upscale Alaska cruises out of Seattle: A voyage on Oceania Cruises ' 684-passenger Regatta. While Oceania isn't considered a luxury line on the level of Silversea Cruises or Seabourn Cruise Line , it has an elegant feel. That said, given the ship's age (it dates to 1998) and limited venues, we're still in the camp that favors a Haven stay on a Norwegian ship.

Best for solo travelers: Norwegian Bliss

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss are also our top picks for ships operating the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for solo travelers. Between these two, it's a tossup, though we put Norwegian Bliss in the headline above since, well, we already gave Norwegian Encore a turn in the limelight with the best-for-luxury category.

Notably, both Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore boast large private zones for solo travelers — something you won't find on any other cruise ship sailing out of Seattle. It's a hallmark of Norwegian's newest and biggest ships.

On each of the ships, the "studio" zones, as Norwegian calls them, are made up of 82 special solo cabins and a private Studio Lounge where solos can gather for happy hours and other events. Only the studio zone on Norwegian's 2010-built Norwegian Epic is bigger.

Passengers staying in solo cabins get exclusive access to the Studio Lounge (using their keycards), meaning a maximum of 82 people will share the space.

A special zone for solo travelers is a rare concept in the cruise world, where almost all rooms for vacationers are designed for two people and sold with per-person fares that are based on two people occupying the room.

The solo cabins in the studio zones are small (measuring 100 square feet) but are superbly designed to maximize storage space (something I learned firsthand staying in one on Norwegian Epic).

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

Solo passengers on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss will also find a sometimes rollicking bar scene, with plenty of counter-style seating in bars that are a great place to meet other solo travelers and friendly guests. We recommend the Sugarcane Mojito Bar on Norwegian Bliss. There, the bartender will muddle your mojitos with raspberry, guava, passion fruit or even jalapeno pepper to spice things up when you're sitting with your new solo friends.

One warning if you're considering booking one of the solo cabins: They've become so popular that they often sell out far in advance and at prices that aren't much better than booking a cabin for two.

Best for multigenerational travel: Discovery Princess

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

Looking for the best Alaska cruise from Seattle if you're bringing three generations of your family along for the ride? We can think of nothing better than a voyage on one of the two Princess Cruises ships that sail out of the city, the 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess and 3,560-passenger Royal Princess.

Both ships are almost identical, but we give Discovery Princess the edge only because it's newer than Royal Princess. The two vessels were built in 2022 and 2013, respectively.

Princess has long been heralded as one of the best cruise lines for multigenerational travel, in part because its ships offer a little something for travelers of all ages.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships mentioned above, the two Princess ships sailing from Seattle don't have top decks heavily skewed to family fun. Instead, their top decks offer lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas where you can enjoy the experience of being at sea without much hustle and bustle.

That makes these ships more appealing to an older demographic that doesn't necessarily want to be on a vessel that's loaded to the gills with children's fun zones and the younger family travelers drawn to that. Notably, the average age of Princess passengers is around 57, and you'll usually see many couples on board in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

Still, unlike some lines that cater to an older crowd, Princess doesn't ignore the children's market. Both Discovery Princess and Royal Princess offer an extensive children's program that gets high marks from parents, with dedicated Discovery Channel-themed Camp Discovery areas where counselors supervise free activities daily for children ages 3 to 17.

When sailing to Alaska, these ships also offer other kid-friendly events, such as Puppies on Princess, when dog mushers and their newest sled dogs come on board for meet-and-greets (and photos!). In partnership with the Discovery Channel and Glacier Bay National Park, the line also adds such kid-friendly fun during Alaska sailings as a Junior Ranger Program, totem pole decorating and a "Deadliest Catch-"themed crab sorting challenge.

In addition, an onboard Klondike Festival brings added family entertainment, including gold nugget arts and crafts projects, a naturalist exhibition, harmonica music classes and North to Alaska dance performances.

In short, Princess provides an Alaska product specifically designed to appeal to a wide age range. It's the line you take if you want an affordable ship that'll appeal to your 70-year-old parents as much as your 12-year-old kid.

Best for retirees: Westerdam

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

The best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for retirees, in our view, are the sailings offered by Holland America on both the 1,964-passenger Westerdam and 2,104-passenger Eurodam. We give Westerdam the slight edge for reasons we will explain below.

While Holland America draws some families with younger children, the passengers on its ships skew heavily toward middle-aged and older travelers, including many retirees. If you're nearing or already have hit retirement age and prefer to travel mostly with people who are at a similar stage in life as you, you'll feel right at home on a Holland America ship.

The top decks of Holland America vessels, notably, lack many of the kid-focused attractions found on the top decks of more family-focused ships operated by the likes of Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. That often keeps families with younger kids from booking the ships.

What you will find on the top decks of both Eurodam and Westerdam are more serene sunning areas with pools and whirlpools. Depending on your travel style, that might be all you need.

Related: The best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Both Eurodam and Westerdam mostly sail seven-night trips to Alaska out of Seattle. However, for 2024, Westerdam has added an epic new 28-night Alaska itinerary out of Seattle that will include calls in remote areas that most cruise ships never visit. The new itinerary is one reason we give Westerdam the edge among ships when rating the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for seniors.

It's the sort of itinerary that specifically appeals to retirees with the time (and money) to book such a long trip.

Westerdam is also a slightly smaller ship than Eurodam, and as a result, its demographics on any given sailing are more likely to skew toward a retired crowd. To the extent that families with younger kids book Holland America ships, they are more likely to book one of its larger vessels.

In addition to Eurodam and Rotterdam, two other good choices for retirees considering Alaska cruises out of Seattle are the two Princess ships that sail on such itineraries: Royal Princess and Discovery Princess. Like the Holland America ships, they aren't loaded with kid-focused attractions that draw families.

Bottom line

Nearly a dozen major cruise ships operate Alaska cruises out of Seattle during the summer months, giving cruisers plenty of choice.

What is the best Alaska cruise from Seattle for you? That'll depend on your personal interests and travel style because there are cruises from Seattle that appeal to everyone, including family travelers, budget travelers and retirees.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • 15 ways cruisers waste money
  • 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
  • What to pack for your first cruise

Protect Your Trip »

The 9 best northern lights alaska cruises for 2024 & beyond.

Consider one of these trips for a chance to see this mesmerizing natural wonder.

The Best Northern Lights Alaska Cruises

Northern lights over Alaska landscape.

Getty Images

There's no other experience on Earth quite like witnessing the northern lights. Also known as the aurora borealis, this spellbinding phenomenon – when brilliant hues of green, yellow and purple dance across the night sky – is visible in Alaska from late August to late April. Clear, dark evenings away from the ambient light of cities provide prime viewing opportunities.

Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis – especially locations in the Interior and Arctic regions, such as Coldfoot, Wiseman, Utqiagvik (Barrow) and Nome. Fairbanks is regarded as a top location due to its position directly under the auroral oval, a ring-shaped area in the far north where aurora activity is generally concentrated. The Southcentral region of Alaska, where you'll find Anchorage, Talkeetna and the Mat-Su Valley, also offers basecamps for northern lights viewing.

If you're hoping to see the magic aboard an Alaska cruise in 2024 or 2025, then you just might be in luck. Experts predict the next few seasons will be particularly good for northern lights sightings, due to increased solar activity. While seeing the northern lights is never guaranteed, your best chance of seeing them is during these high-activity solar cycles, which occur about every 11 years.

Find your perfect cruise

When to take a cruise to view the northern lights

The Alaska cruise season falls between May and September, with a few cruise lines extending the season from April to October.

Holland America Line recommends booking a cruise or cruisetour (a combined sea and land package) during the autumnal equinox, or the official start of autumn, which falls around Sept. 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. Disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field are more likely around the autumn and spring equinoxes, which could increase your chances of seeing the aurora. For the best views, Holland America advises heading to higher ground in Anchorage , to vantage points like Glen Alps, the Knit River Valley and Point Woronzof.

Princess Cruises also suggests booking your vacation in the fall. September is an ideal month to watch for the spectacle in the sky as the nights start getting longer and darker. The elusive display is most likely to appear on crystal-clear evenings between midnight and 4 a.m. While you can see incredible light shows in Anchorage, consider an extended tour of Fairbanks or the Interior that takes you away from light pollution (such as to Denali National Park & Preserve).

U.S. News has compiled a list of the nine best cruises and cruisetours to give you the optimal chance of viewing these whimsical lights in the sky, with a focus on sailings around the autumnal equinox in 2024 and later dates in September 2025. We've also included an early sailing in April, before the end of the aurora season. (Keep in mind: Many of these trips and itineraries are also available on other dates during the season. Cruise fares were accurate at the time of publication.)

Holland America Line

Princess cruises, celebrity cruises, norwegian cruise line, royal caribbean international.

Man standing under the northern lights in Canada.

Thierry Guenez | Courtesy of Holland America Line

9-Day Denali: Tour D8l

This nine-day land and sea tour on Nieuw Amsterdam includes an opportunity to search for the northern lights in Fairbanks, one of the best places to see them in Alaska (and in the world). Holland America offers a four-hour aurora borealis viewing tour outside the city in a yurt; it operates between the last week of August and mid-September.

If you'd like more options, there's no shortage of tour operators in town that can take you on a northern lights adventure in Fairbanks. You can even fly into town early to stay in the wilderness in an igloo with clear views of the night sky at Borealis Basecamp, located less than 30 miles from Fairbanks. Be sure to notify your hotel that you'd like a wake-up call or a knock on the door if the northern lights are on display.

You'll have more opportunities to see the aurora when you head to Denali National Park & Preserve for a stay at Holland America 's exclusive 60-acre McKinley Chalet Resort, located near the entrance to the park. After a full day exploring the park by ATV or a bucket list flightseeing adventure over Denali, you'll have another chance to see the colorful light display in Alaska's wilderness after midnight. The rest of the cruisetour itinerary includes scenic cruising days, with one spent in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. You'll also call on Juneau , Skagway and Ketchikan before disembarking in Vancouver .

14-Day Denali: Tour D3c

This 14-day adventure includes scenic cruising of the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord, with stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Whittier and Seward. You'll then have nearly a week on land in Anchorage, Denali National Park & Preserve and Fairbanks to go aurora hunting. If you spend an extra night or two in Fairbanks at the end of the trip, you'll be in town for the autumnal equinox, maximizing your northern lights viewing opportunities.

With the extra time in town, plan to book the Arctic Circle Air Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Company. This unforgettable journey takes you on a flight over the Yukon River and Brooks Range, just east of the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. You'll then land 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the community of Coldfoot and receive an Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate before your return flight to Fairbanks.

7-Day Glacier Discovery Northbound

If you're interested in a cruise-only option and would prefer to arrange the land portion independently, consider this seven-day voyage on Nieuw Amsterdam. The itinerary includes three scenic cruising days, with one day in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, and calls on the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking in Whittier, which sits roughly 60 miles south of Anchorage.

From Whittier, there are many options to transfer to Anchorage (by rail or by road), including the iconic Glacier Discovery Train. Plan to stay a few evenings in Anchorage with a multiday guided aurora tour, or reserve a spot on an evening outing in search of the northern lights.

Princess Cruises ship in Skagway, Alaska.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

11-Day Denali Explorer – Tour DA4

This 11-day cruisetour begins with a seven-night voyage embarking from Vancouver on Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The itinerary includes three sea days, two of which are dedicated to scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord. You'll make stops in the coastal towns of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Anchorage (Whittier) before disembarking to depart for the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge via the line's direct-to-the-wilderness rail service.

Spending three nights at the lodge – located just outside the entrance to the park – in mid-September will offer excellent opportunities for aurora viewing. Keep your fingers crossed for high solar activity and clear, dark skies. Throughout your trip, learn photography tips to capture the mesmerizing display through Princess' North to Alaska Program. After your stay in Denali, you'll take a motor coach to Anchorage and stay overnight in a hotel there to finish up your voyage.

10-Day On Your Own – Tour BBX

The 10-Day On Your Own cruisetour with Princess Cruises begins with three nights on land, including overnights in Fairbanks, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. While at the Mt. McKinley resort, be sure to check out the lodge's treehouse. Designed by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," this vantage point offers impressive views of Denali – the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet above sea level.

Before heading off to bed, get an update on aurora activity from the tracker on your smartphone, especially if you have clear skies that night; the app My Aurora Forecast & Alerts has excellent reviews. Request a wake-up call to have the Princess lodge staff call your room if the dazzling bands of light begin to dance in the sky. The next day, after traveling to Whittier by motor coach, you'll embark on your cruise to Vancouver aboard Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess.

The voyage from Whittier includes three sea days for relaxing activities on board the ship, with two days of scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier and in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. During your time in Glacier Bay, park rangers will board the ship to offer commentary about this captivating wilderness area's pristine glaciers and abundant wildlife. Younger cruisers and teens will also appreciate learning about this spectacular place through the Junior Ranger program, which features interactive games, activities and presentations. (All cruise ships visiting the park participate in this program with the National Park Service.) Ports of call for the rest of the journey include Icy Strait Point or Skagway (depending on the cruise), then Juneau and Ketchikan. The voyage ends in Vancouver.

best alaska cruise excursions 2023

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Balcony of the Celebrity Suite on the Celebrity Summit.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

The Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour

Celebrity's pre-cruise national parks adventure takes guests on a wildlife viewing quest to destinations in the north and the Interior where you can watch for the aurora. The 12-night trip begins in Fairbanks with a free day to explore.

Consider a trip to the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which features exhibits on Arctic dinosaurs, diverse wildlife, Alaska Native cultures and 2,000 years of Alaska art. You could also visit the impressive collection of antique cars and clothing at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, or take a walk with the reindeer into the woods at Running Reindeer Ranch. The second day in town includes a Riverboat Discovery ride and a tour of the city, as part of the cruisetour.

On the third day, you'll board the Wilderness Express (a glass-domed railcar) for the ride to Denali. Then, you'll embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour in search of the park's grizzly bears, moose, Dall sheep and other wildlife. Be sure to put your name on the list before bedtime to get a wake-up call for aurora activity. You'll also have one evening in Anchorage, where you can arrange for a northern lights tour, and one night in Seward before setting sail on Celebrity Summit the next morning. Highlights of the voyage include cruising Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage as well as stopping in Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. You'll disembark in Vancouver.

The Norwegian Bliss on the water at sunset with mountains in the background.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

13-Day Denali Explorer – Pre-Cruise Cruisetour

Norwegian Cruise Line's six-day pre-cruise adventure begins with overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage, where you'll have the best chances to view the northern lights. Other highlights for the first part of the trip include a deluxe dome car rail journey from Talkeetna to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad and a private tour to an Iditarod sled dog musher's kennel. You'll also have plenty of time in Denali National Park to book a flightseeing tour, go whitewater rafting, or take a hike with a park ranger to look for bears, moose, Dall sheep, wolves and other local wildlife before starting your cruise in Seattle .

Norwegian Encore will call on Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan (Ward Cove) in Alaska. The Mill at Ward Cove near Ketchikan is a newly built cruise ship port that serves as a jumping-off point for outdoor activities in the Tongass National Forest, from hiking and biking to kayaking and sea cycling. You can even pick up souvenirs, grab a bite to eat and sample a cold Alaska brew at the mill. The cruise itinerary also includes one day at sea and a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, before you disembark in Seattle.

7-Night Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Consider this seven-day cruise on Norwegian Bliss if you prefer to travel early in the spring and take your chances at catching the northern lights toward the end of aurora season, which falls around April 21. This round-trip itinerary from Seattle is one of the earliest sailings of the year to visit the Great Land and features two sea days, with one day of scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. You'll also visit Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan (Ward Cove) and Victoria before disembarking in Seattle.

Juneau will offer one of the best opportunities during the cruise for seeing the northern lights, although chances are dependent on the weather and solar activity. There are several apps and websites with real-time updates for aurora tracking, including My Aurora Forecast & Alerts. If the skies are clear in the evening and the forecast looks promising, ask guest relations if there's a sign-up sheet to get a call or a knock on the door in the event of aurora activity.

Exterior of Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

12 Night Mountain Panorama Adventure Cruisetour 5B (Pre Tour)

This 12-night cruisetour with Royal Caribbean International begins with an overnight in Anchorage before boarding the Wilderness Express, where you'll have a glass-domed rail car for the journey to Talkeetna. The quirky community of Talkeetna is said to be the inspiration for the fictional Alaska town of Cicely in the 1990s show "Northern Exposure." It's also an excellent base for chasing the aurora – especially at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, where you'll be staying.

After an overnight at the lodge, your tour moves on to Denali, where you can search for wildlife by day and look for the aurora at night. Another evening on land at Hotel Alyeska in the remote town of Girdwood affords more opportunities to chase the finnicky lights before heading to Seward to board your ship, Radiance of the Seas .

Ports of call on this voyage include Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. There are also two days of scenic cruising through Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver. While there are plenty of activities, dining venues, bars and lounges on board to keep you entertained all night long, be sure to save up enough energy to wake up in the middle of the night should you get a call to see the magical natural wonder that is the northern lights.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

  • Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
  • The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
  • The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
  • The Best Alaska Shore Excursions
  • How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Alaska Vacations

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  • # 4 Bora Bora

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TravelAwaits

9 Best Alaska Cruise Lines

W hether you want to witness epic wildlife, see calving glaciers in person, or check the so-called Last Frontier off your bucket list, an Alaska cruise deserves your consideration. I was born and spent my young childhood in Alaska, and the natural beauty of the state is unparalleled. A cruise along the coast anywhere in the state — especially in summer, the season of the Midnight Sun — is an excellent way to experience it.

Let these reader picks for the best Alaska cruise lines inform your itinerary, Alaska shore excursions, and beyond.

1. Holland America Line (Winner)

Holland America is celebrating 150 years of cruising this year and Alaska is one of its most popular destinations. The cruise line has an 11-ship fleet that takes cruisers all around the world, but in Alaska, where it’s operated cruises for more than 75 years, it doesn’t stop with sailing the seas and stopping in ports of call: Holland America offers both Alaska cruises and Alaska Cruisetours that invite travelers to go inland aboard the McKinley Explorer, its exclusive glass-domed train, for a McKinley Chalet Resort stay that gets them up close and personal with Denali National Park.

Between its straight-up Alaska cruises and Alaska Cruisetours, you have over 100 Holland America itineraries and seven ships to choose from. The cruise line’s ships exude classic elegance. You’ll get to marvel at the Inside Passage, an Artic Circle Summer Solstice, or the Aleutian Islands; taste the culinary creations of celebrity chefs; enjoy a diverse onboard music and entertainment lineup; and, once you’ve had your fill, sink into your stateroom’s Mariner’s Dream Bed — a plush “Euro-Top” mattress made exclusively for Holland America’s ships.

2. Norwegian Cruise Line

When it comes to its Alaska cruises , Norwegian’s goal is for cruisers to realize what it feels like “when you let the outside in,” and it boasts the best glacier-sighting experiences in the state. This pairs perfectly with Norwegian’s signature offering: Freestyle Cruising. Think an Alaska cruise with no set schedule and plenty of accessible onboard options.

Norwegian’s big, bold ships offer amenities like The Waterfront, a dedicated promenade that lets you walk a quarter-mile of the waterfront while sailing the seas (available on three of its Alaska ships: Bliss , Encore , and Joy ).

The cruise line’s seven Alaska ships depart from six ports. In addition to shore excursions, Norwegian also offers 10 Alaska Cruisetour options that take cruisers inland to Denali National Park & Preserve and as far north as Fairbanks. In many cases, cruisers are transported via a domed railcar on the famed Alaska Railroad, which promises to take anyone’s Alaska experience to the next level.

3. Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises’ six Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries prioritize travelers’ glacier, wildlife, and national park experiences. The cruise line boasts a “50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences.” In Alaska, it delivers on that commitment by serving up fresh Alaska seafood on board; introducing guests to local Alaska craftspeople, rangers, and guides; and making space for Alaska-only experiences — think on-deck sled dog puppy meet and greets and northern lights viewings from the ships’ planetariums.

Princess also boasts exclusive service on Alaska railways and five Princess Wilderness Lodges that put cruisetour travelers close to Alaska’s national parks in Kenai, Denali, Fairbanks, and the Copper River Valley. 

4. Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean currently offers a whopping 75 Alaska cruise options with round-trip and one-way cruises departing from Seattle, Washington; Seward, Alaska (a 2-hour drive from Anchorage); and Vancouver, British Columbia. Cruisers can choose from four ships, including Quantum of the Seas , the largest and potentially most decked-out ship (on-board sky-diving simulator, surfing, and rock climbing) to cruise the region.

Pro Tip: Quantum of the Seas sailings are exclusive to Alaska and Australia, so unless you’re planning to cruise “Down Under,” an Alaska cruise is your chance to experience this first-of-its-class vessel perfect for family groups and thrill-seekers of all ages.

Regardless of which ship you choose, Royal Caribbean’s Alaska expeditions promise “warm impressions of the wilderness,” meaning shore excursions and glacier viewings that prioritize comfort. Royal Caribbean also puts an emphasis on hearty, locally sourced food like wild-caught salmon, satisfying sourdough, and fresh-picked Alaska berries galore.

5. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity’s 14 Alaska cruise itineraries and 42 cruisetour options center the state’s natural beauty, wildlife, and history. The cruise line boasts five elegant ships including the recently renovated Millenium , a Forbes Four-Star-Rated “resort at sea.”

All of Celebrity’s Alaska ships feature luxurious cashmere bedding (perfect for chilly Alaska nights!), adult-only solariums, and the opportunity to upgrade to The Retreat — an exclusive all-suite, all-inclusive vacation experience that includes access to a private restaurant and private resort-style lounge.

6. Viking Cruises

Unlike other cruise lines on this list, Viking centers its Alaska & the Inside Passage itinerary around native Tlingit culture and the “region where a Wild West spirit still feels very much alive,” rather than Alaska per se. Ports of call during the 11-day cruise (Viking’s sole Alaska offering) include Vancouver, British Columbia, and Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Valdez, and Seward in Alaska.

The itinerary’s Scenic Sailings include the 500-mile Inside Passage on Day 2 and glacier-ensconced Yakutat Bay on Day 8. Cruisers will be accompanied by a Viking Resident Historian who will deliver lectures on Pacific Northwest expansion and development, indigenous people, and glaciers.

While this singular offering makes choosing your Viking Alaska blissfully straightforward, you can opt for pre- and/or post-cruise extensions in Vancouver, Anchorage, Denali, and beyond.

7. Alaskan Dream Cruises

Alaskan Dream Cruises is unique in that it offers small-vessel expeditions — no more than 76 passengers per sailing, compared to the thousands who could be aboard giant Alaska cruise liners. Itineraries combine excursions in Alaska towns and native villages with glacial bay and fjord sailings.

On board, cruisers enjoy what the cruise line calls a “relaxed ambiance” that is less about frills and more about experiencing “True Alaska with True Alaskans.” Get ready for ocean views from whichever cabin you choose, the freshest Alaskan cuisine, and opportunities to taste local craft beers and Pacific Northwest wines daily.

Pro Tip: If you want to charter your very own Alaska cruise, Alaskan Dream Cruises offers excellent options. Cruisers can charter the Misty Fjord or the Kruzof Explorer and customize an itinerary for up to 12 guests.

Alaskan Dream Cruises also boasts two exclusive island lodges — Fin Island and Orca Point — both constructed of beautiful local timber. Guests on every Alaskan Dream Cruise get a night at one of these two remote lodges, where they’ll enjoy a special seafood dinner, a campfire, cultural presentations, and, at Orca Point, an opportunity to peruse the exclusive gift shop.

Fun Fact: Alaskan Dream Cruises’ history is intimately intertwined with the U.S. Airways Flight 1549 rescue efforts, also known as Miracle on the Hudson, where half the vessels that responded to the downed flight were “highly maneuverable” ferries built by its parent company in Sitka, Alaska.

8. Oceania Cruises

Oceania currently offers 30+ Alaska cruise options , plus Pre- and Post-Cruise Land Programs that let cruisers explore places like Anchorage and Denali in Alaska and Calgary in Canada. For cruisers 5–12 years old, it also offers the Alaska Youth Explorer Program, which is staffed by camp counselors and centers around Alaska-inspired activities and programming.

All of Oceania’s cruises emphasize the locals and cuisine is a highlight. It boasts “the finest cuisine at sea,” so if you’re a foodie in search of Alaskan flavors, an Oceania cruise could be the ideal fit for you. Of its 275+ Alaska itinerary shore excursions (some of which are in the Pacific Northwest and Canada), over 50 feature drinking and dining experiences — think tea service, winery visits, cooking classes, “seafood feasts,” and beyond.

9. UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures is a favorite among TravelAwaits readers and writers alike. Recently, writers have raved about their UnCruise experiences in Mexico and the Pacific Northwest (and shared photos you have to see to believe!). Like Alaskan Dream Cruises, this is a small-ship cruise line — vessels accommodate a maximum of 86 cruisers, meaning a truly intimate experience.

UnCruise’s seven-, 12-, and 14-night Alaska itineraries are all about exploration. Their mantra: “Get ready to put boots on the ground.” Yes, there’s time to get cozy on the ship, but expect days filled with water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and whale watching, plus hiking and northern lights spotting. Feeling brave? You could even say “yes” to an UnCruise polar plunge!

Still considering your Alaska cruise options? Don’t miss TravelAwaits writer Parm Parmar’s UnCruise tell-all, Alaska By Small Ship Cruise: Wilderness, Solitude, And Wildlife Sightings .

Read more from our  2023 Best Of Travel Awards .

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

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  1. The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions

    The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway travels through the mountains around Skagway, Alaska. TRAVEL ALASKA. Call it the iconic attraction of Skagway, Alaska. A ride into the mountains on this narrow-gauge railroad is the tour everybody takes when visiting the Gold Rush town-turned-tourist hub.

  2. Best Alaska Shore Excursions

    Check out our list of the best Alaska cruise excursions, from Alaska helicopter tours to the White Pass Railway. Find a Cruise; Deals; Reviews; News; ... Oct 24, 2023. Read time. 13 min read.

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

    Visitors wanting to see Alaska's Interior, Fairbanks, and Denali National Park, should book a one-way cruise to or from Anchorage (which is served by the cruise ports at Whittier and Seward) for ...

  4. The Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2024

    Valdez - Famous as the terminal for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Valdez also has excellent access to glaciers; a glacier flightseeing or cruise tour is the best way to enjoy them. Victoria - Most cruises to/from Vancouver also stop at Victoria. This community overflows with European elements, including castles and gardens.

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

    July 09, 2023 • 22 min read. Jump to section ... Related: Best shore excursions on an Alaska cruise. Wildlife tours are available in every port. Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife. Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to ...

  6. Best Alaska Shore Excursions: Locals Pick The Best Cruise Excursions

    In August and September you have a good chance of seeing brown bear walking along the river and along the lake's shore. Two other popular tours to Haines from Skagway include the Takshanuk Mountain Trail 4x4 Adventure and Steve Kroschel's Wildlife Center. View all shore excursions in Skagway. Haines, Alaska.

  7. Best Alaskan Cruise Shore Excursions for 2023

    Experience the best of Alaska with these Alaskan Cruise Shore Excursions. This is a list of the best excursions by port when visiting Alaska! ... Best Alaskan Cruise Shore Excursions for 2023. By Jenny January 9, 2023 February 29, 2024. 21 shares. Share; Tweet; Pin;

  8. Alaska Shore Tours • Top-Rated Shore Excursions

    The best Alaska Shore Tours in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Anchorage, and Denali • Book your tours with only 5% down • Each booking gives back! ... Last Minute Alaska Cruise Excursions; Our Top 9 Favorite Alaska Excursions; Close; Specials; $0.00 0. ... Now Booking: 2023 Excursions In Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Anchorage, Icy Strait ...

  9. The 10 Best Alaska Shore Excursions, Tours & Cruise Trips

    For our fishing enthusiasts, we have many options including salmon fishing, Halibut fishing, skiff crabbing, skiff fishing, fly fishing, or spin fishing. Our fishing shore excursions are offered in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. Call 1-866-999-6590 today to speak to a booking agent! Alaska's not the only ultimate destination on the eastern Pacific.

  10. Alaska Cruise Tours: Best Alaska Tours

    Find the best Alaska cruise tours deals and get ready to find a bracing mix of gorgeous scenery, heart-pounding adventure, and exquisite dining and comfort. ... Why You Should Take an Alaska Summer Vacation Cruise. August 16, 2023. Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option ...

  11. 2023 Alaska Cruise Tours

    YUKON & DENALI CRUISETOUR FEATURES. 1: Y3-Y6 Cruise First Journeys do not cruise Glacier Bay but offer an OPTIONAL excursion to Tracy Arm and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers. Experience the ultimate adventure with our Alaska Land Cruise tours. Explore the stunning wilderness and majestic glaciers on a Holland America Line cruise.

  12. The 8 Best Alaska Cruises to Take in 2023

    Lindblad Expeditions' Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness. Cost: From $7,560 per person. Days: 8 days. Departure port: Juneau, Alaska. End port: Sitka, Alaska (this same cruise is also offered in reverse) Book now. Many of the sailings to Alaska center on the state's major ports of call, like Juneau and Sitka.

  13. The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

    Best for land and sea adventures: Koningsdam. Koningsdam. FAY LAM/HOLLAND AMERICA LINE/FACEBOOK. Holland America Line has offered Alaska cruises for 75 years and is clearly a market leader. The line tops the list in terms of cruises, as well as cruise tours, which combine time sailing with overnight stays on land.

  14. The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style

    Best Alaska Cruise Overall: Holland America Line, Nieuw Amsterdam. Best Luxury Alaska Cruise: Cunard, Queen Elizabeth. Best Alaska Cruise For Families: Disney Cruise Line, Disney Wonder. Best ...

  15. Best Alaska Cruise Excursions according to an Alaska Guide

    Ketchikan, Juneau or Sitka are the best ports for fishing excursions. Skagway is the best hiking port although there are excellent hikes available in every Alaska port. Deer Mountain in Ketchikan is a challenging but beautiful hike with a great view. Kayaking is excellent in Juneau (especially the Mendenhall Glacier kayaking excursions) and ...

  16. THE 10 BEST Alaska Shore Excursions (Updated 2024)

    Top Alaska Ports of Call Tours: See reviews and photos of Ports of Call Tours in Alaska, United States on Tripadvisor. ... 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. ... This excursion was one of the best of all on our cruise. We had a small group in a ...

  17. Alaska Shore Excursions

    Unlock a world of adventure with Discovery at SEA™, our exclusive partnership with Discovery™ and Animal Planet™. Immerse yourself in Alaska and see the best the region has to offer with "Recommended" tours or choose "Exclusive" Alaska cruise excursions that you can only experience with Princess - like fishing for king salmon, dogsledding through beautiful terrains and canoeing past ...

  18. Alaska Shore Excursions: Alaska Tours & Things to Do

    We are proud to offer the best tours Alaska has to offer with Alaska shore excursions at wholesale prices. 212 Admiral Way Ste. 5 Juneau, Alaska 99801 1-888-586-8489

  19. Best Alaska Shore Excursions

    Alaska Cruises. Cruise with the "Best in Alaska". We have convenient 7-day roundtrips from Seattle or Vancouver and longer voyages that explore the must-sees and seldom seen. Go into Denali National Park & Preserve and the vast Yukon Territory on our incredible Alaska cruisetours and shore excursions. Find savings, awards, travel tips, and ...

  20. Alaska Cruises and Land Tours

    Season: May 15 to Sep 25. From $661. 3 days/ 2 nights. Visits: Seward, Anchorage. Land Package Type: Self-Guided Land Tours. Vis­it the coastal town of Seward and Kenai Fjords Nation­al Park on this scenic self-dri­ve tour. Adding on a land package before or after your cruise is a way to see even more of Alaska.

  21. Alaska Cruisetours

    Go deeper into Alaska. Kenai and/or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Unique National Parks and Canadian Rockies Cruisetour options. 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise. 6-8 nights on land. Princess Alaska rail service. Stay in the Denali-area. Natural History Tour into Denali National Park. Fairbanks and/or Anchorage.

  22. 15 Best Cruises to Alaska in 2024

    #7 in Best Cruises to Alaska (tie) Read More » Last refreshed in early 2023 (and first launched in 2008), the 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice offers a sushi restaurant and the Retreat Lounge.

  23. The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler

    ROYAL CARIBBEAN. It isn't easy picking the best Alaska cruise out of Seattle for families. There are four world-class family-focused cruise ships in the market, each of which is a contender for the best for families title: Royal Caribbean 's Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore and Norwegian ...

  24. The 9 Best Northern Lights Alaska Cruises for 2024 & Beyond

    Holland America Line recommends booking a cruise or cruisetour (a combined sea and land package) during the autumnal equinox, or the official start of autumn, which falls around Sept. 22 in the ...

  25. 9 Best Alaska Cruise Lines

    The cruise line has an 11-ship fleet that takes cruisers all around the world, but in Alaska, where it's operated cruises for more than 75 years, it doesn't stop with sailing the seas and ...