Complete Guide to Alaskan Cruises in 2024: Ports, Cruises + More

Table Of Content

• Night Alaska Dawes Glacier
• Oceania Cruises
• Iconic Alaska Cruise Ports & Destinations
• Meet Local Alaskans
• One of the biggest reasons people visit
• Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals
• Our Family Alaska Cruise: A Vacation We'll Never Forget Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure

Guests will also learn about and participate in whale tracking through fluke identification by uploading their own photos from the vessel to a scientific database following their seasonal movements. Guests can explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or search for orca and humpback whales in Frederick Sound. Lindblad has special permits to bring passengers into the wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the Tongass National Forest, beyond what the big ships can offer. A hike on Chichagof Island is the perfect opportunity to spot bald eagles in the wild. Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team.

Night Alaska Dawes Glacier

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. When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park. Carnival Luminosa is not only new to Alaska, but new to the Carnival fleet.

Oceania Cruises

Smaller ships can go to Alaska's lesser-known ports, including Thorne Bay, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Haines. The Discovery Princess had her naming ceremony in April of 2022, so she’s a brand-new addition to the line’s fleet. Cruise guests will receive a free Medallion device with a complimentary lanyard, which allows you to do things like open your cabin door, track onboard purchases, find family and friends, locate venues, and check daily activities. There’s plenty to do on board, too, including making use of the two swimming pools, five whirlpools, and Dr. Andrew Weil's spa and wellness program.

Iconic Alaska Cruise Ports & Destinations

Spend 14 days roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy three glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord. Travel the Inside Passage on 10 or 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures.

Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running. There's a reason why the best way to cruise Alaska is with Norwegian – we've got something for every type of traveler. The newly revitalized Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Spirit bring that and more with beautifully renovated spaces and staterooms. Sip a cocktail with spectacular views from the coziest spot at Spinnaker Lounge or take a dip in one of five luxurious hot tubs. Eleven days exploring the Inside Passage and Alaskan fjords with only 400-ish other passengers aboard a luxurious ship with plenty of onboard activities?

One of the biggest reasons people visit

While the kids enjoy Discovery Princess' spacious children's and teens' clubs, the adults might linger over a craft cocktail or enjoy a massage in the onboard spa. The family can come together for meals in a variety of casual and fine dining restaurants, and enjoy original production shows as the ship sails between ports. If you're looking for other surefire ways to save, inside and ocean-view cabins are often much cheaper than balcony cabins on Alaska cruises. Those private verandas are highly desirable, with everyone seeking views of the wilderness, snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Holland America Line has offered Alaska cruises for 75 years and is clearly a market leader.

10 Best Alaska Cruises to Take This Summer, According to Experts - Travel + Leisure

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

Posted: Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation. Silver Muse in Alaska will feel more like they're on a five-star hotel than a cruise ship. Marble bathrooms come with full-sized bathtubs and separate showers, while passengers can choose from Bulgari or Ortigia amenities. Rooms aside, the ship features high-quality dining and included extras like select wine and spirits. This is a ship that prides itself on dining and a relaxed, traditional cruising experience. Service and food quality in the complimentary main dining room are top-notch, but for-fee restaurants like Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind make for splurge-worthy romantic dates.

Pay airfare for one guest, and you'll automatically lock-in roundtrip flights for two. Secure these savings online by choosing your nearest airport in step one of your cruise booking, and enjoy air-to-sea made easy. We'll coordinate your roundtrip flights, and transportation between the airport and cruise port.

Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure

(Classic cruises, on the other hand, take place on board Silver Muse, Silver Nova, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, or Silver Moon). Nova and Moon offer the Sea and Land Taste program (S.A.L.T), offering culinary connoisseurs the incredible opportunity to experience the local food scene and culture both on and off the ship. Last but not least, keep in mind that Silversea sails between Vancouver and Seward (with the exception of one September 2024 itinerary, which sails from Nome to Vancouver). This World’s Best Award-winning cruise line combines the best of expedition-style and luxury cruising, making it a popular pick amongst well-heeled, adventure-seeking travelers. According to Goldring, both Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Odyssey offer similar Alaska itineraries in 2024; however, it will be the latter’s final sailing since it was sold. Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks.

It can be hard to figure out which cruise ship will deliver your idea of a "bucket list" experience in The Last Frontier. All passengers regardless of their home country, citizenship or country of residency are responsible for obtaining the proper documentation for travel. This includes passports and visas for any country they may visit during their trip. Cross Alaska’s massive ice shelves, crystal fjords, and fascinating marine wildlife off your bucket list with itineraries that conveniently depart from Seattle and Vancouver. Enjoy perks such as privileged access to Glacier Bay National Park and prime docking locations that give you a head start on sightseeing.

With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park. Viking Orion guests will feel the line’s drive to explore upon stepping aboard this 930-passenger ship that treats adventurous-minded travelers to global cuisine with several Norwegian delicacies (a nod to the line's Nordic roots).

The space includes a hands-on glass blowing studio, games like bocce and mini-golf, lounge chairs and even rentable Alcoves. Celebrity typically attracts sophisticated young adults and middle-aged couples, though you'll notice more families during the summer holiday. Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation.

The cruise line takes inspiration from Alaska with special local dishes served in its onboard restaurants, and the return of the Ice White Ball, a formal gala affair with a glacial twist. Seabourn Odyssey sails both one-way itineraries between Vancouver and Juneau and round-trip itineraries from Vancouver. It visits popular Alaska ports like Ketchikan and Sitka, as well as less-touristed destinations like Wrangell, Prince Rupert (a port city in Canada) and Rudyerd Bay. Note that the ship is departing the cruise line after its Alaska season, so this is your last chance to sail on the elegant cruise ship. The best Alaska cruises range from off-the-beaten-path voyages on vessels carrying fewer than 100 passengers to weeklong jaunts through the Inside Passage aboard megaships that hold thousands.

Visit its most popular attractions, such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Fluid lines, light-filled spaces and a blend of modern elegance and nautical tradition make Koningsdam a sublime ship for Alaska cruises. They are living laboratories that show what the Earth was like thousands of years ago and how it is changing today. 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.

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. Onboard each sailing you have lectures, demonstrations and tastings as part of a Culture Curriculum. Now that we’ve covered the basics of all things Alaska cruising, keep reading to discover the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, featuring expert insight and award-winning picks. Dawn Gabree is a travel advisor who specializes in Alaska cruises at Travels by Danielle.

Alaska Cruises 2023-2024 Cruise to Alaska Best Alaska Cruise

Table Of Content

• Alaska Cruisetours
• Roundtrip Alaska Cruise from Seattle
• Princess Cruises
• Top 10 Alaska Cruises
• Grizzly bears in Katmai National Park
• The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises
• RELATED PORTS
• What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

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. When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

Alaska Cruisetours

Enjoy a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle on Alaskan Explorer itineraries or from Vancouver on Alaskan Inside Passage itineraries. 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.

Roundtrip Alaska Cruise from Seattle

Don't forget that you're not simply booking the sailing, but you will likely need to account for flights and potentially a hotel for the night before your cruise. Whether or not you need to account for accommodations on land depends on your flight options and when you arrive at the port of embarkation area in advance of your cruise. Otherwise, in terms of what to pack for the onboard portion of your cruise, check with your cruise to see how formal or informal the ship is. Some cruise lines have formal nights where you get to dress up for the evening. Some vessels carry 3,000 passengers or more, and others have just 40 guests or less. A cruise to Alaska, as opposed to a land trip, also enables you to maximize the many landscapes you can experience quickly.

Princess Cruises

It was recently brought over from Costa, so it has a completely different vibe from Carnival’s other ships. It’s got the Italian flair found on Costa’s ship but has undergone an extensive retrofit to make it feel more at home to Carnival cruisers. There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.

Top 10 Alaska Cruises

The 4,000-passenger Encore boasts a handful of the features found on its sisters, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Jewel, and Norwegian Spirit (which also offers Alaska cruises), as well as its own unique attractions. With a variety of dining, entertainment and recreational options, cruisers will never be bored or hungry. Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas.

Grizzly bears in Katmai National Park

Nieuw Amsterdam's exceptional onboard experience earned "Best Cruise Ship Overall" at the Travvy Awards. Many flock to Alaska every year for a chance to witness the aurora borealis. Did you know they are more likely to display during high solar activity cycles? With more than 20 animal sanctuaries and sightseeing excursions, we bring you closer to creatures great and small. Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience. Check out our helpful checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise with Princess.

The 6 Best Cruises for Northern Lights Viewing - AFAR Media

The 6 Best Cruises for Northern Lights Viewing.

Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

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

Binoculars will get you even closer to the beautiful creatures around you. The type of experience you want can influence your choice of Alaskan cruise line. Some cruise itineraries sail this route while others go further into Alaska towards Whittier, close to Denali National Park. Interior staterooms are budget-friendly options with plenty of space and thoughtful touches, or you can upgrade to ocean view, balcony, or suite categories for some extra perks (like marble bathrooms with a tub and two sinks). And there’s no better spot for taking in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier than the North Star observation deck.

Join an adventure of a lifetime aboard the Aleutian Ballad, as seen on Discovery Channel’s - The Deadliest Catch. Sometimes Sailing is a cruise-focused website by Dan and Mikkel Woodruff, a couple passionate about cruising. Generally, the larger the ship, the lower the starting price for the cruise. Also, generally speaking, the longer the cruise, the more money it will be. It's even better if your shoes are waterproof or sprayed to be water-resistant! Part of the fun of cruising to Alaska is the potential to see a lot of wildlife.

The MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen embark on 14- to 19-day Alaskan voyages between May and September. The storied Cunard cruise line, with more than 180 years of seafaring history, returned to Alaska after nearly 30 years when it arrived back in the Great Land in 2019. In addition to more than 140 shore experiences that immerse guests into this magical destination, Cunard invites explorers, travel writers and locals onboard to share their passions and knowledge.

From action-packed wilderness adventures and extraordinary sightseeing on our shore excursions, to an extended sailing season, there are plenty of opportunities to find the perfect Alaska cruise vacation designed for you. With ships custom-built to help you see nature at its most majestic, you can witness whales breaching the surface, marvel at spectacular glaciers, and experience everything Alaska has to offer. When you cruise with Norwegian, the awe of Alaska stays with you throughout your vacation. Coming off of its 150th anniversary year, Holland America Line has been sailing to and around Alaska for more than half that time—75 years. Holland America Line’s “Alaska Up Close” deeply immerses guests in local cultures through onboard programs and activities, and shore excursions. On all of its Alaska cruises, a Huna Native Interpreter comes aboard Holland America Line ships to share the history of the Tlingit people.

Celebrity is known for its fabulous dining options and bars, but perhaps the unique feature of Celebrity’s Solstice class ships is the Lawn Club. Plan your romantic Alaskan cruise with our adventurer’s guide to discovering the coziest vacation spots and most scenic restaurants for couples traveling in Alaska. Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska. Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation.

Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise. The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls.

This site focuses on small-format cruises and ship-within-a-ship concepts on large cruise ships, including special cruise experiences you can enjoy during your next vacation. Holland America Line’s Koningsdam offers everything long-time cruisers appreciate, from a comfortable size and price point to onboard activities and numerous dining options. As part of the American Queen Voyages expedition experience, the line has partnered with Dr. Michelle Fournet, an acclaimed acoustic ecologist and leading expert in the communication of North Pacific humpback whales. As such, hydrophones are used onboard Zodiacs to listen to the voices of Alaska’s whales in real-time.

As with any vacation, various factors affect how much a cruise to Alaska costs. Average temperatures from the mid-to-high 60ºF are the warmest Alaska typically sees at the height of summer. With its intimate size and maneuverability, world-class dining, social atmosphere, and high-end amenities, Seabourn Cruises is a luxurious way to explore America’s Last Frontier. Between the gentle rocking of the ship and the Ultra Tranquility Bed, you’re sure to sleep like a baby.

Mary Curry is another T+L A-List advisor who specializes in small-ship cruises to Polar regions and the Galapagos. These solo cabins get our vote because they're located in a complex where a private lounge encourages mingling. Lone travelers can also meet their shipmates while waiting to hop into a race care on the ship's go-kart track, at a showing of "Jersey Boys" or over a muddled drink at the Sugarcane Mojito Bar. Our Alaska cruise departure ports have big personalities and loads of attractions.