How to Pick a Cruise to Alaska
Dreaming of stunning glaciers, breathtaking wildlife, and picturesque coastal towns? A cruise to Alaska is the ultimate adventure on many bucket lists! But with so many options out there, choosing the right cruise can feel overwhelming. Fear not! Here’s your guide to picking the perfect Alaska cruise from a person who's been on two – with different cruise lines and different itineraries.
1. Decide on Your Itinerary: Round-Trip or One-Way?
The first decision you'll need to make is whether you want a round-trip cruise or a one-way itinerary.
Round-Trip: Most often departing from Seattle or Vancouver, these cruises typically cover popular ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. They offer convenience, especially for first-time cruisers, as you return to your original port.
One-Way: These cruises typically run between Vancouver and Anchorage (or Seward). They allow for more in-depth exploration, giving you the chance to visit some of Alaska’s more remote destinations. Plus, they can be paired with a land tour to explore places like Denali National Park.
Pro Tip:
Consider what you want to see, how much time you have and what you want to experience. Do you want to squeeze in a land tour to explore deeper into Alaska, or are you content with seeing coastal highlights from the ship?
2. Consider Your Must-See Stops
Some itineraries focus on the inside passage, while others venture into the Gulf of Alaska. Do some research on the common destinations. Would you like to see Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, or Skagway? Do you want to make a stop in Victoria, British Columbia before or after heading to Alaska? Each cruise will offer slight itinerary variations.
For our first cruise, I really wanted to see Sitka, so when I was deciding which cruise to take, I only looked at cruises that stopped there. For our second cruise, we wanted to see the Hubbard Glacier, which we didn’t see on our first one. So we concentrated our search on those that included it.
The stops you wish to make will determine whether you choose to cruise out of Seattle or Vancouver sometimes. And flying to each of these destinations has its perks and financial implications. On both cruises, we left from Vancouver, which is a city we both love to explore. And luckily, we found non-stop flights from Boston that were pretty reasonable.
Pro Tip:
Use Google to see what visiting each of the common destinations is like. Watch some YouTube videos of these places and determine which places appeal to you most.
3. Choose Your Cruise Line
Not all cruise lines are created equal, and they each offer different experiences. Some cruises offer plenty of amenities and a jam-packed schedule of activities while on board. Some cruise lines lean into the adventure of Alaska and have naturalists on board.
There are massive ships and smaller, more intimate ones. However, one thing to keep in mind about the size is that with a smaller ship, it is possible to get closer to the glaciers, and with a larger ship (though there will be plenty of entertainment during sea days), it will be harder to dock at some ports and a tender may be the only way to get to shore. Here are a few cruise lines to consider as reported in an article on US News.
Holland America and Princess: Rated as the best overall, according to the article, Holland America offers the Alaska Up Close program where there are expert-led lectures and excursions. This cruise line has been sailing Alaska waters for over 75 years and they have a lot of sea and land-based packages to consider. Princess has similar programming with North to Alaska where expert guides provide insight into the history and culture of the area. They also have great cruisetours that combine the best of the coastal villages and visits to National parks in the more interior sections of the state.
Norwegian and Royal Caribbean were rated best for families. With Norwegian, cruises start as early as April and extend as late as October. There are also many activities and events on board to keep the entire family happy and entertained. There are two megaships in the Royal Caribbean line that cruise to Alaska: Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, so if a large ship of about 4,900 passengers with plenty of amenities is your thing, these two ships may be the way to go.
Celebrity: Owned by Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity ships offer a more upscale experience especially geared toward couples. Typically, Celebrity itineraries include up-close views of the Dawes Glacier in the Endicott Arm Fjord and the Hubbard Glacier, the world's longest tidewater glacier at 76 miles long. We were grateful to see the Hubbard Glacier calving on our Celebrity cruise, as the ship was able to get very close. (Photo of Hubbard Glacier is at the end of this article in the first row, third from the right)
Regent Seven Seas and Silversea: If luxury is your thing, you won’t go wrong with these two cruise lines. Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer boasts all-balcony suites and a smaller passenger size. Plus a host of complimentary services. Silversea is the luxury line owned by Royal Caribbean Group. Their Silver Nova ship is the most environmentally friendly vessel yet with just 728 guests, spacious suites (some affording 270-degree views) and outdoor spaces showcasing the beauty of Alaska.
Pro Tip:
Think about your travel style. Are you looking for lots of onboard activities or a quiet retreat? Research the cruise lines and read reviews to find the best fit for you. And depending on what is most important, choosing the cruise line could be the first thing you think about when planning - even before the stops.
4. Prepare for Weather
Timing is everything, and Alaska’s cruise season typically runs from May to September; though, as I mentioned earlier, Norwegian starts in April and ends in October. Earlier in the season may bring better prices, but you could also have chillier temperatures. Mid-season is the prime time for warmer temperatures, but you will see higher prices and bigger crowds during the months of June through August. If you are aiming to see the Northern Lights, a late-season cruise will be your best bet; though, be prepared for cooler weather and shorter days.
If rain tends to dampen your fun, consider going to Alaska in May. September can be the most rainy. We had great weather when we cruised in the beginning of July, but it rained nearly all the time when we went at the end of August. That said, one of the locals we spoke with in Ketchikan, the “Rain Capital of Alaska,” told us that the week before our cruise there, they had seen beautiful sunny 80-degree days all week.
Whichever time of year you chose to go, Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer months. Layering is key. Make sure to bring a good waterproof jacket, warm layers, and comfortable walking shoes for those days spent exploring the ports. Binoculars are a must for spotting wildlife from the ship, and if you’re a photographer, you’ll want to bring your best camera gear to capture the stunning scenery.
Pro Tip:
Consider your priorities—whether it’s wildlife, weather, or fewer crowds—when choosing the month to cruise.
5. Excursions: What and When to Book
Shore excursions can be a highlight of the trip, but choosing one can be overwhelming. If you are more of a DIY explorer, some ports are especially walkable. You may consider only booking excursions in some ports and exploring others on your own. Popular excursion options include:
Wildlife Tours: Go whale watching, or take a guided tour to see bears in their natural habitat. You may even consider halibut or salmon fishing. Healthy salmon runs and a strong fishing community make Ketchikan the salmon capital of the world. Did someone say salmon fishing? We couldn’t pass it up. Not only was it a great adventure, but the salmon we caught was flash frozen and shipped to our home. Bonus.
Glacier Tours: Kayaking among glaciers or taking a helicopter tour for stunning aerial views are popular, as is dog sledding. You can read about our helicopter trip to the Mendenhall Glacier here. Years later, it remains a highlight and close to our hearts as a top ten memorable travel experience.
Cultural Experiences: Visit local villages, learn about Native American culture, or take a scenic train ride. Built in 1898 during the gold rush, the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway was a favorite in Skagway for seeing breathtaking views and being in the mountains.
Many excursions have limited availability, so it’s best to book these in advance, especially for popular activities, which tend to fill up fast. Booking your excursion at the same time that you book the cruise is not unheard of.
Pro Tip:
If you prefer to explore on your own, research local operators at your ports of call for unique excursions that may be less crowded than those offered through the cruise line. But beware, the ship will wait for passengers who are late to board only when the excursion is booked through the cruise line.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Alaska will not disappoint. I’ve learned that no matter what ship you choose, what time of year you go, or which itinerary you pick, Alaska will bowl you over with its natural beauty.
Our July cruise with Royal Caribbean may have brought more sunshine and an exciting trek on the Mendenhall Glacier, but the salmon fishing trip and view of the Hubbard Glacier calving during our late August cruise with Celebrity was just as fun - even though it rained nearly every day. Every moment is part of the adventure.
A cruise to Alaska is on the bucket list for many people. Even though it is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming to plan. Using the tips outlined here can help you narrow down your choices and give you the best opportunity to customize your Alaskan cruise experience,
Just be prepared—you may go once, but you’ll probably find yourself itching to go back. We certainly did! For us, once was not enough.
P.S. For more on what to expect on a cruise, how to pack, and top tips for smooth sailing, see my article Cruise Control: Top Tips for Smooth Sailing.
