Alaska Cruises
Glaciers, wildlife and mountains in a short, spectacular summer season.
Get Free Cruise QuotesAlaska is one of the few cruise regions where the scenery from the ship is the main event — glaciers, fjords, mountains and wildlife, all visible from your balcony.
When to Go
Alaska cruising is seasonal, running roughly from May to September. Early-season sailings can be cooler and quieter; mid-summer brings the longest days and busiest ports; late-season sailings can bring autumn color and, for lucky travelers, the northern lights. Weather is changeable in every month, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket whatever the date.
The Two Main Itinerary Types
Inside Passage round trip
Usually 7 nights from Seattle or Vancouver, visiting ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, with a day of glacier viewing. Foreign-flagged ships sailing round trip from Seattle include a Canadian port, such as Victoria, because of the U.S. Passenger Vessel Services Act.
Gulf of Alaska one-way
Usually 7 nights between Vancouver and a port near Anchorage, such as Seward or Whittier. One-way routes reach farther north and are easily combined with a land tour to Denali.
Who Alaska Suits
Nature lovers, photographers, multi-generation families and anyone who would rather wear a fleece than a swimsuit. Alaska works well for travelers who want a big-trip feeling without crossing an ocean, and it is popular with grandparents taking grandchildren on a first “adventure” trip.
Cruisetours — a cruise combined with several nights on land by rail or coach — add Denali and the interior. They need more planning and more time, but they show a side of Alaska no ship can reach.
- Book balcony cabins early; they are in high demand.
- Bring binoculars for whales and eagles.
- Popular excursions such as floatplanes and helicopter glacier tours sell out.
Planning Port Days
Our sister site Alaska Port Excursions covers shore excursions in Alaska’s cruise ports, from whale-watching boats to glacier flights and the White Pass railway. Shore days in Alaska are short and full, so it pays to plan them before you sail.
What You Might See
Glaciers
Most Alaska itineraries include a day of scenic cruising past tidewater glaciers, with the ship slowing or stopping so everyone can watch the ice.
Whales
Humpback and orca sightings are common highlights, from the ship or on a whale-watching excursion.
Bears and eagles
Bald eagles are everywhere in port towns; bear viewing usually means a dedicated excursion.
Gold Rush history
Skagway and the White Pass railway tell the story of the Klondike stampede.
Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the long daylight hours of an Alaskan summer give you plenty of chances. Keep binoculars and a camera within reach on scenic cruising days.
Alaska is also one of the best regions for a first cruise with grandparents and grandchildren together: the scenery appeals to every age, port days are short and easy, and there is no beach-and-sun routine to plan around.
Plan an Alaska Cruise
Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska, cruise only or cruisetour? Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will weigh up both routes for your dates and send free quotes.
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