The 11 Best Cruise Ships For Alaska According to Real Reviews

Table Of Content

• Luxury Cruise Ships
• Best value Alaska cruise: Radiance of the Seas
• Coolest Things to Do In Alaska on Radiance of the Seas
• Dining Highlights on Quantum of the Seas
• Best Large Ship Cruise
• Coolest Things to Do in Alaska on Carnival Luminosa

Because of the shorter season, your ship will likely be close to capacity and several ships may overlap in ports. To secure your spot, book excursions well in advance or as soon as they're available. Cruise enthusiasts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are fans of Royal Caribbean for its state-of-the-art ships, exceptional service and high-quality entertainment.

Luxury Cruise Ships

For the 2023 season, Princess Cruises has seven ships sailing the region, more than any other cruise line. Radiance of the Seas is one of the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for Alaska, despite being older than her Quantum-class sisters which also cruise in the region. Also, if you want the best small cruise ships to Alaska, Seabourn Quest is the smallest on this list. It is ideal if you hate crowds or enjoy a more intimate atmosphere where guests mingle and share tales of their shore excursions each day.

Best value Alaska cruise: Radiance of the Seas

The modern and luxurious accommodations ensure a comfortable journey while exploring the breathtaking Alaskan scenery. Alaska, known for its breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders, offers a diverse range of cruise experiences. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure enthusiast, or a history buff, there’s an Alaska cruise that caters to your interests.

Coolest Things to Do In Alaska on Radiance of the Seas

If you're not sure whether the cruise you have in mind will go through Glacier Bay, double-check with the cruise line or your travel agent. Of the three Celebrity ships that sail to Alaska, we recommend the Celebrity Edge for those new to cruising or seeking a more contemporary experience. Launched in 2018, the ship features standout innovations like Eden, a multi-level bar with panoramic views, and the Magic Carpet, a multi-purpose floating space suspended directly above the sea. 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. Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the idea of a special area for solo travelers on its ships with pricing designed for one.

When planning a cruise to Alaska, it’s important to choose a cruise line that caters to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re traveling with family or embarking on a solo adventure, there are cruise lines that offer exceptional experiences tailored to these specific types of travelers. 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.

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Two main cruise itineraries for Alaska

You can take a 14-night sailing out of Long Beach on Carnival Miracle and only spend around $1,500 per person for an interior cabin. The small vessel can maneuver through small bays and unique areas, allowing passengers to kayak right up to wildlife, glaciers, and all the natural beauty Alaska affords. National Geographic (Lindblad Expeditions) also offers some fantastic expedition ships to Alaska and these itineraries can begin in Seattle, Juneau, Sitka, or Ketchikan. Not only will you get to spend a ton of time on land, but a Hurtigruten ship will take you to ports and villages that are so remote that most other cruise line have no access to them.

A major advantage of these one-way trips is that you can experience more Alaskan ports. So these types of itineraries are best if you want a destination heavy journey. 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.

Norwegian Cruise Line also sails some of its 169,00 gross ton Breakaway-class vessels to Alaska. Norwegian Bliss, Encore, and Joy are all mega ships with Norwegian and each have a go-kart track on board. This in addition to a ropes course, an impressive virtual reality arcade, laser tag and more. Besides these larger ships, Royal Caribbean also offers Alaska cruises on some of its smaller ships like Brilliance of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, and Radiance of the Seas. Another veteran of Alaskan sailings, Princess Cruises has been navigating these waters for over 50 years.

Coolest Things to Do in Alaska on Carnival Luminosa

The glaciers should appear massive and imposing, yet peaceful against the calm waters. Let the cool colors of the environment highlight the ship’s warm hues and create a stunning contrast. Alaskan Dream Cruises stands out for its commitment to showcasing the indigenous heritage and local communities of Alaska.

I’m a Florida-based freelance travel and lifestyle journalist who has embarked on more than a dozen cruises, including several to Alaska. As a traveler, I am just as comfortable bicycling through Italian olive groves and SCUBA diving the wall of sharks in French Polynesia as I am sipping bubbles in a Champagne house and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants. The ship sails seven-night cruises from Seattle, visiting Dawes Glacier, Sitka and Icy Strait Point, as well as Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia. If you envision sipping Champagne as you watch a glacier thunderously calve into the sea, consider booking an all-inclusive luxury cruise on a Seabourn ship. Big ships can only offer deckside viewing of the marvels of Glacier Bay, but UnCruise Adventures sends its ships to the rarely visited outback. In Fern Harbor, Dundas Bay or No Name Cove, passengers can get up close to the natural wonders with birding expeditions, paddleboarding, beach walks, and more hiking and kayaking.

Princess Cruises also offers a variety of shore excursions, allowing you to explore the Alaskan landscape up close and personal. If you’re traveling with family or looking for an affordable option, Carnival Cruise Line offers a fantastic choice. Known for its lively and vibrant atmosphere, Carnival provides a wide range of onboard activities and entertainment for all ages. From thrilling water slides and mini-golf to live shows and kids‘ clubs, there’s never a dull moment on a Carnival cruise. Plus, their competitive pricing makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. However, with numerous cruise lines offering Alaskan itineraries, choosing the best one for your preferences and budget can be overwhelming.

2024-2025 Alaska Cruise Tours Land and Sea Tours

Table Of Content

• Real Alaska from local Alaskans
• ALASKA CRUISETOURS
• Katmai National Park cruisetour
• Norwegian Jewel13-Day Denali/Talkeetna Explorer
• When is The Best Time to Book?

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. In 2022, the cruise line was the first to receive Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification, meaning its Alaska-bound ships serve only fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood.

Real Alaska from local Alaskans

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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. Alaskan-owned and -operated Alaskan Dream Cruises dates back to 1970 when its parent company, Allen Marine, founded by Bob and Betty Allen, launched with the St. Michael. In those days, Bob ran the boat while Betty and her children served treats and tea to their guests. Today, Allen Marine operates 30 vessels, including the five ships that make up the Alaska Dream Cruises fleet, all of which accommodate between 12 and 76 cruise passengers. Knowledgeable expedition leaders serve as personal guides on every voyage, sharing their expertise in biology, geography and ecology, as well as sharing about the lifestyles and legends of Southeast Alaska’s local cultures.

ALASKA CRUISETOURS

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. 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.

Katmai National Park cruisetour

This is the ideal tour for the traveler seeking a short but in-depth look at Skagway’s natural and historical wonders. This tour showcases the best of everything that has made Skagway famous and parallels much of the train route to the White Pass Summit and beyond. Historical highlights include Brackett’s Toll Road, Dead Horse Gulch, and spectacular views of the White Pass Rail. Also included is a visit to the Gold Rush Cemetery where the legendary Soapy Smith was laid to rest. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, so be sure to bring along your camera. Climb aboard your Jet Boat – a marine mammal-friendly mode of transportation – and set sail for an incredible experience!

An Alaska cruisetour is our award-winning cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage paired with a scenic train ride into Interior Alaska, plus up to 3 nights at McKinley Chalet Resort, our immersive lodge at the gates of Denali National Park. If you choose, continue the journey into the Yukon on your Alaska cruisetour. From the depths of the icy waters to the tops of snow-capped summits and everything in between, combine land and sea for unforgettable moments. Breathe in fresh mountain air and roast s’mores under the stars at your base camp for adventure. “If you are looking for a more casual and laid-back experience, Seattle-based UnCruise Adventures offers down-to-earth trips with enthusiastic naturalist guides, simple accommodations, and hearty local cuisine,” says Palmer. Per the pro, travelers can “choose between a menu of included excursions such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, zodiac cruises, whale watching, and more.” All in all, UnCruise really does offer something for everyone.

All Celebrity Alaska Cruisetours include a rail experience that typically lasts for three to five hours; the below Cruisetours have extended rail experiences or multiple segments. 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.

Wilderness

Pristine environmental conditions make Alaska well known for its abundant wildlife. Alaska's parks provide you with up-close experiences with wildlife unlike anywhere else in the country. Getting to see a majestic brown bear snatching salmon from an Alaska stream is the memory of a lifetime.

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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. Embark on an unforgettable Alaska cruisetour to the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge®, where you can take in the beauty of Wrangell-St. Snow-covered mountains dominate the skyline while rivers feed the earth below.

North America Travel Guide

To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search. Enjoy an unforgettable rail journey from Denali to Talkeetna in a luxury domed railcar. Sail through Glacier Bay, a treasure trove of glaciers and coastal islands. This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 5A and offered as a pre-cruise option. This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 4A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

A four-day tour pro­vides time in both Denali Nation­al Park and in Tal­keet­na. Explore a wildlife rich slice of Alas­ka, set in the scenic wilder­ness set­tings of Lake Clark Nation­al Park, and the Chugach Nation­al For­est Wilder­ness of Prince William Sound. 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.

There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. As you plan your Alaska vacation, you might be torn between traveling by cruise ship, plane or even car. Embark on a thrilling journey with young explorers through breathtaking landscapes.

They lead the outdoor activities and provide passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska. Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in gourmet cuisine in multiple restaurants, enjoy a complimentary cocktail or relax in an upscale spa. Some travelers demand luxury Alaska cruises, while others don't mind going less fancy if it means close encounters with bears and other creatures in the wilderness. Some look for romance, while others want to introduce the kids or grandkids to glaciers and eagles, gold panning and sled dogs. 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.

The dedicated Tour Directors on a Celebrity Cruisetour are passionate about sharing their home, and bringing you seamless service, local knowledge, and the best of the interior. 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. 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.