Alaska Cruises
Alaska is one of the few destinations where the cruise line you choose can dramatically change your experience. Some travelers spend their days watching glaciers from a spacious balcony. Others kayak beside icebergs, search for bears, or enjoy luxury service on a small ship. The key isn't finding the "best" cruise line—it's finding the Alaska experience that's right for you.
Some of my clients want a lively ship with entertainment and family activities. Others want quiet luxury, wildlife immersion, or small-ship adventure. Some want a one-way cruise, traveling more slowly while others want to end where they started. Some prefer starting in Seattle. Some prefer starting in Vancouver, BC.
An Alaska cruise is unlike any other vacation. Towering glaciers, whales surfacing beside the ship, bald eagles overhead, quiet coastal towns, snow-capped mountains disappearing into the clouds. However, not every Alaska cruise feels the same.The “best” Alaska cruise line depends less on the ship itself — and more on the type of Alaska experience you want. I hope this guide helps highlight the strengths of each and helps narrow your choices to ensure the best possible Alaska cruise experience.
Four Main Styles of Alaska Cruising
For this guide, I have created four categories of Alaska Cruising: Classic Cruising, Premium and Upscale Cruising, Luxury Cruising, and Expedition Cruising. Each is fantastic, but not necessarily fantastic for every cruiser. Within each of my categories are multiple options and itineraries. I believe, however, that selecting the cruise style that best suits you is the best place to start.
Making The Best Choice For You:
This guide presents most of the critical information to narrow your choices. Of course I am available to help in person, too. The following sections address the major decisions needed to select the right Alaska cruise for you.
- Four Styles of Alaska Cruising In Depth
- Choosing the Right Departure City
- Why Glacier Bay National Park Matters
- One-Way vs Roundtrip Alaska Cruises
- Final Thoughts
Alaska Cruising Styles
Classic Alaska Cruising
Best for first-time Alaska visitors, couples; families, and travelers wanting a balance of scenery, comfort, and value
What It Feels Like. These cruises combine Alaska’s incredible scenery with the amenities of a large resort-style ship. You’ll typically enjoy multiple dining venues, evening entertainment, comfortable balcony cabins, glacier viewing days, and excursions in Alaska ports.
Cruise Lines Often Recommended
- Princess Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
Why Travelers Love It: This is the most popular way to experience Alaska because it offers a wonderful mix of relaxation, scenery, and convenience.
Premium & Upscale Alaska Cruising
Best for couples, mature travelers, travelers wanting a quieter atmosphere, and guests prioritizing destination over onboard attractions
What It Feels Like. These cruises tend to feel calmer, more refined, and more focused on Alaska itself. You’ll often find better viewing spaces, smaller crowds, enrichment lectures, more elevated dining, and a more relaxed atmosphere
Cruise Lines Often Recommended
- Viking Ocean Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- Oceania Cruises
Why Travelers Love It: These cruises are ideal for travelers who want Alaska to be the star of the trip.
Luxury Alaska Cruising
Best For luxury travelers; experienced cruisers, travelers wanting highly personalized service, and guests seeking an all-inclusive experience
What It Feels Like. Luxury Alaska cruises focus on comfort, service, space, and ease. Ships are usually smaller and quieter, with exceptional service and spacious accommodations Depending on the cruise line, your fare may include free excursions, fine dining, premium beverages. Wi‑Fi, all gratuities, and butler service.
Cruise Lines Often Recommended
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Seabourn
- Silversea Cruises
- Explora Journeys
Why Travelers Love It: Luxury Alaska cruising allows travelers to experience the beauty of Alaska with very little stress or hassle.
Alaska Expedition Cruising
Best For: Nature lovers; adventure travelers; wildlife enthusiasts; active travelers; and repeat Alaska visitors
What It Feels Like: Expedition cruising is very different from traditional cruising. Ships are much smaller and designed to access areas large ships cannot reach. Instead of focusing on entertainment and large ships, these voyages focus on immersion in Alaska’s wilderness. You may experience zodiac excursions, kayaking, guided hikes, naturalist lectures, remote glacier viewing, and extended wildlife encounters
Cruise Lines Often Recommended
- Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
- UnCruise Adventures
- Ponant Explorations
- Silversea Expeditions
Why Travelers Love It: These cruises offer one of the closest experiences to truly exploring Alaska.
Choosing the Right Departure City
Seattle or Vancouver?
Seattle Departures
Best For: Simpler travel logistics; roundtrip convenience; and easy flight options from many U.S. cities
Good to Know: Seattle cruises are extremely popular and convenient, especially for first-time Alaska cruisers.
Vancouver Departures
Best For: Travelers wanting more scenic Inside Passage sailing; guests prioritizing itinerary quality; and experienced Alaska travelers.
Good to Know: Many seasoned Alaska cruisers prefer Vancouver departures because the routing is often more scenic.
Glacier Bay National Park Matters
One of the most spectacular experiences in Alaska cruising is Glacier Bay National Park and not every cruise line receives access permits, and many experienced Alaska travelers consider Glacier Bay one of the highlights of the destination. If glacier viewing is especially important to you, it is worth discussing Glacier Bay access early in the planning process.
Cruise lines frequently offering Glacier Bay itineraries include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn, and Select Norwegian Cruise Line sailings.
One-Way vs Roundtrip Alaska Cruises
Roundtrip Cruises
Best For: Simplicity, first-time Alaska visitors, and travelers wanting easy logistics Most roundtrip cruises depart from Seattle or Vancouver.
One-Way Cruises
Best For: Travelers adding a land tour, guests wanting to visit Denali National Park; and travelers wanting a deeper Alaska experience. These itineraries often sail between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier.
Final Thoughts
There is no single “best” Alaska cruise line. The best cruise is the one that matches how you want to experience Alaska. Some clients dream of relaxing on a balcony with coffee while glaciers drift by. Others want kayaking, hiking, and wildlife encounters. Some want elegant luxury and exceptional dining. Others want family memories and fun onboard activities. Alaska is extraordinary in many different ways. The right cruise line simply helps bring your version of Alaska to life. So, which Alaska cruise might fit you best?
“We want beautiful scenery and a traditional cruise.”
- Princess Cruises
- Holland America Line
“We want a more modern, upscale experience.”
- Celebrity Cruises
- Viking Ocean Cruises
“We want luxury and personalized service.”
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Seabourn
- Silversea Cruises
“We want adventure, wildlife, and exploration.”
- Lindblad Expeditions
- UnCruise Adventures
- Ponant Explorations
“We are traveling with children or grandchildren.”
- Royal Caribbean
- Disney Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
Choosing the right Alaska cruise can feel overwhelming — especially with so many excellent options. I’d be happy to help narrow the choices, explain the differences between cruise lines and itineraries, and help you find the Alaska experience that fits you best.