alaska cruise inside passage or glacier bay

Inside Passage vs Glacier Bay

By Andie272 , October 9, 2015 in Alaska

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This will be the first of MANY posts as I start to research my cruise. We (DH and I both 43) and DD (who will be almost 14 at time of cruise) are looking to do our first ever Alaska cruise in August 2017. We are not new to cruising, have done 3 Carnival cruises, DH and I are doing a RCI end of this month and we have our first DCL booked for October 2016.

We are looking at RCI, Carnival, Norwegian and maybe Disney. I have heard this are the better cruise lines for teens. Is this true? Should I look for the cruise we would enjoy most for the "Alaska" experience and not worry so much about my DD teen experience?

The first thing I am looking at is the different glaciers, from my preliminary research Glacier Bay is the better choice. With Tracy Arm you don't always make it all the way through to Sawyer Glacier. How often don't you get to the Sawyer do you think?

I ask this because I was also informed by my TA that Inside Passage is amazing, and to him is a must do. Problem I have is that only RCI does Inside passage, and the cruise I am looking at doesn't go to Glacier Bay or Ketchikan, SO this all leads to my first BIG decision...

Inside Passage AND NO Glacier Bay AND Ketchikan OR NO Inside Passage AND Glacier Bay and Ketchikan.

Any thoughts or opinions appreciated.

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I don't believe RCI has permits for Glacier Bay, so they can't cruise it.

I've not cruised Alaska with Carnival nor Disney, so no suggestions there.

I would look at NCL or Princess cruises to include both Glacier Bay and Inside Passage.

Inside Passage AND NO Glacier Bay AND Ketchikan OR NO Inside Passage AND Glacier Bay and Ketchikan.   Any thoughts or opinions appreciated.

• Every boat goes through the Alaska Inside passage to get to Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
• the second Inside passage is East of Vancouver Island. All boats that depart from Vancouver sail through it.

[*]In addition to Princess, Holland America also offers Glacier Bay itineries. Disney does not do Glacier Bay and charges a significant premium compared to HAL/Princess.

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Last month I cruised on Carnival's Legend-we left from Seattle, sailed north on the west side of Vancouver (open sea), then went to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan, south to the City of Vancouver, thru the inside passage-what surprised me most was how narrow the channel on the inside passage was with Vancouver Island on the one side, and (continental) Canada on the other. It was all very beautiful, and Glacier Bay was awesome!:cool:

Budget Queen

This will be the first of MANY posts as I start to research my cruise. We (DH and I both 43) and DD (who will be almost 14 at time of cruise) are looking to do our first ever Alaska cruise in August 2017. We are not new to cruising, have done 3 Carnival cruises, DH and I are doing a RCI end of this month and we have our first DCL booked for October 2016.   We are looking at RCI, Carnival, Norwegian and maybe Disney. I have heard this are the better cruise lines for teens. Is this true? Should I look for the cruise we would enjoy most for the "Alaska" experience and not worry so much about my DD teen experience?   The first thing I am looking at is the different glaciers, from my preliminary research Glacier Bay is the better choice. With Tracy Arm you don't always make it all the way through to Sawyer Glacier. How often don't you get to the Sawyer do you think?   I ask this because I was also informed by my TA that Inside Passage is amazing, and to him is a must do. Problem I have is that only RCI does Inside passage, and the cruise I am looking at doesn't go to Glacier Bay or Ketchikan, SO this all leads to my first BIG decision...   Inside Passage AND NO Glacier Bay AND Ketchikan OR NO Inside Passage AND Glacier Bay and Ketchikan.   Any thoughts or opinions appreciated.

There are some wrong assumptions. Your "kids" reference is off. That only pertains to the Caribbean. On Alaska sailings, there is very little difference in the number of kids on board with similar demographics on all lines with the exception of Disney perhaps? But even Disney won't have the numbers they have sailing the Caribbean. IF you are going to Alaska for Alaska then get knowledgeable about WHAT you are reading- DETAILS.

As for "inside passage", it's a generic term that is applied to EVERY Alaska cruise.

As for your Tracy Arm question. In my opinion it is "necessary" to purchase the add on ship tour- grossly superior to the cruise line transit. Only about 25% of the cruise ships get within view of the South Sawyer glacier. Most- turn around at Sawyer Island- which gives only a partial distant view.

Why is your search so narrow at this point? What cruise doesn't include Ketchikan? Generally for a first timer Alaska visitor, you WANT an itinerary that has at least 3 Alaska ports and a glacier. Any less in my opinion are lacking, and overall not good choices.

There are some wrong assumptions. Your "kids" reference is off. That only pertains to the Caribbean. On Alaska sailings, there is very little difference in the number of kids on board with similar demographics on all lines with the exception of Disney perhaps? But even Disney won't have the numbers they have sailing the Caribbean. IF you are going to Alaska for Alaska then get knowledgeable about WHAT you are reading- DETAILS.   As for "inside passage", it's a generic term that is applied to EVERY Alaska cruise.   As for your Tracy Arm question. In my opinion it is "necessary" to purchase the add on ship tour- grossly superior to the cruise line transit. Only about 25% of the cruise ships get within view of the South Sawyer glacier. Most- turn around at Sawyer Island- which gives only a partial distant view.   Why is your search so narrow at this point? What cruise doesn't include Ketchikan? Generally for a first timer Alaska visitor, you WANT an itinerary that has at least 3 Alaska ports and a glacier. Any less in my opinion are lacking, and overall not good choices.

Thank you, I was thinking that about the kids part. Plus she is just as excited to see Alaska as we are and on a normal cruise we enjoy our time together. My search was so narrow because I was told that they are the more kid friendly cruises. I also don't have a set budget in mind but I would like it to be as reasonable as possible. The RCI Explore of the Sea does not stop in Ketchikan. The cruises I have been seeing all basically have the same ports, it's just a difference of how long in each port and which glacier they go to. That is what is making it so hard for me, as a newby to this I am thinking, pick based on price as a glacier is a glacier....BUT I don't think that is true. UGH this is hard :p

Most 14 year olds are not going to be impressed with Disney cruise lines. It is great for younger kids.

I would expand your search. Except for Disney -- most lines won't have a lot of kids or teens.

Do some more research. Not all glaciers are equal. Check out Anne Vipond's Alaska book.

Cornishpastyman1

  Inside Passage AND NO Glacier Bay AND Ketchikan OR NO Inside Passage AND Glacier Bay and Ketchikan.   Any thoughts or opinions appreciated.

This was our day in GB. I thought it was great because you see 4 or 5 glaciers, and of different types, with about 90 minutes up close to the Margarie glacier, with a chance of seeing some calving, in addition to all the comforts of the ship and park rangers on hand to answer questions. All the best with whatever you decide, Tony

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Your "glacier is a glacier" thinking is inaccurate. Vast differences, including repetitive viewing over the years. :) Always in a state of change.

There are 6 Alaska inside Passage ports. I suggest you read up on each one of them, including an extended search on what they are known for, what activities especially. Each is VERY different from the others, and unlike the Caribbean- each equally worthwhile to visit. IF you determine what YOU want to see and do in your ports, that will go a long way- toward narrowing down your cruise selection.

The port times ARE important. Some are better than others. Same with visiting time- big differences in timing throughout the Alaska cruise season. Especially if you are flexible on dates.

It appears you are selecting round trip Seattle- this is firm in your decision?

I think so, only because I think it is easier, flight wise. I think I can be swayed on this though.

OK, I'm going to be blunt. :) (actually I'm an ex Long Islander- Farmingdale :) )

With you claiming you can be "swayed"- then back up. Consider my suggestion about= doing your homework on the ports and determine what activities you are going to select- first. You also need to work on the differences in Alaska routes. An example- Seattle round trip cruises are the least scenic. The pluses are the Seattle convenience and touring activities there as well. :) Would you be interested in that?

You can still use Seattle for flights- several options to get to/from Vancouver.

Is there an interest/possibility of a mainland Alaska interest? I recommend at least a 2 week time investment.

Narrowing down these points- will direct you toward a more manageable list of cruise choices.

OK, I'm going to be blunt. :) (actually I'm an ex Long Islander- Farmingdale :) )   With you claiming you can be "swayed"- then back up. Consider my suggestion about= doing your homework on the ports and determine what activities you are going to select- first. You also need to work on the differences in Alaska routes. An example- Seattle round trip cruises are the least scenic. The pluses are the Seattle convenience and touring activities there as well. :) Would you be interested in that?   You can still use Seattle for flights- several options to get to/from Vancouver.   Is there an interest/possibility of a mainland Alaska interest? I recommend at least a 2 week time investment.   Narrowing down these points- will direct you toward a more manageable list of cruise choices.

Hello to a fellow Long Islander, I am in Lindenhurst now but grew up in Massapequa Park.

A 2 week vacation I don't think we can swing, because of work and school....but maybe. Any particular books or sites I can use that are recommended for research.

Hello to a fellow Long Islander, I am in Lindenhurst now but grew up in Massapequa Park.   A 2 week vacation I don't think we can swing, because of work and school....but maybe. Any particular books or sites I can use that are recommended for research.

Fodor's Alaska, Frommer's Alaska, plus each has an Alaska Port of Call book, Ann Viapond- Alaska By Cruise ship. Head to your library. :)

Any cruise that has Glacier is superior to one with Tracy IMHO. Yes Tracy is nice, but Glacier is a National Park for a reason.

quercus alba

We had good numbers of teens, school agers and young adults on our NCL Pearl cruise this July*. (It's summer vacation, after all!) Our kids (10, 13, 20, 23) all connected with others their age and had a good time, plus were appreciative of the natural wonder that is Alaska.

*(link to review is in my sig below).

cruisin0218

We have been cruising with our daughter since she was 9 years old and she is now 30 and expecting our first grandchild. We have been on HAL, RCCI, Celebrity, and Carnival with her. She has thouroughly enjoyed each one. Three of our cruises with her were to Alaska. I recommend that you focus on the port excursions that you and she would prefer. From that you can look at which ports you want to visit and how long you will need in each port. I was surprised to find that she actually preferred experiencing the elegance of HAL to the others, followed by RCCI. She didn't like Celebrity as much because the room size was small with all of us sharing a balcony room. We have been on Carnival but not in Alaska and she preferred RCCI to Carnival. I would not focus so much on which cruise line but on the itinerary because I think she will enjoy any of them and will find people her age on all of them.

I think that you are on the right track - you need to attack this cruise in the following manner -

Time - one way with land tour or RT with port tour

Ports - which ones hold the most interest for you

Glacier Viewing - GB or TA

Ship/Cruise line - the last choice you should make - based on largely on the answers to the above questions.

Time - do you have more than 7 days? - Yes look into the many one way cruises to/from Whittier/Seward to/from Vancouver. With even a couple of extra days you can enhance your cruise by spending some time on the Kenai Peninsula - with a few more days you could see Denali Park. If you don't have more than 7 days I suggest a RT cruise - most of which sail from Seattle where they can handle 3 ships/day (Vancouver can only handle 2 at Canada Place) and most of those are for the various one way cruises. I believe HAL still runs one or two RT out of Vancouver.

As far as the area at the north end of Vancouver Island - Johnstone Strait it is indeed a beautiful place - however most ships on NB cruises hit this area late at night on their first night out. You will wake up the next morning on the north end of the island and enter an area of open ocean before diving into the upper inside passage. On most SB cruises you will go through this area in the late afternoon early evening on the last night of the cruise - you will wake up the next morning in Vancouver.

Now look at the ports - take a look at http://www.cruiseportinsider.com for lots of good information on the various AK ports. Also look at http://www.alaskatravel.com and http://www.travelalaska.com

Tracy Arm vs Glacier Bay = both are sights to see one is a long narrow winding fjord with a glacier at the end - it is best viewed from an add on excursion in a small boat that can get closer to the glacier and the rest of the features in the Fjord. Glacier Bay is a national park, and contains may glaciers both tidewater and other. The entire bay was once a huge glacier. One way cruises also visit Hubbard Glacier - a large tidewater glacier whose inlet is above (north) of glacier bay - most one way cruises visit it just prior to or just after Glacier Bay. Some one ways also visit Tracy Arm instead of Glacier Bay (ie NCL' s Sun). Currently only three lines have access rights to Glacier Bay - Princess, HAL, and NCL - Carnival has one or two which they use on their very early season opening cruises.

Enjoy your planning and enjoy AK

Just wanted to say that we adored the small boat trip up Tracy Arm. Sure, Sawyer Glacier was a sight to see-- but we loved the whole trip up the fjord. Wonderful scenery everywhere.

I wish that cruise port insider would provide good information about Wrangell, Prince Rupert and Icy Straight, all ports we're visiting on a 14-day cruise next May, Vancouver-Vancouver. Nothing has much appeal that I can find-- whereas we loved our earlier Alaska cruise, which visited the usual suspects. Not interested in museums, breweries, shopping-- just great scenery. I suspect that the three new ports (for us) will be a come-down, but we shall see: would love to be wrong about that.

laughing husky

All good advice and I will add my 2 cents.....Glacier Bay is amazing...It is always different....always changing.....and whoever said...hey, it is a national park is right....Disney has very little presence in Alaska...Princess has the biggest, I think HAL and Norwegian next, and the rest are down the charts...What kid doesn't want to go dogsledding on a glacier....or smell a whales' blow.....and listen to the sea lions grumble.....or go kayaking, or see a bear...or go fishing....Arrange your cruise around what might interest her...get her away from the cartoons in life and see the world how it can be....I have always traveled with my 3 kids....and they helped plan the trips...with guidance from the adults....in the summer all of the ships have kids on board...Princess has Libby Ridlles who comes on with one of her dogs and talks about her being the first woman to win the Iditarod.....Mighty Woman to listen to....and to give a kid a dream that she can do what she wants....anyway....my two cents....

Seattle round trip cruises are the least scenic.

7 Days Voyage of the Glaciers (Northbound)

From Vancouver, British Columbia to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska

http://www.princess.com/find/cruiseDetails.do?voyageCode=2613

... but then I found this itinerary:

7 Days Inside Passage with Glacier Bay

Roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia

http://www.princess.com/find/cruiseDetails.do?voyageCode=3623N

There is no question that the first is a more scenic itinerary, but it seems like the difference is about two and a half hours at College Fjord. While that is surely not inconsequential, it also seems to include more cruising over open seas (something which some folks, including us, aren't as keen about).

So could folks provide a bit more insight into just how much you lose between the second itinerary and the first itinerary?

To be fair, I realize that in crafting the message I moved the goalposts. You said "Seattle roundtrip" and I switched it to Vancouver roundtrip. That, of course, eliminates the need to stop at Victoria, and so may account for the closer comparison. Regardless, my question stands. I would love to read insights on that Vancouver roundtrip itinerary as compared to the Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary.

I was convinced of this, and was aiming for this itinerary:   7 Days Voyage of the Glaciers (Northbound) From Vancouver, British Columbia to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska http://www.princess.com/find/cruiseDetails.do?voyageCode=2613   ... but then I found this itinerary:   7 Days Inside Passage with Glacier Bay Roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia http://www.princess.com/find/cruiseDetails.do?voyageCode=3623N   There is no question that the first is a more scenic itinerary, but it seems like the difference is about two and a half hours at College Fjord. While that is surely not inconsequential, it also seems to include more cruising over open seas (something which some folks, including us, aren't as keen about).   So could folks provide a bit more insight into just how much you lose between the second itinerary and the first itinerary?

You will get-- the "repeat" "negatives" with round trips. I never agree, round trip

Vancouver, offers great scenic sailing. EVERY cruise is a compromise.

I am a skewed traveler, as I've done all these itineraries several times, so coming from a different point of view. But I always suggest being open, and not getting caught up in some of the posts which seem to claim- unworthy cruises. :)

Decisions are best based on several factors, time, transportation, tours, budget etc.

Don't be "swayed" easily. :) Some will post- their's was the "best". :) You'll be able to find good reviews on all of them.

Once again, Budget Queen is correct.....The tour trips are very similar and yet different. I too have taken them several times....each way...(Occasionally it is cheaper to sail back to Anchorage (Whittier) rather than flying back from Vancouver or even taking the transfer to Seattle and then going back. Look at it this way....You go down a road and you see A, B, C, and D......going back more or less the same way, you see A, B, C, and D but from a different prospective....Yes, I know there are minor differences but really, I suspect that you will be so overwhelmed that you will have to go and get something to eat or play Bingo.....LOL.......and then go back and see it anew....

I think that you are on the right track - you need to attack this cruise in the following manner -   Time - one way with land tour or RT with port tour Ports - which ones hold the most interest for you Glacier Viewing - GB or TA Ship/Cruise line - the last choice you should make - based on largely on the answers to the above questions.   Time - do you have more than 7 days? - Yes look into the many one way cruises to/from Whittier/Seward to/from Vancouver. With even a couple of extra days you can enhance your cruise by spending some time on the Kenai Peninsula - with a few more days you could see Denali Park. If you don't have more than 7 days I suggest a RT cruise - most of which sail from Seattle where they can handle 3 ships/day (Vancouver can only handle 2 at Canada Place) and most of those are for the various one way cruises. I believe HAL still runs one or two RT out of Vancouver.   As far as the area at the north end of Vancouver Island - Johnstone Strait it is indeed a beautiful place - however most ships on NB cruises hit this area late at night on their first night out. You will wake up the next morning on the north end of the island and enter an area of open ocean before diving into the upper inside passage. On most SB cruises you will go through this area in the late afternoon early evening on the last night of the cruise - you will wake up the next morning in Vancouver.   Now look at the ports - take a look at http://www.cruiseportinsider.com for lots of good information on the various AK ports. Also look at http://www.alaskatravel.com and http://www.travelalaska.com   Tracy Arm vs Glacier Bay = both are sights to see one is a long narrow winding fjord with a glacier at the end - it is best viewed from an add on excursion in a small boat that can get closer to the glacier and the rest of the features in the Fjord. Glacier Bay is a national park, and contains may glaciers both tidewater and other. The entire bay was once a huge glacier. One way cruises also visit Hubbard Glacier - a large tidewater glacier whose inlet is above (north) of glacier bay - most one way cruises visit it just prior to or just after Glacier Bay. Some one ways also visit Tracy Arm instead of Glacier Bay (ie NCL' s Sun). Currently only three lines have access rights to Glacier Bay - Princess, HAL, and NCL - Carnival has one or two which they use on their very early season opening cruises.   Enjoy your planning and enjoy AK

Wow, this is all super great information!!! As a person just beginning the process of deciding what cruise to take, I really appreciate you taking the time to outline all of this as you have.

As someone who is just beginning to do their research on an Alaskan cruise (with teens), this is an extremely helpful thread.

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Big horn sheep spar in Denali National Park, Alaska.

Inside Passage vs. Gulf of Alaska cruises: Know the difference

Two main ways to see alaska's natural wonders on a cruise vacation.

Cruiseable team

On a cruise ship

CruiseClout score: 95.0

Breathtaking scenery, glistening glaciers, abundant wildlife and Native American culture are among the attractions that draw cruise visitors to Alaska each year. From kayaking near icebergs to getting close (but not too close) to bears, wolves and moose on a wildlife expedition or taking a hike through a temperate ancient rainforest, any lover of nature will be in awe of what this state has to offer. 

The main decision cruise passengers have to make is how to experience these natural treasures — on an Inside Passage cruise or one that heads farther up into the Gulf of Alaska? Fortunately, there’s no wrong choice.

To help you get grounded and to help you choose the vacation that's right for you, Cruiseable has compiled the following resources:

• Inside Passage vs. Gulf of Alaska cruises: Know the difference (read below)

Alaska: Guides & resources to prepare you for your big adventure

• Top cruises to Alaska in 2016-2017

Inside Passage

Stretching from Puget Sound in Washington state, past the coastline of British Columbia and along the southeastern shores of Alaska, the Inside Passage includes more than 1,000 islands, thousands of idyllic coves and bays and endless miles of breathtaking scenery.

This is the most popular way cruisers see Southeast Alaska, given the wide choice of cruise lines offering voyages and the area's close proximity to Seattle and Vancouver as ports of departure. This route may offer the lowest air fare because you're booking round-trip flights from a single city. While there are small variations in itineraries among large ships, there are big difference between large and small cruise ships. Some of Southeast Alaska's bays and coves are too shallow for large ships, giving small ships a chance to take passengers where they could not otherwise go. 

Inside Passage cruises typically start and end in the same place, usually  Seattle or Vancouver . They make stops at three or four ports, such as the Gold Rush-era towns of Skagway and Ketchikan  and Alaska's capital of Juneau , and maybe Sitka , Haines  or British-flavored  Victoria , B.C. In between, you'll take in wildlife-filled fjords, forest-covered mountains and lush island scenery that's home to bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises and whales. The spectacular  Glacier Bay or another glacier area is often part of the itinerary.

Gulf of Alaska cruises

Cruises that skirt across the Gulf of Alaska are sometimes one-way itineraries routed either south from beautiful Anchorage (in truth it's usually the ports of Whittier or Seward ) or north from Seattle or Vancouver. These cover more territory and also lend themselves to pre- or post-cruise land excursions (often called cruise tours ) because passengers embark or disembark in Anchorage, from which you can get to nearly any part of Alaska. Cross-Gulf cruises include many Inside Passage ports, but might also stop at Seward, Valdez , College Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, Kodiak Island or other areas.

Many of these are classic one-way cruises that start or end in Whittier, the seaport gateway about 65 miles southeast of Anchorage, or in Seward, a bit farther south. One-way itineraries mean one-way air fare for two cities, which can be more expensive than round-trip fares, unless your cruise line offers a deal.

That said, you get to see more of Alaska on these cruises. In addition to stopping at ports beyond the Inside Passage, Gulf of Alaska cruises (also called Cross Gulf cruises) offer passengers access to land-tour destinations such as Anchorage, Denali National Park, Talkeetna (where some flights that circle the top of Denali, the former Mt. McKinley, originate), Fairbanks, Homer, Seward, the Kenai Peninsula  -- plus you get to travel on the Alaska Railroad . 

Because of climate and sunlight, cruises to Alaska take place strictly during the summer months, from early May to mid-September . June, July and August can be classified as peak season when average daily high temperatures can reach 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so those looking to save on fares should check sailing dates in May and September when temperatures hover around 50 degrees.

Because of its location in the far north, Alaska is the land of the midnight sun, and visitors can experience the odd phenomenon of having more than 21 hours of sunlight each day in the summer.

What to expect on your Alaska cruise

A variety of cruise ships sail to Alaska, including luxury vessels and midsize ships — most of which offer expanded kids programs for family vacationers. 

National Parks, monuments & forests

Few things make you feel as humble, and as privileged, as standing at a ship’s rail looking out at  Glacier Bay and Kenai Fjords  national parks or Misty Fiords National Monument, or making a pre- or post-cruise foray into Denali National Park & Preserve . These raw and powerful lands are proof that there are places on the planet that will never, ever be tamed, and that’s exactly why we are so drawn to them.

And then there’s Tongass National Forest , the largest national forest in the nation, which envelops most of Southeast Alaska. Roughly the size of West Virginia, this 500-mile swath of green spreads from the peaks of the Coast Mountains down to the Pacific, from granite cliffs and narrow fjords out to remote islands. Within its borders are old-growth forests, salmon, bears, wolves, eagles, whales and communities of Native people whose ancestors first came to the Tongass more than 10,000 years ago. Any cruise through the Inside Passage is a cruise through Tongass National Forest.

Cities & towns 

For a subarctic urban experience, Alaska’s two largest cities are Anchorage and Juneau. Anchorage , home to nearly 280,000 residents, is abuzz year-round with adventure, culture, seasonal festivities and outdoor sporting events. Check out Juneau , the state’s capital city, for some of the freshest seafood in the world, funky late-night brewpubs and countless galleries and exhibits shellacked with local, international and Native American artwork.

Other towns that may be part of your itinerary:

• Ketchikan : Visitors to Ketchikan, the self-proclaimed “Salmon Capital of the World,” will be intrigued by its rich native heritage, which is on colorful display throughout the town.
• Skagway : A stroll along the lovingly restored frontier-era storefronts and saloons will take you back to the days of the Klondike Gold Rush as will a ride aboard a vintage railroad to the Klondike Summit and Yukon.
• Sitka : For the first half of the 19th century, Sitka was the most important port on the West Coast after being built up by Russian settlers. 
• Victoria : From great beaches to Butchart Gardens to deluxe whale watching, Victoria exudes both British and Canadian charm. 

Culture & history

 Among Alaska’s defining elements are its people. Native Alaskans of Tlingit, Tsimshian and Haida descent have lived in this land for thousands of years. Three centuries ago, Russian and Scandinavian people arrived, and in the 1800s, pioneers and prospectors from the Lower 48 put down roots in Alaska in hopes of finding a fortune. Today, all of these cultural elements co-exist here, and when you interact with them it you'll deepen your Alaska cruise experience. 

Bears, whales & eagles

It’s not everywhere that you can see bears, whales and eagles, and even fewer places where you might see all three on one day. In Alaska, that’s entirely possible (though not guaranteed), and that’s what sets an Alaska cruise apart. Cruising in Alaska is not about lying by a pool or relaxing on a beach. It’s always about engaging with the land and sea and the multitude of extraordinary opportunities they present — including close-up views of the wild creatures that leave us in awe.

Animal encounters are possible on nature tours, visits to wildlife centers, deep in the Tongass National Forest and by simply standing on the deck of your ship looking out. Now that’s a well-spent day!

Cruise tours: By land & by sea

If you have time to do a pre- or post-stay, consider a trip by rail to Denali National Park, home of North America’s highest peak, Denali (the former Mt. McKinley), with a summit elevation of 20,310. Denali sits among 6 million acres of protected wilderness in which visitors and adventurers can tour, hike, climb, camp, photograph and raft through whitewater rapids. Arrive by helicopter and take a dogsled tour through the glaciers of Skagway in Alaska’s panhandle. Skim the wilderness in a bush plane and see Alaska from above as you glide over the Aleutian Islands or Arctic Circle.

Have you sailed to Alaska? Did you take the Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska route? Please share your experience (and photos!).

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Cruiseable team The Cruiseable editorial team consists of award-winning travel writers, cruise bloggers and journalists.

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Denali national park & preserve in photos, glacier bay national park in photos, juneau, alaska: 15 top traveler photos, alaska in photos: great visitor shots on instagram.

Alaska glossary: A guide for visitors

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The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

Whether you're in it for the sightseeing, wildlife spotting or relaxing among glaciers, there's an Alaska cruise for you

Alaska is among the most popular summer vacation destinations since it’s (pretty much) the only time of year the state offers warm, sunny weather and hours of extra daylight (on my summer 2022 trip here, I remember looking at my iPhone and being surprised that the sun still hadn’t set by 9pm!). In my opinion, cruising is, by far, the best way to experience the massive state and all the beauty it has to offer since you won’t need to drive or hop on a handful of flights; plus, you’ll only need to unpack once! (The views, of course, are just the icing on the proverbial cake.)

As you scroll through our top picks for the best Alaska cruises, it’s worth noting that most options include scenic cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage, a 500-mile-long coastal route world-renowned for its wildlife, glaciers and postcard-worthy scenery. (I’ll never forget the awe I felt when watching a whale breach from the 11th deck of my cruise ship or the glacier-studded views I ogled from the comfort of my private balcony.)

Below, I’ve broken down the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, including budget-conscious cruisers, adventure-seekers and luxury lovers alike.

RECOMMENDED: The best cruises from the U.S.

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Best Alaska cruises

1.  Holland America Line’s Alaskan Explorer

Best overall experience.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates: May through September 2024

I was fortunate enough to cruise Alaska with Holland America back in August 2022 aboard the line’s uber-popular, aptly named Alaskan Explorer itinerary. Cruising roundtrip from Seattle, the seven-day journey features scenic cruising through Stephens Passage before arriving in Juneau, where my sister and I embarked on my favorite shore excursion of the trip: A dog sledding adventure! The following day, we cruised through Glacier Bay before arriving at Icy Strait Point for a few hours, which we spent whale-watching—to this day, it is one of my most cherished travel memories. Afterward, we headed to Sitka, where we went rafting and spotted wildlife like puffins and adorable sea otters before wrapping up the adventure in the final two ports of call, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia.

The onboard offerings were equally impressive, with nightly live music and some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten (Holland America is the first cruise line to serve 100 percent fresh and certified sustainable Alaska seafood on board). Just this year, the line unveiled its Glacier Guarantee : Guests are guaranteed to visit a glacier during their sailing; otherwise, they’re entitled to a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15 percent of their cruise fare.

2.  Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska Dawes Glacier

Best upscale option.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip)

Sailing dates: May through August 2024

Celebrity Cruises offers an upscale onboard experience with plenty of chic hangout spaces, stylish restaurants and contemporary staterooms. For the first time, the spectacular 2019-era Celebrity Edge—known for its 29 restaurants bars and lounges plus innovative spaces like the Magic Carpet , which the line has deemed “the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level”—will homeport in Seattle. She’ll cruise to Alaska via the seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary, including scenic sailing through Endicott Arms and the Inside Passage. As you can likely tell by its name, guests aboard this itinerary will cruise alongside the striking Dawes Glacier, which stands over 600 feet tall and can be further inspected via a thrilling shore excursion. Ports of call include Juneau, Skagway and Victoria (British Columbia).

3.  Crystal’s Vancouver to Vancouver

Best luxury cruise.

Cruises from: Vancouver (roundtrip) Sailing dates: July 2024

For a truly memorable Alaska sailing, splurge on Crystal’s seven-night Vancouver to Vancouver itinerary—and thank me later. As you can guess by its name, the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity will sail roundtrip from Vancouver, cruising through Canada’s glacier-studded Seymour Narrows before calling on Sitka and Skagway, respectively. Afterward, you’ll enjoy scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm fjord before one last port stop in Ketchikan. While in port, cruisers can embark on bucket-list-worthy excursions such as wildlife spotting tours, kayaking adventures and fishing. The on-board programming is equally impressive: All passengers, regardless of their room category, enjoy private butler service; Wi-Fi; a selection of wines, champagne, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages like water, soft drinks and specialty coffees; free gratuities; and one complimentary reservation to each of the two specialty dining restaurants, including the first and only Nobu at sea (yes, that Nobu).

4.  Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic’s Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

Best for wildlife spotting.

Cruises from: Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have teamed up to offer a handful of one-of-a-kind Alaska sailings specially suited for true adventure-seekers. The Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness itinerary, which sails from Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa (depending on your desired sail date), invites cruisers to experience Alaska’s natural landscapes and wildlife up close and personal with guidance and unique insight from an onboard expedition team . Along the way, partake in adventures like hiking through forests, cruising around icebergs via Zodiac, or searching for puffins and mountain goats in Glacier Bay National Park. Little ones can also partake in the fun: Children and teens can learn more about Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife with the National Geographic Global Explorers family program. Cruisers will sail on one of two 100-person vessels, National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture, both offer a shallow draft that, per the website, allows the ships’ captains to “navigate the inner reaches and provide more intimate experiences.”

5.  Alaskan Dream Cruises’ 2024 Ice of the Inside Passage

Best small-ship option.

Cruises from: Sitka to Ketchikan

Sailing dates: May through August 2024 This brand-new itinerary from Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dreams Cruises is ideal for cruisers craving an authentic small-ship experience. The eight-day voyage departs from Sitka aboard the 49-passenger Baranof Dream. From there, you'll enjoy scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. It’s also worth noting that, because of the ship’s small size, guests can gain an up-close view of seven different glaciers, including Margerie, Grand Pacific, Mendenhall, Sawyer, South Sawyer and Dawes glaciers, plus a high-speed jet-boat excursion to LeConte Glacier.

After cruising Glacier Bay National Park, it’s off to Juneau, followed by more scenic sailing through the Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm fjords (the latter can be explored via kayak or skiff expedition). This itinerary is also unique since it includes a Kasaan stop where guests can immerse themselves in Alaska's native culture by visiting the Haida community. The final port of call, Ketchikan, is known as “The Salmon Capital of the World.”

6.  Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Flavors of Alaska

Cruises from: Vancouver to Seward

Sailing dates: June 2024

Cruise the Last Frontier in style with Regent Seven Seas aboard the Seven Seas Explorer, which offers all-suite accommodations equipped with private balconies for soaking in the glacial views. While there are several Alaska itineraries to choose from, Flavors of Alaska , which sails from Vancouver to Seward, is among our favorites since it includes (pretty much) all of Alaska’s most popular ports of call, including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, with Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising. As such, it’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Alaska. It’s also worth noting that this particular voyage offers up to 50 free excursions, including rainforest and glacier hikes, whale-watching adventures, kayaking and fishing. While this luxury cruise line isn’t cheap, it offers excellent value with numerous amenities already included in the price, such as specialty dining, transfers between the airport and ship, an open bar package, roundtrip air on domestic flights, gratuities and two-for-one fares.

7.  Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Best for families.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates:  May through September 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere—for example, there are no set dining times—and breadth of activities and amenities. As such, it’s safe to say this mega-ship line is ideal for families of all ages. This summer, gather the family for an epic Alaska sailing aboard the aptly named Norwegian Bliss, which offers thrilling activities like go-kart racing and laser tag. The itinerary is equally impressive as the vessel itself: After setting sail from Seattle, it’s off to scenic Sitka. The following day, you’ll explore Juneau before scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Passengers will then visit Icy Strait Point (home to the state’s largest native Tlingit village, as well as awe-inspiring wildlife, including orcas and humpback whales, which, if you’re lucky, can be spotted straight from the ship). The final Alaskan port of call, Ketchikan, is renowned for its colorful Creek Street, a former red light district turned tourist attraction, where you can also spot salmon swimming upstream (and even the occasional otter or two). Before heading back to Seattle, you’ll visit Victoria, British Columbia, which just so happens to be one of my favorite ports of call thanks to its charming shops and restaurants coupled with its bustling food scene (fun fact: It’s home to the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada).

8.  Viking Cruises’ Alaska & The Inside Passage

Best adults-only.

Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Viking is renowned for its adults-only, all-inclusive cruises (think free spa access; Wi-Fi; one shore excursion per port; wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner; all-balcony accommodations). Cruisers aboard the line’s 11-day Alaska & The Inside Passage itinerary—where nobody is below the age of 18—enjoy visits to popular ports of call like Juneau, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Ketchikan, along with a stop in Valdez, a small fishing town known for its glaciers, waterfalls and scenic hiking trails, before disembarking in Seward, aka the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. The line is also known for its immersive shore excursions, including a visit to Saxman Native Village and animal encounters at the Alaska Sealife Center.

9.  Royal Caribbean’s Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier

Best budget option.

Cruises from: Seward to Vancouver

Royal Caribbean is known for its laid-back ambiance and bucket-list sailings aboard its mega-ship fleet, which offer something for everyone, be it water slides, skydiving simulators or escape rooms. With fares ranging from $299 to $625 depending on the date, the seven-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier aboard Radiance of the Seas—which offers completely complimentary activities like a rock climbing wall and Broadway-caliber entertainment, not to mention 11 dining options and several bars and lounges—is a great way to experience The Last Frontier without breaking the bank. After embarking in Seward, passengers will enjoy scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier, followed by port stops in Juneau, Skagway, Haines (famous for its majestic wildlife, including bears and eagles), Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. Before disembarking in Vancouver, travelers are in for one final treat: Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage.

10.  Princess Cruises’ Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)

Best for foodies.

Culinary connoisseurs can sail to Alaska aboard Discovery Princess, which is among the newest Princess ships to cruise Alaska this season, and the Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) is one for the books since it calls on Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria (British Columbia), along with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. Also, as part of the line’s “North to Alaska” programming, passengers can partake in unique culinary experiences, including Cook My Catch at the new specialty seafood restaurant, The Cach by Rudi. This unique offering allows cruisers to consume their very own fresh catch caught on a fishing excursion. Foodies can also partake in an onboard salmon cooking demonstration led by expert chefs, along with a four-course seafood feast at the Crab Shack, a lunch pop-up found in the World Fresh Marketplace.

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Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

Alaska Inside Passage Cruises

Alaska ’s Inside Passage is nothing short of breathtaking. Encompassed by tranquil waters, one moment you can be sailing a wide bay of barrier islands and the next you’re cruising through a narrow waterway flanked by towering forested walls. That’s the splendid spectacle of these serene landscapes — the scenery is constantly changing, from picturesque shores to friendly coastal towns.

What is the Inside Passage?

Stretching hundreds of miles from Puget Sound, Washington, through the British Columbia coast and into the Gulf of Alaska, the Inside Passage includes more than 1,000 islands, seemingly endless shoreline and thousands of idyllic coves and bays. Sailing with Princess, you’ll marvel at the breathtaking scenery and encounter ports of call like Gold Rush-era Skagway , Salmon Capital of the World Ketchikan , the capital city of Juneau and British-flavored Victoria .

Visit a Native village, learn about the triumphs and tragedies of Alaska’s Gold Rush heyday or go dog sledding with a real musher. Touring the Inside Passage on an Alaska cruise is your gateway to the fascinating and colorful culture, history and sights of the Great Land.

History of the Inside Passage

During a two-year expedition through uncharted territory, Captain George Vancouver sailed into the still waters of what came to be known as the Inside Passage . Passing by luminous glaciers artfully carved by Mother Nature’s beaming summers and numbing winters, Captain Vancouver and his team charted over 1,000 miles from 1792 to 1794. From the towering spruce trees lining the borders of Ketchikan to the majestic mountains cradling the heart of Skagway, the mariners documented every inch of this winter wonderland — inviting others to set sail in their same path and revel in the magic for themselves.

In 1881, the first cruise drifted into the still waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage — but, these seafarers did not experience the wonder of modern-day cruises. In the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, these passengers were making history, not reliving it. Since then, journeys through these breathtaking lands have become more exhilarating. In Juneau, venture underground into historical gold mines and see for yourself just how treasure was extracted from rugged walls. Or, take a scenic railway tour up snow-capped mountains and through lush landscapes, retracing the footsteps of early explorers in Skagway.

History awaits you in the enchanting enclaves of the Inside Passage. Cruise past archaic, granite glaciers and step into protected lands. With exclusive access to some of the most famous glaciers — including Glacier Bay National Park — Princess offers a close-up, undisturbed view to spectacular scenery and adored wildlife. Sail into sheer serenity amidst the Inside Passage on an Alaska cruise from Princess.  View Alaska cruises .

*Princess Cruise Line is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

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Inside Passage with Olympic National Park & 2 Days in Glacier Bay

Seattle to juneau (or reverse) from $6,100.

A Wildness Beyond the Expected

Whales and wildlife, kayaking and hiking. Thirteen days take you through Canada’s Inside Passage and Southeast Alaska—plus remote wilderness, native culture, and Pacific Northwest natural history.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

• Two full days in Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit Grand Pacific, Margerie, Johns Hopkins, Lamplugh and Reid Glaciers
• Full day in Olympic National Park
• Cruise the Inside Passage with two to three days traversing Canada
• Visit Ketchikan, famously known as the “Salmon Capital of the World"
• Full day in Misty Fjords National Monument
• Navigate Wrangell Narrows, locally known as Christmas Tree Lane due to the amount of navigation lights needed for traveling this scenic pass
• Hike and Kayak Thomas Bay, the land of the Kushtaka a half man, half Sea Otter
• Whale watching in Fredericks Sound, Stephens Passage, Chatham & Icy Straits
• Search for wildlife—bears, sea lions, seals, sea otters, porpoises, eagles and more
• Bushwhack and hike in old-growth forest and glacial outwash fields
• Visit Juneau, Alaska’s Capital, and home of UnCruise Adventures
• B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

NAV = Navigator Cabin, TRB = Trailblazer Cabin, PAT = Pathfinder Cabin, ADM = Admiral Cabin, JCO = Junior Commodore Suite, COM = Commodore Suite, SGL = Single Cabin

Your day-by-day details

Day 1 seattle embarkation.

Ah, the Emerald City! Check-in at the hospitality center and later, board your ship and settle in. Fishermen’s Terminal, UnCruise's home in Seattle, you travel through the historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, where it’s a 20 foot drop into the Salish Sea. Adieu, Seattle. (D)

DAY 2 Olympic National Park

Hike in Olympic National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—surrounded by rainforest, old-growth forest, and top of the world 360-degree views. Then, you'll either trek at Hurricane Ridge or explore Lake Crescent. On a clear day, you can see Canada across to the Straits of Juan de Fuca. (BLD)

DAY 3 Canada's Inside Passage

Mountains rise higher. Fjords get deeper. It’s a day of intricate waterways and cruising for critters, keeping watch for black bears on shore, including the elusive spirit bear. Civilization slips away as you enter remote waters leading north through British Columbia. Surf-happy dolphins and porpoise like to catch a ride on the bow wave. Your captain and crew are on the lookout and give the call of a sighting. Aiming to entertain and educate over the next days, your expedition team is at the ready. Natural history, Native influences, and their favorite trivia games, too. (BLD)

DAY 4 Canada's Inside Passage Continues

Take your cup of joe to the bow. The world wakes up with you. Bald eagles watch the ship along its course from tree tops. Islands to the west, inlet-etched mainland to the east. Your captain and mates navigate twisting passages. Harbor seals spend their days on rocky islets. Breathe in the fresh air and take in miles of forested wilderness. See a waterfall and old abandoned cannery that come into view. That’s Butedale. Slow down and take it all in as forested fjords roll by. In the lounge, your bartender mixes up the daily special. Take the challenge and play a few friendly hands of cards with your shipmate. (BLD)

DAY 5 Canada's Inside Passage, Cruise Narrow Channels

Today, you sail through the northern-most portion of Canada's wild Inside Passage and enter Alaska's. Check out the bridge–it's an ideal spot to look for whales and other wildlife including the elusive blonde Spirit Bears. Also see what the crew has in store today. Maybe a cooking or cocktail demonstration or a galley tour. Or maybe learn more about navigation from the crew, and try your hand at tying knots! This evening, we cross the border into Alaska. (BLD)

DAY 6 Misty Fjords National Monument

There are places on the planet that completely overcome you. This is one of them. The beauty. The peace. The sense of place you feel. Misty Fjords National Monument represents nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska. And that alone is a lot to consider. Glacial valleys filled with sea water. Sheer 3,000-foot cliffs. Sea birds, brown and black bears, mountain goats, Sitka black-tailed deer, all find safe haven here. Kayak in Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay and you find it’s just as easy to paddle and go, as it is to sit and float and take it all in. Or skiff to the base of a waterfall for a fjord-released shower. The area’s affectionate nickname, “The Yosemite of the North,” is deserved. (BLD)

DAY 7 Ketchikan

In Ketchikan, connect with the Tlingit Culture. Tribal leader and local legend Joe Williams, known as Ka Xesh X’e in his native language, guides you on a walking tour. With a rich oral tradition, the Tlingit passed stories from generation to generation—and Joe’s storytelling is captivating! Amble through the surrounding forest on a moderate to easy trail or challenge yourself to a hard-charger hike along trails and boardwalks past cedar, spruce, streams, and waterfalls. (BLD)

DAY 8 Wrangell Narrows & Thomas Bay

This morning, your ship winds into the Wrangell Narrows. Abundant bright red and green navigation lights guide the way. It’s nicknamed “Christmas Tree Lane,” of course. In the afternoon, head into Thomas Bay. When you come this far, you might as well go all in. This is way back backcountry of Alaska’s wilderness. Glacial landscapes marked by moraines, muskegs, and mud. In this playground, it’s all an option today. Kayak and skiff in water almost clear as glass. The mirror image of fjord walls plays on the surface. Keep it green on an interpretive walk through a grassy meadow into the forest. (BLD)

DAY 9 Chichagof Island

Spend some time on the bow as you glide through glacier-carved fjords along the Chichagof coast. Then anchor for more activities. Time to lower the kayaks and skiffs and get up close and personal with a sea otter or wildlife watching from your kayak. Camera in hand, set off on land and sea explorations. Closer inspection by skiff, moss-dripping trees run right down to the water. Any bears in there? With one of the world’s largest populations of bears, it’s possible. Go searching for giant trees and tidal pools. Hiking in the Tongass, it won’t take long to find them. Your eagle-eyed guides lead the pack—and pull up the rear. (BLD)

DAY 10 Icy Strait Whale Search

Bull whip kelp threads through nearby channels like deep, twisted mangroves. And you know better, but orange and purple starfish and jellyfish make it hard to believe you’re not in the tropics. Follow the currents out to where the sea lions flock to remote rock formations. Your captain is on the bridge, the expedition team on deck, and all eyes are on the water and the shore. Everyone is on-watch for the telltale blow of humpbacks. Come closer to the shoreline by skiff, kayak, or on foot. Sometimes the smallest things are the biggest wonders. Take in the evening solitude from the bow, or the hot tub. Or both—why choose just one? (BLD)

DAY 11 Glacier Bay National Park

Welcome to our second National Park of the trip. We begin our visit in the rarely visited wilderness areas of the park. Less than 1% of the visitors to the park get the chance to go on land, and that’s just what we’ve written up. Hike Gloomy Knob, kayak the placid waters of North Sandy Cove, or explore the meadows of Beartrack Cove – your expedition leader picks today’s location based on recent wildlife sightings and weather conditions. After a full day, get out on deck for the evening cruise. The snowcapped mountains of the Fairweathers peek over the clouds as we make our way north. Ice begins to appear in the water...

DAY 12 Glacier Bay National Park

It’s 6:00 AM. You were told this was going to be an early morning, and your alarm clock is the metallic sound of ice sliding past the hull of the ship. Grab a cup of coffee and a warm jacket; directly off the bow is either Johns Hopkins Glacier or Margerie Glacier, depending on the season and ice condition. The quiet of the morning is only interrupted by the thundering crash of the glacier as 10 story-buildings of ice crash into the sea in the soft light of sunrise. Grab a pastry and a big breakfast, today is going to be a banner day. The captain drops the anchor deftly at Lamplugh Glacier – the morning is your choice of how you want to experience the glacier. Kayaks, ridge hikes, and ice garden explorations are all at your fingertips. The afternoon is spent singularly focused on the wildlife of the park. Get your binoculars out and spot Mountain Goats at Gloomy Knob and Tufted Puffins at the birder’s paradise of South Marble Island. This is our final day in the park – take it all in.  

DAY 13 Juneau Disembark

Spend time exploring Alaska's capital city of Juneau before departing for inluded transfer to the airport or enjoy an extended stay at our downtown hotel. (B)

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur to maximize your experience.

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Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Wilderness Cruise

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Cruise Alaska’s and Canada’s Inside Passages
• Visit Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Discover Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers and see ice in LeConte Bay
• Watch for whales and wildlife in Frederick Sound and Icy Strait
• Wildlife Viewing
• Whale Watching
• Village Visits
• North America
• Pacific Northwest
• United States
• British Columbia
• Chichagof Island
• Frederick Sound
• Glacier Bay National Park
• Inside Passage
• Johnstone Strait
• LeConte Bay
• Misty Fjords National Monument
• San Juan Islands

Full Itinerary

Day 1: seattle, washington | embark.

• Accommodation

Day 2: San Juan Islands, Washington | Canada's Inside Passage

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Canada's Inside Passage

Day 4: canada's inside passage, day 5: ketchikan, alaska | misty fjords national monument, day 6: captains’ choice, day 7: leconte bay | ideal cove, day 8: frederick sound | chatham strait, day 9: sitka | peril strait, day 10: chichagof island, day 11: glacier bay national park, day 12: icy strait, day 13: juneau, alaska | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

Safari Explorer

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Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard or Discover

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• 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
• 12 Nights Accommodations
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• Activities as listed
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• Fresh fruit upon request
• Ice service
• TV with On Demand movies, programming

Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms.

• Hair dryers, makeup mirrors

These expansive staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view.

Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and bath tub with premium massage showerheads.

Signature Suite

• Whirlpool bath

These large, comfortable suites feature a spacious sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one murphy bed for one person. The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall.

Neptune Suite

• Premium bathrobes, slippers
• Fresh flowers
• One-Touch concierge service
• Whirlpool bath (suite dependent)
• In-suite coffee, espresso
• Complimentary laundry
• Pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres served in suite
• Welcome glass of sparkling wine
• Priority boarding for tender ports, priority dining/seating requests, special disembarkation service
• High tea in suite on request
• Exclusive tote bag

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these spacious suites are flooded with light. They feature a large sitting area and two lower beds convertible to one king-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses. The bathroom comes with a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, plus additional shower stall. Amenities include use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private concierge and an array of complimentary services.

Your Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam

The second of our Signature Class ships, Nieuw Amsterdam, celebrates historic New York City with an inspired design and art collection. While on board, rejuvenate in the tranquil Spa & Salon, play pickleball at sea, or enjoy a tantalizing meal at fine dining restaurants. When you’re in the mood for music, Billboard Onboard fills the room with chart-topping hits.

• 2106 Guests
• 936 ft. Length
• 105.8 ft. Width

Dining & Onboard Activities

Each day on board offers delicious dining options, world-class entertainment and enriching activities.

Pinnacle Grill

The ultimate steakhouse at sea, with an exceptional menu of Prime steaks, seafood and wine.

Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, where an exceptional menu and impeccable service make for one of finest meals you’ll ever have. The refined menu features a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks — meticulously chosen to guarantee the finest quality — as well as classic steakhouse dishes and innovative recipes from James Beard Award-winning chef and Culinary Council® member, David Burke. Every dish is exquisitely prepared, beautifully plated and complemented by a vast collection of award-winning wines. Here, your meal is an event unto itself, a celebration of fine dining and a triumph of flavor.

*Meals at Pinnacle Grill are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.

Canaletto is a relaxed setting with authentic Italian cuisine that is best enjoyed when shared.

In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisù, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!

Meals at Canaletto are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.

Explore traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan with cuisine praised by Condé Nast Traveler as rivaling the top restaurants on land.

Praised by  Condé Nast Traveler  for cuisine “that rivals the top restaurants on land,” Tamarind is the perfect place to explore the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan. The menu, which honors the elements of water, wood, fire and earth, features such exotic fare as wok-seared lobster, barramundi (Asian sea bass) in banana leaf and sushi, accompanied by chilled or heated sake. 

Meals at Tamarind are half price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.

Lido Market

A casual, modern marketplace, Lido Market offers the widest range of food options on board for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late-night snack.

Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.

This casual poolside grill serves up the best burgers at sea, Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dogs, golden French fries and more.

Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea.

New York Pizza

Our poolside pizzeria has fresh Italian salads and authentic thin-crust personal pizzas with savory toppings.

At New York Pizza, choose from a variety of scrumptious, 9-inch, thin-crust pies. Named for New York’s famed five boroughs, our signature pizzas are made to order and topped with only the finest ingredients. Enjoy your pizza by day while overlooking the Lido pool, and into the night. This venue is New York Deli & Pizza on  Koningsdam ,  Rotterdam  and  Nieuw Statendam , offering made-to-order deli sandwiches in addition to pizza.

24-Hour Room Service

Enjoy breakfast in bed or an early dinner on your verandah — entrées and more are available whenever you wish.

Sleep in and have breakfast delivered. Enjoy an early dinner on your verandah before an evening excursion. Order a salad, sandwich or entrée any time. Room Service is only a phone call away. All selections are included in your cruise fare unless otherwise noted on the in-room menu.

Dine on delectable sushi and sip Asian-inspired spirits at Nami Sushi, a sushi bar within Tamarind offering stunning ocean views.

Nami Sushi offers a tempting array of the sushi rolls he’s created. Choose from such delectable selections as Tempura Lobster Roll with soft shell crab tempura; Dragon Roll with tempura shrimp, unagi sauce and avocado; Tsutsumi Roll with snapper, green olive, caper and avocado; Futomoki Roll with crab, yamagobo, avocado and cucumber; Volcano Roll with sesame-marinated salmon and Thai chilis; Nigiri sushi with tuna, salmon and ebi shrimp; and more. The word “nami,” Japanese in origin, means “wave” and is an homage to the ocean views you’ll enjoy as you dine on the freshest, tastiest and most inventive sushi at sea.

The Dining Room

Our flagship dining experience is a welcoming and sophisticated setting for an exquisite breakfast, lunch or superb multicourse dinner.

For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. 

Crow's Nest

BARS AND LOUNGES

Enjoy cocktails and sunsets in this lounge, featuring panoramic views.

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges onboard. The panoramic view takes center stage in The Crow's Nest at the top of the ship, where you can relax just about any time of day and enjoy your favorite drink.

Explorer's Lounge

Elegant and refined, stop by for a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail.

The Explorer’s Lounge is an elegant and refined space to enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or your favorite liqueur.

Enjoy cocktails and ocean views while listening to live music.

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges. This popular bar is at the top of the atrium and is the perfect locale for cocktails and dancing.

Tamarind Bar

Partake in exotic cocktails and sakétinis amid wraparound ocean views.

Which is more delightful: the apple-pear saketini in your chilled glass or views of the sun going down in a crimson blaze? Enjoy both in this stylish hideaway – your destination for panoramic views and exotic cocktails, and just one of the wide selection of lounges and gathering places on board.

Sea View Bar

Enjoy your favorite poolside drink while soaking up the sun and taking in panoramic views from the comfort of our deck lounge chairs. 

Pinnacle Bar

An elegant space to enjoy a well-crafted cocktails and fine wines anytime, particularly before dining at Pinnacle Grill.

Billboard Onboard

ENTERTAINMENT

Sing along, test your music trivia knowledge, or sit back and enjoy as chart-topping hits fill the room each night.

2 pianos - 60 Years of Chart Toppers - 100s Of Songs.  Sing along, test your music trivia skills or just sit back and enjoy as the hits fill the room each night.

World Stage

World Stage features innovative cruise ship shows and a two-story LED screen that creates a vivid wraparound display.

World Stage, the largest theater on board is home to a variety of performances day and night. Our exclusive EXC® Talk lecture series features captivating regional stories told by local experts and narrated by your Cruise & Travel Director. In the evenings, Step One Dance Company, vocal sensation Cantaré, BBC Earth in Concert and more take the stage.  Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam  and  Rotterdam  bring the World Stage experience to the next level by surrounding you in spectacular sight and sound with a two-story, panoramic LED screen.

Rolling Stone Lounge

Our 7-piece band brings you the best in rock, pop, country and more.

Dance to your favorite songs with one of the best bands at sea. From rock and pop to country and beyond, we provide the perfect playlist live, each and every cruise.

Onboard Shopping

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping onboard.

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Effy.

Fitness Center

Take a class in our professionally staffed Fitness Center.

Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.

Holland America Line Navigator

Personalize your cruise experience with our free mobile-friendly tool.

Personalize your cruise experience once you’re on the ship with our free mobile-friendly tool. Plan your daily activities, browse and purchase shore excursions, view restaurant menus, make dining reservations, check your account balance and more. 

Casino Action

The Casino offers games for all levels.

Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.

Pickleball at Sea

Enjoy complimentary lessons, tournaments, and courts with amazing top-deck views.

Play the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with Holland America Line, the exclusive cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association. All our cruise ships feature pickleball courts with amazing top-deck views. The equipment and courts are available for a match anytime, so long as the weather allows. Frequent pickler? Join a pickleball tournament at sea and put your dink shot to the test. Hesitant amateur? Learn the basics at complimentary beginner’s lessons, starting in spring 2023. Commemorative starter kits will soon be available in our retail shops — purchase as gifts for avid players or as souvenirs, so that you can always look back on your pickleball cruise memories.

Kids ages 3 to 17 can enjoy an array of activities. Registration required for children under 13.

Holland America Line's youth activities program, Kids Club, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties. Note: Kids Club is not offered on cruises of 25-days or longer, including all Legendary and Grand Voyages. We will offer a selection of children’s activities throughout these longer voyages for any children who may be onboard.

7-DAY ALASKA INSIDE PASSAGE

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NCL Inside Passage with Glacier Bay

A route showcasing Alaska's icy blue glaciers, diverse wildlife, and a rich history.

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Norwegian Cruises Inside Passage Glacier Bay from Seattle

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The Inside Passage with Glacier Bay itinerary maximizes time on shore by including just one full day at sea and another spent within the borders of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The route visits four ports of call over its seven days, showcasing so much of what makes the region special: Fjords and mountains, gold rush history and native cultures, plentiful outdoor adventures and awe-inspiring scenery. Norwegian Cruise Lines runs this roundtrip cruise.

Daily Itinerary & Sailing Dates

Below is a general itinerary for this cruise. Note that there are variations in the exact cruise itinerary between sailing dates. Ports of call, route, and details will vary. Be sure to request a cruise quote using the links below or with our cruise finder to see the most up to date information for the particular voyage you are interested in.

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The cruise embarks from Pier 66 in downtown Seattle, a busy waterside metropolis known as the Emerald City.

Leaving the Pacific Northwest for the Alaskan Southeast, the route begins with a full day cruising north through the Pacific Ocean.

The route enters the calm waters of Alaska's Inside Passage en route to the journey's first port of call. Juneau, Alaska's state capital, is a fitting first port. Here, passengers can view glaciers from the air, wildlife from kayaks, and even whales from a smaller day cruise.

With a long day at port in Skagway, passengers have ample time to explore the town's gold rush beginnings and its many modern-day activities. Learn about the antics of Soapy Smith, Alaska's most infamous criminal, at the Days of '98 Show. Meet dog sled teams. Take to the tall trees on a zipline adventure.

Even the largest cruise ships are dwarfed by the high peaks surrounding Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Nearby Mt. Fairweather rises an astonishing 15,325 feet above sea level. The cruise spends a full day at sea exploring this remote and pristine park.

The route returns once again to land for a morning port call in Ketchikan. The small coastal community is perched on the corner of Revillagigedo Island, a rambling and densely forested piece of land shared by Misty Fjords National Monument. Passengers can visit this nearby natural wonder via jetboat or floatplane.

Although surrounded by the dense temperate rainforests and wildlife-rich waters that define southeast Alaska, Victoria is an entirely different destination. The cruise docks for an evening in this refined Canadian city where garden tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, and high tea service rank among the most popular shore excursions.

The voyage comes to its end back in Seattle. Port services make airport transfers particularly easy in this cruise-friendly city.

The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

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Even with a season that only runs from April through October, there are some 40 big ships and dozens of small ships cruising Alaska , making it one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world after the Caribbean and Europe. 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 itinerary choices are numerous in Alaska. Some ships stick to tried-and-true ports, sailing through Southeast Alaska and into western Canada. Others wander deeper along the Alaska coastline to places such as the Kenai Peninsula, north to Nome and Barrow and even deep into the Bering Sea.

Some trips hit multiple national parks; others dive into Alaska culture, allowing guests to learn the stories told by totem poles or hear about “the big one” from a fisherman at a dive bar.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

It can be hard to figure out which ship will deliver your idea of a “bucket list” experience in The Last Frontier. A lot comes down to your travel style, preferences and budget. Some travelers demand luxury, 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 good news is there’s a ship in Alaska for you no matter your taste or style. Here’s a beginner’s guide to the best Alaska cruises to help you narrow down your choices.

Best for megaresort fans

Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both sail some of their largest ships in Alaska. They are floating megaresorts, carrying thousands, and are big on amenities, glitz and a certain amount of glamor — think flashy casinos, Broadway shows, lavish spas. Dining and drinking venues number in the dozens, while amusement park features thrill the kids and adrenaline-seekers.

Norwegian Encore

On Norwegian Encore, you can race along a go-kart racetrack, compete in outdoor laser tag and zoom down slides at the water park while you traverse Alaska’s Inside Passage. The ship sails seven-night cruises from Seattle, visiting Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve .

Related: A beginner’s guide to picking a cruise line

Ovation of the Seas

On Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, you can order a drink from a robotic bartender, try simulated skydiving or surfing experiences and take a ride in a glass capsule that travels high above your ship on a mechanical arm — a weird and wonderful way to see the Alaska scenery.

Ovation of the Seas sails round-trip from Seattle on seven-night cruises, but the exact itinerary varies by week. The ship cruises Endicott Arm for scenic views of Dawes Glacier and typically visits three Alaska ports and Victoria.

Best for land and sea adventures

You’ve traveled far to get to Alaska, and it would be a shame to miss inland sights such as Denali National Park and Preserve and the sight of Denali, North America’s largest peak — so big it’s often shrouded in clouds caused by its own weather system.

Market leaders Holland America Line and Princess Cruises both send a half-dozen ships to Alaska each year, and they have 75 and 55 years in the market, respectively.

They top the list in terms of cruises, as well as cruise tours, which combine time sailing with overnight stays on land. The companies operate their own lodges, rail cars and motorcoaches for exploration of Alaska’s interior and beyond. Many of the ships have permission to sail in Glacier Bay.

Related: The coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise

Choose from 10- to 17-night land tours that combine a standard weeklong cruise (sometimes half a cruise) with time spent exploring Alaska’s interior by bus, train or even plane.

Holland America will base six ships in Alaska in 2024, with tour offerings to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage.

However, it also offers nine- to 14-night cruise tours on Koningsdam that head into the Canadian Yukon, following the route of the Klondike Gold Rush from Alaska to northwestern Canada. Disembark your cruise ship in Skagway, then travel to Whitehorse and Dawson City in the Yukon before continuing on to Fairbanks (the gateway to Arctic Alaska), Denali National Park and Anchorage.

Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises offers a cruise tour where you visit four national parks: Glacier Bay, Denali, the Kenai Fjords and America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias. The 15- and 17-night trips combine a seven-night cruise on Sapphire Princess from Vancouver to Whittier, Alaska, with another week or more on land, ending in Fairbanks or Anchorage.

Best for travelers on a budget

Older ships in Norwegian and Royal Caribbean’s fleets tend to offer more reduced prices than you’ll find on the lines’ larger and newer ships, based on the fact the older ships don’t have as many bells and whistles.

Since they have so many ships in the market, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises also tend to offer frequent sales — especially on their older tonnage. These ships have a loyal following and tend to have fewer families on board, which some couples find particularly appealing.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

If you’re looking for other surefire ways to save, consider sailings in the area’s shoulder season. You’ll find better deals from April to early June and in September than you will in the height of summer.

Also, in Alaska, balcony cabins are highly desirable, with everyone seeking views of the wilderness, snow-capped peaks and glaciers. As those reserves get low, the prices tend to get higher. Bargain seekers should either book early for these accommodations or choose inside, outside or guarantee cabins (where you don’t pick your room location) to save more.

Radiance of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s 20-year-old ship Radiance of the Seas mainly sails weeklong, one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, with prices below $100 per person, per night, for inside and outside cabins on many departures.

However, its early-season May 2024 sailing from Seward to Vancouver is the cheapest Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise of the season. It starts at $368 per person for an inside cabin.

Grand Princess and Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises has so many ships based in Alaska that you’re bound to find deals, especially on shoulder-season cruises. Both Grand and Sapphire Princess offer weeklong Alaska cruises in May 2024 starting from $548 per person for inside cabins. The itinerary starts in Vancouver and ends in Whittier, Alaska, with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway and scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and College Fjord.

Best for off-the-beaten-path travel

Want to see and deeply experience coastal Alaska, and don’t mind a mellower environment where lectures and impromptu guitar singalongs replace casinos and show productions? Consider lines such as UnCruise Adventures , Lindblad Expeditions and Alaskan Dream Cruises, all with ships that carry fewer than 100 passengers (and in the case of Alaskan Dream, even under 20 passengers).

On these small ships, captains have the flexibility to alter itineraries and linger if the naturalist onboard spots a pod of whales or bears digging for clams on a beach.

Small ships can go places bigger ships can’t, so itineraries stretch far beyond the traditional ports. You’ll visit more remote places such as Petersburg, a fishing town with strong Norwegian roots, and Wrangell, one of Alaska’s oldest communities. Some itineraries are conducted entirely in the wild, with no port calls at all.

UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures explores Southeast Alaska on seven-, 12- and 14-night itineraries. A day might start with a morning birding expedition, continue with a kayaking adventure and end with an evening campfire ashore. You might visit LeConte and Baird Glaciers (where the big ships don’t go), plus UnCruise has the only permits for hiking and biking adventures on Chichagof Island.

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in both Alaska and British Columbia, with itineraries ranging from six to 15 nights.

Guests might explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or discover native petroglyphs on the beaches of Wrangell Island in Alaska, or search for grizzly bears in Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. 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.

Alaskan Dream Cruises

Alaskan-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises’ ships carry 12 to 76 passengers to remote Native villages that rarely see visitors, with plenty of time for wildlife viewing far from the cruise ship crowds. Itineraries range from five to nine nights, from departure ports such as Sitka, Ketchikan and Juneau.

Best for families

If you’re traveling with your kids or grandkids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, target the newest and biggest ships of Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival and especially Disney Cruise Line. All have excellent camp-like activity programs for kids, plus eye-popping amusement attractions.

Disney Wonder

On Disney ships, Goofy might make an appearance as you admire soaring eagles, blue icebergs and glaciers. The extensive children’s program, entertainment and such activities as water slides and play areas deliver what you would expect from the purveyor of dreams. Bonus: Cabins are designed with families in mind and include split bathrooms (one with a toilet and sink, the other with a shower/tub combo and sink).

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Discovery Princess

While lacking in whiz-bang attractions, Princess Cruises is another good choice, both for its children’s and teens program, complete with spacious facilities, and for such programming as bringing sled dogs on board, which is a hit with young passengers. The line’s newest ship, Discovery Princess, sails round trip from Seattle, a convenient U.S. home port for families to fly or drive to.

Carnival Spirit

Water slides, a partnership with Dr. Seuss and three hangouts for kids and teens make Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit a great bet for families in Alaska.

The ship’s huge array of included quick eats — pizza, tacos, Guy Fieri’s burgers and unlimited soft serve ice cream — and casual atmosphere take the stress out of dining with the family. The ship sails round trip from Seattle on seven-night itineraries that call in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.

Best for luxury lovers

If you envision sipping Champagne as you watch a glacier thunderously calve into the sea, consider booking one of the all-inclusive luxury cruise lines in Alaska: Seabourn , Regent Seven Seas Cruises or Silversea .

All these lines include ships that are experts at delivering gourmet cuisine and the other finer things in life in intimate, cushy floating environments. Additionally, all the lines are big on featuring lectures by experts, which provides passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska.

Itineraries tend to include the popular ports and beyond. You might, for instance, visit Wrangell and Prince Rupert, a port city in Canada, and linger in places such as the Misty Fjords and Prince William Sound. Seven- to 14-night sailings embark from ports such as Vancouver, Seward and Juneau.

Seven Seas Explorer

Regent’s 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer is an all-suite ship offering guests in Alaska multiple gourmet onboard restaurants, all-inclusive beverages, free airfare and included gratuities. Many shore excursions are complimentary. Enjoy little luxuries, like an afternoon in the thermal suite of the two-story spa-and-fitness center, or really splurge out by booking the Regent Suite, the most lavish suite you’ll find at sea.

Seabourn Odyssey

The 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey boasts an onboard expedition team and does a posh version of expedition cruising in Alaska, using inflatable Zodiac craft and kayaks.

Seabourn calls its program Ventures by Seabourn. Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team. Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in complimentary Champagne and caviar on board or relish a meal created by famed chef, Thomas Keller.

Related: The 4 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best for solo travelers

Solo travelers don’t always have to pay double to cruise Alaska on their own. Several ships feature cabins designed and priced for one. Single cruisers should also note that luxury lines Silversea and Seabourn, while not cheap, do a great job of taking care of single cruisers, hosting them at dinner and providing easy opportunities to meet and mingle with other travelers.

Norwegian Bliss

The ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway and Getaway classes all have cozy studio cabins designed and priced for one person. Additionally, they’re located in a complex where a private lounge encourages mingling. Norwegian Bliss offers 82 solo rooms on its round-trip Seattle cruises that visit Dawes Glacier, Sitka and Icy Strait Point.

Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s studio staterooms, on its Quantum-class ships in Alaska, give solo travelers the benefits of both decent space and balconies.

On Quantum of the Seas, choose a 101-square-foot inside cabin or a 119-square-foot ocean-view room with a 55-square-foot balcony. Either way, you get a full-size bed and plenty of space for one person. The ship sails a similar weeklong itinerary to sister ship Ovation of the Seas, round-trip from Seattle with scenic sailing along Endicott Arm.

Holland America offers ocean-view accommodations for one in Alaska only on Koningsdam. Measuring 127 to 172 square feet, these rooms come with a full-size bed and a picture window.

Koningsdam sails round trip from Vancouver to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay. Its cruises can be combined into nine- to 14-night cruise tours to the Yukon and Denali.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Additional reporting by Erica Silverstein.

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

7 Nights - Alaska Inside Passage

Cruise Ship : Brilliance of the Seas

Departing : Sunday, August 11, 2024 from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Cruise Line : Royal Caribbean

OUR PRICES STARTING FROM

AAA Special Offer

Enjoy 1 free 8x10 or digital photo per stateroom for being a AAA/CAA Member!  Applicable on Balcony or above staterooms on sailings 7 nights or longer.

Travel like a VIP with Sparkling Wine, Plate of Six Chocolate Covered Strawberries, AAA Vacations Best Price Guarantee, and AAA Vacations 24 x 7 Member Care Service! Also, Enjoy up to $100 Onboard Credit per balcony or above stateroom. Onboard Credit amounts as follows: $25 Onboard Credit per balcony or above stateroom on sailings 3-6 nights, $50 Onboard Credit per balcony or above stateroom on sailings 7-10 nights, and $100 Onboard Credit per balcony or above stateroom on sailings 11 nights and longer.

Sailings Dates

August 2024, travel with aaa.

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AAA Verified Reviews for "Brilliance of the Seas" ship ( 6 )

7 Night Alaska Glacier Experience Cruise

7 Nights - Brilliance of the Seas - Departed from Vancouver, Canada

We were not able to get any of the shore excursions that we were interested because it was sold out days prior to boarding the ship. So we stuck with taking a shuttle to town. It was hard to get seating in the Windjammer. So, we either get up super early to beat the crowd or go right before they close. When the Captain of the ship have come on the speaker and ask people once they have eaten their food that they should move so that others can eat, then there is a problem. The ship is smaller and cannot accommodate everyone in the hand full of eating facilities. There was no convenient store to get personal items that a person may need. So, we had to wait we when pull in port and go to a store to get personal items. The ship focused on selling jewelry, liquor, and spa products, which was pricey. Also, their app was alittle confusing too. We are Royal Caribbean cruisers and have been on 6 and this is the first time that we really did not enjoy this particular cruise and this is the smallest ship we have been on.

10 Night Hawaii Cruise

10 Nights - Brilliance of the Seas - Departed from Vancouver, Canada

I cannot give a higher rating because unfortunately, I contracted Covid 19 on this trip and was confined to my cabin for 5 days.

Experience is good except for the long lines during the Customs Immigration process.. An Alaskan cruise from a U.S. rather than a Canadian port would have been more convenient and less tedious for US residents.

7 Night Greek Isles Cruise

7 Nights - Brilliance of the Seas - Departed from Civitavecchia, Italy

It was a great time and experience

7 Night Multi-glacier Experience Cruise

Ratings and Reviews are the subjective opinion of individual consumers, travel advisors and not the opinion of the American Automobile Association ”AAA” or AAA Clubs. Neither AAA nor AAA Clubs shall be held liable for any damages resulting from display or use of these ratings or reviews.

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Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise

Small ship adventure along alaska's famed inside passage including two days in glacier bay national park..

Photo Journey:

Home » Tours » Alaska Cruises » Adventure Cruises » Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise

Tour Overview

Cruise from Juneau to Glacier Bay National Park on Alaska’s Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska in comfort and style aboard one of Un-Cruise Adventures small ships. Thanks to their small size, these Alaska cruise ships can travel into many Alaska waterways which most larger cruise ships simply cannot access. Highlights include Icy Strait, Tracy Arm and Frederick Sound. Enjoy stunning Alaska wilderness and seacoast surroundings from the deck of the ship or get out and experience it first hand in a kayak or inflatable watercraft. Each evening, enjoy a locally-inspired authentic Alaskan dinner, served with grace and a smile.

What's Included

• Local transfers & baggage handling on day 1 and day 8
• 7 nights cabin accommodation
• All meals while onboard and most alcohol
• From-the-boat adventure activities including kayaking, paddle-boarding, hiking and small-boat exploration
• On board professional naturalist
• Entry fees to national parks/preserves

What's Not Included

Airfare to/from Juneau; port fees and taxes; super-premium wine, beer and liquor; optional excursions and gratuities (typically 10 – 15% of cruise fare).

Tour Itinerary

Juneau arrival.

Upon arrival you will be transferred from the airport to board the ship (please arrange an arrival no later than 2:30pm today). Your crew greets you with champagne and smiles, as you prepare to set sail for a week of scenic channels and secluded wilderness. Meals and beverages are included throughout your cruise (with the exception of ‘super premium’ liquor).

From kelp-lined channels to hemlock and spruce forests, every inch of this far northwest corner is worth exploring. Seals and sea lions haul out on rocky outcroppings, resting before they disappear in the water to search for food. If the tides are right, head out in the skiff with one of the guides for a closer exploration of the rugged shore, or perhaps, make it all the way to George Island. Whatever you do—wilderness trekking, skiffing, or paddling—your expedition team guides the way.

Glacier Bay National Park

This crown jewel of America’s national parks covers 3.3 million acres (about the size of the state of Connecticut). While most visitors see the same sliver of the park as everyone else, you’ll be going further and exploring areas that 99% of visitors never go to. Explore the Taylor Bay sea stacks and rocky shores or hike the outwash field of glaciers winding down the Fairweather Mountain Range. The cool breeze off the nearby snow and icefields is energizing. Keep your eye out for bears, humpbacks, and if you’re lucky, a wolf sighting.

Your camera’s memory card needs plenty of room. South Marble Island is home to rare sea birds, black oystercatchers, and orange-beaked tufted puffins, as well as a colony of raucous sea lions. Enjoy the spectacular backdrop of Tidal Inlet, which is home to bears, wolves, mountain goats, and eagles. At the end of the western-most arm of the bay sits Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers with possible views of glacial calving.

Chichagof Island

Enjoy the top deck for a sunrise or morning stretch. Meander through glacier-carved fjords along the Chichagof coast. Then anchor and set off on land and sea explorations by kayaks and skiffs. Moss-dripping trees run right down to the water. Go searching for giant trees, tidal pools and even bears.

Frederick Sound

Humpbacks visit here each season to feed on krill, zooplankton, and herring. Relax and watch for whales feasting in these abundant glacial waters. Cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse, Alaska’s oldest light station, and The Brothers Islands, where sea lions nap on rocks. Tonight, toast to a whale of a day in Alaska.

Take an early peek outside to see fjord cliffs, deep u-shaped valleys and harbor seals lounging on floating ice. The furthest reaches of Tracy Arm reveal the blue ice of the Twin Sawyer glaciers. If the tides are right, head out in the skiff with a guide for a closer exploration of the rugged shoreline. Look for waterfalls and mountain goats along the cliffs.

Juneau Departure

After breakfast, disembark at about 9:00am. A transfer is provided to the airport or the Un-Cruise hospitality area. (Please arrange a departure flight no earlier than 11:30am!)

Listed itinerary is a guideline only! Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur to maximize your experience!

Dates & Rates

*** 2024 Special! Save $500 per person on all departures June 2, 2024 and later ***

The listed prices are per person based on double occupancy. Taxes/port fees are $375 per person and are not included in these rates. Wilderness Discoverer :  76 guests / 38 cabins. 174 feet in length / 39 feet wide

Special Payment Policy: Deposit of 50% is due at time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior.

Special Cancellation Policy: Any time after confirmation up to 91 days prior to cruise date:  $250 per person cancellation fee 90 to 61 days prior to cruise date: 70% cancellation fee 60 to 0 days prior to cruise date: 100% cancellation fee

Contact us to book this Tour.

Thank you for your interest in this tour! At this time, it is not currently available to book online. Please feel free to continue to peruse our website for more Alaska travel ideas. If you would like options and information from our team of Alaska experts, please call 1-866-317-3325 or fill out the form below.

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The varied sites in our tour of Fairbanks were all interesting! The pipeline and the Museum of the North were great! North Pole, Santa Claus House and the reindeer were fun! Our guide was informative, and pleasant!

Chris | Trip Advisor

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