best alaska cruise for foodies

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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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9 cruise lines with the best food.

Set sail with one of these cruise lines for an epicurean adventure at sea.

Cruise Lines With the Best Food

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America Line's Tamarind restaurant offers delicious Pan-Asian cuisine.

Taking a cruise vacation transports you to coveted destinations in places around the world. For many people, though, it's all about the culinary experience, especially for those who return time and again to dine at their favorite onboard venues – many of which rival the best restaurants you'll find on land. While most cruise lines still offer all-you-can-eat buffet-style venues, some also feature next-level culinary experiences with world-renowned chefs at the helm, menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs, and immersive food and beverage programs.

If you're a foodie looking for the cruise lines with the best food, U.S. News has compiled this list of cruise lines focused on delivering an extraordinary dining experience, based on expert opinion and reviews. We've also highlighted two of the venues on each line that receive accolades for outstanding food and service.

Luxury cruise lines

Mainstream cruise lines.

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Oceania Cruises

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises' culinary program has long been regarded as one of the best of any cruise line – and the company has even trademarked the term "The Finest Cuisine at Sea." Jacques Pépin, the renowned French master chef, has been the executive culinary director since 2003; he has inspired the menus and cuisine on board the line's seven small luxury ships since that time, including the newest vessel, Vista . Oceania is also committed to sourcing the best ingredients from destinations around the world. In addition, the line has a high ratio of culinary staff to guests, and the ship's galleys are outfitted with equipment you'd typically see in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Guests can book exclusive Culinary Discovery Tours on two of the ships, Marina and Riviera . Hone your culinary skills or learn to prepare new types of cuisine at The Culinary Center, found on Marina, Riviera and Vista. You'll also find special wine-tasting and Champagne events in partnership with La Reserve by Wine Spectator. In addition, the line has just announced its first Culinary Masters' Cruise featuring Oceania's two French master chefs aboard Marina in October 2024.

Most of the dining venues are complimentary on Oceania Cruises (except for Privée and La Reserve), and options run the gamut from French and Asian cuisine to Italian fare and steakhouse specialties. There are also new culinary concepts on board Vista – including Ember, which features American classics, as well as Aquamar Kitchen, a venue focused on healthy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Here are two of Oceania's best restaurants:

• Red Ginger: Red Ginger's colorful red and gold interiors, designed with feng shui in mind, draw guests in when they enter the restaurant, but it's the bold Asian flavors that keep them coming back for more. With Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese specialties to choose from, diners will enjoy selections such as caramelized tiger prawns, crispy ginger calamari, red and green curries, and bulgogi rib-eye steak. Red Ginger is available on Marina, Riviera, Sirena and Vista.
• Toscana: The hearty cuisine inspired by Tuscan and northern Italian flavors at Toscana is served on Versace china that's custom designed for the restaurant. Diners should come with an appetite to enjoy several courses before the main event, including a hot or cold antipasti or soup, a selection of pastas, and a classic version of Caesar salad prepared tableside. Traditional main dish favorites include osso buco alla Milanese, veal scaloppini, lobster fra diavolo and Dover sole. Toscana is available on Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Marina, Riviera and Vista.

Book an  Oceania Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Silversea is another cruise line known for its culinary excellence. Guests will find a selection of international venues featuring Italian, Asian and French cuisine on board the line's fleet of 12 ships.

S.A.L.T., an immersive dining experience that stands for "Sea and Land Taste," is available on Silver Nova , Silver Moon and Silver Dawn . The S.A.L.T. program was created by Adam Sachs, former editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine and three-time James Beard journalism award winner. The innovative program invites guests to experience the destination and local food culture through on-board hands-on activities, including making local recipes in the S.A.L.T. Lab. You can also attend cooking demonstrations and lectures, or book in-depth culinary excursions to working organic farms, Sicilian pasticcerias (where you'll learn how to make pastries) and vineyards in destinations around the world.

The all-inclusive luxury line's restaurant venues are complimentary with the following exceptions: French fine dining restaurant La Dame; the S.A.L.T. Chef's Table experience available on Silver Nova; Seishin Restaurant, which serves Asian fusion dishes on Silver Spirit; and Kaiseki, the Japanese, sushi and teppanyaki venue available on five Silversea ships.

These are two standout dining venues on Silversea:

• S.A.L.T. Kitchen: S.A.L.T. Kitchen's menu changes daily inspired by the destination, but diners will also find a "Voyage" menu that reflects the influences from the overall region of the itinerary. The daily "Terrain" menu in Italy might include dishes likes prawns cooked in a cherry tomato sauce with garlic, white wine and parsley or a classic risotto with clams topped with a pan-fried filet of sole. The "Voyage" menu on an Eastern Mediterranean sailing would feature dishes from Greece, Croatia and Italy. The immersive dining experience is available on Silver Ray, Moon, Dawn and Nova.
• La Dame: The curated menu at La Dame was created by Silversea's top chefs and is served in an elegant contemporary space with white-glove table service. The cuisine pays homage to classic French gastronomy along with modern techniques and flair. Guests can expect to dine on traditional French dishes such as seared duck foie gras, French onion soup, lobster bisque, Dover sole and souffles for dessert. La Dame is available on all the line's ships, except for Silver Origin.

Find a  Silversea Cruise  on GoToSea.

Explora Journeys

Courtesy of Explora Journeys

MSC Group's new luxury brand, Explora Journeys, features a top-notch culinary program with a team of international chefs at the helm. Acclaimed chef Franck Garanger, the line's head of culinary, has been recognized as a French master chef since 2008; he has also overseen the culinary programs for both Silversea and Oceania cruises before joining Explora.

According to Garanger, Explora Journeys has one of the highest chef-to-guest ratios and food costs of any cruise line, which is why you'll see offerings like freshly shucked oysters on the half shell, ceviche, free range and organic chicken, made-to-order grilled fish, and other freshly prepared items in Emporium Marketplace, Explora's globally inspired all-day dining venue. There's also a large focus on plant-based dishes, wellness and healthy menu selections in venues across the ship.

The first of six 922-guest superyacht-style vessels, Explora I, offers guests a choice of six restaurant venues, including the French-inspired Fil Rouge; Marble & Co. Grill, an elegant European steakhouse; and Med Yacht Club, which features delightful Mediterranean cuisine. Guests will also enjoy boutique international and regional wines; try a glass of Moët & Chandon, Explora's "house" Champagne.

During your "journey," you can also attend cooking classes at the Chef's Kitchen, a private dining and culinary school with lead enrichment chef Jean-Louis Dumonet at the helm. Another world-class chef, Dumonet received the distinction of becoming a French master chef in 1994 and has had a very successful culinary career, including achieving his first Michelin star at age 28.

Explore these standouts in Explora's culinary program:

• Sakura: This beautiful Pan-Asian restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The bright and airy design features cherry blossoms suspended from the ceilings and Asian-inspired decor. The authentic dining experience also boasts an open kitchen and a sushi bar with many ingredients sourced from Japan, and the venue has outdoor seating and indoor tables with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. Begin your evening with an Asian-inspired cocktail and a starter of crispy duck leg confit, wagyu beef tataki or soft-shell crab tempura. Main dish highlights include a miso black cod fillet, 72-hour slow-cooked short rib beef panang and an addictive lobster pad Thai.
• Anthology: The innovative concept at Anthology "is imagined as a unique culinary stage showcasing global cooking talents and cuisines, provenance and rare ingredients along with wines by highly coveted winemakers." The tasting menus are curated by a rotation of top chefs that changes throughout the year. The first chef who opened the new ship, Mauro Uliassi, has a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the coastal town of Senigallia, Italy. The second chef (through April 2024) is Swedish-born Emma Bengtsson, executive chef at the two-Michelin-starred Aquavit in New York. Anthology is the only dining venue on Explora I that comes at an additional cost. There's also an optional wine pairing.

Compare  Explora Journeys  cruises on GoToSea.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas' culinary program, "Epicurean Indulgence," features top-notch dining experiences on board the luxury line's six ships. Guests will also find educational hands-on cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Kitchen and Epicurean Explorer tours focused on the wines, spirits and regional foods in destinations around the world. Regents' all-inclusive cruise fares include as many as seven dining venues (depending on the ship), that feature French, Italian, Pan-Asian and steakhouse restaurants as well as 24-hour in-suite room service. You can also enjoy fine wines and spirits in all the restaurants, bar and lounges.

Regent Seven Seas boasts a variety of excellent restaurants, but here are two top options:

• Pacific Rim: The entrance to Pacific Rim is just as impressive as its food with the floor-to-ceiling bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel that sits just outside the venue. Inside, your evening experience in this beautiful zen-like space begins with a signature cocktail and a difficult decision of which Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese or Vietnamese dishes to order for dinner. Begin your meal with a selection of sushi and sashimi, then sample pork and shrimp siu mai or thom kha gai soup. For a main dish, don't miss elevated dishes like miso black cod, Canadian lobster tempura or aromatic duck.
• Compass Rose: Compass Rose is the largest specialty restaurant on Regent's ships, and you'll find the elegant venue across the fleet. The menu features classic favorites and dishes that are always available, including foie gras, escargot, Alaskan crab salad, black Angus cuts of beef, New Zealand lamb chops and a daily choice of pasta. The additional chef's gourmet menu changes daily. If you prefer lighter fare, choose one of the healthy Serene Spa & Wellness selections. Guests can also customize their dining preferences and order from any of the menus.

Explore  Regent Seven Seas  deals on GoToSea.

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Courtesy of Viking

Viking's nine 930-guest and adults-only ocean-going ships offer destination-focused dining highlighting regional cuisine and local specialties. In addition, cruisers will find their favorite classic dishes (some with a twist), such as a Norwegian baby shrimp cocktail, beef tenderloin and linguine with clams in The Restaurant, Viking's main dining venue.

Other dining options include an open kitchen and international fare at World Café, which also has a large alfresco dining area called Aquavit Terrace. For more casual fare, head to Mamsen's, a favorite spot for Norwegian specialties, or stop by the Pool Grill, where you'll find made-to-order burgers and light bites. All of these venues – plus two specialty restaurants, Manfredi's and The Chef's Table – are included in the cruise fare.

Guests on board Viking's ships are also treated to a daily afternoon tea in the Wintergarden, a Scandinavian-inspired, light-filled space located next to the main pool. If you're interested in learning more about destination-focused cuisine, reserve a spot in one of the hands-on cooking classes at The Kitchen Table to learn how to prepare some of the local dishes. These special excursions and culinary classes begin with a visit to a local market and end with an evening of cooking (or watching the dinner preparation) – plus multiple courses of food and wine pairings. There is a fee for the class.

The two specialty restaurants provide an exceptional experience with Viking :

• Manfredi's: Plan to make a reservation at Manfredi's, Viking's Italian restaurant. It features an impressive menu of Italian specialties, including dishes with influence from Tuscany and Rome. Start the evening with a selection of antipasti for two and pasta e fagioli or crème of porcini soup. Then, choose between traditional offerings like osso bucco alla Milanese, rosemary parmesan-crusted lamb or the Tuscan favorite dish bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine-style steak). There are also wonderful fresh pasta dishes and several types of risotto.
• The Chef's Table: The Chef's Table menu changes several times throughout the cruise, allowing guests to sample a variety of multicourse tasting menus that highlight international and regional specialties. The beautiful venue is perfect for a special evening and a "food journey" where you'll savor a selection of Asian, Norwegian, French or other cuisines paired with wines by the ship's master sommelier.

Book a  Viking Ocean Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea.

Holland America Line

Holland America's master chef and creative culinary artist, Rudi Sodamin, has been with the line for around 20 years. He also heads up the Culinary Council, a group of well-known chefs who will be on board for culinary cruises scheduled throughout the year. During these special voyages, guests can attend cooking demonstrations and coffee chats and make reservations for exclusive chef-hosted dinners and events throughout the cruise.

Holland America also has a new initiative with Fresh Fish Ambassador, chef and TV personality Masaharu Morimoto (you'll recognize him from "Iron Chef"). The Global Fresh Fish program affords the line the ability to source more than 80 varieties of fresh fish in destinations around the world. In addition, you'll find certified sustainable Alaskan seafood on the menu during Alaska cruises .

Wine aficionados can look for wine tastings and wine blending sessions on board the ship and excursions to wine regions ashore, some in partnership with Food & Wine magazine. Rudi's Sel De Mer is an excellent choice for a fine dining evening, but the French brasserie-inspired venue is only available on three ships.

Here are two of Holland America's top specialty restaurants:

• Pinnacle Grill: Pinnacle Grill, an upscale steakhouse, is a specialty restaurant (with an additional fee) that's available on all of the line's 11 ships. It's a favorite spot for couples to enjoy a romantic evening and features classic dishes like shrimp cocktail, jumbo lump crab cakes, lobster bisque, filet mignon, surf and turf, and grilled lamb chops. Seafood lovers will also find Alaskan king salmon and halibut. Be sure to save room for a twist on a timeless dessert – the not-so-classic baked Alaska with Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream.
• Tamarind: Tamarind's elegant atmosphere and flavorful Pan-Asian cuisine make this another top pick for Holland American cruisers. The specialty restaurant is available on four ships (for an additional fee) and features dishes from Thailand, Japan, Indonesia and other Asian countries. Appetizers include specialties like crispy duck with a steamed bao bun, shrimp tempura and Chinese five-spice baby back ribs. For the main course, choose from several types of curries, sample Mongolian barbecue lamb chops, or feast on wok-seared shrimp and lobster. Plan to come early to Tamarind Bar to enjoy a cocktail such as a saketini while watching the sunset over the ocean.

Find a  Holland America  cruise on GoToSea.

Disney Cruise Line

Mark Ashman | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers excellent family-friendly dining options with over-the-top Disney- and movie-themed venues with live character performances and shows. The ships also have upscale adults-only lounges, bars and restaurants that are perfect for a romantic date night. Disney Cruise Line 's unique rotational family dining concept allows guests to experience three different restaurants while having the same dedicated servers every one of those evenings, so the service is personalized throughout your voyage.

Guests on board Disney Wish can dine in the fictional kingdom of Arendelle at Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. The "Frozen"-themed evening includes Nordic-inspired dishes, musical performances by the characters and even singalongs for the audience. On Disney Wonder , guests are treated to a night filled with New Orleans-style jazz and street parties plus Southern-influenced fare at Tiana's Place. You can also meet Princess Tiana from Disney's animated feature "The Princess and the Frog."

Other top dining venues on Disney Cruise Line include:

Palo: This adults-only Venetian-inspired venue is an upscale spot ideal for a quiet evening without the kids (who will be very happy to spend time at the onboard kids club). The fine dining experience features northern Italian cuisine and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views from nearly every perspective. The specialty restaurant also serves brunch on longer cruises. The prix fixe (or "prezzo fisso") menu includes four courses, or you can opt to choose from the regular menu with a selection of appetizers, salads, pizza, pasta and main dishes that are individually priced. Guests will find Palo on Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy.

On Disney Wish, there's an updated version of the dining concept, Palo Steakhouse. The modern steakhouse and Italian restaurant – inspired by Cogsworth, the enchanted clock from "Beauty and the Beast" – offers cuts of Australian wagyu, Japanese Kobe and Miyazaki beef as well as delightful Italian cuisine and spectacular ocean views. Be sure to splurge on a cocktail at The Rose before dinner if you're dining at Palo Steakhouse. Note that meals at Palo and Palo Steakhouse come with an additional charge.

Remy: The exquisite dining experience at Remy is a collaboration between French chef Arnaud Lallement from l'Assiette Champenoise (a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in France) and Walt Disney World Resort 's chef Scott Hunnel from the renowned restaurant Victoria & Albert's. Your leisurely evening of fine wines and a tasting menu of French fare begins with a signature Taittinger Champagne cocktail prepared tableside.

Special touches in the "Ratatouille"-inspired venue include Frette linens, Christofle silverware, exclusive Bernadaud china made for Remy, Riedel glassware, tableside international cheese service and decanting stations for wines. A Champagne brunch is served on sea days and select port days. There is an additional charge to dine at the restaurant, which is available on Disney Dream and Fantasy.

Explore  Disney Cruise Line  deals on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages' creative approach to cruising can be found in nearly every aspect of the line's three ships, including its adults-only vibe and fresh approach to dining. Virgin Voyages does not have a traditional main dining room – and there's no onboard buffet or large dining halls. What you will find is more than 20 eateries with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs that are included in the cruise fare. These smaller and more intimate venues include The Galley, a food court-style spot for casual and grab-and-go fare like bento boxes, tacos, salads, sushi, burgers, noodle bowls and desserts.

Meat lovers and vegetarians will love the veggie-forward dishes and indulgent pork or chicken specialties at boldly designed Razzle Dazzle. At Extra Virgin, sample trattoria-style Italian fare like crispy artichokes, seafood pasta, grilled Mediterranean sea bass and a special tableside preparation of affogato for dessert. For a Korean barbecue experience, head over to Gunbae, a fun spot where your evening begins with a shot of soju – Korea's national drink and the best-selling liquor in the world. The Wake is the largest venue on board and the closest restaurant to a main dining room; it sits at the back of the ship and features a raw bar in addition to a selection of steaks and seafood (some offerings come with an upcharge).

There are many excellent options for dinner, but these are two cruiser-favorite venues:

• The Test Kitchen: Inspired by Auguste Escoffier's "Ma Cuisine," The Test Kitchen is a favorite spot for its laboratory-like eatery and cooking school. The interior decor features metal furniture, beakers and test tubes to get diners in the mood for the exploratory culinary evening. Menus at this innovative venue are presented as a list of ingredients, and guests get to watch the chef combine the selected ingredients of the day for the six-course tasting menu. The upscale experience takes about 2.5 hours. Wine, beer or cocktail pairings come at an additional fee.
• Pink Agave: Virgin's stylish Mexican dining venue, Pink Agave, was inspired by the vibrant streets of Mexico City – and the restaurant features what the line calls the most extensive selection of mezcal and tequila at sea. The menu offerings include small, medium and large plates plus desserts. To begin the evening, order a few small bites to share, including esquites (a grilled corn dish) and aguachile, which is a ceviche made with raw tuna, avocado and jicama. Then, for the main course, choose between options like roasted duck or chicken, achiote marinated pork, or a vegetarian stuffed poblano pepper.

Compare  Virgin Voyages  cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's selection and quality of restaurant venues – and attentive service – have made the line a favorite for food-focused cruisers for many years. If you're sailing on one of the Celebrity Edge-class ships ( Ascent , Beyond , Apex or Edge ), you'll have up to 32 restaurants to choose from with globally inspired menus created by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher.

You can also look for special culinary cruises and onboard events designed in partnership with renowned Michelin-star French chef Daniel Boulud, the line's global culinary brand ambassador. Some of the onboard programs include wine-blending classes, whiskey and scotch tastings, mixology classes, and food and wine pairing workshops.

With so many complimentary dining and specialty options on Celebrity ships (making it hard to choose where to dine), here are two of the unique experiences not to be missed:

• Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud: Daniel Boulud's first signature restaurant at sea is inspired by the chef's global travels. The interior of the specialty restaurant, designed by the Parisian architect-design team of Jouin Manku, is as much of an experience as the meal with its intimate decor and banquette seating. Guests can choose between a standard dinner menu, a regular five-course tasting menu or a plant-based tasting menu. Le Voyage is available on the new Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond and costs an additional fee.
• Le Petit Chef: The innovative and fantastical 3D dining experience at Le Petit Chef is one of the most unique ways to spend an evening at sea. The immersive meal, which is either served in the quirky Qsine restaurant or Le Grand Bistro, depending on the ship, will delight cruisers of all ages, especially younger children. The tiny, animated chef (think about the size of your hand) entertains guests while preparing each dish. You may see him firing up a grill to sear a steak, picking fresh vegetables from a garden or even going on a fishing adventure in search of lobster. After each dish is prepared by "the chef," waiters will arrive with the actual dish. The 1.5-hour-long experience is an additional cost.

Explore  Celebrity Cruises  deals on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
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• The Best Food Cities in the U.S.
• Cruise Packing List Essentials
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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• Alaskan Cruises

10 Best Alaska Cruises to Take This Summer, According to Experts

We spoke to cruise experts to find the best Alaska itineraries to book this year.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

With its majestic wildlife, otherworldly glacial scenery, and endless outdoor adventure, a trip to Alaska is one for the books — and the best way to experience it, in our opinion, is by cruise. An Alaska sailing offers travelers the chance to get up close and personal to some of the destination’s most stunning natural wonders (think: Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, the Tracy Arm Fjord, and so much more). Fortunately, when it comes to the best Alaska cruises, options abound, from small-ship luxury sailings and expedition voyages to mega-ships that feel like a floating resort and theme park all in one. Ultimately, explains Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor Eric Goldring , “The question of which are the ‘best’ cruise lines for Alaska really depends on the guest’s desires as there is a balance between how in-depth they wish to delve into Alaska’s nature and Indigenous culture, what type of onboard experience they desire, and, of course, whether the cruise is family-focused.” To determine which Alaska cruise is best for you, Goldring recommends using a travel advisor “who has actually been to Alaska more than once and on different ships” so that you have “access to important first-hand knowledge.” 

According to T+L A-List travel advisor Ashton Palmer , the Alaska cruise season is short (typically from May to September) and availability is limited, which is why travelers should plan their sailings six to eight months ahead of time. While the travel advisor notes that “most trips average a week in length,” he also recommends cruisers allow time to “visit the northern part of the state, including Denali National Park, the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, and Fairbanks,” either before or after the cruise. Several cruise lines also offer land extensions (sometimes called “cruisetours”) to make the experience as seamless as possible. 

While the Alaska cruise season takes place in the warmer months, be sure to pack a few sweaters — and consider dressing in layers. When I cruised Alaska in summer 2022, the weather was (mostly) warm and sunny; however, when we sailed through Glacier Bay, it was chilly, and I was especially glad to have brought a scarf, hat, and light jacket to help brace the chill. Rob Clabbers , another T+L A-List travel advisor , agrees. What’s more, he says, “Weather can change quickly in Alaska, so one moment you may need a sweater, and the next you’re better off in shorts.” 

Meet the Expert

Eric Goldring is a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in expedition, small-ship, and medium-ship cruises. 

Ashton Palmer is a Seattle-based T+L A-List travel advisor who specializes in expedition cruises.

Rob Clabbers is a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in cruises, and he’s the founder of Q Cruise + Travel. 

Dawn Gabree is a travel advisor who specializes in Alaska cruises at Travels by Danielle.

Mary Curry is another T+L A-List advisor who specializes in small-ship cruises to Polar regions and the Galapagos. 

Now that we’ve covered the basics of all things Alaska cruising, keep reading to discover the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, featuring expert insight and award-winning picks.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruisees

Dawn Gabree, a travel advisor at Travels by Danielle who specializes in Alaska cruising, deems Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) "excellent for multigenerational families" thanks to the abundance of onboard activities. "Their larger vessels used in the Alaska market ( Encore and Bliss ) feature must-do activities like go-karting, laser tag, and water slides." On the contrary, "Their smaller vessels ( Jewel and Sun ) provide a more intimate atmosphere over the large ships." Regardless of which ship you choose, expect an array of entertainment options, including Broadway-caliber shows, which Gabree describes as "excellent." What's more, she says, "We saw their production of 'Six' on an Alaskan sailing, and it was phenomenal." The travel pro also loves the World's Best Award-winning mega-ship ocean line for its Freestyle Dining program (read: no assigned seating or fixed reservation times) and plentiful dining options to appease even the pickiest of eaters. Lastly, says Gabree, "A huge selling point for NCL is always their Free at Sea promotion, which includes perks like specialty dining, an unlimited open bar, Wi-Fi, and more. "It's a great value, in my honest opinion." 

Itinerary: The 7-day Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau, and Ketchikan itinerary sails from Seattle on select dates between April and October. Ports of call include Sitka, Juneau, Ice Strait, and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria in Canada. Scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier is also included.

Holland America Line

Tim Rue/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Holland America Line (HAL) — which recently snapped up a 2023 World’s Best Award in the large-ship ocean cruise line category — has been cruising Alaska for over 75 years. HAL prides itself on having more permits for Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line. The cruise line also offers beloved live music programming, which I got to experience firsthand on a summer 2023 Alaska sailing. Most ships boast a “Music Walk,” a section home to venues like B.B. King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard (a dueling piano bar), Lincoln Center Stage, and Rolling Stone Rock Room. After our shore excursions, we’d hop back on board the ship for drinks, dinner, and a nightcap at the dueling piano bar to jam out to hits from Billy Joel and Elton John. All of the above make HAL a popular pick among middle-aged and mature couples traveling without kids; however, onboard our summer sailing, I did notice quite a few small children traveling with their parents and grandparents. 

The onboard culinary offerings are especially noteworthy. While pulling into port one day, I remember digging into a hearty lunch of fish and chips featuring fresh-caught Alaskan halibut. (HAL is the first cruise line to serve fresh, certified-sustainable Alaskan seafood.) As of September, acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto is the Fresh Fish Ambassador as part of the line’s Global Fresh Fish Program . Cruisers can try his flavorful seafood dishes during their sailing. 

Itinerary: As a first-time Alaska cruiser, I thoroughly enjoyed the Alaska Explorer itinerary , which cruises round-trip from Seattle between June and September. Enjoy scenic cruising along the Puget Sound and Stephen’s Passage before calling on Juneau, followed by more scenic cruising in Glacier Bay. From there, it’s off to Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Victoria.

Related: The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List

Royal Caribbean International

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International — or Royal Caribbean for short — offers great fun for families of all ages looking to experience Alaska. As such, it’s no wonder why the mega-ship ocean line is loved by T+L readers and travel advisors alike. What’s more, says Gabree, “Their larger ships (Quantum Class) have equally impressive amenities like skydiving simulators (RipCord by iFLY), the FlowRider surf simulator, and SeaPlex (an indoor recreation center with bumper cars),” says Gabree. The pro is also quick to highlight the North Star observation capsule, which is available on Ovation of the Seas , which cruises Alaska. The attraction whisks passengers over 300 feet above sea level, offering picture-perfect 360-degree views. Put simply, she says, “This is a one-of-a-kind experience when sailing scenic destinations like Alaska.”

The fun continues the minute cruisers disembark in each port, with excursions ranging from dogsledding to private helicopter tours. Back on board, Gabree recommends The Chef’s Table for a truly memorable meal — and I, too, can attest to this. While on board a Caribbean sailing with the cruise line, I had the chance to indulge in this chef- and sommelier-led multi-course food and wine pairing adventure. Four years later, I still find myself dreaming of the delicious circular-shaped dessert known as “The World” — the perfect combo of peanut butter ganache, chocolate mousse, and salted caramel gelato).

Itinerary: Set sail on the aforementioned Ovation of the Seas and embark on a journey through Alaska with Royal Caribbean’s 7-night Alaska Experience itinerary . Cruising round-trip from Seattle, the ship stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka before heading onto Canada, where it calls on Victoria and Vancouver.

Princess Cruises

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Princess Cruises is among T+L readers’ top five favorite mega-ship ocean lines , and its Alaska sailings are not to be missed. Unlike other mega-ship lines, says Gabree, Princess is not at all flashy. That said, she recommends it for “more mature cruisers or those looking for a quieter atmosphere.” So, while you won’t find go-karts or race tracks aboard Princess ships, you can expect incredible educational programming. Don’t miss Puppies on the Piazza, which offers passengers the chance to interact with sled dogs brought on board by local mushers in Skagway. The line also partners with the Glacier Bay National Park rangers and the Discovery Channel to offer unique onboard exhibits and interactive activities like the Jr. Ranger Program. Similarly, says Gabree, “The naturalists that come aboard are extremely knowledgeable.” Last but not least, the service is top-notch. According to the pro, the staff is best described as “attentive and very pleasant.” 

Itinerary: Book the 14-day Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure , which sets sail on select dates between May and September. Passengers will cruise round-trip from Vancouver and visit Juneau, Skagway, Anchorage, and Ketchikan. Bonus: Scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, and Hubbard Glacier is also built into the itinerary.

Related: All 16 Princess Cruises Ships, From Newest to Oldest

Seabourn Cruise Line

Courtesy of Seabourn

This World’s Best Award-winning cruise line combines the best of expedition-style and luxury cruising, making it a popular pick amongst well-heeled, adventure-seeking travelers. Highlights include bespoke service, all-suite oceanfront accommodations (most with private balconies), world-class dining (the cruise line has a partnership with Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller), and, last but not least, a swanky country club-esque atmosphere. According to Goldring, both Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Odyssey offer similar Alaska itineraries in 2024; however, it will be the latter’s final sailing since it was sold. 

Alaska sailings feature a team of academics, scientists, and naturalists, all of whom are on hand to provide expert insight and lead excursions (think: kayaking and Zodiac tours, hiking, bear viewing, and so on). Also, according to Goldring, Seabourn ships “travel no further north than Juneau” and offer a “more intensive and nature-focused experience.” On a similar note, says Clabbers, thanks to the vessels’ small size, cruisers can “spend more time sailing through places like Misty Fjords, where most ships can’t go.” Back onboard, says Clabbers, “enjoy Champagne and caviar when you like, or relax in your suite, the spa, or elsewhere.” 

Itinerary: The 7-day Alaska Fjords and Canadian Inside Passage cruise sails from Juneau to Vancouver, calling on Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, Wrangell, Rudyerd Bay (Misty Fjords), and, finally, Prince Rupert in British Columbia. Scenic cruising through Stephens Passage, Decision Passage, Stikine Strait, and the Behm Canal are also included in the itinerary.

Celebrity Cruises

jewhyte/Getty Images

Those who prefer a “younger atmosphere on a modern, larger ship with lots of bars and restaurants and entertainment” should consider cruising Alaska aboard the Celebrity Edge, explains Clabbers. (While Edge is the newest Celebrity ship to cruise Alaska, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit also sail here . ) Per the pro, the seven-night sailings on Edge “include key destinations like Ketchikan and Skagway,” along with a quick visit to Victoria in British Columbia and scenic cruising through the beautiful Endicott Arm Fjord. Additionally, the World’s Best Award-winning line offers round-trip sailings from both Vancouver and Seattle — as well as one-way itineraries between Vancouver and Seward, the latter of which offer more time to explore (read: fewer sea days).

Regardless of the ship, passengers can expect a wide range of entertainment offerings, an abundance of bars, restaurants, and lounges, and a handful of accommodation options. Speaking of the latter, wellness-seeking duos can reserve an AquaClass stateroom, which includes perks like complimentary dining at the exclusive Blu restaurant, their very own spa concierge, and unlimited access to the adults-only Sea Thermal Suite. Alternatively, for a worth-it splurge, opt for a suite in The Retreat, which includes a dedicated team of concierges and butlers, access to a private lounge and/or sundeck (note that the latter is not available on Celebrity Solstice ), premium drinks, Wi-Fi, and access to the private Luminae at The Retreat restaurant, helmed by chef Daniel Boulud. 

Itinerary : The aforementioned 7-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary on Celebrity Edge cruises round-trip from Seattle and visits Ketchikan, Endicott Arm Fjord (scenic cruising), Juneau, Skagway, the Inside Passage (scenic cruising), and Victoria.

Related: What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Viking Ocean Cruises

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises recently nabbed a 2023 World’s Best Award in the midsize-ship ocean cruise lines category, coming in at first place for the second year in a row. The line’s identical ocean ships offer a sleek Scandinavian design, which only enhances the tranquil atmosphere on board. The luxury adults-only line is also all-inclusive, covering meals, activities, most beverages, Wi-Fi, port taxes and fees, spa access, and one complimentary excursion in every port of call. Cruisers can bask in the mountain and glacier views from the comfort of their private balcony — and, if they’re lucky, they may even spot a whale or two. Finally, in addition to classic ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, Viking Ocean Cruises’ Alaska itinerary also calls on Valdez, which is chock-full of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. 

Itinerary : The 10-night Alaska and the Inside Passage itinerary , which sails between Vancouver and Seward, “is a great choice for curious travelers who have a bit more time and want to learn more about Alaska,” says Clabbers.

Courtesy of Silversea

Those craving a luxury Alaska cruise need not look further than Silversea, says Goldring. Additionally, “While primarily for adults ranging from contemplative to active, Silversea is also a good option for families with more mature children who are more engaged with the journey than onboard child-focused activities.” Silversea guests enjoy all-suite staterooms with butler service and an all-around tony atmosphere. The line’s Door-to-Door All-Inclusive fares cover private airport transfers, economy flights, business-class upgrades or air credits, and shore excursions. 

This luxury cruise line offers classic and expedition-style cruising, the latter of which takes aboard the 274-passenger Silver Wind . (Classic cruises, on the other hand, take place on board Silver Muse , Silver Nova , Silver Shadow , Silver Whisper , or Silver Moon ). Nova and Moon offer the Sea and Land Taste program (S.A.L.T), offering culinary connoisseurs the incredible opportunity to experience the local food scene and culture both on and off the ship. Last but not least, keep in mind that Silversea sails between Vancouver and Seward (with the exception of one September 2024 itinerary, which sails from Nome to Vancouver).

Itinerary : The 7-day Vancouver to Seward sailing on board Silver Nova features Inside Passage scenic cruising and stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka. Before disembarking in Seward, enjoy scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier.

Related: This Is the Cheapest Time to Cruise to Alaska

UnCruise Adventures

Courtesy of UnCruise

“If you are looking for a more casual and laid-back experience, Seattle-based UnCruise Adventures offers down-to-earth trips with enthusiastic naturalist guides, simple accommodations, and hearty local cuisine,” says Palmer. Mary Curry , another T+L A-List travel advisor, echoes these sentiments, explaining that “small ships are the absolute best way to see Alaska if your goal is to immerse yourself in nature and wildlife.” While the cabins are no-frills, Curry stresses that the main focus of the cruise is “getting off the ship and exploring everything Alaska's Inside Passage has to offer.” With that said, when it comes to activities, options abound. Per the pro, travelers can “choose between a menu of included excursions such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, zodiac cruises, whale watching, and more.” All in all, UnCruise really does offer something for everyone. 

Itinerary : For a truly unique Alaska itinerary, consider the Aleutian Islands Adventure with Kodiak, Katmai, and Kenai Wilderness . Cruisers embark in Whittier before making their way to Kenai Fjords National Park, Kodiak Island and Foul Bay, Katmai National Park, Ugashik National Wildlife Refuge, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, the Shumagin and Unga Islands, False Pass, and Unalaska (where they’ll dock overnight in Dutch Harbor before disembarking the next day).

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Courtesy of Nation Geographic

For a true expedition-style experience, Lindblad Expeditions is your best bet. The cruise line offers itineraries in partnership with National Geographic, which have come highly recommended by almost every travel advisor we spoke to. Just take it from Curry, who tells T+L, “If you want to learn about Alaska from a team of exceptional experts, there's no better choice than a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic itinerary. “Every night before dinner,” she says, “We would hear about what we had seen on our excursions that day from the perspective of the experts — naturalists, geologists, marine mammal researchers, and even a diver who would share magical and colorful images from underwater of the area we had explored via Zodiac during the day.” According to the pro, the vessels are “some of the nicest and most modern small ships in the area,” some of which have private balconies along with “little extras” like water bottle filling stations, a mudroom to store gear, and multiple disembarkation platforms to get travelers on and off the ship quickly. Meanwhile, Goldring notes the line’s National Geographic Global Explorers family program, “which focus[es] on interactive and hands-on education with a true naturalist during outings.” As a result, cruisers can expect “a far more enriching experience [than those] offered by most other lines.” 

Itinerary : The weeklong Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness itinerary is “perfect for couples and multi-generational families interested in an engaging and authentic experience exploring the fjords, islands, and small coastal communities,” says Palmer. The itinerary sails between Juneau and Sitka throughout May and September. Along the way, cruisers will visit Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, the tiny fishing town of Petersburg, Glacier Bay National Park, and more.

Related : 21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

Related Articles

• Alaska / Food and Drink

Where to Eat at Every Port on your Cruise to Alaska

by Prof. Cruise · Published December 29, 2023 · Updated December 29, 2023

Introduction

The idea for this post came from Paul Thornton (who refers to me as “Professor Alaska”) during an interview I did with him for his popular cruising podcast, The Joy of Cruising . He was right to notice that none of my dozens of Alaska posts and guides focus on where to eat at port. There’s a reason for that (obvious to those who know me well) – I’m too cheap to eat at port very often, usually opting to partake of the included meals on the ship for which I’ve already paid through my cruise fare. However, I understand that experiencing local food is an essential part of the cruising experience for many, especially in Alaska, so I’ve spent the last few months researching, reading reviews, reaching out to locals at each port, polling my followers, and reflecting back on my 12 years of cruising dozens and dozens of times to Alaska in order to compile this list. So while I haven’t experienced every location or dish firsthand, I’m confident it will guide you toward some delicious local specialties. Of course, if you have others to recommend, please feel free to do so in the comments so we can all learn from each other. Bon appétit!

INDEX (skip to):

Icy Strait Point Juneau Ketchikan Seward Sitka Skagway

Where to eat in Icy Strait Point on your cruise to Alaska

Both of the restaurants I’m recommending for Icy Strait Point are actually located in the nearby village of Hoonah, known for being the largest Tlingit village in Alaska. Getting to Hoonah involves either a long (gorgeous) walk or an inexpensive shuttle ride (last time I checked it was $5 roundtrip). While I wouldn’t recommend the “touristy” restaurants located near the cruise ship docks (Duck Point Smokehouse, The Crab House, and The Cookhouse Restaurant), if you’d rather stay close to your ship and eat at one, know that they are all owned and operated by the local Tlingit tribe with all profits directly supporting the community. So with all that in mind, here are my two recommended dining experiences in Icy Strait Point (Hoonah)…

HOONAH BEACH HOUSE

Hoonah Beach House 155 Front St, Hoonah, AK 99829 (907) 723-3986 www.hoonahbeachhouse.com

Located in a stunning location right on the bay with outdoor deck seating, Hoonah Beach House offers some of the freshest seafood you will ever eat. Why? Because it’s caught the same day (you may be surprised to know that much of the seafood served in Alaska is frozen) and prepared by the owners, Todd and Srisa! Note that the menu varies depending on what they’ve caught (crab, salmon, halibut, etc) and that dungeness crab season starts in mid June. Another thing that makes this restaurant unique is Srisa’s background as a Thai chef. Be sure to order the Thai iced tea and try your crab with some Thai dipping sauce (butter is also available for the less adventurous among us).

OSO GORDITO

Oso Cordito 335 Harbor Dr., Hoonah, AK 99829 (907) 723-6228 www.osogordito.com/

My second recommendation for Hoonah, Oso Gordito, is a food truck with “A Taste of Texas” painted on the side and may seem an odd choice for Alaska, but hear me out. Owned and operated by local residents Brayden (who grew up in Alaska) and Sarah (who grew up in Texas), this local gem offers a small menu of Mexican cuisine featuring fresh Alaskan seafood. They source all their seafood from Silver Tip Seafoods, a family-owned business that has been operating in the waters of Southeast Alaska for over 30 years. All seafood is certified as well-managed and sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. Here’s the menu (check their website for the most up-to-date pricing):

There is plenty of outdoor seating and I recommend ordering the halibut tacos .

Where to eat in Juneau on your cruise to Alaska

From pub fare with an Alaskan flare to king crab, that I have four recommendations for Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, all located right downtown near the cruise piers. First up, a favorite among locals and tourists alike, Deckhand Dave’s.

DECKHAND DAVE’S

Deckhand Dave’s 139 South Franklin St., Juneau, AK 99801 (907) 957-2005 www.deckhanddaves.com/

Deckhand Dave’s, known for wild Alaskan fish tacos, is owned and operated by a former deckhand and cook in Alaska’s commercial fishing industry. The permanent food truck offers outdoor dining and is located near several other food trucks you can also hit for dessert and drinks (I recommend Alaskan Crepe Escape or Captains S’more & Brew ). At Dave’s I recommend the 3 fish sampler tacos (so you can taste each of the different fish options) and the dirty fries .

Here’s the menu (prices change, so double check the menu when you arrive):

HANGER ON THE WHARF

Hanger on the Wharf 2 Marine Way, Suite 106, Juneau, AK 99801 (907) 586-5018 www.hangaronthewharf.com/

Located inside Historic Merchants Wharf, Hanger on the Wharf originally served as an aircraft hangar for washing, fueling, and repairing float planes flying in and out of downtown Juneau and continues to honor Southeast Alaska’s aviation history. It offers an extensive menu featuring wild Alaskan seafood, hand-cut steaks, burgers, pastas, soups and salads, and king crab. A full-service bar serves up over 125 beers with a selection of locally and regionally brewed Alaskan beers.  I’d recommend the chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and the king crab legs . Go HERE for the full menu.

RED DOG SALOON

Red Dog Saloon 278 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801 (907) 463-3658 www.reddogsaloon.com

Upon entering through the swinging doors, you’ll instantly feel like you’ve been transported back to Juneau’s mining era – sawdust floors, stuffed animals mounted on the wooden walls, live country music, and waitresses in authentic saloon dresses. This well-know spot enjoys a rich history described on the restaurant’s website as follows:

This world famous saloon has provided hospitality and fellowship to weary travelers and local patrons alike. Early day proprietors, Earl and Thelma (Pederson) Forsythe provided dancing and long time entertainer “Ragtime Hattie” played the piano in her white gloves and silver dollar halter top. During territorial days, during his tenure of over twenty years as owner, Gordie Kanouse would meet tour boats with his mule that wore a sign saying “follow my ass to the Red Dog Saloon”. In the early seventies the Harris family bought the saloon and continued to grow and protect the priceless collection of furs, guns and antiques. The Red Dog Saloon has had several different locations here in town. Originally the saloon was located about 2 blocks up Franklin street and later across the street next to the Alaskan Hotel. In 1988 the saloon was moved, intact, to this site. Great care was given to replacing most everything to its original place within the room. The Kanouse family, back in the late 40’s began luring the tourist customers from the arriving steamships.  Some old timers tell us the Red Dog Saloon used to be just a tent on the beach during the mining heydays. In 2008, the saloon was purchased by a group of local Juneauites who continue the tradition of providing hospitality, fellowship and entertainment to weary travelers and local patrons alike. In 2012 the saloon was expanded slightly and connected to the new larger Red Dog Mercantile which carries a wide variety of Red Dog souvenirs and apparel. Today the local owners of the Red Dog Saloon continue to work to improve and enhance the experience behind those swinging doors and above those sawdust floors and hope to see you soon at the world famous Red Dog Saloon! https://www.reddogsaloon.com/about-us/

The Red Dog Saloon is actually best known for their “duck fart” shot (Irish cream, coffee liqueur, and Canadian whiskey). Try at least one so you can text your kids or grandkids: “Guess what? I just tried a duck fart!” If you’re looking for food to go with your duck fart, I’d recommend the gold rush nachos with beef brisket or the Nunivak reindeer sausage sandwich . Check the website for the current menu (it changes seasonally).

TRACY’S KING CRAB SHACK

Tracy’s King Crab Shack 432 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801 (907) 790-2722 kingcrabshack.com/

Since opening in 2006, Tracy’s King Crab Shack, located along the downtown waterfront, has been among the most popular tourist destinations in Juneau. If you want to splurge on one Alaskan dining experience, make it this one. Charge a bucket of red king crab legs to your credit card and worry about paying it off later! The crab is delicious and that photo you post to social media will make your friends and family back home crabby with envy (see what I did there).

Here’s the menu (double check current pricing on the website ):

Where to eat in Ketchikan on your cruise to Alaska

Ketchikan is a quaint town full of interesting history and many sights and restaurants within walking distance of the downtown cruise piers (note that if you’re on an NCL ship, you will dock at Ward Cove and will need to take a free shuttle bus into downtown Ketchikan to eat at any of my suggested restaurants). If you like chowder, crab, or fish and chips, you’ll definitely want to stop at one of my three recommendations in Ketchikan.

ANNABELLE’S FAMOUS KEG AND CHOWDER HOUSE

Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder House 326 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901 (907) 225-6009 www.annabellesketchikan.com

While the service at Annabelle’s can be a little spotty at peak hours during the height of the cruise season and I wouldn’t recommend it for crab (because I have a better spot, which we’ll get to next), it’s worth a visit for the Three Chowder Sampler (clam, smoked salmon, and seafood) and some local Alaskan beer or a Bloody Mary . Annabelle’s is also a good choice if your group has diverse food preferences (there are many non-seafood items as well as gluten free and vegetarian options). Annabelle’s is conveniently located a short walk from where the cruise ships dock downtown (or where the shuttle buses drop off NCL passengers coming from Ward Cove). Check the website for the current menu (it changes seasonally).

KETCHIKAN CRAB & GO

Ketchikan Crab & Go 5 Salmon Landing, Ketchikan, AK 99901 ketchikancrabandgo.com

Ketchikan Crab and Go is owned by husband and wife team, Gerry and Madison. They met when Gerry, a South African native who was working in the yachting industry, docked in Ketchikan with his crew and hit a local bar where Madison was working as a bar tender. Five years later they were married in South Africa with a dream to return to Ketchikan to open a king crab restaurant (Madison’s family owns the “Aleutian Ballad,” a king crab fishing boat featured in Season 2 of “The Deadliest Catch” and they operate the “Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour.”). And the rest they say is…Ketchikan Crab & Go! You’ll spend less time standing in line for a table here than at the Alaska Fish House located next door (which I’ll discuss next) and the king crab and halibut fish and chips are outstanding .

ALASKA FISH HOUSE

Alaska Fish House 3 Salmon Landing, Ketchikan, AK 99901 (907) 247-4055 exclusivealaska.com/fish-house

The Alaska Fish House is among the most popular dining spots in Ketchikan for cruise ship passengers and will have a line to prove it (so pad your schedule with an extra 30 minutes or so if you plan to eat there). It’s conveniently located across from the downtown cruise ship piers and near the Lumberjack show. You will order at the counter from a modest menu before finding a seat either inside or outside depending on availability. Must tries include the smoked salmon chowder and the fish and chips (go with the sampler if you want to try all three varieties). There isn’t much there for non-seafood lovers, but there’s a decent burger and a green salad or you can steal some coleslaw and fries (both excellent) from a travel companion who orders the fish and chips.

Where to eat in Seward on your cruise to Alaska

While most cruisers to Alaska won’t stop in Seward, those lucky enough to be on a one-way itinerary that embarks or debarks in Seward are in for a treat. This small coastal town, set on an inlet on the Kenai Peninsula, is breathtaking beautiful and features some outstanding local restaurants. Here are my three recommendations:

SEWARD BREWING COMPANY

Seward Brewing Company 139 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664 (907) 422-0337 www.sewardbrewery.com

Come for the views (try to snag a spot upstairs) and stay for a burger or hot chicken sandwich (note that sides aren’t included, so you’ll have to pay extra for fries, a salad, or the side of the day) and some beer, brewed onsite (there’s also a house-made root beer, if you don’t like beer beer or don’t drink).

THE COOKERY

The Cookery 209 5th Ave, Seward, AK 99664 (907) 422-7459 www.cookeryseward.com

The Cookery is a highly rated farm-to-table restaurant located in an old saloon. Their philosophy is, “if there is anything in-house we can do, we do it, from house-cured bacon to creamy homemade ice cream and tangy smoked salmon filets.” They even forage their own mushrooms and fiddleheads. Must-try menu items include the mushroom toast, salmon, and oysters.

THE PORTHOLE

The Porthole 1400 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664 (907) 422-7335 www.theporthole907.com

This woman-owned food truck was born from a need for early morning breakfast options in Seward Harbor. Since 2020 Captains, deckhands, tourists, and locals have been devouring hearty breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy, and breakfast sandwiches , among other regular breakfast, brunch, and lunch options and daily specials.

Check their website for the current menu and hours of operation as they seem to change frequently.

Where to eat in Sitka on your cruise to Alaska

Sitka, located on Baranof Island, was originally a Tlingit Indian village. In 1804 Russian explorers and traders took control of Sitka following a battle with the Tlingit and then in 1867 Russia sold Alaska to the United States – the transfer ceremony taking place in Sitka, which served as the territorial capital until 1906. Visitor’s to Sitka today can visit both Tlingit and Russian cultural sights and can sample Russian dumplings at one of my two recommended local restaurants. We’ll get to that in a minute, but first, Beak…

Beak 2 Lincoln St #1A, Sitka, AK 99835 (907) 966-2326 beakrestaurant.com

There are several noteworthy things about Beak in Sitka. First, the owner and chef, Chef Renée, was named one of only twenty semifinalists for the 2023 “James Beard Best Chef Award”   for the Pacific Northwest region. Second, Beak was featured on an episode of David Moscow’s “From Scratch.” And third, the restaurant is gratuity-free and committed to providing a fair and living wage to employees. Any tips received are donated to local charities. The restaurant receives rave reviews from both locals and tourists. Recommended items include the salmon chowder, Sitka salmon slab, rockfish tacos, and the Alaskan reindeer sausage. There are also vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available.

PEL’MENI

Pel’Meni 303 Lincoln St ste 1, Sitka, AK 99835 (907) 623-0773 No website

As promised, you can visit Pel’Meni to sample Russian dumplings, available with two different filling options: potato or beef. They come topped with butter, Sriracha vinaigrette, curry powder, and cilantro and include a side of sour cream and bread. This is a great option if you want to taste some local food, but don’t want to spend a week’s salary to do it and want to save room for the dinner you’ve already paid for on your ship.

Where to eat in Skagway on your cruise to Alaska

Skagway is home to just over 1,000 permanent residents, but welcomes over 1 million tourists, mostly arriving via cruise ships, every year. It is best known as a former Gold Rush town, restored to offer a glimpse back to an earlier time, but with the requisite diamonds, fudge, and novelty t-shirts to make it quickly come into focus as a popular cruise port. The most well-known place to eat in Skagway is the Red Onion Saloon, but if dining in a loud, crowded saloon isn’t your vibe, I’ll offer two alternatives as well.

RED ONION SALOON

Red Onion Saloon 201 Broadway, Skagway, AK 99840 (907) 983-2414 www.redonion1898.com

The Red Onion Saloon was opened in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush as a bordello for miners. Today it doubles as a restaurant and bar on the ground floor and a brothel museum upstairs. While the restaurant is known more for it’s history and ambiance than the quality of the food, you can get a good bowl of chili and some decent pizza here (skip the nachos).

SKAGWAY BREWING COMPANY

Skagway Brewing Company 204 4th Ave, Skagway, AK 99840 (907) 983-2739 www.skagwaybrewing.com

For higher quality pub fare, hit the Skagway Brewing Company for the s almon sandwich, fish and chips, or reindeer chili dog . There are some great vegetarian/vegan and gluten free options too. And if you’re a beer drinker, be sure to order the spruce tip ale.

SKAGWAY FISH COMPANY

Skagway Fish Company 201 Congress Way, Skagway, AK 99840 (907) 983-3474 www.facebook.com/SkagwayFishCo

Conveniently located right near the cruise ship piers, visit the Skagway Fish Company for some halibut fish and chips, Alaskan king crab legs, or king crab bisque . Get there early if you can as it gets crowded later in the afternoon.

Whether you’re feasting on king crab legs at port (which is how my husband likes to cruise to Alaska) or surviving for a solid week on nothing but complimentary soft serve (which is how my son prefers to cruise to Alaska and, everywhere, for that matter), I wish you a beautiful, enriching, and, most of all, delicious cruise to Alaska! And with that…

Class Dismissed!

Have questions about cruising to Alaska? Get all of them answered here:

First Time Cruisers to Alaska: Answers to 10 Common Questions

Today’s Bonus Cruising Tip

I ALWAYS buy  travel insurance  (especially during these uncertain times) to cover my cruises, but I  NEVER purchase it through a cruise line. It costs more and usually covers less than policies you purchase on your own. I go through sites like  travelinsurance.com  to compare plans and prices and get the best deal for the coverage I want.  Spend less on insurance  and spend more on excursions, special onboard cruise experiences and…future cruises!

Homework (10 points):  Share to the comments any questions you have about dining on your cruise to Alaska or if you’ve cruised there before, share your favorite meals.

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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One of the most magical ways to explore Alaska’s expansive coastline, stunning snow-capped mountains, mystic fjords, lush rainforests, awe-inspiring glaciers, and protected wildlife is by sea. And that’s precisely why so many people who visit Alaska do so via a cruise. Plus, it’s the best way to experience the iconic Inside Passage, the most popular route for cruise ships departing from Seattle and Vancouver from May through September. The key to planning the perfect adventure is finding the right cruise for your personality, budget, and preferences. 

We’ve gathered cruises in all size categories (from a couple of hundred passengers to nearly 5,000), as ship size is often one of the biggest factors when selecting a cruise. We’ve also called attention to cruise options that do an impressive job of showcasing nature, offering local experiences , providing endless onboard entertainment, or catering to foodies or luxury travelers. 

While Alaska is certainly the star of this show, the ship you experience it on will make all the difference to your vacation. (Spoiler: Always spring for the oceanview room with a balcony on Alaska cruises, because you’ll be treated to once-in-a-lifetime sights along your entire voyage!) 

Best Alaska Cruises of 2024

• Best Overall Cruise: Windstar Cruises
• Best Ship Renovation: Celebrity Cruises
• Best Small Ship: Oceania Cruises
• Best All-Inclusive Ship: American Queen Voyages
• Best Ultra-Luxury: Seabourn Cruises
• Best Traditional Cruise: Holland America Line
• Best New Ship: Princess Cruises
• Best Large Ship Cruise: Royal Caribbean International
• Our Top Picks
• Windstar Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Oceania Cruises
• American Queen Voyages
• Seabourn Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International
• See More (5)

Final Verdict

Methodology, best overall cruise : windstar cruises.

Because of their small, yacht-like size, Windstar Cruises ships grant unparalleled access to Alaska’s glaciers and fjords; other ships can’t squeeze into some of these special places.

All-inclusive option includes WiFi, unlimited drinks, Signature Expeditions program offers expert guides who give lectures and take guests on intimate excursions

Only 312 passengers

Each cabin is a suite; there are no interior cabins

Ship was reimagined in 2021, with additional dining experiences, a new World Spa, and infinity pool

Fewer entertainment options than on larger ships

When it comes to experiencing the splendor of Alaska, your cruise is only as good as the direct access it offers to this region’s beauty—and Windstar Cruises delivers access like no other. Because of its dainty size, guests are treated to unique experiences, like anchoring right in Misty Fjords and Kenai Fjords, which is something you’d have to do on a shore excursion if you were on a larger ship with another cruise line. For an even closer look at Mother Nature’s impressive work, from icebergs to whales, book a kayak or Zodiac Signature Expedition with their incredibly knowledgeable guides.

In 2021, the Star Breeze went under renovation to provide guests with new features: additional dining options (such as a Spanish small plates restaurant from Anthony Sasso, one of the youngest chefs to be recognized by the Michelin Guide), a spa and fitness center, an infinity pool, and more outdoor deck areas. Chefs make a point of shopping locally in each port and bringing their bounty back to the ship to incorporate into the cuisine, such as reindeer and venison sausage, birch syrup, and, of course, King and Sockeye salmon. 

Best Ship Renovation : Celebrity Cruises

The Celebrity Millennium, launched in 2000, has recently undergone complete modernization, which includes luxury staterooms, enhanced technology, and renovated restaurants and lounges.

Immersive dining at Le Petit Chef, where augmented reality intersects with luxury cuisine, private verandas, complimentary fitness classes, plus unlimited access to the Persian Garden and complimentary dining at Blu

Autism-friendly cruising, including sensory-friendly films and toys, and dietary options

Accessible staterooms with grab bars, roll-in showers, and wider doors

2,218 passengers put this squarely in the mid-size ship category

You won’t find the over-the-top party-like activities of larger ships (which could also be a plus)

If you’re passionate about the finer things in life, Celebrity Cruises may very well speak to your soul. The Sky Suite in the Retreat, for instance, includes a long list of curated amenities (e.g., a shore excursion credit, premium drinks, wi-fi, tips, and onboard credit), endless views, a Personal Retreat Host, private dining, and exclusive spaces, like the Retreat Lounge and Sundeck. And onboard experiences range from Macallan and Jack Daniel’s tastings to Riedel crystal workshops that show how different shapes and qualities of a Riedel glass change the taste of wine. 

The Millennium offers Edge series staterooms with Infinite Veranda—at the touch of a button, your entire living space becomes the veranda, which means you can walk right out to the water’s edge. And 99% of the staterooms on Celebrity Edge have king-size beds, featuring Celebrity eXhale bedding and Cashmere mattresses. 

Best Small Ship : Oceania Cruises

Oceania cruises introduce Alaska to guests by offering local experiences in partnership with native tribes for a more meaningful connection to the area beyond sightseeing.

Two specialty restaurants (no extra charge),  WiFi, and free and unlimited soft drinks replenished daily in refrigerated mini bar

Onboard menus feature local Alaskan delicacies, such as Halibut, King Crab, and Alaskan blueberry pancakes

Impressive guest-to-staff ratio: maximum of 656 guests served by 400+ officers and crew

4 open-seating restaurants, 8 lounges and bars, and a casino

Not all staterooms feature private verandas

Built in 1998 but fully refurbished in 2019, Oceania Cruises’ Regatta dazzles guests with bejeweled chandeliers in the Grand Dining Room, fresh color palettes, and new furnishings in the public spaces, plus new everything in the suites and staterooms. Between the gentle rocking of the ship and the Ultra Tranquility Bed, you’re sure to sleep like a baby. 

When you’re not off exploring Alaska’s many wonders, keep busy at the casino, take in an after-dinner production of Tuxedo (a fresh take on the Rat Pack) or Gatsby’s (a 1920s-era musical romp) or chill out and choose a book from the English-style library with 2,000 options.  Book a spa treatment or work out in the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, play nine holes of golf on the putting greens, shop the three boutiques, and unwind, help yourself to afternoon tea with all the accouterments at 4 p.m. daily. 

Best All-Inclusive Ship : American Queen Voyages

You’ll never feel nickeled and dimed on American Queen Voyages because everything you want—from guided tours to drinks—is already included in the price.

All-inclusive sailing with no extra charge, infinity pool and multiple hot tubs

Menus crafted from local ingredients

Each room comes with binoculars for wildlife spotting

Ship just debuted in November 2021 and its first sailing with American Queen Voyages was May 2022

Hefty price tag

No musical or stage productions onboard

Say hello to our little friend, the 186-passenger Ocean Victory, from American Queen Voyages. While this vessel may be small in stature, she’s big on value. The all-inclusive sailing includes one pre-cruise hotel night, ground transfers, unlimited guided tours, and beverages, open bars and lounges, unlimited food, in-room dining, WiFi, bicycles, walking sticks, and daily live entertainment and enrichment. And speaking of unlimited food, you’ll be treated to five-course dinners along with 180-degree panoramic views. All 98 cabins face out (no inside cabins), and 68 of those feature step-out balconies. 

As part of the American Queen Voyages expedition experience, the line has partnered with Dr. Michelle Fournet, an acclaimed acoustic ecologist and leading expert in the communication of North Pacific humpback whales. As such, hydrophones are used onboard Zodiacs to listen to the voices of Alaska’s whales in real-time. Guests will also learn about and participate in whale tracking through fluke identification by uploading their own photos from the vessel to a scientific database following their seasonal movements.

Best Ultra-Luxury : Seabourn Cruises

With its intimate size and maneuverability, world-class dining, social atmosphere, and high-end amenities, Seabourn Cruises is a luxurious way to explore America’s Last Frontier.

Complimentary WiFi for all bookings, The Grill restaurant features a menu curated by famed chef Thomas Keller, complimentary fitness classes

Max guest capacity: 450

229 luxury suites, 90% have verandas and all are ocean front

In-suite amenities include a fruit basket replenished daily, a bar with complimentary wines or spirits, nightly turndown service, and Molton Brown bath products

Tipping is neither required nor expected

Ship was built in 2009 and has had no renovations 

Eleven days exploring the Inside Passage and Alaskan fjords with only 400-ish other passengers aboard a luxurious ship with plenty of onboard activities? That’s exactly what you’ll get on the Seabourn Odyssey. Enjoy the magical moments spent exploring the far end of the Misty Fjords on Zodiac, learn more about the local wildlife and geology during lectures with the Expedition Team, and kayak along Hubbard Glacier. 

There’s plenty to do on board, too, including making use of the two swimming pools, five whirlpools, and Dr. Andrew Weil's spa and wellness program. Not to mention a card room, casino, library, observation bar, and beauty salon. There are several options for onboard dining (aside from complimentary in-suite dining), including a fine dining option, The Grill by world-renowned chef Thomas Keller, and an open-kitchen style option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Best Traditional Cruise : Holland America Line

Holland America Line’s Koningsdam offers everything long-time cruisers appreciate, from a comfortable size and price point to onboard activities and numerous dining options.

Live cooking demonstrations and fine dining events, Rolling Stone Rock Room live music venue and B.B. King’s Blues Club

Recently refurbished in 2018

2,650 guests, which makes it a mid-size ship that’s easier to navigate

Club HAL for kids ages 3 to 17 included

No live daytime music

Don’t have a lot of time for your Alaskan vacation? This “best of” 7-night itinerary is focused on the region’s iconic Inside Passage, which gives passengers an efficient taste of all the area’s most photographed and talked about sights. Plus, Holland America offers more access to Glacier Bay National Park and has more departures featuring Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. 

The Koningsdam boasts 912 balconied accommodations, which means 69% of the ship has rooms with a private veranda view. You’ll also find massage showerheads, magnifying mirrors, terry bathrobes, Egyptian cotton towels, Elemis luxury bath products, and fresh fruit (upon request) in your stateroom. Anglers will enjoy the cruise line’s Savor My Catch program, which brings ocean-to-table dining to a whole new level. Plus, guests can catch their own fish during shore excursions and have it prepared and served on board.

Best New Ship : Princess Cruises

Princess has been sailing Alaska for over 50 years, and with six ships, five wilderness lodges, and its own domed rail car, this cruise line knows the region well. 

Cook My Catch dining program for guests on select fishing excursions, puppies in the Piazza brings sled dog puppies onboard for guests to cuddle, adults-only wellness and relaxation deck

Ship just launched in March 2022

Princess ships feature Ocean Medallion wearable technology for a seamless, contact-free cruise experience

One of the most affordable Alaskan cruise options

Gratuities and specialty restaurants not included

The Discovery Princess had her naming ceremony in April of 2022, so she’s a brand-new addition to the line’s fleet. As such, technology is a big part of the experience. Cruise guests will receive a free Medallion device with a complimentary lanyard, which allows you to do things like open your cabin door, track onboard purchases, find family and friends, locate venues, and check daily activities. 

You’ll find three main dining rooms, plus a pizzeria, gastropub, Italian restaurant, chop house, and Mediterranean bistro. Or, kick things up a notch with a Chef’s Table Lumiere experience of multiple courses with wine pairings. Spend your time listening to live music in the Crooners Bar, exploring cocktails from around the world at Good Spirits, and relaxing at the jazz club. Be sure to check out SeaWalk, a walkway that cantilevers off the side of the ship and has a glass bottom so guests can see below and above.

Best Large Ship Cruise : Royal Caribbean International

Dry docked in 2021 for a routine refurbishment, this Quantum Class ship holds 4,905 passengers and truly offers something for everyone.

Recreational activities like a flowrider surf simulator, iFly skydiving simulator, and rock climbing wall, high-tech virtual balcony views, and North Star, a glass observation capsule that rises 300 feet above sea level for bird’s eye views (additional cost)

Luxury shopping options, such as Cartier, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors

Adventure Ocean Kids Programs

A robot will code your favorite cocktails at the Bionic Bar

Formal nights with dress code (or you can choose to dine at a more casual venue those evenings)

The best part about a mega-ship, like the Ovation of the Seas? It’s literally impossible to be bored given the number of things there are to do, eat, and explore. For instance, there are 16 dining options (including Jamie’s Italian by chef Jamie Oliver), 10 bars and lounges, myriad activities and shows, a spa and fitness center, pool tables, and table tennis. Add to that guest lectures, outdoor movie nights, live music, an arcade and casino, theme nights, bumper cars, archery, and dance and sushi-making classes. Heck, you might just need a vacation after this vacation! 

Interior staterooms are budget-friendly options with plenty of space and thoughtful touches, or you can upgrade to ocean view, balcony, or suite categories for some extra perks (like marble bathrooms with a tub and two sinks). And there’s no better spot for taking in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier than the North Star observation deck.

Your Alaskan cruise is ready to set sail, so which ship will you choose for your adventure through the Last Frontier? For a small ship experience with an all-inclusive mentality, we love Windstar Cruises—it’s your best bet for getting up-close and personal with nature and having access to expert guides. For sailing through Alaska in the lap of luxury, choose Seabourn Cruises, and surround yourself with naturalist experts and fine dining restaurants. And if mega-ships are intriguing, Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas has literally everything you could ever want in a floating hotel. (The only risk here is that you might enjoy the ship’s myriad amenities so much that you’ll forget to check out Alaska.)

We evaluated over a dozen Alaskan cruises before selecting the best in each category. We considered various elements like the cruise line’s reputation and quality of service, ship design and architecture, and notable ship amenities (e.g., swimming pools, entertainment, technology, access to nature experts, etc.). We also reviewed each ship’s cruise itinerary , dining and wellness options, and the types of experiences and excursions available to guests. In determining this list, we evaluated numerous customer reviews and considered whether the cruise line has collected any accolades in recent years.

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Alaska Cruise Best Food

Embark on a culinary voyage where the pristine waters of Alaska meet gourmet excellence aboard our luxury cruises. At Alaska Uncharted, we pride ourselves on offering an unparalleled dining experience, blending fresh, local ingredients with the expertise of our 5-star John Besh-trained chefs.

From the moment you step aboard, prepare to be delighted by our array of culinary creations, from the freshest Alaskan seafood to tailored menus designed to suit every palate. Indulge in the true taste of Alaska, where each meal is an adventure waiting to be savored.

Crafting Unique Alaskan Experiences

At Alaska Uncharted, we’re not just about sailing; we’re about creating unforgettable experiences tailored just for you. Our luxury charters navigate the breathtaking Inside Passage, offering a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and exclusivity.

With a focus on personalized itineraries, we cater to families, friends, and couples seeking an intimate journey into Alaska’s wild beauty. Our commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of our cruises, from the destinations we select to the comforts we provide onboard.

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Cuisine & Drinks: A Taste of Alaska's Bounty

Gourmet Dining Amidst the Glaciers

Our onboard cuisine is a celebration of Alaska’s rich culinary traditions and the bounty of its waters. With a 5-star John Besh-trained chef at the helm, our kitchen transforms local ingredients into exquisite meals, ensuring every dish is as memorable as the landscapes we explore.

Whether it’s succulent Sockeye Salmon, tender Halibut, or flavorful Rock Fish, our menus are designed to delight the palate and highlight the best of Alaskan seafood.

Fresh From the Sea to Your Plate

The essence of our dining experience lies in the freshness of our ingredients. Imagine dining on seafood that’s been caught just hours before it’s served, prepared with care and creativity.

Our guests often relish the chance to enjoy a meal made from their own catch of the day, bringing a whole new meaning to the term ‘sea-to-table.’ It’s not just a meal; it’s an adventure in itself, complemented by a selection of fine wines and local beers.

Catering to Every Taste

Understanding that preferences vary, we also offer a variety of non-seafood dishes and cater to special dietary needs. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are crafted to offer a balanced and enriching dining experience, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Our all-inclusive approach means you can indulge in the finest cuisine and drinks without a care, making your Alaskan cruise an unparalleled culinary journey.

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Best cruise food: These are the 6 cruise lines with the best food at sea

My mouth is watering just thinking about writing this story. As I sit here and recap all the lines I think are worthy of inclusion under the title of "best cruise line food," it's apparent how much cruise ship meals have evolved.

In the early days of cruising, travelers could only choose between set seating in the main dining room or a trip to the buffet for a more casual experience. These days, passengers are spoiled for choice, with some of the world's largest vessels offering dozens of options each.

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Among the staggering number of cuisines are pizza and burgers, sushi, steak, Italian, French, Indian, Mexican, Asian-fusion and diner fare, to name a few. Toss in partnerships with big names like Thomas Keller, Jacques Pepin, Matt Lambert and Guy Fieri, and you've got a recipe for dining success.

Nearly everyone who cruises looks forward to the food. Whether your palate is completely unsophisticated, or you're searching for a highbrow epicurean experience, this list rounds up the best cruise lines for food.

Note: These are my favorite cruise lines for food, listed in alphabetical order.

Carnival Cruise Line

Warning: I'm about to make a lofty and controversial claim. Carnival Cruise Line has the best all-around food of any mainstream cruise line. The food quality is even more surprising because its fares are some of the industry's lowest.

In addition to a pleasant variety of cuisine in its ships' onboard buffets, passengers will find delicious options on the main dining room menus daily. (One of the best-kept secrets is the line's Indian cuisine. If you don't see it on the menu, ask.)

Sure, Carnival has added-fee dining in the way of steak and seafood, but in terms of free fare, Carnival has the most impressive array of alternative dining options for which you won't have to shell out anything extra. In particular, I give special nods to Guy's Burger Joint by Guy Fieri; the BlueIguana Cantina, which offers Mexican food; Big Chicken, Shaquille O'Neal's chicken eatery; and Pizza Pirate or Pizzeria del Capitano (depending on the ship), which are renowned for their simply drool-worthy pies.

However, if you're in the mood for a splurge, you can't go wrong with a visit to Emeril's Bistro, which serves New Orleans-style a la carte items in partnership with chef Emeril Lagasse; Rudi's Seagrill, a seafood restaurant that's the brainchild of chef Rudi Sodamin; or Bonsai Teppanyaki.

Holland America Line

Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised that Carnival's sister brand Holland America is also tops when it comes to offering some of the best cruise dining. The line largely shies away from the flashy bells and whistles of other cruise lines. (You won't find zip lines or roller coasters on board.) Instead, its focus is on providing solid core amenities like a wide variety of truly talented musicians and, of course, food that stands out.

Everything I've ever eaten in the main dining room has been utterly delectable, and you absolutely can't beat grilled cheese sandwiches or pea soup from the complimentary Grand Dutch Cafe on the line's newest ships.

Chef Rudi Sodamin's quirky but tasty creations also make an appearance at the Sel de Mer seafood restaurant, where you can try steak, seafood, fish, duck and lamb dishes, as well as vegetarian options. The whimsical food faces you'll see on your plates are an added bonus. Meanwhile, Pinnacle Grill has some of the best steaks I've ever eaten on a ship (or on land, for that matter), and if you enjoy Asian cuisine, Tamarind is definitively worth the extra cost.

Further, HAL's food isn't just tasty; it's fresh and fairly sourced, too. The line has worked with James Beard Award-winning chef and Culinary Council member Ethan Stowell to create a series of special menu items for its Alaska voyages. The dishes use sustainable and certified Alaskan seafood sourced through a partnership with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and certification by Responsible Fisheries Management.

Oceania Cruises

Upscale cruise line Oceania packs a ton of restaurants onto its small ships, but you won't find a bad option in the bunch. Whether you value dining variety and tasty meals or you truly are a food snob, Oceania will surely come through with a win. How could it not with Jacques Pepin and Giada De Laurentiis contributing to the menus? Even better, all but the fanciest wine-paired special meals are included in the fares.

The line's smallest ships offer two specialty dining venues — a steakhouse and an Italian restaurant — in addition to the Grand Dining Room, with its expansive international menus, and the Terrace Café, a high-end buffet serving sushi, French cheeses and gourmet ice cream. Its largest vessels feature four reservations-only restaurants, adding in French, American and pan-Asian, depending on the ship.

Oceania puts just as much attention to detail — and deliciousness — into its smaller venues. Waves Grill on the pool deck goes beyond cheeseburgers to salmon sandwiches and Wagyu beef burgers. Its afternoon tea is a marquee event, with waiters wheeling carts of goodies through the observation lounge. On Vista , you can start your day on a high note at Aquamar with multiple types of avocado toast and freshly made juices blended with therapeutic spices. Its evening pizzeria is not to be missed, not only for the Italian-style pies but for the enticing burrata menu.

Finally, real gourmands looking for the ultimate dining experience can pay extra for wine-paired dinners that rival the most luxurious feast you've had on land — or a more expensive cruise line. Oceania puts so much stock in these meals that the line has built intimate dining rooms into its ships, reserved exclusively for these foodie events.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

To me, truly great food balances top-notch ingredients, impeccable flavors and creative presentation in such a way that makes even the pickiest of eaters happy. Too often, I've found myself at chichi restaurants that use weird ingredients (read: animal organs I wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole), focus on looks over taste or make portions so tiny that they leave my stomach rumbling. Of all the lines I've sailed, luxury brand Scenic checks all the right boxes — a balance of the former with none of the latter.

From simple foods like eggs at breakfast in the buffet to the absolutely next-level chef's table I experienced on expedition ship Scenic Eclipse — a vessel with an impressive number of dining options given its size — the food was tasty and well-prepared.

But that doesn't mean it wasn't creative. For example, the chef's table offered up candied foie gras (or, in my case, candied date) lollipops and cured meat made to look like cigars with ash — but it wasn't a case of form over function. The flavors were spot-on, and substitutions were available for picky eaters like me and a vegetarian travel companion.

Somewhere in between the no-reservations buffet and the invitation-only chef's table lie equally impressive reservation-required options like Koko's Sushi (don't miss the homemade cotton candy), Night Market teppanyaki and French restaurant Lumiere, which somehow managed to win over even this notoriously anti-French-cuisine cruiser.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Luxury brand Seabourn Cruise Line serves outstanding food in all of its venues, including The Restaurant main dining room and The Colonnade buffet, both of which switch up their menus each day. Even the cafe found at the central hub of Seabourn Square — part lounge, part customer service area — is excellent, as are nightly casual menu options, served outdoors on most ships.

Beyond that, the line's small-ish vessels don't have a ton of additional options, but what they lack in number, they make up for in sheer quality.

A prime example is Earth and Ocean, a dinner experience at The Patio (found at The Grill on some ships), served alfresco. Enjoy a selection of both land and sea options bursting with flavor and served with flare. Examples might include Belgian endive salad, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, rib-eye steak, seafood bouillabaisse, baked Camembert and a salted caramel gelato sundae. Whatever you do, don't miss the homemade breadsticks.

Also, look for the new Mediterranean restaurant Solis debuting on ships this year.

Another luxurious standout is Seabourn's popular "caviar in the surf" event, held once per cruise. Waiters wade into the water at a beach while passengers are ashore and serve caviar and other accompaniments from trays. (On cold-weather voyages, the event is set up on tables on one of the outer decks instead.) Note that you can also order free caviar at any time of day if a craving strikes.

Virgin Voyages

When Virgin Voyages debuted, it did away with the traditional main dining room experience and, instead, added nearly a dozen restaurants that rival the ambience, quality and creativity of any upscale eatery on land. It also eschewed the idea of a traditional cruise buffet and replaced it with a food court. Additionally, it has gone out of its way to cater to dietary restrictions, with plenty of choices for vegetarians, vegans and cruisers who are gluten-free.

All of the options are included in the price — except for a new dinner theater experience on Resilient Lady — which represents a terrific value without sacrificing quality. Having partnered with famed chefs — including Matt Lambert of New York's The Musket Room; Sohui Kim of Insa, The Good Fork and Gage & Tollner in New York; and Silvana Salcido Esparza of Barrio Café in Phoenix — the line offers cuisine that runs the gamut from Mexican, Italian and steak selections to Korean barbecue, vegetarian-focused fare and even molecular gastronomy.

As for the line's new dinner theater option, it's not just a feast for the eyes. The food is fabulous, too, featuring intriguing dishes with an Indian flare that are seasoned just right.

Feeling like something more casual? Passengers can enjoy nearly round-the-clock personal pizzas, happy hour mezze platters, ice cream scoops and diner snacks like soft pretzels, hot dogs and candy — all complimentary. For something casual but more substantial, they can head to The Galley, a collection of food court-style counters serving diner grub, noodle bowls, paninis, salads, tacos, grab-and-go sushi and desserts, among other bites.

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

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• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
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Alaska for Foodies

Wildlife, majestic mountains, spectacular scenery -- those images probably fill your fantasies about an Alaska cruise. But, add this to the picture: mountains of tasty vittles and scrumptious bits of scenery that will fill your stomach, too.

While Alaska produces some of the world's most prized seafood, like wild salmon and king crab, it wasn't always such a culinary wonderland. The sourdough-slinging gold miners left a meat-and-potatoes mentality that's slowly given way to more creative fine dining options and a "local and seasonal" attitude. You'll find more international flavors here now, too, and young chefs who have trained in the "Lower 48" then returned home to invigorate the food scene.

Here, we tell you everything you need to know about the feast that awaits in Alaska, including what to eat and where to find it -- whether on land or sea.

On This Page

Where to find it.

Alaskan bears gorge on wild salmon, and you should too. There are five different species available seasonally: pink salmon, silver salmon, king salmon, sockeye and chum. The two most desirable species are king and sockeye, so keep on the lookout for those. The least is chum, also known as keta or dogfish because they're fed to dogs. Keep an eye out for smoked salmon, too, particularly in the local favorite, smoked salmon spread.

The "Deadliest Catch" TV series made king crab a superstar, and you'll definitely find it on the menu here -- though any king crab that gets to you in the summertime will have been frozen because it's only fished during winter, up in the Bering Sea. There are actually three types of king crab; the most popular is red, and that's what you'll most likely be served. These monsters can weigh up to 20 pounds, with a leg span of 5 feet. The cost of king crab legs is a bit monstrous, too, so beware -- but for some, the sweet, meaty legs are pure heaven. Dungeness crabs thrive in Southeast Alaska, so you're likely to find them on menus when you go ashore. Due to Alaska's cold waters, Dungeness crabs here have sweeter meat than their brethren in the Lower 48, and they're more reasonably priced than their relatives.

Other Fish and Seafood

Halibut is a firm, white-fleshed fish that can be served many ways, from an elegant saute to fish and chips. Rockfish, a flakier, mild fish, is also common, as are other whitefish. You'll even find oysters in Alaska, where the cold water prevents them from spawning, so all their energy goes into being plump and delicious.

Reindeer prosciutto, anyone? You'll find farm-raised reindeer meat on menus in Alaska, but not moose, since wild meat can't be sold commercially.

You probably won't go out foraging for salmonberries, cloudberries, watermelon berries or wild blueberries during your visit to Alaska -- but you'll find jam made with a variety of local berries in gift shops. Spruce tips (the tender ends of a spruce branch) pop up flavoring caramels, syrup and jelly and seasoning savory dishes. Creative chefs are foraging even more far afield, picking and using the buds from Devil's Club, a cactus-like plant.

Ocean Goodies

Bull kelp pickles and salsa are another popular gift item, as is sea salt, which you'll find in a variety of flavors.

Craft breweries are popping up all over Alaska, but the granddaddy of them all is Juneau-based Alaskan Brewing Co. They make eight year-round beers, as well as seasonal and special editions, like smoked porter and mocha milk stout. Look for special ingredients, like spruce tips, in Alaskan beers, too.

Many cruise lines serve local fish on Alaska itineraries. Oceania does an Alaska grilled fish night at its buffet restaurants, featuring fresh salmon, halibut and rockfish. The line also serves halibut fish and chips, using Alaskan Brewing Co. beer to batter the fish. You can wash it all down with cold ones from the same brewery.

Celebrity features an onboard "crab shack" where you get a king crab leg, crab cakes, crab bisque and sides for $25. The line also offers a selection of Alaskan Brewing Co. beers. Holland America Line has menu items like an appetizer of salmon jerky, hot-smoked salmon and halibut, smoked salmon deviled eggs and a king crab Cobb salad. Mains include crab pasta carbonara and steamed crab with coconut rice. HAL also pours Alaskan Brewing Co. beers and a showy Midnight Sun cocktail, by Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff , that resembles a vivid sunset. The line's America's Test Kitchen theater does a cooking demo featuring salmon recipes, as well. Regent Seven Seas Cruises puts halibut and king crab legs on the menu in Alaska, while Seabourn features Alaskan Brewing Co. onboard. Disney adds Alaskan salmon and halibut to their menus, such as the Alaskan smoked salmon timbale served at Tiana's Place restaurant.

There's a booming food scene in Alaska's capital city, fueled by young chefs and some culinary superstars. Right at the main cruise dock, you'll see Tracy's King Crab Shack, one of the best places for king crab legs and bisque in Alaska. Owner Tracy LaBarge is also a partner in McGivney’s Sports Bar & Grill, where the "hog wings" are a must. Catch Chef Beau Schooler's eclectic cooking at The Rookery Cafe, Panhandle Provisions and The Taqueria. He has won national recognition for his seafood, as well as James Beard Award nominations. A Mexican–Korean fusion restaurant might sound odd, but it works perfectly at V's Cellar Door; creative cocktails hit the spot, too.

For a taste of local kelp pickles, salsas and seasoning mixes, stop by the Barnacle stand, near other food stands by the dock. To try local brews, head to any bar or stop by the Alaskan Brewing Co. Depot gift shop, which operates a shuttle from the shop to their brewery (for a fee).

One of the best ways to get a taste of Juneau is to walk the city with Juneau Food Tours. They'll introduce you to everything from smoked-salmon spread to a fine dining restaurant that opens especially for their tours, wrapping it up with a sampler of local beer. You can book these tours independently, but Holland America and Princess also offer them as a shore excursion.

For a smorgasbord of Juneau sights and tastes, a Flavors of Juneau shore excursion includes the Mendenhall Glacier, a local cooking demo with samples at the Chez Alaska Cooking School (you can also book classes here on your own) and a trip to the Alaskan Brewing Co. Or, opt for a salmon feast at Taku Lodge -- and in this case, you make a dramatic entrance aboard a float plane. Don't miss having a drink cooled by real glacier ice. The classic Juneau offering is the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, where you'll dine on grilled salmon and buffet sides, but it can seem a bit rugged, both in terms of the facility and the level of the food.

Although Ketchikan's claim to fame used to be its "sporting women," in modern times its shops and restaurants are the attraction for visitors. The Alaska Fish House, on Salmon Landing, is a casual spot with water views and a menu that includes smoked salmon chowder, salmon burgers, salmon tacos, salmon salad and smoked salmon corn bread. For dining with a view, take the little funicular tram up to Cape Fox Lodge, where the menu includes a wicked crab dip, Alaskan cod tacos and halibut fish and chips, as well as sandwiches, burgers and adult milkshakes.

Our very favorite Ketchikan foodie experience is one that includes a George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast. You can choose to combine it with flightseeing, but we thoroughly enjoyed the version that takes you on a boat trip around the inlet, including pulling up crab pots (the cranky crustaceans get tossed back). Afterward, there are sweet, succulent all-you-can-eat crab legs with melted butter and sides back at the lodge. If you really want to catch what you eat, try a pricier guided fishing trip, where your catch is part of the lunch. Foodies should know that the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour, aboard a ship featured on the "Deadliest Catch," does not include a meal.

This little town offers some great casual food options. If you're tied-up at the Old Sitka Dock, Halibut Point Crab & Brew's tent is just a few feet from your ship, serving both Dungeness and king crab, along with corn fritters. In central Sitka , look for Ashmo's food truck, to chow down on salmon mac and cheese, fresh black cod tips over coconut rice, rockfish tacos with cabbage slaw, local beer-battered halibut and fish burgers. And, tucked inside the Sitka Sound Science Center gift shop, you'll find Ludvig's Chowder Cart, an offshoot from Sitka's best restaurant. Look for local Baranof Island Brewing Company beers around town.

Sitka's short on foodie shore excursions, but you can always organize your own fishing trip and have the results frozen and sent home to you.

Wild Alaska Catch (an offshoot from a local fishing company) serves king crab legs; halibut, rockfish or salmon fish and chips; fish sandwiches; oysters; and Dungeness crab. Right by the pier, Skagway Fish Co. offers halibut fish and chips, oysters, clams, crab cakes and king crab. If you're headed to Jewell Gardens, pop into Poppies, for dishes that use produce fresh from the garden, including soups, crepes, salmon quiche and afternoon tea service. Klondike Doughboy serves fry bread (aka "beaver tails") with cinnamon and sugar, as well as stocking items like reindeer sausage and berry jams.

Not many Skagway shore excursions throw in food, but Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp & Salmon Bake will feed you a salmon lunch with salads and corn bread -- along with dancehall girls, melodrama and gold panning. The Burro Creek Waterfall Retreat & Crab Boil tour takes you to a lodge surrounded by hiking trails and waterfalls, where you'll have a Dungeness crab and shrimp boil with andouille sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes, plus a double-chocolate brownie topped with a marshmallow roasted over the campfire.

While Alaska's largest city isn't a port, you may well spend time here if you're taking a land-based extension or flying in a few days early. For fresh seafood, artfully prepared, head to Kincaid Grill, a local favorite. Despite its name, Marx Bros. Cafe is a fine dining experience that includes items like halibut cheeks, king crab gnocchi, Neapolitan seafood mousse and oysters with pepper vodka-pickled ginger sorbet. Moose's Tooth is Anchorage's legendary pizza spot, where you can order pies with reindeer sausage among a long list of creative offerings; they also serve a variety of beers from their Broken Tooth Brewing company. Local ingredients even make it into ice cream at Wild Scoops. Look for flavors including Alaskan sea salt, spruce tips, coffee and seasonal berries. Anchorage Culinary Tours will take you tasting around downtown, including everything from appetizers to dessert, with some beer or wine parings as well.

Anchorage is a beer-lover's heaven, with a thriving craft brewing scene, including Anchorage Brewing Company, Midnight Sun Brewing Company, Resolution Brewing Company and King Street Brewing Company. Or, let Big Swig Tours take you on a behind-the-scenes tour to several craft breweries. Double Shovel Cider Co. will be a treat for hard cider fans, and if you like the really hard stuff, head to Anchorage Distillery, to sample vodka and gin made with Alaskan grains.

Venture outside of Anchorage to dine with two of Alaska's most renowned chefs. In Girdwood, James Beard Award-nominated Chef Andrew Brown, of Jack Sprat, cooks up international flavors, like Alaskan bouillabaisse or bibimbap, with plenty of vegetarian options, too. Visit 229 Parks, in Denali National Park, where twice James Beard Award-nominated Chef Laura Cole focuses on fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, including octopus, oysters, salmon, scallops and king crab.

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Home » Ports of Call » Alaska » We Have Been on 6 Alaska Cruises and Here’s Our Picks For the Best Ships and Itineraries of 2024

We Have Been on 6 Alaska Cruises and Here’s Our Picks For the Best Ships and Itineraries of 2024

Our complete guide to Best Alaska Cruises 2024 includes our picks for the best Alaska cruise ships of the year, sailing various itineraries.

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There is no better time than the present to start planning the ultimate Alaska cruise. If you are looking to book that bucket list cruise, we have put together our list of the Best Alaska Cruises 2024.

Even if you are not planning to book your trip of a lifetime this year, our list will give you a good starting point to begin researching your vacation.

Table of Contents

• Considerations for Picking an Alaska Cruise
• Best Alaska Cruises from Seattle
• Best Alaska Cruises from Vancouver
• One-Way Alaska Cruises
• Unique Alaskan Cruises

Considerations for Best Alaska Cruises 2024

When picking your Alaska cruise, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Your Alaska cruise budget
• Your preferred Alaska cruise departure point
• Your preferred Alaska cruise itinerary
• The demographics of your travel party

OUR PICKS FOR TOP ALASKA CRUISES VIDEO

Alaska Cruise Budget

Your cruise budget will be one of the primary factors in determining which of the best Alaska Cruises 2024 you pick. The list ranges from family-friendly cruise lines to more all-inclusive, luxury cruise lines. Of course, even within a cruise line, the price can vary considerably based on time of year you travel, the type of cruise cabin you pick, and other factors.

We have more information on Alaska cruise costs and the best time of year to visit Alaska based on several factors like weather, crowds, and price on our blog. These articles can help you determine the best time for your family to plan a cruise to Alaska and what you should budget for the entire trip.

Travel Party Demographics

Along the same lines, you will want to consider your travel party. The age, activity levels, and interests will be another big deciding factor in which ship you choose for your Alaska cruise. The selections for best Alaska cruises 2024 vary in terms of ship size and amenities. If you are cruising with kids or a multi-generational family, you will want to ensure the ship has activities that will interest everyone. Yes, Alaska cruises are a great vacation for the whole family!

However, if you are looking for less kids onboard, a more enriching experience, or a more all-inclusive vacation, you may want to avoid the more mainstream family cruise lines.

Cruise Departure Port and Itinerary

With that being said though, we always say that Alaska cruises are more about the destination than the ship itself. There will be long days of sightseeing and Alaskan adventures. So, you may not even have time (or be too tired) to enjoy all the amenities. If you don’t want the distractions or the FOMO, you may want a ship with less bells and whistles.

Most major cruise lines have a variety of ships sailing to Alaska, so there will be plenty of choices. Thus, you’ll want to examine the itineraries closely before booking your cruise. Some key elements are the departure point, the ports of call you’ll visit, and the glaciers you’ll get to see.

Are you looking for a roundtrip itinerary or a one-way itinerary? Most roundtrip itineraries depart from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia . While one-way cruises are usually Northbound routes from Vancouver or Southbound routes from Seward or Whittier, Alaska. Of course, travel expenses related to your departure port will also impact cruise budget. Think airfare and pre-cruise hotel stays.

Finally, you should consider the ports of call and glacier viewings. Popular ports of call include the southeastern Alaska ports of Juneau , Ketchikan , and Skagway . Some visit Icy Strait Point , Sitka , or Victoria, BC as well. Not all port visits are created equal though, as some may provide you more time to explore than others.

Further, not all cruise ships have the privilege to cruise through Glacier Bay National Park. Is this a must on your Alaska cruise? We think it should be! Hubbard Glacier is another “must-see” on many guests’ lists. So, familiarize yourself with the differences , so you pick the right one.

Finally, are you looking for a typical 7-day Alaska cruise or do you want something a bit longer? Would you consider booking a land and sea option which combines a cruise with an additional land tour?

Now that you’re better equipped to decide which of these Alaska Cruises 2024 is right for you, let’s dive into our picks.

Best Alaska Cruises 2024 – From Seattle

Celebrity edge.

Celebrity Edge ushered in a brand new style of cruising for Celebrity Cruises when she debuted in 2018. This 130K gross ton ship, with a capacity just over 2,900 guests at double occupancy, launched with several new amenities and features, as well as some “firsts at sea”. Among the stand-out features is the multi-purpose Magic Carpet.

Celebrity Edge is also home to the dynamic space Eden, four unique main dining rooms, a state-of-the-art main theater, a reimagined pool deck, the tranquil Rooftop Garden, and the lively Grand Plaza with the Martini Bar. This premium cruise ship offers the elegance, style, and service that you would expect to find on a luxury cruise line along with a variety of activities and events found on mainstream mega-ships.

In 2024, Celebrity Edge is ushering in a new era of cruising for the brand once again, this time in Alaska. As the first Edge Class ship to cruise the region, Celebrity Edge is sailing roundtrip from Seattle. This 7-day itinerary features stops in Ketchikan, Skagway, and Victoria, along with cruising Endicott Arm.

And while controversial, we think the infinite verandah staterooms on this ship will be a big hit in Alaska.

Norwegian Encore (or Bliss)

Norwegian Encore is a 169K gross ton ship carrying close to 4,000 guests at double occupancy. NCL Encore includes attractions like waterslides, two pools, a Waterfront promenade, a racetrack, laser tag, and the virtual reality complex Galaxy Pavilion. We love that this class of ship has plenty to offer all types of travelers, making it a great option for multi-generational families.

Additionally, the ship boasts an indoor Observation Lounge, a wonderful thermal suite , and the up-charge Vibe Beach Club which are all perfect for glacier viewing. Norwegian Encore also features NCL favorite bars and restaurants, as well as the brand’s signature Freestyle approach to dining while cruising way up north.

Norwegian Encore is sailing the popular 7-day roundtrip itinerary from Seattle in 2024. The itinerary features stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria, BC, along with scenic cruising in the spectacular Glacier Bay National Park.

Sister ship, Norwegian Bliss, is joining Encore in Seattle again this year. Norwegian Bliss will offer similar 7-day cruises to Alaska. This ship’s itinerary features stops in Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and Victoria, with scenic cruising of Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.

Ovation of the Seas (or Quantum)

As another one of the largest ships to cruise in Alaska, Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas also offers some of the most innovative features at sea. Making it easily one of our picks for best Alaska cruises 2024! Ovation of the Seas is nearly 169K gross tons and features several thrills for all ages along with a variety of dining and entertainment options. This ship carries over 4,100 passengers at double occupancy.

Built for cold water cruising, the ship’s SeaPlex is a massive indoor complex featuring bumper cars and roller skating. There is also the innovative North Star. This aerial gondola extends 300 feet above sea level for one of a kind views of the Alaskan landscape. The ship also has a sky diving simulator and distinct entertainment in several venues including Two70 and the Music Hall.

Loyal to Royal cruisers will find signature bars and restaurants on Ovation of the Seas as well. Not to mention, there’s the indoor Solarium, plenty of whirlpools, and an outdoor pool to enjoy while soaking in the views.

Ovation of the Seas is sailing roundtrip from Seattle in 2024. Most of the ship’s itineraries will feature stops in Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria, with some offering scenic cruising in Endicott Arm. Sister ship Quantum of the Seas will cruise Alaska in 2024 as well with a similar itinerary.

Discovery Princess

It is tough to pick the best Alaska cruise for 2024 among the 7 Princess Cruises’ ships sailing in the region this year. Given that we are partial to mega-ships, and really enjoy the scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park, our pick goes to Discovery Princess.

Discovery Princess is Princess Cruises 6th and final Royal Class ship. This 145K gross ton ship carries 3,660 guests and shares all of the style and luxury of her predecessors. This ship features a large inviting Piazza, a variety of dining options, and signature entertainment. There are also plenty of places to enjoy the scenery like the enhanced Sanctuary or maybe even the Wake View infinity pool.

And we have to say the cruise line offers some of the best enrichment in the region with its North to Alaska programming. From meeting Libby Riddles, an iditarod dog musher, to puppies in the Piazza, exclusive Alaska food and beverage offerings, and more.

Discovery Princess is sailing the Inside Passage roundtrip from Seattle in 2024. The itinerary visits all the popular stops– Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Victoria as well as a cruise through Glacier Bay.

Much like Princess Cruises, Holland America Line has a large presence in Alaska. The cruise line has been sailing the region for over 75 years and has 6 ships here in 2024. Our pick for Holland America’s best ship sailing from Seattle is Eurodam. This Signature Class ship is the perfect mid-sized vessel at 86K gross tons and carrying just over 2,100 passengers at double occupancy.

Holland America is also well-known for its Alaska enrichment program. As part of its We Love Alaska programming, the cruise line will feature Glacier Day, Alaska Up Close presentations, new culinary and beverage experiences including its Fresh Fish program, and more.

In between all the sightseeing and enrichment opportunities, Eurodam features nightly entertainment on the World Stage, live music in the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard, a pickleball court, and top-notch specialty dining.

Eurodam’s 7-day roundtrip itinerary from Seattle features visits to Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria, along with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay.

Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Luminosa is a nearly 93K gross ton ship carrying just over 2,800 guests (double occupancy). This ship sailed as part of the Costa Cruises’ fleet since 2009. Combining elements of the Spirit Class and Vista Class ships, Luminosa transferred and began cruising Australia as part of the Carnival fleet in November 2022.

Carnival Luminosa features many FUN ship favorites, with Carnival favorite bars, restaurants, the Cloud 9 Spa, the Serenity adult-only area, and several family-friendly activities. Some of these include the Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, RedFrog Rum Bar, Piano Bar 88, and The Punchliner Comedy Club. Guests will also be treated to a few unique features on the ship, like a sliding sky dome over the pool deck allowing the area to be used in Alaska.

Carnival Luminosa is sailing roundtrip from Seattle in 2024. The itinerary features stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria with scenic cruising through Tracy Arm Fjord.

Best Alaska Cruises 2024 – From Vancouver

Holland America’s Koningsdam debuted in 2016 and weighs in at slightly under 100K gross tons. With 2,650 passengers, Koningsdam is the perfect mid-sized ship for your Alaska cruise from Vancouver. This ship, along with all HAL ships sailing the region, feature a robust We Are Alaska program with plenty of unique enrichment and culinary opportunities.

When you are not exploring the Last Frontier, Koningsdam offers top-notch amenities, entertainment, and dining onboard the ship. There’s theater performances on the World Stage, BB King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, and the Rolling Stone Lounge showcasing amazing musicians.

In addition to the Pacific Northwest cuisine in the main dining room, cruisers can also indulge in specialty dining at Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, Rudi’s Sel de Mer, Canaletto, Nami Sushi, and even a Morimoto by Sea pop-up experience.

This Pinnacle Class ship is sailing 7-day roundtrip cruises from Vancouver, British Columbia in 2024. The itinerary visits Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, as well as cruising through Glacier Bay National Park.

Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Solstice is a 122K gross ton vessel that is part of Celebrity Cruises’ beloved Solstice Class of ships. This ship carries just over 2,850 passengers at double occupancy.

On Celebrity Solstice, you can play some bocce ball at the Lawn Club or partake in a Hot Glass Class. You can also enjoy some amazing views in the Sky Observation Lounge or sip a cocktail at the aft-located Sunset Bar if the weather permits.

After a long day exploring the Alaskan wilderness, you can relax in the Solarium or the Spa, join in on the fun at the Martini Bar, indulge in some fine dining at Murano or Tuscan Grille, or take in a show at the theater. Not to mention, there’s other favorites like Cafe al Bacio for morning coffee or afternoon snacks and the World Class Bar for one of a kind cocktails.

Cruising roundtrip from Vancouver, there are two different 7-day itineraries. One sails to Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and Ketchikan along with cruising the Hubbard Glacier, the longest tidewater glacier in North America. The other visits Icy Strait Point, Skagway, and Ketchikan, along with the Dawes Glacier.

Disney Wonder

If you are looking for an Alaska cruise in 2024 with a little bit of extra magic, look no further than Disney Wonder. That’s right, even Disney Cruise Line cruises way up north to Alaska! Disney Wonder weighs in at 83K gross tons and carries 2,400 passengers at double occupancy.

Disney Wonder features plenty of Disney touches in its décor, dining, and entertainment. With character meet and greets, the only cruise line with fireworks at sea, and first-run Disney movies, there will be plenty to keep the whole family busy between ports of call. There’s also Disney staples like its rotational dining with three main dining rooms, including Triton’s, Animator’s Palate, and Tiana’s Place, as well as the adult-only Palo specialty restaurant.

As the only Disney cruise ship sailing the region, this is a must for all the Disney fans out there. However, Disney cruises do come with a higher price tag than some of the other contemporary cruise lines though.

Disney Wonder is sailing 7-day roundtrip cruises from Vancouver this year. The ship will visit popular ports in southeast Alaska including Juneau, Skagway (or Icy Strait Point), and Ketchikan, as well as cruising Stikine Icefield for glacier viewing.

Brilliance of the Seas

Brilliance of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class of ships. At 90K gross tons, the Radiance Class ships do not feature the large indoor Royal Promenade found on newer megaships in the fleet but rather a more intimate Centrum. Brilliance of the Seas also only holds just over 2,100 guests at double occupancy.

Still, multi-generational families will find plenty to keep themselves busy between ports of call. Brilliance has Royal Caribbean staples like a rock-climbing wall, mini-golf, a sports court, casino, spa, a Solarium, and more. There’s also favorites like the Windjammer buffet, Chops Grille and Izumi specialty restaurants, the Schooner Bar, and nightly productions in the main theater.

In 2024, Brilliance of the Seas is sailing 7-day roundtrip cruises from Vancouver. There are a few different itineraries but most feature a combination of 3 stops in either Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Skagway, Ketchikan, or Juneau. While most include scenic cruising in the Tracy Arm Fjord, a few cruises do feature Hubbard Glacier instead.

Ruby Princess

Another Alaska staple sailing the region from Vancouver for the 2024 season is Ruby Princess. Ruby Princess is a 113K gross ton ship and carries just over 3,000 guests.

Onboard Ruby Princess, guests will find familiar favorites for the cruise line. Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and the Crown Grill specialty restaurants will tempt your palette. While Movies Under the Stars, live music, and nightly theater productions will keep you entertained. There’s also the popular Good Spirits Bar showcasing local ingredients and one of a kind cocktails.

Further, you can relax in the adults only Sanctuary and rejuvenate on the Princess Luxury Bed before another full day exploring all that Alaska has to offer. Not to mention, Ruby Princess also offers the latest MedallionClass technology to help make your vacation more personalized and effortless.

Ruby Princess is sailing two different 7-day itineraries this year. One features stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, with cruising Endicott Arm and the Dawes Glacier. The other includes the same ports of call but visits Glacier Bay National Park instead.

Best Alaska Cruises 2024 – One-Way Routes

Royal princess.

Royal Princess is a sister ship to Discovery Princess. As the first member in the Royal Class of ships for Princess Cruises, this 142K gross ton ship carries just over 3,500 guests at double occupancy.

Those loyal to the Princess brand will find all the staples on Royal Princess. From the inviting Piazza, to the innovative MedallionClass technology, to the “best pizza at sea”, guests sailing to Alaska on Royal Princess will feel right at home. There’s also the Crown Grill, the line’s signature steakhouse, nightly entertainment in the main theater and Princess Live, as well as the popular Good Spirits at Sea and Crooners bars.

You also won’t want to miss the views from the SeaWalk, the signature glass walkway extending off the side of the ship, or Movies Under the Stars. Of course, Royal Princess features all the same North to Alaska enrichment programming as well.

In 2024, Royal Princess is sailing the popular 7-day Voyages of the Glaciers itinerary on Northbound and Southbound routes. Departing from either Vancouver or Anchorage (Whittier), the itinerary visits Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway (or Icy Strait Point), Glacier Bay National Park, and scenic cruising of either College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Nieuw Amsterdam

If you are looking for other options to cruise Alaska with Holland America in 2024, Nieuw Amsterdam is another great pick that is featuring a one-way itinerary. Nieuw Amsterdam is a nearly 87K gross ton vessel with just over 2,100 passengers at double occupancy.

Nieuw Amsterdam boasts several complimentary dining venues. Among them are the poolside Dive-In Burger, a pizza window, the Lido Market buffet, and the main dining room. Not to mention, Holland America Line offers 24-hour room service and some of the best specialty restaurants at sea.

When it comes to onboard activities, the cruise line offers a traditional series of cruise activities and enrichment, nighttime entertainment, live music, and more. The ship will also feature the same We Are Alaska programming as the other HAL ships in the region. With personal service and well-executed dining, Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam is an ideal backdrop to the amazing vistas of the Alaskan wilderness.

This ship will sail one-way itineraries in 2024 to/from Vancouver and Whittier, AK. During these Northbound and Southbound journeys, cruisers will enjoy stops at the usual ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. The ship will also cruise Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier for some amazing scenic vistas.

Celebrity Summit

If you are looking to cruise to Alaska with Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Summit is another great option for best Alaska cruises in 2024. This 91K gross ton ship, carrying just over 2,200 guests at double occupancy, received a complete revitalization in 2019 with more than $500 million of upgrades.

Celebrity Summit features over 50% verandah staterooms for enjoying the Alaska scenery, along with the exclusive Retreat for those in the most luxurious accommodations. The ship is also home to the popular Martini Bar and Sunset Bar, Cafe al Bacio for some coffee and sweet treats, and the popular specialty dining experience Le Petit Chef.

Of course, guests can also enjoy nightly entertainment, a spa, casino, two pools, and pickleball at sea. The Sky Lounge perched at the top of the ship provides great forward-facing views of the scenery, and there’s also the outdoor Rooftop Terrace at the aft of the ship for admiring the glaciers. Celebrity also offers its Beyond the Podium series which provides plenty of enrichment during an Alaskan cruise.

Celebrity Summit is sailing one-way routes from either Vancouver or Seward, Alaska. These itineraries visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka (or Skagway), and the Hubbard Glacier.

Radiance of the Seas

As one of the top Alaska cruises year after year, Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas will sail the region once again in 2024. Radiance of the Seas is a sister ship to Brilliance of the Seas and features a very similar layout and list of amenities. At 90K gross tons, this small ship (by Royal Caribbean standards) carries just under 2,150 passengers at double occupancy.

On Radiance of the Seas, you might not even need a balcony. This ship offers some of the greatest views of Alaska from the nine-story central atrium and outward facing elevators. While you cruise Alaska on this ship, you can also enjoy favorites like the Schooner Bar and Chops Grille, along with the nostalgic Viking Crown Lounge perched at the top of the ship. There’s also a Solarium and an indoor movie theater.

Radiance of the Seas is sailing 7-day, one-way routes from either Vancouver or Seward. These itineraries are more port intensive than some of the other Royal Caribbean offerings. They feature stops in Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka (or Ketchikan), Skagway, and cruising the Hubbard Glacier.

Norwegian Jewel

NCL’s Norwegian Jewel is also heading to Alaska for the 2024 season. Norwegian Jewel is 93.5K GT and carries just over 2,300 guests at double occupancy.

If you don’t need all the bells and whistles of the larger mega-ships, Norwegian Jewel might be perfect for you. The ship still offers a classic Freestyle NCL experience but with less crowds and less up-charges.

There are still plenty of nightly entertainment and dining options onboard to help you unwind after a long day ashore. You will find the specialty restaurants Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, La Cucina, and the hibachi style Teppanyaki. There is also the complimentary O’Sheehan’s Pub, plenty of bars like the popular Sugarcane Mojito Bar, the Bliss Ultra Lounge, and unique production shows in the main theater.

Norwegian Jewel is sailing one-way itineraries from either Vancouver, B.C. or Seward, Alaska. Again, these itineraries include classic Alaskan ports of call like Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Skagway. They also feature scenic cruising at the Hubbard Glacier.

Viking Orion

Offering a small ship, more all-inclusive experience in Alaska, Viking also features an ocean ship sailing in the region this season. Viking Orion is a 930-passenger, 47.8K vessel that boasts all veranda staterooms and an elegant yet simplistic Scandinavian design.

On a Viking Ocean cruise , you receive a free tour in each port of call, WiFi, no up-charges for specialty dining, and complimentary room service. Guests can also enjoy beer, wine, and soft drinks at meals, specialty coffees and bottled water, access to the thermal suite, and more without any nickel and diming.

Of course, the ship also offers upscale dining that is all included in the cruise fare, bars and lounges with live music in the evenings, and enrichment opportunities to fill your time between ports of call. You can even warm up with afternoon tea in the Wintergarden after a long day ashore.

Viking Orion is sailing an 11-day Alaska and Inside Passage Cruise in 2024. This itinerary will sail from either Vancouver, British Columbia or Seward, Alaska. This itinerary visits Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, and Valdez. It also includes scenic cruising of the Inside Passage and Yakutat Bay.

Best Alaska Cruises 2024 – Other

Crown princess.

Crown Princess is another one of Princess Cruises’ ships sailing Alaska in 2024. However, this ship offers a unique itinerary. This 113.5K gross ton ship, carrying just over 3,000 guests at double occupancy, is sailing an 11-day route roundtrip from San Francisco.

The itinerary features stops in Juneau, Skagway, Sitka (or Ketchikan), and Prince Rupert, BC along with scenic cruising in either Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm Fjord. There are also 5 sea days to enjoy all the ship has to offer.

As part of the Grand Class, Crown Princess features a similar layout and amenities to Ruby Princess to keep you entertained during your time on the ship.

Carnival Miracle

Carnival Miracle is another ship sailing to Alaska from San Francisco in 2024. As part of Carnival’s Spirit Class, this ship is 88.5K GT and carries just over 2,100 guests at double occupancy.

In June, July, and September of 2024, Carnival Miracle will sail a series of mostly 10-day cruises roundtrip from CA. Ports of call include Ketchikan, Haines, Juneau, Prince Rupert, and scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord. On select itineraries, Ketchikan and/or Haines are swapped out for Skagway and/or Sitka.

There are also four sea days to enjoy the ship’s amenities. Guests can grab some casual eats at Guy’s Burger Joint or BlueIguana Cantina, along with some drinks at the RedFrog Rum Bar or the Alchemy Bar. There’s plenty of time for entertainment and relaxation onboard too. Past guests will find familiar favorites like comedy shows in Punchliner, Playlist Productions in the theater, a Cloud9 Spa, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat if the weather allows, and Camp Ocean for the little ones.

Oceania Regatta

For another unique Alaska cruise in 2024, Oceania Regatta is sailing from Los Angeles, Seward, Vancouver, and Seattle on a variety of itineraries throughout the season. This upscale, small cruise ship is just over 30K gross tons. And it has a capacity of only 670 guests at double occupancy.

Despite its size, Oceania Cruises’ Regatta still features four open-seating restaurants, a spa, eight lounges and bars, and a casino. And nearly 70% of the staterooms feature private verandas – perfect for viewing Alaska’s stunning landscapes. The ship’s intimate size allows for visits to ports where larger ships can’t dock. It also allows for more immersive experiences in port, connecting to the local people, culture, and cuisine. 

While each itinerary varies, popular port stops in Alaska include Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Haines, Skagway, Klawock, Wrangell, and the Hubbard Glacier. Additional ports of call may include San Francisco; Astoria, Oregon; Prince Rupert, BC; or Victoria, BC. Most range in length from 7 to 12 days, with one 19-day itinerary.

Additional Alaska Experiences

Of course, these are just our picks for the best Alaska cruises for 2024. There are plenty of other sailings in the region that may appeal to different types of travelers . While we have never sailed with any of these brands, Regent, Silversea, and Seabourn do offer luxury and ultra-luxury experiences in the region.

If you aren’t really “a cruiser”, a cruise is still one of the best ways to visit Alaska. So, there are sailings out there for you too. Lindblad Expeditions , UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, and HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), to name a few, provide a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

These expedition ships carry much fewer passengers and are a more active way of exploring. The accommodations will likely be less luxurious, and there will be far fewer amenities onboard. But, you will venture to more remote locales for a very different Alaska cruise experience than the mainstream cruise lines.

Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed. There is so much natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and wildlife waiting for you in Alaska.

You might also want to review some of our top Alaska Tips and our Complete Alaska Cruise Packing Guide to ensure you are fully prepared for your bucket list trip to this magnificent destination.

Have we convinced you to book a cruise to Alaska? Have you sailed on any of these great ships? Drop us an anchor below to share your picks for the best Alaska cruises 2024.

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Looks like the Royal Carib. is your pick if wanting to dock in Vancouver?

Hi Sue, Royal Caribbean does offer some great cruise options if you want to depart from Vancouver, British Colombia. We haven’t sailed with the cruise line in Alaska, but the ships get great reviews. Let us know if you have any other questions. Happy Cruising.

We are 4 families, plus two sets of parents, and young children under 11 years. Which cruise ship would you recommend for July 2019 from Seattle?

Hi Amit, Depends on what your preferences are for travel. We would suggest you investigate Norwegian Bliss. That ship offers plenty of diverse activities for cruisers of all ages. Other options out of Seattle also include Royal Caribbean, which tends to be family friendly as well.

Trying to decide between Holland America vs Princess?!?! Doing Denali and cruise of inside passage…

Tough choices! We have not sailed on either line in Alaska, so difficult for us to provide suggestions. Both cruise lines receive strong ratings, and it depends on a number of factors such as price and time of year you plan on cruise.

Grandmother & 20 year old Grandson, would like to take an Alaskan Cruise in early September-2019. What do you suggest. We are not the black tie style of people. We just want to explore & see Alaska.

Our suggestions tend to lean toward Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Lines, which appeals to cruisers of all ages.

My wife and i have not been on an Alaska cruise before but have been on several other. One thing we would really like to do is an Alaska cruise within the next year or two. Not sure what would be the best ship for us. We will both be retired.

Pls send updates regularly

My husband and I want to take an Alaskan cruise with a change to take a train ride in or to Denali and would love to see the glaciers. What do you recommend and what time of year is the best time to go? We are fancy . We are simply down to earth enjoying life .

What is your view on coral princess which is the only one with the return trip by Vancouver BC?

We have never sailed on Coral Princess, but it does receive strong reviews from cruisers.

So many questions with no answers. Is this website monitoring anything?

Hi Debra, Thanks for the comment. Happy to answer any questions you have about this post.

Looking for G pa, Daughter, and two grand kids cruse. Like one way to alaska. No Black tie, and free kids would be great. Timing open and {other than Alaska} if its better for the G kids.

Sounds like one of the Norwegian Cruise Line. They are one of our favorite Alaskan cruise lines. Happy cruising!

Viking Alaska Cruise vs Holland America?

One has Denali land tour, the other top notch services and food.

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Aren’t you looking for a travel buddy? I am also planning to visit Alaska and go on a cruise, but I am alone. I read on this blog that it is safe to travel there alone as a female, but still..it takes two to tango 🙂

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I really hope that in the future there will be many better ships than it.

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Thanks! Are you planning an Alaska cruise?

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Best Alaskan Cruises for All Types of Travelers

Alaska is one of the most beautiful and diverse cruise destinations in the world. Its charms—snow-capped mountains, fjords and glaciers, hiking trails through rain forests, animal life ranging from brown bears and orca whales to American bald eagles—lure nature lovers and photographers, families and retirees, and those on a budget as well as people looking to pull out all the stops with a luxurious vacation. Dozens of yacht companies and cruise lines ply Alaska’s Inside Passage so there is a perfect experience waiting for everyone.

Best on a Budget: Norwegian Sun Vancouver to Whittier

Being on a fixed budget shouldn’t stop you from cruising Alaska. Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2,002-passenger Norwegian Sun is sailing from Vancouver to Whittier and back all spring and summer with per person rates ranging from $399 to $679. There are plenty of cruises in the mid-$400 range. While Norwegian Sun is one of the line’s newest ships (she was launched in 2001), it’s in good shape and the itinerary includes all the highlights like Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. Norwegian offers complimentary children’s programs for kids ages 3–17 so this ship is a popular choice for families. The cruise line also offers a variety of affordable add-on land tours to Denali (home of Mount McKinley), which are led by local Alaskan guides.

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Best for honeymooners: silversea silver shadow vancouver to seward.

Silversea’s Silver Shadow is the best option in Alaska for the honeymooning couple. This intimate all-inclusive luxury ship caters to just 382 guests and a dedicated butler tends to each and every suite. Book the Owner’s Suite with its large veranda (the perfect vantage point for spying whales and other sea creatures), floor-to-ceiling glass doors, living room, and separate dining area. You will definitely be pampered! This Vancouver to Seward itinerary (and reverse) covers Alaska’s “greatest hits” like Ketchikan, Tracy Arm, Sawyer Glacier, Juneau, and Sitka.

Best All-Inclusive: Regent Seven Seas Navigator Vancouver to Seward

Like other cruise ships, Regent’s Seven Seas Navigator calls on some of the most popular Alaskan ports and sites like Ketchikan, Tracy Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Hubbard Glacier. There are two things that set Regent apart from the others though: First, the line has sailed Alaska extensively so the ship’s officers and crew are incredibly knowledgeable about the area. Second, Regent offers the most all-inclusive cruise experience available so if that’s what you’re looking for, you can’t do any better in Alaska. Regent’s all-inclusive fare includes free unlimited shore excursions, complimentary beverages onboard (including wine and premium spirits), pre-paid gratuities, ground transfers, and an in-suite mini-bar setup that’s replenished throughout the cruise. Certain dates also offer free roundtrip air and a one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel package.

Best for Nature Enthusiasts: Un-Cruise Adventures Juneau to Ketchikan

The popular Inner Reaches Eastern Coves itinerary from Juneau to Ketchikan (and reverse) is available in two flavors: luxury (aboard the lines two high-end boats Safari Endeavour and Safari Explorer ) and adventure (aboard Wilderness Adventurer , Wilderness Discoverer , and Wilderness Explorer ). Onboard naturalists shepherd you to the Tracy Arm fjord, the twin Sawyer Glaciers, Thomas Bay, Patterson Glacier, Wrangell Narrows, Kiksetti Totem Park, Behm Canal and the surrounding Tongass National Forest, and Misty Fjords National Monument. With just 36 to 86 guests, Un-Cruise Adventures makes it easy to get close to the wildlife. You’ll explore via skiff and kayak and do your fair share of hiking on land. Get ready to see brown and black bears, mink, deer, wolves, harbor seals, otters, eagles, arctic terns, pigeon guillemots, humpbacks, orca, Steller sea lions, porpoise, and so much more.

Best for Foodies: Celebrity Solstice Seattle Round-Trip

Cruising to adventurous Alaska doesn’t mean skipping out on finer ship amenities, and that includes fine dining options. The 2,850-guest Celebrity Solstice offers a variety of excellent restaurants. Some are included in your cruise fare while others—like Murano, Tuscan Grille, and Silk Harvest—cost an additional small fee per person. If you think you’ll want to dine at the specialty restaurants throughout your cruise, consider purchasing a specialty restaurant dining package. Solstice offers a variety of roundtrip itineraries out of Seattle that call on Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, British Columbia.

Best for Retirees: Holland America Oosterdam Seattle Round-Trip

Holland America is a strong leader when it comes to Alaskan voyages geared toward retirees. The Seattle round-trip aboard the 1,916-passenger ms Oosterdam offers gorgeous views of the waterways from Puget Sound to Southeast Alaska with visits to Tracy Arm, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria, British Columbia. The ship focuses on exemplary service, fine dining, a Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, accessible shore excursions, and onboard activities geared toward mature adults.

Best for Families: Disney Wonder Vancouver Round-Trip

A terrific option for families who want to cruise Alaska but aren’t sure if the destination will hold the interest of the youngest in the party is Disney Wonder . There’s always something to do aboard a Disney cruise! The ports include standbys like Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Onboard the 2,400-passenger ships there’s the formal youth clubs that offer organized activities for a variety of age groups, character meet-and-greets, Broadway-style shows, three pools, and so much more. You’ll pay a premium for the Disney brand but your kids will love every minute of the cruise.

Best for Intellects: Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Sea Lion, Sea Bird Juneau to Sitka

Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, has two 62-passenger vessels— Sea Lion and Sea Bird —sailing its Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness itinerary. You’ll start off in Juneau to visit Mendenhall Glacier before moving on to Tracy or Endicott Arm, Sawyer Glacier, and Dawes Glazier. Day three calls upon the small town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island, the surrounding waters of which are idea for humpback whale sightings. Next is Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait, Point Adolphus, and Inian Pass. A unique aspect of this itinerary is a full day spent inside Glacier Bay National Park where there’s a good chance you’ll see calving glaciers. Lindblad naturalists and National Geographic photographers lead daily explorations as well as informative lectures onboard the ship in the evenings. You’ll learn as much as you can about the history of Alaska, its native Indians, topography, and wildlife.

Andrea M. Rotondo is a freelance writer based in New York City. She covers cruise news and luxury travel trends for Fodors.com and writes for a variety of outlets, including her website Luxury Travel Mavens . Follow her on Twitter: @luxtravelmavens .

Photo credit: Photo of ms Oosterdam and Hubbard Glacier courtesy of Holland America Line. Photo of skiff and iceberg courtesy of Un-Cruise Adventures. Photo of Silver Shadow Owner’s Suite courtesy of Si lversea

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The Ultimate Alaska Food Guide

Last updated: June 4th, 2024

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One of the many joys of travel is discovering local food traditions and restaurants.  While vacationing in America’s 49th State, you’ll be surprised and delighted by Alaska’s food.

Alaskan cuisine is heavily influenced by the waters that surround it, and Alaskans work hard to preserve the land and water that sustains them. Fish and seafood are sustainably caught, and Alaska food is largely local, seasonal, and fresh.

Here are some of the foods you must try during your next trip to Alaska.

If you’re a fan of salmon, traveling in Alaska affords you multiple chances to savor almost unlimited amounts of the freshest wild salmon on the planet.

Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, Pink, and Keta are the five species of salmon that ply the waters of Alaska, and each has its own season and taste characteristics.

Chinook, aka King Salmon, the largest of the salmon species, runs in season May through July. This variety’s bold flavor and luxurious texture make it perfect for grilling over open flame or charcoal, broiling, or baking.

Its high, healthy fat content ensures that it cooks up moist without losing flavor. You’ll find it on restaurant menus simply grilled, broiled, or baked, which enables the full flavor of the fish to be the main attraction.

In June through August, sockeye salmon, with its deep bright red color and meaty, but not overpowering flavor is found on restaurant menus grilled, broiled, or baked. It’s popular for smoking to be used in sandwiches, chowders, and dips.

Silver salmon

Coho or silver salmon runs in Alaska rivers July through September and are sought after by fishermen during the later part of the fishing season. Their red-orange flesh is more delicate and subtle in flavor than Sockeye or Chinook, which some say is the perfect balance.

Pink salmon is the smallest of the Pacific salmon varieties and easily caught with rod and reel. You won’t find these on restaurant menus since they are processed for canning and seafood products.

Alaska Salmon Bake, Fairbanks

Whichever variety of salmon is in season during your Alaska vacation, enjoy a fantastic feast at an all-you-can-eat salmon bake held in rustic lodges or picturesque outdoor venues.

At Ketchikan, “the salmon capital of the world,” watch schools of salmon at Ketchikan Creek as they make their way up stream, then order salmon simply grilled or smoked in a savory cornbread or a creamy chowder at one of Ketchikan’s restaurants.

Mildly sweet, lean, and firm-fleshed, Pacific halibut, a member of the flounder family, is plentiful in all Alaska waters in the same May to September season as salmon.

Alaska’s fine dining chefs make the most of the fish’s mild flavor and firm texture, knowing how to keep this lean fish moist with dishes such as crab and macadamia nut stuffed halibut, oven-roasted halibut with butter sauce, and halibut sous vide in lemon olive oil.

At casual Alaska food trucks, bars, and eateries, you’ll find halibut burgers, thick filets grilled and served on a bun with the usual burger accompaniments; fish and chips-style, batter-fried pieces of the fish served with fries, tartar and cocktail sauces; halibut tacos and halibut enchiladas with salsa verde; and a Seward favorite called Bucket of Butt, chewy chicken nugget lookalikes served by the bucketful with tartar and cocktail sauces.

Dungeness crab

For real seafood lovers, Alaskan crab, both King crab and Dungeness crab, is a not-to-be-missed delicacy made all the more special because of its seasonality.

Three species of King crab—red, blue, and brown (golden)—are each found in different Alaskan waters around the Bering Sea. These 10 legged crustaceans grow fat and meaty as they feed on the sea bottom.

Alaskan King crab

There’s nothing better than cracking into steamed and chilled claws and legs served simply on a bed of crushed ice fresh lemon wedges, or served steam-warmed with butter. Picking out the sweet, succulent crab meat is sometimes tricky, but is always a local meal to be savored and fondly remembered.

Juneau, Alaska

Some waterfront crab shacks serve specialties like crab cakes, crab chowder, open-faced crab sandwiches, and Crab Louie salad, as well as other fresh Alaskan seafood throughout the year.

Dungeness crabs tend to be meatier than other crab species, and they’re usually served steamed whole with drawn butter. Plan on early dining because they often sell out quickly.

Three kinds of Pacific oysters are cultivated in Alaska’s cold and pristine waters.  Feeding off the plentiful amounts of plankton, they become fat and rich, with exactly the right balance of sweetness and brininess.

Oysters and King crab

Hump Island oysters are a treat to try when visiting Ketchikan, as they’re cultivated in float trays made of local cedar submerged in the deep waters of the Tongass Narrows. Enjoy them raw or fried, along with a local craft beer.

Kachemak oysters, grown in floating lantern nets in glacial waters at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula, are plump, firm, and sweet. Order them on the half-shell at Seward oyster bars and restaurants.

Glacier Point oysters are also glacial water fed, cultivated in Halibut Cove, just across Kachemak Bay from Homer. They have a strong, briny, and mineral flavor thanks to the combination of the Gulf of Alaska waters and glacier meltwater. They’re a favorite at the Alaska State Fair.

Read: Things to Do in Homer, Alaska

Reindeer Meat

Reindeer sausage

Reindeer sausage, found on breakfast menus of many restaurants in Alaska, is a must-try for visitors. The sausage, most of which is made commercially, is lightly spiced with a distinctive meaty flavor similar to link-style pork sausages.

Hot dogs, made with a combination of reindeer meat, beef, and pork, are one of Alaska’s favorite street foods, served at several small stands and food trucks. Split and grilled hot dogs are served on a steamed bun with soda-glazed onions, mustard, and cream cheese. Other toppings include ketchup and relish.

Caribou chili, another Alaska food that uses ground reindeer meat, is made with tomatoes, spices, and a host of canned beans and vegetables for a what’s-on-hand, ever-changing stew that’s always hearty and delicious.

Wild Berries

Wild Alaska blueberries, in season August through September, are smaller with a bit more tartness than you may be used to. When they’re incorporated into sweet treats like fruits of the forest pie, cobblers, and ice cream, their superior flavor shines through.

Restaurants offer blueberry desserts in season, and chefs have been known to experiment with sweet and savory combinations like blueberry balsamic sauce. The buffet menu of all-you-can-eat salmon bakes often includes a blueberry dessert to showcase fresh Alaska food.

Salmonberries

Gooseberries, with the same seasonality as blueberries, are used in pies, jellies, and jams sold at local farmers’ markets. Salmonberries are shaped like raspberries, but are bright orange, like salmon roe, hence the name. They’re sweet-sour, but pleasantly so, and are usually eaten fresh or made into preserves.

See these berries heaped into baskets in a colorful display at farmers’ markets and grocery stores.

Talkeetna, Alaska

Alaska’s craft beer scene is alive and thriving, with microbreweries from Ketchikan to Anchorage and beyond. Each has its own special brew styles with seasonal flavors, IPAs, blondes, ambers, and others.

Read: Things to Do in Downtown Anchorage

Microbrewery tours are a fun and popular way to get to know different brews and styles of brewing. In Juneau, there’s a bike and brewery tour that takes you on paths around the Mendenhall Glacier, then to Merchant’s Wharf for snacks and a tasting of beers from different breweries in Alaska .

Craft beers in Alaska

Alaskan Brewing Company offers special brews using indigenous ingredients like hand-harvested spruce tips in its Winter Ale, and alder smoke, typical of Alaska smokehouses, to give malt an authentic flavor and allow the beer to age like fine wine.

In Skagway, you’ll find two microbreweries: one with a pub offering beer-focused cuisine like beer cheese soup and beer chili; and the other with taproom tastings, tours, and a store selling merchandise and gifts.

Fairbanks, Alaska

There’s no shortage of outlets serving freshly brewed specialty coffee in Alaska’s towns. Most roast their own beans on-site and offer bean varietals from all over the world, sold whole bean or ground to order.

Wine and Spirits

While Alaska’s climate is not conducive to viticulture per se, there are small enterprising companies creating berry wines, like blueberry and raspberry.

The state has several small distilleries producing vodka, gin, canned gin and tonic, and tonic water products that you’ll find in restaurants, groceries, and specialty shops.

Birch Syrup

Birch syrup

Similar to the process for making maple syrup, birch trees are tapped each season to retrieve sap that’s boiled over open fires to make a concentrated syrup. Birch syrup is thinner than maple syrup with a nutty, more delicate flavor.

Drizzle on pancakes or over ice cream, or use it to sweeten tea, hot or iced. There’s an ice cream shop in Anchorage that uses the syrup to make their special birch-flavored ice cream.

You’ll find birch syrup in specialty shops and some grocery stores.

Traditional Foods

If you’re looking for an authentic food experience, here’s a trio of traditional foods that are still enjoyed by Native Alaskans, but may be too unconventional for the average palate. Try them if you dare:

Muktuk is a traditional Eskimo food of whale skin and blubber, frozen, then eaten raw.

Tepa or stinkheads are whitefish heads that are buried for a week or more before being consumed.

Akutaq is a kind of Eskimo ice cream made with reindeer fat, seal oil, snow, and berries that gets whipped to a thick, creamy consistency. There is a more modern version that uses vegetable shortening and sugar.

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Experience authentic Alaskan cuisine and more on a cruise vacation. When you cruise to Alaska , you’ll experience delectable cuisine both onboard and in port. Visit our website and explore our Alaska cruise itineraries today.

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ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

Alaska cruises.

Adventure comes first on the last frontier.

No vacation in the world delivers once-in-a-lifetime adventure like Alaska. Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all. Take off by dogsled across thousand-year-old ice as you soak in otherworldly sights. Trek across the majestic Mendenhall Glacier for breathtaking views of the wildest country. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. And do it all from onboard one of four thrill-filled ships. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running.

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OF ICE AND MOUNTAINS

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes,  imposing glaciers  and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness. 

JOURNEY INWARD

Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective.

GLACIERS WILL MOVE YOU

In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve  massive icebergs . Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders.

JOURNEY TO "THE GREAT ONE"

In the center of the state,  Denali National Park  is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your vacation.

FEEL THE RUSH

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories you couldn't have made anywhere else during your cruise to Alaska. 

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the  Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour . The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill.

WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?

Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a  whale watching tour . There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water.

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape.

RELEASE YOUR WILD SIDE ON THE BEST ALASKA CRUISE

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 21 years running.

QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Quantum of the Seas® heads to the Last Frontier from Seattle . This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather. Edge of your seat entertainment, all weather activities like the fan-favorite Flowrider®* and unparalleled views from every room.

EXPLORE MORE

ANTHEM OF THE SEAS

Making its Alaska debut, Anthem of the Seas ® is full of family-favorite thrills and chill. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm . Whether you’re challenging friends to bumper cars at the SeaPlex® or catching record-setting views from North Star®, make unforgettable memories on these 7-night cruises.

SERENADE OF THE SEAS

Bring your adventure crew to the Last Frontier for a 7-night sailing to can’t-miss glaciers and quaint seaside cities brimming with rugged charm. Go peak seaking in Sitka or and take-on rugged adventures in Haines . Once onboard, snag some adults-only time at the Solarium or treat your tastebuds to plated perfection at Izumi Japanese Cuisine. Getting to your coolest getaway yet is easy for the whole family with sails roundtrip from Vancouver .

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling.

The best time to travel to Alaska depends on your priorities. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

No two days will be the same, and you'll need to pack your clothing to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day. Think layers: zip-up sweaters, boots, rain jackets.

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The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

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Your Guide to the Best Cruises From Alaska. Learn more about the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver.

Alaska is not a formal place; people even wear jeans to the opera. Focus more on comfort when deciding what clothing to pack.

Cameras, binoculars, rain ponchos and jackets are useful, but add these to the souvenirs you'll be picking up and soon your bag will be too heavy to tote around. Bring along a quality day pack to make it easier to hold your necessities.

Learn a few words in Alaska's local lingo: The "Alcan" is the Alaska-Canada Highway, for example, and "fish stories" are the local version of tall tales — unreliable yarns of mythological proportions, often told by fisherman.

ALASKAN CUISINE WILD IS THE WAY 

Alaskan food focuses on locally sourced ingredients that reflect the state's rugged terrain and the vast oceans surrounding it. These nutrient-rich waters serve up some gorgeous fish and shellfish, from super-fresh salmon to huge Alaskan King Crabs that can feed a crowd, while game meats and berries from the wilderness form a perfect marriage of flavor.

SALMON IS CENTRAL

Fresh-caught wild salmon is served up at backyard BBQs and the finest restaurants. For something different, try the sweet and savory treat Indian Candy, salmon that is sweetened and smoked till hard.

SOURDOUGH WON'T LET YOU GO

Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch.

GO WILD FOR BERRIES

Alaskan wild berries are sweet and pack a powerful punch of flavor. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Inside Passage, Canada

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Seward, Alaska

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Must-Try Foods While You’re in Alaska

By Carnival Cruise Line

In modern Alaskan restaurants, you can dine on a diverse array of delicious foods from all over the world. However, a cruise to Alaska gives you the chance to sample homegrown — and caught — delicacies as well as a few unique highlights of traditional Alaskan cuisine. In coastal communities featured on Alaskan cruises , you can find fantastic fish and seafood options on every menu, while select restaurants present more unusual offerings like caribou steaks and moose stew. Your best bet if you want to sample some traditional Alaskan food is to ask a local where to go. While you’re in a great port city, why not make an adventure out of discovering all the weird and wonderful things you can find to eat?

Tip: Another way to really immerse yourself in the culinary world of Alaska is by taking a food-themed shore excursion, such as the Taste of Juneau walking tour or the Alaska Fishing and Wilderness Dining experience, during which you’ll catch fish and cook it over a fire.

The Freshest Fish and Seafood

Alaska is famous for its incredible salmon, which is shipped all over the world but never more delicious than when you eat it right where it’s caught. This might mean an elegant restaurant meal of wild salmon served with seasonal local vegetables or a rustic feast of wood-grilled salmon at a wilderness lodge with views of glaciers. Smoked salmon is popular too, and it uses a traditional preservation technique that means you can bring a taste of Alaska home. You’ll find lots of choices, including salmon smoked over hickory, alder or apple wood; and different types of salmon too, including king, pink, silver and red. Search through menus for smoked salmon chowder, a delightful Alaskan take on a classic dish.

Pacific Halibut

Pacific halibut is a real prize for any fisherman (you can try to reel one in yourself on a halibut fishing excursion), and a stand-out feature of any menu. Traditional preparations such as grilling, frying and steaming showcase the fish’s delicious flavors, while contemporary restaurants offer fusion dishes starring halibut, such as halibut tacos.

Rivaling fish as Alaska’s most famous catch is king crab, the enormous, knobbly crustaceans made famous by reality television. See real-life crab fisherman haul them in during the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour from Ketchikan, or simply hit any dockside seafood shack to feast on king crab legs the size of your arm. Dungeness crab and snow crab are served throughout Alaska too, whether steamed and cracked and served with melted butter, or transformed into crab cakes, crab bisque, crab rolls and more.

Spot Prawns and Oysters

Other seafood treats to try when you travel to Alaska are spot prawns, which are huge, sweet shrimp caught locally in season, and oysters, which are farmed year-round in cold Alaskan waters and served raw or cooked. Look for oysters from Kachemak Bay, known to be huge and sweet-tasting.

Unusual Alaskan Meat Dishes

Local hunters in Alaska might catch and eat a wide range of game, including moose, caribou, elk and bear. Restaurant menus occasionally feature such dishes as moose stew or caribou chili, but there are a few unusual Alaskan meat dishes that are easier to find. Reindeer sausage is one of them, and in Alaska it often replaces other types of sausage, for example on pizza or as the popular street food, reindeer dogs. Burgers are another American classic available with an Alaskan twist, as yak burgers, sourced from a commercial yak ranch in the Copper River Valley.

Native Alaskan Dishes

The traditional cuisine of Alaska’s native culture centers around fish, seal, whale, game birds and meat that you’re unlikely to find on any restaurant menu in the contiguous United States. However, if you do get the chance, there are a couple of stand-out native Alaskan specialties you might want to sample. There’s muktuk, which is sliced whale skin, blubber and meat, traditionally eaten raw and frozen, but sometimes cooked. And Alaskan ice cream looks and tastes conventionally delicious but its ingredients are far from conventional. It’s a whipped concoction of seal oil, dried fish, moose or caribou, plus snow and wild berries. More approachable is salmon candy and various kinds of jerky, including caribou, reindeer, elk and fish.

Alaskan Craft Beer

Alaska has a thriving craft brewery scene. A few homegrown breweries are famous outside the state, but numerous small-scale craft breweries have their beers featured on local menus as the perfect accompaniment to Alaskan food. Some offer flights of Alaskan beers for a great sampling opportunity. Among locally brewed beers are IPAs, summer ales, amber ales and lagers. Look out for a variety from Sitka infused with spruce tips.

A Bounty of Wild Berries

A great variety of wild berries grow seasonally all over Alaska, some familiar kinds and others you’ve probably never heard of. Wild blueberries and wild cranberries from Alaska tend to be sweeter and smaller than the regular varieties. Look out for cloudberries, lingonberries, mossberries and salmonberries, which look like yellow or orange raspberries but have a flavor that’s quite unique. Dine on fresh berries piled into pies, cobblers or bread pudding made with local sourdough. You might also pick up some jams and jellies to take home as sweet souvenirs from Alaska .

Even the fussiest of visitors will find plenty of delicious foods to eat in Alaska. Travel to the Last Frontier with a big appetite and an open mind and you’ll be ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by  ship  and destination.

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10 Top Cruises for Food and Drinks, According to the Experts

Dining at sea is more adventurous than ever with highly curated cruise ship concepts and menus, onboard culinary classes, and shore excursions.

Dining while cruising has never tasted better. Onboard restaurants can match land-based eateries in sophistication and style, with chefs as driven by seasonal ingredients as their peers ashore. The 2024 Global Tastemakers, selected by food and travel journalists this year, favor luxury ocean lines, which invest heavily in food and wine, yet also embrace expedition ships and riverboats. All operate small vessels by today’s standards; kitchen crews can more readily cook with artistry and ingenuity for fewer passengers. 

These Tastemakers share passion and vision; they’re reshaping shipboard norms by introducing dining venues and cuisines rarely spotlighted at sea, such as Virgin Voyages, with a Korean barbecue restaurant among 20 complimentary eateries. Global Tastemakers are also offering more adventurous culinary classes and shore excursions. Silversea, the winner, scores for its multifaceted S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, devoted to the sailing region’s food and beverages. Crystal (formerly Crystal Cruises) reclaims its stellar reputation from its prior incarnation, including a renewed partnership with iconic chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Regent Seven Seas Cruises debuted a glam new ship and elevated menus fleetwide, with novel dishes inspired by the culinary team’s extensive research trips. As this year unfolds, expect even more allures: On HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), local chefs on some itineraries may hop onboard to cook regional specialties. Oceania Cruises debuts both a Culinary Masters Cruise hosted by two Master Chefs of France, and the highly anticipated Editor’s Cruise, with Hunter Lewis, Food + Wine ’s editor-in-chief. These are the best cruises for food and drinks.

Winner: Silversea

Silversea’s impactful S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program secures the luxury line’s winning spot. S.A.L.T. Kitchen devotes an entire ever-changing menu to reflect sailing itineraries. S.A.L.T. Lab’s cooking instructors share regional cultural and culinary history with passengers during hands-on classes. In S.A.L.T. Bar, passengers sip locally inspired mixologists’ cocktails. S.A.L.T. shore excursions range from foraging in Puglia to lunching at a hyper-local Lisbon tinned-fish eatery and exploring a Patagonian organic farm. S.A.L.T. outings have proven so successful, Silversea is adding selections.

Crystal Cruises

The brand relaunch of luxurious Crystal Cruises (acquired by A&K Travel Group) now sails as Crystal , with two beautifully remodeled ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Eight distinctive restaurants include Umi Uma, showcasing the inimitable Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine of Crystal partner, legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa . Osteria d’Ovidio, named for Crystal’s Italian owner Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, presents poetic plates anchored in simplicity and  primo ingredients, such as lobster in tomato essence with basil olive oil.

Oceania Cruises

This line pursues compelling culinary exploits onboard and ashore, like cooking demonstrations at a Venetian master chef’s private villa or a Latvian “farm to table” experience in which guests shop at a market with the Culinary Center chef before cooking and consuming a Latvian lunch on board. Shipboard chefs are so ingredient-obsessed, they even order custom-milled French flour. Among updates, Oceania has reimagined numerous dishes, highlighting local sourcing. On Marina, Riviera, and Vista, a must-try six-course menu with a Dom Pérignon pairing perpetually marvels.

This luxe line debuted modern Mediterranean restaurant Solis on Seabourn Quest as an inspired replacement to Thomas Keller’s Grill, before Seabourn Encore, Ovation, and Sojourn rollouts. Seabourn restaurants may differ stylistically fleetwide, yet never vary in quality. Exemplary venues include Sushi for primo fish; the Restaurant with intricate entrees like carved lamb loin with crisp lamb spring roll; and Earth & Ocean for fine dining al fresco. Consider complimentary caviar and 24-hour in-suite service as bonuses.

Hurtigruten/HX

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten (formerly Norwegian Coastal) and HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) ships explore the world, including polar regions, the Galápagos, the Caribbean, and of course, Norway. Both HX and Hurtigruten aim to serve cuisine as compelling as adventures ashore and feature menus reflecting their Norwegian heritage. Supporting local communities, Hurtigruten relies on some 50 suppliers along the Coastal Express route for about 80% of ingredients, while more than 75% of HX’s ingredients used on Antarctica and Alaska routes are local.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

This luxury line’s six ships deliver exemplary dining, with its three newest ships (Seven Seas Grandeur, Splendor, and Explorer) exhibiting boundless flair. Among venues, Prime 7’s juicy steaks, Chartreuse’s French plates, and Pacific Rim’s pan-Asian dishes particularly dazzle. Beyond dining, the hands-on cooking school and Regent’s chef-led Epicurean Explorer Tours are part of the draw. Passengers may market-shop for a paella cooking class and feast on the famed rice-based dish at a seaside eatery in Valencia, Spain.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar’s six small ships possess yacht-like vibes, with a culinary direction to match. Chefs eagerly source fresh sustainable ingredients in ports to prepare imaginative dishes. On Star Plus class all-suite ships, Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso packs a modern Spanish punch while Star Grill by Steven Raichlen dishes up aromatic barbecue deckside. Windstar’s James Beard Foundation partnership ensures guest chefs board for demonstrations and dinners; the line also features their recipes on fleet eateries.

Viking Cruises

Viking commands attention on all waters, with riverboats, ocean liners, and expedition ships plying every continent. So many touches sum up Viking’s willingness for menus to reflect itineraries, and regional dishes and wines are a given. Flourishing herb gardens allow riverboat chefs to pluck the freshest herbs to grace dishes daily. On ocean-going vessels, specialty restaurant Manfredi’s excels in Italian cuisine (bistecca alla Fiorentina is legendary), and Mamsen’s triumphs the line’s Nordic heritage — all bow to the signature waffles.

Virgin Voyages

With 20 complimentary eateries, Virgin Voyages allows a younger, perhaps less-traveled, cruiser to sample so many cuisines. This line eschews food halls and buffets, preferring to showcase intimate boîtes, instead. Each possesses an oversized personality and emboldened plates, such as Razzle Dazzle for dishes like black garlic bowtie pasta with fennel braised pork and chanterelles, and Gunbae, knocking it out of the foodpark with complimentary soju shots and Korean barbecue.

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways has taken food and wine seriously since its 2002 inception. The line, inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, finds its culinary cues in its riverboats’ itineraries, selecting local ingredients and intriguing wines like Rieslings from Austria’s Wachau Valley. AmaWaterways ’ wine-themed voyages, like Flavors of Burgundy with excursions to Beaune and Mâcon, win consistent praise. Onboard gastronomic pinnacles include the Chef’s Table, a small-group dining adventure where a chef prepares wine-paired multi-course meals before passengers.

Plus one: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Exuding an exclusive boutique hotel aura, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection consists of superyacht Evrima, and in September, Ilma debuts, with Luminara arriving in 2025. This line lavishes passengers with attention, elegant design, and superb dining with an international spin. Each yacht offers five restaurants, 24-hour in-suite dining, and six lounges. The wine vault features more than 200 wine labels, with many exclusive red wines and vintages on a private reserve list.

Global Tastemakers is a celebration of the best culinary destinations in the U.S. and abroad. We asked more than 180 food and travel journalists to vote on their favorites, including restaurants and bars, cities, hotels, airports, airlines, and cruises. We then entrusted those results to an expert panel of judges to determine each category’s winners. In many categories, we’ve included a Plus One, hand-selected by our expert panel, to shout out more culinary destinations we don’t want our readers to miss. See all the winners at foodandwine.com/globaltastemakers .

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Alaska Food: Eat Like a Local at These 4 Restaurants

Dining on authentic Alaska food in the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska can be an unforgettable experience. On your next Alaskan cruise , discover these classic restaurants that are beloved by locals.

The Rookery Cafe : Classy Fare with a Cozy Atmosphere in Downtown Juneau

When you're busy in historic downtown Juneau, the Rookery Cafe always feeds the need for a little pick-me-up coffee and croissant. Their burgers are mouthwatering, especially with a side of the must-have mac and cheese or the beet salad with whipped goat cheese. They make their Alaska food with seasonal ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible (pretty remarkable, considering Juneau's remoteness). They're open from breakfast through dinner.

Location : Rookery Cafe is close to the intersection of Seward and Front Streets (111 Seward St., Juneau, AK 99801).

Tracy's King Crab Shack : Authentic Alaskan Seafood Just Off the Port in Juneau

Everyone has heard of Alaskan king crab, but where can you find some of the best, most mouthwatering seafood in Alaska? Local favorite Tracy's King Crab Shack offers a whole bucket of crab legs served with melted butter. This little no-frills eatery also delights customers with its delicious, creamy crab bisque. It might just be the best seafood you'll eat on your trip to the Inside Passage .

Location : Find Tracy's King Crab Shack near the cruise ship docks (432 S. Franklin St., Juneau, AK 99801).

Bar Harbor Restaurant : A Quaint Dinner Spot That Highlights Local Flavors in the Coastal Town of Ketchikan

Make sure you make reservations if you want to experience this intimate dining experience, where pot roast and vegetarian entrees compete for the hearts of guests. The service is outstanding here, and they work very hard to make you feel at home here at one of our favorite restaurants in Alaska.

Location : You'll find Bar Harbor Restaurant on Tongass Avenue, between 2nd and 3rd Avenue (2813 Tongass Ave., Ketchikan, AK 99901).

Skagway Brewing Company : Great Food + Great Beer = A Great Time

There are few things that Alaskans love more than fish and chips and craft beer. Skagway Brewing Company succeeds at both great seafood and tasty microbrews. Definitely try their beer sampler with the fish and chips combo or dig into one of their seven specialty burgers served with a side of hand-cut fries in order to sample real Alaskan food.

Location : Skagway Brewing Company is one block from the Skagway Museum (7th Ave. and Broadway, Skagway, AK 99840).

Bonanza Bar and Grill

Seafood chowder, live music, karaoke, stand-up, even bingo: the Bonanza Bar and Grill has cold beer on draft, hot food, and plenty of fun with activities that rotate depending on the season. Delicious food and drink, great service and a casual atmosphere make this a great spot to kick back and relax after a day of sightseeing.

Location : Bonanza Bar & Grill is at 3rd, Skagway, AK 99840

Alaska Fish House

If you're in Ketchikan , a visit to the Alaska Fish House is a must. The Alaska Fish House offers freshly prepared seafood including fish and chips, fish burgers, fish tacos, and more. The restaurant's location along on the docks offersviews of the sea from your table. Rest easy knowing you couldn't get a fresher meal unless you caught it yourself!

The Alaska Fish House is located at 3 Salmon Landing, just minutes away from the cruise ship docks.

Can't decide which Inside Passage restaurant you'd like to go to? Try them all! Prepare your taste buds for an Alaska food adventure .  View Alaska cruises .

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The Best Cruise Ships in the World: The Gold List 2024

By CNT Editors

Consider Gold List the answer to the question our editors get asked more than any other: What are your favorite places to stay? Our 30th annual iteration of the world’s greatest hotels and cruises captures nearly a year’s worth of work: This collection represents hundreds of hours of researching, scouting, and impassioned debating by our team of editors in seven cities across the globe. But more than that, it reflects our ongoing love affair with the places where we stay, which often become our gateways to entire destinations. Read on to inspire your next cruise.

See the full Gold List here .

Oceania Cruises' Marina is one of 12 ships chosen by our editors for 2024.

Celebrity Beyond Arrow

Cruise ships often get compared to floating hotels or resorts, but here’s one that feels like a floating Vegas show. Applause, please, for the glittering peacock made from Swarovski crystals and the Magic Carpet platform that shimmies up and down the ship, cantilevered over the water for some of the best seats in the house, while in the Martini Bar, a troupe of bartenders juggle shakers to the sound of “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” Beyond is one of the largest ships in Celebrity’s Edge class, and all that space is used to maximize the drama. A whole corridor is filled with a glowing installation of bronze sculptures reflected in infinity mirrors; a favorite anchorage was Eden, a beautiful, biophiliac bubble for hiding away in, watching the ship’s wake through triple-height windows and dawdling in swivel chairs that resemble green carnations. As for the cast, there are some stellar performers: Kelly Hoppen designed most of the interiors; Daniel Boulud’s debut signature restaurant at sea, Le Voyage, has an impeccable, globe-trotting menu alighting on Brazilian moqueca and tamarind prawns. But top of the bill is Captain Kate McCue, the first American woman to captain a cruise ship. A captain hasn’t been this synonymous with their ship since the days of Merrill Stubing; follow her social media for a glimpse into the art of ship navigation. During our short, prelaunch cruise, we had an itinerary that involved looping round and round the Isle of Wight—a short trip, but one that was big on sheer spectacle. Three-night sailings from $300 per person. —Rick Jordan

Delfin II Arrow

The Amazon River has the opacity of chocolate milk and is almost deathlike in its stillness—which is wild when you consider how much life thrives there. It was on a nine-day journey through Peru with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic that I learned this, as we spent five of those days exploring the jungle by boat. Our chariot: the Delfin II , a Relais & Châteaux vessel with 14 thoughtfully appointed staterooms.

Most days began with a crack-of-dawn skiff ride soundtracked by the squall of jewel-winged, dusky-headed parakeets. The photographers pulled out their football lenses and the birders gasped from behind their binoculars as naturalists pointed out an elegant snowy egret picking its way through a mudbank, a neotropic cormorant spreading its gothy black wings like a vampire, and the somber Jabiru stork, the largest flying bird in South America, standing like a dour English butler on a naked tree limb. Also flagged were capuchin monkeys, giant river otters, flamboyant bromeliads, and—after dark—scores of caimans and capybaras.

We spent one muggy morning in a Kukama village, where indigenous women wove raffia bowls and cooked catfish, and another morning paddling the river—an outing which culminated with a pod of pink river dolphins leaping from the water mere feet from our kayaks. (Even our seen-it-all naturalist, Sandro, clapped like a schoolgirl.)

This deep in the Amazon jungle, there were no other tourists. When we did see signs of human life, they were usually fishermen or park rangers. And because there was no Wi-Fi on the Delfin II and a near total blackout on cell reception, downtime was spent attending lectures on Amazonian ecology, sampling native fruits (how the aptly named ice cream bean hasn’t been pitched on Shark Tank yet, I’ll never know), and buddying up to the ship bar, where I made fast friends of fellow guests. (Expedition cruises always draw a fascinating lot; my cohort included a microbiologist, metaphysical transcendentalist, and one of the earliest Apple employees.)

The highlight of the trip, however, was hiking through the jungle with a local tracker who showed us a brown-throated three-toed sloth, Goliath bird-eating tarantula, junior anaconda, and a century-old strangler fig. When we finally emerged from the bush, we were treated to a spectacular tangerine-and-charcoal sunset punctured by bolts of lighting. It was surreal and intense, just like everything else in this untouched corner of the world. Eight-day sailings from $5,730 per person. —Ashlea Halpern

Ritz-Carlton Evrima Arrow

Ritz-Carlton’s first foray into cruising, the Evrima is a hotel-at-sea experience that might just be the antidote to all the big ship itineraries. Think ultra-small ship luxury (at half the capacity of the Seabourns and Regents) with plenty of scenery options to choose from—the European Mediterranean (routes from Turkey to the Canary Islands) from spring through fall, and the Caribbean (San Juan to St. Barts) in winter—and a younger crowd than most of the luxury cruise market; mostly culture lovers with a dearth of cruising experience who can't wait to get ashore to the Côte d’Azur village restaurants. The 624-foot ship is the first in a fleet of three emerging over the next few years, and it still feels spacious with 149 suites, two pools, a cigar humidor, six bars (the interior Living Room and top-floor Observation Lounge, The Bar, and bars located at the Marina Terrace, the Pool House, and Mistral), a beauty salon and spa deck, water-level marina terrace with water toys, and a fitness center. The 246 staff range from deck crew to your cabin’s personal concierge, all of whom are dubbed the ship’s Ladies and Gentlemen—but titles feel almost superfluous aboard Evrima , where everyone from the tender drivers to dining leads will pause to actually get to know you and recall your name and story (and even your drink order) to make the entire experience feel organic and warm. It’s almost like you’re spending the night in someone’s home, which just so happens to be a 624-foot mega-yacht. And the Evrima itinerary has plenty of free time and overnight ports of call in its sailings, so you can head ashore for a day, or even an entire evening late into the night—gallivanting, dining, and imbibing with the new friends you'll no doubt meet onboard. Seven-night sailings from $5,800 per person. —Shannon McMahon

Oceania Marina Arrow

Is there any Marina passenger who doesn’t wish—even for a second—to confine himself to his stateroom on debarkation day? Perhaps only the smarty pants who booked their next cruise before this one ends. Otherwise, how can an epicurean cruiser (that’s Marina ’s crowd) not pine for another shot at the new wine list starring 80 highly coveted, hard-to-snag labels, including swoon-worthy Super Tuscans? You’ll long for one more brag-worthy chance to sip The Mascot, a label from Harlan family pedigree (think cult fave Harlan Estate); the Polo Grill’s deft sommelier knows exactly which prime steak pairs best. Despite eight compelling complimentary restaurants (Red Ginger’s signature lobster pad thai is still a must-devour), Marina vibes far more than great meals. Work up a sweat storm playing pickleball on deck 16 or braving core conditioning in the gym. Melt into a marine detox wrap (I love the juniper and lemon scent) at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, then sink into the spa terrace’s bubbling hot tub. Get down and dirty in the artist loft by painting a Venetian mask and playing Impressionist. In the hands-on culinary center, learn to cure a fish or preserve a lemon. Come May 2024, Marina debuts a splashy redo. Fall in love again with revamped avocado toast—bravo to the taco-spiced shrimp topping—in the new wellness-driven Aquamar kitchen. Where you lie your head hardly matters. An entry 291-square-foot stateroom starring a four-pillow, soft-sheet bed feels mighty spacious and sports Bulgari shampoo. That said, the top-to-bottom penthouse suites’ glam reno is beyond covetable, from the expanded bath to a boatload of enviable perks. Ten-day sailings from $1,999 per person. —Janice Wald Henderson

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Trollfjord Arrow

Who better to guide you through Norway’s most remote reaches—including the Svalbard archipelago, the northernmost inhabited islands on the planet—than a Norwegian cruise company that knows the area’s every crag and fjord? Hurtigruten is an Oslo-based line whose ships have traversed these waters since 1893, ferrying freight, mail, and passengers to the communities along the rugged coast. In 2023, to celebrate its 130th anniversary, the company’s flagship, the newly refurbished, 500-passenger MS Trollfjord (named for a fjord in the Vesterålen archipelago) began sailing two hybrids of its original 34-port Norwegian Coastal Express, calling at several of the towns and villages on the original route. From September through April, the North Cape Express (a 13-day, 16-port itinerary) sails from Oslo to the North Cape and then south to Bergen. In the summertime, the Svalbard Express’s eight-day journey begins in Bergen and progresses north, with extended port calls and excursions in seven towns before entering the Arctic Circle and pulling into Longyearbyen, a mining town on Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s main island. On both routes Trollfjord offers its (mostly European) passengers an uncommon way to explore the region, with uniquely Nordic cultural touches to connect them to the country. There’s a pre-boarding spread of Norwegian fare in the ship’s departure lounge, and Trollfjord ’s three restaurants prioritize Scandinavian cuisine (salmon, reindeer, and lingonberries, oh my!) and the food culture of the indigenous Sámi people. The ship’s 277 staterooms and 12 suites (with walk-in closets, corner bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling windows) offer a cozy retreat from the sometimes-harsh weather. And typically Nordic diversions such as aquavit tastings, oceanview saunas and polar plunges leave you in no doubt about where you are and who you’re sailing with. 10-day sailings from $3,082 per person. —Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon

Seven Seas Navigator Arrow

Imagine the most luxurious hotel you’ve ever stayed in. That’s precisely what stepping onboard the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Navigator feels like. And while the opulence and grandeur shine through every square inch of space, it’s worth mentioning that the staff are what make the experience memorable, remembering your name, preferences, likes, and dislikes from the second you step afoot the eight-deck vessel.

The 248 ultraluxe all-suite accommodations feel like your home away from home—despite their capacious interiors—and your personalized steward makes sure of that with thoughtful touches from the moment you check in. Thanks to a revamp in 2019, the ship feels pristine with a new library—complete with a faux fireplace—and sleek state-of-the-art furnishings (including the cruise line’s bespoke mattresses and bed linens) in each of the rooms. However, what makes the Navigator stand out from its counterparts is its intimate size, as it’s the smallest in Regent’s fleet. Everything onboard feels just an arm’s reach away, and you’ll quickly bond with fellow passengers after spending the day together on one of the complimentary shore excursions, such as tours by local guides, cooking classes, and other intimate adventures.

During my Mediterranean voyage, days were spent immersing ourselves in new cities, whereas nights began with a freshly shaken ice-cold martini followed by an exuberant dinner, with a stop in the Seven Seas Lounge for whatever was on tap that night, ranging from cabaret to karaoke. At the end of the journey, I left wanting more and with a suitcase full of clean clothes, thanks to one of the many attentive touches onboard: the included laundry service. 10-night sailings from $3,360 per person. —Rachel Dube

Seabourn Ovation Arrow

“We are not the Rat Pack,” quips Andrew Pedder, the witty Yorkshire-born captain of Seabourn Ovation. He's referring to himself and the other senior officers, for any guests who may have wandered into their impromptu panel session instead of the musical show taking place later that evening. The Q&A—which covers everything from the prettiest ports to the number of Champagne bottles typically consumed during a seven-day voyage—is part of a last-minute program of activities arranged for an unexpected sea day when it’s too windy to dock in the South of France. This is mid-October, on one of the ship’s jaunts around the Mediterranean for the season, and no one seems to mind the change of plan (although when we do explore, all the islands we visit—Menorca, Corsica, Elba—are blissfully tourist-free). It simply means more time for spa treatments, soaks in the outdoor hot tubs, and afternoon tea in the observation bar. Even then, it only feels like there are 60 passengers onboard, rather than 600. The restaurants are excellent, from Sushi, where you can sit at the counter watching the Japanese chefs at work, to poolside Earth & Ocean for Tandoori-style rotisserie chicken and Madras-style white bean cassoulet. Suites are spacious, each one with a balcony. West End–standard entertainment includes a magician and a chart-topping classical singer. But what makes this ultraluxe ship really memorable is the relaxed, on-point service by staff who remember your name and coffee order, or even a familiar face from a sailing five years ago. Seven-day sailings from $2,649 per person. —Emma Love

Silver Endeavour Arrow

Silversea is defined by its far-flung itineraries and exceptional onboard service (think Moët Champagne as you take in an iceberg calving in Antarctica). But the 220-passenger Silver Endeavour, new to the fleet and already a classic, raises every bar. Rooms start at a spacious 356 square feet and have luxury perks like pillow menus and a personalized bar, making them the best in all of Silversea’s array of ships. As far as food goes, premium Ars Italica Osetra caviar is complimentary and around-the-clock, though the Dover sole paired with a label from the rare wine menu at La Dame would have you believing you were in Paris. And the signature Otium spa celebrates pampering as much as it does wellness—don’t skip on the oxygen-boosting Golden Radiance facial. You may find yourself at any given hour glimpsing ice walls through the Drake Passage and remembering that the best part about this ship is the awe-inspiring places it dares to take you. 10-day sailings from $13,150. —Janice Wald Henderson

Scarlet Lady Arrow

Although new to the cruise industry, Virgin Voyages has already begun to set itself apart from its predecessors. When first stepping on the Scarlet Lady, cruisers are met with a rousing, upbeat staff that serve as gurus around the ship and are experts on everything from beauty to juicing. While the Scarlet Lady takes you on a familiar route around the Caribbean, the on-shore excursions available are what make this sail memorable. Take a leap of faith on daring outings such as the Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata, where guests make their way down seven of the 27 natural slides and waterfalls. After the exhilarating experience, travelers can sit down with locals and come together over Dominican staples such as pollo guisado, tostones, and mangú. You can always get local delicacies while docked, but while onboard, you must snag a reservation at the Test Kitchen. It’s an experimental dining experience where the menu always evolves. You go in only seeing a small card with ingredients listed for the night’s meal, but everything else is up to the imagination. One might find cucumbers puréed and frozen into ice cream as dessert, or beets formed and prepared like steak. While en route to the next port, the hard reset one does at the Redemption Spa leaves your body feeling anew; it’s impossible to come back from vacation feeling the same as when you departed. On any Virgin Voyages ship, you’ll love the indulgent atmosphere, whether you’re catering to your sweet tooth by narrowing down your favorite gelato of the day, grabbing a drink at one of the five bars that stake claim to having the largest tequila supply on the seven seas, or finally getting that tattoo you’ve been thinking about for ages after visiting the ship’s tattoo parlor, Squid Ink. Seven-day sailings from $2,100 per person. —Paris Wilson

Queen Mary 2 Arrow

Six days sailing from England to New York across the vast Atlantic had the potential to bore me to stupefaction, but it turned out I had nothing to fear. “The ship is the destination,” said an entertainment director for Queen Mary 2 , who oversees a program that makes this cruise liner the undisputed hub of creative and intellectual stimulation on the high seas. Where else can you attend the annual Literature Festival At Sea, meeting top fiction and nonfiction authors like the late PJ O’Rourke, Bernadine Evaristo, and Louis de Bernières? And where else can you visit a planetarium, watch a Royal Shakespeare theater production, or hear guest speakers discuss artwork investments and the history of airport drug mules?

In between spa massages and table tennis rallies, I nourished my mind in the mahogany library before nourishing my body at the Princess Grill and Queens Grill restaurants, scarfing dishes like croquette of suckling pig, paired with excellent vintages and followed by mango panna cotta. On the final stretch of the journey, as dolphins leapt over the horizon and the Statue of Liberty loomed into view, my heart sank a little—New York City awaited, yet I didn’t want to disembark. That’s quite an achievement. Seven-day sailings from $1,389 per person. —Noo Saro-Wiwa

World Navigator Arrow

During my first few hours aboard the Atlas Ocean Voyages World Navigator, I felt a bit like I had inadvertently crashed a family reunion: Seemingly everyone else aboard this Arctic expedition had just sailed to Antarctica on the Navigator six months before, so several crew members and guests spent much of embarkation day hugging and catching up. With a maximum occupancy of 196, it’s already an intimate ship, but the fact that the relatively young brand, which debuted in 2019, could develop such an impressive number of repeat travelers in such a short spell speaks volumes. Many told me they were drawn to Atlas because of its eco-friendly bona fides (the new-build ship makes use of hybrid engines from Rolls-Royce designed to leave minimal impact), but the creature comforts on board certainly help. While the star attraction of such an expedition voyage is what lies beyond the decks—access to remote Antarctic fjords that larger vessels can’t dream of traversing, or spotting polar bears loping along pearly glaciers in the Arctic—I made the most of my time in between Zodiac expeditions. The multi-jet shower in my stateroom was sublime after damp and rigorous treks, the heated massage beds in the only L’Occitane Spa at sea are a dream, and the Arctic summer’s 24 hours of sunshine made the Dome observation deck a prime perch to cozy up with a book at any time of day or night. There was neither internet nor cell phone connectivity during my entire eight-day journey sailing thanks to the remote latitudes (though Atlas guests now have access to full Starlink satellite coverage), which meant this was the longest I’d been offline since the 1990s—and yet somehow, drifting through the surreal landscape in this cosseting bubble, I didn’t miss scrolling or chatting with the outside world one bit. Seven-night sailings from $4,749 per person. —Sarah Khan

Westerdam Arrow

A passenger who is well below senior age dances the robot to classic rock, to R&B, to country music, and to disco hits as talented singers and a live band perform most nights in the Rolling Stone Lounge, on Holland America Line’s Westerdam . His mechanical movements are a source of amusement and encouragement; if he can take over the dance floor, so can we with our own moves. The 1,916-passenger Westerdam is beloved as a traditional cruise ship, with its smaller-than-mega-ship size, deep blue hull, wraparound outdoor promenade deck, and details such as fresh flowers all around, celebrating the 150-year-old cruise line’s Dutch roots. Tradition does not mean staid. There’s rock and roll. There’s a trendy top-of-ship pickleball court.

On an Alaska cruise, my husband and I start our days with a jolt of caffeine via the baristas at Explorations Central, the ship’s cushy, contemporary, forward-facing observation lounge, before heading off on adventures such as joining other passengers in synchronized paddling a large canoe to see the ancient yet diminishing ice of Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier. Back on the ship, we indulge in excellent burgers, topped with Gouda and applewood-smoked bacon and served in fast-food wrapping from a stand at the covered Lido pool. We enjoy sustainable Alaska seafood—grilled salmon, fennel-crusted halibut, fried cod—in between cocktails made with local gin, served on real glacial ice. From the veranda of our classic aft cabin, mesmerizing views of the ship’s wake, seemingly endless forest, and a distant, blue-tinged glacier clear our brain. We’re ready for more of the dancing man. Seven-day sailings from $379 per person. —Fran Golden

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