Alaska Cruises

Your Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises

An Alaska cruise is widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking voyages on Earth. Sailing through the pristine waters of America's Last Frontier, passengers encounter towering tidewater glaciers, dense temperate rainforests, snow-capped mountain ranges, and an abundance of wildlife that is unmatched anywhere else on the planet. Whether you choose a classic Inside Passage itinerary or an adventurous Gulf of Alaska sailing, this is a destination that rewards every type of traveller — from wildlife enthusiasts and photographers to history buffs and outdoor adventurers.

Glacier Viewing: The Heart of Every Alaska Cruise

Alaska is home to more than 100,000 glaciers, and no cruise here is complete without witnessing these ancient rivers of ice up close. Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the crown jewel — ships spend an entire day navigating its fjords while park rangers narrate the geology and ecology on board. Margerie Glacier, one of Glacier Bay's most active tidewater glaciers, regularly calves enormous chunks of ice into the sea with thunderous roars that echo across the water.

Beyond Glacier Bay, many itineraries visit Hubbard Glacier — North America's largest tidewater glacier, stretching over 120 kilometres long and standing 120 metres above the waterline. Tracy Arm Fjord offers a more intimate experience, with the ship threading through narrow passages flanked by sheer granite walls to reach the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Gulf of Alaska sailings may also cruise through College Fjord in Prince William Sound, where over 20 named glaciers cascade from surrounding peaks.

Wildlife Encounters at Sea and Ashore

Alaska's waters and coastlines teem with extraordinary wildlife. Humpback whales are frequently spotted breaching and bubble-net feeding in Glacier Bay, Icy Strait, and Stephens Passage. Orcas patrol the channels of the Inside Passage, while Dall porpoises ride the ship's bow wave. On shore, Kodiak and brown bears fish for salmon at rivers and streams — the Anan Wildlife Observatory near Wrangell and Pack Creek on Admiralty Island are prime viewing locations. Bald eagles are ubiquitous, nesting in Sitka spruce trees above almost every Alaskan port. Harbour seals, Steller sea lions, and sea otters are regularly spotted lounging on ice floes or rocky outcrops.

Must-Visit Ports: Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway

Juneau, Alaska's capital, is accessible only by sea or air and serves as the gateway to Mendenhall Glacier, whale-watching excursions in Auke Bay, and helicopter glacier treks. Ketchikan, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," is famous for its Creek Street boardwalk, Totem Heritage Center housing one of the world's largest collections of original totem poles, and Misty Fjords National Monument — a spectacular landscape best explored by floatplane. Skagway transports visitors back to the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush era with its wooden-boardwalk downtown and the iconic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, one of the most scenic rail journeys in North America, climbing from sea level to nearly 900 metres through mountain passes and over historic trestle bridges.

Other popular ports include Sitka, with its Russian colonial heritage, Sitka National Historical Park, and outstanding whale watching; Victoria (British Columbia), a common first or last port with its famous Butchart Gardens; and Icy Strait Point, a small community offering bear viewing, zip-lining, and cultural experiences with the Tlingit people.

Inside Passage vs Gulf of Alaska Itineraries

Inside Passage cruises typically run 7 nights, departing round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver. Ships sail through the sheltered waterway of Southeast Alaska, visiting Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway with scenic passages through narrow fjords and past glacier-covered mountains. These itineraries are ideal for first-time Alaska cruisers because the protected waters mean calmer sailing.

Gulf of Alaska (or "Glacier Route") sailings are one-way voyages between Vancouver or Seattle and Whittier or Seward, typically 7 to 10 nights. They cover more of Alaska's coastline and include Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord, which Inside Passage ships don't visit. Arriving in Seward or Whittier opens the door to overland "cruisetour" extensions to Denali National Park and the Kenai Peninsula, adding rail journeys through the interior wilderness.

Best Time to Visit Alaska by Cruise

The Alaska cruise season spans May to September. May and early June bring wildflowers, nesting birds, and fewer crowds, though temperatures are cooler (10–15°C). Late June and July deliver the warmest weather and longest daylight — up to 18 hours in Juneau — making them peak season. August sees spectacular salmon runs that attract bears to rivers and streams, plus excellent whale watching. September offers fall colours, the chance of northern lights, and reduced prices, though some excursions may have limited availability as the season winds down.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Layering is key. A waterproof shell jacket and trousers, an insulating fleece, moisture-wicking base layers, and sturdy walking shoes will cover most conditions. Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting, a hat, gloves, and scarf for glacier viewing days, and sunscreen for the surprisingly long summer days. Most ships still hold formal evenings, so pack at least one smart outfit.

Shore Excursions Worth Booking

Alaska excursions are among the most thrilling of any cruise destination. In Juneau, helicopter glacier trekking and dog-sledding on Mendenhall Glacier top the list. From Skagway, the White Pass Railway is a must. Ketchikan offers floatplane flights over Misty Fjords and visits to authentic totem-pole parks. Almost every port provides whale-watching cruises, salmon fishing charters, and kayaking near glaciers. Many of these guided excursions and activities can be booked independently for significant savings compared to ship-organised options.

Planning Your Alaska Cruise

Start by comparing prices across major cruise lines — Holland America, Princess, Norwegian, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean all operate extensive Alaska programmes. Use our cruise comparison tool to find the best deal. Book flights to Seattle or Vancouver early, as summer fares to these gateway cities fill up quickly. Consider adding travel insurance for cancellation and medical protection — Alaska's remote location makes coverage particularly prudent. Don't forget to arrange airport transfers to your embarkation port, and browse hotel deals if you plan to spend a night in your departure city before sailing.