Alaska Cruises
Glaciers, wildlife, and wilderness. Alaska cruise season offers some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth, from towering mountains to calving ice.
Cruising the Alaska
Alaska is one of the most awe-inspiring cruise destinations in the world, offering pristine wilderness, massive tidewater glaciers, abundant wildlife, and indigenous cultural heritage along a stunning coastline that stretches over 6,600 miles.
The Alaska cruise season runs from May to September, coinciding with milder temperatures and extended daylight hours that can stretch past 18 hours in midsummer. Most itineraries depart from Seattle or Vancouver and visit ports along the Inside Passage — a sheltered network of waterways, islands, and fjords that provides calm sailing and spectacular scenery.
Key highlights include Glacier Bay National Park (accessible only by sea or air), the Gold Rush town of Skagway, the fishing capital of Ketchikan, the state capital Juneau, and the postcard-perfect Tracy Arm Fjord. Wildlife encounters are virtually guaranteed — humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, black bears, and sea otters populate these waters in abundance.
Popular Alaska Itineraries
Compare routes, durations, and prices from top cruise lines.
7-Night Alaska Inside Passage
Juneau → Skagway → Ketchikan → Glacier Bay
7-Night Alaska Glacier Route
Juneau → Skagway → Glacier Bay → Sitka
Popular Ports in the Alaska
Juneau
Alaska, USA
State capital & Mendenhall Glacier
Skagway
Alaska, USA
Gold Rush history & White Pass Railway
Ketchikan
Alaska, USA
Totem poles & salmon fishing
Glacier Bay
Alaska, USA
Tidewater glaciers & wildlife
Sitka
Alaska, USA
Russian heritage & wildlife
Icy Strait Point
Alaska, USA
Zip line & whale watching
Cruise Lines Sailing to Alaska
Best Time to Cruise the Alaska
May to September (peak: June–August)
Find Your Perfect Alaska Cruise
Compare prices from all major cruise lines and find the best Alaska deals.
Search Alaska Cruise DealsAlaska Cruise FAQ
What is the best time to cruise the Alaska?
May to September (peak: June–August)
Which cruise lines sail to the Alaska?
Major cruise lines sailing to the Alaska include: Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Disney, Cunard. Each offers distinct experiences, from mega-ship entertainment to intimate luxury voyages.
What are the most popular ports in the Alaska?
The most popular cruise ports in the Alaska include: Juneau (Alaska, USA), Skagway (Alaska, USA), Ketchikan (Alaska, USA), Glacier Bay (Alaska, USA), Sitka (Alaska, USA), Icy Strait Point (Alaska, USA).
How much does a Alaska cruise cost?
Alaska cruise prices vary widely based on cruise line, cabin type, duration, and time of year. Budget options start from around $199–$499 per person, while premium and luxury cruises can range from $999–$5,000+ per person. Use CruiseDirect to compare prices and find the best value.
Do I need a passport for a Alaska cruise?
For US citizens on closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same US port), a passport card or birth certificate may suffice. However, a valid passport is always recommended. Non-US citizens require a valid passport and may need visas depending on ports of call.
What should I pack for a Alaska cruise?
Essential items include: formal and casual dining attire, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions, sunscreen and hat, seasickness remedies, and any medication. Check your cruise line's dress code policies for dining venues.
Explore More Destinations
🛡️ Why Trust TravelDealForge?
Secure Booking
All bookings are processed through trusted, verified partner sites with secure payment processing.
Best Price Guarantee
We compare prices from hundreds of leading providers to ensure you always get the best deal available.
Trusted by Travellers
Thousands of travellers use TravelDealForge to find and compare the best travel deals worldwide.
Learn more about our editorial standards and how we make money.
💡Affiliate Disclosure: TravelDealForge may earn a commission when you book through our partner links. This does not affect the price you pay. Read our affiliate disclosure