The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Table Of Content

• Which cruise line offers a more intimate experience in Alaska?
• Night Alaska Roundtrip Collectors' VoyageDetails
• Which Alaska Cruise Line Is Right For You?
• Sleeping on Quantum of the Seas
• Seasick Prone? Beware and Plan Carefully
• Night Alaska ExperienceDetails
• Where can I find genuine Alaska cruise line reviews from real travelers?
• Things I Loved About Celebrity’s Sky Suite & What You Should Know

Don’t rush your decision – there’s an Alaska cruise ship that’s perfect for you, so take your time, read my guides on each cruise line, and you’ll find the one that’s right for your cruise getaway. You need to weigh up the typical cruise experience of each ship alongside the reviews. It’s no good paying for an ultra-luxury ship when you can’t afford it and you hate dressing up formally, just because it’s placed higher on the list. Cruise lines are very different from each other, and there is no single “cruise passenger” type, so there is no single “Alaska cruise ship” type either.

Which cruise line offers a more intimate experience in Alaska?

Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help. You may also find one-way repositioning cruises between southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season. Generally, these one-way sailings travel from Seward or Whittier (the cruise ports closest to Anchorage) to Vancouver (or vice versa). Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer.

Night Alaska Roundtrip Collectors' VoyageDetails

She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. So, I’ve tried to cover the typical dining, entertainment and accommodation options for each ship to help you make up your mind. Seven Seas Explorer is also one of the ‘larger’ small ships to Alaska, so it feels even more spacious – perfect if you want to sip a cocktail, soak up the view and feel like you’re on your own private yacht – albeit a big one. Regent Seven Seas’ ships are another option for the most luxurious in the world, and an excellent choice if you want to explore Alaska in style.

Which Alaska Cruise Line Is Right For You?

Windstar Cruises is a luxury cruise line that offers mostly one-way itineraries to the area, both northbound and southbound out of Anchorage and Vancouver respectively. Cunard, a Carnival Corporation owned line, currently only sails out of Vancouver for its Alaska focused cruises. The line offers 7-13 night round-trip itineraries with the longer journeys visiting both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, two of the most popular visits. If you’re all about exploration and want to really “get your hands dirty” on an expedition style cruise to Alaska, Hurtigruten is a great choice.

Holland America Line provides immersive cultural experiences in Alaska, offering onboard activities and excursions that highlight local traditions, history, and cuisine. Royal Caribbean is a popular choice for adventure seekers, offering feature-rich ships with activities such as rock climbing, zip-lining, and onboard surfing. Carnival Cruise Line is known for being family-friendly and offering budget-friendly Alaska cruises. They provide various activities and entertainment options suitable for all ages at affordable prices. When choosing an Alaska cruise, consider factors like the cruise line’s reputation, the ship’s amenities, the itinerary and ports of call, the size of the ship, and the overall experience offered.

On a cruisetour, you'll sail a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska. Depending on the tour itinerary you choose, you might visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, Alyeska, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Fairbanks — as well as spend one to three nights in Denali National Park. Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore.

This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier. Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway. You'll find magnificent mountains (often snow-capped, even in the summertime), lush forests, waterfalls, fjords and calving glaciers. If it's marine life you've come to see, you'll find it in abundance, from whales and dolphins to sea lions and harbor seals.

A day aboard the 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy might start out with a hike to a glacial lake followed by an early-evening kayak adventure in Thomas Bay. Or, you might enjoy a bit of scenic cruising by LeConte Glacier (where the big ships don't go) then continue the fun with hiking and biking the trails of Ideal Cove. Guided skiff tours will take guests in search of Alaskan wildlife in remote bays and secret coves. Radiance of the Seas is one of the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for Alaska, despite being older than her Quantum-class sisters which also cruise in the region. Also, if you want the best small cruise ships to Alaska, Seabourn Quest is the smallest on this list.

Things I Loved About Celebrity’s Sky Suite & What You Should Know

From exploring Denali National Park to witnessing the glaciers of the Kenai Peninsula, Holland America Line ensures you don’t miss out on any of Alaska’s iconic highlights. When it comes to choosing the best cruise line for your trip to Alaska, hearing from real travelers who have already experienced these journeys can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision. Analyzing passenger feedback can give you a deeper understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of various cruise lines, helping you choose the one that aligns with your preferences and expectations. If you’re interested in immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Alaska, Holland America Line is a great choice. Known for its elegant ships and refined atmosphere, Holland America Line offers a range of cultural activities and educational programs that delve into the history and traditions of Alaska. From onboard cooking demonstrations featuring regional cuisine to guest lecturers specializing in Alaskan culture, you’ll embark on a journey of discovery while cruising through the stunning landscapes of Alaska.

Princess also offers the most departure cities, potentially saving you money on airfare. The line is also only one of seven permitted to enter the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park (shown); check out the tips at the end of the story for details. If we were to pick one mega-ship operator to see Alaska on, it would be Norwegian Cruise Line.

They lead the outdoor activities and provide passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska. Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in gourmet cuisine in multiple restaurants, enjoy a complimentary cocktail or relax in an upscale spa. Ovation of the Seas sails round-trip from Seattle on seven-night cruises, but the exact itinerary varies by week. The ship cruises Endicott Arm for scenic views of Dawes Glacier and typically visits three Alaska ports and Victoria.

If you're nearing or already have hit retirement age and prefer to travel mostly with people who are at a similar stage in life as you, you'll feel right at home on a Holland America ship. Princess has long been heralded as one of the best cruise lines for multigenerational travel, in part because its ships offer a little something for travelers of all ages. Solo passengers on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss will also find a sometimes rollicking bar scene, with plenty of counter-style seating in bars that are a great place to meet other solo travelers and friendly guests. There, the bartender will muddle your mojitos with raspberry, guava, passion fruit or even jalapeno pepper to spice things up when you're sitting with your new solo friends. Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss are also our top picks for ships operating the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for solo travelers.

The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler - The Points Guy

The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler.

Posted: Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

To compare the facilities and services of different cruise lines, you can visit their official websites, read travel blogs or articles, and consult travel agents who specialize in cruises. Taking into account ship amenities, dining options, cabin types, and additional perks can help you choose the best fit for your preferences. Princess Cruises also provides a seamless integration of land and sea adventures in Alaska. With their renowned “Connoisseur” and “Off the Beaten Path” tours, you can embark on exclusive land excursions and experience the heart of the wilderness. From riding the historic and scenic Alaska Railroad to visiting remote wilderness lodges, Princess Cruises offers unparalleled opportunities to explore the unspoiled beauty of Alaska’s interior. For travelers seeking the epitome of indulgence amidst Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes, luxury cruise lines offer an unrivaled experience.

Due to unpredictable weather, though, there’s a risk of shore excursions being cancelled -- especially boat and helicopter tours. 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.

One hallmark of luxury cruising is the inclusion of all amenities, eliminating the need to worry about additional expenses during your voyage. From gourmet dining experiences to premium beverages, Wi-Fi access, and gratuities, these luxury cruise lines offer a truly all-inclusive experience. Indulge in spa treatments, take part in enriching onboard activities and entertainment, and enjoy the attentive service of dedicated butlers and concierge teams. Every aspect of your journey is carefully curated to ensure an unparalleled level of luxury and convenience. Now that it has a couple of seasons in Alaska under its belt, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is not holding back.