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There’s something undeniably magical about cruising through Alaska – the rugged landscapes, the thrill of spotting a humpback whale from your balcony, and the quiet awe of watching bald eagles soar overhead. But with so many cruise lines, routes, and sailing dates to choose from, planning the perfect trip can feel overwhelming. Should you sail the Inside Passage or cross the Gulf of Alaska? Is a small expedition ship worth the splurge, or will a big-ship cruise offer everything you need?
I spent a ton of time researching before our family’s cruise to find the perfect fit. Here’s my breakdown of everything you need to know to choose an Alaskan cruise that matches your style, budget, and bucket-list dreams—so you can spend less time stressing and more time imagining that first breathtaking view.
Key Considerations: Timing, Route, and Ship Type
These three factors will shape your experience (and your budget).
When to take Your Alaskan Cruise
Alaska’s cruise season runs from May through September. Because the window is short, demand is high—so book early and expect to pay a premium, especially for prime cabins. Many travelers book a year (or more) in advance.
Peak Season: June, July, and August offer the best weather and wildlife viewing. Humpback whales are active all season, but late summer is ideal for spotting other wildlife and enjoying fishing excursions.
Shoulder Season: May and September can offer deals, but come with colder, wetter weather. If you cruise during these months, pack for rain and chill—especially if you plan to be outside or take part in water-based excursions.
Once you’ve picked your dates, it’s time to choose your route—and that will help determine the type of ship that’s right for you.
Choosing a Route for Your Cruise
Where you start and end your cruise can influence your itinerary, cost, and even whether you need a passport.
Inside Passage Cruises: These round-trip cruises typically depart from Seattle or Vancouver and explore Southeast Alaska and British Columbia. Expect stops in Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and scenic cruising through Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, or Tracy Arm Fjord. Many also include a stop in Victoria, B.C.
Gulf of Alaska Cruises: These one-way trips usually start in Vancouver and end in Seward or Whittier, Alaska (or vice versa). They’re great if you want to explore Alaska’s interior before or after your cruise.
Small Ship Routes: Expedition cruises often depart from Juneau, Sitka, or Ketchikan and access ports that big ships can’t reach.
Things to Consider:
- Passport Requirements: If anyone in your group doesn’t have a passport, avoid cruises that start or end in Vancouver.
- Post-Cruise Plans: Want to explore inland Alaska? Choose a cruise that ends in Seward or Whittier.
- Flight Costs: Seattle is typically cheaper to fly in and out of than Vancouver or Alaska.
Deciding on a Cruise Line
Here’s how to match your cruise line to your travel style:
Best for Families & Multi-Generational Trips
Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, Carnival
These big-ship lines offer something for everyone—waterslides, game rooms, climbing walls, and family-friendly entertainment. Dining options range from buffets to themed nights, with specialty restaurants available for an extra fee. Excursions cater to all ages, and these lines tend to be the most budget-friendly, especially if you book during sales (Black Friday is a great time to look!).
Best for Couples & Seniors
Holland America, Celebrity, Princess
These lines cater to a more mature audience with refined entertainment like cooking classes, lectures, and wine tastings. You won’t find waterslides, but you will find thoughtful programming and elegant dining. For adults-only options, check out Viking and Virgin Voyages (new to Alaska in 2026)—though these have more limited itineraries.
Best for Adventure & Expedition
Lindblad Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures
If you want to get off the beaten path, these small ships offer immersive experiences in remote areas. Expect active excursions like kayaking, hiking, and zodiac rides, often led by expert naturalists or photographers. These cruises are more expensive but typically all-inclusive (except gratuities), and sail from ports like Juneau or Sitka.
Best for Luxury
Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea
Luxury lines offer premium service, gourmet dining, and unique itineraries. Most are all-inclusive and may include airfare, hotel stays, and transfers. If you’re looking for a high-end, seamless experience, these are worth the splurge.
How to Book an Alaskan Cruise
Booking an Alaskan cruise can feel like a puzzle—between choosing the right cruise line, selecting your room, and picking excursions, there’s a lot to consider. This is one vacation where working with a travel planner (especially one who specializes in cruises) can be a huge help. They can guide you on where to splurge and where to save.
That said, if you enjoy doing your own research, you can absolutely plan it yourself. A great resource is CruiseCritic.com, where you’ll find reviews, tips, and forums full of real traveler experiences—everything from the best stateroom locations to which excursions are worth it.
Watch Out for Extra Charges
Cruise pricing can be deceiving. What looks like a great deal at first glance can quickly add up once you factor in extras. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Gratuities: Most cruise lines automatically add daily gratuities to your bill.
- Packages: Beverage, specialty dining, and activity packages are often extra. Booking these early—especially during sales like Black Friday—can save you money.
- Inclusions: Some cruise lines offer perks like drink packages or Wi-Fi as booking bonuses. If you’re flexible on which line you sail with, it’s worth shopping around.
HOT TIP: If one person in your stateroom buys a drink package, everyone in the room usually has to buy one too.
Picking the Best Stateroom
If you’re cruising the Caribbean, an interior room might be a smart way to save. But on an Alaskan cruise? The views are part of the experience.
HOT TIP: If you’re sailing the Inside Passage, book a room on the land side of the ship—starboard (right) for northbound cruises and port (left) for southbound.
This is one trip where I think a balcony room is worth the splurge. Some of my favorite moments were spent sipping coffee on the balcony, watching the scenery drift by—and yes, spotting whales right from our room.
That said, if your priority is saving money for excursions or other experiences, an interior room is still a solid option. Just be sure to book early for the best selection.
Selecting the Right Excursions
The list of excursions can be overwhelming—dog sledding, glacier hikes, wildlife tours, cultural experiences… it’s a lot. Here’s how to narrow it down:
- Don’t overbook. You don’t need an excursion at every port. Some towns are perfect for exploring on your own.
- Book early. Popular excursions sell out, and prices can go up closer to departure.
- Know your limits. Choose excursions that match your fitness level and interests. A glacier hike sounds amazing—unless you’re not up for a strenuous trek.
- Consider third-party options. Sites like GetYourGuide often offer similar tours at lower prices. Just make sure the timing works with your ship’s schedule—cruise ships won’t wait if you’re late getting back.
Final Thoughts
Planning an Alaskan cruise is a big undertaking, but once you’ve narrowed down your timing, route, and cruise line, everything starts to fall into place. Whether you’re chasing adventure, traveling with kids, or looking for a luxurious escape, there’s a perfect Alaskan cruise waiting for you.
After researching every detail for our own trip, my biggest advice is this: make a list of your must-haves and build your budget around that. Whether it’s a balcony room, a once-in-a-lifetime excursion, or a specific cruise line, prioritize what matters most to you.
Still have questions? There’s a lot to know before you book your Alaskan cruise—drop a comment and I’ll be happy to help! Also make sure to check out my post about how to plan the perfect family vacation!
