How to Find and Book the Best Alaska cruises

Alaska, known as the Last Frontier, offers a unique cruising experience with its stunning glaciers, diverse wildlife, and rugged landscapes. Finding and booking the best Alaska cruise requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process and secure the ideal Alaska cruise for your preferences and budget.

In a Nutshell…

1. Best Time to Book: Book early, ideally 6-12 months in advance, when cruise lines first open bookings. This ensures better cabin selection and fares.
2. Peak Season: Mid-June through mid-July offers optimal weather and daylight for cruising Alaska.
3. Megaresort Experience: Consider Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas for amenities, glitz, and family-friendly features. It sails round-trip from Seattle, offering scenic views and unique experiences.
4. Land and Sea Adventures: Holland America Line’s Koningsdam combines sea voyages with land tours, allowing you to explore both coastal and inland Alaska.
5. Luxury Cruises: Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar offer high-end experiences with immersive nature and wildlife encounters.
6. Expedition Cruises: For small ship adventures, consider lines like Alaskan Dream Cruises, Lindblad, and UnCruise Adventures, focusing on nature and wildlife experiences.
7. Family-Friendly Options: Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International cater to families with diverse activities and entertainment.
8. Couples’ Retreat: Celebrity Cruises provides a romantic atmosphere for couples seeking an intimate Alaska experience.
9. Budget-Conscious Cruisers: Explore budget-friendly options that still offer adventure and scenic beauty.

Understanding Alaska Cruise Seasons

Alaska’s cruise season typically runs from May to September, with each month offering different experiences:

• May and September: Shoulder season with fewer crowds and lower prices, but cooler weather
• June to August: Peak season with warmer weather, longer days, and more wildlife sightings

Popular Alaska Cruise Itineraries

1. Inside Passage: The most common route, typically 7 days, visiting ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan
2. Gulf of Alaska: Often one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward/Whittier, including Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier
3. Expedition Cruises: Smaller ships offering more intimate experiences in less-visited areas

Steps to Find and Book the Best Alaska Cruise

1. Determine Your Budget

Alaska cruises can range from budget-friendly to luxury experiences. Consider all costs, including:

• Cruise fare
• Airfare to embarkation/disembarkation ports
• Shore excursions
• Onboard expenses
• Pre or post-cruise land tours

2. Choose Your Cruise Line

Major cruise lines offering Alaska itineraries include:

• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Royal Caribbean
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Line

For more luxurious or expedition-style cruises, consider:

• Silversea
• Seabourn
• UnCruise Adventures
• Lindblad Expeditions

Research each line’s reputation, onboard amenities, and typical passenger demographics to find the best fit.

3. Select Your Itinerary

Consider which ports and glaciers you want to visit. Some key decisions include:

• Round-trip vs. one-way cruise
• Departure port (Seattle, Vancouver, or Alaskan ports)
• Inclusion of Glacier Bay National Park (limited permits available)

4. Choose Your Ship

Factors to consider when selecting a ship include:

• Size: Larger ships offer more amenities, while smaller ships can access more remote areas
• Age: Newer ships often have more modern facilities
• Cabin types available
• Onboard activities and dining options

5. Decide on Timing

Consider factors such as:

• Your preferred weather conditions
• Likelihood of wildlife sightings
• Northern Lights visibility (late August to September)
• Your schedule and ability to travel during different months

6. Research and Compare Prices

Use various resources to find and compare cruise options:

• Cruise line websites
• Online travel agencies (Expedia, Cruise Critic, etc.)
• Local travel agents specializing in cruises

Look for promotions, such as:

• Early booking discounts
• Last-minute deals (if your schedule is flexible)
• Onboard credit offers
• Drink packages or Wi-Fi inclusions

7. Consider a Cruise Tour

Many cruise lines offer land tours before or after the cruise, allowing you to explore interior Alaska, including:

• Denali National Park
• Fairbanks
• Anchorage

These can add significant value to your Alaska experience but also increase the overall cost and duration of your trip.

8. Plan Shore Excursions

Research shore excursions at each port. Popular options include:

• Glacier helicopter tours
• Dog sledding
• Whale watching
• Salmon fishing
• Gold panning
• Native cultural experiences

Booking through the cruise line offers convenience and guaranteed return to the ship, but independent bookings can sometimes be more cost-effective.

9. Book Your Cruise

Once you’ve made your decision:

• Book directly through the cruise line or your chosen travel agent
• Consider travel insurance to protect your investment
• Pay attention to deposit and final payment deadlines

10. Arrange Transportation

Book flights to your embarkation port, allowing ample time for potential delays. Consider arriving a day early to explore the departure city and avoid stress.

11. Pack Appropriately

Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable. Essential items include:

• Layered clothing
• Waterproof jacket and shoes
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Camera with extra batteries
• Motion sickness remedies

Tips for Finding the Best Alaska Cruise Deals

1. Book Early: The best cabins and prices are often available 12-18 months in advance.
2. Be Flexible: Consider shoulder season dates for better pricing.
3. Sign Up for Newsletters: Cruise lines often send exclusive deals to email subscribers.
4. Use a Travel Agent: They may have access to unpublished deals and can provide valuable advice.
5. Check for Resident and Military Discounts: Some lines offer special rates for residents of certain states or military personnel.
6. Consider Repositioning Cruises: These one-way trips at the beginning or end of the Alaska season can offer significant savings.
7. Look for Kids Sail Free Promotions: If traveling with family, these can provide substantial savings.
8. Compare Cruise Fare with Airfare: Sometimes a higher cruise fare from a closer port can be offset by lower airfare costs.

Finding and booking the best Alaska cruise requires careful consideration of various factors, including budget, preferred itinerary, and desired onboard experience. By following these steps and tips, you can navigate the many options available and secure an Alaska cruise that meets your expectations. Remember that while price is important, value should be the ultimate goal – choose a cruise that offers the experiences and amenities that will make your Alaska adventure truly memorable.

The best of the best cruise experience

Finding and booking the best Alaska cruise requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process and secure an unforgettable Alaskan adventure:

Research Cruise Lines and Ships

Start by exploring the top cruise lines that operate in Alaska. Some of the best options include:Holland America Line: Known for its extensive experience in Alaska, Holland America offers a wide range of itineraries and is often considered the best overall choice for Alaska cruises.Princess Cruises: Another top-rated line for Alaska, Princess provides excellent onboard experiences and diverse shore excursions.Celebrity Cruises: The Celebrity Edge, new to Alaska in 2024, offers a premium experience with innovative features like the Magic Carpet and Eden

2.Norwegian Cruise Line: Great for families, Norwegian ships like the Encore provide numerous onboard activities and entertainment options

2.Royal Caribbean International: Ships like Ovation of the Seas offer a mix of adventure and luxury, appealing to various traveler types

2.

Choose Your Itinerary

Alaska cruises typically fall into three categories:

1. Inside Passage: Round-trip cruises from Seattle or Vancouver, usually 7 nights.
2. Gulf of Alaska: One-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, often combined with land tours.
3. Expedition cruises: Smaller ships that can access more remote areas.

Popular ports of call include:

• Juneau
• Ketchikan
• Skagway
• Sitka
• Glacier Bay National Park
• Hubbard Glacier

Consider Cruise Duration

While 7-night cruises are most common, longer itineraries are becoming increasingly popular. For 2025, Princess Cruises is offering new extended voyages, including a 22-day roundtrip from San Francisco and a 17-day roundtrip from Seattle.

Timing Your Cruise

The Alaska cruise season typically runs from May to September. Each month offers unique experiences:

• May and September: Shoulder season with fewer crowds and potential deals
• June to August: Peak season with warmer weather and longer days
• July and August: Best for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities

Choosing Your Cabin

When selecting your cabin, consider:

• Balcony rooms: Highly recommended for Alaska to enjoy private views of scenery and wildlife
• Oceanview cabins: A more budget-friendly option that still provides scenic views
• Interior cabins: The most economical choice, but you’ll miss out on direct views

Booking Shore Excursions

Alaska offers a wealth of exciting shore excursions. Popular options include:

• Whale watching tours
• Glacier hiking or flightseeing
• Dog sledding experiences
• Native cultural tours
• Salmon fishing trips

Book early to secure spots on popular excursions, especially for Glacier Bay National Park tours.

Packing for Your Cruise

Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers, including:

• Waterproof jacket
• Warm sweaters or fleeces
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Camera for capturing the stunning scenery

Budgeting for Your Cruise

Consider these factors when budgeting:

• Cruise fare
• Airfare to departure port
• Shore excursions
• Onboard expenses (drinks, specialty dining, spa treatments)
• Travel insurance

Look for cruise deals and promotions, which are often available for early bookings or last-minute sailings.

Enhancing Your Alaska Experience

To make the most of your Alaska cruise:

• Consider a cruisetour: These combine a cruise with a land tour, allowing you to explore more of Alaska’s interior, including Denali National Park.
• Participate in onboard programs: Many cruise lines offer Alaska-focused enrichment programs. For example, Princess Cruises’ North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture, and cuisine onboard.
• Try local cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to taste fresh Alaskan seafood, including salmon and king crab.

Booking Your Cruise

When you’re ready to book:

1. Compare prices: Check multiple websites and consider working with a travel agent specializing in Alaska cruises.
2. Look for perks: Many cruise lines offer incentives like onboard credit, drink packages, or free Wi-Fi.
3. Read the fine print: Understand cancellation policies and what’s included in your fare.
4. Consider travel insurance: Given Alaska’s remote nature, travel insurance can provide peace of mind.

Preparing for Your Departure

As your cruise date approaches:

• Complete online check-in as early as possible
• Review and book shore excursions
• Make any necessary dining reservations
• Ensure your passport is valid (required for cruises departing from Vancouver)

By thoroughly researching and planning your Alaska cruise, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable journey through the Last Frontier. From witnessing calving glaciers and spotting diverse wildlife to experiencing Native Alaskan culture and savoring fresh seafood, an Alaska cruise offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural wonder. Whether you choose a large ship with numerous amenities or a smaller expedition vessel for a more intimate experience, Alaska’s stunning landscapes and rich experiences await your discovery.

– Reviewed by Contributing Author Silvester Thomson