7 Best Alaska Cruises for Every Travel Style

A trip to Alaska tops many travelers’ wish lists, and for good reason. From Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest mountain, often shaded, to nature’s greatest light show, the Northern Lights, and opportunities to see wildlife such as moose, bears, wolves, whales, sea lions, sea otters, and more, the state lacks things to see and do, and the state’s name is derived from the Aleutian word “Alyeska,” which means “great land.” To really see it all, the best way to explore Alaska is by boat, and the best Alaska cruises have quickly made The Last Frontier one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world.

Alaska Cruise Lines first appeared in 1881, when the Pacific Coast Steamship Company began cruising inland waterways with its two vessels, the USS Ankon and the USS Idaho. Today, more than 20 cruise lines and small boats sail Alaska’s waterways, and visitors have a variety of options during the Alaska cruise season, which runs from April to October each year. If you’re planning a bucket list trip, we’ve selected the best Alaska cruises for all types of travel, from adventure to super luxury.

Best Alaska Cruise: Holland-America Route, New Amsterdam

Recommended itinerary: New Amsterdam,7 days glacier exploration

Departure time: August to September 2023; May to September 8; May-September 9

All-Star Facilities: Multiple balcony accommodations; the iconic Mariner’s Dream bed with luxurious European top-of-the-line mattresses; Peak Stadium; five specialty restaurants; Private balcony for breakfast or dinner; Couples’ packages

On its 150th anniversary, Dutch American Line has been sailing in and around Alaska for more than half of its 75th year, or <> years. The cruise line’s expertise in Alaska is evident in many ways, including having the most permits to visit Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line, and wildlife experts on each boat hosting daily programs that help passengers find and spot animals in Glacier Bay National Park. Their natural environment. The Dutch American Line “Close Up Alaska” tour gives guests an insight into the local culture through programs and activities on board and shore excursions. On all Alaska routes, a Huna Native interpreter is present on board the Holland American Line to share the history of the Tlingits.

In 2022, the cruise line became the first cruise line to be certified Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM), meaning its ships bound for Alaska offer only fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaskan seafood. The 7-day Glacier Discovery Tour offers both northbound and southbound routes, including cruises through the Inner Bay Channel and Glacier Bay, with stops at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

Best Alaskan Luxury Cruises: Cunard Cruises, Queen Elizabeth

Recommended itinerary: Queen Elizabeth Alaska 11 nights

Departure: June to September 2024

All-Star Amenities: Art Deco elegance; complimentary cabin robes and slippers; tea and coffee service; Eat breakfast in bed; traditional afternoon tea; Soiree; specialty restaurants; Garden-style gaming platform

Legendary Cunard Cruises, with more than 180 years of sailing history, returns to Alaska in 30 after nearly 2019 years. In addition to the White Star service that Cunard passengers have come to expect, there are 2,081 passengers. The Queen Elizabeth passenger route sails in style to Alaska, passing through Juneau, Kodiak, Skagway, Prince Rupert, Seward, Ketchican, Ice Channel Point, Sitka and Haynes. In addition to more than 140 shore-based experiences to immerse guests in this magical destination, Cunard Cruises invites explorers, travel writers and locals to share their passion and knowledge on board. Taking inspiration from Alaska, the cruise line serves specialty local dishes at the ship’s restaurant and returns to the Ice White Dance, a formal celebration with a glacial flavor.

The Best Alaskan Cruises for Families: Disney Cruise Lines, Disney Wonder

Disney Cruise Line guests can travel to Alaska on Disney Wonders for five, seven and nine nights from Vancouver, Canada, with stops at Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Ice Strait Point and Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, plus Victoria, Canada.

Recommended itinerary: Disney Wonders, 7-Night Alaska Cruise from Vancouver

Departure time: August to September 2023; May-September 8

All-Star Facilities: Multiple balcony accommodations; Broadway-quality performances; specialty restaurants; Adults-only swimming pools and hot tubs; Spa and salon

Disney Cruises first introduced three- and four-night itineraries in the Bahamas in 1998 and expanded into Alaska in the spring of 2011. The cruise line is celebrating its Jubilee at Sea with 23 5-, 7-, 8- and 9-night Alaska round-trip routes aboard the Disney Fantastic Wonder, all departing from Vancouver. Like all Disney Cruises voyages around the world, Alaska Cruises features a spacious cabin, split bathrooms; Kids Club for children aged 3 to 17; All meals, including snacks and room service; Broadway-quality stage performances, etc. Shore excursions include adventure activities such as ziplining, hiking and rafting, as well as seaplane adventures, photography adventures and afternoon tea. On Disney Alaska Cruises, adults can also indulge in adult-only dining, adults-only pools and hot tubs, fitness centers, and sensory spa salons.

Best Value Alaskan Cruises: Royal Caribbean Cruises, Radiance of the Seas

Recommended itineraries: Ocean Shining, Alaska Northbound, Hubbard Glacier

Departure time: 2023 to September; May-September 9

All-Star Facilities: Multiple balcony accommodations; The Royal Caribbean cruise ship has the highest number of glasses; climbing wall; Movies under the stars; All-you-can-eat kitchen brunch with sparkling wine; specialty dining options; solarium and adults’ indoor/outdoor seating area with whirlpool; Energizing spa and fitness centre

Set sail aboard Royal Caribbean Cruises and enjoy all that Alaska has to offer without spending too much. Royal Caribbean has 28 boats offering 59 different routes, ranging from 6 to 13 nights, to Alaska, ensuring your itinerary suits you best. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be ready for an Alaskan adventure, whether it’s a zipline flight over the treetops, binoculars ready on a whale watching tour, or watching a whale show in your cabin. Rugged scenery passes by your window. Keep an eye on pop-up promotions and make the most of your cruise trip, which can save you even more money that you can even use to enjoy your pre- or post-cruise trip.

Best Alaska Small Cruises: Alaska Star Dream Cruises, Chichag of Dream

Recommended itineraries: Chichagov’s Dream, North to True Alaska Adventure

Departure time: August to September 2023; May-September 8

All-Star Facility: Small cruise experience with only 76 passengers; 5-night itinerary; Travel with like-minded adventurers and practice enthusiasts

Alaska-owned and operated Alaska Dream Cruises dates back to 1970 when its parent company, Allen Marine, was founded by Bob Allen and Betty Allen and launched with St. Michael. In those days, Bob ran the boat while Betty and her children served guests hospitality and tea. Today, Allen Marine operates 30 cruise ships, including the five that make up Alaska’s Dream Cruises fleet, all with a capacity of 12 to 76 cruise passengers. Each all-inclusive small boat itinerary is designed to immerse guests in the real Alaska through excursions and adventures in southeast Alaska; Due to their smaller size, they can travel to more remote destinations, leaving the crowd behind. Knowledgeable expedition leaders serve as private guides on each voyage, sharing their expertise in biology, geography, and ecology, as well as sharing the lifestyle and legends of the local culture of Southeast Alaska. Life on five Alaska Dream Cruises cruises is casual and relaxed, with meals featuring fresh Alaskan cuisine.

Best Alaska Interior Passage Cruise: Hurtigruten Expeditions, MS Roald Amundsen

Recommended itineraries: Roald Amundsen, Inland Sea Passage, Bear Island, Aleutian Islands

Departure: September 2023; July to September 9

All-star facilities: balcony accommodation; fine dining for suite guests; Free WIFI; hot tub, infinity pool and sauna on board; Onboard Citizen Science Program

Hurtigruten Expeditions’ expeditions tradition dates back to 1896, so it’s no surprise to be in Alaska. Passionate about exploration, adventure and science, the cruise line has two hybrid technology vessels – the MS Roald Amundsen and the MS Fridtjof Nansen, built in 2019, built in 2020 – sailing in the waters surrounding this great land. Each boat features an observation deck, library, science center, hot tub, pool and explorer’s lounge, as well as a bar with floor-to-ceiling windows, so you’ll never miss a thing. Expeditions made up of Alaskan experts participate in each voyage, give lectures about the areas visited by the vessels, and guide passengers on outings such as walking in the rainforest and kayaking trips around the foot of the glacier. Guests can learn about the cultural heritage of remote communities and use binoculars to observe bears, whales, reindeer, moose, deer, wolves, birds and more. MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen embark on a 5- to 9-day Alaska voyage between May and September.

The Most Adventurous Alaska Cruise: Uncruise Adventures

Recommended itineraries: Wilderness Heritage, Glaciers and Serenity, Alaskan Adult Adventure

Departure dates: April, May, September 2024

All-Star Facilities: Beer and Wine Tastings; Free drinks; hot tub; natural persons and guides on board; Onboard launch platform for kayaks and paddle boards

For nearly 30 years, UnCruise Adventures has been committed to providing guests with a rich adventure travel experience that inspires an appreciation of the local culture and natural world to embark on a voyage path. Founded in Alaska in 1996, the company has a strong presence in this great land, offering 7-, 12- and 14-night routes that sail from April to September. This year, the cruise line added five new Alaska routes, including the adults-only Glacier & Serenity and Alaska Winter Sports with a focus on downhill and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, whale watching and Northern Lights viewing. Whichever itinerary you choose, you can easily experience numerous adventures from the boat. One day you may find yourself paddling in the morning and hiking in the afternoon, or kayaking later in the day and taking a small boat out to try and observe wildlife. For the brave, there is even the opportunity to go all-out for polar diving. All excursions are led by an experienced expedition team who provide all the equipment you need to fully enjoy your time in Alaska.