Your Ultimate Guide to Planning an Alaska Cruise
Here is everything you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime!
John and I are heading on an Alaska cruise this May, and we couldn’t be more excited to finally check this destination off our bucket list! Visiting Alaska is something we’ve always dreamed of doing together. We’re most looking forward to the breathtaking views, indulging in delicious seafood, and (fingers crossed!) spotting whales. We’ll be sailing on a 7-day Alaska cruise with Royal Caribbean, marking our second cruise together. What makes this trip even more special is that it’ll be our first time staying in a balcony room—a must-have for this kind of voyage. I can already picture myself sipping morning coffee while soaking in Alaska’s stunning landscapes.
With that excitement in mind, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to planning the perfect Alaskan vacation. I’ll walk you through how I planned our trip, must-see sights, top excursions, ways to travel to Alaska, and so much more. Let’s dive in!
Why Take an Alaska Cruise?
Alaska is a bucket-list destination for most people, offering stunning glaciers, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Cruising is one of the best ways to explore Alaska's rugged beauty, with opportunities to experience charming coastal towns, thrilling excursions, and incredible natural wonders.
Step 1: Research & Planning
Planning an Alaska cruise involves several key decisions. Here's what to consider:
- Choose Your Departure Port: Where do you live and what port makes the most sense for you? The main thing that determined this for us was how expensive the flights were. Flying to Seattle from Tampa was half the price than to fly to Vancouver. Seattle, Washington was also a place that we have wanted to go, so we would be checking off two states in one trip.
Alaska cruises typically depart from:- Seattle, Washington: Most popular U.S. departure port with easy access and round-trip options.
- Vancouver, Canada: Offers scenic Inside Passage routes.
- San Francisco, California: Longer cruises with additional sea days.
- Anchorage, Alaska (via Seward or Whittier): Ideal for one-way cruises with extended land tours.
- Pick the Best Time to Cruise:
- May to September is the Alaska cruise season.
- May & September: Cooler temperatures but fewer crowds and lower prices.
- June to August: Warmer weather, best wildlife sightings, but higher prices and more tourists.
- Determine Cruise Length & Itinerary:
- 7-Day Cruises: Most common, covering major ports and scenic cruising.
- 10-14 Day Cruises: Include additional ports and glacier viewing.
- One-Way Cruises: Start in Vancouver or Seattle and end in Anchorage (or vice versa), perfect for adding a land tour.
- Budget Considerations:
- Prices vary depending on the cruise line, cabin type, and travel dates.
- Expect to spend between $600-$2,500 per person for a 7-night cruise.
- Budget for excursions, gratuities, travel insurance, and onboard expenses.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Cruise Line
There are a hand full of cruise lines you can choose from for Alaska. Several key factors can help you determine which option best suits your preferences, budget, and travel style. Here are the major cruise lines offering Alaska itineraries:
- Royal Caribbean: Family-friendly with adventure activities; prices start around $700 per person.
- Princess Cruises: Known for Alaska expertise and land-sea packages; starting at $650 per person.
- Holland America Line: Offers immersive cultural experiences; prices from $600 per person.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Flexible dining options and modern ships; from $700 per person.
- Celebrity Cruises: Premium experience with upscale amenities; starting at $800 per person.
- Carnival Cruise Line: Budget-friendly with fun onboard activities; from $600 per person.
- Disney Cruise Line: Perfect for families; prices generally start at $1,000 per person.
Here are the main determining factors to consider:
🛳️ 1. Itinerary & Ports of Call
- Route: Some cruise lines offer unique ports or scenic cruising days through places like Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, or Tracy Arm Fjord.
- Departure Port: Consider where the cruise departs from (Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco, or Anchorage) for convenience and travel costs.
- One-Way vs. Round-Trip: One-way cruises (between Vancouver and Anchorage) allow for extended land tours, while round-trip cruises (from Seattle or Vancouver) are often more convenient.
💵 2. Budget & Pricing
- Cruise prices can vary significantly based on the cruise line, ship, cabin choice, and timing.
- Mainstream lines (e.g., Royal Caribbean, Carnival) tend to be more budget-friendly.
- Premium and luxury lines (e.g., Celebrity, Princess, Holland America, Regent Seven Seas) offer more inclusions but at a higher price point.
👨👩👧👦 3. Onboard Experience & Amenities
- Family-Friendly Options: Lines like Disney and Royal Caribbean offer activities for kids and teens.
- Adult-Focused Experiences: Celebrity or Holland America cater to a more mature crowd with fine dining and enrichment programs.
- Adventure & Wellness: Some ships offer rock climbing, spas, and fitness programs.
🏔️ 4. Excursions & Shore Activities
- Check if the cruise line partners with reputable local tour companies.
- Some lines focus on outdoor adventures (dog sledding, hiking), while others emphasize cultural experiences (native heritage tours, totem parks).
🚢 5. Ship Size & Atmosphere
- Smaller ships (e.g., Regent Seven Seas, Silversea) can access more remote areas and provide a quieter, more intimate experience.
- Larger ships offer more amenities (pools, shows, multiple dining options) but may not reach smaller ports.
🌿 6. Scenic Viewing Opportunities
- Balcony cabins are ideal for Alaska cruises. Check which cruise lines provide ample viewing areas (indoor lounges, wraparound decks).
- Some ships have heated outdoor areas and panoramic lounges for comfort during scenic cruising.
🧳 7. Pre- and Post-Cruise Land Tours
- If you want to explore interior Alaska (e.g., Denali National Park), look for cruise lines like Princess and Holland America that offer Cruisetours combining land and sea options.
📅 8. Cruise Duration
- 7-Day Cruises: Most common and convenient.
- 10-14 Day Cruises: Allow for more in-depth exploration but require more time and budget.
🥂 9. Inclusions & Perks
- Some lines include drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions in the base fare.
- Look out for promotional offers like free upgrades, onboard credit, or dining packages.
🌊 10. Sustainability Efforts
- Environmentally conscious travelers may prefer lines with eco-friendly initiatives, like reducing emissions or supporting local Alaskan communities.
Step 3: Top Things to Do & See in Alaska
Whether you love adventure, wildlife, or cultural experiences, Alaska has something for everyone. John and I are mainly focused on seeing as many animals as we can. Here are must-see attractions and activities:
Port Highlights:
- Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching tours, Mount Roberts Tramway.
- Skagway: White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, hiking, and gold rush history tours.
- Ketchikan: Misty Fjords flightseeing, lumberjack shows, and totem pole parks.
- Sitka: Russian heritage sites, raptor center visits, and coastal hikes.
- Glacier Bay National Park: Cruise through breathtaking glaciers and spot wildlife.
- Hubbard Glacier: Experience the awe of calving glaciers from the ship.
Excursion Ideas:
These are going to vary a lot depending on your budget. There are some really cool and unique experiences. John and I personally did not want to spend a lot when it came to the excursions, so we are going whale watching and on a sightseeing tour. Here are the main excursions:
- Dog sledding on a glacier
- Kayaking among icebergs
- Helicopter tours over glaciers
- Wildlife safaris (bears, whales, eagles, and sea lions)
- Salmon fishing adventures
Step 4: Tips for Booking & Saving
- Book Early: Alaska cruises are popular; book at least 6-12 months ahead.
- Consider Shoulder Seasons: May and September cruises offer lower fares.
- Use a Travel Agent: They often have access to special deals and perks.
- Join Cruise Line Loyalty Programs: Earn discounts and onboard benefits.
- Monitor Sales: Cruise lines frequently offer promotions with free perks (e.g., beverage packages, onboard credits).
Step 5: What to Pack
Alaska’s weather is unpredictable. Here’s what to bring:
- Layers (thermal shirts, fleece, waterproof jackets)
- Comfortable walking shoes and waterproof boots
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (glacier glare is real!)
- Swimsuit for onboard pools and hot tubs
Final Thoughts
An Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. With a bit of planning, you can maximize your experience and create lifelong memories. I can't wait for john and I's cruise in May and to share all of our personal experiences, pictures, and suggestions.
Are you planning your own Alaska cruise? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments! And make sure to follow my blog and subscribe so you don't miss our post-trip recap after I set sail with Royal Caribbean this May!