Alaska’s summer cruise season is a dream for travelers seeking wild beauty, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser, choosing the right itinerary and ship can make all the difference. Here’s a connoisseur’s guide to planning the ultimate Alaskan cruise.
Choosing Your Alaskan Cruise: Big Ships vs. Expedition Vessels
Major Cruise Lines
Pros:
- Wide range of amenities (multiple dining options, entertainment, pools, spas)
- Family-friendly activities and kids’ clubs
- More affordable per-night pricing and frequent deals
- Larger selection of cabin types and suites
- Extensive shore excursion programs
Cons:
- Larger crowds, especially at popular ports
- Less access to remote or smaller destinations
- Fixed schedules and less flexibility
Popular Major Lines: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises
Small Ships & Expedition Cruises
Pros:
- Access to secluded coves, smaller ports, and off-the-beaten-path locations
- Intimate onboard atmosphere and personalized service
- Expert naturalists and guided excursions
- Flexible itineraries that adapt to wildlife sightings and weather
- Zodiac landings and kayaking opportunities
Cons:
- Fewer onboard amenities and entertainment options
- Higher per-night cost
- Smaller cabins and limited dining venues
Notable Expedition Lines: UnCruise Adventures, Lindblad Expeditions, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Silversea Expeditions
Top Alaskan Cruise Itineraries
1. Inside Passage
Sail through a maze of forested islands, glacier-carved fjords, and charming coastal towns. Highlights include Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Glacier Bay National Park. The Inside Passage is ideal for first-timers and offers calm waters and abundant wildlife. Enjoy whale watching from the deck, spot sea lions basking on rocky outcrops, and marvel at the lush Tongass National Forest. In Juneau, take a tram up Mount Roberts for panoramic views or visit the Mendenhall Glacier. Ketchikan is famous for its colorful Creek Street and Native totem poles, while Skagway transports you back to the Gold Rush era with its historic railway and wooden boardwalks. Glacier Bay is a highlight, with park rangers onboard to narrate the dramatic scenery and calving glaciers.
2. Gulf of Alaska (Cross-Gulf)
These one-way cruises travel between Vancouver/Seattle and Anchorage (Seward or Whittier), adding stops like Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord. They’re perfect for combining a cruise with a land tour of Denali National Park or the Kenai Peninsula. The Gulf route offers more open water and a sense of true wilderness, with opportunities to see massive glaciers up close. In Seward, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center or embark on a wildlife cruise in Resurrection Bay. College Fjord dazzles with its collection of glaciers named after Ivy League schools, and Hubbard Glacier is renowned for its thunderous calving events. Many travelers extend their journey with a scenic train ride to Denali, where grizzly bears, moose, and caribou roam the tundra.
3. Remote & Expedition Routes
Smaller ships venture to less-visited places like Petersburg, Wrangell, Misty Fjords, and the Inian Islands. These itineraries focus on adventure, with more time for kayaking, hiking, and up-close wildlife encounters. Petersburg, known as “Little Norway,” charms with its fishing heritage and lack of big-ship crowds. Wrangell offers petroglyph beaches and access to the Stikine River wilderness. Misty Fjords National Monument is a wonderland of sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and rainforests—best explored by kayak or floatplane. The Inian Islands are a hotspot for sea otters, puffins, and whales. Expedition cruises often include Zodiac landings, guided hikes, and visits to remote Native villages, providing a deeper connection to Alaska’s wild heart.
Must-See Glaciers
- Glacier Bay National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site with tidewater glaciers, calving ice, and stunning scenery. Most major lines include a day of scenic cruising here.
- Hubbard Glacier: The largest tidewater glacier in North America, famous for its dramatic calving events.
- Tracy Arm Fjord: Home to the twin Sawyer Glaciers, this narrow fjord is a highlight for its steep cliffs, waterfalls, and floating icebergs.
- College Fjord: Known for its many glaciers named after Ivy League colleges, accessible on some Gulf of Alaska itineraries.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
- Whales: Humpback and orca sightings are common, especially near Juneau and Icy Strait Point.
- Bears: Look for brown and black bears fishing for salmon in streams near Ketchikan, Sitka, and on guided excursions.
- Eagles: Bald eagles are abundant throughout Southeast Alaska—bring binoculars!
- Sea Otters & Seals: Watch for playful otters and harbor seals lounging on ice floes.
- Birdlife: Puffins, murrelets, and other seabirds are highlights for birdwatchers.
Onshore Excursions & Experiences
- Dog Sledding: Take a helicopter to a glacier and try summer dog sledding—a true Alaskan thrill.
- Flightseeing: Scenic flights over glaciers, fjords, and Denali offer breathtaking views.
- Fishing: Join a salmon or halibut fishing charter in towns like Ketchikan or Sitka.
- Cultural Tours: Learn about Alaska Native heritage in totem parks, museums, and cultural centers.
- Hiking & Kayaking: Explore rainforests, fjords, and remote beaches with guided hikes or kayak tours.
- Gold Rush History: Walk the historic streets of Skagway or pan for gold in Juneau.
CruiseTours: The Best of Land and Sea
For those who want to experience more of Alaska beyond the coastline, consider booking a CruiseTour—a combination of a cruise and a land-based adventure. Major cruise lines offer CruiseTours that extend your trip with guided journeys to Denali National Park, Fairbanks, or the Kenai Peninsula. These packages include scenic rail journeys, wilderness lodges, and opportunities to see Alaska’s interior wildlife and landscapes. CruiseTours are ideal for travelers who want a deeper dive into Alaska’s culture, history, and natural wonders.
The Value of Using a Travel Agent
Planning an Alaskan cruise can be overwhelming with so many options for ships, itineraries, and excursions. A knowledgeable travel agent can help you navigate the choices, find the best deals, and match you with the right cruise line or expedition company for your interests and budget. Agents often have access to exclusive perks, such as onboard credits, cabin upgrades, or group rates. They can also assist with pre- and post-cruise arrangements, travel insurance, and last-minute changes. For complex trips like CruiseTours or multi-generational family vacations, a travel agent’s expertise can save you time, money, and stress—ensuring your Alaskan adventure is seamless and memorable.
Tips for a Memorable Alaskan Cruise
- Pack for all weather: Layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy shoes are essential.
- Book excursions early: Popular tours fill up fast, especially dog sledding and flightseeing.
- Bring binoculars and a good camera: Wildlife and glacier viewing are highlights.
- Consider a balcony cabin: The scenery is spectacular, and you’ll want a private view.
- Stay flexible: Weather can change quickly—embrace the adventure!
Conclusion
An Alaskan summer cruise is a bucket-list adventure, offering a blend of comfort, wilderness, and discovery. Whether you choose a grand liner or an intimate expedition ship, you’ll be rewarded with glaciers, wildlife, and memories to last a lifetime. Happy cruising!
