RD.COM Travel Vacations Experiences
ByLois Alter Mark
Updated: Mar. 15, 2024
Eager to cruise to the 49th State but don't know where to start? Whether you're traveling as a couple, a family or solo, we've found the best Alaska cruises just for you.
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via princess.com
Best time to cruise to Alaska
An Alaska cruise is such a popular bucket-list item because it’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Not only will you get to see breathtaking glaciers closer than you ever dreamed, but you’re also likely to see eagles soaring and whales spouting—often from the deck of your ship. The best Alaska cruises give you an opportunity to explore the Far North from both land and sea, and we’ve got cruise tips to help you optimize your time and your budget.
The state’s long, cold winters are not conducive to cruising, so the Alaska cruise season is relatively short. The best time to travel to Alaska is from late spring to early fall, with peak cruising happening during July and August. Those are also the most crowded and expensive months, so don’t rule out September, which is actually the best time to see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise. But with dozens of ships sailing to Alaska, how do you decide which are the best cruise lines for you?
Luckily, when it comes to Alaska cruises, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling solo or with kids, whether you’re looking for total luxury or a bargain and whether you love giant ships or something more intimate, we’ve found the best Alaska cruises to fit your needs. See which one sounds right for you, and once you’re booked, get a head start by checking out these hidden cruise features, cruise ship code words and things you can’t do on cruises.
How we chose the best Alaska cruises
To find the best Alaska cruises, we followed expert recommendations and read hundreds of user reviews and ratings. Because I’ve been on several Alaska cruises alone, with my family and with my husband, I also based my choices on my own personal experiences. After combining all that information, we came up with this guide to the best Alaska cruises.
Best overall
via princess.com
Princess Cruises
Princess has been cruising to Alaska for more than half a century, and they continue to lead the industry by bringing more guests to the state than any other cruise line. In fact, they introduced a generation to the idea of cruising via the hit TV show The Love Boat, which was set on a Princess ship and featured many episodes in Alaska! Because of their deep ties to the state, the cruise line is able to offer a variety of itineraries and shore excursions, and they even own a number of Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks, so you can add a land extension to your trip.
Onboard, there are plenty of activities for both adults and kids, including the North to Alaska enrichment program, which brings the state’s culture to you so you can sample fresh Alaska seafood and hear from local celebs like Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race.
Pros:
- Guests can meet Alaskan Huskies on the ship through Puppies in the Piazza!
- So many options for cruise length, extensions and land and sea packages
Con:
- Price is not all-inclusive
Best for families
via disneycruise.com
Disney Cruise Line
With lots of outdoor activities and great wildlife sightings, an Alaska cruise is ideal for kids, and not surprisingly, no one does it better for them than Disney. Kids will love whale watching, panning for gold, searching for black bears and going dog sledding—and they’ll equally love everything Disney has planned for them on the Disney Wonder, from live shows (“Frozen” takes on a whole new meaning in Alaska) and character greetings to kids clubs they won’t want to leave to themed pools and restaurants. Little ones will be just as happy to see Goofy as they are to see a glacier, making this the best cruise for kids. Before you go, check out these Disney cruise tips.
Pros:
- Disney is beloved by kids of all ages
- The focus is on families
Con:
- On the pricier side
Best adults-only
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Viking
If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska without the distraction of little kids, you’ll be in good company on Viking. Their gorgeous ocean ships sail with a maximum of 930 passengers, all over the age of 18, so you can indulge in adult conversation over a bottle of wine or a co*cktail or two. One of the many features that makes Viking the best adult-only cruise is that every single room comes with a private veranda, so you can take in the views and feel that fresh Alaska air with no one else around—and without paying extra. You can also get away without paying additional fees for shore excursions, because one is included in every port, giving you an opportunity to see the highlights of destinations including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka and Valdez.
Pros:
- Every stateroom has a veranda
- A shore excursion is included in every port
- Optional cruise extensions let you explore Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage on land
Con:
- The shortest Alaska cruise is 11 days
Best for solo travelers
via tripadvisor.com
Norwegian Cruise Line
Cruising has traditionally been a bit of a challenge for solo travelers because of the single supplement that basically makes them pay the same price for a room as two people sharing a room would pay in total. Not with Norwegian, the best singles cruise! The first cruise line to build staterooms and common areas specifically for solo travelers, they’ve made it easy for singles to cruise to Alaska comfortably and affordably. The Studio Lounge is a welcoming spot to meet other solo travelers so you can join up for meals or shore excursions to places like Dawes Glacier and Icy Strait Point.
Pros:
- No single supplement
- A dedicated lounge just for solo travelers
Con:
- Lots of families and kids, which may not appeal to solo travelers
Best for couples
via celebritycruises.com
Celebrity Cruises
The best cruise for couples, both straight and gay, Celebrity offers lots of opportunities for romantic experiences in Alaska, from hiking through a rainforest in Juneau to cuddling up during a ride back in time on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. On the ship itself, there are lots of spots where you can take some Instagrammable selfies with the majestic Alaska scenery behind you. What a backdrop for a wedding, honeymoon or vow renewal! Consider upgrading to The Retreat, Celebrity’s exclusive ship within a ship, for a more private and intimate cruise.
Pros:
- Many options for cruise length
- Offers land tour extensions
Con:
- Families with kids may disrupt the romantic atmosphere
Best budget
via carnival.com
Carnival Cruise Line
Yes, you can visit Alaska without spending a fortune, thanks to Carnival. You may not get all the bells and whistles that you would on more expensive cruises, but the views don’t cost anything, and they’re all around you as you chill by the pool or take advantage of one of the many activities and dining venues included in your fare. Save money to use for shore excursions by opting for an interior room, since you won’t be spending much time in your cabin anyway.
Pros:
- Affordable way to see Alaska
- Lots of cruise length options
Con:
- The party atmosphere may not be for everyone
Best luxury
via tripadvisor.com
Regent Seven Seas
Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer is all about luxury, from its all-suite design to its all-inclusive fares, which cover airfare, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants, gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry and unlimited shore excursions. With only 750 passengers, service is exceptional and personal. Itineraries can be customized to fit your specific interests, whether you want to take a glacier hike, immerse yourself in Alaska’s history or eat your way through the state.
Pros:
- Truly an all-inclusive cruise
- All-suite accommodations are roomy and plush
Con:
- Only one Regent Seven Seas ship sails to Alaska
Best small ship
via tripadvisor.com
Seabourn Cruise Line
A great choice for fans of smaller, more intimate ships, Seabourn’s Odyssey holds 450 passengers and treats them to a personal, all-inclusive luxury experience. Smaller ships can take you to spots where the bigger ones just can’t fit, and the Ventures by Seabourn program offers optional excursions where you can get up close and personal with some of Alaska’s most awe-inspiring sights via kayak and Zodiac. You’ll be sailing with a world-class expedition team, including a marine biologist, ornithologist, geologist, historian, photographer and natural experts who share their knowledge through lectures and casual conversations during scenic cruisings.
Pros:
- All-inclusive
- Offers 7- to 14-day cruises
- Gets you closer to Alaska’s natural beauty
Con:
- Expensive
Best large ship
via royalcaribbean.com
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Built for cruisers who believe the bigger, the better, Royal Caribbean’s megaship, Quantum of the Sea, is the biggest ship in the region, with the capacity to hold 4,905 passengers. It also boasts the tallest viewing deck on any cruise ship—perfect for enjoying the stunning Alaska scenery. Three other Royal Caribbean ships sail to the state, as well—all big and beautiful and filled with enough activities to keep travelers of every age busy, including their signature Rock Climbing Wall, simulated skydiving and surf sessions on the Flowrider. Yes, you can “surf” in Alaska!
Pros:
- There’s literally something for everyone
- Studio staterooms are designed for solo travelers
Con:
- It can get crowded
Best for land and sea
via tripadvisor.com
Holland America Line
With more than 75 years of experience in Alaska—the longest of any cruise line—Holland America knows the state inside and out and presents you with lots of ways to enjoy it, from both the sea and land. Not only do they feature the most Glacier Bay itineraries, but they’re also the only way to see the Yukon in combination with a cruise. You’ll get to stay at Holland America’s Westmark Hotels and their beautiful McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park, enabling you to get closer to wildlife and explore more of Alaska on land.
The cruise line has also expanded its onboard programming, so guests can engage with an Alaska naturalist, dig deeper into topics like Alaska’s bush pilots and learn from a National Park Ranger and local Huna Tlingit guides.
Pros:
- Every cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations
- Only cruise line to offer an Alaska cruise combined with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon
- Land and sea Cruisetours range from 9 to 18 days
Con:
- Caters to an older crowd
Originally Published: March 15, 2024
Author
Lois Alter Mark
Lois is an award-winning travel, lifestyle, shopping and entertainment writer. Her work has taken her to all seven continents and introduced her to new people, food and—her latest obsession—pickleball! An avid cruiser, she loves to share her joy for travel.
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