Exploring the wild and pristine beauty of Alaska on a cruise is exceptional.
With the many options available, settling on the best Alaska cruise itinerary can be confusing.
Read on as I share with you how to choose the best Alaska cruise itinerary and the ideal time to visit.
You will also discover the available cruise line options and the popular cruise ports in Alaska worth touring.
Alaska Cruises
Taking an Alaskan cruise is part of most people’s bucket list. Besides enjoying the luxury of residing in a state-of-the-art vessel, you will witness the breathtaking wilderness and landscape up close.
Get the opportunity to visit charming seaside towns, gigantic glaciers, and evergreen national parks in a simple yet comfortable way.
People of all ages, nationalities, group types, and family settings go on these large ships with all the comforts of home and more.
Similar to a resort, albeit on water, there are casinos on board, spas, entertainment shows, and recreational activities. Even as you plan your Alaska cruise, consider your budget, ideal visiting time, and the perfect itinerary.
Besides booking the cruise, you must plan, especially matters of flights and accommodations for one-way cruises.
Car rentals and travel insurance are also necessary, especially if you intend to add a land package to your cruise tour.
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What Is The Best Month Of The Year To Go On An Alaskan Cruise?
Alaska is warmest in July and August, and it is the best time of the year to go on an Alaskan cruise.
Nevertheless, the cruise season begins in May and ends in late September. Soak in the midnight sun with hundreds of other travelers while you tour the best active glaciers.
Tips For Choosing The Perfect Alaska Cruise Itinerary
When deciding which Alaska cruise to book, consider a few things.
Ask yourself questions such as:
- How long will the cruise last? Usually, Alaska cruises last seven days, with shorter and longer itineraries available. However, this tends to be from smaller boat charters that may cost more.
- Which is your preferred Alaskan destination? While most cruises visit the famous glaciers and fjords, some may bypass them depending on timing. Ensure you choose one that goes to Hubbard Glacier, the fjords, Glacier Bay, or Endicott Arm.
- Do you prefer an adult-friendly cruise? If you would rather visit when fewer children are aboard, then book off-season cruises when schools are in session.
- Which port will you depart from? Most visitors to Alaska prefer departing from San Francisco or Seattle, especially since domestic flights are readily available.
- Is your trip one-way or round-trip? One-way trips may be expensive, as you need to book separate flights and accommodation. Still, they offer the best flexibility as you can customize your Alaskan adventure to include more destinations.
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The Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary (My Top Picks)
As a well-loved destination, Alaska has two popular cruise itineraries. Although both depart from the same ports, they are different experiences. These are:
One-way Cruise to the Gulf of Alaska
A one-way cruise itinerary to the Gulf of Alaska usually ends in Anchorage (Whittier) or Seward. If you are already in Anchorage, you can join the cruise there.
Although you may pass through the Inside Passage and see Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and Glacier Bay, you will have fewer port stops.
The Gulf of Alaska one-way cruises are ideal for exploring mainland Alaska as they are short. Add a fishing trip, flightseeing tour, or drive to other Alaskan locations if you want more adventure.
However, the sea is rougher in September, and the Gulf of Alaska cruise can be challenging for those with motion sickness.
Round trip Cruise of the Inside Passage
The Inside Passage round-trip cruise itinerary is the most popular in Alaska. Although most passengers board the ships in Vancouver, you can begin the trip from San Francisco or Seattle.
Once you start the journey north, you will visit the major ports such as Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.
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Since it lasts, on average, 7 days, you can have a land tour or choose a longer cruise to visit the smaller ports.
However, similar to the Gulf of Alaska cruise, you will see the Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, and Dawes Glacier. The active Hubbard and Dawes Glaciers are a sight to behold, so try not to miss the loud calving show.
The Top Rated Cruise Lines In Alaska
The choice of which cruise line to book should depend on your budget, amenities, and the kind of experience you want.
If you are an adventure seeker, go for one with numerous land excursions. For those who seek luxurious or family-friendly settings, a cruise line with these options is your best bet.
Here’s a summary of the best cruise lines in Alaska to make your trip memorable.
| Package | Cruise Line | Best Features |
|---|---|---|
| Family-friendly Cruises Kids under 10 | Carnival Cruise Line Disney Cruise Line | Dr.Seuss Character Disney Characters |
| Family-friendly Cruises Teenagers and Young Adults | Princess Cruises Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line | Sport Courts Rock Climbing Go-Karts Video Game Stations |
| Senior-friendly Cruises Perfect for all age groups | Holland America Line Celebrity Cruises Princess Cruises | Multi-generational Activities |
| Adventure Seekers Cruises | Hurtigruten Expeditions | Remote Fishing Day Park Trips Kayaking Cycling |
| Honeymoon and Couple Luxury Cruises | Viking Ocean Cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises Oceania Cruises | World-class Dining Butler Services Spa Treatments |
FAQ’s About Alaska Cruise Itinerary
How many days are best for an Alaskan cruise?
7-10 days. In a week, you will visit all the scenic spots, including mountains and glaciers.
Furthermore, popular cruise lines touring the Alaska Inside Passage have seven-day itineraries, especially those from Vancouver or Seattle.
How much money do you need for an Alaskan cruise?
The cost of an Alaska cruise depends on the type of cruise experience, room category, and the number of days. With the prices ranging between $700 to over $6000 per person, it is ideal to choose an all-inclusive cruise.
The best budget should cover all excursions you make off the ship. For the best Alaskan experience, I recommend you set aside at least $1000 to $2000 for shore trips.
What is the cheapest month to cruise in Alaska?
Although the busiest Alaska cruise season is between June and August, it is also the most expensive. School is out, and the warmer weather means more people will prefer the trip up North.
However, consider traveling in May, April, or September to save money. School is still in session in May and April, and in September, most of the crowd has thinned out.
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Conclusion
The best Alaska cruise itinerary will leave you reeling from the exhilarating one-of-a-kind experience. Remember to take advantage of the exciting onboard activities to maximize your time.
Once you get to the Last Frontier, immerse yourself in the land’s natural beauty, capturing as many memories as possible. You want to get it right the first time, as cruises are not an everyday thing.
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