BEST ALASKA CRUISE ITINERARY: The Ultimate Guide

Cruise ships can explore Alaska, which is a stunning and wild place. When planning an Alaska cruise, there are many things to consider, such as when to go, which cruise line is best suited to your travel style, the best Alaska cruise ports to visit, and which shoreside activities you want to prioritize. All the Alaska ports of call are interesting and different in their ways and all are surrounded by life-affirming natural beauty. You can decide between a cross-gulf cruise or inside passage only, a big ship or a small ship, and options for scenic cruising around glaciers. When it comes to determining the best Alaska cruise itinerary, there are several factors to consider, such as the ports of call, scenic cruising destinations, and the overall experience you are looking for.

Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary

An adventure awaits you as you sail through the unforgettable Alaska Cruise Itinerary, where the beauty of the Last Frontier unfolds before your eyes. From towering ice-capped peaks to charming coastal towns, this itinerary promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These are the best Alaska cruise itineraries.

#1. Inside Passage Itinerary

The Inside Passage is one of the most popular cruise itineraries in Alaska. This route includes ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, which are known for their stunning natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities. This itinerary often offers a good balance between scenic cruising and port visits.

#2. Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay is a highlight of many Alaska cruises. The park is home to stunning glaciers, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife. Some itineraries include a full day of scenic cruising through Glacier Bay, allowing passengers to get up close to these majestic glaciers.

#3. Denali National Park

Denali National Park is very convenient for those who want to combine a cruise with a land tour. The itinerary is home to North America’s highest peak, Mount Denali, and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and scenic drives.

#4. Hubbard Glacier

Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America and is often included in Alaska cruise itineraries. It offers a dramatic backdrop for scenic cruising and provides an opportunity to witness the calving of icebergs into the water.

#5. Tracy Arm Fjord

Tracy Arm Fjord is another popular destination for Alaska cruises. It features towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Cruising through Tracy Arm allows for breathtaking views and potential wildlife sightings.

#6. Kenai Fjords National Park

Including a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park in your Alaska cruise itinerary provides an opportunity to see breathtaking glaciers and diverse marine wildlife. This itinerary is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of Alaska’s coastal landscapes and marine ecosystems.

#7. Sitka and Glacier Bay Combination

Combining a visit to Sitka with Glacier Bay National Park offers a unique blend of Alaska’s cultural and natural wonders. Sitka is known for its rich Russian and Native American heritage, and visitors can explore historical sites like St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House.

#8. Bering Sea and the Aleutian Islands

For those seeking a more remote and off-the-beaten-path Alaska cruise itinerary, exploring the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands might be an excellent choice. This itinerary offers a truly adventurous and less-traveled route through Alaska’s western frontier.

#9. Glacier Discovery Route

The Glacier Discovery Route is an Alaska cruise itinerary that starts in Vancouver, Canada, and concludes in Seward or Whittier, Alaska. This itinerary offers a mix of coastal cruising, glacier viewing, and visits to ports such as Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.

#10. Northern Highlights

The Northern Highlights itinerary focuses on exploring the less-visited regions of Alaska, including ports like Sitka, Haines, and Icy Strait Point. This itinerary often includes opportunities for bear viewing, visits to native heritage centers, and encounters with Alaska’s diverse wildlife.

Features of the Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary

Certain features are commonly sought by travelers. These features make for a great Alaska cruise itinerary and they include

#1. Glacier Viewing

The highlight of any Alaska cruise is the opportunity to witness the majestic glaciers up close. These glaciers offer breathtaking views and the chance to witness calving, where chunks of ice break off and plunge into the water.

#2. Scenic Cruising

Alaska is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, and a great itinerary will include ample time for scenic cruising through the Inside Passage or other picturesque areas. This allows passengers to enjoy panoramic views of towering mountains, fjords, and coastal wildlife from the comfort of their ship.

#3. Wildlife Encounters

Alaska is filled with diverse wildlife, and the best itineraries often include opportunities for wildlife spotting. You may spot humpback whales, orca whales, seals, sea lions, and eagles.

#4. Cultural Experiences

Alaska has a rich indigenous heritage and vibrant local cultures. The best Itineraries include visiting native heritage centers, enjoying traditional performances, and learning about the history and traditions of Alaska’s native peoples.

#5. Shore Excursions

The Alaska cruise itinerary offers a variety of exciting shore excursions. These can include activities like dog sledding on a glacier, hiking through pristine wilderness, and exploring historic gold rush towns.

#6. Variety of Ports

A great Alaska cruise itinerary includes a mix of ports, each offering its unique attractions and experiences. This allows you to explore a range of Alaskan towns, each with its charm and character.

#7. Educational Opportunities

Alaska is a land of natural and cultural wonders, and the best itineraries often include educational opportunities. This can include onboard lectures, presentations by naturalists or park rangers, and guided tours at ports of call.

#8. Outdoor Activities

The best Alaska itineraries offer options for kayaking, fishing, hiking, or even helicopter tours to remote areas. These activities allow you to fully immerse yourself in Alaska’s stunning natural beauty.

#9. Longer Cruises

Shorter Alaska cruises are popular, but longer itineraries often provide a more comprehensive and immersive experience. Some cruises last 10–14 days or more, as they allow for more time to explore multiple ports, and engage in a variety of activities.

#10. All-Inclusive Packages

All-inclusive Alaska cruise packages often include accommodations, meals, onboard activities, and some shore excursions. They provide peace of mind and allow you to fully enjoy your Alaska cruise without worrying about additional expenses.

Alaska Cruise Itinerary: Ports of Call

The Alaska cruise itinerary’s Ports of Call outline the places the cruise ship will visit during the journey, including cities, towns, and natural landmarks in Alaska and possibly neighboring regions. These ports of call are key highlights of the cruise experience, and passengers often have the opportunity to disembark and explore each destination before returning to the ship for the next leg of the journey.

Here are some of the different ports of call in an Alaska cruise itinerary:

#1. Juneau

As the capital of Alaska, Juneau is a popular port of call. It offers a range of attractions, including the Mendenhall Glacier, and Mount Roberts Tramway, and opportunities for whale-watching tours and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.

#2. Skagway

Skagway is known for its rich Gold Rush history. Visitors can explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, take a scenic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, or embark on outdoor adventures like hiking and dog sledding.

#3. Ketchikan

It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World. Ketchikan offers opportunities for salmon fishing, wildlife tours, and exploring Native American culture. The town is famous for its totem poles, and visitors can learn about Native Alaskan heritage at the Totem Heritage Center.

#4. Sitka

Sitka is a beautiful town with a strong Russian influence. Travelers can explore historical sites like the Russian Bishop’s House and St. Michael’s Cathedral, as well as enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife tours.

#5. Victoria, British Columbia

Some Alaska cruise itineraries include a stop in Victoria, which is located in British Columbia, Canada. Known for its British charm, Victoria offers attractions such as the famous Butchart Gardens, the historic Inner Harbour, and the Royal BC Museum.

#6. Icy Strait Point

Just located near Hoonah, Icy Strait Point offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Visitors can enjoy the Native Alaskan culture, go whale-watching, zipline, or take a nature hike in the surrounding wilderness.

#7. Seward

Seward is a popular port for cruises that start or end in Anchorage. It is located on the Kenai Peninsula and offers access to Kenai Fjords National Park. Visitors can take a boat tour to see glaciers, marine wildlife, and stunning coastal landscapes.

#8. Haines

Haines is a small town nestled between mountains and the ocean, known for its natural beauty and wildlife. Visitors can go on wildlife tours to spot bald eagles, bears, and whales. Haines is also home to the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, which attracts a large number of eagles during the salmon spawning season.

#9. Wrangell

Wrangell is an unpopular port of call with a rich Native American heritage. Tourists can explore the Totem Heritage Center, which houses a collection of intricately carved totem poles. Outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking, fishing, or take a boat tour to see the nearby Stikine River and LeConte Glacier.

#10. Anchorage

Anchorage is not a traditional port for cruise ships but some itineraries include a stop here. This is the largest city in Alaska and serves as a gateway to the state’s stunning wilderness. Visitors can explore the Anchorage Museum, go hiking in Chugach State Park, or take a scenic flight to see the nearby glaciers.

The Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary Lines

The best Alaska cruise itinerary lines are cruise companies offering exceptional Alaska cruise experiences, including stunning natural scenery, exciting shore excursions, comfortable accommodations, and high-quality services. These popular cruise lines are known for their Alaska itineraries

#1. Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is one of the best cruise lines in Alaska. They have a long history of sailing in Alaska and offer a variety of itineraries that include popular ports of call like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Princess Cruises is also known for its onboard enrichment programs.

#2. Holland America Line

Holland America Line is another reputable cruise line that offers Alaska itineraries. They provide a range of options, from one-way cruises that include Glacier Bay National Park to round-trip cruises departing from Vancouver or Seattle. Holland America Line incorporates unique experiences.

#3. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its Freestyle Cruising concept, which allows passengers to have more flexibility in dining and entertainment options. The cruise line also offers a variety of shore excursions for guests to explore Alaska’s wilderness.

#4. Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International offers Alaska cruises with itineraries that include popular ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria. They are known for their innovative onboard amenities, such as rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and Broadway-style shows.

#5. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises provides Alaska itineraries that offer a blend of luxury and natural beauty. Their ships are known for their modern design and upscale amenities, as well as scenic cruising in Hubbard Glacier or Tracy Arm Fjord.

#6. Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line offers Alaska itineraries that provide a fun and lively atmosphere onboard. Their itineraries often include stops at popular ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Carnival Cruise Line has affordable pricing and a wide range of onboard activities.

#7. Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises offers luxury Alaska itineraries that cater to travelers. Their ships provide a more intimate and upscale experience, with personalized service, gourmet dining, and spacious staterooms. Crystal Cruises offers scenic cruising.

#8. Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises specializes in small, luxury expedition ships that navigate Alaska’s remote and less-traveled routes. They offer immersive itineraries that allow passengers to explore Alaska’s wilderness up close, with opportunities for wildlife sightings and outdoor adventures.

#9. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers all-inclusive luxury Alaska itineraries that include a wide range of amenities and services. Their itineraries often feature ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.

#10. Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers family-friendly Alaska itineraries that provide a magical experience for both kids and adults. Their ships feature Disney characters, themed activities, and entertainment for all ages.

Which Is The Best Route For An Alaskan Cruise?

The Inside Passage is widely regarded as the most popular and best route for an Alaskan cruise. This itinerary includes Alaska’s most visited ports, such as Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, and also includes cruising in areas like Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm Fjord. The Inside Passage route offers stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and opportunities to witness glaciers up close.

How Many Days Is The Best For An Alaskan Cruise?

The best duration for an Alaskan cruise is around 7 to 10 days. This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the Inside Passage, including visits to popular ports and the potential to incorporate land-based tours or activities. The duration can vary depending on personal preferences, budget, and availability, with some cruises being shorter or longer.

What Is The Best Month To Go To Alaska On A Cruise?

Alaskan cruises are best during May, June, and July due to favorable weather, longer daylight hours, and wildlife sightings. May offers lower prices and beautiful spring blooms. June and July are peak months for Alaskan cruises, with warm temperatures and long days. August is cooler but still popular for cruising. The ideal month depends on preferences, budget, and availability.

How Many Days Is A Typical Alaskan Cruise?

A typical Alaskan cruise lasts 7 days. This duration is common for Alaska Inside Passage cruises, which embark and return to Seattle or Vancouver. Some cruises can be longer, ranging from 7 to 10 days or more, especially if they include land tours or extended itineraries.

How Much Does An Alaskan Cruise Cost?

The cost of an Alaskan cruise depends on the cruise line, duration of the cruise, type of cabin, and time of year. The price range for an Alaskan cruise can be between $600 and $10,000 per person. These prices are not fixed and can fluctuate based on availability, promotions, and other factors.

What City Do Alaskan Cruises Leave From?

Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia, are two of the most popular departure ports for Alaskan cruises. Both cities have major airports and offer a variety of cruise options. San Francisco and Anchorage also serve as departure ports for select Alaskan cruises. The choice of departure port may depend on the proximity, accessibility, and cruise line preferences.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that the best time to cruise Alaska is from June to August when the weather is milder and wildlife is more active. The Alaska Cruise Itinerary offers an unforgettable experience through the Last Frontier, featuring stunning natural beauty and charming coastal towns. Exploring some top cruise companies’ services offered in Alaska itineraries can be an amazing experience.