Which is the best Alaskan cruise line for you?

Alaska's impressive southern coastline contains beautiful and varied island archipelagos, deep fjords and ancient glaciers. Nearly all of the area is roadless, so seafaring vessels, including ferries and cruise ships, are a popular way for visitors to experience these pristine areas. However, there are a dizzying array of Alaskan cruises, with varying boat sizes, board options, activities and environmental factors.

Find everything you need to know to choose the best Alaskan cruise line for your dream trip.

Why should I go on a cruise in Alaska?

On a cruise in Alaska, you can get up close to a vast natural wilderness that is normally only available to those with the funds for expensive gear and transportation to such hard-to-reach places.

For a relatively reasonable price, anyone can visit these starkly beautiful locations in comfort and convenience, with most one-way cruise itineraries lasting a week rather than the months once required. Today’s larger cruise ships stop in at least three ports, at which activities await for an introduction into Alaskan culture, recreation and history. Smaller vessels may stop in less-visited ports or anchor at night to let guests hike a remote shoreline, go whale watching from a kayak or attend a presentation by Indigenous artisans.

However, cruising isn’t for every traveler; if you enjoy all-inclusive resorts and rigidly scheduled excursions, a typical cruise may be a good fit. If you like to explore on your own with few boundaries, you might be better off planning an independent itinerary.

Should I go on a large or small ship?

Large cruise companies sail Alaska's Inside Passage from Seattle and Vancouver and on through the Gulf of Alaska to Seward or Whittier. This route is excellent for an introduction to Alaska. In between, passengers usually stop in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, then sail up College Fjord to see glaciers stretching their icy fingers into the sea. You'll see plenty of stunning scenery along the way but not up close. If you want to connect with this wondrous landscape, you need to get off the boat.

If you’re looking to maximize your time exploring along your chosen itinerary, consider a smaller ship. These vessels max out at around 200 passengers and can nose into southeastern Alaska's nooks and crannies, launching skiffs and kayaks from their lower decks for an immersive shore visit. Smaller cruise ships tend to either visit smaller ports such as Wrangell, Sitka and Yakutat, or anchor offshore and guests can join activities that give them an insight into local life and Indigenous culture.

Additionally, the northwestern city of Nome is a regular port of call for higher-end, midsize cruise lines, exposing passengers to the rural reaches of coastal Alaska. The Aleutian Island city of Unalaska is on some boutique cruise line itineraries; this passage is a great option for travelers who want to see a less-explored part of the state.

Which part of Alaska is best for a cruise?

Alaska is enormous, and it’s impossible to see its entire coastline and visit all its regions unless you have a lot – a lot – of time. Carefully review cruise itineraries to ensure that your must-see destinations are included.

The best Alaskan cruise line for you is the one that matches your interests and travel style. Consider these experiences to narrow down your preferences.

Get an overview of Alaska

The Inside Passage cruise between Vancouver or Seattle and Seward or Whittier is the best broad view of Alaska. These itineraries provide beautiful scenery and the chance to experience a route taken by steamships in the late 1800s. You’ll get a snapshot of the Tongass National Forest, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the occasional whale or bear (but not up close unless you’re on a shore excursion).

The best cruises on this route tack on land tours to Denali National Park and Preserve, Fairbanks, Talkeetna and Anchorage. Itineraries typically last 11–15 days but more in-depth exploration can run for a month.

Cunard, Viking, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean all offer combined land-and-sea itineraries on some of the best ships sailing in Alaskan waters. These larger ships tend to have access to centrally located piers and other conveniences while in port, minimizing the walking distance from the dock to town or meeting points for excursion pickups and other amenities. However, none of these lines have smaller ships, so keep that in mind if you want to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations from your boat.

Take a deep dive into Alaska’s coastal regions

Book a small-ship cruise between Sitka, Ketchikan and Juneau for a week or longer in the small fjords and secluded bays of southeast Alaska. You’ll hike where there are no trails, paddle without another human in sight, and get to know the traditional lands of the coastal Alaska Native peoples. We like Alaskan Dream Cruises, UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions for smaller, more sustainable vessels. These itineraries generally do not include add-on land tour options.

Discover Alaska’s rich history

You can’t skip Ketchikan, Juneau or Skagway when getting to know Alaska. Juneau is the state capital and a former mining community (no trip to the city is complete without a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier). Ketchikan once was a major player in the timber industry and has a sordid past steeped in bootlegging and brothels. Skagway was a jumping-off point for the Klondike Gold Rush beyond Chilkoot Pass and has an old railroad to prove it. All three cities are often on large ship itineraries.

Explore Alaska’s most remote coastal areas

Consider a luxury midsize or smaller cruise to places like Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands or the northwestern city of Nome, and explore part of the Northwest Passage. Both combine a look at the rugged, raw coastlines with time spent on shore in towns with few frills. The weather can often be cold, rainy and windy, but if you want a unique adventure in Alaska, check out the itineraries from Hurtigruten.

When should I go on a cruise in Alaska?

Depending on the cruise line, the Alaska cruise season begins in late April and continues through early October. The best time to take a cruise in Alaska depends on what you want to experience. The warmest and most dependable weather typically appears in July and August, but that's also the most popular (and expensive) time; pick a trip earlier or later in the season for less-expensive passage and shore excursions.

For spring and fall passengers, know that temperatures will be cooler than you might expect and variable types of precipitation, including snow showers, aren't unusual. (Pack accordingly.) In the summer, it's surprisingly cool on deck and near glaciers, so don't expect a lot of outdoor pool time or sunbathing on board. This is especially true if you choose an itinerary that ventures further north.

Of course, cool temperatures and rainy weather can happen at any time of the year. If your Alaska plans include visiting Denali, the park doesn’t open until mid-May or later, depending on snow melt.

If spotting wildlife is a priority, consider cruising during the salmon runs from May to September, when bears are most active and can be spotted from the decks of the ship. Late May and early June are best for wildlife watching ashore, with opportunities to see mothers with calves or cubs. Late June to early July is prime bear season. Humpback whales often follow schools of herring and other small fish during the summer and can be seen anytime between May and September before they migrate to Hawaiʻi or Mexico.

How do I know if a cruise line is operating sustainably?

While all travel has environmental and cultural impacts, cruising leaves its mark on Alaska's fragile ecosystems. The average large cruise ship can have a carbon footprint greater than 12,000 cars and produce up to a ton of trash each day. While there can be a positive economic impact on ports of call, a small community visited by 15,000 people per day during sailing season can intrinsically change the destination.

The industry's trade group, Cruise Line International Association, touts a desire for "conscious cruising." It has guidelines for water conservation and upgrades to heating, air-conditioning and ventilation, with a goal for ships to be net zero by 2050. There is also a focus on respecting the cultural traditions of destinations through cooperative regenerative tourism that preserves a community's unique history, culture and values.

How to reduce your environmental impact

• Reduce use of single-use plastics by packing your own water bottle and refilling it on board; and bring reusable shopping bags for port visits.

• Ask about recycling stations on board, and look for locations in the communities you visit.

• Read up on the impacts of climate change on Alaska’s sensitive environments, where glacial melt, coastal erosion and a loss of permafrost present real-time issues for the wilderness, ocean and communities around the state.

What activities can I do on a cruise in Alaska?

Onshore activities differ depending on the size and style of the cruise. Traditional excursions fit a specific number of people, all of whom come from the ships and are expected to be in port for a window of time. They provide an overview of Alaska's history, culture, recreation and industry. There isn't much of a personal touch, but they can serve as a good introduction.

Smaller boutique cruises strive to immerse their guests in the wild Alaska they've dreamed about. Trips to shore rarely involve large port cities, except for embarking and disembarking. Instead, they drop kayaks in the water from the ship or use a rubber skiff to reach a deserted shoreline for a hike. The communities they visit are usually smaller, like Petersburg, Wrangell and Haines.

What you can do on excursions

• Glacier and wildlife tours: Cruise for a few hours aboard a smaller vessel and watch for whales, otters, bald eagles, seals and calving glaciers. Go fishing for salmon.

• Dogsledding: Learn about mushing, huskies and the operations of sled dog kennels before taking a spin behind a team.

• ATV adventuring: Rev up for a wilderness or tundra tour aboard a four-wheeler or side-by-side vehicle.

• Air tour: Take a peek at Alaska's landscapes from above and look for wildlife, glaciers and mountain ranges. Fly-by destinations include Denali and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, which takes passengers above the Arctic Circle.

• Alaska Native traditions: Learn the ways of Alaska's many Indigenous groups, with dancing, drumming and art displays as part of the program.

• Ride a historic train: Skagway's White Pass Yukon Railroad climbs over Chilkoot Pass for a hands-on gold-rush history tour.

• Paddle power: Hop in a raft or kayak and explore Alaska's beautiful coastlines and rivers.

What do I need to know before an Alaska cruise?

Plan for wet weather

Alaska’s southeastern region is part of a rainforest, and wet conditions are the norm even in summer. Northern Alaska, including Denali, Fairbanks and Nome, is generally cool, with the possibility of snow in higher elevations year-round. No matter where you go in Alaska, bring waterproof rain gear, a coat or warm layers, sturdy shoes, a hat and gloves to stay warm and dry.

Know your physical limits

If mobility or other health issues may affect your ability to enjoy a cruise to the fullest, consider traveling with a larger operator. These companies are well versed in accessibility and have made accommodations for those with mobility needs. Smaller ships have trip hazards and tighter spaces, requiring bending and stepping up or down to access activities like kayaking or skiff rides.

Plan your own shoreside activities

There is no requirement to book shore excursions or activities through the cruise line, though that is often the most convenient way. If a more independent style of exploration is your thing, research your options ahead of time or visit each port of call’s visitors bureau upon arrival.

Check how much time you have in port, stop by the visitors center for a map (representatives are often at the disembarkation point), and be on your way. Or consider unaffiliated travel companies with the infrastructure and capacity to cater to cruise passengers, such as ToursByLocals. Make sure you’re back on board at least 30 minutes before the ship is due to depart, and ask about exact times with tour operators to avoid being left behind at your own expense.

Planning tip: Book early! Due to the short peak season, spots on popular tours ashore sell out well in advance.

Look into shoulder season sailings

Not only will you often receive a significant discount but you’ll also be able to witness Alaska’s seasonal transitions and fewer crowds at ports of call. Shoulder season also brings the best chance of seeing the northern lights, though this is usually only possible in northern latitudes during shorter days. With cooler temperatures, it may not be comfortable to spend hours on deck watching the scenery. Consider cabins with windows or a balcony over interior accommodations to ensure that you don’t miss out on any views.

Know what "all-inclusive" really means

Drill down into the details of your cruise and ask questions about meals, alcoholic beverages, activities and shore trips. It may be that a smaller and higher-end cruise line will include everything at one price.

Have your documents in order

Ensure that you have a smooth arrival and departure by knowing what documentation you need. US citizens transiting through Vancouver for their cruise should have a passport and be familiar with the entry and exit requirements.