11 of the Best Alaska Cruises, According to Travel Experts

Norwegian Cruise Line

Thanks to the abundance of onboard activities and amenities, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is “excellent for multigenerational families,” says Dawn Gabree, an Alaska cruise specialist with Travels by Danielle. Passengers enjoy everything from Broadway-caliber shows to soothing spas and actual race tracks for high-speed adventure on the high seas.

“Their larger vessels used in the Alaska market (Encore and Bliss) feature must-do activities like go-karting…and waterslides,” she says, noting that smaller vessels like Spirit and Sun provide a more intimate atmosphere.

The travel pro also loves the mega-ship ocean line for its Freestyle Dining program (read: no assigned seating or fixed reservation times) and plentiful food options to appease even the pickiest of eaters. Lastly, Gabree says another huge selling point is the Free at Sea promotion, which comes with perks like specialty dining, an unlimited open bar, Wi-Fi, excursion credits, and more. “It’s a great value, in my honest opinion.” 

Itinerary: The seven-day Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau, and Sitka itinerary sails from Seattle and stops by Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait, and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria in Canada. Cruise highlights include scenic sailing through the Endicott Arm and around the Dawes Glacier, shopping for Indigenous handicrafts in Icy Strait Point, and chances to spot wildlife like humpback whales and bears.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises’s Alaska sailings are not to be missed. While Gabree says Princess may not be as flashy as other mega-ship lines, its incredible educational programming, local cuisine, and immersive itineraries make it ideal for “more mature cruisers or those looking for a quieter atmosphere.”

Instead of go-karts and race tracks, you can hang out with sled dogs, chat with Iditarod-winning mushers, watch lumberjack demonstrations, and experience other unique-to-Alaska experiences. The line also partners with Glacier Bay National Park, bringing rangers aboard to answer questions, share fun facts and history, and help kids earn badges through the Junior Ranger program. “The naturalists that come aboard are extremely knowledgeable,” says Gabree. Last but not least, the service is top-notch, with “attentive and very pleasant” staff.

Itinerary: Book the 14-day Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure, which sets sail on select dates between May and September. Passengers will cruise round-trip from Vancouver and visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Anchorage, with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, and Hubbard Glacier.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn combines the best of expedition-style and luxury cruising, making it a popular pick among well-heeled, adventure-seeking travelers. Highlights include bespoke service, all-suite oceanfront accommodations (most with private balconies), world-class dining, and, last but not least, a swanky, upscale atmosphere.

Alaska sailings feature a team of academics, scientists, and naturalists, all of whom are on hand to provide expert insight and lead excursions (think: hopping on a helicopter to go hiking on a glacier, bear viewing, kayaking, and so on). Also, according to Goldring, Seabourn sailings offer a “more intensive and nature-focused experience.” Thanks to the vessels’ small size, cruisers can “spend more time sailing through places like Misty Fjords, where most ships can’t go,” notes Clabbers. Back onboard, “enjoy Champagne and caviar when you like, or relax in your suite, the spa, or elsewhere.” 

Itinerary: The seven-day Alaska Fjords and Canadian Inside Passage cruise sails from Juneau to Vancouver. Calling on Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, Wrangell, Rudyerd Bay (Misty Fjords), and, finally, Prince Rupert in British Columbia, the itinerary also includes scenic cruising through Stephens Passage, Decision Passage, Stikine Strait, and the Behm Canal.

Holland America Line

Boasting more permits for Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line, Holland America Line champions itself as Alaska’s top cruise operator. It’s so confident in its access and itineraries that it offers a glacier guarantee—if you don’t see a glacier, you’ll get a discount on a future sailing.

The cruise line is also renowned for its live music programming in clubs like the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard, which I got to experience firsthand on a summer sailing. After our shore excursions, we’d hop back on board for drinks, dinner, and a nightcap while jamming out to hits from Billy Joel and Elton John. The live entertainment makes Holland America a popular pick among middle-aged and mature couples traveling without kids; however, I did notice quite a few small children traveling with their parents and grandparents on my trip. 

The onboard culinary offerings are especially noteworthy thanks to the Global Fresh Fish Program, which made Holland America the first global cruise line to be certified for its sustainably sourced seafood. On my cruise, I savored a hearty lunch of fish and chips featuring fresh-caught Alaskan halibut, and cruisers can tuck into other flavorful seafood dishes created by program ambassador, chef Masaharu Morimoto.

Itinerary: As a first-time Alaska cruiser, I thoroughly enjoyed the Alaskan Explorer itinerary, which cruises round-trip from Seattle between May and September. Enjoy scenic cruising along the Puget Sound and Stephens Passage before calling on Juneau, followed by more scenic cruising in Glacier Bay. From there, it’s off to Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International—or Royal Caribbean for short—offers great fun for families of all ages looking to experience Alaska. “Their larger ships (Quantum Class) have equally impressive amenities like skydiving simulators (RipCord by iFLY), the FlowRider surf simulator, and SeaPlex (an indoor recreation center with bumper cars),” says Gabree.

The pro is also quick to highlight the North Star observation capsule. Available on Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, and Anthem of the Seas, the attraction whisks passengers over 300 feet above sea level, offering 360-degree views of the landscape. “This is a one-of-a-kind experience when sailing scenic destinations like Alaska,” Gabree raves.

The fun continues the minute cruisers disembark at each port, with excursions ranging from dogsledding to private helicopter tours. Back on board, Gabree recommends The Chef’s Table—a multicourse food and wine pairing adventure available on select sailings—for a truly memorable meal. But you can also try the flavors of the Last Frontier like Alaskan salmon, king crab, sourdough bread, and seasonal berries.

Itinerary: Set sail from Seattle for the seven-night Alaska Experience itinerary, with stops in Sitka, Skagway, then Juneau before backtracking to Victoria.

Celebrity Cruises

Those who prefer a “younger atmosphere on a modern, larger ship with lots of bars and restaurants and entertainment” should consider cruising Alaska aboard Celebrity Edge, explains Clabbers. Per the pro, the seven-night sailings on Edge “include key destinations like Ketchikan and Skagway,” along with a quick visit to Victoria and scenic cruising through the beautiful Endicott Arm fjord. Additionally, the cruise line offers round-trip sailings from both Vancouver and Seattle—as well as one-way itineraries between Vancouver and Seward with more time ashore to explore at ports.

Aboard Edge, passengers have an abundance of entertainment offerings, bars, restaurants, and lounges at their fingertips. Accommodation options vary from the wellness-focused AquaClass stateroom, which comes with a spa concierge and unlimited access to the Sea Thermal Suite, to The Retreat suites—splurge-worthy stays with dedicated butlers, exclusive dining, premium drinks, and a private sundeck. Along with Edge, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit also sail to Alaska, with similar amenities.

Itinerary: The seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary on Celebrity Edge cruises round-trip from Seattle and visits Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, sailing through the scenic Endicott Arm and Inside Passage along the way.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises has repeatedly nabbed a top spot in the T+L World’s Best Awards in either the small-ship or midsize-ship ocean cruise line category—so clearly, they know what they’re doing.

Sailing on identical, adults-only ocean ships furnished in sleek Scandinavian design, passengers enjoy luxurious, all-inclusive experiences, which cover meals, 24-hour room service, most beverages, Wi-Fi, port taxes and fees, spa access, and one complimentary excursion in every port of call. Cruisers can bask in the mountain and glacier views from the comfort of their private balcony—and, if they’re lucky, they may even spot a whale or two.

Finally, in addition to classic ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, Viking Ocean Cruises’ Alaska itinerary also calls on Valdez, which is chock-full of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. 

Itinerary: The 11-day Alaska and the Inside Passage itinerary, which sails between Vancouver and Seward, is “a great choice for curious travelers who have a bit more time and want to learn more about Alaska,” says Clabbers.

Silversea

Those craving a luxury Alaska cruise need not look further than Silversea, says Goldring. “While primarily for adults ranging from contemplative to active, Silversea is also a good option for families with more mature children who are more engaged with the journey than onboard child-focused activities,” he says. One of the best luxury cruise lines, Silversea offers all-suite staterooms with butler service and an all-around tony atmosphere.

Silversea’s Alaska sailings—which go between Vancouver and Seward—take place aboard its Silver Nova, Silver Whisper, and Silver Moon ships. One perk of traveling on Nova or Moon is the Sea And Land Taste culinary program (S.A.L.T), offering connoisseurs the incredible opportunity to experience the local food scene and culture both on and off the ship.

Itinerary: The seven-day Vancouver to Seward sailing aboard Silver Moon features scenic cruising around the Inside Passage and visits to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Seward.

UnCruise Adventures

“If you are looking for a more casual and laid-back experience, Seattle-based UnCruise Adventures offers down-to-earth trips with enthusiastic naturalist guides, simple accommodations, and hearty local cuisine,” says Palmer. Mary Curry, another T+L A-List travel advisor who specializes in small-ship cruises, echoes these sentiments, explaining that “small ships are the absolute best way to see Alaska if your goal is to immerse yourself in nature and wildlife.”

While the cabins are no-frills, Curry stresses that the main focus of the cruise is “getting off the ship and exploring everything Alaska’s Inside Passage has to offer.” Along with the Inside Passage, UnCruise also goes further than many other cruise lines, hitting less-traveled areas like the Aleutian Islands. When it comes to activities, options abound. Travelers can “choose between a menu of included excursions such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, Zodiac cruises, whale watching, and more.”

Itinerary: For an itinerary that balances some of Alaska’s greatest coastal hits with overlooked gems, consider the Aleutian Islands Adventure with Dutch Harbor and Kodiak. Departing from Seward, this 10-night trip visits both popular stops like Kenai Fjords and Katmai national parks as well as lesser-known spots throughout the Aleutians like the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge and Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

For a true expedition-style experience, Lindblad Expeditions is your best bet. The cruise line offers itineraries in partnership with National Geographic, which have come highly recommended by almost every travel advisor we spoke to. Just take it from Curry: “If you want to learn about Alaska from a team of exceptional experts, there’s no better choice than a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic itinerary.

“Every night before dinner,” she says, “We would hear about what we had seen on our excursions that day from the perspective of the experts—naturalists, geologists, marine mammal researchers, and even a diver who would share magical and colorful images from underwater of the area we had explored via Zodiac during the day.” According to the pro, the vessels are “some of the nicest and most modern small ships in the area,” some of which have private balconies along with “little extras” like gear-storage mudrooms and multiple disembarkation platforms to get travelers on and off the ship quickly.

Meanwhile, Goldring notes the line’s National Geographic Explorers-in-Training family program, “which focus[es] on interactive and hands-on education with a true naturalist during outings.” As a result, cruisers can expect “a far more enriching experience [than those] offered by most other lines.” 

Itinerary: The eight-day Alaska’s Inside Passage itinerary is “perfect for couples and multigenerational families interested in an engaging and authentic experience exploring the fjords, islands, and small coastal communities,” says Palmer. The itinerary sails between Juneau and Sitka throughout May and September, with visits to the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, the tiny fishing town of Petersburg, Glacier Bay National Park, and more.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is known for all-inclusive luxury, from fine dining and unlimited beverages to Wi-Fi, laundry service, and in-suite minibars. Best of all, some shore excursions are included in the price, too, so you can see the best of Alaska with a schedule of exciting activities. Want to splurge? Higher-level suites include butler service, pre-cruise hotel packages, and more.

Itinerary: Regent’s seven-night Northern Explorer sailing takes guests from Vancouver to Whittier, hitting popular Alaskan cruise ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, plus scenic sailing in the Inside Passage and along the Hubbard Glacier. Onboard, guests can take advantage of all the luxe Seven Seas Explorer has to offer (bocce followed by afternoon tea, anyone?), plus all those fabulous Regent inclusions.