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The 10 Best Alaskan Cruise Lines to Set Sail and Watch Some Whales
By Chelsea Candelario,
11 hours ago
I’ve been a Caribbean cruise gal for years. I’m very familiar with the scorching sun and sandy beaches, so I never thought about venturing out into colder climates for vacation . But when my friend recently told me she booked a cruise to Alaska, I was intrigued. What on earth persuaded her to choose this anthesis of a tropical destination , especially for her first cruise destination, especially as her first cruise? As we chatted more about her upcoming excursions of whale watching and stunning views of icy glaciers, I was ready to book my own adventure to the largest peninsula in the Western Hemisphere. If you’re also ready to plan your next vacay, here are the ten best Alaskan cruise lines to check out.
I recently came across a Reddit post that asked readers for the best Alaskan cruise line recommendations. As I took time scanning the thread, I found the majority suggested Holland Cruise Line. One commenter raved, “Definitely Holland America…75 years in Alaska and [it] just won the Best Service Award from Cruise Critic.” While the cruise line sails through many destinations, they are known for their Alaskan voyages. Whether you go on a seven-day or two-week cruise, you can explore the glaciers, marine wildlife and national parks . According to their site, they claim to have more port departures than any other cruise line in Alaska. They also offer an Alaska Cruisetour, an ocean cruise that provides a closer look inside the state along a scenic train ride with a three nights at Denali National Park.
I had the best experience on a Princess ship , so I can only imagine the Alaskan cruises are just as fun. They give a front-row seat to some of the largest glaciers in the world through their Voyage of the Glaciers cruise. You can spend a week sailing from Anchorage, Alaska to Vancouver, B.C. while popping into three historic ports (Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau). Also, consider adding an excursion to your itinerary, where you’ll get the best views of the ice. One more thing: Princess will be introducing longer voyages (I’m talking 22 days) in 2025, so you can have the full experience of being in the open sea starting in San Francisco.
My friend picked Norwegian for her first Alaskan cruise and here’s what I learned about her top choice. Yes, the cruise provides spectacular views, but it’s the excursions that have her excited. She’ll have the opportunity to see wildlife in their IRL habitats, from orcas to grizzlies to bald eagles. You can watch them from the ship, balcony stateroom or you can book a closer view and schedule a trip to the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center. Did I mention there’s an excursion around hanging out with dogs at a dog sled camp? Yeah, I’m definitely jealous of my friend.
One of the oldest cruise lines on the list, Cunard Cruises is praised for its Alaskan experience and being a great option for adults . Although it has one ship in its fleet—Queen Elizabeth—it has plenty of activities and amenities. Yes, you can take in the wildlife and open sea, but Cunard takes it a step further by having special guests, like writers, explorers and scientists come on board to teach you about the history and culture of Alaska. One redditor shared their experience writing: “A couple of folks already mentioned Cunard and I would recommend the same as well, especially if you are looking for the quintessential cruise experience. We went there this June [and visited] the Glacier Bay National Park with the rangers on board all day with lectures and Q&A. The food and service are excellent and [the ship has] very few children. Overall, classic and classy.”
Celebrity offers three different types of cruises to explore Alaska. Admire the Dawes Glacier, a 600-foot tall wall of ice, as well as visit ports like Juneau and Skagway. Or, experience Hubbard Glacier, the biggest glacier spanning seven miles wide from Vancouver to North America, where you just might spot a whale or two. There’s also a one-way sail option that takes off from Vancouver or Seattle and cruises through ports like Ketchikan and Talkeetna—along with an option to extend your stay to explore even more of the greener areas of Alaska.
I said it before and I’ll say it again: Silversea is by far the most luxurious cruise line. If you’re heading to Alaska, expect an all-inclusive package and an intimate setting. Whether you board Silver Moon or Silver Muse, the guest capacity is around 1,000—and that’s guests and crew combined. Expect only suites on board, so you can get your own private viewing of mountains, glaciers, whales and more. Plus, the package you choose includes shore excursions like a trail hike to watch cascading waterfalls and Mendenhall glaciers or a culinary experience where you’ll try Alaska-themed food on a small expedition vessel and hopefully catch a glimpse of a humpback whale.
Similar to Cunard, this cruise line has only one ship, but it’s all about Alaska. The Seven Seas Explorer features food, entertainment and accommodations that are oh-so luxurious. Take in the Mendenhall Glacier or the Tongass National Forest right from the comfort of your own balcony. Or, get a closer look and join a shore excursion like an ATV expedition, where you’ll drive around a remote island and take in the scenery on land. But if you’re a foodie, the Epicurean Explorer Tours offered by the cruise line combine travel and the culinary arts. One popular attraction is the George Inlet Lodge Crab Cake Expedition in Ketchikan. You’ll watch a chef prepare crab cakes and give you the chance to taste their creation. You’ll also have the opportunity to eat Dungenuss crab, learn about the area’s fishing and crabbing history and take in the surrounding views.
Royal Caribbean is by far the best cruise line for families , so why not take your kiddos on a trip they’ll never forget. The cruise line offers a great view of the landscape, like the Hubbard Glacier and Denali National Park. But it’s the ships themselves that take sightseeing to new heights. Step into the North Star, available on the Quantum of the Seas or Anthem of the Seas, an observation deck that soars 300 feet above sea level and provides a 360-degree view of your surroundings. It’s considered the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship, and as long as you’re at least 42 inches tall, the whole family can enjoy this unique experience.
Interested in a longer voyage? Viking has long sail times, so you can take your time exploring Alaska and beyond. While most ships depart from Seattle or Vancouver, Viking is currently offering a Far East & Alaska trip. This cruise leaves out of Hong Kong, China, and makes its way through Japan, before stopping at multiple ports in Alaska. You’ll spend about 37 days in the Pacific, so be prepared to become a world traveler and an experienced explorer by the time you disembark.
Here’s for the fearless cruisers out there. Uncruise Adventures has all-inclusive expeditions for daredevils. Explore waterfalls at Red Bluff Bay, hike an abandoned coastal cannon at George Island, go brown bear searching in Chichagof Island or kayak in Keku Islands Park. Unlike a regular cruise, their ships host under 100 passengers, so it’s a much more intimate type of cruise. Just don’t forget to pack a good pair of hiking boots or sneakers.
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