Imagine waking up to the sound of calving ice, the size of a city block, crashing into glassy, reflective water off the coast of Alaska. Or watching a humpback whale breach the surface with an exhalation so close you feel the mist on your face and have an exhilarating feeling run over your body. Alaska cruises are not just vacations — they’re front-row seats to one of the last truly wild places on Earth.
These days, Alaska cruising is more popular than ever. New ships, expanded itineraries, and better access from Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward mean more ways to experience the Last Frontier on the northern surface of the earth. Whether you’re a family chasing bears, a couple seeking solitude, or a solo traveler craving raw beauty, here’s everything you need to plan the trip of a lifetime by booking a cruise with us. Let’s get some cruise reservations, but before you get going, how about tackling some important questions first?
When Is the Best Time to Go?
That’s an important question. Our answer: Alaska’s cruise season is short — roughly mid-May through mid-September — because that’s when the ice melts, the wildlife is active, and the days stretch long enough to feel like they’ll never end.
May & September (Shoulder Season)
This is the time of the year when there are cooler temperatures (40–60°F). But there are equally and dramatically fewer crowds too. And that means you can expect prices to be 20–40% lower than peak season. It’s a great deal on cruise tickets to Alaska. September often brings an opportunity for sightseeing at the Northern Lights, especially late in the month. Whales are still around, bears are fattening up for winter, and many ports feel like you have them to yourself. Downside: some excursions (like certain flightseeing routes) may be limited, and weather can be rainy.
Also Read: What is the Most Affordable Month to Travel to Alaska Cruise?
June–August (Peak Season)
This is when you get to see real action. With warm weather (60–75°F), almost endless daylight (up to 19–20 hours in June), and peak wildlife activity, it’s no surprise to find hoards of families come in droves. Expect lively ports, higher prices, and the need to book 9–12 months in advance. June tends to be drier than July/August, which can be rainier but still it’s gorgeous out there!
Sweet spot for most people: Late May to mid-June (great value, wildlife, fewer crowds) or late August to early September (similar perks, possible aurora, and end-of-season deals) cruise bookings are the best two choices you can have.
Also Read: How much does an Alaskan cruise Cost usually?
Top Alaska Cruise Destinations & Ports
Alaska ports are not cookie-cutter tourist traps — each feels like a different chapter of a wild story you are going to write for yourself. But of course, you need the names of the places to go, where you can experience memories you will mark down for a long time.
Juneau
Juneau is Alaska’s quirky little capital. From here, you can walk (or shuttle) to Mendenhall Glacier, take a whale-watching boat tour (humpbacks are common), or search for gold like it’s still 1898. The Mount Roberts Tramway gives you panoramic views in minutes.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is the “Salmon Capital of the World.” It is also equally famous for totem poles, the historic Creek Street boardwalk, and Misty Fjords National Monument flightseeing tours that feel like flying through a fantasy painted in your aircraft windows. Go for it!
Skagway
Skagway has a living Gold Rush museum where you can relive that time when prospectors traversed far and wide to try their luck. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is one of the most scenic train rides on Earth — narrow-gauge tracks hugging cliffs, waterfalls, and mountain passes. It’s an amazing experience worth savoring.
Also Read: An All Inclusive Guide to the Best Time to Cruise Alaska
Sitka
Sitka is the proof of Russian heritage meeting wilderness. You’ll find the Alaskan landscape littered with Russian orthodox churches much like when you visit the St. Michael's Cathedral and Russian Bishop’s House in this town. You should also check out the Alaska Raptor Center, or hike up a volcano. Whale-watching here is some of the best in the state.
Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point is a Native-owned cruise destination by Alaskan Native Huna Totem Corporation, located near the town of Hoonah. Here, it’s the best way to be closer to the wild, where Bear viewing, zip lines over the forest canopy, whale watching from shore, and cultural experiences feel authentic rather than staged.
Glacier Bay National Park
This is a marvelous UNESCO World Heritage site. Only a limited number of cruise permits are issued each day, so ships with Glacier Bay access (especially Princess and Holland America) are highly sought after. The silence when the ship cuts engines in front of a mile-wide glacier face is unforgettable.
Hubbard Glacier
This is a rare place, where one of the few advancing glaciers are left in the world. Massive, blue, and actively calving — a favorite on Gulf of Alaska routes. This is the highly sought visual experience, captured and splashed across National Geographic magazines and travel operators promoting their tour plans.
Also Read: What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska?
Choosing the Right Alaska Cruise Itinerary
Here are the best cruise deals you can search for and book a cruise on our online Cruise Booking platform.
Classic Inside Passage (7 nights, round-trip)
Cruises depart from Seattle or Vancouver. They reach Ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Victoria (Canada). With protected waters and calm seas, it is perfect for first-timers and families. Most popular option.
Gulf of Alaska (7 nights, one-way)
These cruises take you from Vancouver to Seward (or reverse). Get access to more glaciers (Hubbard, College Fjord) and Kenai Fjords National Park. You need a flight one way (cruise lines usually bundle transfers). Get to see a more dramatic scenery than anywhere else.
Also Read: How much is a cruise from Vancouver to Alaska?
Longer Voyages (10–14 nights)
Deeper exploration: Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Whittier, Homer, or even the Aleutian Islands on rare itineraries. Repositioning cruises in May/September are often the cheapest.
Line recommendations:
- Princess & Holland America → Most Glacier Bay permits, strong history in Alaska.
- Royal Caribbean & Norwegian → Best family programs and big-ship amenities.
- Disney → Magical family experience (pricey but worth it for kids).
- Viking, Regent, Crystal → Luxury, smaller ships, more inclusive.
- Hurtigruten, UnCruise → True expedition feel, kayaking, small groups (more expensive).
Also Read: Which are the top 7 cruise ships to Alaska?
Alaska Cruise Tips for First-Timers
Here are some tips in brief words, so you get a quick glance at the essentials you need in this life-changing cruise experience.
Pack in layers — Temperatures swing from 40°F mornings to 75°F afternoons. Waterproof jacket, fleece, base layers, hat, gloves, sturdy walking shoes. Quick-dry everything once you reach onboard after your adventures.
Bring binoculars — You’ll spot whales, bears, eagles, seals. They’re everywhere.
Motion sickness — Inside Passage is calm (protected waters), but bring patches, ginger, or Dramamine just in case.
Excursions — Book flightseeing, dog sledding, bear viewing, and whale tours early. They sell out months ahead.
Internet — Satellite Wi-Fi is slow and expensive ($20–30/day). Buy a package if you need it. Otherwise, embrace the digital detox and connect with nature.
Gratuities — $16–20/day per person. Pre-pay to avoid the end-of-cruise surprise.
Kids — Alaska is surprisingly family-friendly: junior rangers, wildlife spotting, kids’ clubs, and plenty of space to run around.
Photography — Early morning light is best for glaciers and wildlife. A phone is fine, but a zoom lens makes a huge difference.
