An Alaskan cruise is an experience unlike any other, which helps explain why there are so many options to choose from. After all, when you head to Alaska, you’ll get the opportunity to see stunning blue glaciers, brown bears, bald eagles, and whales. Alaska also offers some of the world’s most unique land excursions.
Alaskan cruises come in all sizes and price ranges too, so it’s easy for travelers to find the perfect fit. Whether you want to go with the entire family or enjoy a more relaxing, romantic cruise, you’re certain to find the ideal itinerary below.
Carnival Legend
If you’re looking for one of the best budget-conscious, family-friendly Alaskan cruises, you’re certain to love the Carnival Legend. The “Fun Ship” theme of this cruise comes through in several unique touches, including the chance to compete against other families in a game show sponsored by Hasbro. The starting price typically ranges from $749 to $1,069, and the boat holds 2,124 passengers.
Carnival Legend Itinerary
Homeports: Vancouver and Seattle
Ports: Glacier Bay National Park; scenic cruising through the Tracy Arm Fjord; Victoria, B.C.; Skagway; Ketchikan; Juneau
Carnival Legend’s Distinguishing Features
- Eat specialty burgers made by celebrity chef Guy Fieri
- Wildlife alerts help ensure you don’t miss any rare sightings
- Seuss at Sea Program for kids
Seven Seas Mariner
This cruise has a high price tag, but it comes with the perks of a fully-inclusive, luxury experience. Seven Seas Mariner doesn’t tend to attract a lot of families or people with small children. Instead, the majority of its passengers will be mature adults, although there’s also likely to be at least a few affluent families on-board.
Trip prices start as low as $5271 per person. Seven Seas Mariner only transports up to 700 passengers at a time, which makes this an excellent choice for people who want a less chaotic Alaskan cruise.1
Seven Seas Mariner Itinerary
Homeports: Vancouver, Seward, and San Francisco
Ports: Scenic sailing through the Outside and Inside Passage; Sawyer Glacier; Tracy Arm Fjord; Hubbard Glacier; Victoria, B.C.; Prince Rupert; Astoria, Oregon; Wrangell; Icy Strait Point; Skagway; Sitka; Ketchikan; Juneau
Seven Seas Mariner Distinguishing Features
- A truly all-inclusive trip with shore excursions, round-trip airfare, specialty restaurants, a luxury hotel stay, gratuities, and alcoholic beverages for one price
- Every cabin has a balcony
- Personalized service provided by a passenger to crew ratio of 1:1.6
Nieuw Amsterdam
Want to relax and enjoy a traditional cruise with lots of food options? Nieuw Amsterdam has you covered. This isn’t the cruise to book if you’re looking for lots of modern on-board entertainment such as rock climbing, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lengthy list of fun things to do on the ship. Tickets usually start around $796 for this cruise.2
Nieuw Amsterdam Itinerary
Homeports: Vancouver, Seward, and Seattle
Ports: Scenic cruising through the Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park; Skagway; Victoria, B.C.; Ketchikan; Juneau
Nieuw Amsterdam Distinguishing Features
- Three stages with live music
- Pool with a retractable roof so you can swim regardless of the weather conditions
- Cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Center
Norwegian Bliss
Norwegian Bliss is the newest cruise boat on this list. Its inaugural cruise takes place in April 2018. Therefore, the ship will be sparkling clean and fresh.
This Alaskan cruise is stuffed full of recreational, entertainment, and dining options. There’s also an impressive observation lounge. Tickets for this trip start at $560.3
Norwegian Bliss Itinerary
Homeport: Seattle
Ports: Scenic cruising through the Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park; Victoria, B.C.; Ketchikan; Skagway; Juneau
Norwegian Bliss Distinguishing Features
- Alaskan craft beers
- A plethora of choices for evening entertainment including showings of Jersey Boys and Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical
- Waterslides, laser tag, and a go-cart racetrack
Celebrity Solstice
This Alaskan cruise is ideal for anyone who wants big ship amenities without feeling crowded. The interior design is second to none, and the top deck’s real grass is a nice touch. Prices can vary widely for this cruise, with the typical starting price around $1,203. Despite the high starting price, it’s possible to get a room for as little as $804 per person.4
Celebrity Solstice Itinerary
Homeports: Vancouver and Seattle
Ports: Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage; Victoria, B.C., Tracy Arm Fjord; Skagway; Ketchikan; Juneau
Celebrity Solstice Distinguishing Features
- On-board naturalists
- Award-winning bars, boutique dining, and several entertainment options
- Local Alaskan performers
Crystal Symphony
Crystal Symphony is the perfect cruise choice for anyone who wants to learn about nature and have a lot of entertainment at the same time. This boat is well-known for serving excellent afternoon tea, and it visits some of the best scenic cruising spots. This is a true luxury experience with high-class cabins, and pricing starts at $2,320.
Crystal Symphony Itinerary
Homeports: Whittier and Vancouver
Ports: Scenic cruising to the Hubbard Glacier and Inside Passage; Tracy Arm Fjord; Glacier Bay National Park; Icy Strait Point; Victoria, B.C.; Prince Rupert; Sitka; Skagway; Ketchikan; Juneau
Crystal Symphony Distinguishing Features
- National Geographic expert onboard
- “Pure” rooms for passengers with allergies
- The Creative Learning Institute teaches topics such as filmmaking and languages
Seabourn Sojourn
The 462 passengers aboard this all-inclusive ship are treated to an opulent, yet comfortable, country club atmosphere. Plus, all the cabins have an outward-facing window. This Alaskan cruise also focuses on lesser-known ports and excursions. The starting price is often around $3,407, but they do include a free all-weather jacket.5
Seabourn Sojourn Itinerary
Homeports: Vancouver and Seward
Ports: Klemtu and Alert Bay, B.C.; Scenic cruising to Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm; Icy Strait Point; Rudyerd Bay; Inian Islands; Haines; Wrangell; Sitka; Ketchikan; Juneau
Seabourn Sojourn Distinguishing Features
- Guided Zodiac and kayak tours
- Relax in one of six outdoor whirlpools
- The food offered by star chef Thomas Keller