An Alaskan cruise gives you a front row seat to some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes, with chances to spot wildlife in every shape and size and learn from local traditions and history. As you sail through untouched wilderness, you’ll pass massive glaciers and follow rugged shorelines that lead into small towns and native communities.
One of the biggest highlights of an Alaska cruise is the wildlife. You will be able to spot a humpback whale breaching next to the ship or watch killer whales circling, looking for their next catch. You might also spot brown bears ambling along the shoreline in search of food. Bald eagles perch high up in the trees or glide above the ship. And be sure to bring your camera and binoculars because the views can be spectacular and often require a closer look to fully appreciate the beauty of these majestic creatures from your cruise ship.
Another thing that makes cruising in Alaska truly different is how close you can get to its glaciers. Glaciers are everywhere, from the Inside Passage and Yakutat Bay to Prince William Sound, not just in one part of Alaska. On most mainstream cruises, you’ll sail past massive tidewater glaciers like Hubbard Glacier or cruise into iconic places like Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm, where the ship gets surprisingly close to the ice. On the other hand, small ship cruises and expedition-style sailings make glacier access even easier because they often anchor in remote bays like Sawyer Glacier or LeConte Glacier, where you can kayak near the ice or hike right onto it with a guide.
Alaska Native cultures are part of the journey when you cruise Alaska. Some itineraries stop in villages where you can meet indigenous communities, hear traditional stories, or see totem carvers shaping their work. It feels less like a staged show and more like a genuine chance to connect with people whose roots in this land go back for centuries.
For those who love a little adventure, you’ve come to the right place. These may include paddling a kayak with sea otters or taking a guided hike into the Tongass rainforest. All of these excursions provide an opportunity to step off the ship and into the Alaskan wilderness.
Whether you start your journey northward from Seattle or southward from Anchorage, Alaska cruises will reveal the magnificence of untamed nature.
The right time to take an Alaskan cruise depends on what you hope to see and do. Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife are at their most active during summer, when the main season runs from May to September, though some sailings begin in April and continue into October. You can find details for every month in the Alaska Cruise Seasons Guide.
Spring cruises, leaving in April and May, show Alaska waking from winter. Expect snowy peaks, whales on their migration, and valleys filled with wildflowers, a rewarding mix for anyone drawn to nature.
Summer cruises in June, July, and August are the busiest, especially from Seattle and Vancouver. With comfortable weather and long days of light, you’ll have more time to enjoy glaciers, wildlife, and Alaska’s fjords and waterways. Summer also brings the widest range of excursions and activities, both on shore and on board.
Fall cruises, sailing from September into early October, are a quieter option. You’ll find fewer travelers, bright fall colors, and sometimes the Northern Lights if the sky is clear.
Alaska cruises leave from several ports in the U.S. and Canada, and each one shapes the route, the scenery, and what you can do before boarding.
Most Alaska cruises start in Seattle or Vancouver. Ships from Seattle often head straight along the North Pacific Ocean, also called the Outside Passage. Departures from Vancouver usually sail inside Vancouver Island through the Canadian Inside Passage, moving along the Strait of Georgia and Johnstone Strait. From there, both routes join the Inside Passage, where you’ll find views of the Alaska coastline and plenty of marine life, from whales and sea lions to otters and bald eagles.
Other cruises depart from ports within the Alaska Inside Passage such as Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka. These are usually small ship expedition cruises, designed to bring you closer to Alaska Native culture and everyday life in remote towns.
Farther north, departures from Seward or Whittier, both connected to Anchorage, will take you through the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound. These sailings feature massive glaciers and thriving wildlife. For those seeking a more daring route, UnCruise also runs voyages to or from Dutch Harbor, though space is limited and often reserved years ahead.
Beyond Alaska itself, San Francisco hosts 10-day Alaska cruises, while Los Angeles mainly serves as a starting point for repositioning cruises heading north.
Pick your departure port to explore the Alaska cruises that fit you best. Whether sailing from Seattle or Vancouver, joining an adventure from Inside Passage towns or Southcentral Alaska, or starting further south in California, each port opens its own pathway to the Last Frontier. Find the lines, ships, and routes that begin at each location.
Anchorage is Alaska’s main air gateway and the starting point for most cruise itineraries. Even though the city itself is not a cruise port, it connects directly to nearby embarkation hubs in Seward on the Kenai Peninsula and Whittier on Prince William Sound, making it an essential stop on your journey.
The ultimate cruise departure for explorers, Dutch Harbor is a rare embarkation point for extreme expedition cruises. With just a few sailings each year, this port allows access to some of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands’ most remote locations.
Alaska’s capital, Juneau, is more than just a cruise port, it’s also a launching pad for small-ship voyages that push deeper into remote fjords and glacial scenery. Without road access, arriving here by sea or by air seems to bring one into the wild.
Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World”, Ketchikan is a port of departure for small-ship cruise expeditions. Departures from here bound you within the out-of-the-way, curling among narrow waterways and pristine landscapes.
While it's not a classic Alaska departure port, Los Angeles is the beginning of a few repositioning cruises. These longer sailings join the warm beaches of Southern California with the fjords and glaciers of Alaska.
San Francisco cruises provide a longer Alaskan cruise, pairing picturesque Pacific coastal towns with the stunning natural beauty of the north. The journey to the Last Frontier begins sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge, a sight that will forever be etched in memory.
Seattle, one of the busiest departure ports for Alaska cruises, provides direct access to the spectacular Inside Passage. It’s a perfect starting point for your adventure, with seamless transport connections and world-class attractions on your doorstep.
Accessible from Anchorage, Seward is a launching point for cruises that venture into both the Inside Passage and the treacherous Gulf of Alaska. And with its beautiful location on Resurrection Bay, it’s a port where an adventure begins before you even step on your ship.
Sitka serves up a cruise departure like no other thanks to its unusual mix of Russian, Tlingit and American influences. Expedition sailings from this port pass through Glacier Bay, unspoiled islands and some of Alaska’s most wildlife-dense waters.
Tacoma is a new departure port for Alaska cruises, set along the shores of Puget Sound with Mount Rainier rising on the horizon. Before boarding, stroll the Foss Waterway Esplanade, visit the Museum of Glass, or spend time in Point Defiance Park, where forest trails meet sandy beaches. With its mix of urban culture and Pacific Northwest scenery, Tacoma offers a relaxed yet vibrant start to your Alaska adventure.
Cruising from Vancouver lets you begin your adventure from one of Canada's most picturesque cities. The port, with roundtrip and one-way sailings, is a gateway to Southeast Alaska as well as deeper explorations in the state.
Nestled in Prince William Sound, Whittier is the starting point for one-way Alaska cruises that focus on glaciers, fjords, and remote coastal towns. To reach here, travelers traverse North America’s longest highway tunnel, infusing the experience with adventure.
If you're looking for an affordable options, family fun, and big ship excitement, your best choice is Mainstream cruise lines. These lines are packed with entertainment and activities, kids’ clubs, and lots of dining choices. You’ll still get jaw-dropping glacier views and wildlife spotting, just with more people onboard. Alaska sailings are available through Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, Princess, and from 2026 they will be joined by MSC Cruises.
Premium lines offer elevated service, better dining, and quieter vibes. Think cushy cabins, thoughtful excursions, and a balance between comfort and value, without going full luxury. Alaska itineraries are offered by Celebrity, Cunard, Holland America, Oceania, Viking, and from 2026, Virgin Voyages.
Ultra-luxury cruise lines are all about the experience with small ship comfort, all-inclusive perks, fine dining, and white-glove service. These cruise lines offer fewer guests, more space, and often better access to smaller ports. Those cruise lines are perfect if you’re looking for a more exclusive Alaska journey. You’ll find these sailings with Regent, Seabourn, and Silversea, and starting in 2026, Crystal Cruises is returning with new itineraries to Alaska.
If you want to really get off the beaten path and immerse yourself in Alaska’s wild side, this is the way to go. Expedition lines use smaller ships that can anchor in hidden coves and get you closer to glaciers, wildlife, and remote communities. Kayaking, hiking, and Zodiac landings are a regular part of the experience. Alaska expedition lines are American, Lindblad NG, and Un-Cruise.
Discover top cruise lines, ships, and itineraries each line has to offer. Choose your cruise line to find the best Alaska cruises that suit your preferences and budget.
Locally owned and operated, Alaskan Dream Cruises offers authentic small-ship expeditions through Southeast Alaska led by those who call it home. These intimate voyages focus on Native heritage, wildlife encounters, and hands-on exploration of fjords, glaciers, and fishing communities along the Inside Passage.
American Cruise Lines provides a small-ship cruising experience, allowing passengers to explore Alaska's narrow waterways and immerse themselves in the region's natural wonders. Their ships offer comfortable accommodations and personalized service, ensuring an intimate and enriching journey.
Azamara Club Cruises brings an upper-premium boutique style to Alaska, where comfort and culture sail side by side. Their smaller ships focus on destination immersion, staying longer in port so you can explore beyond the shoreline. These are voyages designed for travelers who value time, depth, and connection over crowds and routine.
Carnival Cruise Line offers a fun-filled and family-friendly experience in Alaska. Their large ships provide a range of onboard entertainment options, including water parks, casinos, and live shows. Guests can enjoy the scenic beauty of Alaska while indulging in a variety of activities and amenities.
Celebrity Cruises combines luxury and adventure in their Alaska cruises. With modern and elegant ships, Celebrity offers a high-end experience that includes gourmet dining, stylish accommodations, and world-class amenities. Guests can immerse themselves in Alaska's natural beauty while enjoying sophisticated onboard offerings.
Crystal Cruises offers ultra-luxury experiences in Alaska, combining refined elegance with exceptional personalized service. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining, spacious all-suite accommodations, and carefully curated shore excursions that highlight Alaska's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Cunard Cruise Line offers a traditional and elegant cruise experience. Their iconic ship, Queen Elizabeth, provide a refined ambiance and impeccable service. Cunard's Alaska cruises allow guests to explore the region's wonders while indulging in elegant dining, glamorous events, and world-class entertainment.
Disney Cruise Line brings its signature magic and family-friendly entertainment to Alaska. Designed with families in mind, their ships offer themed areas for kids, engaging activities, and beloved Disney characters. The cruises feature immersive experiences and shore excursions tailored to both children and adults, combining adventure and enchantment in Alaska's stunning landscapes.
Holland America Line has a long history of sailing in Alaska, offering a variety of itineraries and ships. Known for their "North to Alaska" program, Holland America immerses guests in the local culture with activities like dog sledding demonstrations, lumberjack shows, and Native American performances. Their ships provide comfortable accommodations and a range of onboard amenities for all ages.
In partnership with National Geographic, Lindblad Expeditions offers Alaska cruises that focus on exploration, education, and conservation. Their expedition ships provide a comfortable base for wildlife watching, kayaking, and hiking excursions led by experienced naturalists. Lindblad-National Geographic Expeditions offer an enriching experience for those seeking a deeper understanding of Alaska's ecosystem.
MSC Cruises brings a unique European flair to the Alaskan cruise experience. Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, MSC offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Last Frontier.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a range of Alaska cruises, featuring their signature "Freestyle Cruising" concept. With multiple dining options, onboard entertainment, and activities for all ages, NCL provides a flexible and relaxed experience. Guests can enjoy scenic cruising through Alaska's fjords and glaciers, as well as engage in exciting shore excursions.
Oceania Cruises combines luxury with immersive cultural experiences in its Alaska cruises. Their mid-sized ships offer a refined and elegant ambiance, with gourmet dining options, spacious accommodations, and personalized service. Oceania's itineraries focus on unique ports of call and opportunities for authentic cultural interactions.
Princess Cruises is a well-established cruise line in Alaska, offering a variety of itineraries and ships. Known for their "North to Alaska" program, Princess Cruises immerses guests in the local culture with activities like dog sledding demonstrations, lumberjack shows, and Native American performances. Their ships provide comfortable accommodations and a range of onboard amenities for all ages.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers all-inclusive luxury experiences in Alaska. With spacious suites, gourmet dining, and personalized service, their ships provide a refined and indulgent atmosphere. Regent's Alaska cruises include shore excursions and immersive experiences that showcase the region's natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Royal Caribbean offers Alaska cruises on its innovative and large-scale ships. With a wide range of onboard activities, including rock climbing walls, water parks, and Broadway-style shows, Royal Caribbean ensures an entertaining and thrilling experience. Guests can enjoy scenic cruising through Alaska's Inside Passage and participate in exciting shore excursions.
Seabourn Cruise Line offers intimate and luxurious experiences in Alaska. Their small, all-suite ships provide a high level of personalized service and an exclusive ambiance. Seabourn's itineraries focus on secluded destinations, scenic cruising, and immersive shore excursions that showcase Alaska's natural wonders.
Silversea Cruises offers all-inclusive luxury experiences in Alaska's remote regions. With their small expedition ships, guests can explore secluded fjords, witness wildlife up close, and engage in thrilling adventure activities. Silversea's cruises feature gourmet dining, spacious suites, and personalized service, ensuring a refined and indulgent journey.
UnCruise Adventures specializes in small-ship, boutique-style cruises that provide an intimate and immersive experience in Alaska's wilderness. Their itineraries focus on exploration, wildlife encounters, and outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking. UnCruise Adventures' cruises offer a flexible and personalized approach, allowing guests to tailor their experience to their interests.
Viking Ocean Cruises provides a sophisticated and culturally enriching experience in Alaska. Their small and elegant ships offer spacious accommodations, gourmet dining, and immersive activities that highlight the region's history, nature, and local traditions. Viking's Alaska cruises combine comfort, exploration, and educational opportunities.
Virgin Voyages is set to revolutionize cruising in Alaska starting in 2026, bringing their bold, modern, and eco-conscious approach to the Last Frontier. Known for their adults-only voyages, Virgin combines innovative design, exceptional dining, and vibrant onboard entertainment.
Windstar Cruises transforms Alaska cruising into a yacht-style adventure that feels personal and unhurried. Each voyage blends casual luxury and close-to-nature exploration through fjords, glaciers, and narrow channels unreachable to larger ships. Windstar’s small-ship approach delivers the balance of comfort, intimacy, and authentic discovery that defines modern adventure travel in Alaska.
