alaska cruises from seattle may 2024

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Alaska cruise from Seattle in May 2024

Embark on an unforgettable Alaskan cruise adventure departing from Seattle in May 2024. Seattle is a vibrant city nestled in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and a bustling cultural scene. As a major port city, Seattle is a popular starting point for cruises to Alaska and beyond. May is a wonderful time to embark on an Alaskan cruise, as the snow and ice begin to melt away and the landscape transforms into a lush, green paradise. With an average temperature ranging from 40-55°F (4-13°C), visitors can expect pleasant weather conditions with longer daylight hours, making it an ideal time to explore the breathtaking natural wonders of the region. Choose from a range of popular cruise lines, such as American Cruise Lines , Carnival Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line , Norwegian Cruise Line , Princess Cruises , Royal Caribbean , and Un-Cruise Adventures , and explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Alaska on a cruise from Seattle in May 2024.

Explore Alaska's Wilderness on a May 2024 Cruise from Seattle

During May, passengers can expect to witness a plethora of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou, as they emerge from hibernation and migrate towards the coast. The coastal waters are also teeming with life as whales, seals, and sea otters bask in the warmer waters. One of the highlights of an Alaskan cruise in May is the chance to witness the spectacular sight of glaciers calving, where huge chunks of ice break off and crash into the water. Visitors can take part in various activities, including kayaking, hiking, and exploring the surrounding rainforest, providing an up-close and personal experience with the region's flora and fauna.

May also marks the start of the fishing season, with an abundance of salmon and halibut in the waters surrounding Alaska. Visitors can try their hand at fishing and even cook up their catch on board. Finally, May also offers an opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of Alaska, with various tours and activities available to learn about their traditions, language, and way of life.

Seattle port Alaska Cruise Schedule May 2024

Embark on a breathtaking adventure with an Alaskan cruise departing from Seattle in May 2024. Journey through pristine wilderness filled with glimmering glaciers, towering mountains, lush forests, rare wildlife, and charming waterfront communities. Discover a range of available cruises departing from Seattle in May 2024, and easily compare options to find your perfect itinerary.

8-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

Carnival luminosa, carnival cruise line.

Date: May 1, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Icy Strait, Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

9-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

Norwegian sun, norwegian cruise line.

Ports of Call: Seattle, Sitka, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Icy Strait, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

7-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

Safari quest, un-cruise adventures.

Date: May 3, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Salish Sea, San Juan Islands, Stuart Island Park, Orcas Island, Sucia Island, Olympic National Park, Seattle; View Itinerary

American Spirit, American Cruise Lines

Date: May 4, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Anacortes, Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, Victoria, Port Townsend, Poulsbo, Seattle; View Itinerary

Eurodam, Holland America Line

Ports of Call: Seattle, Juneau, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Cruise Line

Ports of Call: Seattle, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Cruise Line

Date: May 5, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Date: May 6, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Icy Strait, Skagway, Juneau, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Carnival Spirit, Carnival Cruise Line

Date: May 7, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: May 9, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

10-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

Date: May 10, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Sitka, Haines, Skagway, Juneau, Glacier Bay, Icy Strait, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: May 11, 2024

Discovery Princess, Princess Cruises

Ports of Call: Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: May 12, 2024

Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises

Ports of Call: Seattle, Ketchikan, Dawes Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

14-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

American constellation, american cruise lines.

Date: May 13, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Anacortes, Friday Harbor, Strait of Georgia, Queen Charlotte Strait, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Tracy Arm, Glacier Bay, Haines, Skagway, Juneau, Juneau; View Itinerary

Ports of Call: Seattle, Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: May 14, 2024

Date: May 16, 2024

Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Cruises

Date: May 17, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Date: May 18, 2024

Date: May 19, 2024

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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $150. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

2024 Alaska Cruises

In 2024, you can explore Alaska your way with the most revolutionary vacation in Alaska ever, because for the first time Celebrity Edge® will be sailing the rugged coast of Alaska. This ship’s outward-facing design takes experiencing the great outdoors to exciting new levels. Marvel at majestic glaciers from the Magic Carpet 12 decks above sea-level. Watch for whales from the luxurious comfort of the Rooftop Garden. See the mountainous landscape drift while relaxing in a martini shaped hot tub high above the pool deck.

Two more of our award-winning ships, Celebrity Solstice® and Celebrity Summit®, also offer unique opportunities to experience the wonders of Alaska. Together, these three ships represent the breadth of our vacation offerings, with a wide range of 7-night itineraries sailing from Seattle, Vancouver, or Seward for an unforgettable journey. So, you’ll have all the options you need to discover the great outdoors exactly the way you want to.

Choose any of these dynamic journeys and experience the flavors, culture, and beauty of this region of the world. 

Itineraries

Departure ports.

Seward, Alaska

Vancouver, British Colombia

Seattle, Washington

Our Ships Sailing to Alaska in 2024 and 2025

Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Summit

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

Hubbard Glacier

Icy Strait Point

Alaska Cruisetours

Take your journey into the heart of Alaska to the next level with our Premium Cruisetour program. You’ll experience all the wonders of the land tour with heightened services and amenities, including upgraded rooms or rooms with breathtaking views of the area—or both where they’re available. When lodging overnight, you’ll enjoy breakfasts before continuing your journey. You’ll be able to sip your favorite beverages, including cocktails, with unlimited drinks while aboard the glass-domed Wilderness Express train. Plus, your tips are covered for your tour guide and driver. There’s no better way to spoil yourself in the unspoiled wilderness.

Learn More About Our New Season of 2024 Alaska Cruises

In Alaska, you’ll discover some of the most unique towns and cities in the world. Some of the incredible cities you can discover include Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka. No matter which sailing you choose, you’ll sail the Inside Passage (a must-see for everyone), and you’ll visit one of the majestic glaciers of the region—Hubbard Glacier or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.

The rugged beauty of this unspoiled wilderness is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable journey.From up-close, breathtaking views of majestic glaciers and snow-capped mountains to the local wildlife, including whales, bears, bald eagles, and moose (just to name a few), you’ll experience the great outdoors like never before.

Get an even more immersive exploration of Alaska on a 9- to 13-night Cruisetour that combines a 7-night cruise with an exciting pre- or post-cruise land tour that takes you deep into the heart of the wilderness. Ride trains, boats, deluxe motorcoaches, and possibly even planes to go farther into the wilderness. Stay in the finest lodges and savor local flavors along the way. These land and sea vacations introduce you to everything Alaska has to offer for exciting, in-depth adventure.

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ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

Alaska cruises.

Adventure comes first on the last frontier.

No vacation in the world delivers once-in-a-lifetime adventure like Alaska. Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all. Take off by dogsled across thousand-year-old ice as you soak in otherworldly sights. Trek across the majestic Mendenhall Glacier for breathtaking views of the wildest country. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. And do it all from onboard one of four thrill-filled ships. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals

Want more time to plan the adventure of a lifetime? Our 2024 Alaska sailings are now open.

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OF ICE AND MOUNTAINS

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes,  imposing glaciers  and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness. 

JOURNEY INWARD

Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective.

GLACIERS WILL MOVE YOU

In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve  massive icebergs . Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders.

JOURNEY TO "THE GREAT ONE"

In the center of the state,  Denali National Park  is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your vacation.

FEEL THE RUSH

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories you couldn't have made anywhere else during your cruise to Alaska. 

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the  Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour . The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill.

WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?

Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a  whale watching tour . There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water.

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape.

RELEASE YOUR WILD SIDE ON THE BEST ALASKA CRUISE

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 20 years running.

QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Quantum of the Seas® heads to the Last Frontier from Seattle . This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather. Edge of your seat entertainment, all weather activities like the fan-favorite Flowrider®* and unparalleled views from every room.

EXPLORE MORE

OVATION OF THE SEAS

Pioneer America’s Last Frontier onboard Ovation of the Seas®, one of the world's most groundbreaking ships and among the boldest ships to ever sail Alaska. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm . Scan the surrounding waters on your way to Juneau for glimpses of wildlife from the North Star®, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. 

BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS

Brilliance of the Seas® gets you up close to the glacial giants of The Last Frontier — from the expansive Hubbard to the calving Dawes. You can add once-in-a-lifetime to the itinerary for your wildest week ever. Go wildlife spotting in Juneau, peak-seeking in Sitka , and take-on rugged adventure in Haines. Getting to your coolest getaway yet is easy for the whole family with sails roundtrip from Vancouver

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling.

The best time to travel to Alaska depends on your priorities. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

No two days will be the same, and you'll need to pack your clothing to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day. Think layers: zip-up sweaters, boots, rain jackets.

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March 8, 2024

Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many.

Planning a Trip To Alaska: Land vs. Sea | Royal Caribbean Cruises

When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. Here's why travel by cruise ship is best here.

Best Brilliance of the Seas Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Start sailing today.

Our Family Alaska Cruise: A Vacation We'll Never Forget | Royal Caribbean Cruises

On our family Alaska cruise, we created lifetime memories by sharing glacier spotting, dog sledding, flightseeing and other adventures with our teens.

Alaska Souvenirs to Take Home With You So You Never Forget Your Trip | Royal Caribbean Cruises

After traveling somewhere new, you want to bring something back with you to remember all of your fun adventures. Don't miss these Alaska souvenirs.

What to Pack for a Cruise to Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take the guess work out of what to pack for a cruise to Alaska with this guide that tells you what to bring and why you'll be glad you did!

Alaska Food: Where to Find the Best Food in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

Fun Activities for kids in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Fun activities for kids abound on an Alaska cruise. Embark on a thrilling journey with young explorers through breathtaking landscapes.

Dive Into Alaska Traditions on Your Next Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Whether you're curious about Alaska native culture or other Alaska traditions, here's how to make these an integral part of your trip up north.

What Is the Best Way to See Alaska? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

As you plan your Alaska vacation, you might be torn between traveling by cruise ship, plane or even car. Here's how to decide the best way to see Alaska.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Port Cities | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cruising is a wonderful thing. It can bring you to some of the most beautiful port cities in the world.

Why You Should Take an Alaska Summer Vacation Cruise

Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option, too.

Best Vacation Spots in Alaska in the Summer

Alaska in the summer is a must for adventure travelers looking for wilderness hiking, epic glaciers, dog sledding, and sea kayaking

Hiking on Alaska Glacier Tours

Ever wanted to go on an Alaska glacier tour to experience hiking in its open nature? Here is your travel guide for planning the best adventure vacation.

The Most Instagrammable Places in Alaska

Find the most Instagrammable places for your next vacation cruise to Alaska. Come discover the prettiest spots to take pictures with our travel photo guide.

Visiting Scenic Restaurants in Alaska

Plan your romantic Alaskan cruise with our adventurer’s guide to discovering the coziest vacation spots and most scenic restaurants for couples traveling in Alaska.

Honeymoon Cruise in Alaska

Planning a honeymoon cruise to Alaska? We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most romantic destinations to vacation for couples.

The Best Craft Breweries in Alaska

For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska.

Must-Sees for Your Once in a Lifetime Alaska Cruise Vacation

Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation.

Conquer the World's Longest Zip Line in Alaska

Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure.

Dog Sledding Tours

There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.

Top Tips for Planning a Cruise to Alaska

Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more.

Alaska Helicopter Tours

There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. Take your breath away as you travel above its amazing glaciers.

The Best Alaska Cruises

Your Guide to the Best Cruises From Alaska. Learn more about the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver.

Alaska is not a formal place; people even wear jeans to the opera. Focus more on comfort when deciding what clothing to pack.

Cameras, binoculars, rain ponchos and jackets are useful, but add these to the souvenirs you'll be picking up and soon your bag will be too heavy to tote around. Bring along a quality day pack to make it easier to hold your necessities.

Learn a few words in Alaska's local lingo: The "Alcan" is the Alaska-Canada Highway, for example, and "fish stories" are the local version of tall tales — unreliable yarns of mythological proportions, often told by fisherman.

ALASKAN CUISINE WILD IS THE WAY 

Alaskan food focuses on locally sourced ingredients that reflect the state's rugged terrain and the vast oceans surrounding it. These nutrient-rich waters serve up some gorgeous fish and shellfish, from super-fresh salmon to huge Alaskan King Crabs that can feed a crowd, while game meats and berries from the wilderness form a perfect marriage of flavor.

SALMON IS CENTRAL

Fresh-caught wild salmon is served up at backyard BBQs and the finest restaurants. For something different, try the sweet and savory treat Indian Candy, salmon that is sweetened and smoked till hard.

SOURDOUGH WON'T LET YOU GO

Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch.

GO WILD FOR BERRIES

Alaskan wild berries are sweet and pack a powerful punch of flavor. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Inside Passage, Canada

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Seward, Alaska

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Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours

Enjoy magnificent scenery and unique experiences sailing the Inside Passage

Royal Caribbean, Alaska Glacier Cruise from Seattle, May 31, 2024

7-day alaska cruise to sitka, skagway, juneau and victoria on board ovation of the seas.

Experience the journey of a lifetime when you cruise with Royal Caribbean

Seattle, wa.

With two centrally-located cruise terminals and easy airport connections, Seattle has become America’s premier cruise port both before and after trip. Often known as “The Emerald City,” Seattle is a vibrant metropolis that serves as a gateway to the region’s stunning natural wonders. The Seattle[…]

Day 1 – At Sea cruising

Set sail from cosmopolitan Seattle, WA, and behold the arctic grandeur of Alaska and the unspoiled Inside Passage on board Ovation of the Seas.

Sitka, Alaska

From May through September, Sitka serves as a popular stop for cruise ships traveling the Inside Passage. Huge cruise ships dock at sea, and smaller boats take people to the Crescent Harbor Lightering Facility or the O’Connell Bridge Lightering Facility. Sitka is one of the[…]

Skagway, Alaska

Cruising to skagway, alaska.

In Skagway, Alaska, the sounds of barroom pianos and boomtown crowds reverberate into the night, while shouts of “gold in the Yukon” still reverberate from the canyon walls. Skagway, Alaska, is the most northern place in Southeast Alaska. It is 80 air miles from Juneau,[…]

Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, often described as America’s most unusual state capital, is the only center of U.S. government with no roads leading into or out of town. The city is surrounded by nature, namely towering mountains and the waters of Gastineau Channel. The modern city of Juneau is[…]

Day 5 – At Sea cruising

Each cruise line has their own unique way to pamper you and indulge your senses. There is always something to do onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Victoria, BC

The capital of British Columbia, Victoria, is occasionally used as a cruise port during the Alaska cruise season. This is especially true at the beginning and conclusion of the season, when cruise companies offer special itineraries as they relocate their ships from the south to[…]

It doesn’t get much better than setting sail from Seattle. Due to the abundance of attractions, you should set aside as much time as possible to experience it all. Here, though, are some suggestions for making the most of your time on dry land in[…]

Enjoy a seven-night Alaska roundtrip cruise from Seattle through the beautiful Inside Passage, exploring fjords, glacial valleys, and untouched wilderness with Royal Caribbean. Discover Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and Victoria from Seattle with Royal Caribbean’ cruise ship Ovation of the Seas. Ovation of the Seas leaving Seattle for 7 nights from May 31, 2024.

The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler

What are the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle ? It depends on what kind of traveler you are.

If you're a parent traveling with teens and tweens, you'll probably want to pick a voyage on one of the big, family activity-filled cruise ships operated by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line that sail out of Seattle each summer.

If you're looking to get away from families with young children — maybe you're a retiree looking to travel with people your own age — you'd want to check out the itineraries operated by cruise lines that cater more to couples without kids, most notably Holland America and Princess Cruises.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Other cruises might be best for solo travelers or travelers on a tight budget.

Here we list our top picks for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for six different types of travelers.

Best for families: Ovation of the Seas

It isn't easy picking the best Alaska cruise out of Seattle for families. There are four world-class family-focused cruise ships in the market, each of which is a contender for the best for families title: Royal Caribbean 's Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.

All four ships are loaded with all sorts of gee-whiz family attractions, from bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators on the Royal Caribbean vessels to go-kart tracks and laser tag courses on the Norwegian ships.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean ships, the Norwegian ships also have epic waterslides on their top decks, which in theory, might put them over the top in any listing of the best cruise ships for families based in Seattle.

However, keep in mind that Alaska can be chilly, even at the height of summer, and rainy, too. For that reason, we discount the value of some of the family-friendly attractions on the Norwegian ships, which are open to the elements, and consider the Royal Caribbean ships the best of the bunch for Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Both of the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska from Seattle are loaded with attractions that are protected from the elements, including those bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators. In fact, both Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas were specifically built to operate in areas of inclement weather.

Of the two ships, which are nearly identical and part of the relatively new Quantum class of vessels, we give the 4,180-passenger Ovation of the Seas the nod for best Alaska family cruise ship sailing from Seattle only because it's a couple of years newer. Newer is almost always better in the cruise world.

Related: The 6 types of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

A cavernous indoor activity area on each of the two Quantum-class ships called the SeaPlex is home to the aforementioned bumper cars, as well as such family-friendly activities as roller skating, basketball and even trapeze lessons. The two-level complex also has upstairs nooks for playing Xbox, ping pong and foosball. It's like one big play zone for families that will keep your kids busy for hours.

Each of the ships also offers one of the most unusual attractions you'll find at sea: A glass-enclosed capsule mounted on a mechanical arm that will take you and your family soaring into the sky for bird's-eye views. It's called the North Star ride.

All the above come in addition to many of the core Royal Caribbean attractions you'll find on most of the brand's ships, including pools, rock climbing walls, casinos, spas and Broadway-style shows, plus lots of eateries and bars.

Related: The 9 craziest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Of particular note, given Alaska's weather, is that one of the two main pool areas on each of these Quantum-class ships is enclosed.

Best for budget travelers: Eurodam

Our pick for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers may come as a surprise to many cruise aficionados. That's because it's not the Alaska voyages from Seattle offered by the North American cruise line best known for budget sailings — Carnival Cruise Line .

Carnival does offer cruises to Alaska from Seattle regularly with two ships: Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa. However, while Carnival is the low-cost leader in many cruise destinations, that's not always the case in the market for Alaska cruises from Seattle. Often, the lowest starting prices you'll find on cruises to Alaska from Seattle, on both an absolute and per-day basis, are the cruises offered by Holland America .

For the coming year, for instance, as of this guide's posting, there were lots of Holland America sailings to Alaska from Seattle available for under $750 per person for seven nights — some as low as $429 per person for seven nights.

There were very few Carnival sailings available for under $750 per person, with most Carnival sailings starting around $800 per person or more for seven nights.

We suspect the lower starting prices for Holland America ships as compared to Carnival ships on Alaska sailings out of Seattle is because Alaska cruises from Seattle are round-trip voyages. Many Holland America fans who cruise to Alaska choose a one-way voyage to or from the state that lets them add extra days for touring in Alaska at the start or end of the voyage. Such one-way voyages only are available out of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Holland America — the longtime leader in Alaska cruises, along with its sister company Princess Cruises — is particularly known for "cruisetours" to Alaska that combine a one-way cruise to or from the state with multiple days touring Alaska by motorcoach and train.

Holland America bases two ships in Seattle for cruises to Alaska: the 2,104-passenger Eurodam and 1,964-passenger Westerdam. Starting prices for both are relatively similar, but we give the nod for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers to Eurodam as it's a somewhat newer vessel.

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Encore

No luxury-focused cruise ships sail to Alaska out of Seattle. Still, you can get a variation on a luxury cruise experience on a voyage to Alaska from Seattle on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Encore.

Yes, the 3,998-passenger Norwegian Encore is a cruise ship that generally caters to the masses, not the luxury crowd. However, it has its own "ship-within-a-ship" luxury zone that offers a much more swanky experience for those willing to pay.

At the top front of the vessel, this private enclave, called The Haven, is home to dozens of upscale suites; a sprawling, two-deck-high pool area; a private lounge and bar; and a private restaurant. Only the deep-pocketed swells who can afford one of the suites get exclusive access to these areas.

The pool area, a true stunner, comes with comfortable padded loungers, a pool and whirlpools. Its retractable glass roof is perfect for cruises to Alaska when the weather is iffy. Guests can enjoy the deck, rain or shine.

If living large is your goal, you're not going to find anything better than this — other than with a cruise on a similar Norwegian vessel that also cruises to Alaska from Seattle. Norwegian Bliss, also based in Washington during the summer, is part of the same Norwegian Breakaway-Plus class of vessels and has a similar Haven enclave.

Related: How to turn a mass-market cruise into a luxury experience

Why did we pick Norwegian Encore over Norwegian Bliss as the ship offering the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for luxury lovers? Built a year after Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore offers one big improvement for the upscale crowd as compared to Norwegian Bliss.

On Norwegian Encore, there's a much bigger version of the exclusive, extra-charge Vibe Beach Club sunning area that's on Norwegian Bliss. Home to a full-service bar, cabanas and two hot tubs, the version of the Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Encore sprawls across both sides of the ship (instead of just one side on Norwegian Bliss) and extends upward to a partial deck above. It's just $99 or more per day to get in.

It's yet one more stylish and upscale area for cruisers looking for an upgraded experience to retreat.

Note that there is one other option for upscale Alaska cruises out of Seattle: A voyage on Oceania Cruises ' 684-passenger Regatta. While Oceania isn't considered a luxury line on the level of Silversea Cruises or Seabourn Cruise Line , it has an elegant feel. That said, given the ship's age (it dates to 1998) and limited venues, we're still in the camp that favors a Haven stay on a Norwegian ship.

Best for solo travelers: Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss are also our top picks for ships operating the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for solo travelers. Between these two, it's a tossup, though we put Norwegian Bliss in the headline above since, well, we already gave Norwegian Encore a turn in the limelight with the best-for-luxury category.

Notably, both Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore boast large private zones for solo travelers — something you won't find on any other cruise ship sailing out of Seattle. It's a hallmark of Norwegian's newest and biggest ships.

On each of the ships, the "studio" zones, as Norwegian calls them, are made up of 82 special solo cabins and a private Studio Lounge where solos can gather for happy hours and other events. Only the studio zone on Norwegian's 2010-built Norwegian Epic is bigger.

Passengers staying in solo cabins get exclusive access to the Studio Lounge (using their keycards), meaning a maximum of 82 people will share the space.

A special zone for solo travelers is a rare concept in the cruise world, where almost all rooms for vacationers are designed for two people and sold with per-person fares that are based on two people occupying the room.

The solo cabins in the studio zones are small (measuring 100 square feet) but are superbly designed to maximize storage space (something I learned firsthand staying in one on Norwegian Epic).

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

Solo passengers on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss will also find a sometimes rollicking bar scene, with plenty of counter-style seating in bars that are a great place to meet other solo travelers and friendly guests. We recommend the Sugarcane Mojito Bar on Norwegian Bliss. There, the bartender will muddle your mojitos with raspberry, guava, passion fruit or even jalapeno pepper to spice things up when you're sitting with your new solo friends.

One warning if you're considering booking one of the solo cabins: They've become so popular that they often sell out far in advance and at prices that aren't much better than booking a cabin for two.

Best for multigenerational travel: Discovery Princess

Looking for the best Alaska cruise from Seattle if you're bringing three generations of your family along for the ride? We can think of nothing better than a voyage on one of the two Princess Cruises ships that sail out of the city, the 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess and 3,560-passenger Royal Princess.

Both ships are almost identical, but we give Discovery Princess the edge only because it's newer than Royal Princess. The two vessels were built in 2022 and 2013, respectively.

Princess has long been heralded as one of the best cruise lines for multigenerational travel, in part because its ships offer a little something for travelers of all ages.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships mentioned above, the two Princess ships sailing from Seattle don't have top decks heavily skewed to family fun. Instead, their top decks offer lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas where you can enjoy the experience of being at sea without much hustle and bustle.

That makes these ships more appealing to an older demographic that doesn't necessarily want to be on a vessel that's loaded to the gills with children's fun zones and the younger family travelers drawn to that. Notably, the average age of Princess passengers is around 57, and you'll usually see many couples on board in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

Still, unlike some lines that cater to an older crowd, Princess doesn't ignore the children's market. Both Discovery Princess and Royal Princess offer an extensive children's program that gets high marks from parents, with dedicated Discovery Channel-themed Camp Discovery areas where counselors supervise free activities daily for children ages 3 to 17.

When sailing to Alaska, these ships also offer other kid-friendly events, such as Puppies on Princess, when dog mushers and their newest sled dogs come on board for meet-and-greets (and photos!). In partnership with the Discovery Channel and Glacier Bay National Park, the line also adds such kid-friendly fun during Alaska sailings as a Junior Ranger Program, totem pole decorating and a "Deadliest Catch-"themed crab sorting challenge.

In addition, an onboard Klondike Festival brings added family entertainment, including gold nugget arts and crafts projects, a naturalist exhibition, harmonica music classes and North to Alaska dance performances.

In short, Princess provides an Alaska product specifically designed to appeal to a wide age range. It's the line you take if you want an affordable ship that'll appeal to your 70-year-old parents as much as your 12-year-old kid.

Best for retirees: Westerdam

The best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for retirees, in our view, are the sailings offered by Holland America on both the 1,964-passenger Westerdam and 2,104-passenger Eurodam. We give Westerdam the slight edge for reasons we will explain below.

While Holland America draws some families with younger children, the passengers on its ships skew heavily toward middle-aged and older travelers, including many retirees. If you're nearing or already have hit retirement age and prefer to travel mostly with people who are at a similar stage in life as you, you'll feel right at home on a Holland America ship.

The top decks of Holland America vessels, notably, lack many of the kid-focused attractions found on the top decks of more family-focused ships operated by the likes of Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. That often keeps families with younger kids from booking the ships.

What you will find on the top decks of both Eurodam and Westerdam are more serene sunning areas with pools and whirlpools. Depending on your travel style, that might be all you need.

Related: The best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Both Eurodam and Westerdam mostly sail seven-night trips to Alaska out of Seattle. However, for 2024, Westerdam has added an epic new 28-night Alaska itinerary out of Seattle that will include calls in remote areas that most cruise ships never visit. The new itinerary is one reason we give Westerdam the edge among ships when rating the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for seniors.

It's the sort of itinerary that specifically appeals to retirees with the time (and money) to book such a long trip.

Westerdam is also a slightly smaller ship than Eurodam, and as a result, its demographics on any given sailing are more likely to skew toward a retired crowd. To the extent that families with younger kids book Holland America ships, they are more likely to book one of its larger vessels.

In addition to Eurodam and Rotterdam, two other good choices for retirees considering Alaska cruises out of Seattle are the two Princess ships that sail on such itineraries: Royal Princess and Discovery Princess. Like the Holland America ships, they aren't loaded with kid-focused attractions that draw families.

Bottom line

Nearly a dozen major cruise ships operate Alaska cruises out of Seattle during the summer months, giving cruisers plenty of choice.

What is the best Alaska cruise from Seattle for you? That'll depend on your personal interests and travel style because there are cruises from Seattle that appeal to everyone, including family travelers, budget travelers and retirees.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship
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• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
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Cruise season in Seattle to start this weekend

Elliot bay waterfront revitalization project.

The city and the Port of Seattle have announced a new partnership to revitalize parks along the Elliot Bay waterfront.

SEATTLE - The 2024 cruise season in Seattle begins this month and the first sailing is this weekend. 

On Saturday, the Port of Seattle's Pier 66 will be welcoming its first cruise: Norwegian Bliss – a Norwegian Cruise Line.

From April to October, Seattle will see 275 ships with over 800,000 passengers traveling to Alaska and back. 

If you're a passenger who is planning to embark on an adventure this season or just want to plan ahead for crowds along the waterfront and downtown Seattle, here's what to expect. 

How long is the 2024 Seattle cruise season?

The season goes from Saturday, April 6 through Monday, October 28. 

What are the cruise ships that'll be in Seattle?

There will be several cruise ships in Seattle during the season and the city will be serving eight major cruise lines.

The trips can range between a 5-day cruise. 7 days and 10 days. 

Here's a list of the cruises:

• Carnival Lumnosa 7-Day Alaska
• Carnival Spirit 7-Day Alaska
• Celebrity Edge 7-day Alaska
• Crown Princess 7-Day Alaska
• Discovery Princess 7-Day Alaska
• Holland America Eurodam 7-Day Alaska
• Holland America Westerdam 7-Day Alaska
• Majestic Princess 7-Day Alaska
• Norwegian Bliss 7-Day Alaska
• Norwegian Encore 7-Day Alaska
• Norwegian Jewel 9-Day Alaska
• Oceania Regatta 7 and 10-day Alaska
• Ovation of the seas 7-Day Alaska
• Quantum of the Seas 7-Day Alaska
• Seabourn Odyssey

Where are the Seattle cruise ship terminals?

There are two cruise ship terminals – Bell Street Cruise Terminal and Smith Cove Cruise Terminal. 

Bell Street Cruise Terminal is located along Seattle's downtown waterfront at Pier 66, which is the home to Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises.

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal is located at the north end of Seattle's waterfront at Pier 91 on Smith Cove, which is in the Interbay neighborhood. Pier 91 serves as a home port for Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. 

2024 Seattle cruise season schedule

Here's the 2024 cruise season and the schedule may be subject to change. 

• Saturday, April 6: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, April 13: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, April 19: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 91 *Port of call
• Saturday, April 20: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Tuesday, April 23: Carnival Spirit -- Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Saturday, April 27: Norwegian Bliss -- Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, April 28: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Tuesday, April 30: Zaandam -- Holland-America at Pier 66
• Tuesday, April 30: Crown Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91 *Port of call
• Wednesday, May 1: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Wednesday, May 1: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Saturday, May 4: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, May 4: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, May 5: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, May 6: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, May 7: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, May 9: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, May 10: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, May 11: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, May 11: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Saturday, May 11: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, May 12: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, May 12: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, May 12: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Monday, May 13: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, May 14: Carnival Spirit -- Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, May 16: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, May 17: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, May 17: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, May 18: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, May 18: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, May 18: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, May 19: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, May 19: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, May 19: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, May 20: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, May 20: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, May 21: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, May 23: : Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, May 24: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, May 24: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, May 25: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, May 25: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, May 25: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, May 26: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, May 26: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Monday, May 27: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, May 28: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Wednesday, May 29: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Thursday, May 30: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, May 31: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, May 31: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 1: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, June 1: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 1: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 2: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, June 2: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 2: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, June 3: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, June 4: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, June 6: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, June 7: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, June 7: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, June 7: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 8: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, June 8: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 8: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 9: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, June 9: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 9: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, June 10: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, June 10: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, June 11: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, June 13: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, June 14: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, June 14: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 15: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, June 15: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 15: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 16: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, June 16: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Monday, June 17: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, June 17: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, June 18: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, June 20: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, June 21: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, June 21: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, June 21: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 22: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, June 22: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 22: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 23: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 23: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, June 24: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, June 25: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Wednesday, June 26: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Thursday, June 27: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, June 28: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, June 28: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Friday, June 28: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, June 29: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 29: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 29: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 30: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, June 30: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Monday, July 1: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, July 2: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, July 4: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, July 5: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, July 5: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, July 5: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 6: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, July 6: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 6: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 7: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, July 7: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 7: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, July 8: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, July 9: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Tuesday, July 9: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, July 11: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, July 12: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, July 12: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 13: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, July 13: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 13: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 14: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, July 14: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 14: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, July 15: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, July 15: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, July 16: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, July 18: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, July 19: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, July 19: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, July 19: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 20: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, July 20: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 20: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 21: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, July 21: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 21: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, July 22: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, July 23: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Wednesday, July 24: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Thursday, July 25: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, July 26: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, July 26: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, July 26: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 27: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, July 27: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 27: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 28: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, July 28: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 28: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, July 29: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, July 30: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, Aug. 1: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 2: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, Aug. 2: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 2: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 3: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Aug. 3: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 3: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 4: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Aug. 4: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 4: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, Aug. 5: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Aug. 6: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Tuesday, Aug. 6: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, Aug. 8: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 9: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 9: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 10: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Aug. 10: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 10: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 11: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Aug. 11: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 11: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, Aug. 12: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, Aug. 12: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Aug. 13: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, Aug. 15: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 16: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, Aug. 16: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 16: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 17: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Aug. 17: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 17: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 18: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Aug. 18: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 18: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, Aug. 19: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Aug. 20: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Wednesday, Aug. 21: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Thursday, Aug. 22: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 23: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 23: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 24: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Aug. 24: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 24: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 25: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Aug. 25: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 25: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, Aug. 26: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Aug. 27: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Wednesday, Aug. 28: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66 *Port of call
• Thursday, Aug. 29: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 30: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, Aug. 30: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 30: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 31: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Aug. 31: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 31: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Sept. 1: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Sept. 1: Majestic Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, Sept. 1: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, Sept. 2: Seabourn Odyssey – Seabourm at Pier 91
• Monday, Sept. 2: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Sept. 3: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, Sept. 5: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Sept. 6: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, Sept. 6: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Sept. 7: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Sept. 7: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Saturday, Sept. 7: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, Sept. 8: Majestic Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, Sept. 8: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, Sept. 9: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, Sept. 9: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Sept. 10: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, Sept. 12: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Sept. 13: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, Sept. 13: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Sept 14: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Sept 14: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Sept 14: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Sept. 15: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Sept. 15: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Monday, Sept. 16: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Wednesday, Sept. 18: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Thursday, Sept. 19: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Sept. 20: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Saturday, Sept. 21: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Sept. 21: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Sept. 21: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Sept. 22: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Sept. 22: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Monday, Sept. 23: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Sept. 24: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Sept. 27: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, Sept. 27: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Saturday, Sept. 28: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Sept. 28: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Sept. 29: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Sept. 29: Radiance Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean *Port of call
• Sunday, Sept. 29: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91 *Port of call
• Monday, Sept. 30: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Oct. 1: Norwegian Jewel – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Oct. 5: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Oct. 5: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Oct. 6: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, Oct. 7: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Wednesday, Oct. 9: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, Oct. 10: Norwegian Jewel – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Thursday, Oct. 10: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Oct. 12: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Oct. 13: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Oct 19: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Oct 19: Norwegian Jewel – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Oct. 20: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Thursday, Oct. 24: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Saturday, Oct. 26: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, Oct. 28: Norwegian Jewel – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66 *Port of call

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Cruise Season Kicks Off in Seattle for 2024

C ruise season has officially started in Seattle, with the popular Pacific Northwest port welcoming its first ship over the weekend.

The Norwegian Bliss arrived at Pier 66 at the Port of Seattle for the first time this year on Saturday, kicking off what port officials hope will be a record-breaking season. 

The season runs from April 6 to October 28 and, during that time, officials plan to welcome 275 sailings and more than 800,000 unique passengers. They also expect the cruise industry to have an economic impact of nearly $900 million via tourism, provisioning and jobs. Cruising is responsible for 5,500 jobs in Seattle, according to port officials.

This year is also special because it’s the 25th anniversary of cruises sailing between Seattle and Alaska. 

The very first ship to depart Seattle for No. 49 was the Norwegian Sky in May 2000. The connection between the port and the cruise line was further strengthened in 2018, when Norwegian Bliss became the first ship to be christened in Seattle.

Since 2000, the port has grown from just 36 ship calls per season to 275. Amid that growth, port officials have been working to electrify Pier 66 so that shore power is available at all three Seattle cruise berths. They hope to connect the first ships to shore power this summer—six years early of the goal outlined by the Northwest Ports Air Strategy.

“Over the last 25 years, the cruise business has become a significant part of our local economy, contributing to hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs,” says Ryan Calkins, commissioner of the Port of Seattle. “All that activity comes with environmental impacts, however, and so the Port of Seattle is committed to providing a leadership role in advancing maritime decarbonization.” 

To reduce emissions even more, the port and its partners are also studying the feasibility of ships running on green methanol. The port is also protecting water quality in Puget Sound by banning the discharge of exhaust gas clean system wash water; it’s also working in partnership with ports in Alaska, Victoria and Vancouver to explore the creation of the world’s first cruise-focused “Green Corridor” from Seattle to Alaska.

“Our objective is to provide a road map for maritime leaders worldwide that demonstrates the viability of a greener industry, one that serves our communities and passengers while minimizing environmental and social impacts,” Calkins added.

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Frugal Traveler

Standby Cruising: A New Option for Bargain Seekers

Are you a flexible traveler? Holland America’s standby cruises may be for you. The cost: $49 a day, excluding fees, taxes and extras. The catch: It might be a hair-raising, last-minute scramble.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

In February, Barb McGowan took a seven-day cruise on Holland America Line, visiting the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic for just $343, or $49 a day, excluding taxes, port fees and extras. By comparison, Holland America currently lists a seven-day Caribbean itinerary in October from about $700.

The catch: She had just 48 hours’ notice.

Ms. McGown, a 64-year-old from Naples, Fla., who runs a restaurant franchise, took one of the line’s new standby cruises , which are aimed at travelers who live near departure ports and intended to fill ship vacancies.

“I look for deals, and this was an especially good experience,” Ms. McGowan said, praising the food and entertainment. “I was impressed enough to put down a deposit on a future cruise.”

A way to keep ships full

Holland America introduced its standby program last August to maximize ship occupancy, knowing that cancellations are inevitable. So far, the rest of the cruise industry has not followed its lead.

“If cancellations are within a week or two of sailing, it’s difficult to resell that space in the open market,” said Dan Rough, the vice president of revenue management at Holland America.

In the same way that airlines oversell seats, cruise lines may compensate for cancellations by overselling staterooms. Filling in with standbys, however, reduces Holland America’s reliance on overselling, which runs the risk of bumping passengers to distant departures or potentially offering generous cash incentives to coax volunteers to cancel.

Though the company does not heavily promote the new practice, it has attracted a following among the thrifty by dangling a bargain rate — $49 a person, whether sharing a cabin or traveling solo, before taxes and fees — on a web page that lists available departure dates to attract flexible travelers. Standbys should expect an inside cabin, according to the company, though ocean-view and veranda cabins have been assigned. (The company declined to say how many standby cabins it has offered.)

“Forty-nine dollars per person, per day is pretty exceptional,” said Colleen McDaniel, the editor of CruiseCritic.com , a website that reviews cruises, noting that the price covers all meals and entertainment. “You can’t find a cheaper rate at a land resort for what’s included.” (In 2023, the average nightly rate for a hotel room in the United States was nearly $156, according to STR, a data analytics firm that monitors the hospitality industry.)

To participate, travelers choose an itinerary from the standby list on the website — current embarkation ports include Boston; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Montreal; Quebec City; San Diego; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Whittier, Alaska — and pay for the trip in advance by calling Holland America or booking through a travel adviser.

There are no refunds for standby cruisers who want to back out. However, if the gamble fails to pay off, and the cruise line cannot offer a cabin to someone on the standby list, it issues a refund.

The company says standby offerings are added on a rolling basis and usually lists itineraries within two to three months of departure. Current offerings include seven-day sailings in Alaska’s Inside Passage from April through September and seven-to-11-day trips cruising the coast of New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces between May and October.

Proximity is a bonus

Standby cruisers don’t learn of their acceptance or denial until a week to two days before departure, complicating transportation arrangements.

“Last-minute airfare could offset the savings on a cruise,” wrote Crystal Seaton, the owner of Road to Relaxation Travel , a travel agency based in Raleigh, N.C., in an email. Though she has not booked a client on a standby sailing yet, she surmised that it is intended for travelers who can drive to a port.

“We were lucky; we found out Tuesday we were going on a Friday 3 p.m. sailing,” said Sheila Valloney, 66, of Clermont, Fla., who with her husband spent nine days aboard a Holland America ship in the southern Caribbean in February by going standby.

Before being cleared, she reserved a parking spot near the ship dock in Fort Lauderdale, which would have set her back about $6 if she canceled. She also kept their vacation clothes ready to go at the last minute for the three-and-a-half-hour drive to port.

Booking a refundable airline ticket — or at least one that guarantees a credit in loyalty points or cash in the event of cancellation — is one way travelers who must fly can take advantage of the deal.

For her standby sailing, Ms. McGowan drove 90 minutes from her home to the ship in Fort Lauderdale. But her travel companion was coming from Indiana, so when she joined the standby list a few months before the departure date, she booked her friend a Southwest Airlines flight using frequent flier points that would be refunded if the last-minute cruise didn’t come through.

Avoiding extra charges

Once on board, charges for extras like cabin upgrades, Wi-Fi, alcohol and shore excursions can inflate the bill, though the thriftiest travelers try to avoid them.

Ms. McGowan sprang for the $17.50-a-day charge for an upgraded drink package (basic nonalcoholic drinks are included in the cruise) and took one shore excursion, focused on coffee growing, which she deemed a good value at $89.

On their Caribbean cruise, the Valloneys asked around for recommendations for good beaches, where they went to relax on port days, and waited until they were on land to check emails, in order to avoid paying for Wi-Fi on the ship.

“We didn’t miss it at all,” Ms. Valloney said. “For beverages, we would wait until happy hour, when it was buy one, get one free.”

Will other companies follow suit?

To date, no other cruise lines have adopted standby programs.

Princess Cruises said it did not plan to offer cabins on a standby basis, but noted that it already offers last-minute deals , which tend to run about $50 to $60 per passenger per day. For example, a seven-day Alaska sailing from Vancouver to Anchorage departing on May 8 is listed at $399 a person in a double-occupancy cabin.

Several other major cruise lines did not respond to inquiries about potentially adopting standby programs, though operators like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also offer last-minute deals on their websites.

“We would be surprised to see many mainstream cruise lines begin to adopt a similar model” to the standby system, wrote Kimberly Coyne, the head of sales and content strategy for Cruiseline.com , a cruise review site, in an email. She said the standby fares might be financially unsustainable for cruise lines and cited the potential that travelers might become too accustomed to late-booking deals.

More ways to save

With the recent surge in cruise bookings, companies are discounting less, said Ms. McDaniel of CruiseCritic.com.

She identified more reliable ways to get a deal compared with going standby, such as booking during “ wave season ,” a sales period that generally runs January through March, or taking a repositioning cruise, in which a ship relocates from one region to another seasonally. A repositioning itinerary might sail in the fall from Alaska to the Caribbean via the Panama Canal.

“It’s not unusual to see a repositioning cruise at less than $75 per night,” Ms. McDaniel, said, noting that other expenses such as an airline itinerary into one city and returning from another may cost more than a standard round-trip ticket.

Repositioning cruises tend to stop at fewer ports and add more shipboard enrichment programs, such as lectures and activities like cake decorating classes and craft spirits tastings.

“For a lot of people the ship is the destination and this is the perfect activity for people who like to be on the ship,” she said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Come Sail Away

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Dipping Their Toes: Younger generations of travelers are venturing onto ships for the first time . Many are saving money.

Cult Cruisers: These devoted cruise fanatics, most of them retirees, have one main goal: to almost never touch dry land .