alaska cruise from vancouver in may 2023

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Alaska cruise from Vancouver in May 2023

Embark on an unforgettable Alaskan cruise adventure departing from Vancouver in May 2023. Vancouver is a beautiful coastal city located in the Pacific Northwest, known for its stunning scenery, diverse culture, and vibrant food scene. As a major port city, Vancouver is a popular starting point for cruises to Alaska. 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 Celebrity Cruises , Disney Cruise Line , Holland America Line , Hurtigruten , Norwegian Cruise Line , Princess Cruises , Royal Caribbean , Seabourn Cruise Line , Silversea Cruises , and Viking Ocean Cruises , and explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Alaska on a cruise from Vancouver in May 2023.

Explore Alaska's Wilderness on a May 2023 Cruise from Vancouver

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.

Vancouver port Alaska Cruise Schedule May 2023

Embark on a breathtaking adventure with an Alaskan cruise departing from Vancouver in May 2023. 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 Vancouver in May 2023, and easily compare options to find your perfect itinerary.

5-day Alaska cruise from Vancouver

Grand princess, princess cruises.

Date: May 1, 2023

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver; View Itinerary

7-day Alaska cruise from Vancouver

Norwegian jewel, norwegian cruise line.

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Seward; View Itinerary

8-day Alaska cruise from Vancouver

Sapphire princess, princess cruises.

Date: May 2, 2023

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Ketchikan, Vancouver; View Itinerary

9-day Alaska cruise from Vancouver

Celebrity solstice, celebrity cruises.

Date: May 3, 2023

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises

Date: May 5, 2023

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Endicott Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Vancouver; View Itinerary

Date: May 6, 2023

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier; View Itinerary

14-day Alaska cruise from Vancouver

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver; View Itinerary

ms Koningsdam, Holland America Line

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, Vancouver; View Itinerary

Enchantment of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Date: May 7, 2023

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm, Vancouver; View Itinerary

ms Noordam, Holland America Line

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Sitka, Juneau, Tracy Arm, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, Vancouver; View Itinerary

Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Date: May 8, 2023

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Vancouver, Ketchikan, Sitka, Endicott Arm, Juneau, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

ms Volendam, Holland America Line

Date: May 10, 2023

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

Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Date: May 11, 2023

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Arm, Ketchikan, Seattle; View Itinerary

Radiance of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, Vancouver; View Itinerary

Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Cruises

Date: May 12, 2023

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Icy Strait, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, Seward; View Itinerary

Date: May 13, 2023

Date: May 14, 2023

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Sitka, Juneau, Haines, Ketchikan, Vancouver; View Itinerary

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier; View Itinerary

MS Roald Amundsen, Hurtigruten

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Vancouver, Misty Fjords, Wrangell, Tracy Arm, Petersburg, Haines, William Henry Bay, Sitka, Icy Bay, Cordova, College Fjord, Seward, Anchorage; View Itinerary

Date: May 15, 2023

Disney Wonder, Disney Cruise Line

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Stikine Icecap, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver; View Itinerary

Date: May 17, 2023

Silver Muse, Silversea Cruises

Date: May 18, 2023

Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Seward; View Itinerary

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Accommodation, alaska: inside passage cruise (vancouver roundtrip, may 2023).

• history DURATION 8 nights
• history DURATION DAYS
• history DURATION NIGHTS 8 nights
• Travel at 60 bonus: Book with us to secure extra onboard spending money!  
• SALE: Book and upgrade to a drinks/wifi package by 15 December 2022 and receive up to $300 additional onboard spending money per cabin on top!

Departing 05 May 2023 on the Majestic Princess

This fabulous departure includes Endicott Arm glacier.

Endicott Arm is a jewel in Alaska’s crown; one of Mother Nature's masterpieces! This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above.

Inclusions/Exclusions

Your fare includes:

• Princess Dining (breakfast, lunch & dinner), accommodation and entertainment
• Medallion Class experience
• Room Service (24 hours)
• Casual Dining Venues
• Beverages (Iced Tea, Lemonade, Water, Tea varieties, Non-Specialty Coffee)
• Book through Travel at 60 for $85 per cabin bonus onboard credit - on top of any onboard credit already offered by the cruise line!

Upgrade to a Plus Fare (for just $50 pp/day) to enjoy:

• Plus Beverage Package (covering all drinks up to the value of $16 each)
• Wi-Fi (one device per guest)
• That's $100 pp value per day for half the price!

Or upgrade to a Premier Fare (for an extra $85 pp/day) for even more perks:

• Premier Beverage Package (covering all drinks up to the value of $22 each)
• Wi-Fi (up to four devices per guest)
• Two specialty dining meals per guest
• Photo Package (unlimited digital + 3 prints)
• That's $167 pp value per day at a huge discount!
• Day 1 - Vancouver depart 10pm
• Day 2 - At Sea
• Day 3 - Ketchikan, Alaska
• Day 4 - Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier (Scenic Cruising)
• Day 4 - Juneau, Alaska
• Day 5 - Skagway, Alaska
• Day 6 - Sitka, Alaska
• Day 7 & 8 - At Sea
• Day 9 - Vancouver arrive 8am

05 May 2023

Below prices based on 5 May 2023 departure, roundtrip from Vancouver :

• Interior Cabin from $1,396 per person twin share*
• Balcony Cabin from $2,065 per person twin share*
• Mini-Suite from $2,986 per person twin share*
• Suite from $4,616 per person twin share*

The above pricing is based on Princess Saver Fare, fares for other dates may vary. Ask your travel advisor for up to date fares.

Call our travel team now on 1300 414 198 to secure your preferred cabin.

Ask us about the Princess Plus fare - spend less time worrying about the details and more time making memories together. The Princess Plus fares include drinks and Wi-Fi.

Advertised fares are available until allocation is exhausted and prices may fluctuate during the campaign period without notice.

Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.

This holiday deal has expired.

Want to find an alternative?  Search for another holiday here or contact us.

Alaska Cruises

The great land awaits – set sail with princess, the #1 alaska cruise line.

Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries and connect with loved ones, locals and Alaska's wilderness with Princess®.

Learn more about excursions that match your interests with this curated list!

*More guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line

Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours

Alaska Cruisetours

See denali on an alaska cruisetour.

Alaska cruisetours combine our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to ten nights on land exploring Denali National Park. Travel aboard our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® train and unwind at Princess Wilderness Lodges®. Every year Princess introduces more people to Denali National Park than any other cruise line.

Find Cruisetours

Learn more about Alaska Cruisetours

Voyage of the Glaciers

Twice the glaciers.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Find Cruises

Learn more about Voyage of the Glaciers

Inside Passage Roundtrip Seattle

7-day alaska cruises.

Sail the Inside Passage, a series of channels and waterways formed by the march of glaciers, on your 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. With an abundance of landmarks and wildlife, take in the sights and sounds of the Inside Passage from the comfort of your ship or on a thrilling excursion ashore. Explore fjords, glaciers and Gold Rush-era towns on weekend voyages out of Seattle.

Learn more about cruises from Seattle

Inside Passage Roundtrip San Francisco

10 or 11-day alaska cruises.

Travel the Inside Passage on 10 or 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures. Begin by sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast. As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people.

Learn more about cruises from San Francisco

Inside Passage Roundtrip Vancouver

Alaska cruises that inspire.

Feed your hunger for adventure on a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver, B.C. Wind your way through fjords, by bright-green forests and through quaint Gold Rush-era towns on your way to the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park. Then experience age-old traditions with the locals.

Learn more about cruises from Vancouver

Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure

14-day alaska cruises.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our back-to-back Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend 14 days roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy three glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord.

NEW Alaska Long Voyages

New for 2025, we have crafted longer adventures at sea with a 22-day roundtrip voyage sailing from San Francisco that coincides with Summer Solstice and a 17-day roundtrip cruise from Seattle, featuring three days of scenic glacier viewing as well as charming ports like Wrangell and Valdez. For those voyagers seeking to sail from Southern California all the way up the Pacific coast to Alaska, try a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles.

View Cruises

2025 Alaska New Cruise & Cruisetour Itineraries. Learn more

With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska Cruise Experience

Alaska Glaciers

One of the biggest reasons people visit.

Glaciers feel alive. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Learn more about Alaska Glaciers

Alaska Wildlife

Untamed, just like alaska.

Alaska is home to a rich array of wildlife, from the famous Big Five animals that live in Denali National Park — grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou — to bald eagles and humpback whales that migrate through the Inside Passage. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.

Learn more about Alaska Wildlife

Alaska Mountains & National Parks

National treasures.

With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Along with Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

Learn more about Alaska Mountains & National Parks

Alaska Excursions

Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.

Learn more about Alaska Excursions

Alaska Cruise Ports of Call

College Fjord

The Harriman Expedition discovered College Fjord in 1899 and named the towering glaciers after the great East Coast universities of the United States, like the Harvard Glacier. With the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in the world, your scenic Alaska cruise through the fjord will make a lasting memory.

View cruises with College Fjord

Endicott Arm

Endicott Arm is a jewel in Alaska’s crown. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska.

View cruises with Endicott Arm | View Endicott Arm shore excursions

Glacier Bay National Park

When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park.

View cruises with Glacier Bay National Park | Learn more about Glacier Bay National Park

Hubbard Glacier

The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. See it for yourself on an Alaska cruise with Princess.

View cruises with Hubbard Glacier | View Hubbard Glacier shore excursions

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is home to the remote Tlingit village of Hoonah, home to fewer than 800 people and a deep Native history. The nearby Spasski River Valley holds one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears, who are often found hunting for salmon in the rivers. Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation.

View cruises with Icy Strait Point | View Icy Strait Point shore excursions

Juneau is unlike any other city in the United States. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.

View cruises with Juneau | View Juneau shore excursions | Watch video: Juneau port overview

Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska.

View cruises with Ketchikan | View Ketchikan shore excursions | Watch video: Ketchikan port overview

On an Alaska cruise, take your pick of attractions in the port of Sitka. See how bald eagles and local bird populations receive first-class treatment at the Alaska Raptor Center. Encounter wildlife in their natural habitat at the Fortress of the Bear. Or experience the culture of Russian Alaska on a visit to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, and relive Native history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

View cruises with Sitka | View Sitka shore excursions

Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.

View cruises with Skagway | View Skagway shore excursions | Watch video: Skagway port overview

Valdez is situated in Prince William Sound and serves as the gateway to the interior of Alaska. Often referred to as the "Little Switzerland", Valdez is known for its breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. It is also well-known for its role in the transportation of crude oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which ends in Valdez. Explore the charming waterfront area and take in the flavors of Valdez through culinary experiences at restaurants such as the Valdez Brewery and the Fat Mermaid.

View cruises with Valdez

Victoria, B.C.

At first glance many mistake Victoria for an English coastal city or northern European town. Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure.

View cruises with Victoria, B.C. | View Victoria, B.C. shore excursions

Wrangell is a charming and scenic harbor known for its local fishing industry. It is not as bustling as larger ports in Alaska and maintains its historic charm and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Explore its historic downtown and learn about the local culture and Native heritage while in Wrangell.

View cruises with Wrangell

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

Alaska cruise onboard experience.

Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land.

Learn more about our North to Alaska Program

Alaska Seafood

Fresh and bountiful, like alaska itself.

Alaska's seafood is famous, and we bring the best to you with locally inspired dishes from the state’s best eateries. With Cook My Catch excursions, catch your own salmon or halibut with the help of a local expert, and in the evening our talented chefs will prepare your haul for your dinner — a Princess exclusive. From ship to shore, the best is at your fingertips on our Alaska cruises.

Meet Local Alaskans

Real alaska from local alaskans.

Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise.

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Great experiences from the great land.

Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium. At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Or savor tree-inspired bites at our very own Sappy Hour. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine, and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2023-2024

The best cruise line in Alaska just keeps getting better! From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess.

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise.

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Alaska Ports of Call

From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Check out our helpful checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise with Princess.

See all Alaska cruise articles and videos

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go.

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Learn more about transfers

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your Alaska cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

You May Also Like

Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience.

Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on our top-rated 7-day cruise.

North to Alaska

Immerse yourself in all things Alaska with our onboard program.

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Cheap Alaska Cruises from Vancouver

• United States    
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7 Night Cruise to Alaska

• You want a big-ship experience with plenty of classy spaces
• You appreciate good cuisine, wine and beverage offerings
• You enjoy a more upscale cruise experience on a big ship
• You always cruise on ships that are brand-new and innovative
• You want the latest technological advances and features
• You aren’t interested on longer, more unique itineraries
• You want an upscale cruise experience at a decent price
• You like having plenty of options for dining and entertainment
• You appreciate cruise ships with plenty of innovative amenities
• You are looking for a truly all-inclusive cruise vacation
• You typically only cruise on the latest and largest ships
• You want a big ship with lots of classy fun for all ages
• You enjoy live music and plenty of enrichment activities
• You're happy with good quality service and a relaxing vibe
• You enjoy strolling on a true wraparound promenade deck
• You miss the more intimate feeling of the line's smaller ships
• You like scenic cruising; this bright ship is perfect for it
• You appreciate a traditional look with high-tech features
• You want big ship amenities wrapped up in a smaller package
• You're after active diversions like ziplines and surf simulators
• You want nonstop activities and a party atmosphere onboard
• You want the amenities of a big ship on a smaller scale
• You appreciate fine art and elegantly appointed public areas
• You love quiet nooks and spaces to appreciate the sea outside
• You are traveling with kids and need top-notch facilities
• You prefer vibrant nightlife that lasts into the wee hours
• You want plenty of evening entertainment and production shows
• You don't mind paying extra for some specialty restaurants
• You want plenty of fun options for all ages by day and night
• You're after a more classic, laid-back onboard experience
• You prefer taking part in lectures and enrichment activities
• You don't like paying extra for drinks and other options

4 Night Cruise to Alaska

• You appreciate Princess Cruises' design and venue consistency across the fleet
• You like the line's high-tech Ocean Medallion digital assistant and connectivity
• You seek a wide variety of activity, dining and entertainment options
• You prefer a smaller ship with fewer fellow passengers and larger cabin showers
• You wish to avoid a cookie-cutter ship with little aesthetic innovation
• You appreciate a greater destination focus with an observation lounge
• You want a classy, traditional cruise on a feature-rich ship
• You love having plenty of choice, from dining to lounges
• You have kids and want features designed just for them
• You need larger-than-average cabin and suite accomodations
• You like a large pool at the back of the ship for relaxing
• You want a big ship experience with plenty of onboard choice
• You like a traditional cruise with lots of cutting-edge options
• You value having plenty of open decks to admire the scenery
• You want a ship that's got plenty of action-packed amenities
• You don't want to pay extra for optional purchases onboard

5 Night Cruise to Alaska

• You want a family-friendly ocean cruise at a moderate price
• You like big ship amenities that don't sacrifice quality
• You want a balcony cabin; Caribbean Princess has plenty
• You are looking for enrichment activities or local cuisines
• You want action-packed nightlife and nonstop diversions
• You are averse to spending money onboard for extra options
• You want the last word in lavish, over-the-top luxury cruises
• You appreciate elaborate interiors with sophisticated charm
• You are a discerning traveler who appreciates the very best
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• You love being out on deck; Noordam has plenty of open space
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14 Night Cruise to Alaska

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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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Cruises From Vancouver, British Columbia

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Consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver offers both outdoor adventure and urban comforts, as it sits nestled among majestic snow-capped mountains, sandy beaches, and a lush rainforest on the west coast of Canada. Before embarking on cruises from Vancouver, go hiking and biking in the mountains just outside of the city, or spend some time exploring Vancouver’s diverse culinary and arts scene. Known for its scenic landscapes and as a popular filming location for television shows and movies, the city’s cinematic backgrounds and cultural metropolis will leave a lasting impression.

Not only is Vancouver an incredible vacation destination, it’s also the departure port for unforgettable cruises to Alaska , jaunts along the Pacific Coast, and tropical vacations to Hawaii. Witness the splendor of Alaska’s striking glaciers and majestic wildlife. Laze on the paradisal beaches of the Aloha State. Hike through Pacific Northwest’s dense forests, or sail south to Los Angeles, sampling the state’s best wine along the way. 

Itineraries

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Top Itineraries on Cruises from Vancouver

Hubbard glacier.

On an Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Hubbard Glacier, sail down the legendary Inside Passage on your way to discovering stunning Alaskan cities such as Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau. During your journey, you’ll also visit Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America, and have the chance to witness one of its breathtaking calving displays.

Northbound Glacier

Marvel at the Last Frontier’s rugged landscapes and fascinating wildlife during an exciting seven-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver. Spot humpback whales and brown bears in Icy Strait Point. Sail through one of the most breathtaking waterways on the planet— Alaska’s Inside Passage. And discover the spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward.

Enjoy the sights of the Pacific Coast during a cruise that stops in a number of exciting destinations, including picturesque towns in British Columbia and vibrant cities in California. Stroll through the charming downtown area of Oregon’s Astoria. In Seattle, head up the famous Space Needle for unbeatable views of the city. Visit Victoria, a city filled with pristine parks and greenhouses, and world-famous San Francisco.

Spend a few serene days at sea before reaching the idyllic islands of Hawaii, where romantic shores and tropical oases await. Go hiking past spectacular waterfalls in Hilo. Try a freshly-brewed cup of the famous coffee of Kailua Kona and embrace all of the charms Hawaii has to offer in Honolulu.

Our Ships Sailing Out of Vancouver, B.C.

Why sail from vancouver with celebrity cruises®.

Our cruises from Vancouver give you the chance to explore this cosmopolitan Canadian city surrounded by natural beauty on your way to more must-see destinations in Alaska, Hawaii, or the Pacific Coast. Choose from three ships that give you so many ways to soak up the scenery. Enjoy soaring glacier views from the cantilevered Magic Carpet® on Celebrity Edge®. Watch for whales from the Lawn Club or your spacious private veranda on Celebrity Solstice®. Marvel at lush mountain landscapes while sipping hand-crafted cocktails at the Sunset Bar on Celebrity Summit®. All three ships perfectly complement the wonders you’ll discover on our cruises from Vancouver. 

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Vancouver port facilities & location.

On a cruise from Vancouver, you’ll depart from the Canada Place cruise terminal, which is conveniently located in downtown Vancouver and is just a 30-minute drive from the Vancouver International Airport near many restaurants, attractions, and shopping. Transportation options to and from the port include public transit, shuttles, taxi service, limousines and car services. If you do have extra time to explore the city of Vancouver, you can take advantage of short-term luggage storage services available in the cruise terminal for your convenience.

The facilities in the Canada Place cruise terminal include Vancouver Convention Centre East, Port Metro Vancouver cruise ship terminal, VINCI Park parkade, FlyOver Canada, and World Trade Centre office tower.

Learn More About Vancouver Shore Excursions

Top things to do before your cruise from vancouver, stroll through stanley park.

Vancouver’s number one attraction, Stanley Park, was created in 1888 and still lands near the top of the list of best parks in the world. Here, you’ll find exciting experiences for all ages and interests, including historical landmarks, cultural hotspots, local wildlife, breathtaking beaches, hiking trails, delicious food, and even Canada’s largest aquarium.

Old-fashioned horse-drawn carriages can take you on a peaceful stroll through Stanley Park while you take in the stunning beauty of this world-renowned locale. Visit its lush rainforests and admire the stunning views of the park’s natural surroundings, including water, mountains, and majestic forests that line the park’s famous seawall. 

Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge

Cross the nearly 140-meter suspension bridge that hangs 85 meters over the Capilano River. Originally built in 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge sits among many hiking trails in a lush green rainforest setting—perfect for the hiking enthusiast.

Top Sites and Attractions in Vancouver

Gastown district.

Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood is also its busiest. As the home to hip restaurants, chic shops, and lively bars, Gastown attracts its fair share of young locals and visiting tourists. You can easily spend an afternoon walking down its quaint, cobblestone streets, where you’ll find plenty of historic landmarks, boutique shops, and outdoor cafes to keep you entertained.

As the third-largest Chinatown (after San Francisco’s and New York’s), Vancouver’s Chinatown is an essential stop for any Chinese cuisine lover or shopaholic. Walk past the golden entrance of the Millennium Gate, squeeze in a lunch at one of the neighborhood’s award-winning restaurants, browse through antique stores, and see the world’s narrowest building, which measures only six feet wide.

Shannon Falls

Immerse yourself in Vancouver’s natural beauty at Shannon Falls Provincial Park, a national park just outside of the city, where you’ll find the third-tallest waterfall in British Columbia. Towering over 1,100 feet above sea level, Shannon Falls is a spectacular sight that can be admired from the boardwalk at the base or by hiking up to an overlook point, where you’ll be surrounded by the cool mist from the raging water.

Where can I eat near the Vancouver cruise port?

Vancouver’s ethnically diverse culture shines through in its multicultural cuisine. A flavorful fusion of African/Indian, Greek/Italian, and Mediterranean/French, as well as fresh seafood, can be found on nearly every menu. 

Chefs come to Vancouver from all around the globe, and each brings his or her own culinary heritage and tradition to the fresh seafood and bold flavors of Vancouver’s traditional West Coast cuisine, creating a uniquely flavorful blend that makes Vancouver cuisine renowned around the world.

Granville Island Public Market

At the Granville Island Public Market, you’ll find delightful delicacies of all kinds. Pick and choose delicious items from popular spots like Oyama Sausage Co, featuring mouthwatering salami and cheese selections; Terra Bread, with fresh-made baguettes; or doughnuts at Lee’s. Visit these delicious vendors and hand-select all your favorite items to create the ultimate waterfront picnic.

Head to eco-friendly Forage, which serves locally-farmed menu items and boasts a zero-landfill waste record. The sincere hospitality and top-notch service are noteworthy here. Try the Turtle Valley Bison sirloin or the Whittaker’s nettle farro grain risotto.

Hawksworth Restaurant

If you’re looking for fine dining in Vancouver, dress up and go to chef David Hawksworth’s white tablecloth and crystal chandelier restaurant, Hawksworth. Serving expertly and effortlessly delectable West Coast cuisine fused with Asian flavors and a modern twist, Hawksworth is a dining experience all on its own.

What’s the culture and history of Vancouver?

The city of Vancouver was first inhabited by several Native Canadian tribes. Around the late 1850s, Europeans started moving into the area after the establishment of the town of New Westminster. After gold was discovered in the banks of the Fraser River in 1858, tens of thousands of gold prospectors came to the area. It wasn’t until 1886 that the city of Vancouver was incorporated. It took its name from British explorer George Vancouver, who discovered the area back in 1792. Only a few weeks after its incorporation, the city of Vancouver was burnt down by a brush fire, but was immediately rebuilt.

With the introduction of the California Pacific Railway and the opening of the Panama Canal, Vancouver became a major exporter of grain and lumber and positioned itself as a major economic hub in Canada. It is one of the largest and most populous cities in the country and is known for its diverse community of immigrants. Many art and cultural festivals are held in the city throughout the year, including the Chinese New Year Parade, the Eastside Cultural Crawl, and the annual Jazz Festival. Today, Vancouver’s economy is mainly run by forestry, tourism, oil refining, and mining.

Where can I go shopping near the Vancouver cruise port?

The Canada Place cruise ship terminal is located in Vancouver’s downtown area, where you’ll find the Pacific Centre Mall and Robson Street, which is full of stylish boutiques. It wouldn’t be a true visit to Canada without a stop in the local favorite department store, the Hudson’s Bay Company, where you’ll find everything from clothes and shoes to jewelry, make-up, home décor, and more. While in Gastown, you can look for unique and authentic pieces of Northwest Coast Native and Inuit art at the Inuit Gallery.

What are the local currency and tipping customs?

The currency in Vancouver is the Canadian dollar. Although there is no foreign exchange service at the cruise terminal, you will find several ATM machines. There are exchange services throughout downtown Vancouver, as well as ATMs in hotels, banks, drug stores, and other venues. Canadian restaurants seldom include gratuities in the bill, and it is customary to tip an additional 15% to 20% of the total bill before tax.

Cruisetours

To explore further into Alaska and the Canadian Rockies, you can extend your cruise with a Cruisetour. This allows you to travel inland via motorcoach and railway exploring Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, Talkeetna, Girdwood (Alyeska) and Denali National Park, taking in the views of the highest mountain peak in North America. Cruisetours include the finest hotel accommodations, a local dedicated Alaskan/Canadian Tour Director, luxury transportation, and some activities.

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An Expert's Guide to Booking the Perfect Alaska Cruise in 2023

By Scott Laird

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Alaska has been a popular cruise destination for decades, and the industry has continued a trajectory of growth. Each summer season there seems to be another cruise line sailing Alaskan waters, while the longtime incumbents are relentless in their addition of new itineraries, amenities, and excursions. 

What looks like an endless buffet of choice can lead to analysis paralysis for many first-time Alaska visitors—even if they’re veteran cruisers who have already figured out big questions like their preferred cruise line or favorite ship class. 

Here are five questions to consider in order to find the best Alaska cruise for you.

When is The Best Time to Book?

Alaska is a popular destination for multi-generational groups . Any large group booking multiple cabins or needing more than a pair of spots on shore excursions should start thinking about booking Alaska cruises about a year in advance to secure the best availability for their group size. So too should travelers who have specific non-negotiables on things like stateroom category, ship, or itinerary. 

However, that doesn’t mean that last-minute bookers are out of luck. While popular itineraries and cabin categories have a tendency to sell out early (balcony accommodations are particularly sought after for scenic Inside Passage cruising), there’s still often enough inventory left for cruise lines to offer enticing deals for the summer during the “wave” booking season from January through March. They’ll even offer last-minute specials right up until the time of sailing, but selection will be limited and the most popular shore excursions will have long wait lists. 

Cruise lines offer enticing deals for the summer during “wave" season from January through March. 

Is it better to cruise one-way or roundtrip? 

Like almost any choice one makes when booking a cruise, it all comes down to personal taste. Roundtrip cruises offer the convenience of embarking and disembarking at the same port (typically Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco), but itineraries are generally limited to Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage. 

Visitors wanting to see Alaska’s Interior, Fairbanks, and Denali National Park , should book a one-way cruise to or from Anchorage (which is served by the cruise ports at Whittier and Seward) for land-based touring either before or after their Inside Passage cruise. Many cruise lines, including Holland America Line , Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity offer fully packaged “Cruisetours” that combine a one-way Inside Passage cruise with a rail or motor coach itinerary mainly focused on Denali, but also offering journeys to other parts of Southcentral Alaska.

Is Seward or Whittier a better port for Anchorage? 

Each cruise line has their preferred port—Holland America Line and Princess Cruises berth at Whittier. Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas—currently berthing at Seward—will move operations to Whittier upon completion of berths currently under construction. Most other one-way cruises berth in Seward.

Whittier is closer to Anchorage, and some itineraries even take disembarking passengers directly to Denali or Talkeetna the same day. Whittier is also a convenient port for cruising College Fjord, which most northbound sailings do on the final day before arriving in Whittier. Whittier is, however, a tiny community that is little more than a deep-water port, while Seward is a larger community and regional base for a more diverse collection of tours and activities.

Seward is farther from Anchorage, but the train or coach ride is roughly an extra hour of travel through a spectacular mountain pass on the Kenai Peninsula, then the lines merge near Whittier and the last hour of the journey is the same, hugging the Chugach Mountains alongside Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage. 

It’s worth noting that shoreside transportation outside of cruise line-operated transfers can be more limited in Whittier, so passengers embarking there may wish to ensure they include transfers from Anchorage in their cruise package. From Seward, travelers wanting to spend a few days exploring Kenai Fjords National Park or one of the wilderness lodges can book Alaska Railroad transfers on their regular scheduled service.

I've been to Alaska before—how can I cruise differently? 

Cruisers who are veterans at Inside Passage itineraries on the big ships have really only seen a preview of the nooks and crannies of the region. Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises operates small-ship sailings from Sitka, getting into the straits and narrows that the big ships won’t fit, and oftentimes determining itineraries by reports of sea life migrations and weather conditions.

Return visitors who still want that big ship experience might try a different category of cruise line. The major operators—Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, are all premium-tier cruise lines, but the luxury cruise lines have also deployed ships to Alaskan waters. 

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is operating roundtrip Vancouver sailings, bringing onboard topflight lecturers ranging from adventure traveler Bear Grylls to undersea archaeologist Mensun Bound on select voyages. On every voyage, guests will find guides from Alaska Native Voices, sharing the cultural history and lore of the local Huna people to  Sit’ Eeti Gheeyi  (Glacier Bay National Park), and guest speakers from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

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Maya Silver

CNT Editors

Silversea has “Door-to-Door” pricing on many of its Alaska cruises , meaning the cruise fare includes airfare, hotels, and all transfers—including transfers from home to the departure airport. Onboard the all-suite ships, there’s butler service in every suite, fine dining, and select shore excursions included. The largest Silversea ship sailing to Alaska also carries just under 600 guests, allowing for port calls at lesser-visited stops like Wrangell, Haines, and Valdez.

Are there less-crowded alternatives?

Hurtigruten, the Norwegian expedition cruise line, offers sailings between Vancouver and Nome , hitting not only the lesser-visited spots on the Inside Passage, but also the virtually untouristed and volcano-dotted Alaska Peninsula, where guests can spot Brown Bears in Katmai National Park, go bird-watching in St. Paul Island and uninhabited St. Matthew Island in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, and explore the eerie ghost town of Unga.

Closer afield, but no less secluded is the Prince William Sound Explorer from Uncruise, where guests will depart Whittier and wake up among the glaciers of little-visited Icy Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. Much of the itinerary is “Captain’s choice” based on conditions and sealife movements, but the massive Columbia and Meares glaciers and the Sound communities of Cordova and Valdez—also off the big ship routes—hold prized spots on the itinerary. 

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Cross Alaska’s massive ice shelves, crystal fjords, and fascinating marine wildlife off your bucket list with itineraries that conveniently depart from Seattle and Vancouver. Enjoy perks such as privileged access to Glacier Bay National Park and prime docking locations that give you a head start on sightseeing.

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An elegant and spacious Alaska cruise ship with fresh floral arrangements and garden-inspired décor. Master frontier flavor with regional cooking demonstrations on board.

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Alaska cruise from Vancouver roundtrip + things to do (my Princess cruise in May 2023 on the Sapphire Princess) 🏔 Alaska travel blog

I did an Alaska cruise in May on the Sapphire Princess cruise ship.

This is to give you an idea of what an Alaska cruise can be like!

Your experience will vary!

Map of roundtrip Alaska cruise route

My roundtrip Alaska cruise itinerary (11-day Alaska cruise from Vancouver round trip)

• Day 1 | April 29: Vancouver, Canada
• Day 2 | April 30: sea day
• Day 3 | May 1: sea day
• Day 4 | May 2: Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising sea day
• Day 5 | May 3: Icy Strait Point (8am to 6pm)
• Day 6 | May 4: Juneau (8am to 9:15pm)
• Day 7 | May 5: Skagway (7am to 8:30pm)
• Day 8 | May 6: Glacier Bay National Park scenic cruising sea day
• Day 9 | May 7: Sitka (8am to 5pm)
• Day 10 | May 8: Ketchikan (9am to 6pm)
• Day 11 | May 9: sea day
• Day 12 | May 10: Vancouver

Day 1: Vancouver embarkation day

Be out on the open deck as the cruise ship is sailing away from Vancouver cruise port!

The cruise ship will sail right under the iconic Lion’s Gate Bridge of Vancouver !

Day 2: Sea day

Day 3: sea day, day 4: hubbard glacier scenic cruising sea day (may 2: 11am to 4pm).

The first “Alaska” day and it was a true “welcome to Alaska” day!!!

It was soooo windy and cold that I found it to be pretty fun as an introduction to Alaska!!! 🤣

I can still look back on this Hubbard Glacier sea day and laugh because this was the only day of the cruise that had really bad weather!

It seemed like it was questionable if we were going to make it to Hubbard Glacier.

I think the captain had announced that our cruise ship was the first of the Alaska cruise season to go to Hubbard Glacier, so there were no ice reports.

There was ice on the way to Hubbard Glacier which made it look really pretty.

But it wasn’t enough ice to keep the cruise ship from reaching Hubbard Glacier!

It was cold, windy, and rainy the whole time but it was still a good day to see Hubbard Glacier!

I was really happy to have my cheapo waterproof phone case so I could take pictures outside without concern for getting my phone wet!

Cruising to Hubbard Glacier means cruising through Yakutat Bay and Disenchantment Bay to get to Hubbard Glacier.

Day 5: Icy Strait Point cruise port (May 3: 8am to 6pm)

My plan for Icy Strait Point cruise port:

• morning: Icy Strait Point whale watching tour ( Icy Strait Point Whale Adventures ) 8:45am to 11:45am
• afternoon: Walk around Icy Strait Point on my own 

The best cruise ports for whale watching in Alaska are said to be Juneau and Icy Strait Point.

Since I had other things I wanted to do in Juneau, I decided to do a whale watching tour in Icy Strait Point.

That, and I was going on another Alaska cruise with a stop in Juneau, and that was a couple weeks later, so I was hoping there would be more whales.

Early May seems to still be early for whale season, so I wasn’t even sure if I’d have a chance to see whales.

The day before, it seems like they saw quite a few whales, but on the day I went it seems like there weren’t as many.

That’s okay, because I had managed my expectations since it wasn’t prime whale watching season in Alaska.

At the very least, it would be a boat ride in Alaska.

Still, I did get to see a whale tail pretty close from the boat, and it was my first time seeing a whale tail like that, so that was the highlight of the whale watching tour in Icy Strait Point!

If you have binoculars, you could even do whale watching from the cruise ship.

Our whale watching boat tour spent some time near the cruise ship which honestly felt a little silly, but I guess we did get a closer view without the need for binoculars!

After the whale watching tour, the main thing I did was walk from Icy Strait Point to Hoonah along the Hoonah Sea Walk, which was a scenic coastal walk.

I think it was a 20-30 minute walk.

For $5, there’s also a shuttle from Icy Strait Point to Hoonah.

I bought the shuttle ticket before I started walking to Hoonah so that I could take the shuttle back. I was told I wouldn’t be able to buy the ticket on the shuttle in Hoonah.

Walking through the town of Hoonah, I honestly felt like it could have been any regular small rural American town or street that you might drive through if you’re driving through rural America not on the highway… except it’s on the water I guess.

So the highlight was the Hoonah Sea Walk, not particularly the town of Hoonah itself.

Then, upon return to the Icy Strait Point cruise port, I walked the nature trail that’s located right nearby the cruise port.

It’s pretty short, but it’s a nice leisurely walk through the forest.

Right as I was nearing one end of the trail, I was told urgently to get off the trail. I was a bit confused because I was approaching the end so I’m not sure why he felt the need to tell me to get off.

Well, it turns out that there was a bear spotted on some part of the nature trail, and they wanted everyone off the trail immediately. I didn’t actually see the bear myself.

At the end of the trail that I ended up at, there was a free gondola in Icy Strait Point that I could take to get back down to where I started the trail.

There are 2 gondolas you can take in Icy Strait Point which will take you up for higher viewpoints.

The first one is from ground level and will take you a little bit up. This one is free.

Then, once you get off the first gondola, you will see another gondola. This one costs money, and will take you up even higher.

If you’re going to Icy Strait Point on a Princess cruise, check the onboard cruise activities (aka journeyview on the Princess app or the Princess Patter paper version of entertainment) to see if there is a speaker session by the Hoonah ambassador.

The Hoonah ambassador on my cruise ship was from the native Alaskan Tlingit tribe, and it was interesting to hear from her.

There was also special meaning because I heard the Tlingit tribe referenced a few times throughout my time in Alaska, so I had more of a basic familiarity with it!

In particular, you may hear about the Tlingit tribe on Glacier Bay National Park day.

Day 6: Juneau cruise port (May 4: 8am to 9:15pm)

My plan for Juneau cruise port:

• morning + lunch: Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery with Taku Lodge Wings Airways (Princess shore excursion) 9:30am to 1pm
• afternoon + evening: Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls on my own

Depending on what you want to see, the best cruise ports for flightseeing tours are Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.

I did a seaplane tour in Juneau that included a landing in what felt like remote Alaska.

It was a landing at the historic Taku Lodge (which currently only does day trips and not overnight stays), and it included a salmon bake Alaskan-style lunch.

There was time both before and after the meal to walk around, which I did.

Even though I was never too far from the rest of the tour group, I thought it was a nice quiet leisurely walk through the forest. (Most people stayed around the lodge. If you do the Taku Lodge excursion, I recommend asking how much time you have before food, and then walking around!)

From Taku Lodge, you can see the glacier called Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier.

Flying from Juneau, you will get epic views of Alaska on your way to Taku Lodge and on the way back too!

I saw glaciers and blue ice from above!

The tour is advertised as a Juneau icefield seaplane tour, so you will be flying over and seeing part of the massive Juneau icefield with lots of glaciers.

Since it was a long day in Juneau cruise port, upon return to Juneau, I still had plenty of time.

I went to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area of Tongass National Forest by bus.

You can also take a round-trip shuttle to get there, and there are also tours that go there.

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular things to do in Juneau. (A whale watching tour is another.)

I would like to think that by going so late, I did miss massive crowds, since presumably everyone goes first thing after they get off the cruise ship.

There were still plenty of people there, but it didn’t feel as overwhelming as I imagine it would be earlier in the day.

Public transportation of course takes longer, but since I did have the time, it was fine!

The Mendenhall Glacier is also over a mile away from the nearest bus stop, so it was a lot of walking.

But I did the Photo Point Trail, Nugget Falls Trail, and then I went to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

I think the visitor center had the best view of the glacier.

I think the Photo Point Trail is skippable if you’re short on time.

The Nugget Falls Trail you want to do if you want to get up close to waterfalls! It would be good to have 1 hour to do it, but you can do it in less.

The Mendenhall Glacier continues to retreat (aka go back further), so year after year, you keep getting a more distant view.

When I was at Nugget Falls, I heard someone say that they had been there before and the glacier was much closer. They were saying “bye bye glacier”!

So it’s a special thing to see while you can!

So when I first booked the cruise, it showed a Juneau departure of 10pm.

A week or so later (March 29), I noticed that the departure had changed to 9:15pm.

This was not a big deal in this case.

But in case you do have some things planned that might be sensitive to arrival/departure times, it can be good to have another look at your cruise itinerary!

It seems like it’s not uncommon for time changes like this to happen.

Day 7: Skagway cruise port (May 5: 7am to 8:30pm)

My plan for Skagway cruise port:

• morning: White Pass Rail & Klondike Highway (Princess shore excursion) 8:15am to 12pm
• afternoon: Glacier Discovery by Helicopter with Temsco Helicopters (Princess shore excursion) 2:15pm to 4:15pm

The absolutely most popular thing to do in Skagway cruise port is the White Pass train.

There are different types of combination tours that you can do that includes the White Pass railway.

The White Pass railway crosses the Canadian border.

If you are on a White Pass tour that includes getting off the train stepping foot onto Canada, then you’ll need to bring a passport. Look for these instructions in the tour description when you’re booking the excursion.

I did a White Pass excursion that included a drive on the Klondike Highway.

It was a drive on the Klondike Highway up past the White Pass summit to get on the train in Fraser, Canada.

And then from Fraser, I took the train back to Skagway.

Then in the afternoon, I had a helicopter tour that included a wilderness landing on a glacier.

We saw blue ice and blue icefalls!

If you’re thinking about doing a helicopter tour, I recommend doing one that includes some sort of landing. It makes the experience that much more special!

Skagway is also one of the best cruise ports for dog sledding in Alaska !

Day 8: Glacier Bay National Park scenic cruising sea day (May 6: 6:15am to 3:30pm)

If you aren’t going to be doing any excursions during your Alaska cruise, then you must make sure that you choose an Alaska cruise itinerary that includes Glacier Bay National Park!

On Glacier Bay National Park day, national park rangers will board the cruise ship by arriving on a small boat.

Then they will be on the cruise ship the entire time that you are in Glacier Bay National Park.

Sailing into Glacier Bay, one of the most anticipated spots is Margerie Glacier where the cruise ship will be spending some time at.

The hope is that you will get to witness “calving” of an Alaska glacier.

That is, you might get a chance to see huge chunks of ice fall off the glacier to make a big splash into the water!

Day 9: Sitka cruise port (May 7: 8am to 5pm)

My plan for Sitka cruise port:

• morning: Sitka marine wildlife tour with Sitka Sound Tours
• afternoon: Sitka National Historical Park on my own

In looking at the shore excursions offered by Princess, it seemed like there were a number of excursions about seeing sea otters.

So, this must mean Sitka is a good cruise port to see sea otters?!

So I did a marine wildlife tour in hopes of seeing sea otters.

While I did see a sea otter, I guess it wasn’t as many as can be seen on other days.

My boat captain took me to a spot that is a known spot where sea otters hang out.

Once again, with wildlife tours in general, there’s no guarantee to see wildlife because they do what they want when they want.

At the very least again, it’s a boat ride in Alaska!

I did get to see sea lions kind of up close on the buoys which was interesting because I went to a naturalist speaker session on the cruise ship who said sea lions like to hang out on buoys. So it was cool to see it in action!

There was even a sea lion that swam up to the boat.

My captain had never seen that before and speculated that maybe it’s been fed by people on boats so it was looking for food. Don’t feed wildlife or you’ll mess with their feeding habits!

After the boat tour, I then walked along the Sitka Sea Walk.

This is also the direction to get to Sitka National Historical Park to see totem poles, which is also along the coast.

Day 10: Ketchikan cruise port (May 8: 9am to 6pm)

My plan for Ketchikan cruise port:

• morning: Totem Bight State Historical Park on my own
• afternoon: Misty Fjords National Monument seaplane tour with Island Wings
• late afternoon: Creek Street on my own

In the morning, I went to Totem Bight State Historical Park by bus to see totem poles.

In the afternoon, I did a seaplane tour to Misty Fjords National Monument.

First it was a flight over Tongass National Forest, and then it’s a flight over Misty Fjords.

The seaplane tour had a wilderness landing in Misty Fjords National Monument on a small island and it felt really wild and remote!

Our pilot tied the plane to land on her own.

Day 11: Sea day

Day 12: vancouver disembarkation day, how much does a cheap alaska cruise from vancouver round trip cost.

This Alaska cruise that I did was the first of the Alaska season for Princess.

It was an early in the Alaska cruise season, so it was on the “cheaper” side.

That said, when looking at Alaska cruises, you don’t just want to look at the base rate that’s displayed on the website!

Along with the port fees and taxes, the cheapest Alaska cruises will be an inside cabin.

It’s often said that if you’re going to splurge on a balcony on a cruise, then it’s for an Alaska cruise.

But of course, it depends on your priorities, and it’s how you want to spend your cruise.

For example, if you are seriously considering getting a balcony, then maybe instead of spending that money on a balcony, you’d rather spend it on an epic Alaska cruise excursion… like a dog sledding tour in Alaska !

You also may want to budget extra money separately for the best Alaska excursions.

But, just to give you an idea, I took screenshots of what the cost of my Alaska cruise was showing up as 6 days before departure.

The cruise started on April 29, and the cost of the Alaska cruise displayed below is for an inside cabin that you could book on April 23.

👆 Cost of a last minute “drop and go” Alaska cruise from Vancouver round trip, less than a week before an April cruise departure was around $900 for a solo cruiser. The base cruise rate was $599 for a solo cruiser, plus around $300 in port fees and taxes. This means the cost of a last minute Alaska cruise from Vancouver was $82 per night for a single occupancy solo cruiser when you include the taxes and fees.

And that’s a bit about my Alaska cruise!

HAPPY CRUISING TO ALASKA FROM VANCOUVER!

• Best whale watching in Alaska
• Best dog sledding in Alaska (on a glacier, on snow, in summer!)
• Snorkeling in Alaska 😂
• Deadliest Catch tour (as seen on TV!)
• Juneau icefield seaplane + Taku Glacier Lodge salmon bake
• Nugget Falls in Tongass National Forest (Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area)
• Helicopter + glacier walk to see blue ice
• Klondike Highway to Fraser BC + White Pass summit train
• What I did on another Skagway cruise ship arrival: Dog sledding and Yakutania Point
• Totem Bight State Historical Park
• Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness seaplane + wilderness landing
• Creek Street
• Icy Strait Point to Hoonah
• Sitka National Historical Park totem poles
• Things to do in Sitka
• What is it like: Glacier Bay National Park from a cruise ship
• This was not available on my early season cruise: Hubbard Glacier excursion (yes, you can get off the ship on a sea day! available until early September... if it's not already sold out!)
• Tips for first Princess cruise (getting familiar with Princess food + more!)
• Ideas for your first Alaska cruise

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You can book a standby cruise from Vancouver to Alaska for $70 per day - here's how it works

You can save a lot of money on your next vacation!

A Holland America Line cruise ship sailing out of Vancouver.

If you've been wanting to visit Alaska, now's your chance to book a trip on a budget.

Anyone with a flexible schedule can book a standby cruise from Vancouver to Alaska and it only costs $70 a day, before taxes.

Holland America Line has launched a standby program , which allows travellers to sign up for round-trips between the two destinations.

One week to two days before the cruise departs, the company will review the standby list. If a space opens up for standby bookings, they will let the travellers on the list know to pack their bags.

If they are unable to clear standby bookings, they will notify those on the list no less than two days before departure.

The U.S.-owned cruise line launched the program in August 2023 out of Seattle and now Vancouver is included for the first time.

The company calls it a win-win for its passengers and business.

"Circumstances may arise for booked guests where they must cancel a cruise the week before sailing. The Standby Program allows us to fill those cabins with people who have already committed to going and who presumably live close enough to the port that they can make last-minute travel arrangements," Adrienne Carter with Holland America Line told Narcity in an email.

"For those guests with flexibility to travel, it means access to an unforgettable cruise vacation at $49 per day (USD) which is an exceptional value."

@hollandamericaline Wow, we really do have it all. #HollandAmerica 📷: @mycruisedk

The round-trips offered from Vancouver, B.C. are to Whittier, Alaska and there are a few round-trips between San Diego and Vancouver.

The first two cruises leave from Vancouver on April 27, 2024. They include a four-day Pacific Northwest cruise and a seven-day Inside Passage trip.

The cost of these trips is just over $67 per day, not including port taxes/fees. Those will vary depending on the destination and length of the sailing.

Carter adds the first and second guests in a stateroom will pay the $70 a day fee, while the third and fourth guests sail for free.

Anyone travelling alone will not face a double capacity mark-up and will pay the same price.

Travellers booking through the standby program do not get to choose which cabin they stay in, so they could end up travelling in a variety of cabins, including the cabins marked Inside, Oceanview or Verandah.

"It depends, in part, on where the last-minute cancellations happen. Guests will be confirmed in the order they joined the list within the week of sailing—it could be seven days—or as close as 48 hours to departure," Carter explained.

You can find a full list of sailings in the standby program on the Holland America Line website.

To join the standby list for your preferred cruise, contact your travel advisor or call 877-724-5425.

Correction: An earlier version of this article stated the standby cruises from Vancouver were $70 plus taxes. It has been updated to clarify that they are $70 per day, not including taxes and fees.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

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Hot deal: Sail on a posh cruise to Alaska round-trip from Vancouver for 50% off

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Travellers looking for a round-trip Vancouver Alaskan cruise have a low-cost option departing this month.

While round-trip northbound cruises departing from Canada Place typically cost upwards of $2,000 per person, the last-minute sailing includes all of the popular ports of call, meals, accommodation, entertainment, and more for less than half the regular cost. 

The cruise visits the "Land of the Midnight Sun" during the season when the sun never seems to set; parts of the state experience 24 hours of daylight for over two months. In the winter, these places will experience near-total darkness. 

The ship departs from Canada Place in Vancouver on Sunday, April 28 at 4 p.m. and sails up through the awe-inspiring Inside Passage en route to Juneau. The Alaskan capital is home to the sapphire Mendenhall Glacier, easily accessible from the city's downtown core. Visitors can also go on an excursion sailing through Glacier Bay National Park from the port. 

The next stop on the itinerary is Skagway, where passengers can try dogsledding or learn about the area's rich gold-mining history. 

The ship will spend two days cruising through the Endicott Arm and past the Dawes Glacier before stopping in Ketchikan on Friday, May 3. 

Ketchikan is the final stop on the itinerary and is considered the "salmon capital of the world," drawing thousands of massive bald eagles. It is also teeming with other wildlife, including carnivorous mammals like wolves and black bears.

The ship will sail back through the inside passage before arriving in Vancouver on Sunday, May 5. 

Round-trip Vancouver cruise to Alaska in April 2024

Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam is a five-star vessel featuring 11 bars and lounges, three swimming pools, a basketball court, a tennis court, hot tubs, a movie theatre, renowned spa treatments, a showroom, a jogging track, and more amenities. 

Holland America Line is known for its mid-size vessels that can navigate trim terrain. Fans of the cruise line typically enjoy sailing on ships they can become well-acquainted with during the voyage and relish opportunities to speak with the captain and cruise director. 

The total cost for an interior cabin for two people is $1,977.36 or $988.68 per person. This price works out to a per person, per diem amount of $141.24 (see slide two for details). 

Not only does the price include transportation on a lavish five-star vessel, but it also includes meals, entertainment, accommodation, and more. 

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Reader's Digest

Best Alaska Cruise for Every Type of Vacationer

Posted: May 5, 2023 | Last updated: July 10, 2023

Best time to cruise to Alaska

An Alaska cruise is such a popular bucket-list item because it's one of the best ways to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Not only will you get to see breathtaking glaciers closer than you ever dreamed, but you're also likely to see eagles soaring and whales spouting—often from the deck of your ship. The best Alaska cruises give you an opportunity to explore the Far North from both land and sea, and we've got cruise tips to help you optimize your time and your budget.

The state's long, cold winters are not conducive to cruising, so the Alaska cruise season is relatively short. The best time to travel to Alaska is from late spring to early fall, with peak cruising happening during July and August. Those are also the most crowded and expensive months, so don't rule out September, which is actually the best time to see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise. But with dozens of ships sailing to Alaska, how do you decide which are the best cruise lines for you?

Luckily, when it comes to Alaska cruises, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you're traveling solo or with kids, whether you're looking for total luxury or a bargain and whether you love giant ships or something more intimate, we've found the best Alaska cruises to fit your needs. See which one sounds right for you, and once you're booked, get a head start by checking out these hidden cruise features, cruise ship code words and things you can't do on cruises .

How we chose the best Alaska cruises

To find the best Alaska cruises, we followed expert recommendations and read hundreds of user reviews and ratings. Because I've been on several Alaska cruises alone, with my family and with my husband, I also based my choices on my own personal experiences. After combining all that information, we came up with this guide to the best Alaska cruises.

Best overall

Princess cruises.

Princess has been cruising to Alaska for more than half a century, and they continue to lead the industry by bringing more guests to the state than any other cruise line. In fact, they introduced a generation to the idea of cruising via the hit TV show The Love Boat , which was set on a Princess ship and featured many episodes in Alaska! Because of their deep ties to the state, the cruise line is able to offer a variety of itineraries and shore excursions, and they even own a number of Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks , so you can add a land extension to your trip.

Onboard, there are plenty of activities for both adults and kids, including the North to Alaska enrichment program, which brings the state's culture to you so you can sample fresh Alaska seafood and hear from local celebs like Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race.

• Guests can meet Alaskan Huskies on the ship through Puppies in the Piazza!
• So many options for cruise length, extensions and land and sea packages
• Price is not all-inclusive

Best for families

Disney cruise line.

With lots of outdoor activities and great wildlife sightings, an Alaska cruise is ideal for kids, and not surprisingly, no one does it better for them than Disney . Kids will love whale watching, panning for gold, searching for black bears and going dog sledding—and they'll equally love everything Disney has planned for them on the Disney Wonder, from live shows ("Frozen" takes on a whole new meaning in Alaska) and character greetings to kids clubs they won't want to leave to themed pools and restaurants. Little ones will be just as happy to see Goofy as they are to see a glacier, making this the best cruise for kids . Before you go, check out these Disney cruise tips .

• Disney is beloved by kids of all ages
• The focus is on families
• On the pricier side

Best adults-only

If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska without the distraction of little kids, you'll be in good company on Viking . Their gorgeous ocean ships sail with a maximum of 930 passengers, all over the age of 18, so you can indulge in adult conversation over a bottle of wine or a cocktail or two. One of the many features that makes Viking the best adult-only cruise is that every single room comes with a private veranda, so you can take in the views and feel that fresh Alaska air with no one else around—and without paying extra. You can also get away without paying additional fees for shore excursions, because one is included in every port, giving you an opportunity to see the highlights of destinations including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka and Valdez.

• Every stateroom has a veranda
• A shore excursion is included in every port
• Optional cruise extensions let you explore Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage on land
• The shortest Alaska cruise is 11 days

Best for solo travelers

Norwegian cruise line.

Cruising has traditionally been a bit of a challenge for solo travelers because of the single supplement that basically makes them pay the same price for a room as two people sharing a room would pay in total. Not with Norwegian , the best singles cruise ! The first cruise line to build staterooms and common areas specifically for solo travelers, they've made it easy for singles to cruise to Alaska comfortably and affordably. The Studio Lounge is a welcoming spot to meet other solo travelers so you can join up for meals or shore excursions to places like Dawes Glacier and Icy Strait Point.

• No single supplement
• A dedicated lounge just for solo travelers
• Lots of families and kids, which may not appeal to solo travelers

Best for couples

Celebrity cruises.

The best cruise for couples , both straight and gay, Celebrity offers lots of opportunities for romantic experiences in Alaska, from hiking through a rainforest in Juneau to cuddling up during a ride back in time on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. On the ship itself, there are lots of spots where you can take some Instagrammable selfies with the majestic Alaska scenery behind you. What a backdrop for a wedding, honeymoon or vow renewal! Consider upgrading to The Retreat, Celebrity's exclusive ship within a ship, for a more private and intimate cruise.

• Many options for cruise length
• Offers land tour extensions
• Families with kids may disrupt the romantic atmosphere

Best budget

Carnival cruise line.

Yes, you can visit Alaska without spending a fortune, thanks to Carnival . You may not get all the bells and whistles that you would on more expensive cruises, but the views don't cost anything, and they're all around you as you chill by the pool or take advantage of one of the many activities and dining venues included in your fare. Save money to use for shore excursions by opting for an interior room, since you won't be spending much time in your cabin anyway.

• Affordable way to see Alaska
• Lots of cruise length options
• The party atmosphere may not be for everyone

Best luxury

Regent seven seas.

Regent's Seven Seas Explorer is all about luxury, from its all-suite design to its all-inclusive fares , which cover airfare, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants, gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry and unlimited shore excursions. With only 750 passengers, service is exceptional and personal. Itineraries can be customized to fit your specific interests, whether you want to take a glacier hike, immerse yourself in Alaska's history or eat your way through the state.

• Truly an all-inclusive cruise
• All-suite accommodations are roomy and plush
• Only one Regent Seven Seas ship sails to Alaska

Best small ship

Seabourn cruise line.

A great choice for fans of smaller, more intimate ships, Seabourn's Odyssey holds 450 passengers and treats them to a personal, all-inclusive luxury experience. Smaller ships can take you to spots where the bigger ones just can't fit, and the Ventures by Seabourn program offers optional excursions where you can get up close and personal with some of Alaska's most awe-inspiring sights via kayak and Zodiac. You'll be sailing with a world-class expedition team, including a marine biologist, ornithologist, geologist, historian, photographer and natural experts who share their knowledge through lectures and casual conversations during scenic cruisings.

• All-inclusive
• Offers 7- to 14-day cruises
• Gets you closer to Alaska's natural beauty

Best large ship

Royal caribbean cruises.

Built for cruisers who believe the bigger, the better, Royal Caribbean's megaship, Quantum of the Sea, is the biggest ship in the region, with the capacity to hold 4,905 passengers. It also boasts the tallest viewing deck on any cruise ship—perfect for enjoying the stunning Alaska scenery. Three other Royal Caribbean ships sail to the state, as well—all big and beautiful and filled with enough activities to keep travelers of every age busy, including their signature Rock Climbing Wall, simulated skydiving and surf sessions on the Flowrider. Yes, you can "surf" in Alaska!

• There's literally something for everyone
• Studio staterooms are designed for solo travelers
• It can get crowded

Best for land and sea

Holland america line.

With more than 75 years of experience in Alaska—the longest of any cruise line— Holland America knows the state inside and out and presents you with lots of ways to enjoy it, from both the sea and land. Not only do they feature the most Glacier Bay itineraries, but they're also the only way to see the Yukon in combination with a cruise. You'll get to stay at Holland America's Westmark Hotels and their beautiful McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park, enabling you to get closer to wildlife and explore more of Alaska on land.

The cruise line has also expanded its onboard programming, so guests can engage with an Alaska naturalist, dig deeper into topics like Alaska's bush pilots and learn from a National Park Ranger and local Huna Tlingit guides.

• Every cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska's iconic glacier destinations
• Only cruise line to offer an Alaska cruise combined with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon
• Land and sea Cruisetours range from 9 to 18 days
• Caters to an older crowd

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