alaska cruise vancouver or seattle

The Best Alaska Cruise Departure City: Seattle or Vancouver?

Most Alaska cruise itineraries depart from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia . Both are fantastic cities in the Pacific Northwest with lots of things to see and explore. ( Check out my one-day Seattle destination guide here! )

You can’t go wrong, right?

Before you pick an itinerary at random, though, it’s important to realize that choosing the city you depart from isn’t arbitrary. There are differences that could impact your entire vacation experience – from the sights you see in Alaska to the time you spend in the airport.

I’ve sailed to Alaska from both of these ports, so I know the pros and cons of each. If you don’t know which departure city to choose for your next Alaskan cruise, read on for some info that’ll help you decide.

Don’t have a passport? Choose Seattle.

Want scenic cruising choose vancouver., need more flight options choose seattle., interested in an alaska cruise tour choose vancouver., need help planning your alaska cruise email me..

Alaska cruises leaving Canada require a passport for US citizens. Why? Because you’ve got to fly into Vancouver to board the ship, and US citizens need a passport for air travel to Canada.

On the other hand, if you’re on an Alaska cruise sailing round-trip from Seattle, you can usually sail with either a passport card or your drivers license and birth certificate. That’s because closed-loop cruises – cruises that start and end in the same US city – are generally less restrictive when it comes to documentation requirements.

Of course, you’ll want to check the requirements for your specific cruise line before you book. Also? I always recommend having a passport to cruise. I explain more about that in my post about cruising without a passport .

Vancouver is about 140 miles north of Seattle, which means it’s 140 miles closer to Alaska. What does that mean for your cruise itinerary? That the ship has a shorter distance to travel to get to those glaciers.

When sailing from Alaska, your ship will generally go out to sea as it chugs its way north. And while endless ocean is absolutely a beautiful view, it’s not quite as rapturous as the greenery and mountains you’ll see when you sail from Vancouver – those sailings hug the shore between Vancouver Island and the mainland.

Here are just a couple of breathtaking photos I took during a sea day on my last cruise from Vancouver to Alaska:

Also: when you sail to Alaska from Vancouver, you don’t need to make that extra stop in Victoria that’s required on round-trip Alaska cruises that leave from Seattle. Why do they have to stop in Victoria? Because of the Jones Act . (Warning: it’s a very boring explanation.)

You’ll find way more non-stop flights to Seattle from another city within the United States than you will to Vancouver. Which also means the prices for Seattle flights will be cheaper.

To give you an idea: I just searched for round-trip flights to Seattle from San Diego for next July – peak Alaska cruise season. There are a whopping 14 non-stop flights available, the cheapest one priced at $238.

For Vancouver, my options are much more limited. There are only three daily flights, all over twice the price at $561. *blows raspberry*

Not to mention you won’t have to worry about going through immigration and customs at the Vancouver airport, or dealing with foreign transaction fees on your credit card for any purchases you make while you’re in town.

If your goal is to really explore as much of Alaska as possible, it might be worth it to spend a bit extra to sail out of Vancouver. Because the only way to see the interior is to take a land tour – and that’s only possible on one-way sailings out of Vancouver.

You know those Alaska cruises with a train ride at the end? Those are called cruise tours, and they’re spectacular. Princess Cruises, in particular, has some fantastic cruise tour itineraries, like the Denali Explorer . It starts with a 7-day cruise out of Vancouver that takes you to all the usual stops – Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau – before sailing through Glacier Bay and ending in Whittier, Alaska.

From there, you hop right on a train that takes you directly to the wilderness, where you can spend a couple of days at rustic lodges in the shadow of Denali.

An Alaska cruise tour really gives you the best of everything Alaska has to offer – both the cities that are inaccessible by land and the beauty that can’t be reached by water. And pretty much all of these require a departure (or arrival) in Vancouver.

Still undecided about which departure port to leave from for your next Alaska cruise? Or are you thinking about doing an Alaska cruise tour but can’t figure out which of the billion options you should choose? I’m and Alaska expert and I’m here to help.

Send me a message and we can start planning today . Alaska cruises for 2024 are already starting to fill up. By booking early you’ll get the best prices available.

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Alaska Cruise Itineraries

Explore the places you’ll see and experiences you’ll have on a grand Alaska cruise.

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Every Alaska cruise line offers their own distinctive itineraries, but they do share elements in common. Most every Alaska cruise itinerary includes two to three days on the ship and three to four days on shore. Days at sea are spent amongst astounding scenery at sites like the massive Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park . Favorite ports of call include Ketchikan , Skagway , Sitka , and Alaska's capital city of Juneau . Most run for seven days.

With such variety, it can be a challenge to pick out your best Alaska cruise based on itinerary alone. That's why we recommend considering the general cruise route first. These include northbound glacier routes from Vancouver to Seward and Vancouver to Whittier and southbound routes from Seward to Vancouver and Whittier to Vancouver . Check out the links below to learn more about each route.

Take note that while one-way routes offer the broadest experience of Alaska, there are also roundtrip Alaska cruises from Vancouver and Alaska cruises from Seattle . Alaska small ship cruises offer different itineraries altogether that typically stay within the Inside Passage and feature active day excursions like kayaking and hiking.

You can use our Cruise Finder to explore individual cruise line and ship itineraries. Simply search based on potential sailing dates, cruise line, and/or route, then learn more about the day-to-day course for individual sailings by clicking on the itinerary links that interest you.

To find land travel packages to complement a glacier route cruise, use our Trip Finder tool and search for trips that begin or end in Seward or Whittier. We're also happy to chat about your options over the phone, just give us a call at 800-208-0200.

Best Alaska Cruise

Whether it's by cruise route, cruise line, or sailing dates and rates, here's how to pick the best Alaska cruise. Learn More >

Seward to Vancouver Cruises

Sail south from Seward along tidewater glaciers, through misty fjords, and to colorful ports on this seven- or 10-day route run by Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. Learn More >

Whittier to Vancouver Cruises

Sailed by Princess Cruises and Holland America, this route flows south through Prince William Sound to Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, and three ports in southeast Alaska. Learn More >

Vancouver to Seward Cruises

Cruise northward within the Inside Passage to places like Ketchikan and Glacier Bay on a seven- or 10-day trip. Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean run this route. Learn More >

Vancouver to Whittier Cruises

Cruised by Princess and Holland America, this northbound route features three port calls and a day in Glacier Bay. It concludes with a trip through College Fjord, a beautiful inlet within Prince William Sound. Learn More >

Alaska Small Ship Cruises

With vessels that range from 30 to 80 passengers, small ship cruises in Alaska provide a more intimate cruising experience. Learn More >

Alaska Cruises from Vancouver

Discover the epic scenery and colorful port towns that make Alaska's Southeast region so special on Vancouver cruises that culminate in Seward or Whittier. Learn More >

Alaska Cruises from Seattle

For a taste of Alaska, check out cruises that sail north from Seattle. These Seattle cruises offer roundtrip itineraries and a bonus port call in British Columbia. Learn More >

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best for families: Ovation of the Seas

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: The 6 types of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

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

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

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

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

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

Best for budget travelers: Eurodam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Encore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best for solo travelers: Norwegian Bliss

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

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

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

Best for multigenerational travel: Discovery Princess

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best for retirees: Westerdam

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

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

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

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

Related: The best cruises for seniors who love to travel

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

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship
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• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
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Alaska Cruises from Seattle

Experience the great land on a 7-day alaska inside passage cruise from seattle.

Follow in the footsteps of the Yukon Gold Rush on an Alaska cruise from Seattle to some of the world’s most scenic wonders. With convenient weekend departures and proximity to the Great Land, a cruise to Alaska from Seattle allows you to leave when you want, and spend less time getting there.

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise Ports

When you cruise to Alaska from Seattle, encounter unique ports of call that are rich in history, culture and natural beauty.

• Endicott Arm
• Glacier Bay National Park
• Victoria, B.C.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Seattle is known as "The Emerald City" thanks to its green forests and lush surroundings. Pike Place Market buzzes with merchants while coffee shops house locals drinking espresso in America's coffee capital. Climb the Space Needle and enjoy the Seattle skyline, or explore the history of Pioneer Square, the city's oldest neighborhood — only when you cruise to Alaska from Seattle.

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.

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.

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.

Why Choose An Alaska Cruise from Seattle?

Discover the top reasons to cruise to Alaska from Seattle.

• Convenient Weekend Departures  — With departures available on weekends, embark on an Alaska cruise from Seattle on a day that fits your schedule.
• Voyages to World-Renowned Glaciers  — A seven-day Alaska cruise is all you need to visit some of the region’s must-see sights – like Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park or Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm Fjord.
• Four Extraordinary Ports of Call  — Step into Alaska’s historic ports on an Inside Passage cruise with Princess®. Visit gold-rush era Skagway, salmon-rich Ketchikan, the capital city of Juneau and British-flavored Victoria, B.C.
• Roundtrip Airfare  — Worry-free booking on your roundtrip cruise to Alaska from Seattle means more time relaxing amidst glacial wonderlands and less time figuring out how you’ll get home.
• A Chance to Visit the “Emerald City”  — When you cruise to Alaska from Seattle, spend extra time exploring the city’s landscapes and uncovering the origin of its nickname.

Ships on this itinerary

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from our smaller vessels to large ships. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at the glaciers passing by before enjoying local seafood in one of our many eateries during your seven-day Alaska cruise.

Royal Princess®

Discovery Princess®

Majestic Princess®

Alaska Cruise Experience

We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks.

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.

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.

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.

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Alaska - better to leave from Seattle or Vancouver?

By Quencups , June 21, 2022 in Alaska

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Hi everyone....just curious what you Alaskan cruisers think.....better to cruise from Seattle or from Vancouver?....

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Don't know if one is better than the other cruise wise, that would depend on the itinerary.  But you are flying to a foreign port so that could be a consideration.  For example, I just flew to Quebec and had to mask on the flight - Canada rules.

TNCruiser72

I’m not sure about itineraries , but having just done it, I would skip Vancouver all things being equal. 

Same itinerary - I'd pick Vancouver.  Gorgeous city, beautiful sail out of the harbor (ok, I only sailed IN but I got a good idea..), the SkyTrain is an EASY and inexpensive transportation option from the airport if you don't mind handling your bag yourself.  Probably not a concern for the OP but a passport WOULD be required for the flight, Seattle would not have that requirement as it's a domestic flight.

ChiefMateJRK

I've only done Seattle.  Transportation to and from the airport is easy and hotel options near the port are good.  Also, SeaTac has a lot of flight options.  If I wanted to see Vancouver, I would just stay an extra day or two and drive there.

Let's see...

• Vancouver is prettier, cleaner, friendlier, and just all-around much more awesome than Seattle for Pre- or Post-cruise stays;
• CAD means everything is discounted for folks used to using USD here;
• you can work on expanding your mind by learning a foreign language (Canadian eh, Cantonese, or Mandarin all come in useful - hardly anyone here speaks French!);
• cruising saves hours of Zero View sail time around the outside of Vancouver Island and replaces it with the actually-more-scenic-than-anywhere-in-Alaskan-waters lower reaches of the Inside Passage, including some parts so narrow it feels like you can reach out and high-five pax on ships passing the other direction;
• no need for a Victoria stop to comply with PVSA rules - and even if you want to visit Victoria, check the port times carefully on those Seattle RTs as odds are very high you'll only have a token, short, evening-only stop when a lot of stuff is close;
• one-way cruises are plentiful, so you can actually see some of the 99% of Alaska that isn't a coastal town

Of course there are some downsides:

• international travel means Passports are pretty much required (there are a few ways to weasel around it, but realistically if you get on a plane you need a passport...);
• even though our dollar is worth less, our higher-taxes-and-minimum-wages tends to mean that eating out, especially drinking booze, is just as pricey as Seattle or even more so on the lower end of things;
• fewer flight options - none of the really budget airlines come here, the fees to fly across the border make prices higher and the lower competion pushes them up even more;
• ArriveCAN is needed for any Canadian visit - but then since Seattle cruises all visit a Canadian port, you still have to do it anyway...;
• two different sets of Covid rules to worry about - although with our random testing suspended and the US no longer demanding a test to fly home, whether you cruise out of Seattle or Vancouver you'll need a pre-boarding Covid test regardless of whether it is cruiseline rules or Canadian government rules that make you take them so that's pretty much a wash... so really it's just the risk of being quarantined far from home if you test +ve that's different;
• you might get addicted to new flavours of chips, Kinder eggs, or other Canadian products that are very hard to find or actually illegal in the US 😉

tallnthensome

Try the Alaska forum.

Thank you everyone....I appreciate it 🙂

Done both.  Both are great cities.  

I do like me some Vancouver, though.  That said, flying into a non-U.S. city to sail has a few more steps…namely customs.

1 hour ago, martincath said: Let's see... Vancouver is prettier, cleaner, friendlier, and just all-around much more awesome than Seattle for Pre- or Post-cruise stays; CAD means everything is discounted for folks used to using USD here; you can work on expanding your mind by learning a foreign language (Canadian eh, Cantonese, or Mandarin all come in useful - hardly anyone here speaks French!); cruising saves hours of Zero View sail time around the outside of Vancouver Island and replaces it with the actually-more-scenic-than-anywhere-in-Alaskan-waters lower reaches of the Inside Passage, including some parts so narrow it feels like you can reach out and high-five pax on ships passing the other direction; no need for a Victoria stop to comply with PVSA rules - and even if you want to visit Victoria, check the port times carefully on those Seattle RTs as odds are very high you'll only have a token, short, evening-only stop when a lot of stuff is close; one-way cruises are plentiful, so you can actually see some of the 99% of Alaska that isn't a coastal town   Of course there are some downsides: international travel means Passports are pretty much required (there are a few ways to weasel around it, but realistically if you get on a plane you need a passport...); even though our dollar is worth less, our higher-taxes-and-minimum-wages tends to mean that eating out, especially drinking booze, is just as pricey as Seattle or even more so on the lower end of things; fewer flight options - none of the really budget airlines come here, the fees to fly across the border make prices higher and the lower competion pushes them up even more; ArriveCAN is needed for any Canadian visit - but then since Seattle cruises all visit a Canadian port, you still have to do it anyway...; two different sets of Covid rules to worry about - although with our random testing suspended and the US no longer demanding a test to fly home, whether you cruise out of Seattle or Vancouver you'll need a pre-boarding Covid test regardless of whether it is cruiseline rules or Canadian government rules that make you take them so that's pretty much a wash... so really it's just the risk of being quarantined far from home if you test +ve that's different; you might get addicted to new flavours of chips, Kinder eggs, or other Canadian products that are very hard to find or actually illegal in the US 😉

• Vancouver is prettier, cleaner, friendlier, and just all-around much more awesome than Seattle for Pre- or Post-cruise stays;  Except when one gets mugged in broad daylight like my sister did 3 years ago when visiting.

BirdTravels

3 hours ago, Quencups said: Hi everyone....just curious what you Alaskan cruisers think.....better to cruise from Seattle or from Vancouver?.... Thanks!!!

For most of the Seattle cruises, you will get one of the new, mega-ships which would make the onboard experience superior. And it will be a round-trip from Seattle to Seattle.  

The Vancouver cruises are one-way northbound to Seward (or the corresponding southbound from Seward to Vancouver). That would be on a smaller, older ship. It is more scenic and you should pick the itinerary that goes to Glacier Bay. With that trip, you would need to arrange air into Vancouver, and a scenic domed train from Seward to Anchorage (order early from the cruise line) and a flight from Anchorage back to NJ. 

When we take the Vancouver to Seward cruises, we like to book the land tour after going up to Denali national park. That would probably terminate (fly home) from Fairbanks.  

The principal difference is that Alaska sailings from Vancouver take the Inside Passage of Vancouver Island and the Seattle sailings are on the Pacific (outside) of Vancouver Island where it is somewhat windier and less scenic.     There are other cruise lines which sail from Vancouver roundtrip in 7 days including Celebrity, Princess and Holland America.  

As for budget airlines I understand that Jet Blue now has a daily flight to Vancouver from JFK.

36 minutes ago, LGW59 said: Vancouver is prettier, cleaner, friendlier, and just all-around much more awesome than Seattle for Pre- or Post-cruise stays;  Except when one gets mugged in broad daylight like my sister did 3 years ago when visiting.

Sorry your sister had that happen to her - and not to make light of it, but statistically it's a helluvalot safer in terms of violent crimes here than Seattle or indeed any large US city.

Property theft is the meat & potatoes crime here, from vehicles and homes, rather than 'crimes against persons' especially not violent ones. Seattle rates usually run 3-4x higher than us for violent crimes, homicides even higher than that (although last year seems to have been really bad for them so is skewing the rates unusually badly), so if personal safety is genuinely a concern Canadian vacations look even better in comparison.

The trip up from Vancouver is lovely and far more interesting than the open ocean cruising from Seattle. The scenery is amazing. Also much less rough. So I would strongly vote for the Vancouver trip. In fact have- 5th trip next month-only 1 out of Seattle. 

6 hours ago, Quencups said: Hi everyone....just curious what you Alaskan cruisers think.....better to cruise from Seattle or from Vancouver?....   Thanks!!!

Vancouver hands down. The harbor is beautiful the city is beautiful. A little more scenic entering the inside passage a little earlier than Seattle. Two cruises stopped in Vancouver, looking forward to my next visit.

Dancing Shoes

Vancouver gets my vote.  Did a R/T 2018, going again 2022.  This time Seward to Vancouver.  

Thank you everyone for your responses. I really appreciate it!! 😊

20 hours ago, BirdTravels said: For most of the Seattle cruises, you will get one of the new, mega-ships which would make the onboard experience superior. And it will be a round-trip from Seattle to Seattle.     The Vancouver cruises are one-way northbound to Seward (or the corresponding southbound from Seward to Vancouver). That would be on a smaller, older ship. It is more scenic and you should pick the itinerary that goes to Glacier Bay. With that trip, you would need to arrange air into Vancouver, and a scenic domed train from Seward to Anchorage (order early from the cruise line) and a flight from Anchorage back to NJ.    When we take the Vancouver to Seward cruises, we like to book the land tour after going up to Denali national park. That would probably terminate (fly home) from Fairbanks.  

Many experienced cruisers to Alaska, myself included, always state the ship is simply an asset to transport you around Alaska. Alaska is all about the scenery and the wildlife. If your primary reason for cruising is to be aboard a new glitzy floating gin palace, I suggest you can get the same experience in the Caribbean for less money.

Seattle cruises must be round trip, and must stop at a Canadian port, as this is a requirement of the US Cabotage Law. However, Vancouver is not constrained by similar laws and you can find both 1-way cruises, to both Seward and Whittier and round-trip cruises.

I spent 2 entire seasons in Alaska as a navigator and sailed R/T from Vancouver.

On 6/21/2022 at 9:56 AM, Quencups said: Hi everyone....just curious what you Alaskan cruisers think.....better to cruise from Seattle or from Vancouver?....   Thanks!!!

Prior to deciding on Seattle or Vancouver, I suggest determining what you want to see in Alaska. Many of the ships only sail throughout SE Alaska, visiting the busy ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Do you want to experience some of the smaller ports, or even Prince William Sound, which is spectacular?

Glaciers are also a key desirable of many pax cruising to Alaska. With well over a couple dozen trips into Glacier Bay, I have never failed to see at least 1one glacier. As an additional bonus, the Park Rangers board the ship and provide commentary. Hubbard Glacier is huge and impressive, but at times the access can be blocked by floating ice. I have missed Hubbard a few times due to ice. Dawes Glacier has the highest chance of being missed due to ice. I have only made it to the glacier once.

Therefore, I suggest researching and determining what ports and/or glaciers you want to see, before starting with determining an embarkation/disembarkation port.

Vancouver and Seattle are both great cities and have pros/cons for travel. However, I will focus on the Alaska cruise experience from both ports.

Vancouver - is 100 miles closer to Alaska and does not require a port stop outside Alaska to comply with Cabotage Laws. Therefore, the Vancouver based ships have more time available in Alaska than the ships based in Seattle. In addition to selecting the preferred ports, it is critical to check the time and number of hours in port.

Departing Vancouver, the ships take the scenic Inside Passage, East of Vancouver Island, which is sheltered waters. On a R/T from Vancouver, you sail through these waters again on the last day.

You can book 1-way cruises to Seward/Whittier, so you can experience Prince William Sound and also book Denali extensions, or R/T SE Alaska cruises.

Seattle - the ships steam out Juan de Fuca and up the Pacific Ocean, west of Vancouver Island. You may experience heavy weather in the Pacific, even in the summer months. On return to Seattle, you again sail west of Vancouver Island and have to stop in Victoria. Most ETA's are 16:00 to 18:00, but is they experience weather delays, the arrival can be later, only getting a couple of hours ashore, late at night.

Victoria is also a challenging arrival when the wind blows.

You can only book R/T cruises, most of which only visit SE Alaska.

22 hours ago, LGW59 said: Vancouver is prettier, cleaner, friendlier, and just all-around much more awesome than Seattle for Pre- or Post-cruise stays;  Except when one gets mugged in broad daylight like my sister did 3 years ago when visiting.

Sorry to hear that.  What part of Vancouver was that, so we can all be more careful there...   😧

i am wondering if I should purchase my Seattle’s ticket for 700.00 roundtrip from newark for my September 21, 2022 cruise to Alaska or wait for end of July.

Any thoughts would very appreciated. Thank you. 

8 hours ago, Heidi13 said:   Prior to deciding on Seattle or Vancouver, I suggest determining what you want to see in Alaska. Many of the ships only sail throughout SE Alaska, visiting the busy ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Do you want to experience some of the smaller ports, or even Prince William Sound, which is spectacular?   Glaciers are also a key desirable of many pax cruising to Alaska. With well over a couple dozen trips into Glacier Bay, I have never failed to see at least 1one glacier. As an additional bonus, the Park Rangers board the ship and provide commentary. Hubbard Glacier is huge and impressive, but at times the access can be blocked by floating ice. I have missed Hubbard a few times due to ice. Dawes Glacier has the highest chance of being missed due to ice. I have only made it to the glacier once.   Therefore, I suggest researching and determining what ports and/or glaciers you want to see, before starting with determining an embarkation/disembarkation port.   Vancouver and Seattle are both great cities and have pros/cons for travel. However, I will focus on the Alaska cruise experience from both ports.   Vancouver - is 100 miles closer to Alaska and does not require a port stop outside Alaska to comply with Cabotage Laws. Therefore, the Vancouver based ships have more time available in Alaska than the ships based in Seattle. In addition to selecting the preferred ports, it is critical to check the time and number of hours in port.   Departing Vancouver, the ships take the scenic Inside Passage, East of Vancouver Island, which is sheltered waters. On a R/T from Vancouver, you sail through these waters again on the last day.   You can book 1-way cruises to Seward/Whittier, so you can experience Prince William Sound and also book Denali extensions, or R/T SE Alaska cruises.   Seattle - the ships steam out Juan de Fuca and up the Pacific Ocean, west of Vancouver Island. You may experience heavy weather in the Pacific, even in the summer months. On return to Seattle, you again sail west of Vancouver Island and have to stop in Victoria. Most ETA's are 16:00 to 18:00, but is they experience weather delays, the arrival can be later, only getting a couple of hours ashore, late at night.   Victoria is also a challenging arrival when the wind blows.   You can only book R/T cruises, most of which only visit SE Alaska.

Wow!  Thank you sooo much for all your info. Much appreciated!!!

4 hours ago, Suetravel said: Hi i am wondering if I should purchase my Seattle’s ticket for 700.00 roundtrip from newark for my September 21, 2022 cruise to Alaska or wait for end of July.   Any thoughts would very appreciated. Thank you. 

I tend to buy as soon as the tickets are released.  As I watch, the price goes up.  Do a mock booking, are there a lot of empty seats?  If not, I would book asap.

Which city has more homeless people?  Just kidding...sorta.

14 hours ago, Suetravel said: Hi i am wondering if I should purchase my Seattle’s ticket for 700.00 roundtrip from newark for my September 21, 2022 cruise to Alaska or wait for end of July.   Any thoughts would very appreciated. Thank you. 

I think that's a good price.  Buy it!

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The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

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Even with a season that only runs from April through October, there are some 40 big ships and dozens of small ships cruising Alaska , making it one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world after the Caribbean and Europe. The best Alaska cruises range from off-the-beaten-path voyages on vessels carrying fewer than 100 passengers to weeklong jaunts through the Inside Passage aboard megaships that hold thousands.

The itinerary choices are numerous in Alaska. Some ships stick to tried-and-true ports, sailing through Southeast Alaska and into western Canada. Others wander deeper along the Alaska coastline to places such as the Kenai Peninsula, north to Nome and Barrow and even deep into the Bering Sea.

Some trips hit multiple national parks; others dive into Alaska culture, allowing guests to learn the stories told by totem poles or hear about “the big one” from a fisherman at a dive bar.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

It can be hard to figure out which ship will deliver your idea of a “bucket list” experience in The Last Frontier. A lot comes down to your travel style, preferences and budget. Some travelers demand luxury, while others don’t mind going less fancy if it means close encounters with bears and other creatures in the wilderness. Some look for romance, while others want to introduce the kids or grandkids to glaciers and eagles, gold panning and sled dogs.

The good news is there’s a ship in Alaska for you no matter your taste or style. Here’s a beginner’s guide to the best Alaska cruises to help you narrow down your choices.

Best for megaresort fans

Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both sail some of their largest ships in Alaska. They are floating megaresorts, carrying thousands, and are big on amenities, glitz and a certain amount of glamor — think flashy casinos, Broadway shows, lavish spas. Dining and drinking venues number in the dozens, while amusement park features thrill the kids and adrenaline-seekers.

Norwegian Encore

On Norwegian Encore, you can race along a go-kart racetrack, compete in outdoor laser tag and zoom down slides at the water park while you traverse Alaska’s Inside Passage. The ship sails seven-night cruises from Seattle, visiting Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve .

Related: A beginner’s guide to picking a cruise line

Ovation of the Seas

On Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, you can order a drink from a robotic bartender, try simulated skydiving or surfing experiences and take a ride in a glass capsule that travels high above your ship on a mechanical arm — a weird and wonderful way to see the Alaska scenery.

Ovation of the Seas sails round-trip from Seattle on seven-night cruises, but the exact itinerary varies by week. The ship cruises Endicott Arm for scenic views of Dawes Glacier and typically visits three Alaska ports and Victoria.

Best for land and sea adventures

You’ve traveled far to get to Alaska, and it would be a shame to miss inland sights such as Denali National Park and Preserve and the sight of Denali, North America’s largest peak — so big it’s often shrouded in clouds caused by its own weather system.

Market leaders Holland America Line and Princess Cruises both send a half-dozen ships to Alaska each year, and they have 75 and 55 years in the market, respectively.

They top the list in terms of cruises, as well as cruise tours, which combine time sailing with overnight stays on land. The companies operate their own lodges, rail cars and motorcoaches for exploration of Alaska’s interior and beyond. Many of the ships have permission to sail in Glacier Bay.

Related: The coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise

Choose from 10- to 17-night land tours that combine a standard weeklong cruise (sometimes half a cruise) with time spent exploring Alaska’s interior by bus, train or even plane.

Holland America will base six ships in Alaska in 2024, with tour offerings to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage.

However, it also offers nine- to 14-night cruise tours on Koningsdam that head into the Canadian Yukon, following the route of the Klondike Gold Rush from Alaska to northwestern Canada. Disembark your cruise ship in Skagway, then travel to Whitehorse and Dawson City in the Yukon before continuing on to Fairbanks (the gateway to Arctic Alaska), Denali National Park and Anchorage.

Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises offers a cruise tour where you visit four national parks: Glacier Bay, Denali, the Kenai Fjords and America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias. The 15- and 17-night trips combine a seven-night cruise on Sapphire Princess from Vancouver to Whittier, Alaska, with another week or more on land, ending in Fairbanks or Anchorage.

Best for travelers on a budget

Older ships in Norwegian and Royal Caribbean’s fleets tend to offer more reduced prices than you’ll find on the lines’ larger and newer ships, based on the fact the older ships don’t have as many bells and whistles.

Since they have so many ships in the market, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises also tend to offer frequent sales — especially on their older tonnage. These ships have a loyal following and tend to have fewer families on board, which some couples find particularly appealing.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

If you’re looking for other surefire ways to save, consider sailings in the area’s shoulder season. You’ll find better deals from April to early June and in September than you will in the height of summer.

Also, in Alaska, balcony cabins are highly desirable, with everyone seeking views of the wilderness, snow-capped peaks and glaciers. As those reserves get low, the prices tend to get higher. Bargain seekers should either book early for these accommodations or choose inside, outside or guarantee cabins (where you don’t pick your room location) to save more.

Radiance of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s 20-year-old ship Radiance of the Seas mainly sails weeklong, one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, with prices below $100 per person, per night, for inside and outside cabins on many departures.

However, its early-season May 2024 sailing from Seward to Vancouver is the cheapest Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise of the season. It starts at $368 per person for an inside cabin.

Grand Princess and Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises has so many ships based in Alaska that you’re bound to find deals, especially on shoulder-season cruises. Both Grand and Sapphire Princess offer weeklong Alaska cruises in May 2024 starting from $548 per person for inside cabins. The itinerary starts in Vancouver and ends in Whittier, Alaska, with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway and scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and College Fjord.

Best for off-the-beaten-path travel

Want to see and deeply experience coastal Alaska, and don’t mind a mellower environment where lectures and impromptu guitar singalongs replace casinos and show productions? Consider lines such as UnCruise Adventures , Lindblad Expeditions and Alaskan Dream Cruises, all with ships that carry fewer than 100 passengers (and in the case of Alaskan Dream, even under 20 passengers).

On these small ships, captains have the flexibility to alter itineraries and linger if the naturalist onboard spots a pod of whales or bears digging for clams on a beach.

Small ships can go places bigger ships can’t, so itineraries stretch far beyond the traditional ports. You’ll visit more remote places such as Petersburg, a fishing town with strong Norwegian roots, and Wrangell, one of Alaska’s oldest communities. Some itineraries are conducted entirely in the wild, with no port calls at all.

UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures explores Southeast Alaska on seven-, 12- and 14-night itineraries. A day might start with a morning birding expedition, continue with a kayaking adventure and end with an evening campfire ashore. You might visit LeConte and Baird Glaciers (where the big ships don’t go), plus UnCruise has the only permits for hiking and biking adventures on Chichagof Island.

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in both Alaska and British Columbia, with itineraries ranging from six to 15 nights.

Guests might explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or discover native petroglyphs on the beaches of Wrangell Island in Alaska, or search for grizzly bears in Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. Lindblad has special permits to bring passengers into the wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the Tongass National Forest, beyond what the big ships can offer.

Alaskan Dream Cruises

Alaskan-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises’ ships carry 12 to 76 passengers to remote Native villages that rarely see visitors, with plenty of time for wildlife viewing far from the cruise ship crowds. Itineraries range from five to nine nights, from departure ports such as Sitka, Ketchikan and Juneau.

Best for families

If you’re traveling with your kids or grandkids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, target the newest and biggest ships of Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival and especially Disney Cruise Line. All have excellent camp-like activity programs for kids, plus eye-popping amusement attractions.

Disney Wonder

On Disney ships, Goofy might make an appearance as you admire soaring eagles, blue icebergs and glaciers. The extensive children’s program, entertainment and such activities as water slides and play areas deliver what you would expect from the purveyor of dreams. Bonus: Cabins are designed with families in mind and include split bathrooms (one with a toilet and sink, the other with a shower/tub combo and sink).

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Discovery Princess

While lacking in whiz-bang attractions, Princess Cruises is another good choice, both for its children’s and teens program, complete with spacious facilities, and for such programming as bringing sled dogs on board, which is a hit with young passengers. The line’s newest ship, Discovery Princess, sails round trip from Seattle, a convenient U.S. home port for families to fly or drive to.

Carnival Spirit

Water slides, a partnership with Dr. Seuss and three hangouts for kids and teens make Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit a great bet for families in Alaska.

The ship’s huge array of included quick eats — pizza, tacos, Guy Fieri’s burgers and unlimited soft serve ice cream — and casual atmosphere take the stress out of dining with the family. The ship sails round trip from Seattle on seven-night itineraries that call in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.

Best for luxury lovers

If you envision sipping Champagne as you watch a glacier thunderously calve into the sea, consider booking one of the all-inclusive luxury cruise lines in Alaska: Seabourn , Regent Seven Seas Cruises or Silversea .

All these lines include ships that are experts at delivering gourmet cuisine and the other finer things in life in intimate, cushy floating environments. Additionally, all the lines are big on featuring lectures by experts, which provides passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska.

Itineraries tend to include the popular ports and beyond. You might, for instance, visit Wrangell and Prince Rupert, a port city in Canada, and linger in places such as the Misty Fjords and Prince William Sound. Seven- to 14-night sailings embark from ports such as Vancouver, Seward and Juneau.

Seven Seas Explorer

Regent’s 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer is an all-suite ship offering guests in Alaska multiple gourmet onboard restaurants, all-inclusive beverages, free airfare and included gratuities. Many shore excursions are complimentary. Enjoy little luxuries, like an afternoon in the thermal suite of the two-story spa-and-fitness center, or really splurge out by booking the Regent Suite, the most lavish suite you’ll find at sea.

Seabourn Odyssey

The 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey boasts an onboard expedition team and does a posh version of expedition cruising in Alaska, using inflatable Zodiac craft and kayaks.

Seabourn calls its program Ventures by Seabourn. Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team. Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in complimentary Champagne and caviar on board or relish a meal created by famed chef, Thomas Keller.

Related: The 4 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best for solo travelers

Solo travelers don’t always have to pay double to cruise Alaska on their own. Several ships feature cabins designed and priced for one. Single cruisers should also note that luxury lines Silversea and Seabourn, while not cheap, do a great job of taking care of single cruisers, hosting them at dinner and providing easy opportunities to meet and mingle with other travelers.

Norwegian Bliss

The ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway and Getaway classes all have cozy studio cabins designed and priced for one person. Additionally, they’re located in a complex where a private lounge encourages mingling. Norwegian Bliss offers 82 solo rooms on its round-trip Seattle cruises that visit Dawes Glacier, Sitka and Icy Strait Point.

Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s studio staterooms, on its Quantum-class ships in Alaska, give solo travelers the benefits of both decent space and balconies.

On Quantum of the Seas, choose a 101-square-foot inside cabin or a 119-square-foot ocean-view room with a 55-square-foot balcony. Either way, you get a full-size bed and plenty of space for one person. The ship sails a similar weeklong itinerary to sister ship Ovation of the Seas, round-trip from Seattle with scenic sailing along Endicott Arm.

Holland America offers ocean-view accommodations for one in Alaska only on Koningsdam. Measuring 127 to 172 square feet, these rooms come with a full-size bed and a picture window.

Koningsdam sails round trip from Vancouver to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay. Its cruises can be combined into nine- to 14-night cruise tours to the Yukon and Denali.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Additional reporting by Erica Silverstein.

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Alaska Cruises From Seattle

Charming towns and majestic coastlines await on an Alaska cruise from Seattle. Embark on a 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle with a convenient weekend departure from the Emerald City’s spectacular waterfront. Experience majestic glaciers with itineraries featuring Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier. Visit attractions in Alaska’s most-beloved ports: Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka. Find all the resources you need to start planning your Seattle to Alaska cruise.

See the World From Your Doorstep

Featured alaska cruises from seattle.

ALASKAN EXPLORER

Explore hubbard glacier or glacier bay on 7-day roundtrip alaska cruises from seattle., cruise in comfort & style.

Things To Do In Seattle

Find top picks of things to do before or after your cruise from Seattle.

Museum Of Pop Culture (MOPOP)

Space Needle

Pike Place Market

Cruises leaving seattle: learn more, seattle at a glance.

• When was Seattle founded?  November 13, 1851 
• Where is Seattle located?  Located in the western part of Washington State, Seattle lies between Elliot Bay and Lake Washington. Approximately 100 miles south of the Canadian Border. 
• What is the population of Seattle ?  753,675 according to the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau 
• What language is primarily spoken?  English 
• Seattle, Washington is GMT/UTC - 8h during Standard Time
• Seattle, Washington is GMT/UTC - 7h during Daylight Saving Time
• What currency is used in Seattle, WA?  USD (Dollar)

Travel Tips for Seattle

How do I book a flight to Seattle?  At Holland America we offer cruise travelers low prices on their flights. Please see more information on our  flight ease program .

Where should I stay when cruising from Seattle?  We offer hotel packages to our already booked guests. For more information, visit our  hotel packages and pre- or post-travel arrangements .

What are some of the top places to see in Seattle?  Visit our  Seattle Port page  for more information on our top travel recommendations.

Port Information

What should I expect boarding to like for my cruise departing Seattle, WA?  Please visit our  cruise preparation FAQ  for information on how to access or print boarding passes, how to check in online, and to see if you need a passport.

Can I book an airport shuttle to my cruise?   Book an airport transfer from the airport to your ship after you book a cruise with Holland America Line. We make getting to and from your cruise comfortable, convenient and hassle-free. For more information on EXC City Stays & Overland Tours, please visit:  https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/pre-post-travel-cruise.html .

Are you an already booked guest with Holland America Line? For booked guests, please see our  travel planning  details on how to book an airport transfer.

Where do I leave from the Port of Seattle?  Pier 91 is the home port for Holland America Lines. The address of Pier 91 is 2001 W Garfield Way, Seattle, WA 98199

Curious about learning more about cruising or want more information?

Please visit our most  frequently asked questions page  on cruise preparation, transportation, safety and security, and more.

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