Alaska cruising is a bucket-list experience - massive glaciers calving into the sea, humpback whales breaching, bald eagles soaring above frontier towns. The 49th state's Inside Passage offers some of cruising's most dramatic scenery. But Alaska cruising requires different planning than Caribbean trips. Here's everything you need to know.
Roundtrip vs One-Way Itineraries
Roundtrip cruises depart from Seattle or Vancouver, visiting ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, then returning to the same city. These are simpler logistically and often cheaper. One-way cruises travel between Vancouver/Seattle and Whittier/Seward (near Anchorage), offering more glacial viewing and access to Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier. One-way requires flying open-jaw but provides the most complete Alaska experience.
Inside Passage vs Gulf of Alaska
Inside Passage cruises navigate the protected waterways along the coast - calmer seas, frequent wildlife, charming ports. Gulf of Alaska cruises venture into open ocean to reach Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay. The gulf can be rougher but rewards with spectacular glacier experiences. Most one-way cruises traverse both regions. For first-timers prone to seasickness, Inside Passage-focused routes are gentler.
Best Time to Cruise Alaska
Season runs May through September. Early season (May-early June): Fewer crowds, snow-capped peaks, wildlife emerging, cooler temperatures, longer daylight. Peak season (late June-July): Best weather, longest daylight (19+ hours), highest prices, most crowded. Late season (August-September): Fall colors, salmon runs, whale feeding frenzy, potential aurora viewing, shoulder pricing. Each period offers distinct advantages.
Must-See Glacier Experiences
Glacier Bay National Park: Only some ships have permits - check itineraries carefully. Hubbard Glacier: North America's largest tidewater glacier, often with dramatic calving. Mendenhall Glacier: Accessible from Juneau, retreating rapidly (see it while you can). Tracy Arm Fjord: Dramatic narrow passage with Sawyer Glaciers. Sea days spent 'glacier cruising' are Alaska highlights - stay on deck with binoculars and cameras.
Alaska Cruise Ports
Juneau: Alaska's capital, accessible only by air/sea. Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching, helicopter tours. Ketchikan: 'Salmon Capital,' totem poles, Misty Fjords floatplanes. Skagway: Gold Rush history, White Pass Railway (don't miss it). Sitka: Russian heritage, wildlife, cultural richness. Victoria BC: Often included on Seattle roundtrips - a charming Canadian city.
Best Shore Excursions
Helicopter glacier landing/dog sledding: Expensive ($400-600) but life-changing experience. Whale watching: Almost guaranteed sightings July-August, truly magical. White Pass Railway: Classic train journey through Gold Rush history, book early. Misty Fjords by floatplane: Alaska's most scenic flightseeing. Salmon bake and Mendenhall Glacier: Combines two Juneau highlights. Budget $200-400 per port for meaningful Alaska excursions.
Cruise Line Selection
Holland America and Princess have deep Alaska roots with land extensions and wilderness lodges. Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity offer big-ship amenities with Alaska itineraries. Smaller ships (UnCruise, Lindblad) access remote areas and provide expedition-style experiences. Disney offers family Alaska sailings. For glacier-focused cruising with enrichment, Holland America and Princess excel. For onboard activities, choose the mega-ships.
Cruise Tours (Land + Sea)
Many cruise lines offer 'cruisetours' combining 7-night voyages with 3-7 night land extensions to Denali National Park, Fairbanks, and the Alaskan interior. These provide the complete Alaska experience - Inside Passage scenery plus interior wilderness. Princess and Holland America operate their own lodges and rail cars. Cruisetours cost more but deliver comprehensive experiences impossible by cruise alone.
What to Pack for Alaska
Layers are essential - temperatures range from 40-70°F. Waterproof jacket (rain is common). Warm fleece or sweater. Comfortable walking shoes and waterproof options. Binoculars for wildlife (essential). Camera with zoom lens. Sunscreen (long daylight hours mean sun exposure). Seasickness remedies for gulf crossings. Formal wear requirements vary by line - check dress code.
Balcony Cabins in Alaska
If ever there's a cruise to book a balcony, it's Alaska. Glacier viewing from your private veranda while sipping coffee is unmatched. Wildlife often appears suddenly - balcony guests see more. Early morning and late evening light on the scenery rewards those with outdoor cabin access. Inside cabins work but you'll spend more time on deck. Balcony-side selection matters - starboard for northbound, port for southbound maximizes glacier views.