Alaska Cruises: Cruise to Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises (2024)

FAQs

Which cruise line is best for an Alaskan cruise? ›

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska for Good Weather: Summer (mid-June through August) If you prefer warmer temperatures, ranging from 50° to 70° Fahrenheit, and longer days with up to 22 hours of sunlight, a summer Alaskan cruise might be the perfect choice.

The average price for a 7-day Alaskan cruise can range from $1,300 to $3,500 per person, depending on the cruise line, type of cabin, and time of year.

The 7 Night Alaska Inside Passage Cruise from Vancouver Cruise Port, (British Columbia) visits Inside Passage, Canada; Sitka, Alaska; Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Icy Strait Point, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Inside Passage, Canada; Vancouver Cruise Port, (British Columbia).

Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska's scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship.

10 Days. This is a very popular vacation length, and no wonder: 10 days is enough time to combine a cruise with a land tour and experience both sides of Alaska. Trips of this length usually include a whirlwind tour of some of Alaska's popular interior and Southcentral destinations, plus a 7-day cruise.

For both cruising and land-based tours, May and September are the “shoulder” seasons in Alaska, with better deals and fewer crowds. Cruise prices during those times may be lower, perhaps by a couple hundred dollars per person. Selected shore and land excursions can also be 20% cheaper.

Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.

Alaska's northern lights viewing season stretches from late August through late April. The best time to visit Alaska for Northern Lights is winter or early spring. As far as cruises go, Alaska cruises in September is a good pick because nights are long and dark.

Alaska Land and Sea Cruise Packages

This relaxing, all-inclusive experience is among the most preferred for travelers to Alaska, especially for their first trip. Cruise ships offer convenience, a wide range of services, and an ideal balance of relaxation and adventure.

Do you need a passport for an Alaskan cruise? ›

Passport Requirements - US Citizens

If you are a U.S. Citizen and your Alaska cruise begins and ends in the same US port (Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles) you are not currently required to travel with a passport to Alaska. All cruise lines and WMPH Vacations highly recommend you carry a valid passport.

But with such a hefty price tag, you may be wondering, “Are Alaska cruises worth it?” Our answer is undeniably yes. The reasons to go -- and go now -- can outweigh the cons of time and cruise costs. If you're considering a cruise to Alaska, here are six reasons to book -- and to book sooner rather than later.

Holland America Line (HAL) — which recently snapped up a 2023 World's Best Award in the large-ship ocean cruise line category — has been cruising Alaska for over 75 years. HAL prides itself on having more permits for Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line.

The dark and cold winters are not ideal for cruises because travelers aren't able to enjoy the wonders of the state of Alaska. To truly enjoy an Alaskan cruise, cruisers can visit from April to October when daylight hours, weather and wildlife are better.

For example, cruising from Vancouver, B.C., to Whittier, Alaska, northbound, you might prefer a starboard side room to get majestic views of the Canadian and Alaskan coastlines. Southbound cruisers will want to opt for a port-side room for the same views.

Alaska's Inside Passage is one of the most popular routes for cruises through Alaska as it is a network of waterways running from Washington State's Puget Sound in the south, up the Pacific coast of British Columbia and through the Alaska panhandle.

Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. A few lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line, offer 10-night Inside Passage cruises from San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver.

On an Alaska cruise, a balcony cabin provides your own private viewing space to take in spectacular scenery, glaciers, wildlife, and more. While this category of staterooms comes with a higher price tag, the benefits offered on an Alaska cruise will make a huge difference and is well worth the investment.

Alaska cruises are more scenery-oriented than other cruises.

The breathtaking views and sudden opportunities to spot sea-life make it worth the extra expense to upgrade to a veranda cabin (perhaps just $100 more per person).