Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Alaska with our comprehensive guide to the Alaskan cruise season. Discover the best ports, itineraries, and cruise lines to ensure your adventure is as smooth as the glacial waters you'll sail on.
Round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver, typically visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and often Glacier Bay or other scenic glacier viewing spots. Some versions include Sitka, Haines, Icy Strait Point, or Victoria, BC. (Common with Holland America, Princess, NCL, Celebrity.) (Holland America Line)
Deeper Gulf of Alaska routing between Vancouver and Whittier/Seward, featuring two glacier experiences such as Glacier Bay and Hubbard or College Fjord. (Princess markets this as “Voyage of the Glaciers.”) (Cruises)
Full-day scenic transits of Glacier Bay National Park with park rangers aboard, or scenic cruising of Tracy/Endicott/College Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, etc. (Holland America and others highlight Glacier Bay sailings.) (Holland America Line)
Combine sea cruising with inland rail/coach stays, such as Denali National Park and Anchorage/Seward, popular with Princess, Holland America, and others. (Holland America Line)
The primary ports below are commonly seen on standard Inside Passage and Glacier Route itineraries. Smaller or more remote stops appear on select sailings or expedition routes.
Why visit: Totem poles, salmon, Tongass rainforest access, kayak/floatplane tours.
Common itineraries including Ketchikan: Inside Passage 7-day roundtrips and longer Glacier Route sailings.
Lines typically calling: Princess, Holland America, NCL, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, many others. (Travel Alaska)
Why visit: Mendenhall Glacier, tram to Mt. Roberts, whale watching, gold-rush history.
Common itineraries including Juneau: Inside Passage circuits and Glacier Route itineraries.
Lines typically calling: Princess, Holland America, NCL, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity. (Travel Alaska)
Why visit: Historic gold-rush town, White Pass & Yukon Route railway, hiking trails.
Common itineraries including Skagway: Standard Inside Passage 7-day and ones that combine glacier days or land extensions to the Yukon/Denali.
Lines typically calling: Princess, Holland America, NCL, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity. (Travel Alaska)
Why visit: Russian/Aleut history, wildlife, scenic forests, and beaches.
Common itineraries including Sitka: Some Inside Passage variations and select round-trips; more common on 10–14-day or specialized itineraries.
Lines typically calling: Princess, Holland America, NCL (on select departures), expedition lines. (Cruises)
Why visit: Whale-watching hub, zipline, local Tlingit culture.
Common itineraries including Icy Strait Point: Some Inside Passage sailings (as an alternative to Sitka).
Lines typically calling: NCL, Princess, other major lines on select dates. (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Why visit: Totems, eagles, outdoor activities; quieter alternative to Skagway.
Common itineraries including Haines: Alternate Inside Passage port on select sailings.
Lines typically calling: Select sailings by major lines and smaller/expedition operators. (Travel Alaska)
Why visit: One of the signature glacier-viewing experiences; ships linger in park waters with park rangers aboard on most full-park visits.
Common itineraries including Glacier Bay: Inside Passage itineraries with a glacier day; Voyage of the Glaciers/longer sailings often include Glacier Bay plus a second glacier. Holland America and Princess are well known for Glacier Bay sailings. (Holland America Line)
Why visit: Gateway to Anchorage, Denali cruisetour options; many one-way “Voyage of the Glaciers” sailings start/end here. Seward gives access to Kenai Fjords National Park.
Common itineraries including Whittier/Seward: Vancouver to Whittier/Seward one-way Glacier Route, and cruise + land packages that link to Denali.
Lines typically calling: Princess advertises these Glacier Route itineraries. (Cruises)
Why visit: Glacial fjords, marine wildlife, shore excursions into Prince William Sound.
Common itineraries including Valdez: Some Gulf of Alaska routes, especially those going deeper into the sound or on longer itineraries.
Lines typically calling: Select Princess, Holland America, and sometimes Norwegian or specialty operators on particular departures. (Cruises)
Why visit: Prince Rupert for remote BC wilderness access; Victoria commonly used as a port for Vancouver-area itineraries (and some roundtrips include Victoria as a stop).
Common itineraries including these: Certain Inside Passage variants and repositioning cruises.
Lines typically calling: Royal Caribbean and other lines sometimes include Prince Rupert or Victoria depending on schedule. (Royal Caribbean Blog)
Why visit: Quieter towns, wildlife, fishing, native culture; often included on expedition or longer itineraries.
Common itineraries including these: Expedition cruises (Lindblad/National Geographic, UnCruise), some Holland America/Princess/NCL longer/less typical sailings. (ALASKA.ORG)
Famous for Glacier Route / “Voyage of the Glaciers” (Vancouver ↔ Whittier/Seward) and many Inside Passage departures; they offer extensive cruisetour combos to Denali. (Cruises)
Strong presence on classic 7-day Inside Passage (Vancouver roundtrip) and Glacier Bay sailings; also cruisetours to Denali/Anchorage. (Holland America Line)
Multiple 7-day Inside Passage and Glacier Bay itineraries (roundtrip Seattle/Vancouver and one-way options). (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Operate family-friendly Inside Passage cruises and some longer itineraries; Royal Caribbean has been adding/adjusting port calls (e.g., Prince Rupert on select years). (Royal Caribbean)
Lindblad, UnCruise, Seabourn, Silversea Expeditions and specialty lines offer true expedition-style routes into more remote inlets and lesser-visited ports. (Check each operator for exact port lists and small-ship landing/tender rules.) (Norwegian Cruise Line)