Your Guide to Touring Alaska by Cruise Ship
Explore the ultimate guide to Alaska cruises, highlighting top cruise lines, scenic destinations, and key tips for a memorable voyage. Discover options suited for families, adventure seekers, and luxury travelers, ensuring you pick the perfect itinerary to experience Alaska's stunning landscapes and wildlife in comfort and style.

Your Guide to Touring Alaska by Cruise Ship
If Alaska has been on your travel wishlist, now is the perfect time to plan your adventure. With summer approaching and cruise lines offering attractive deals, you can enjoy the beautiful weather while exploring breathtaking landscapes. To help you choose the right experience, here are some reasons why a cruise to Alaska is worthwhile.
- Suitable for All Ages
Alaska offers attractions for every generations. Families with children often embark on cruises during summer, enjoying the diverse cultures and bonding opportunities along the way.

- Immersive Nature and Ice Experiences
Explore Alaska’s awe-inspiring scenery. Whether from your cruise cabin’s deck or during excursions, chances are you'll encounter iconic wildlife like bald eagles or moose. When navigating Glacier Bay, a park ranger often joins to provide fascinating insights. - Take Advantage of Summer Deals
With a limited window of summer months, cruise lines seek full bookings, often offering the best discounts during this season.
- Opt for longer itineraries — brief trips of 2-3 days simply don’t allow enough time to truly experience Alaska. Ensure there’s ample opportunity for activities like hiking.
- The Inside Passage, a series of islands in southeastern Alaska, is a hallmark destination. Smaller ships are better suited for navigating narrow channels and avoiding crowds, increasing chances to witness wildlife up close.
- Prioritize all-inclusive deals to avoid hidden costs. Some discounts exclude essentials such as alcohol or specialty dining, potentially increasing your overall expense.
Popular Cruise Options in Alaska and Their Benefits
Crystal Cruises
- Advantages
Impeccably designed, this cruise caters to sophisticated travelers. It features spacious verandas for wildlife sightings, diverse dining options, and superior service. - Limitations
While luxurious and equipped with children's programs, it may not be ideal for families seeking a lively environment, as it tends to be more tranquil.
Holland America Line
- Benefits
Offers numerous activities and visits less-traveled ports like Homer and Kodiak. Often with fewer passengers, it’s family-friendly with tailored kids’ programs. - Drawbacks
Books early, has limited verandas, and enforces dress codes.
Norwegian Cruise Line
- Pros
More flexible dining schedules, less frequent announcements, and entertaining late-night buffets. Features lively entertainment and sports activities akin to Las Vegas. - Cons
Long lines for dining and a noisy atmosphere might not suit everyone.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Advantages
Elegant and refined, offering onboard lectures and inclusive alcohol. It combines luxury with educational experiences. - Limitations
Nightlife options may be limited, and it's generally more expensive than other lines.
Silversea Alaskan Cruises
- Pros
Luxurious cabins with spacious verandas, gourmet dining, and culturally enriching activities make this cruise stand out. - Cons
Does not cater much to children, and nightlife options are limited.