Alaska is one of the most spectacular cruise destinations in the world: towering glaciers, breaching whales, bald eagles, and charming frontier towns. But Alaska cruises vary a lot by route, length, and ports. Here are the 7 best Alaska cruise itineraries, and how to choose the right one for your trip.
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Two Main Types of Alaska Cruises
- Round-trip (Inside Passage): Usually 7 nights from Seattle or Vancouver, visiting Southeast Alaska ports and a glacier.
- One-way (Gulf of Alaska): Sailing between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier (near Anchorage), often with more glacier viewing and the option to add a land tour.
1. 7-Night Inside Passage From Seattle
Typical ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, plus Victoria, BC
Glacier: Often Dawes Glacier (Endicott Arm), Tracy Arm, or Glacier Bay
Why it’s great: Easy round-trip, many ship choices, and convenient for West Coast travelers.
Best for: First-time Alaska cruisers and families.
2. 7-Night Inside Passage From Vancouver
Typical ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan
Why it’s great: Gorgeous scenic cruising through the Inside Passage and the chance to explore Vancouver before or after.
Note: Requires a passport for most travelers.
3. 7-Night Glacier Bay Cruise
Typical ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, plus a full day in Glacier Bay National Park
Why it’s great: Glacier Bay permits are limited, and Princess and Holland America have the most access. Park rangers often come aboard to narrate.
Best for: Scenery and nature lovers.
4. 7-Night Northbound or Southbound Gulf of Alaska
Typical route: Vancouver to Seward or Whittier (or reverse)
Glaciers: Often Hubbard Glacier and/or Glacier Bay or College Fjord
Why it’s great: More glacier viewing and the ability to add a land tour to Denali.
Best for: Travelers wanting a deeper Alaska experience.
5. Cruisetour: Cruise Plus Denali
What it is: A one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise combined with a multi-day land tour to Denali National Park, Fairbanks, or Talkeetna.
Why it’s great: See Alaska’s interior, wildlife, and possibly Denali itself.
Best for: Once-in-a-lifetime trips. Princess is especially well known for cruisetours with its own wilderness lodges.
6. 3- to 5-Night Alaska Sampler
Typical route: Short sailings from Vancouver or Seattle, often repositioning in spring or fall
Why it’s great: Lower cost and shorter time commitment.
Note: Fewer ports and less glacier viewing.
7. 10- to 14-Night Extended Alaska
Typical ports: Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Wrangell, plus major ports
Why it’s great: Smaller, less crowded ports and more scenic cruising.
Best for: Travelers who want more than the classic route.
Itinerary Comparison
| Itinerary | Length | Glacier Viewing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside Passage (Seattle) | 7 nights | Good | First-timers, families |
| Inside Passage (Vancouver) | 7 nights | Good | Scenic cruising |
| Glacier Bay | 7 nights | Excellent | Nature lovers |
| Gulf of Alaska | 7 nights one-way | Excellent | Deeper Alaska |
| Cruisetour | 10–14 days | Excellent + Denali | Bucket list |
| Sampler | 3–5 nights | Limited | Budget, short trips |
| Extended | 10–14 nights | Excellent | Experienced travelers |
Best Time to Cruise Alaska
- May and September: Lower prices, fewer crowds, cooler weather.
- June–August: Warmest weather, longest days, peak wildlife, highest prices.
Alaska Cruise Tips
- Book a balcony, as it’s the best way to enjoy scenic cruising. See is a balcony worth it?
- Pack layers, rain gear, and binoculars.
- Book excursions early, especially whale watching, helicopter glacier tours, and the White Pass Railway.
- Book 9–12 months ahead; balconies sell out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Alaska itinerary is best for first-timers?
A 7-night Inside Passage cruise with Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm is a great start.
Do I need a passport for an Alaska cruise?
For round-trip Seattle sailings, U.S. citizens may use other documents, but a passport is recommended. Vancouver departures generally require one.
Which cruise line is best for Alaska?
Princess is a top choice, especially for Glacier Bay and cruisetours. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Celebrity also offer strong itineraries. See Princess vs Royal Caribbean for Alaska.
Plan Your Alaska Adventure
At The Cruise Headquarters, we help you choose the right Alaska itinerary, ship, and cabin. Request a free Alaska cruise quote today. Also see Alaska cruises: what to know before you book.
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