The best Alaska cruises

The last frontier of the United States is presented as a dream destination for nature lovers. And what better way to explore than aboard the best Alaska cruises, touring its fjords and canals and contemplating landscapes that will leave you breathless.

Below we will present detailed information about shipping companies and their exclusive cruises, the most attractive and interesting itineraries and some important information that will help you plan a dream and unforgettable trip. You will find proposals from 7 to 14 days. You choose the one that best suits your personal preferences and needs!

1.  Holland America Line

According to Forbes magazine, the best Alaska cruise in general belongs to this company. Its ships have been sailing there for more than 75 years.

From its cabins, the panoramic views are spectacular. As for gastronomy, dishes from award-winning chefs will delight you on your trip.

Entertainment options such as Broadway shows, live music, artist performances, casino, etc., will be guaranteed fun.

Here we describe their packages, detailing tours:

Alaska Exploration Trip – 7 days

• Roundtrip from Seattle.
• You will discover the capital Juneau, the historic city of Sitka and the impressive Glacier Bay, among other emblematic cities.

Alaska Inside Passage – 7 days

• Roundtrip from Vancouver.
• On this itinerary focused on Alaska’s Inside Passage, with its fjords, forests and mountains, you will visit cities such as Juneau, famous for its Mendenhall Glacier, and Skagway, an old mining town.

Alaska Glaciers and Denali – 7 days

• Roundtrip from Anchorage.
• You will contemplate Denali Mountain and sail on the Hubbard Glacier. You’ll take land excursions to explore wildlife and tundra landscapes.

Alaska Explorer – 7 Days

• Roundtrip from Seattle.
• With stops in towns like Hoonah, you’ll get to know the Tlingit culture. You’ll also cruise Glacier Bay.

Yukon & Denali – 11 Days

• Combining a boat trip with a land tour of the Yukon and Alaska, you’ll visit cities like Dawson City, the former capital of the Yukon Territory, and Fairbanks. On the Denali National Park safari, you’ll discover bears, moose, and other wildlife.

2.  Princess Cruises

This company has a modern, well-equipped fleet. In addition, it has an experienced and attentive staff, ready to provide excellent service.

It has well-equipped cabins, gourmet restaurants with a variety of cuisine, bars and lounges, pools and jacuzzis, a gym and a spa.

There will be entertainment for all ages: Broadway shows, live music, activities for children and teenagers, casino…

The Medallion technology on board will facilitate communication between passengers travelling together, allowing purchases to be made at the ports of call.

Here are their Alaska itineraries so you can find the one that best suits your preferences:

Inside Passage Discovery Voyage – 5 days

• Roundtrip from Vancouver.
• You will visit the most emblematic places in Alaska’s Inside Passage, such as the city of Ketchikan, famous for its totem poles; Juneau, the state capital; and Skagway, an old mining town from the time of the Gold Rush.

Inside Passage Glaciers – 7 days

• Roundtrip from Vancouver or Whittier.
• You will sail through some of the most impressive glaciers, such as Hubbard and Mendenhall. You will also visit cities such as Juneau and Skagway.

Alaska Explorer – 7 days

• Roundtrip from Seattle or Vancouver.
• On this cruise you’ll go to some of the most remote places, such as the town of Hoonah, where you’ll learn about the Tlingit culture. You’ll also sail through Glacier Bay.

Glacier & Denali Cruise – 7 Days

• Roundtrip from Anchorage.
• You’ll see Denali and cruise through Hubbard Glacier. You’ll enjoy land excursions, observing wildlife and tundra landscapes.

Yukon & Denali – 11 Days

• By boat and land through the Yukon and Alaska, you’ll visit cities such as Dawson City and Fairbanks. On a safari through Denali National Park you’ll see bears, moose and other wildlife.

3.  Cunard

With a legacy of luxury that sails through history since 1840, according to Forbes, the most luxurious cruise ship in Alaska is the Cunard company’s Queen Elizabeth.

In addition to the magnificent White Star service that Cunard passengers have come to expect, the company offers travelers a fleet of iconic ships, renowned for their elegance and tradition, where luxury and comfort are elevated to their highest expression.

Spacious cabins with all the amenities, gourmet and unrivaled cuisine, first-class entertainment and impeccable service, always ready to satisfy the needs of all travelers The Alaskan Inside Passage is a great destination for the most demanding.

It also has magnificent itineraries, organized in packages for all preferences:

Trip to the Alaskan Inside Passage – 10 nights

• Round trip from Seattle.
• You will enjoy the most emblematic landscapes of the Alaskan Inside Passage, including glaciers, fjords and forests. You will visit cities such as Juneau, the state capital, and Skagway, an old mining town from the time of the Gold Rush.

Alaska Glaciers and Denali – 10 nights

• Round trip from Anchorage.
• You will contemplate Denali, the highest mountain in North America, and you will visit the Hubbard Glacier. The excursions will take you to see the wildlife and the landscapes of the tundra.

Explorer of the Inside Passage and Denali – 10 nights

• Round trip from Vancouver.
• Combining a boat trip with a land tour of the Yukon and Alaska, you’ll visit historic towns like Dawson City, the former capital of the Yukon Territory, and Fairbanks, known as the “City of the North.” On the Denali National Park safari, you’ll see bears, moose and other wildlife.

If you’re looking for an Alaska cruise that will transport you back to a time of luxury and tradition, Cunard is the best choice.

4.  Disney Cruise Line

If you’re traveling as a family, with children and/or teenagers, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder, with capacity for 1,754 passengers (which can carry 2,713 guests when fully booked), is the top choice.

And what does this proposal full of surprises, magic and charm bring us? Photos with Mickey, his friends and the Disney princesses, themed restaurants of “The Little Mermaid” and “The Princess and the Frog” and a musical show of “Frozen.”

It also includes clubs for children and teenagers (supervised by trained staff), luxury spas and swimming pools, giving you the opportunity to do activities such as whale watching, kayaking, glacier excursions, hiking through unspoiled nature and exploring some towns. And the experience includes a descent onto dry land.

Its itineraries are as magnificent and charming as all the proposals that the Disney factory brings us:

Trip through the Alaskan Inside Passage – 5 nights

• Round trip from Vancouver.
• It is a short and accessible cruise that will take you to the most emblematic places in the Alaskan Inside Passage, such as the city of Ketchikan, famous for its totems; Juneau, the state capital; Skagway, an old mining town from the Gold Rush era; and the Dawes Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska.

Alaskan Inside Passage Explorer – 7 nights

• Round trip from Vancouver.
• This cruise will give you a more complete experience of Alaska’s Inside Passage, with stops in cities like Sitka, known for its rich Russian history, and a cruise through the impressive Hubbard Glacier.

If you are looking for an Alaska cruise that is fun, exciting and memorable for the whole family, Disney Cruise Line has become a proposal that will leave indelible memories for your family.

5.  Carnival Cruise Line

The Carnival Cruise Line company has the Carnival Spirit for its Alaska trips with capacity for 2,124 passengers, although it is not the cheapest. However, if you are traveling as a family, you will appreciate that the payment for children’s meals is included in the onboard pizzeria, the Mexican outlet, and the Guy Fieri burger joint.

Included in the final price are also comedy shows, an onboard water park, mini-golf, and clubs for children, pre-teens, and teens.

Their package proposals include dream tours:

Alaska Exploration Trip – 7 days

• Roundtrip from Seattle.
• You’ll visit the region’s most iconic landmarks, including the capital Juneau, the historic town of Sitka, and the stunning Glacier Bay.

Alaska Inside Passage (7 days):

• Roundtrip from Vancouver.
• Focusing on Alaska’s Inside Passage, its fjords, forests, and mountains, you’ll explore cities like Juneau, known for its Mendenhall Glacier, and Skagway, a former mining town from the Gold Rush era.

Alaska Glaciers and Denali – 7 days

• Roundtrip from Anchorage.
• From Denali to cruising Hubbard Glacier, you’ll take shore excursions, spot wildlife, and explore tundra landscapes.

Alaska Explorer – 7 days

• Roundtrip from Seattle.
• With stops in small, remote towns like Hoonah, you’ll be dazzled by Tlingit culture. You’ll cruise Glacier Bay and get a close-up look at icebergs.

Yukon and Denali – 11 Days

• By sea and land through the Yukon and Alaska, you’ll visit cities like Dawson City, the former capital of the Yukon Territory, and Fairbanks. A safari through Denali National Park is included.

Carnival Cruise Line also offers 5-day cruises and longer 14-day cruises.

6.  Hurtigruten Expeditions

Looking for memorable challenges in A journey that respects sustainability? Hurtigruten Expeditions, a company with a legacy of expeditions dating back to 1896, guides its most curious travelers on a unique and challenging travel experience.

With a focus on exploration, adventure and science, Hurtigruten operates two hybrid technology ships: the MS Roald Amundsen and the MS Fridtjof Nansen.

The first, built in 2019, sails the waters of Alaska with hybrid technology that reduces emissions and fuel consumption. For its part, the MS Fridtjof Nansen, built in 2020, also uses hybrid technology for a more sustainable journey.

Both, smaller in size compared to the vessels of other companies, provide a warmer and more intimate environment, bringing their guests closer to a more personalized treatment by the crew.

Thus, within the infrastructure on the ships, the observation deck, the library and the science center stand out as study and learning sites. You’ll also have a team of experts at your disposal, all knowledgeable about Alaska who will provide lectures about the areas being visited and guide passengers on excursions such as hiking and kayaking.

Inside Passage, Bears and Aleutian Islands – 19 days

• Seward (one way) – Vancouver (return).
• This cruise takes you on a journey along the coast of Alaska, from the mountains and glaciers of the Inside Passage to the remote Aleutian Islands. You’ll have the opportunity to observe wildlife, such as bears, whales and seals, and explore stunning landscapes.

Wilderness, Glaciers and Culture – 14 days

• Vancouver (one way) – Seward (return).
• Explore the most iconic places in Southeast Alaska, such as Glacier Bay, the city of Juneau and the Inside Passage. You’ll also learn about Alaska’s indigenous culture.

Some important information you should know

To ensure your trip is optimal, we recommend booking your Alaska cruise during the best time of year, which is between May and September, when the weather is warmer and the days are longer. And book as far in advance as possible: the most popular cruises are the ones with the highest demand.

Another issue to consider is the price of the packages. Remember that, beyond the options offered by each shipping company, the costs vary depending on the itinerary, the length of the cruise, and the time of year.

And, of course, pack warm clothing suitable for cold and wet weather, as temperatures can vary greatly. For more precise information, we invite you to consult how to dress in Alaska according to the season.

If you want more information about the best Alaska cruises, do not hesitate to contact our specialists at WeTravelUsa.com. They will provide you with all the advice you need to choose and book your boat itinerary, making your experience unforgettable.