Which Cruise Line Is Best for Alaska?
Glacier Bay, Denali and ship size matter more than the brand.
Get Alaska QuotesWhich Cruise Line Is Best for Alaska?
Which cruise line is best for Alaska depends on three things more than on the brand: whether the itinerary includes Glacier Bay, whether you want to add Denali by land, and how big a ship you want to see the Inside Passage from.
Three Alaska Decisions
Glacier Bay or another glacier?
Cruise ship entry to Glacier Bay National Park is capped by the National Park Service at two ships a day, and only authorized lines may go in — the park’s concessions page lists Princess, Holland America, Norwegian, Seabourn, Cunard and Viking. Even on those lines, not every sailing includes it, so check your exact itinerary.
Cruise only or cruisetour?
A cruisetour adds several nights inland, usually including Denali. Princess and Holland America are long known for these combinations.
Ship size
Large ships give more dining and entertainment; small expedition ships go where the big ones cannot and focus on wildlife and nature.
Route Choices
- Round-trip Inside Passage from Seattle or Vancouver: easy to fly to and from, typically visiting Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
- One-way Gulf of Alaska between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier: reaches more glaciers and pairs naturally with a land tour.
- Small-ship itineraries within Southeast Alaska: shorter distances, more wildlife time.
Planning time ashore? Alaska Port Excursions covers excursions in each Alaska port.
Alaska Cruise Line Questions
Do all Alaska cruises go to Glacier Bay?
No. The National Park Service allows no more than two cruise ships a day into Glacier Bay, and only lines authorized by the park can enter. Other itineraries visit Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm or other glacier areas instead.
What is a cruisetour?
A cruise combined with a land tour, usually to Denali National Park and Alaska’s interior by rail and coach. Some lines run their own lodges and trains for these trips.
Big ship or small ship in Alaska?
Big ships offer more on board and often lower fares; small expedition ships reach narrow fjords and small communities and carry naturalists. Both see glaciers and wildlife.
When to Sail
The Alaska cruise season runs from late spring through late summer. Early and late sailings tend to be quieter and can bring lower fares; midsummer brings the longest days and the most family travelers. Wildlife sightings and weather vary across the season, so pick dates that suit your schedule and pack layers whichever month you choose.
Choose Your Alaska Line
Tell us whether Glacier Bay, Denali or a small ship matters most. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will match the sailings and send free quotes.
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