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Both combine a look at the rugged, raw coastlines with time spent on shore in towns with few frills. Weather can often be cold, rainy and windy, but if you want a unique adventure in Alaska, check out the itineraries from Hurtigruten. Additionally, with the Northwest Passage now open to marine traffic, the northwestern city of Nome is a regular port of call for higher-end, midsize cruise lines to expose passengers to the rural reaches of coastal Alaska. The Aleutian Island city of Unalaska is also on some boutique cruise line itineraries, so check carefully that the region that sparks your interest. If you’re looking for something less time consuming than an Arctic excursion, but are still looking for stunning views of glaciers and wildlife, day cruises are a great option for young families and adventurers alike.
Ships on This Itinerary
If you prefer to get off-the-beaten-track and travel with smaller groups, a wide array of small ship cruise companies offer more intimate cruises catering to adventure and luxury travelers. Starting in 2024, Uncruise Adventures will be offering a winter cruise, where winter sports and northern lights viewings are all part of the package! Running February through March, this is a great option for travelers looking to experience Alaska during the winter months. The majority of cruise ships cruising to or throughout Alaska depart from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, Canada; Whittier, Alaska; or Seward, Alaska. Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters onboard Disney cruises, or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival.
Onboard Dining
Plan your own shoreside activitiesThere is no requirement to book excursions or activities through the cruise line. If a more independent style of exploration is your thing, feel free to do your own research ahead of time or visit each port of call’s visitor bureau upon arrival. Explore Alaska’s most remote coastal areasConsider a luxury midsize (or smaller) cruise to places like Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands or to the northwestern city of Nome.
Royal Caribbean releases new 2025 Alaska cruises to book - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean releases new 2025 Alaska cruises to book.
Posted: Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Best Time to Take a Cruise to Alaska
These ships often feature complimentary shore excursions, kayaks and bikes for guest use and onboard scientists and naturalists. Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. Some of the best Alaska cruise lines are Holland America and Princess Cruises because they have especially long histories in the region and offer cruises, as well as cruise and land tour combinations, on multiple ships each season. Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean all offer roundtrip Alaska cruises that sail from Seattle. The specific itineraries vary, but generally cruises on this route spend two days at sea traveling between Seattle and Alaska, and one full day sailing through places like the Endicott Arm, Tracy Arm, or Glacier Bay National Park. Ports of call vary, but often include Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.
Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss are also our top picks for ships operating the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for solo travelers. Between these two, it's a tossup, though we put Norwegian Bliss in the headline above since, well, we already gave Norwegian Encore a turn in the limelight with the best-for-luxury category. Yes, the 3,998-passenger Norwegian Encore is a cruise ship that generally caters to the masses, not the luxury crowd.
Longer sailings from the West Coast
At Holland America we offer cruise travelers low prices on their flights. To discover Alaska’s rich historyYou can’t skip Ketchikan, Juneau or Skagway on an itinerary. Ketchikan once was a major player in the timber industry and has a sordid past steeped in bootlegging and brothels. Skagway was a jumping-off point for the Klondike Gold Rush beyond Chilkoot Pass and has an old railroad to prove it. Large cruise companies sail Alaska's Inside Passage from Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, and on through the Gulf of Alaska to Seward or Whittier.
What's New for the 2024 Alaska Cruise Season - Cruise Critic
What's New for the 2024 Alaska Cruise Season.
Posted: Mon, 11 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Cruises Leaving Seattle: Learn More
The best cruises in Alaska offer unparalleled experiences that will bring you up close to some of the most unique and awe-inspiring places in the world. From the lush rainforests and tranquil seas of the Inside Passage, to the endless horizon and luminous ice of the Arctic, there’s no shortage of what Alaska offers to cruise enthusiasts. For a view of the city and cruise port, take a ride in the sky on the Mount Roberts Tramway.
However, it has its own "ship-within-a-ship" luxury zone that offers a much more swanky experience for those willing to pay. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help.
Alaska Cruise Embarkation Ports
The panoramic view takes center stage in The Crow's Nest at the top of the ship, where you can relax just about any time of day and enjoy your favorite drink. You can choose a cruise from Seattle or Vancouver for most of the five-, seven-, and nine-day Alaska cruises. If you want a longer itinerary, you could book a repositioning cruise that starts and ends in a different port. For example, you could pick a 16-day cruise that goes from Alaska to Hawaii or one that goes from Seattle to Tokyo, both in October when the Alaskan cruise season is ending. Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from our smaller vessels to large ships. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at the glaciers passing by before enjoying local seafood in one of our many eateries during your seven-day Alaska cruise.
Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Our 7-day Alaska cruise from Seattle balances natural beauty with historic intrigue. Linger at the face of frozen giants in Glacier Bay National Park. Or sidle up to Hubbard Glacier and watch house-sized icebergs cannon into the sea. Glaciers, wildlife and frontier towns are yours on these voyages. Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us.
Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park. Holland America Line Flight Ease® offers specially negotiated low prices, a convenient and worry-free way to book air travel, late-arrival protection, and the freedom to change your flights with no change fees. Taking a deep dive into Alaska’s coastal regions Book a small ship cruise between Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau for a week or longer in the nooks and crannies of southeast Alaska.
These companies are well-versed in accessibility and have made accommodations for those with mobility needs. Smaller ships are full of trip hazards and watertight door jambs and require bending and stepping up or down to access activities like kayaking or skiff rides. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive multi-day Alaska cruise package or simply a day cruise to see wildlife and glaciers, there are many options to choose from. The beauty of the land and its immense history; the thrill of seeing bears, moose and bald eagles; and the mysteries of the surrounding marine life will astound you. It's a trip worth taking the time to plan and doing right — because who knows if or when you'll make it back to the Last Frontier.
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