Alaska Cruise: Which Itinerary and Ports are Best
An Alaska Cruise is a bucket list trip for many travelers for spectacular wildlife viewing, scenic glaciers, and gorgeous landscapes. Visiting Alaska provides wonderful outdoor experiences, and offers educational opportunities regarding the indigenous cultures of the Alaska Native people. The traditions and customs of the native culture are immersed within communities and Alaska cruise ports. Because of the indigenous peoples’ knowledge and traditions maintained through generations, we have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Last Frontier.
You may wonder which itinerary is best to choose, the Inside Passage or the Gulf of Alaska. Ultimately, it depends on your travel preferences like the length of the cruise schedule, costs, or certain experiences or attractions. Regardless, you will not regret any Alaska cruise itinerary. An Alaska cruise is great for different experiences and memorable once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
Two Main Alaska Cruise Itineraries
Inside Passage Cruise
The most popular cruise itinerary is the Inside Passage. This area is part of Southeast Alaska, including islands, coastal towns, and mountains. Cruising the Inside Passage typically involves round-trip voyages from Vancouver, Seattle, or San Francisco. Included are stops at major ports and coastal towns (Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan), with additional stops at Sitka or Haines for longer cruises.
Additionally, because of the length of the cruise, there are scenic cruising days. Whale watching is a fantastic excursion on an Alaska cruise. From the cruise ship, you may spot whales journeying through the Pacific Ocean during part of the Alaska cruise season.
The 7-day or longer Inside Passage itineraries include a glacier cruising day. Seeing calving and tidewater glaciers is the most memorable experience I’ve experienced. It’s truly breathing and awe-inspiring to witness firsthand.
Gulf of Alaska
The Gulf of Alaska itinerary sails one way usually from Vancouver or Anchorage (Whittier or Seward ports). The northbound or southbound voyage includes the major ports from the Inside Passage itinerary and glacier cruising options. Because of this one-way voyage, you see new sights daily and have the opportunity to add a land tour of Alaska.
This itinerary is perfect for travelers looking to explore the mainland of Alaska. Land tours are an option before (southbound) or after (northbound) a cruise itinerary.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary
There are various factors to consider for an Alaska cruise. Most cruises offer scenic cruising days with opportunities to see infamous glaciers. Additionally, you may choose an itinerary based on a certain time of the year to enjoy optimal weather conditions or to spot certain wildlife. Because of the various factors, below are ideas to consider to help decide on the best cruise for your vacation.
Scenic Cruising Options
For 7-day or longer Alaska cruises, at least one scenic cruising day is included. Scenic cruising through snow-capped mountains and seeing dazzling Arctic blue glaciers is a breathtakingly beauty experience. Glaciers are natural wonders that are not only incredible to see in person but are essential to the Earth’s ecosystem. On a scenic cruising day, you see diverse wildlife viewings from sea otters floating among the glistening ice in the ocean, seals and sea lions resting on icebergs, brown bears (coastal grizzly bears) grazing by the shore, and the sight of whales coasting through the waters. Sitting on the balcony on the cruise deck, sipping a warm cup of water, and embracing the peaceful sounds of the birds chirping and splashing water is an unbelieving experience. Nature is amazing.
Below are terms to know about glaciers.
- Tidewater glaciers break off from larger glaciers and flow into the waters. They end up as floating sheets of ice that seals rest on.
- Calving involves the cracking sound of ice breaking from a glacier. The ice dramatically falls into the waters below, producing a sound known as “white thunder.” Calving produces tidewater glaciers.
Below are several glaciers included in most Alaska Cruise Itineraries.
Hubbard Glacier
Located in Disenchantment Bay and included on longer Gulf of Alaska voyages, Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Its nickname, the “Galloping Glacier” is fitting as it’s massive! with over 70 miles long and over 1,000 feet deep. The only way to see Hubbard Glacier is by ship so this is truly a unique experience to behold.
Glacier Bay National Park
If your cruise itinerary includes a visit to Glacier Bay National Park, this is an exclusive experience. Not all cruise lines and ships can access this area. Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with multiple glacier viewings on the scenic cruising day. Park rangers come onboard providing history and answering questions about the national park. They narrate as the ship passes the various glaciers and point our wildlife in the distance.
Endicott Arm
Part of the vast Tongass National Forest is Endicott Arm, a narrow fjord near Juneau. Endicott Arm may be part of an Inside Passage scenic cruising day. Because of its location, visiting the Dawes Glacier within Endicott Arm is a shore excursion option at the Juneau port.
Cruising through Endicott Arm provides a glimpse into the diverse landscape of Alaska. The wildlife and waterfall sights in the forest are amazing experiences. The snow-capped mountains and pristine blue hues of the glaciers are majestic sights.
College Fjord
Located near the northern parts of Prince William Sound, College Fjord encompasses many glaciers viewable on a Gulf of Alaska itinerary. The glaciers in College Fjord are named after several Ivy League and recent higher education institutions in the United States.
Tracy Arm Fjord
Stephens Passage is typically part of the cruising journey of the Inside Passage. It’s a scenic area near Juneau with some of the best whale watching in Alaska. Tracy Arm Fjord lies within Stephens Passage and includes an up-and-close viewing of the Twin Sawyer Glaciers. It’s another wondrous experience on an Alaska cruise. Tracy Arm Fjord may be a scenic cruising day on an inside passage itinerary or can be a shore excursion option from Juneau
Ports of Call
Juneau
One of the best Alaska cruise ports happens to be the capital of Alaska, Juneau. Additionally, at this port, you get the best shore excursions on an Alaska cruise. From browsing the various shops of downtown Juneau, riding the Goldbelt Tram for a panoramic view of the port, going whale watching, or walking to the main attraction, Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau is a popular port for a reason.
There are so many shore excursions to choose from that will meet the needs of just about any traveler. Mendenhall Glacier is a popular attraction because of how easily accessible it is. This glacier is the only one in Alaska accessible by road. You can view it from the road driving to another shore excursion or get close-up with a helicopter ride. Additional excursions take you to the visitor center allowing time near the glacier to enjoy the scenic landscape.
On my first cruise, my family and I did a whale-watching excursion with a salmon bake. In my opinion, this is one of the best things to do. How special is it to see whales in their natural habitat? 10/10 would recommend it. Juneau is also one of the best places in Alaska to see whales, especially during the summer. We saw dozens of humpback whales relatively close to the boat and passed Mendenhall Glacier on the boat ride back to the docking area. Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious buffet that included grilled salmon. The salmon in Alaska tastes so much better than what is imported to the continental states and bought in stores. This shore excursion was a phenomenal experience and an exciting introduction to the natural beauty of Alaska.
Skagway
Skagway is a historic port with a Western frontier feel due to its history during the gold rush. It’s an extremely small town and there isn’t much to see. However, it’s a good place for those who enjoy outdoor adventures and historical experiences. There aren’t many excursions offered here but it’s typically a long day at this port. Enjoy a few free activities like film screenings, presentations, or walking tours that provide insight into this historic town.
Skagway became a gold rush town for explorers during the Klondike Gold Rush. During that time, Skagway became an integral mining town for explorers seeking gold found in the Klondike region of Canada’s Yukon Territory. Thousands of miners frantically traveled the Chilkoot Trail or White Pass hoping to find gold in the late 1800s. The gold rush didn’t last long, and by the time the White Pass railway was completed, the gold rush ended
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is now popular for tourists to learn about the history of the Gold Rush. Main Street encompasses historic buildings, exhibits, saloons, and restored buildings. The visitor center in downtown Skagway has displays depicting this historical time. For those seeking an outdoor adventure, nearby, is the Chilkoot Trail to hike.
The White Pass and Yukon Railway is a scenic journey from Skagway to the Yukon Territory with breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, streams, and tunnels. It’s an easy and peaceful excursion. Along the ride, the train conductor narrates historical pieces of the Klondike Gold Rush.
Haines
Similar to the Skagway port, Haines is a smaller port town. However, it still showcases the natural beauty of Alaska. For animal lovers, the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is home to hundreds of bald eagles. This site is the largest gathering of bald eagles in the world. There are other wildlife such as moose, bears, and various birds. Nature and wildlife photography excursions allow you to capture the beautiful and majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Excursions for outdoor enthusiasts include kayaking on the Chilkat Lake, hiking or biking through the Chilkat Valley, and fishing. Haines is a remarkable town with nature and outdoor adventures for all travelers.
Ketchikan
Looking for a port with remarkable historical and cultural experiences? Ketchikan is the perfect place to learn about the Alaska Native people. It is home to the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles. The totem poles tell a beautiful ancestral story of Alaska’s indigenous people. Many of these totem poles are seen throughout Ketchikan streets and at the Totem Heritage Center. Additionally, guided tours to Saxman Totem Park teach the history of the totem poles and native people. The educational opportunities are insightful and awe-inspiring to see how the Alaska Native people lived, honored, and protected these lands.
Ketchikan is a fishing port and is known as the “salmon capital of the world.” It’s the perfect place to witness the annual salmon run in late July through September. Along the Historic Creek Street are thousands of salmon journeying through the waters during this time. Creek Street is a scenic place with colorful, unique shops lining the wooden boardwalk. Interesting fact: Creek Street was Ketchikan’s old red-light district (how scandalous)! Now, it’s a fun tourist area to visit.
Another popular attraction and shore excursion is exploring the Misty Fjords National Monument in the Tongass National Forest. Here you’ll find waterfalls, cliffs, and an abundance of wildlife. The Misty Fjords offer stunning views of the Alaskan wilderness’ pure beauty.
Alaska is home to the Tongass National Forest, the largest U.S. National Forest. The Tongass Forest covers much of Southeast Alaska, and Ketchikan is in the heart of the forest. As a result, Ketchikan is also nicknamed the “rain capital of Alaska”. It is one of the rainiest places in North America. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful city with exceptional outdoor, cultural, and historical experiences.
Sitka
Sikta is known as a fishing town. The simplicity of this port town makes it easy to explore on your own. The town’s history includes Alaska Native culture and Russian heritage. Visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral or Sitka National Historical Park for historical experiences.
Sitka, like most of Alaska towns, has fantastic wildlife opportunities. Particularly, see brown bears at the Fortress of the Bear Sanctuary, bald eagles at the Alaska Raptor Center, and sea life at the Sitka Sound of Science Center.
Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point is the best place for cultural immersion and education of the Alaska Native people. Here resides Alaska’s largest Tlingit village. As a result, Icy Strait Point is full of native cultural history, education, and experiences. Additionally, take a wildlife adventure to see whales or bears, enjoy an exhilarating zipline ride on Hoonah Mountain, or take a scenic walk or hike at this unique cruise port.
Cruise Line Consideration
What is the best cruise line for an Alaska cruise? It’s subjective and dependent on what you’re looking for. A major factor to consider when choosing a cruise line is the cost. An Alaska cruise is not the most budget-friendly trip. Visiting during the shoulder season months is more affordable, yet weather and/or wildlife viewing may not be optimal.
Additionally, costs vary with certain cruise lines. The larger cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean, offer a range of costs. Depending on travel dates. plan to spend at least $1k on a 7-day cruise during the summer months, but costs during the shoulder season can be half the price. They also provide various onboard entertainment. These cruise lines visit the major ports and are typically more crowded. Ultimately, with these major cruise lines, everything is well structured and planned because of the multiple itinerary options throughout the Alaska cruising season.
For a more intimate cruising experience with less than a thousand travelers, there are smaller ships and cruise lines such as Seabourn Cruises or Windstar. These are luxury cruise lines, which come at an additional cost (minimum around $3k). A few benefits of smaller ships are closer access to glaciers, opportunities to see the smaller ports and phenomenal service catered for an enhanced overall experience.
Other Considerations
While planning an Alaska cruise seems daunting, it is the best experience. As you think about which itinerary is best for you, consider these last few things to ensure you make the most of this magical vacation.
Land Tour Option
As mentioned above on the Gulf of Alaska itinerary, there are options to add a land tour to your cruise. Some cruise lines offer coordinated land tours before the start of a northbound cruise or the end of a southbound cruise. These types of cruises are known as “cruisetours” and are a fantastic way to see more of the Alaska wilderness. Here are a few examples: Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America Line. A cruisetour includes Denali National Park, more outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or rafting, or visits to main Alaska cities like Anchorage or Fairbanks.
What Month to Cruise
The Alaska cruise season occurs from late April through September. Determining the best time to visit is subjective and dependent on what you prefer. Consider the following:
- Cost: Prices for an Alaska cruise are less expensive with fewer crowds in April, May, and late August through September.
- Best Wildlife Viewing: During the summer months (particularly July), most wildlife viewing options are great. Whale watching and bear sightings are almost guaranteed. To see the amazing salmon run, go in late July and August which brings out even more bears and bald eagles.
- Best Weather: The warmest months are from June through August in Alaska. However, July can be one of the rainy months. The midnight sun during the summer is spectacular. Weather in Alaska can vary from day to day. Layers are key for the cruise. For tips on what to bring, especially if this is your first time on an Alaska cruise, check out this must-have packing list and best tips.
- Best Chance to See Northern Lights: The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, are best seen in September. The best opportunity to see this spectacular natural wonder is further north in Alaska. The downside to cruising north in September is that the cruising conditions are less favorable so if you’re prone to seasickness, be prepared.
There is so much to consider for an Alaska cruise. The beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, wildlife, and Native culture makes this a phenomenal trip. I was amazed by the wondrous beauty of the Last Frontier. Cruise to Alaska for memorable and unique experiences that you’ll cherish forever.