Sunday, March 31, 2024

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024

best cruise ships to alaska

Today, Allen Marine operates 30 vessels, including the five ships that make up the Alaska Dream Cruises fleet, all of which accommodate between 12 and 76 cruise passengers. Knowledgeable expedition leaders serve as personal guides on every voyage, sharing their expertise in biology, geography and ecology, as well as sharing about the lifestyles and legends of Southeast Alaska’s local cultures. Life aboard Alaskan Dream Cruises’ five ships is casual and relaxed, meals feature fresh Alaskan fare, and everyone strives to provide opportunities for guests to make personal connections to the region’s places and people. Nicknamed “The Love Boat,” Princess Cruises has been sailing to Alaska for more than 50 years, and is a terrific choice for couples looking to get away from it all.

Silversea

best cruise ships to alaska

Celebrity Solstice has one of the best interior architecture designs at sea, and passenger flow is excellent. While the ship's passenger-to-space ratio is standard for the industry, the ship never feels crowded. Celebrity is known for its fabulous dining options and bars, but perhaps the unique feature of Celebrity’s Solstice class ships is the Lawn Club. The ship sails seven-night cruises from Seattle, visiting Dawes Glacier, Sitka and Icy Strait Point, as well as Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia.

best cruise ships to alaska

Windstar Cruises

Coming off of its 150th anniversary year, Holland America Line has been sailing to and around Alaska for more than half that time—75 years. Holland America Line’s “Alaska Up Close” deeply immerses guests in local cultures through onboard programs and activities, and shore excursions. On all of its Alaska cruises, a Huna Native Interpreter comes aboard Holland America Line ships to share the history of the Tlingit people. “If you are looking for a more casual and laid-back experience, Seattle-based UnCruise Adventures offers down-to-earth trips with enthusiastic naturalist guides, simple accommodations, and hearty local cuisine,” says Palmer. Per the pro, travelers can “choose between a menu of included excursions such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, zodiac cruises, whale watching, and more.” All in all, UnCruise really does offer something for everyone. Viking Ocean Cruises recently nabbed a 2023 World’s Best Award in the midsize-ship ocean cruise lines category, coming in at first place for the second year in a row.

Dining on Discovery Princess

Choose this ship if you want the cruise itself to be just as exciting as the destination. Expect a premium experience onboard – not quite ultra-luxury cruising, but a step above mainstream cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Nieuw Amsterdam is best suited to solo travellers and couples, with more of a focus on relaxation and exploration than ‘fun’ during the cruise itself. If budget is a major factor when picking your ship for an Alaskan cruise, then consider the Carnival Miracle.

6 best Alaska cruises for families - The Points Guy

6 best Alaska cruises for families.

Posted: Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

It’s got the Italian flair found on Costa’s ship but has undergone an extensive retrofit to make it feel more at home to Carnival cruisers. The ship tends to appeal to a more mature crowd, though you will see more families and multigenerational groups on Alaska cruises. The ship's captain has the flexibility to seek out the best remote islands and bays for beachcombing, tide pooling, hiking and kayaking adventures. Cabins are designed with families in mind and include split bathrooms (one with a toilet and sink, the other with a shower/tub combo and sink), as well as sofabeds and bunks to sleep four in a cabin.

Dining Highlights on Koningsdam

Or, kick things up a notch with a Chef’s Table Lumiere experience of multiple courses with wine pairings. Spend your time listening to live music in the Crooners Bar, exploring cocktails from around the world at Good Spirits, and relaxing at the jazz club. Be sure to check out SeaWalk, a walkway that cantilevers off the side of the ship and has a glass bottom so guests can see below and above. Oceania cruises introduce Alaska to guests by offering local experiences in partnership with native tribes for a more meaningful connection to the area beyond sightseeing. If you’re passionate about the finer things in life, Celebrity Cruises may very well speak to your soul.

Discovery Princess Tops the List of Popular Cruise Ships in Alaska in Terms of Age

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Royal Caribbean's 20-year-old ship Radiance of the Seas mainly sails weeklong, one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, with prices below $100 per person, per night, for inside and outside cabins on many departures. If you're traveling with young kids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, make a beeline for Disney Cruise Line and its Alaska-based Disney Wonder. The ship has an extensive children's program, high-quality entertainment, and such activities as water slides and play areas. The line will send six ships to Alaska in 2024, with tour offerings to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage.

Viking Orion guests will feel the line’s drive to explore upon stepping aboard this 930-passenger ship that treats adventurous-minded travelers to global cuisine with several Norwegian delicacies (a nod to the line's Nordic roots). When it comes time to unwind, there are plenty of places to laze away and soak up the scenery -- all while enjoying the many perks that are included in your cruise fare. Radiance of the Seas offers Royal Caribbean's best in a more modest size, without sacrificing the variety of dining venues, great kids' programs and adrenaline-pumping activities the line is known for. The 2,112-passenger ship features the line's much-loved Giovanni's Table and Izumi, a 200-square-foot outdoor movie screen, rock climbing wall and a nursery for babies and toddlers. Guests can explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or search for orca and humpback whales in Frederick Sound.

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape. There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour. In the center of the state, Denali National Park is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes.

The line’s identical ocean ships offer a sleek Scandinavian design, which only enhances the tranquil atmosphere on board. The luxury adults-only line is also all-inclusive, covering meals, activities, most beverages, Wi-Fi, port taxes and fees, spa access, and one complimentary excursion in every port of call. Cruisers can bask in the mountain and glacier views from the comfort of their private balcony — and, if they’re lucky, they may even spot a whale or two.

Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. The Discovery Princess had her naming ceremony in April of 2022, so she’s a brand-new addition to the line’s fleet. Cruise guests will receive a free Medallion device with a complimentary lanyard, which allows you to do things like open your cabin door, track onboard purchases, find family and friends, locate venues, and check daily activities.

The 100-passenger National Geographic Quest (and its twin, National Geographic Venture) frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in Alaska on weeklong itineraries between Juneau and Sitka. For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska. Come discover the prettiest spots to take pictures with our travel photo guide. Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option, too. Embark on a thrilling journey with young explorers through breathtaking landscapes.

Trek across the majestic Mendenhall Glacier for breathtaking views of the wildest country. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running. Eleven days exploring the Inside Passage and Alaskan fjords with only 400-ish other passengers aboard a luxurious ship with plenty of onboard activities? Enjoy the magical moments spent exploring the far end of the Misty Fjords on Zodiac, learn more about the local wildlife and geology during lectures with the Expedition Team, and kayak along Hubbard Glacier. Say hello to our little friend, the 186-passenger Ocean Victory, from American Queen Voyages.

Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure. Whether you're curious about Alaska native culture or other Alaska traditions, here's how to make these an integral part of your trip up north. After traveling somewhere new, you want to bring something back with you to remember all of your fun adventures.

25 BEST Alaska Cruises 2024 Prices + Itineraries: Cruises to Alaska on Cruise Critic

best cruise ships to alaska

If you’re planning a bucket list trip, we’ve selected the best Alaska cruises for every type of travel style in 2024, from the adventure-focused to the super luxurious. One of the most magical ways to explore Alaska’s expansive coastline, stunning snow-capped mountains, mystic fjords, lush rainforests, awe-inspiring glaciers, and protected wildlife is by sea. Plus, it’s the best way to experience the iconic Inside Passage, the most popular route for cruise ships departing from Seattle and Vancouver from May through September. The key to planning the perfect adventure is finding the right cruise for your personality, budget, and preferences. According to T+L A-List travel advisor Ashton Palmer, the Alaska cruise season is short (typically from May to September) and availability is limited, which is why travelers should plan their sailings six to eight months ahead of time.

Must-Sees for Your Once in a Lifetime Alaska Cruise Vacation

We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most romantic destinations to vacation for couples. Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

Radiance of the Seas is Loaded With Windows For Alaska Scenic Cruising

Ovation of the Seas sails round-trip from Seattle on seven-night cruises, but the exact itinerary varies by week. The ship cruises Endicott Arm for scenic views of Dawes Glacier and typically visits three Alaska ports and Victoria. Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all. Take off by dogsled across thousand-year-old ice as you soak in otherworldly sights.

What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist - Travel + Leisure

What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist.

Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:11:15 GMT [source]

The service is outstanding too, but what really stands out is the quality of the excursions. Viking is fantastic for planning unique tours and bringing experts onto the ships to bring each destination to life, which for Alaska is perfect. I’m a Florida-based freelance travel and lifestyle journalist who has embarked on more than a dozen cruises, including several to Alaska. As a traveler, I am just as comfortable bicycling through Italian olive groves and SCUBA diving the wall of sharks in French Polynesia as I am sipping bubbles in a Champagne house and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants. In 2022, the cruise line was the first to receive Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification, meaning its Alaska-bound ships serve only fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood.

Best for multigenerational groups: Discovery Princess

We spoke to cruise experts to find the best Alaska itineraries to book this year. Be sure to join my email list for my best cruise tips and handpicked deals each week. While the NCL fleet is generally good for families, Norwegian Jewel is a better choice for adults – when refurbished in 2018 she had her waterslide removed, and new bars were added instead. A quick note on how I pulled this list together, because there are a couple of important things to clarify.

What's the Best Cruise Line for Alaska? - Cruise Hive

What's the Best Cruise Line for Alaska?.

Posted: Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Lindblad has special permits to bring passengers into the wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the Tongass National Forest, beyond what the big ships can offer. A hike on Chichagof Island is the perfect opportunity to spot bald eagles in the wild. Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. This “best of” 7-night itinerary is focused on the region’s iconic Inside Passage, which gives passengers an efficient taste of all the area’s most photographed and talked about sights. Plus, Holland America offers more access to Glacier Bay National Park and has more departures featuring Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line.

Best Vacation Spots in Alaska in the Summer

Princess has been sailing Alaska for over 50 years, and with six ships, five wilderness lodges, and its own domed rail car, this cruise line knows the region well. There’s plenty to do on board, too, including making use of the two swimming pools, five whirlpools, and Dr. Andrew Weil's spa and wellness program. Not to mention a card room, casino, library, observation bar, and beauty salon. There are several options for onboard dining (aside from complimentary in-suite dining), including a fine dining option, The Grill by world-renowned chef Thomas Keller, and an open-kitchen style option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Radiance of the Seas

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes, imposing glaciers and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness. The cost of an Alaskan cruise can vary greatly depending on your itinerary, length of trip, cruise line, and a number of other factors. The good news is there are so many options for travelers that you should be able to find a great trip that fits your budget. As you'll see below, an Alaskan cruise can cost under $500 per person for some week long trips.

Dry docked in 2021 for a routine refurbishment, this Quantum Class ship holds 4,905 passengers and truly offers something for everyone. Dawn Gabree is a travel advisor who specializes in Alaska cruises at Travels by Danielle. You can visit Alaska without a passport on a closed-loop sailing (one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port). Be sure to bring your passport if you plan on crossing the border from Skagway into Canada's Yukon Territory -- or exploring any Canadian port of call. Whether you want to try a luxury small ship cruise to Alaska, or you want the fun and features of a mid-size ship from the likes of Carnival, Royal Caribbean or NCL, there are some fantastic options available.

best cruise ships to alaska

However, it's the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam that offers some of the most interesting cruise tour itineraries out there. It can be hard to figure out which cruise ship will deliver your idea of a "bucket list" experience in The Last Frontier. Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation.

Silver Muse in Alaska will feel more like they're on a five-star hotel than a cruise ship. Marble bathrooms come with full-sized bathtubs and separate showers, while passengers can choose from Bulgari or Ortigia amenities. Rooms aside, the ship features high-quality dining and included extras like select wine and spirits. The 4,000-passenger Encore boasts a handful of the features found on its sisters, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Jewel, and Norwegian Spirit (which also offers Alaska cruises), as well as its own unique attractions. With a variety of dining, entertainment and recreational options, cruisers will never be bored or hungry.

With Regent, all of your shore excursions are included (along with tips, all drinks, all speciality dining and more), so once you’ve paid your fare you can just relax and explore the incredible towns and surrounding Alaskan scenery at your leisure. True, it’s a high price you pay, but this is a ship aimed at people who want to feel truly special. According to customer reviews, the best cruise ship for Alaska is Viking Orion, one of the ultra-luxury ships belonging to Viking Ocean Cruises. So instead, I had to narrow it down, and I decided to focus on the biggest cruise lines, and then choose the one ship from each that visits Alaska most often. But an Alaska cruise can be expensive, especially if you’re flying in from further afield. So, to make sure you get the cruise you want, I decided to work out which are the best Alaska cruise ships.

The drawback of Grand Princess is her age – she’s over 25 years old now and despite careful renovation, it does show a little. She’s far from past her best, though, and if you don’t mind the slightly dated decor then she offers a comfortable experience, great as a base for exploring the Alaskan ports. One of the best features of Radiance of the Seas for a cruise to Alaska is the adults-only indoor pool in the Solarium. Most ships on this list only have outdoor pools, hardly suited to the colder temperatures of Alaska – so if you want to relax poolside, Radiance of the Seas could be the ideal choice. Alaska is another very popular destination thanks to its incredible sights – the magnificent glaciers, the historic towns, and the varied wildlife, including whales and dolphins. Regatta offers an experience that's close to luxury without being all inclusive or priced sky high.

Plan your romantic Alaskan cruise with our adventurer’s guide to discovering the coziest vacation spots and most scenic restaurants for couples traveling in Alaska. Ever wanted to go on an Alaska glacier tour to experience hiking in its open nature? As you plan your Alaska vacation, you might be torn between traveling by cruise ship, plane or even car. On our family Alaska cruise, we created lifetime memories by sharing glacier spotting, dog sledding, flightseeing and other adventures with our teens. These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many. Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation.

Bargain seekers should either book early for these accommodations or choose inside, outside or guarantee cabins (where you don't pick your room location) to save more.

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