Saturday, April 13, 2024

10 Best Alaska Cruises to Take This Summer

which cruise line is best for alaska

Then there’s the massive indoor activity zone called the SeaPlex featuring bumper cars, laser tag and even pickle ball. The ship tends to appeal to a more mature crowd, though you will see more families and multigenerational groups on Alaska cruises. This is a ship that prides itself on dining and a relaxed, traditional cruising experience. Service and food quality in the complimentary main dining room are top-notch, but for-fee restaurants like Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind make for splurge-worthy romantic dates. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Dawn Gabree is a travel advisor who specializes in Alaska cruises at Travels by Danielle.

Coolest Things to Do in Alaska on Quantum of the Seas

Things like flights, transfers, specialty dining, all beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and even shore excursions are all complimentary. Oceania Cruises is another good choice for small cruise ships to Alaska, especially if you’re a foodie. Most of the line’s sailings to this area are on the ship, Regatta, which is a 30,000 gross ton vessel with a capacity of only 656 passengers. Bigger does not mean better when it comes to cruise ships sailing to Alaska. Larger cruise ships with a gross tonnage of 150,000 or greater cannot dock at certain ports because of their size.

Night Alaska Roundtrip Collectors' VoyageDetails

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. Carnival Miracle also offers several 10 and 11 night sailings out of San Francisco that visit places like Prince Rupert, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm, Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point. Just remember that since you’re sailing out of California you will have at least a couple sea days before reaching Alaska.

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]

Bug Spray Is a Must for Anyone on a Cruise to Alaska

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. Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state.

Princess Cruises Ends 2023 with Top Awards from Prestigious Travel Industry Organizations Around the World - PR Newswire

Princess Cruises Ends 2023 with Top Awards from Prestigious Travel Industry Organizations Around the World.

Posted: Thu, 28 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

OVATION OF THE SEAS

Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. Back on the vessel, after a gourmet meal and drinks, evening entertainment is viewing the deep fjords, glaciers, and abundant whales that make Alaska so magical. There’s also complimentary Pilates and yoga, a gym, jogging track, spa, observation library, and a slew of bars and restaurants. 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.

which cruise line is best for alaska

Deciding on the best cruise line for Alaska depends on a number of factors, and, of course, getting a good deal on the price. With its intimate size and maneuverability, world-class dining, social atmosphere, and high-end amenities, Seabourn Cruises is a luxurious way to explore America’s Last Frontier. You’ll never feel nickeled and dimed on American Queen Voyages because everything you want—from guided tours to drinks—is already included in the price. Between the gentle rocking of the ship and the Ultra Tranquility Bed, you’re sure to sleep like a baby. The Millennium offers Edge series staterooms with Infinite Veranda—at the touch of a button, your entire living space becomes the veranda, which means you can walk right out to the water’s edge. And 99% of the staterooms on Celebrity Edge have king-size beds, featuring Celebrity eXhale bedding and Cashmere mattresses.

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. Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary. See St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral with its onion dome and the Russian Bishop's House.

The 7 and 8 night sailings are one-way while the night itineraries are round-trip. A 7-night sailing in May of 2023 will start around $2,500 to $3,000 per person. The suite-only ship will cost around $6,000 – $7,000 per person on a 7-night sailing. The next cruise lines in our list include just about everything you can imagine. One thing to note is that cruises to Alaska cost more than destinations like the Caribbean.

Alaska Northern Lights Cruises: When to Go and What to Consider

The ship visits Juneau, Ketchikan and either Skagway or Icy Strait Point, with glacier viewing at the Stikine Icecap. Travel the Inside Passage on 10 or 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures. Begin by sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast. As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people.

The 7-Day Glacier Discovery itinerary is offered both northbound and southbound, both of which include cruising the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay, and calling upon Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as "wave season"). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours.

This port can get crowded in summer when several ships can call on the same day. Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dogsledding or hiking adventure on the ice. If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway. If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. On a cruisetour, you'll sail a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska.

Dry docked in 2021 for a routine refurbishment, this Quantum Class ship holds 4,905 passengers and truly offers something for everyone. 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. Because of their small, yacht-like size, Windstar Cruises ships grant unparalleled access to Alaska’s glaciers and fjords; other ships can’t squeeze into some of these special places.

If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. Seas in Alaska are choppiest on Gulf of Alaska itineraries where waters are open. Alternatively, Inside Passage cruises in Alaska tend to be calmer as the waters are protected. One-way Gulf of Alaska itineraries are the best option for Alaska touring, as they begin or end in Alaska. If you'd like an assist with your outdoor adventures, the Mount Roberts Tramway climbs 1,800 feet above Juneau for gorgeous views.

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. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. 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.

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