Explore the Untamed Beauty of Alaska with CruiseAway
Ready for an adventure? **Alaska** is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Captivating glaciers, majestic mountains, and the chance to spot incredible wildlife make cruising in Alaska a bucket-list experience. Visitors often rave about spectacular sights such as the **Northern Lights**, stunning fjords, and expansive wilderness. Fun fact: Alaska is home to more than 3 million lakes and over 12,000 rivers, plus it’s the largest state in the USA—larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined! A cruise through Alaska allows you to witness all this beauty from the comfort of your ship while exploring the breathtaking ports along the way.
Top Harbours to Visit in Alaska
When cruising to **Alaska**, you’ll have the chance to visit some remarkable ports. Here are five harbours you can’t miss:
- Ketchikan: Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan is famous for its lively fishing scene. Cruise passengers can stroll through the **historic Creek Street** to discover quaint shops and galleries. Don’t forget to visit the **Totem Heritage Center** to learn about the area’s indigenous culture. Pro tip: If you’re up for an adventure, take a floatplane tour for breathtaking aerial views of the stunning landscape!
- Juneau: Alaska’s state capital, Juneau, is a treasure trove of activities. Explore the **Mendenhall Glacier**, where you can hike trails and take in the icy beauty up close. Alternatively, visit the **Alaska State Museum** for an insightful cultural experience. Insider tip: Consider a kayak tour for an unforgettable opportunity to paddle among icebergs while keeping an eye out for seals and sea lions.
- Skagway: Steeped in gold rush history, Skagway is packed with character. Take the **White Pass & Yukon Route Railway** for a scenic train ride that showcases stunning mountain vistas. Explore the charming downtown area with its historic buildings and local shops. Be sure to grab a bite at the famous **Red Onion Saloon** for a taste of local history. Pro tip: Try to catch a glimpse of the town’s live character reenactments for an immersive experience!
- Glacier Bay: One of Alaska’s crown jewels, Glacier Bay National Park is a must-visit. Here, you can witness breathtaking glaciers calving into the water, creating magnificent ice displays. Many cruise itineraries include educational programs that feature park rangers presenting the region’s ecology. Insider tip: Take your binoculars along to spot wildlife such as humpback whales and sea otters while enjoying the tranquil beauty.
- Victoria: While Victoria, located on Vancouver Island, isn’t in Alaska itself, it’s a popular stop for many Alaskan cruise itineraries. Explore the vibrant **Inner Harbour**, visit the impressive **Royal BC Museum**, or enjoy high tea at the historic **Fairmont Empress Hotel**. Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying a classic **butter tart**—a sweet treat you’ll love!
The Best Times to Cruise Alaska
When planning your cruise to **Alaska**, the summer months from **May to September** are ideal, offering warm temperatures ranging from **15°C to 25°C**. This is when wildlife is most active, glaciers are calving, and the days are long, ensuring ample time for exploration. While you can still find cruises operating in the shoulder season (April and October), you might encounter colder temperatures and varying weather conditions, which can impact activities.
The Cost of Cruising in Alaska
Wondering about costs? A one-week standard cruise to **Alaska** typically ranges from **$1,800 to $2,500**, while a two-week itinerary can go from **$3,500 to $5,000**. For luxury options, expect to pay around **$5,000 to $8,000** for a one-week cruise. The best value for money is generally found during shoulder months like May and September, whereas peak season prices can escalate significantly. Dining out in Alaska might run you about **$20 to $50** per meal depending on the venue, so it’s good to budget accordingly!
Major Cruise Lines Offering Alaskan Adventures
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Princess Cruises: With a fleet of **17 ships**, **10** of which operate in **Alaska**, the **Ruby Princess** and **Discovery Princess** lead the way. Departures commonly take place from **Vancouver** or **San Francisco**. Princess Cruises are loved for their exceptional onboard experiences and shore excursions that delve deeply into the beauty and culture of Alaska, making them a top choice for family travel.
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Holland America Line: With **11 ships**, **six** visit Alaska with the **Westerdam** and **Noordam** cruising popular routes. Departing mainly from **Seattle** and **Vancouver**, Holland America Line is celebrated for its long-standing heritage in Alaskan cruising and meticulously curated shore excursions that connect guests with local history and culture.
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Norwegian Cruise Line: This line operates **20 ships**, with **seven** making their way to Alaska: **Norwegian Joy** and **Norwegian Sun** often feature popular itineraries. Most frequently departing from **Seattle** or **Vancouver**, Norwegian is known for its “freestyle cruising” concept which offers cruisers unparalleled dining and entertainment flexibility onboard.
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Royal Caribbean Cruises: With a fleet of **29 ships**, **five** are set for voyages to Alaska, including **Quantum of the Seas** and **Serenade of the Seas**. Departures usually come from **Seattle** or **Vancouver**, and Royal Caribbean is recognised for its innovative ships featuring all kinds of entertainment options, ensuring that cruisers have an action-packed onboard experience.
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Cunard: This luxurious line has **four ships**, one of them venturing to Alaska, namely the **Queen Elizabeth**. Departing from **Seattle**, Cunard is known for its elegant dining and for creating a sophisticated onboard atmosphere that elevates the cruising experience to a new level of luxury.
Luxury and Small Ship Options
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Viking Ocean Cruises: With a fleet of **11 ships**, **two** sail to Alaska, notably the **Viking Orion** and **Viking Venus**. Departing often from **Vancouver** or **Seward**, they boast enriching itineraries focused on immersing cruisers in cultural experiences that highlight local traditions and insights while exploring Alaska’s stunning landscapes.
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises: With **six ships**, **two** offer itineraries to Alaska, including **Seven Seas Explorer** and **Seven Seas Mariner**. They typically depart from **Vancouver** or **Tokyo**, known for their all-inclusive luxury service that ensures every need is catered to. The Regent experience focuses on elite service and exceptional dining options to enhance the onboard experience.
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Oceania Cruises: With a fleet of **eight ships**, **two** embark on journeys to Alaska, the **Riviera** and **Regatta** being the most notable. Departing frequently from **Seattle** or **Vancouver**, Oceania prides itself on its culinary expertise, offering extended voyages that allow guests to indulge in local cuisines paired with superb wines while exploring the area’s rich culture.
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Silversea: Comprising **13 ships**, **five** offer itineraries to Alaska, such as **Silver Nova** and **Silver Moon**. They mainly set sail from **Vancouver** or **Seward**, and are known for their elegant all-suite accommodations, personalised service, and occurring expedition-style trips that provide an audience with the best of nature and culture in Alaska.
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Seabourn: This cruise line operates **six ships**, with **one** heading for Alaska, namely **Seabourn Quest**. Departing often from **Vancouver** or **Juneau**, Seabourn offers a luxurious expedition experience that includes an exceptional level of service and itineraries that immerse guests in the beauty of Alaska’s fjords and wildlife.
Explore Alternative Regions
If a cruise to **Alaska** sounds enticing but you’re curious about other spectacular destinations, consider these five regions:
- Norwegian Fjords: Known for breathtaking landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and serene waters, the fjords offer stunning views and rich sailing history.
- Caribbean: With its vibrant beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively island culture, it’s perfect for those wanting to unwind and soak up the sun.
- Western Canada: Experience breathtaking natural beauty with stunning landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor adventures complemented by friendly local culture.
- British Isles: Offering rich history and stunning natural coastal scenery, the British Isles provide a captivating mix of cultural charm and breathtaking views.
- Pacific Northwest: Renowned for its diverse ecosystems, majestic mountains, and wildlife, the Pacific Northwest unveils the beauty of nature with every wave.
Embarking on a cruise in Alaska guarantees breathtaking scenery, thrilling wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences like no other. If you’re ready to experience the wonders of this remarkable region, book your Alaskan adventure with **CruiseAway** today and let the journey begin!