Alaska is America’s great scenic cruise: tidewater glaciers, rainforest towns reached only by sea or air, whales, eagles and bears.
The Two Main Alaska Itineraries
Inside Passage round trips, usually seven nights from Seattle or Vancouver, visit three or four ports in Southeast Alaska — typically Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, sometimes Sitka or Icy Strait Point — plus a day of glacier viewing. Seattle round trips also call at a Canadian port such as Victoria, a requirement of U.S. passenger-shipping law.
Gulf of Alaska one-way cruises sail between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, the ports for Anchorage. They often add a second glacier day and make it easy to extend your trip by land to Denali National Park.
Alaska’s Signature Ports
| Port | Known for |
|---|---|
| Juneau | The state capital, reached only by sea or air; Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching |
| Ketchikan | Totem poles, Creek Street and floatplane trips to Misty Fjords |
| Skagway | Gold Rush history and the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad |
| Sitka | Russian and Tlingit heritage, sea otters and wildlife |
| Icy Strait Point | A Native-owned destination near Hoonah, with whale watching |
| Victoria, BC | Canadian port of call on Seattle round trips |
Glacier days are the highlight for many. Ships may visit Glacier Bay National Park, where daily cruise ship entries are limited by park permits, or Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm. For tours in each port, see our sister site Alaska Port Excursions.
Planning Tips
- Pack layers and a waterproof jacket; Southeast Alaska is a rainforest.
- Bring binoculars — wildlife is often seen from the ship.
- Popular excursions such as floatplanes, the White Pass railroad and whale watching sell out; book early.
- Carry a passport even if not strictly required: Seattle and Vancouver itineraries involve Canada.
- A balcony is especially rewarding in Alaska, where the scenery passes all day.
Alaska Cruise FAQ
When is the Alaska cruise season?
Large-ship Alaska cruises sail from about May to September. May and September can be cooler and quieter; June through August bring the longest days and the warmest weather.
Round trip or one-way?
Round trips from Seattle or Vancouver cover the Inside Passage and return you to the same city. One-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier (the ports for Anchorage) reach farther north and pair well with a land tour to Denali.
Is Glacier Bay on every Alaska cruise?
No. Glacier Bay is a national park, and the number of cruise ships allowed in each day is limited, so only some sailings include it. Others visit Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm or other glaciers instead.
Many travelers add a land tour before or after a one-way cruise, typically by rail or motorcoach between Seward or Whittier, Anchorage and Denali National Park. Book these early too; lodges near the park are limited.
Plan Your Alaska Cruise
Round trip or one-way, glacier days and land tours — our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare every Alaska option.
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