Cruises in Alaska offer a unique opportunity in the largest state in the United States. The  best Alaska cruises take you to its breathtaking scenery of mountains and glaciers and witness its abundant wildlife with unforgettable experience. Let’s explore some of these cruise options.

What is special about cruises to Alaska?

Cruises to Alaska are one of the most affordable ways to visit several places in Alaska. Cheap cruises to Alaska can start at Rs. 32,415 and are inclusive of accommodation, meals, and transport. Alaska is home to over 1,00,000 glaciers and are in inaccessible areas and Alaska cruises 2025 is one of the best ways to view glaciers. Visit some unique ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway and enjoy some unique activities like fishing, hiking, and bear tours on the best Alaska cruises. 

20 best cruises to Alaska

Selecting the best cruise to Alaska can be challenging given the sheer number of options you can opt for cheap Alaska cruises or luxurious cruises. If you enjoy adventure there are several adventure cruises to Alaska. Cruises are offered by reputable cruise liners like Silversea, Disney, and Norwegian cruises. Read on to learn about the best Alaska cruises 2024. 

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Alaska cruises from Vancouver

Vancouver is a beautiful city with a large port and large airport. It is approximately 160 km closer to the last frontier compared to Seattle. Cruises to Alaska from Vancouver treat you to the stunning Inside Passage, a sheltered waterway east of Vancouver Island. Alaska cruises from Vancouver begin at 4 nights and go up to 7 nights. Here are the top Alaska cruises to Alaska from Vancouver:

• 4-night cruise Alaska Sampler on the Royal Princess Princess.
• 5-night cruise Alaska Sampler on the Caribbean Princess Princess.
• 7 Nights Northbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier on the Radiance of Seas Royal Caribbean.

Alaska cruises from Seattle

Seattle is a popular departure port for cruises from Seattle. Conveniently located just 15 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal makes for a smooth journey. Seattle is a vibrant city and there are iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture and the Chihuly Garden and Glass. Once you begin Alaska cruises out of Seattle, get mesmerized by Alaska’s natural beauty. Most Alaska cruises include stopovers Juneau, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier and Ketchikan. Alaska cruises from Seattle 2024 are:

• 4-night Alaska Sampler, Grand Princess Princess
• 9-night, Alaska-Settle Norwegian Jewel Norwegian Cruise Line
• 7-day Alaska Explorer, Eurodam Holland America
• 7-night  Alaska-Settle, Norwegian Bliss Norwegian Cruise line

Also read: 10 best alaska cruises from seattle

Alaska cruises from San Francisco

San Francisco is known for the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman Wharf, and the Palace of Fine Arts. Alaska cruises from San Francisco depart from Pier 27 and 35. These luxury cruises to Alaska are a leisurely way to explore the state with world-class amenities. Cruises to Alaska from San Francisco journeys through the beautiful Pacific Northwest is rated as one of the best Alaska cruises. The Alaska cruises from San Francisco promise to be a trip of a lifetime. 

10-day Alaska Inside Passage & Glaciers Carnival Legend – the ship departs from San-Francisco, before proceeding to Juneau, Skagway, Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord, Prince Rupert in Alaska before returning to San Francisco.

Alaska cruises from Anchorage

Anchorage is one of the largest cities in Alaska and is known for its natural beauty and important historical sites. Alaska cruise from Anchorage Alaska frequently stops at Prince William Sound, the Kenai Peninsula, and Denali National Park. Cruises to Anchorage Alaska allow passengers to explore the diverse landscape of Alaska from mountains to large glaciers. Cruises from Anchorage Alaska are one of the best cruises to take if you want to venture into Alaska’s vast wilderness. Some of the Alaska cruise from Anchorage include: 

• 11-nights On Your Own – Tour EBX on the Caribbean Princess Princess
• 11-nights On Your Own – Tour EBX on the Sapphire Princess Princess
• 10-nights On Your Own – Tour EBX Caribbean Princess Princess 
• 12-nights Denali Explorer- Tour Db4 – Caribbean Princess Princess 

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Alaska cruises from Los Angeles

The Los Angeles port is the principal cruise port in the West Coast. Alaska Cruises from Los Angeles leave from Los Angeles World Cruise Center. There are plenty to see in Los Angeles like the Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Santa Monica. 

Round-trip cruises from Los Angeles to Alaska start at 16-nights on the Inside Passenger stops at 8 ports Los Angeles, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Icy Strait, Ketchikan, and Victoria. It is one of the best Alaska cruises to take if you want a more laid-back vacation.

 Alaska small ship cruises

Alaska small ship cruises are more intimate and carry 45 passengers on average is one of the best Alaska cruises to explore Alaska’s stunning wilderness and wildlife. There are small ship Alaska cruises for families that can be for 8 passengers. Small ship cruises to Alaska offer passengers a more personalized service and the opportunity to travel with like-minded passengers.

Small ship Alaska cruises can navigate waterways and access scheduled locations. Experience a unique cruise experience, focusing on wildlife encounters and group whims onboard the Alaska inside passage cruises. Enjoy a flexible schedule, hiking, paddling by glaciers, and connecting with locals in small towns. The casual, all-inclusive atmosphere encourages participation, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a relaxed and enjoyable cruise. 

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Canada and Alaska cruises

You can club your Canada and Alaska cruises, explore the rugged coastline of British Columbia and majestic glaciers of Alaska. Canada Alaska cruises offer entries to Juneau, Glacier Bay – Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan,  and British Columbia. Canada and Alaska cruises 2024 usually begin from Seattle. It is one of the best Alaska cruises to explore two countries in Northern America.  Some popular Canada and Alaska cruises 2024 are:  

• 7-night Alaska Explorer – Westerdam Holland America 
• 7-night Alaska Explorer – Eurodam Holland America 

Best Alaska cruises for families

Alaska cruises for families offer a range of activities of all ages. The family friendly cruises offer special programs for children and teenagers. Passengers can avail of several meal options onboard on the Alaska cruises for family. Some of the best Alaska cruises for families have stopovers in beautiful locations like Ketchikan, Sitika, Vancouver, and Hubbard Glacier. 

Alaska expedition cruises

Alaska expedition cruises offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore Alaska’s wilderness. Expedition Cruise Alaska focuses more on adventure and encounters with nature. There are numerous expedition cruises to Alaska you can begin your adventure from destinations like Vancouver, Seattle, Whittier, and Seward. The best Alaska cruises allow you to try activities such as kayaking, hiking, wildlife watching, and snorkeling in remote landscapes.  

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Alaska cruises northern lights

Experience the mesmerizing northern lights on the best Alaska cruises. Northern lights cruises Alaska can be enjoyed in winter or early spring. If you are planning to book Alaska cruises to see northern lights, book your trip sometime in September because nights are long and dark. Some of the best witnessed Alaska cruise’s northern lights are from Fairbanks, Denali National Park, and Anchorage. 

 Princess cruises Alaska

• Holland America Alaska cruises
• Celebrity cruises Alaska
• Carnival cruises to Alaska
• Disney cruises to Alaska
• Silversea cruises Alaska
• Norwegian cruises to Alaska
• MSC cruises Alaska
• Regent cruises Alaska
• Viking cruises to Alaska

Best time for Alaska cruises

The best time for Alaska cruises will depend largely on your interest. However, the best time of the year for Alaska cruises is May to September with July and August attracting the maximum number of tourists. If you wish to witness the jaw-dropping Northern lights Alaska cruise time mid-August and mid-April where less daylight leads to darker night skies.