No matter what time of year you’re planning on going, an Alaskan Cruise is one of the best ways to experience the state—and in some cases, it's the only way to see certain natural wonders. But before you start booking passage, travel experts say there are a few itineraries and companies you may want to consider above the others. Read on for the best Alaska cruises and what you can expect on each sail, from the jaw-dropping scenery to the comfort of your cabin and the ship's amenities.
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1 | The Inside Passage via Vancouver
ShutterstockArguably, the only drawback to Alaska’s seemingly endless beauty is how overwhelming it can be trying to plan the perfect trip to experience it. But according to Ming Tappin, a travel writer at Your Cruise Coach who has cruised the state six times, there’s one itinerary that tops the rest: the Inside Passage.
Tapping tells Best Life it’s important to consider booking a roundtrip from Vancouver instead of Seattle or going one way to Seward or Whittier.
"Departing from Vancouver is advantageous over Seattle," she explains. "You get to sail under the spectacular Lion’s Gate Bridge, with views of the North Shore mountains and the beautiful Vancouver skyline. These cruises follow the Inside Passage route between the mainland and Vancouver Island, sticking close to shore for opportunities to view wildlife and scenery."
"Meanwhile, sailings that depart from Seattle cruise on the west side of Vancouver Island in the open ocean—which means less scenery," she notes.
There’s also an efficiency factor: Tappin explains that cruises that depart from Vancouver bring you to the action more quickly and allow for more time in port. But while most ports of call in Alaska are similar across companies, two stand out for another reason.
"Holland America and Princess Cruises—the pioneers of Alaska cruising—have access to the most park passes and will almost always include Glacier Bay National Park (GBNP) in their itinerary," she shares with Best Life. "It’s a much superior glacier viewing experience with multiple glacier sites, compared to other itineraries that only offer Hubbard or Sawyer Glacier."
2 | 7-Day Inside Passage with Princess Cruises
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If you’re still hoping to depart from a domestic port, there are plenty of good options. Experts say that Princess covers the same coveted route with some awe-inspiring scenery along the way.
“Traveling from Seattle to Alaska with Princess via the Inside Passage is an unforgettable experience bursting with soaring glaciers and immense wildlife,” says Dean Van Es, the CEO and founder of Fast Cover Travel Insurance. “The trip also stops at the Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park, which is one of the impressive sights in the region, while Endicott Arm and the Dawes Glacier are worth the price of admission alone.”
3| Uncruise Adventures
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Cruises are a hard sell to those travelers who aren’t exactly cruise people. However, experts say this is where the smaller, more intimate setup of a sail with Uncruise Adventures can help.
"Their small trips allow you to visit smaller coves and avoid the overcrowded small towns that mega cruise lines visit," says Alice Ford, host of the award-winning travel programAlice’s Adventures on Earth. "These cruises let you see the real Alaska with just your fellow cruisers, which is never more than 100 people."
She adds that the company also provides activities like hiking, kayaking, and "outings on jet boats in little coves, or to witness bears, whales, and sea lions in protected areas where large ships cannot anchor."
Other cruise experts agree they can be a refreshing departure from your typical large cruise.
"These guys are truly offering something unique," says James F. Hills, travel writer and owner of CruiseWestCoast.com. "These are the ships for folks that want to explore Alaska and not just watch the world go by. We love the big ship experiences, but absolutely nothing can compare to getting close to nature and exploring the state's waterways from the perspective of smaller harbors and more flexibility to see stuff."
4 | 7-Day Glacier Discovery Southbound with Holland America
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Looking to experience Alaska in reverse? There’s an itinerary for that!
"Holland America has one of the best reputations for Alaskan cruises, with its Southbound experience from Whittier offering an incredible sightseeing adventure," says Van Es. "With this direction providing the best conditions for destinations like the Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay, this cruise also has fascinating stops in remote towns like Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan."
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5 | 11-Day Alaska & the Inside Passage with Viking
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With so much to see, it can really benefit to take a few extra days to sail across Alaska. Fortunately, there’s a longer itinerary available for travelers with more time in their schedules. Specifically, Van Es suggests traveling from Vancouver to Seward over 11 days.
"Viking offers passengers a more intimate experience than other major cruise liners," he points out. "With the company renowned for smaller vessels and an adult-only policy, enjoying remarkable scenery like the Inside Passage and the Mendenhall Glacier could come a little easier. Choosing a more peaceful trip could be the best decision considering the breathtaking scenery on offer in Alaska.”
