CRUISES
Alaska cruises: routes, season, ports and how to choose
Plan an Alaska cruise: Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska, round trip or one way, the best months, departure ports and what to pack. Then compare sailings.
An Alaska cruise is built around scenery: glaciers and fjords, with a chance to see whales, eagles and bears. It is one of the most popular cruises in the United States, and one of the most seasonal, so the dates and the route you choose matter more than in the Caribbean.
The two main routes
| Route | How it works | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Passage, round trip | A round trip from Seattle or Vancouver, usually seven nights, calling at towns such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. | First-timers who want a simple loop and one flight |
| Gulf of Alaska, one way | A one-way trip between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, which are the cruise ports for Anchorage. Sailings often run northbound or southbound. | Travellers who want more glacier time and can add a land tour |
Many round trips from Seattle stop in a Canadian port such as Victoria, because US law requires most foreign-flagged ships to call at a foreign port. Ask which stops are included.
When to go
The Alaska season roughly runs from May to September. May and early June are cooler and drier, and can be less expensive. July and August are warmest and busiest. September is cooler and wetter, with fewer crowds. Pick long days and warm weather, or lower prices and quiet.
Where the ships sail from
- Seattle. Easy to reach by air, and a common round-trip port.
- Vancouver, BC. Starts or ends many one-way sailings. Check passport and entry rules.
- Whittier, Seward and Anchorage. The Alaskan end of one-way trips.
What to book besides the cruise
- Flights. A one-way cruise needs flights in and out of different cities. Compare them with our flight search.
- A hotel before sailing. Arrive the day before for safety against delays. See how to choose a hotel.
- Shore excursions. Whale watching and glacier flights are the common ones, and train rides run from some ports. Book those you want early, since some sell out.
- Insurance. In remote regions a medical evacuation is expensive, so cover is a sensible buy. See our guide.
What to pack
Pack layers and a waterproof jacket, because weather changes quickly and decks are cold. Add binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, a hat and gloves. Read our cruise packing list and pack light guide.
For a Royal Caribbean focus, CruiseDirect keeps a Royal Caribbean Alaska page. For ideas on getting a lower fare, see cruise deals and cheap cruises.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for an Alaska cruise?
July and August are warmest, May and June are cooler and often cheaper, and September is quieter. The Alaska season generally ends around the end of September.
Do I need a passport for Alaska?
Itineraries that start and end in the same US port can sometimes be done with other proof of citizenship, but a passport is strongly recommended and required for some routes, especially when sailing from Vancouver. Check before booking.
Is a balcony worth it in Alaska?
Many travellers think so, because the scenery is the point. A balcony can be cold, and public decks are good too, so it is a matter of budget.
Round trip or one way?
Round trip is simpler and usually cheaper in total. One way gives more glacier time and a chance to add a land tour, but needs flights in and out of different cities.
Do I need travel insurance?
For most travelers, yes, mainly for medical cover in remote places and for a cancelled trip.
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