alaska cruise season 2023

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2023 Alaska Cruises

Our 2023 season in Alaska continues to excite world travelers with iconic experiences found only in The Last Frontier. The rugged beauty of this untouched wilderness sets the stage for every unforgettable moment. From up-close, breathtaking views of glaciers—you just can’t imagine how majestic they are until you’re right beside one—to the native wildlife, including whales, bears, bald eagles, and moose (just to name a few). This corner of the world not only offers stunning natural beauty, but there’s so much to learn about the history and cultures of Alaska—from the native people who’ve lived here for centuries to the more recent gold rush days that brought adventurers and fortune seekers to the wilds of Alaska.

Returning to Alaska for our 2023 season is the revolutionized ship Celebrity Millennium®, and two of our Solstice Series® ships, Celebrity Solstice® and Celebrity Eclipse®. These award-winning ships set sail from Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward and offer a wide variety of 7-night itineraries that visit incredible places, including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka. No matter which sailing you choose, you’ll sail the ever-popular Inside Passage—one of the most popular experiences on any Alaska vacation—as well as visiting Hubbard Glacier or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Want an even more in-depth exploration of Alaska? Choose an immersive Cruisetour that combines the best of the coastline on a 7-night cruise along with an exciting land tour that takes you deep into the heart of the wilderness. Ride trains, boats, deluxe motorcoaches, and possibly even planes to get deeper into the wilderness. Stay in the finest lodges and savor local flavors along the way. These land and sea vacations introduce you to everything this region has to offer for exciting and unforgettable adventures. Our 2023 Alaska sailings are open for booking now. No matter which cruise or Cruisetour you choose, you’ll discover the majesty of The Last Frontier is more impressive than you ever imagined.

Departure Ports

Seward, Alaska

Vancouver, British Colombia

Seattle, Washington

Itineraries

Ships visiting alaska.

Celebrity Eclipse

Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Millennium

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Victoria, British Columbia

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

Hubbard Glacier

Alaska Cruisetours

On an Alaska Cruisetour, you’ll make your way through the breathtaking wilderness to Denali National Park aboard our glass-domed train that offers incredible views along the way. On your journey, you and your dedicated Tour Director may visit some of the most popular towns in Alaska, including Talkeetna, Alyeska, and the city of Fairbanks—with plenty of time to discover the distinctive history and personality of each place. As you make your way through the wilderness, you’ll stay in cozy lodges and savor the authentic flavors of Alaska. On both your cruise and land tour, you’ll have the opportunity to experience excursions that will have you watching for whales, hiking Denali National Park, mushing sled dogs, and even trekking a glacier

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An Expert's Guide to Booking the Perfect Alaska Cruise in 2023

Alaska has been a popular cruise destination for decades, and the industry has continued a trajectory of growth. Each summer season there seems to be another cruise line sailing Alaskan waters, while the longtime incumbents are relentless in their addition of new itineraries, amenities, and excursions. 

What looks like an endless buffet of choice can lead to analysis paralysis for many first-time Alaska visitors—even if they’re veteran cruisers who have already figured out big questions like their preferred cruise line or favorite ship class. 

Here are five questions to consider in order to find the best Alaska cruise for you.

When is The Best Time to Book?

Alaska is a popular destination for multi-generational groups . Any large group booking multiple cabins or needing more than a pair of spots on shore excursions should start thinking about booking Alaska cruises about a year in advance to secure the best availability for their group size. So too should travelers who have specific non-negotiables on things like stateroom category, ship, or itinerary. 

However, that doesn’t mean that last-minute bookers are out of luck. While popular itineraries and cabin categories have a tendency to sell out early (balcony accommodations are particularly sought after for scenic Inside Passage cruising), there’s still often enough inventory left for cruise lines to offer enticing deals for the summer during the “wave” booking season from January through March. They’ll even offer last-minute specials right up until the time of sailing, but selection will be limited and the most popular shore excursions will have long wait lists. 

Cruise lines offer enticing deals for the summer during “wave" season from January through March. 

Is it better to cruise one-way or roundtrip? 

Like almost any choice one makes when booking a cruise, it all comes down to personal taste. Roundtrip cruises offer the convenience of embarking and disembarking at the same port (typically Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco), but itineraries are generally limited to Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage. 

Visitors wanting to see Alaska’s Interior, Fairbanks, and Denali National Park , should book a one-way cruise to or from Anchorage (which is served by the cruise ports at Whittier and Seward) for land-based touring either before or after their Inside Passage cruise. Many cruise lines, including Holland America Line , Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity offer fully packaged “Cruisetours” that combine a one-way Inside Passage cruise with a rail or motor coach itinerary mainly focused on Denali, but also offering journeys to other parts of Southcentral Alaska.

Is Seward or Whittier a better port for Anchorage? 

Each cruise line has their preferred port—Holland America Line and Princess Cruises berth at Whittier. Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas—currently berthing at Seward—will move operations to Whittier upon completion of berths currently under construction. Most other one-way cruises berth in Seward.

Whittier is closer to Anchorage, and some itineraries even take disembarking passengers directly to Denali or Talkeetna the same day. Whittier is also a convenient port for cruising College Fjord, which most northbound sailings do on the final day before arriving in Whittier. Whittier is, however, a tiny community that is little more than a deep-water port, while Seward is a larger community and regional base for a more diverse collection of tours and activities.

Seward is farther from Anchorage, but the train or coach ride is roughly an extra hour of travel through a spectacular mountain pass on the Kenai Peninsula, then the lines merge near Whittier and the last hour of the journey is the same, hugging the Chugach Mountains alongside Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage. 

It’s worth noting that shoreside transportation outside of cruise line-operated transfers can be more limited in Whittier, so passengers embarking there may wish to ensure they include transfers from Anchorage in their cruise package. From Seward, travelers wanting to spend a few days exploring Kenai Fjords National Park or one of the wilderness lodges can book Alaska Railroad transfers on their regular scheduled service.

I've been to Alaska before—how can I cruise differently? 

Cruisers who are veterans at Inside Passage itineraries on the big ships have really only seen a preview of the nooks and crannies of the region. Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises operates small-ship sailings from Sitka, getting into the straits and narrows that the big ships won’t fit, and oftentimes determining itineraries by reports of sea life migrations and weather conditions.

Return visitors who still want that big ship experience might try a different category of cruise line. The major operators—Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, are all premium-tier cruise lines, but the luxury cruise lines have also deployed ships to Alaskan waters. 

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is operating roundtrip Vancouver sailings, bringing onboard topflight lecturers ranging from adventure traveler Bear Grylls to undersea archaeologist Mensun Bound on select voyages. On every voyage, guests will find guides from Alaska Native Voices, sharing the cultural history and lore of the local Huna people to  Sit’ Eeti Gheeyi  (Glacier Bay National Park), and guest speakers from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

Silversea has “Door-to-Door” pricing on many of its Alaska cruises , meaning the cruise fare includes airfare, hotels, and all transfers—including transfers from home to the departure airport. Onboard the all-suite ships, there’s butler service in every suite, fine dining, and select shore excursions included. The largest Silversea ship sailing to Alaska also carries just under 600 guests, allowing for port calls at lesser-visited stops like Wrangell, Haines, and Valdez.

Are there less-crowded alternatives?

Hurtigruten, the Norwegian expedition cruise line, offers sailings between Vancouver and Nome , hitting not only the lesser-visited spots on the Inside Passage, but also the virtually untouristed and volcano-dotted Alaska Peninsula, where guests can spot Brown Bears in Katmai National Park, go bird-watching in St. Paul Island and uninhabited St. Matthew Island in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, and explore the eerie ghost town of Unga.

Closer afield, but no less secluded is the Prince William Sound Explorer from Uncruise, where guests will depart Whittier and wake up among the glaciers of little-visited Icy Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. Much of the itinerary is “Captain’s choice” based on conditions and sealife movements, but the massive Columbia and Meares glaciers and the Sound communities of Cordova and Valdez—also off the big ship routes—hold prized spots on the itinerary. 

Recommended

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Tutka Bay Lodge

North America Travel Guide

2023 Alaska Cruises: Ports, deals, & info

Is taking a cruise to Alaska in 2023 and seeing glaciers, moose, dog sledding and whales the sort of summer adventure you want to try?

The 2023 Alaska cruises look to be the best lineup of cruises to The Last Frontier yet, with lots of ships visiting the beautiful ports in Southeast Alaska.

Now is the perfect time to start planning your 2023 Alaska cruise so that you can take advantage of lower prices and greater availability of excursions, airfare, and more.

Here's a roundup of the most frequently asked questions about 2023 Alaska cruises so you know everything you need to book the perfect Alaska cruise .

When is the 2023 Alaska cruise season?

The Alaska cruise season typically runs between April and October, although most cruise lines tend to offer cruises between May and September.

The choice of which month to sail to Alaska depends on a few variables:

• What wildlife or natural scenery you want to see
• How warm/cold you are comfortable with enduring

You won't find Alaska cruises during the other months of the year due to the cold temperatures.  

When is the best month to go on a 2023 Alaska cruise?

People that are have never visited Alaska often wonder what is the best month best month to go to Alaska on a cruise .

The months of April, May, September, and October 2023 tend to be the least crowded time to go because school is in session and the cooler temperatures.

Inversely, July 2023 and August 2023 and the most popular months to go on an Alaska cruise.

Summer sees warmer temperatures but comes with higher prices and more crowds. Fall and late spring have lower prices and less crowds, but it can be chillier.

Read more : When is the best time to visit Alaska?

Which cruise lines will sail to Alaska in 2023?

You will find a variety of cruise lines offering small and large cruise ships offering a 2023 Alaska cruise:

Major cruise lines

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International
• Silversea Cruises

Small and Expedition cruise lines

• Alaskan Dream Cruises
• American Cruise Lines
• Lindblad Expeditions

Which homeports can you sail from to Alaska in 2023?

To take a 2023 Alaska cruise, you can board a ship from these ports:

• Seattle, Washington
• Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Anchorage, Alaska

Read more : Where do Alaska cruises leave from & which should you choose?

There are several small ship lines, which generally have American-built ships and crew sail from and around Alaska waters:

How long is an Alaska cruise?

Nearly all 2023 Alaska cruises are 7-nights long that visit the Inside Passage or Alaska Glacier cruises.

There are shorter and longer 2023 Alaska cruises, with some as long as 22-nights.  But odds are your 2023 Alaska cruise will be a week long in duration.

What is the best 2023 Alaska cruise itinerary?

A majority of the Alaska cruises sail the Inside Passage, which is a waterway along the southeast coast of Alaska and British Columbia that visit the glaciers and the most popular cities along the way.

Some of the longer cruises will go further north in Alaska, sailing through the Gulf of Alaska. These typically begin or end in Anchorage.

Inside Passage cruises usually begin in Seattle or Vancouver. Expect to see lots of natural sights and wildlife, even while simply sailing between ports. Cruise ships sail along the coast, which means you could see eagles, whales, dolphins, or bears from the ship along the coast.

Another great benefit to sailing the Inside Passage is less risk of getting seasick. Since your ship is sailing between large land masses, ocean conditions usually remain quite calm.

Read more : Best Alaska cruise tips for a great visit

How much does an Alaska cruise cost?

Alaska cruise prices depend on a variety of factors, but there can be deals if you are strategic about your sailing.

How much an Alaska cruise costs will depend on: cabin category, time of year, length of sailing, and cruise line you select.

An Alaskan cruise cost can range between $600 – $10,000 per person, but if that number sounds quite large, it's because there are so many choices that greatly impact the price of a cruise.

It's a mistake to assume all Alaska cruises are the same, as well as the price is going to be same regardless of when you sail or when you book.

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ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

Alaska cruises.

Adventure comes first on the last frontier.

Endless breathtaking tundra, four gamechanging ships, one epic summer adventure — this is the boldest Alaska season ever. Experience once-in-a-lifetime moments every single day.  Like whale watching in Juneau. Grizzly spotting in Haines. And totem touring in Sitka. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 21 years running.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals

Want more time to plan the adventure of a lifetime? Our 2025 Alaska sailings are now open.

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OF ICE AND MOUNTAINS

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes,  imposing glaciers  and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness. 

JOURNEY INWARD

Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective.

GLACIERS WILL MOVE YOU

In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve  massive icebergs . Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders.

JOURNEY TO "THE GREAT ONE"

In the center of the state,  Denali National Park  is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your vacation.

FEEL THE RUSH

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories you couldn't have made anywhere else during your cruise to Alaska. 

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the  Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour . The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill.

WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?

Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a  whale watching tour . There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water.

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape.

RELEASE YOUR WILD SIDE ON THE BEST ALASKA CRUISE

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 21 years running.

QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Quantum of the Seas® heads to the Last Frontier from Seattle . This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather. Edge of your seat entertainment, all weather activities like the fan-favorite Flowrider®* and unparalleled views from every room.

EXPLORE MORE

ANTHEM OF THE SEAS

Making its Alaska debut, Anthem of the Seas ® is full of family-favorite thrills and chill. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm . Whether you’re challenging friends to bumper cars at the SeaPlex® or catching record-setting views from North Star®, make unforgettable memories on these 7-night cruises.

SERENADE OF THE SEAS

Bring your adventure crew to the Last Frontier for a 7-night sailing to can’t-miss glaciers and quaint seaside cities brimming with rugged charm. Go peak seaking in Sitka or and take-on rugged adventures in Haines . Once onboard, snag some adults-only time at the Solarium or treat your tastebuds to plated perfection at Izumi Japanese Cuisine. Getting to your coolest getaway yet is easy for the whole family with sails roundtrip from Vancouver .

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling.

The best time to travel to Alaska depends on your priorities. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

No two days will be the same, and you'll need to pack your clothing to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day. Think layers: zip-up sweaters, boots, rain jackets.

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Find the most Instagrammable places for your next vacation cruise to Alaska. Come discover the prettiest spots to take pictures with our travel photo guide.

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Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more.

The Best Alaska Cruises

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Your Guide to the Best Cruises From Alaska. Learn more about the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver.

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Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation.

Conquer the World's Longest Zip Line in Alaska

Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure.

Dog Sledding Tours

There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.

Alaska Helicopter Tours

There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. Take your breath away as you travel above its amazing glaciers.

Alaska is not a formal place; people even wear jeans to the opera. Focus more on comfort when deciding what clothing to pack.

Cameras, binoculars, rain ponchos and jackets are useful, but add these to the souvenirs you'll be picking up and soon your bag will be too heavy to tote around. Bring along a quality day pack to make it easier to hold your necessities.

Learn a few words in Alaska's local lingo: The "Alcan" is the Alaska-Canada Highway, for example, and "fish stories" are the local version of tall tales — unreliable yarns of mythological proportions, often told by fisherman.

ALASKAN CUISINE WILD IS THE WAY 

Alaskan food focuses on locally sourced ingredients that reflect the state's rugged terrain and the vast oceans surrounding it. These nutrient-rich waters serve up some gorgeous fish and shellfish, from super-fresh salmon to huge Alaskan King Crabs that can feed a crowd, while game meats and berries from the wilderness form a perfect marriage of flavor.

SALMON IS CENTRAL

Fresh-caught wild salmon is served up at backyard BBQs and the finest restaurants. For something different, try the sweet and savory treat Indian Candy, salmon that is sweetened and smoked till hard.

SOURDOUGH WON'T LET YOU GO

Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch.

GO WILD FOR BERRIES

Alaskan wild berries are sweet and pack a powerful punch of flavor. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Inside Passage, Canada

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Seward, Alaska

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Share this article, stay updated, 2023 alaska cruise season kicks off with seattle, vancouver events.

Holland America Line kicked off its 2023 Alaska cruise season on April 29 with the arrival of Eurodam at Port of Seattle. Known as “Seattle’s Hometown Cruise Line,” Holland America Line marked the day with a celebration at Pier 91. Festivities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Miss Washington Regan Gallo and Miss Alaska Jessica Reisinger, and lively music with the University of Washington Marching Band.

“As the pioneer and leader in Alaska cruising, Holland America Line is excited to start the season today celebrating our 150th Anniversary in our hometown,” said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer. “Not only is Holland America Line headquartered in Seattle, but it’s a key homeport for our brand. With two ships based here and four more in Vancouver through September, we’re ready for a robust Alaska season of cruising and cruisetours including land trips to Denali and Yukon.”

Miss Washington Regan Gallo (right), Miss Alaska Jessica Reisinger (left) and Mark Pells (right), Holland America Line General Hotel Manager, join Captain Mark Trembling (center) as he cuts the ribbon to officially begin the 2023 Alaska Cruise Season.

The University of Washington Marching Band helps kick off Holland America Line’s 2023 Alaska Cruise Season in Seattle.

Honoring Our 150th Anniversary

For 150 years, Holland America Line has sailed the seas and brought communities together. It’s in that spirit we presented commemorative plaques to the Port of Seattle and Port of Vancouver during our celebratory events. We will also present commemorative plaques to ports in Juneau and Skagway this month.

As we kicked off our 2023 Alaska season, we also recognized local community programs through our On Deck for a Cause initiative. This program invites guests to participate in non-competitive 5k walks aboard our ships to give back to the community. As a result of the amazing generosity shared by our guests, we presented a donation to The Pastry Project in Seattle, which provides free baking and pastry training to individuals with barriers to education and employment in the industry. In Vancouver, we presented a donation to YWCA Crabtree Corner, a community resource center for women and families.

Photo left to right: Holland America Line Captain Mark Trembling; Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line Vice President of Revenue Management and Analytics; and Linda Springmann, Director of Cruise Operations and Maritime Marketing, Port of Seattle. 

Photo left to right: Peter Xotta, Port of Vancouver Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain, and Holland America Line Captain Pieter Bant. 

About Our Alaska Cruises

• Holland America Line will operate a full season out of Seattle on two ships with 48 departures and more than 97,000 guests. Offering more cruises to Alaska from Vancouver than any other cruise line, we’ll have four ships with 75 departures and more than 158,000 guests.
• Seven-day “Alaskan Explorer” cruises sail roundtrip from Seattle aboard Eurodam and Westerdam, and include calls at Victoria, British Columbia (evening stay); and Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka, all in Alaska.
• Seven-day “Alaska Inside Passage” cruises sail roundtrip from Vancouver on Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam and Volendam. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.
• Seven-day “Glacier Discovery Northbound” and “Glacier Discovery Southbound” itineraries cruise between Whittier and Vancouver aboard Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.
• The 14-day “Great Alaska Explorer” itinerary offers an in-depth adventure. Roundtrip from Vancouver aboard Nieuw Amsterdam (May 7) and Noordam (Sept. 17), the cruise calls at the Alaskan ports of Kodiak, Anchorage, Valdez, Sitka, Skagway and Ketchikan, and features Glacier Bay.
• Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park , Hubbard Glacier and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm.
• Holland America Line is the only cruise line with Alaska seafood that’s certified sustainable by the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM). There’s also “Savor My Catch,” which allows guests to take a fishing shore excursion and the chefs onboard will then prepare the bounty for dinner.
• All ships cruising in Alaska feature “ Alaska Up Close ” expanded onboard programming. This includes the opportunity for guests to engage with an Alaska naturalist; learn from special EXC presentations that explore local topics such as Alaska’s bush pilots and the famous Iditarod race; enjoy tours that highlight the best of each destination; savor fine dining events that showcase the culinary traditions of the region; and enjoy cruises with Glacier Bay that take on a National Park Ranger and local Huna Tlingit guides.
• Holland America Line is also the only cruise company to weave must-see sites such as Denali National Park — the centerpiece of every cruisetour — with the unspoiled reaches of Canada’s Yukon Territory.

Alaska Adventures Await You

With over 75 years in Alaska and more Holland America Line sailings to Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line, there’s so much to enjoy from magnificent glaciers to beautiful wildlife. Learn more about an Alaska cruise and cruisetour to help you plan your next adventure.

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Alaska 2023 Cruise & Cruisetour Finder

Nothing Compares to an Alaska Vacation

May -September 2023 Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours

( scroll down and you'll find all the details )

People visit Alaska to see glaciers, mountains and wildlife, and Princess lets you enjoy all three on cruises and cruise tours crafted over more than 50 years of sailing here. That's why more guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line and why Travel Weekly has called us the "Best Cruise Line in Alaska" for 14 consecutive years. In 2023, their newest ship Discovery Princess returns to Alaska for her second season, sailing the Inside Passage from Seattle.

Voyage of the Glaciers: This top-rated, 7-day itinerary includes two glacier-viewing experiences: one at Glacier Bay National Park and the other at either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. Tour the Gold Rush-era towns of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan for a taste of the history and local life with a More Ashore late-night stay in Juneau on every northbound sailing. Inside Passage: Princess offers 10-day roundtrip sailings from San Francisco that journey through the Inside Passage and include visits to three ports of call plus a day of glacier viewing at either Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.

We also have popular 7-day roundtrip sailings from Seattle and 7, 8 and 10 day roundtrip sailings from Vancouver, B.C. North to Alaska: Experience more of the Great Land's culture and cuisine through our award-winning North to Alaska program. Meet lumberjacks, Iditarod champions, crab fishermen, authors and storytellers on board and ashore. Snuggle with sled-dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, sample Alaska's seafood, and have a fish you caught in the morning served to your table that night with Cook My Catch.

Princess Medallion Class Experience This effortless, personalized vacation is now available on all ships. Dine when, how and where you want, and have drinks, snacks and services delivered wherever you are. Stream your favorite shows, post photos, and video chat with fast, reliable Medallion Net Wi-Fi. Watch your stateroom door unlock as you approach, and find family and friends anywhere on board. It's your vacation your way.

Air made simple: With Princess EZair, enjoy customized suggestions based on when and where you sail, low prices with flexible fares and the reassurance that we'll get you to the ship.

2023 Alaska Cruisetours

Denali Explorer   (10-13 Nights)                                    FREE Price Quote 2023 Cruisetours

Departure Dates AA3 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 AB3 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 10, 24; Jun 7, 21; Jul 5, 19; Aug 2, 16, 30; Sep 13 Majestic Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 Sapphire Princess: May 21; Jun 4, 18; Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10 BA3 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 BB3 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 10, 24; Jun 7, 21; Jul 5, 19; Aug 2, 16, 30; Sep 13 Majestic Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 Sapphire Princess: May 21; Jun 4, 18; Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10 CA3 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 8, 23; Sep 6 CB3 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 10, 24; Jun 7, 21; Jul 5, 19; Aug 2, 16, 30; Sep 13 Majestic Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 Sapphire Princess: May 21; Jun 4, 18; Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10 DA4 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 DB4 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 9, 23; Jun 6, 20; Jul 4, 18; Aug 1, 15, 29; Sep 12 Majestic Princess: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22; Sep 5 Sapphire Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 EA4 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 EB4 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 23; Jun 6, 20; Jul 4, 18; Aug 1, 15, 29; Sep 12 Majestic Princess: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22: Sep 5 Sapphire Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 FA4 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 FB4 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 9, 23; Jun 6, 20; Jul 4, 18; Aug 1, 15, 29; Sep 12 Majestic Princess: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22: Sep 5 Sapphire Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep GA4 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 GB4 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 9, 23; Jun 6, 20; Jul 4, 18; Aug 1, 15, 29; Sep 12 Majestic Princess: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22: Sep 5 Sapphire Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 HA5 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 HB5 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 22; Jun 5, 19; Jul 3, 17, 31; Aug 14, 28; Sep 11 Majestic Princess: May 15, 29; Jun 12, 26; Jul 10, 24; Aug 7, 21; Sep 4 Sapphire Princess: May 19; Jun 2, 16, 30; Jul 14, 28; Aug 11, 25; Sep 8 IA5 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 IB5 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 8, 22; Jun 5, 19; Jul 3, 17, 31; Aug 14, 28; Sep 11 Majestic Princess: May 15, 29; Jun 12, 26; Jul 10, 24; Aug 7, 21; Sep 4 Sapphire Princess: May 19; Jun 2, 16, 30; Jul 14, 28; Aug 11, 25; Sep 8 JA5 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 JB5 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 8, 22; Jun 5, 19; Jul 3, 17, 31; Aug 14, 28; Sep 11 Majestic Princess: May 15, 29; Jun 12, 26; Jul 10, 24; Aug 7, 21; Sep 4 Sapphire Princess: May 19; Jun 2, 16, 30; Jul 14, 28; Aug 11, 25; Sep 8 KA6 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 KB6 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 7, 21; Jun 4, 18; Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10 Majestic Princess: May 14, 28; Jun 11, 25; Jul 9, 23; Aug 6, 20; Sep 3 Sapphire Princess: May 18; Jun 1, 15, 29; Jul 13, 27; Aug 10, 24; Sep 7  

*Prices are per person, USD. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses additional

Alaska Cruise Experience

Princess has a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks.

What to Expect on an Alaska Cruisetour [ Land + Sea Vacation ] Cruisetours combine a 7 day cruise with a multi-day land experience, with a choice of visits to Denali, Kenai, Copper River, Canada's Yukon Territory, Anchorage, Haines, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks. The Most Popular Route: Anchorage-Denali-Fairbanks The typical Anchorage-Denali-Fairbanks [ or in reverse order ] cruisetour is offered before or after a north - or -southbound Gulf of Alaska Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, sailing between Vancouver and either Seward or Whittier, the two main docking ports for Anchorage. When you disembark your cruise ship you will head for Anchorage via motorcoach or, if they're sailing with Princess Cruises, board a "direct to the wilderness" train directly at Whittier to Denali. The train gets you there sooner.  From Anchorage you go on up to Denali National Park, a 6-million-acre preserve  full of wildlife (bears, moose, dall sheep, fox, eagles and more), massive glaciers and majestic mountains and valleys, sweeping views of subarctic tundra, and Denali (formally known as Mt. McKinley), North America's highest peak at 20,320 feet. Travelers stay at lodges in or around the park perimeter, some owned directly by Princess. After a one or two day visit you'll go by train to Fairbanks, which is a hub for amazing activities in its outlying areas, including paddle-wheel day cruises on the Chena and Tanana rivers, jet-boat rides, and excursions to gold mines and retired dredges. Passengers typically fly home from Fairbanks.  Anchorage-Denali-Fairbanks cruisetours generally run between 10 and 14 nights. A typical route, such as Princess's popular "Denali Adventure" tours, spends two days at Denali and one in Fairbanks, with the option of adding a second day in Fairbanks and one in Anchorage. Optional extensions to Kenai Peninsula and/or the Wrangell - St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

On Your Own   (10-11 Nights)                                      FREE Price Quote 2023 Cruisetours

Departure Dates

AAX (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 ABX (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 10, 24; Jun 7, 21; Jul 5, 19; Aug 2, 16, 30; Sep 13 Majestic Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 Sapphire Princess: May 21; Jun 4, 18; Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10 BAX (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 BBX (Before Cruise) Majestic Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 EAX (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 EBX (Before Cruise) Majestic Princess: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22; Sep 5 FAX (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 FBX (Before Cruise) Majestic Princess: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22; Sep 5

One of the Biggest Reasons People Visit

Glaciers feel alive. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" - a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Off the Beaten Path   (13-15 Nights)                            FREE Price Quote 2023 Cruisetours

Departure Dates LA6 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26 Majestic Princess: May 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 LB6 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 21; Jun 4, 18; Jun 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10 Majestic Princess: May 28; Jun 11, 25; Jul 9, 23; Aug 6, 20; Sep 3 Sapphire Princess: Jun 1, 15, 29; Jul 13, 27; Aug 10, 24; Sep 7 MA7 (After Cruise) Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23 MB7 (Before Cruise) Majestic Princess: May 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 NA7 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 NB7 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 OA8 (After Cruise) Majestic Princess: May 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 OB8 (Before Cruise) Majestic Princess: May 26: Jun 9, 23; Jul 7, 21; Aug 4, 18; Sep 1 Sapphire Princess: May 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22; Sep 5

Untamed, Just like Alaska

Alaska is home to a rich array of wildlife, from the famous Big Five animals that live in Denali National Park - grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou - to bald eagles and humpback whales that migrate through the Inside Passage. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.

Connoisseur   (12-17 Nights                                          FREE Price Quote 2023 Cruisetours

Departure Dates PA5 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26 Majestic Princess: May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 PB5 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 22; Jun 5, 19; Jul 3, 17, 31; Aug 14, 28; Sep 11 Majestic Princess: May 29; Jun 12, 26; Jul 10, 24; Aug 7, 21; Sep 4 Sapphire Princess: May 19; Jun 2, 16, 30; Jul 14, 28; Aug 11, 25; Sep 8 QA6 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26 QB6 (Before Cruise) Majestic Princess: May 28; Jun 11, 25; Jul 9, 23; Aug 6, 20; Sep 3 RA6 (Before Cruise) Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 RB6 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 21; Jun 4, 18; Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10 Majestic Princess: May 14, 28; Jun 11, 25; Jul 9, 23; Aug 6, 20; Sep 3 Sapphire Princess: May 18; Jun 1, 15, 29; Jul 13, 27; Aug 10, 24; Sep 7 SB8 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 19; Jun 2, 16, 30; Jul 14, 28; Aug 11, 25: Sep 8 Majestic Princess: May 26; Jun 9, 23; Jul 7, 21; Aug 4, 18; Sep 1 Sapphire Princess: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; Jul 11, 25; Aug 8, 22; Sep 5 TA1 (After Cruise) Grand Princess: May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26 Sapphire Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23 TB1 (Before Cruise) Grand Princess: May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 Majestic Princess: May 24; Jun 7, 21; Jul 5, 19; Aug 2, 16, 30  

2023 Alaska Cruises

Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay 7 Days

 (Northbound) 7 Days Vancouver, B.C. ► Ketchikan ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising ► College Fjord Scenic Cruising ► Anchorage (Whittier) *Hubbard Glacier replaces Glacier Bay National Park

May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2 Majestic Princess

May 6, 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Grand Princess

May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6* Sapphire Princess

Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay  7 Days

(Southbound) 7  Days Anchorage (Whittier) ► Hubbard Glacier Scenic Cruising ► Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising ► Skagway ►Juneau ► Ketchikan ► Vancouver, B.C.

May 20; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 9 Majestic Princess

May 13, 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5, 19; Sep 2, 16

Grand Princess May 24; Jun 7, 21; Jul 5, 19; Aug 2, 16, 30; Sep 13 Sapphire Princess

Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure 14 Days

Vancouver, B.C. ► Ketchikan ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising ► College Fjord Scenic Cruising ► Anchorage (Whittier) ► Hubbard Glacier Scenic Cruising ► Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising ► Skagway ► Juneau ► Ketchikan ► Vancouver, B.C.

 May 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Aug 9, 23; Sep 6 Sapphire Princess

 Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) 7 Days

Seattle ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising ► Ketchikan ► Victoria, B.C. ► Seattle

May 6, 13, 20, 27; Jun 3, 10, 17, 24; Jul 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug 5, 12, 19, 26; Sep 2, 9 Crown Princess

 Inside Passage (Roundtrip from Seattle) 7 Days

Seattle ► Ketchikan ► Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier Scenic Cruising ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Victoria, B.C. ► Seattle

May 7, 14, 21, 28; Jun 4, 11, 18, 25; Jul 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Aug 6, 13, 20, 27; Sep 3, 10, 17 Discovery Princess

Inside Passage (Seattle to Vancouver, B.C.) 7 Days

Seattle ► Ketchikan ► Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier Scenic Cruising ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Vancouver, B.C. Sep 24 Discovery Princess

Inside Passage (Vancouver, B.C. to Seattle) 7 Vancouver, B.C. ► Juneau ► Hubbard Glacier Scenic Cruising ► Icy Strait Point ► Ketchikan ► Seattle Apr 30 Discovery Princess

Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) 7 Days

Vancouver, B.C. ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising ► Ketchikan ► Vancouver, B.C.

May 10; Sep 20 Sapphire Princess

Inside Passage (Roundtrip from San Francisco) 10 Days

 San Francisco ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier Scenic Cruising ► Ketchikan ► Victoria, B.C. ► San Francisco Port order varies +Sitka replaces Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord replaces Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier +Sitka replaces Skagway ♦Tracy Arm Fjord for Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier +Haines replaces Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord replaces Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier +Sitka replaces Skagway

May 17, 27*; Jun 16^; Jul 16^ , 26♦; Aug 5+, 25+; Sep 4, 14 Ruby Princess

Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) 10 Days

San Francisco ► Juneau ► Skagway ► Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising ► Ketchikan ► Victoria, B.C. ► San Francisco Port order varies +Sitka replaces Skagway

May 7; Jun 6, 26; Jul 6+; Aug 15 Ruby Princes s

National Treasures

With national parks and four of North America's tallest mountains, Alaska's wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Along with Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

Alaska Excursions Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience. Learn more about Alaska Excursions

Alaska: Whales, Wonders & Wildlife After the kind of year we just had, now that we're cruising again, we think you've earned it: Spend Summer in Alaska. One very cool place. One hot destination! One great geyaway!  

You Can A-Fjord These Adventures Watch for wildlife as you cruise through enchanting fjords, narrow inlets surrounded by massive glacial walls. At places like Misty Fjords or Kenai Fjords, you'll sail across the edge of where mountains, volcanic formations and turquoise waters converge. Be sure to snap a photo while you're there.  

Take A Hike Take a hike with great naturalist guides while visiting Talkeetna and Denali Alaska. Stretch you legs on trails from easy to epic. See Denali ( Mt. McKinley ) without national park crowds and all day bus tours. Owners Howard and Noelle Carbone have shared the wonders of Denali with Alaska's visitors since starting the family business in 1993. Princess guests staying at the Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge can take the Byers Lake Nature Walk and Denali Wilderness Hike. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity guests staying at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge can take the Talkeetna Lakes Hike.   

Glacier Sight-Soaring Generally, Alaska glaciers are viewed from one angle, so you can see that they are massive, but flightseeing - taking a small, low-flying plane over the landscape for a true bird's-eye view - allows you to see just how vast these rivers of ice can be. Take up an excursion out of Misty Fjord in Ketchikan, or soar above the massive Denali mountain with a Talkeetna adventure tour group. You may even get the chance to climb one of these icy giants.  

Six Million Acres Of Discovery Towering high in the center of the Alaska Range is the Denali, North America's tallest peak at 20,310 feet. Central to the cultural heritage of the native peoples who have lived here for thousands of years, the giant mountain is the ultimate symbol of the Alaskan wild. Denali National Park remains a wild kingdom, where animals large and small, roam free. View Dall sheep, wolves, caribou, moose and the mighty grizzly bear among many. And come summer, they are joined by more than 160 species of migratory birds.  

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Princess Cruises Announces 2023 Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours Program

Princess Cruises has announced their 2023 Alaska cruises and cruisetours program offering something for everyone to explore this destination, including the top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary, award-winning “North to Alaska” enrichment program and the ultimate experience of combining a cruise with a land tour including scenic rail travel and stays at Princess-owned wilderness lodges.

The 2023 Alaska cruises and cruisetours season, on sale Aug. 18, features six MedallionClass ships, including the cruise line’s newest Discovery Princess, returning to Alaska for a second season. With 145 departures, 14 unique itineraries, five glacier viewing experiences and departing from four convenient departure ports, cruise offerings include:

• Voyage of the Glaciers   from Vancouver, B.C. or Anchorage (Whittier):  Majestic Princess, Sapphire Princess and Grand Princess sail the top-rated, seven-day itinerary that features two glacier viewing experiences including Glacier Bay National Park.
• Inside Passage from Seattle : Discovery Princess, the newest ship in the fleet, and Crown Princess, return to the Emerald City with seven-day Inside Passage voyages.
• Inside Passage from San Francisco : Ruby Princess sails this 10-day cruise , roundtrip from the City by the Bay, with a once-in-a-lifetime experience of sailing under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Combined with a Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, guests can experience Alaska’s top-two attractions – Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park – by choosing from 24 cruisetour itineraries, ranging from three to 10 nights on land, before or after the cruise.

Here are the top-10 reasons to see the very best of Alaska with Princess:

• Princess is #1 in Alaska!
• Every cruise features at least one  glacier-viewing experience  – Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier or Tracy Arm Fjord.
• Princess takes more guests to  Glacier Bay National Park  than any other cruise line. With 84 calls to Glacier Bay in 2023, 74 percent of the cruise line’s itineraries to Alaska feature this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Cruises feature the marquee ports of  Juneau ,  Ketchikan  and  Skagway  with a “More Ashore” late-night call in Juneau on all northbound Voyage of the Glaciers and seven-day Inside Passage voyages.
• Onboard and ashore, the award-winning “ North to Alaska   enrichment program  brings together local personalities, culture and Alaska seafood to immerse guests in the history and traditions of The Last Frontier. From savoring fresh Alaska seafood to meeting locals, the program allows guests to see, feel and taste the best of the Great Land.
• A significant part of the guest services experience includes the cruise line’s effortless and personalized  Princess MedallionClass  vacation. All six cruise ships sailing to Alaska in 2023 offers personalization that simplifies the guest experience and delivers next-level service.
• Shore excursions  abound. From a lumberjack show, dog sledding on a glacier, the historic White Pass Scenic Railway, flightseeing adventures and plenty of tours with wildlife viewing – whales, bears and more – guests can choose from more than 150 tours. Exclusive to Princess, Cook My Catch offers a true sea-to-seat experience. Guests have the chance to reel in a fish during a fishing excursion and have chefs cook it for their dinner that night.
• Only Princess offers custom-built,  exclusive wilderness lodges  on the doorsteps of legendary national parks. Back by popular demand, the 17-night Princess Connoisseur Cruisetour features 10 nights on land that includes two nights at each of the five Princess Wilderness Lodges and visits five national parks.
• Princess offers exclusive  Direct-to-the Wilderness rail service  that takes guests from the ship through the heart of Alaska with breathtaking scenery to the Denali-based wilderness lodges for more time to explore the interior of this vast state.
• Every cruisetour itinerary includes  Denali National Park , a picturesque six million acres, home to North America’s tallest peak.

For more information about the multitude of offerings to explore Alaska with Princess in 2023, visit  www.princess.com/alaska .

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at  http://www.princess.com/  .

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10 Best Alaska Cruises to Take This Summer, According to Experts

We spoke to cruise experts to find the best Alaska itineraries to book this year.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

With its majestic wildlife, otherworldly glacial scenery, and endless outdoor adventure, a trip to Alaska is one for the books — and the best way to experience it, in our opinion, is by cruise. An Alaska sailing offers travelers the chance to get up close and personal to some of the destination’s most stunning natural wonders (think: Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, the Tracy Arm Fjord, and so much more). Fortunately, when it comes to the best Alaska cruises, options abound, from small-ship luxury sailings and expedition voyages to mega-ships that feel like a floating resort and theme park all in one. Ultimately, explains Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor Eric Goldring , “The question of which are the ‘best’ cruise lines for Alaska really depends on the guest’s desires as there is a balance between how in-depth they wish to delve into Alaska’s nature and Indigenous culture, what type of onboard experience they desire, and, of course, whether the cruise is family-focused.” To determine which Alaska cruise is best for you, Goldring recommends using a travel advisor “who has actually been to Alaska more than once and on different ships” so that you have “access to important first-hand knowledge.” 

According to T+L A-List travel advisor Ashton Palmer , the Alaska cruise season is short (typically from May to September) and availability is limited, which is why travelers should plan their sailings six to eight months ahead of time. While the travel advisor notes that “most trips average a week in length,” he also recommends cruisers allow time to “visit the northern part of the state, including Denali National Park, the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, and Fairbanks,” either before or after the cruise. Several cruise lines also offer land extensions (sometimes called “cruisetours”) to make the experience as seamless as possible. 

While the Alaska cruise season takes place in the warmer months, be sure to pack a few sweaters — and consider dressing in layers. When I cruised Alaska in summer 2022, the weather was (mostly) warm and sunny; however, when we sailed through Glacier Bay, it was chilly, and I was especially glad to have brought a scarf, hat, and light jacket to help brace the chill. Rob Clabbers , another T+L A-List travel advisor , agrees. What’s more, he says, “Weather can change quickly in Alaska, so one moment you may need a sweater, and the next you’re better off in shorts.” 

Meet the Expert

Eric Goldring is a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in expedition, small-ship, and medium-ship cruises. 

Ashton Palmer is a Seattle-based T+L A-List travel advisor who specializes in expedition cruises.

Rob Clabbers is a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in cruises, and he’s the founder of Q Cruise + Travel. 

Dawn Gabree is a travel advisor who specializes in Alaska cruises at Travels by Danielle.

Mary Curry is another T+L A-List advisor who specializes in small-ship cruises to Polar regions and the Galapagos. 

Now that we’ve covered the basics of all things Alaska cruising, keep reading to discover the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, featuring expert insight and award-winning picks.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruisees

Dawn Gabree, a travel advisor at Travels by Danielle who specializes in Alaska cruising, deems Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) "excellent for multigenerational families" thanks to the abundance of onboard activities. "Their larger vessels used in the Alaska market ( Encore and Bliss ) feature must-do activities like go-karting, laser tag, and water slides." On the contrary, "Their smaller vessels ( Jewel and Sun ) provide a more intimate atmosphere over the large ships." Regardless of which ship you choose, expect an array of entertainment options, including Broadway-caliber shows, which Gabree describes as "excellent." What's more, she says, "We saw their production of 'Six' on an Alaskan sailing, and it was phenomenal." The travel pro also loves the World's Best Award-winning mega-ship ocean line for its Freestyle Dining program (read: no assigned seating or fixed reservation times) and plentiful dining options to appease even the pickiest of eaters. Lastly, says Gabree, "A huge selling point for NCL is always their Free at Sea promotion, which includes perks like specialty dining, an unlimited open bar, Wi-Fi, and more. "It's a great value, in my honest opinion." 

Itinerary: The 7-day Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau, and Ketchikan itinerary sails from Seattle on select dates between April and October. Ports of call include Sitka, Juneau, Ice Strait, and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria in Canada. Scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier is also included.

Holland America Line

Tim Rue/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Holland America Line (HAL) — which recently snapped up a 2023 World’s Best Award in the large-ship ocean cruise line category — has been cruising Alaska for over 75 years. HAL prides itself on having more permits for Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line. The cruise line also offers beloved live music programming, which I got to experience firsthand on a summer 2023 Alaska sailing. Most ships boast a “Music Walk,” a section home to venues like B.B. King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard (a dueling piano bar), Lincoln Center Stage, and Rolling Stone Rock Room. After our shore excursions, we’d hop back on board the ship for drinks, dinner, and a nightcap at the dueling piano bar to jam out to hits from Billy Joel and Elton John. All of the above make HAL a popular pick among middle-aged and mature couples traveling without kids; however, onboard our summer sailing, I did notice quite a few small children traveling with their parents and grandparents. 

The onboard culinary offerings are especially noteworthy. While pulling into port one day, I remember digging into a hearty lunch of fish and chips featuring fresh-caught Alaskan halibut. (HAL is the first cruise line to serve fresh, certified-sustainable Alaskan seafood.) As of September, acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto is the Fresh Fish Ambassador as part of the line’s Global Fresh Fish Program . Cruisers can try his flavorful seafood dishes during their sailing. 

Itinerary: As a first-time Alaska cruiser, I thoroughly enjoyed the Alaska Explorer itinerary , which cruises round-trip from Seattle between June and September. Enjoy scenic cruising along the Puget Sound and Stephen’s Passage before calling on Juneau, followed by more scenic cruising in Glacier Bay. From there, it’s off to Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Victoria.

Related: The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List

Royal Caribbean International

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International — or Royal Caribbean for short — offers great fun for families of all ages looking to experience Alaska. As such, it’s no wonder why the mega-ship ocean line is loved by T+L readers and travel advisors alike. What’s more, says Gabree, “Their larger ships (Quantum Class) have equally impressive amenities like skydiving simulators (RipCord by iFLY), the FlowRider surf simulator, and SeaPlex (an indoor recreation center with bumper cars),” says Gabree. The pro is also quick to highlight the North Star observation capsule, which is available on Ovation of the Seas , which cruises Alaska. The attraction whisks passengers over 300 feet above sea level, offering picture-perfect 360-degree views. Put simply, she says, “This is a one-of-a-kind experience when sailing scenic destinations like Alaska.”

The fun continues the minute cruisers disembark in each port, with excursions ranging from dogsledding to private helicopter tours. Back on board, Gabree recommends The Chef’s Table for a truly memorable meal — and I, too, can attest to this. While on board a Caribbean sailing with the cruise line, I had the chance to indulge in this chef- and sommelier-led multi-course food and wine pairing adventure. Four years later, I still find myself dreaming of the delicious circular-shaped dessert known as “The World” — the perfect combo of peanut butter ganache, chocolate mousse, and salted caramel gelato).

Itinerary: Set sail on the aforementioned Ovation of the Seas and embark on a journey through Alaska with Royal Caribbean’s 7-night Alaska Experience itinerary . Cruising round-trip from Seattle, the ship stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka before heading onto Canada, where it calls on Victoria and Vancouver.

Princess Cruises

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Princess Cruises is among T+L readers’ top five favorite mega-ship ocean lines , and its Alaska sailings are not to be missed. Unlike other mega-ship lines, says Gabree, Princess is not at all flashy. That said, she recommends it for “more mature cruisers or those looking for a quieter atmosphere.” So, while you won’t find go-karts or race tracks aboard Princess ships, you can expect incredible educational programming. Don’t miss Puppies on the Piazza, which offers passengers the chance to interact with sled dogs brought on board by local mushers in Skagway. The line also partners with the Glacier Bay National Park rangers and the Discovery Channel to offer unique onboard exhibits and interactive activities like the Jr. Ranger Program. Similarly, says Gabree, “The naturalists that come aboard are extremely knowledgeable.” Last but not least, the service is top-notch. According to the pro, the staff is best described as “attentive and very pleasant.” 

Itinerary: Book the 14-day Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure , which sets sail on select dates between May and September. Passengers will cruise round-trip from Vancouver and visit Juneau, Skagway, Anchorage, and Ketchikan. Bonus: Scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, and Hubbard Glacier is also built into the itinerary.

Related: All 16 Princess Cruises Ships, From Newest to Oldest

Seabourn Cruise Line

Courtesy of Seabourn

This World’s Best Award-winning cruise line combines the best of expedition-style and luxury cruising, making it a popular pick amongst well-heeled, adventure-seeking travelers. Highlights include bespoke service, all-suite oceanfront accommodations (most with private balconies), world-class dining (the cruise line has a partnership with Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller), and, last but not least, a swanky country club-esque atmosphere. According to Goldring, both Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Odyssey offer similar Alaska itineraries in 2024; however, it will be the latter’s final sailing since it was sold. 

Alaska sailings feature a team of academics, scientists, and naturalists, all of whom are on hand to provide expert insight and lead excursions (think: kayaking and Zodiac tours, hiking, bear viewing, and so on). Also, according to Goldring, Seabourn ships “travel no further north than Juneau” and offer a “more intensive and nature-focused experience.” On a similar note, says Clabbers, thanks to the vessels’ small size, cruisers can “spend more time sailing through places like Misty Fjords, where most ships can’t go.” Back onboard, says Clabbers, “enjoy Champagne and caviar when you like, or relax in your suite, the spa, or elsewhere.” 

Itinerary: The 7-day Alaska Fjords and Canadian Inside Passage cruise sails from Juneau to Vancouver, calling on Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, Wrangell, Rudyerd Bay (Misty Fjords), and, finally, Prince Rupert in British Columbia. Scenic cruising through Stephens Passage, Decision Passage, Stikine Strait, and the Behm Canal are also included in the itinerary.

Celebrity Cruises

jewhyte/Getty Images

Those who prefer a “younger atmosphere on a modern, larger ship with lots of bars and restaurants and entertainment” should consider cruising Alaska aboard the Celebrity Edge, explains Clabbers. (While Edge is the newest Celebrity ship to cruise Alaska, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit also sail here . ) Per the pro, the seven-night sailings on Edge “include key destinations like Ketchikan and Skagway,” along with a quick visit to Victoria in British Columbia and scenic cruising through the beautiful Endicott Arm Fjord. Additionally, the World’s Best Award-winning line offers round-trip sailings from both Vancouver and Seattle — as well as one-way itineraries between Vancouver and Seward, the latter of which offer more time to explore (read: fewer sea days).

Regardless of the ship, passengers can expect a wide range of entertainment offerings, an abundance of bars, restaurants, and lounges, and a handful of accommodation options. Speaking of the latter, wellness-seeking duos can reserve an AquaClass stateroom, which includes perks like complimentary dining at the exclusive Blu restaurant, their very own spa concierge, and unlimited access to the adults-only Sea Thermal Suite. Alternatively, for a worth-it splurge, opt for a suite in The Retreat, which includes a dedicated team of concierges and butlers, access to a private lounge and/or sundeck (note that the latter is not available on Celebrity Solstice ), premium drinks, Wi-Fi, and access to the private Luminae at The Retreat restaurant, helmed by chef Daniel Boulud. 

Itinerary : The aforementioned 7-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary on Celebrity Edge cruises round-trip from Seattle and visits Ketchikan, Endicott Arm Fjord (scenic cruising), Juneau, Skagway, the Inside Passage (scenic cruising), and Victoria.

Related: What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Viking Ocean Cruises

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises recently nabbed a 2023 World’s Best Award in the midsize-ship ocean cruise lines category, coming in at first place for the second year in a row. The line’s identical ocean ships offer a sleek Scandinavian design, which only enhances the tranquil atmosphere on board. The luxury adults-only line is also all-inclusive, covering meals, activities, most beverages, Wi-Fi, port taxes and fees, spa access, and one complimentary excursion in every port of call. Cruisers can bask in the mountain and glacier views from the comfort of their private balcony — and, if they’re lucky, they may even spot a whale or two. Finally, in addition to classic ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, Viking Ocean Cruises’ Alaska itinerary also calls on Valdez, which is chock-full of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. 

Itinerary : The 10-night Alaska and the Inside Passage itinerary , which sails between Vancouver and Seward, “is a great choice for curious travelers who have a bit more time and want to learn more about Alaska,” says Clabbers.

Courtesy of Silversea

Those craving a luxury Alaska cruise need not look further than Silversea, says Goldring. Additionally, “While primarily for adults ranging from contemplative to active, Silversea is also a good option for families with more mature children who are more engaged with the journey than onboard child-focused activities.” Silversea guests enjoy all-suite staterooms with butler service and an all-around tony atmosphere. The line’s Door-to-Door All-Inclusive fares cover private airport transfers, economy flights, business-class upgrades or air credits, and shore excursions. 

This luxury cruise line offers classic and expedition-style cruising, the latter of which takes aboard the 274-passenger Silver Wind . (Classic cruises, on the other hand, take place on board Silver Muse , Silver Nova , Silver Shadow , Silver Whisper , or Silver Moon ). Nova and Moon offer the Sea and Land Taste program (S.A.L.T), offering culinary connoisseurs the incredible opportunity to experience the local food scene and culture both on and off the ship. Last but not least, keep in mind that Silversea sails between Vancouver and Seward (with the exception of one September 2024 itinerary, which sails from Nome to Vancouver).

Itinerary : The 7-day Vancouver to Seward sailing on board Silver Nova features Inside Passage scenic cruising and stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka. Before disembarking in Seward, enjoy scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier.

Related: This Is the Cheapest Time to Cruise to Alaska

UnCruise Adventures

Courtesy of UnCruise

“If you are looking for a more casual and laid-back experience, Seattle-based UnCruise Adventures offers down-to-earth trips with enthusiastic naturalist guides, simple accommodations, and hearty local cuisine,” says Palmer. Mary Curry , another T+L A-List travel advisor, echoes these sentiments, explaining that “small ships are the absolute best way to see Alaska if your goal is to immerse yourself in nature and wildlife.” While the cabins are no-frills, Curry stresses that the main focus of the cruise is “getting off the ship and exploring everything Alaska's Inside Passage has to offer.” With that said, when it comes to activities, options abound. Per the pro, travelers can “choose between a menu of included excursions such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, zodiac cruises, whale watching, and more.” All in all, UnCruise really does offer something for everyone. 

Itinerary : For a truly unique Alaska itinerary, consider the Aleutian Islands Adventure with Kodiak, Katmai, and Kenai Wilderness . Cruisers embark in Whittier before making their way to Kenai Fjords National Park, Kodiak Island and Foul Bay, Katmai National Park, Ugashik National Wildlife Refuge, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, the Shumagin and Unga Islands, False Pass, and Unalaska (where they’ll dock overnight in Dutch Harbor before disembarking the next day).

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Courtesy of Nation Geographic

For a true expedition-style experience, Lindblad Expeditions is your best bet. The cruise line offers itineraries in partnership with National Geographic, which have come highly recommended by almost every travel advisor we spoke to. Just take it from Curry, who tells T+L, “If you want to learn about Alaska from a team of exceptional experts, there's no better choice than a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic itinerary. “Every night before dinner,” she says, “We would hear about what we had seen on our excursions that day from the perspective of the experts — naturalists, geologists, marine mammal researchers, and even a diver who would share magical and colorful images from underwater of the area we had explored via Zodiac during the day.” According to the pro, the vessels are “some of the nicest and most modern small ships in the area,” some of which have private balconies along with “little extras” like water bottle filling stations, a mudroom to store gear, and multiple disembarkation platforms to get travelers on and off the ship quickly. Meanwhile, Goldring notes the line’s National Geographic Global Explorers family program, “which focus[es] on interactive and hands-on education with a true naturalist during outings.” As a result, cruisers can expect “a far more enriching experience [than those] offered by most other lines.” 

Itinerary : The weeklong Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness itinerary is “perfect for couples and multi-generational families interested in an engaging and authentic experience exploring the fjords, islands, and small coastal communities,” says Palmer. The itinerary sails between Juneau and Sitka throughout May and September. Along the way, cruisers will visit Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, the tiny fishing town of Petersburg, Glacier Bay National Park, and more.

Related : 21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

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Seven Princess Ships Offer 14 Alaska Itineraries in 2023

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• April 11, 2023

Princess Cruises is preparing for the beginning of its 2023 Alaska cruise season, which is set to start on April 29th. Seven Princess vessels will play Alaskan waters this year, operating 14 different itineraries and 25 land-sea vacations: Discovery, Royal, Ruby, Majestic, Grand, Crown, and Sapphire Princess.

New for 2023 is an expanded Wild for Alaska seafood menu as well as a new Garden-to-Table menu for cruisetour guests staying at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge.

An extensive beverage program for the season includes lots of hot and frozen beverages to choose from, as well as a variety of cocktails and other libations.

Wild For Alaska Seafood

Introduced last year, the Wild for Alaska Seafood menu is a location-based initiative featuring an extensive menu that features a rotation of fresh Alaska seafood dishes along with destination-inspired cocktails and spirits.

Alaska seafood dishes with featured items are offered each night in the main dining rooms, and will include things like King (Chinook), Sockeye, and Coho salmon; wild Alaska cod; halibut; rockfish; Dungeness crab; wild spot prawns; and razor clams.

This year, passengers can also enjoy new Alaska seafood bowls featuring fresh salmon, which will be offered in the buffet. Other new dishes include Steelhead Salmon Carpaccio, King Salmon with Razor Clams, and an authentic Alaskan Crab Cake.

MORE: Carnival Cruise Line Hikes Rental Pricing at Two Port Destinations

Beverage Program

Princess’ expanded beverage program includes:

• Coffee and hot chocolate-based beverages such as the Spiced Rum Hot Chocolate, Gingerbread Breakfast, White Glacier, and more
• Hosted Alaskan beer tastings and other beer flights
• Themed frozen drinks including the Ketchikan Strawberry Shortcake, Alaskan Polar Bear, and Juneau Goldbelt Tram
• Flights of Alaskan cocktails, including a sampling of beverages made from spirits produced in Alaska
• Bloody Mary and mimosa tasting flights, plus — on certain days — a Bloody Mary bar near the main pool
• The Alaska Wine Experience that gives passengers the chance to try a diverse selection of wines paired with Alaska salmon

Itinerary Information & Season Highlights

Princess’ Alaska cruises this year range from seven to 11 days, departing from San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage (Whittier).

Cruisetours allow passengers to extend their trips, bringing them 500 miles into the heart of Alaska where they’ll transfer from the ship to a train to Denali all in one day. Land tour options include Princess’ five wilderness lodges and the chance to visit Denali National Park.

Other highlights of Princess’ 2023 Alaska season include:

• Every voyage features at least one glacier viewing experience: Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, or Tracy Arm Fjord
• All northbound Voyage of the Glaciers and seven-day Inside Passage itineraries feature a “More Ashore” late-night call in Juneau
• Over 150 shore excursions, including the exclusive-to-Princess Cook My Catch experience where guests can catch a fish during a fishing excursion and have on board chefs cook it for their dinner that night
• Back by popular demand, the 17-night Princess Connoisseur Cruisetour features 10 nights on land that includes two nights at each of Princess’ five wilderness lodges and visits five national parks
• New for 2023, guests staying at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge can enjoy Garden-to-Table offerings where they can walk through the garden on property, then enjoy the chefs’ creations using the produce harvested from the garden throughout the season.
• Princess’ Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service takes passengers from the ship through the heart of Alaska to the Denali-based wilderness lodges.

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Seabourn Kicks Off 2023 Alaska & British Columbia Season; Will Offer Immersive, Luxury Expedition-Style Experiences In The Last Frontier

SEATTLE, May 11, 2023 – Seabourn , the leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, kicks off its 2023 Alaska & British Columbia season today with Seabourn Odyssey sailing an eight-day voyage from Vancouver to Juneau. Seabourn has carefully curated an enriching and in-depth schedule for its 2023 season in Alaska with visits to some of the region’s most popular destinations and rarely visited ports throughout the Inside Passage. The season will also offer a number of immersive experiences through Seabourn’s popular and unique Ventures by Seabourn program, featuring optional, for-charge guided kayak and Zodiac tours led by the line’s world-class expedition team.

Seabourn Odyssey ’s intimate size—which carries just 458 guests—allows for maneuverability and unmatched access to rare and unexpected ports, offering guests deeper and more meaningful connections with the destination. On board, its club-like atmosphere, award-winning service and spacious oceanfront suites make it seamless to explore these breathtaking natural wonders with uncompromising, sophisticated amenities and luxury.

“Only on Seabourn can our guests visit the Last Frontier with an ultra-luxury experience that seamlessly blends exhilarating, up-close adventures with luxurious amenities that will leave guests with memories to last a lifetime,” said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. “There is so much to experience in Alaska and British Columbia. From towering glaciers and untamed, dynamic landscapes to diverse wildlife and cultures, the land has everything to satisfy anyone’s thirst for adventure.”

Seabourn Odyssey will feature 19 sailings in Alaska from May through October 2023, including a total of 14 seven-day itineraries headed northbound or southbound between Vancouver and Juneau, with different sites, scenes, adventures, and ports to experience each way. Guests can also combine two seven-day voyages to create a longer, more immersive 14-day round-trip Vancouver voyages. Seabourn Odyssey will also offer two 10-day Alaska Fjord Odyssey itineraries, as well as two 11-day Inside Passage & Alaska Fjords voyages scheduled roundtrip from Vancouver in June and September. Each sailing will include spectacular glacier experiences in places like Hubbard Glacier, Tracy or Endicott Arm or Glacier Bay—a National Park home to more than 50 named glaciers.

Seabourn Odyssey’s voyages will also offer a variety of “active luxury” adventures through Ventures by Seabourn, which provides expert-guided adventures such as hiking, kayaking, catamaran and Zodiac sailings to get up close to Alaska’s wildlife and unique landscapes. Available on all Alaska sailings, Ventures by Seabourn will include explorations of various glaciers, the Inian Islands, Rudyerd Bay (Misty Fjords), Alert Bay in British Columbia, and more. These excursions will be led by Seabourn Odyssey’s knowledgeable expedition team of naturalists, science, wildlife and historical experts, in cooperation with some of our local partners. They will also interact with guests throughout each sailing, including complimentary formal presentations as part of the Seabourn Conversations program, and on deck, pointing out, interpreting and enhancing desirable locations as well as in more casual conversations over meals or at leisure. Guests who can’t get enough can get more through team chronicles and photos shared via Seabourn’s Voyage Tracker.

In addition, each of the Alaska voyages will include complimentary Seabourn all-weather jackets; opportunities for frequent wildlife sightings from the ship and shore; and complimentary special events and experiences, including the signature "Caviar on the Ice" deck party.

Select 2023 Seabourn ultra-luxury Alaska voyages qualify for Seabourn’s latest promotions, including the “Bon Voyage Event ”, which offers an air credit up to $2,000 USD per guest per guest, complimentary two-category Veranda Suite upgrade and reduced 10 percent deposit; or the “Finale Sail” , which unlocks savings up to 30 percent when they book a fully non-refundable cruise fare for select suite categories. While not combinable, both promotions are available through July 10, 2023.

For more details about Seabourn, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, contact a professional travel advisor, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

About Seabourn:

Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel and operates a suite of six modern ships with one under construction. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, including Seabourn Venture that launched in 2022 and Seabourn Pursuit scheduled to enter service in 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

For more details about Seabourn, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, contact a professional travel advisor, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com .

End of Season Alaska Cruises: Are They Worth It?

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Alaska is a primarily summer destination; over 90% of people visit Alaska during the summer season between the end of May and mid-September. And 50% of those people take an Alaska cruise. This means that cruising during the summer is a very popular – and pricey – activity, and will probably give you some sticker shock even if you find a good deal.

To avoid the crowds and costs, some mega-ship cruise companies have begun offering “end of season” Alaska cruises, which take place after the main summer season. But are these Alaska cruises in September and October a good idea? What do you need to know before booking an end of season Alaska cruise?

I’ve been fortunate to take three Alaska cruises (so far): one in early May, one in June, and one in September. While I haven’t done an end of season Alaska cruise personally, that’s for good reason: I don’t recommend them and don’t want to take one. (Though if any of the cruise companies would like to invite me to come try one and change my opinion, I’m happy to give it a shot and update this post to be a better resource!)

In this post, I’ll cover the basics of “end of season” Alaska cruises, to help you decide if the timing of these cruises will be right for you, given other considerations you might not be aware of with these itineraries.

In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the Lingít Aaní (traditional lands) of the Tlingit people. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore  Native Land .

Table of Contents

What is an “End of Season” Alaska Cruise?

Historically, the Alaska cruise season only used to run from Memorial Day through Labor Day – more or less. In the past few years though – especially since the pandemic – cruise companies have scheduled the days of their final departures in Alaska later and later – now you’ll see cruises running all the way through Halloween, almost two months later!

The more strict definition would therefore say that the “end of season” is after Labor Day; when I say “end of season” in Alaska, I would actually define that “end” as when Denali National Park closes for the season up in the Interior – this is usually mid-September. (In 2023, the final Tundra Wilderness Tour runs on September 14.)

So the “end of season” window in Alaska is from mid-September through the end of October; an “end of season” Alaska cruise is any cruise that departs in mid-September or later. This is also what I typically consider the late autumn /early winter season.

In 2023, here are the itineraries that I consider to be “end of season” for each cruise company:

• Carnival Cruises is offering a 7-day round-trip cruise from Seattle aboard the Carnival Spirit departing September 12th.
• Celebrity Cruises has two late-season cruises scheduled: their Alaska Dawes Glacier , departing September 15, and their Alaska Hubbard Glacier , departing September 17.
• Holland America has over 40 cruises running in September, including two dozen after mid-September.
• Princess Cruises is running a dozen different itineraries after mid-September.
• Royal Caribbean also has almost two dozen September cruises , including about half after the mid month.

And hands down the most audacious is Norwegian Cruise Line , who has end of season Alaska cruises departing as late as October 22, 2023 .

There also “early season” Alaska cruises, which set out from May 1st and later. I also cover these at the end of the post, if you’re trying to decide if one of those might be a good idea.

Weather During the End of Season in Alaska

To illustrate how the weather differs at the end of the season compared with the peak season, I’ve pulled data using Juneau as a representative community for the entire Inside Passage. However, it’s worth noting that many communities have more dramatic weather than Juneau, which is relatively sheltered and in the middle of this waterway. If you look at data for communities like Skagway and Sitka, the seasonal changes are even more dramatic (in temperature for Skagway and rainfall for Sitka).

Here’s the average daily average temperature in Juneau for the past five years:

The differences between these average temperatures in September (49-51°F) and October (41-45°F) with the average in July (58°F) might not seem like much, but it’s definitely enough to go from layering up to wearing all your layers.

Similarly, the Inside Passage gets wetter as the season goes on:

Juneau gets 50-100% more rain in the autumn than in the summer – so your chance of clear days is much better in the middle of the summer season compared with the end of the season.

Cons of End of Season Alaska Cruises

If you can’t tell, one of the main considerations when planning an end-of-season Alaska cruise is the weather – hence dedicating a whole section to it. But there are some other things I think are major strikes against these itineraries, and why I don’t recommend booking them.

• Many experiences are closed/unavailable . The typical Alaska summer season pretty much ends state-wide when Denali shuts down. This is when the seasonal employees head home, restaurants and hotels close, and tours stop operating. If you’re thinking a September or October Alaska cruise will have the same opportunities to try activities like flightseeing, glacier hiking, or whale-watching boat tours, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
• Less of what you spend goes into the local economy. One of my big complaints about the large cruise companies in general is how little of what you spend ends up in the small Alaskan businesses you see in each port; this is even more the case for end of season Alaska cruises. Because most businesses are not open, the tours that are offered are likely to be operated by the cruise company themselves – lessening the economic benefit of cruising further.
• Wildlife isn’t as active. As winter sets in across Alaska, wildlife and sealife are not as likely to be seen. For example, grizzly bears go into hibernation and humpback whales migrate south to Hawaii for their feeding season. If seeing wildlife is a key item on your Alaska bucket list , an end of season Alaska cruise is not the way to accomplish that.
• Some areas become inaccessible. I mentioned it already, but Denali National Park closes in mid-September – in part because that’s around the time when the snow flies and the road becomes increasingly impassible. Winter weather affects many parts of Alaska as the autumn progresses; some glacier experiences, hikes, and other natural wonders might be dangerous to reach, and are thus not something you can do during your cruise – even if there is a tour operator who wants to offer an excursion.
• The weather sucks. Even by Alaskan standards, the weather in September and October in the Inside Passage is not great. It’s colder, wetter, more overcast, and just less generally enjoyable. If you’re booking a balcony cabin hoping to enjoy your morning coffee out there each day, be sure to pack a raincoat !

Pros of End of Season Alaska Cruises

So if it’s colder, wetter, and very little is open, why do cruise companies even schedule end of season Alaska cruises? There are some pros that make it appealing to certain visitors:

• End of season Alaska Cruises are cheaper. Cruise companies discount these itineraries, since they know they aren’t as in-demand or appealing to travelers.
• There are far fewer crowds at the end of the season in Alaska. If your travel nightmare is one with crowds of people, I’m not sure why you love cruising… But also, you can cruise at the end of the season to avoid that experience.
• The ships are dry and warm. If you love cruising, you might just want to spend time on the ship at a good price and enjoy the scenery when it’s visible through whatever weather you can see through ship windows from your nice, cozy spot inside.
• There’s a chance to see the northern lights. One big appeal for late-season Alaska cruises is the chance to see the aurora, which is generally visible from mid-September onward in the Inside Passage. While there’s no guarantee as it’s still quite early in aurora season, it’s certainly possible in a way that it’s not for summer cruises.

Want help planning your Alaska trip?

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Should You Take an End of Season Alaska Cruise?

So given all those pros and cons, what is my final recommendation: are end of season Alaska cruises worth it?

For me? No, I would not book an end of season Alaska cruise nor recommend one for the vast majority of people visiting Alaska. There are too many aspects that make it not a great experience by the standards I have for my readers. While they are cheaper, I don’t believe you’ll really experience the magic of Alaska on an end of season cruise – especially if it’s your first trip. Please trust me and adjust your travel plans to make it an unforgettable trip for all the good experiences you have on an Alaska summer cruise (not any of the potentially/inevitable bad ones you might have on an end of season cruise).

If, however, you are a die-hard many-time cruiser and just want to spend time on the ship, (potentially) seeing some beautiful scenery out the window, these cruises could be a good option.

What About Early Season Alaska Cruises?

If you’re sold on not taking an Alaska cruise in late September or October, awesome – but how about those early season cruises that happen between the beginning of May and Memorial Day when the season “officially” kicks off?

I actually love this timing for Alaska cruises, and they have many of the pros that end of season Alaska cruises do (like lower costs and fewer crowds). If you’re looking to save and open to a less conventional/crowded Alaska cruise, take a look at those early-to-mid May dates and I think you’ll be pleased.

(I took an Alaska cruise during the second week of May in 2017 with Uncruise and while it was still chilly and not as many experiences were open in each port, it was an amazing trip.)

Have any other question about early or end of season Alaska cruises? Let me know in the comments below!

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I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest – but my heart will always be out West. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge.

I booked already for Sept. should I change my plans?? I have never been on an Alaskan cruise.

If your cruise is in the first half of September, you’ll still have a great time – if it’s in the second half, yes, I would change your plans.

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What’s New for the 2024 Alaska Cruise Season?

After posting record cruise visitor numbers in 2023 and breaking records across several ports of call – including homeports like Vancouver, Canada – the 2024 Alaska cruise season is shaping up to be one of the most interesting and successful in years.

From an elongated cruise season to new ships heading north to lavish hotel upgrades and infrastructure developments, here’s what cruisers can look forward to in The Last Frontier in 2024.

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The 2024 alaska cruise season starts in april – and ends in late october, celebrity edge will sail to alaska for the first time ever, holland america will offer a special 28-day alaska cruise in 2024, skagway’s railroad dock should be operational again, alyeska resort will debut new, refurbished rooms in 2024, juneau is getting a new cruise ship and waterfront facility downtown at aak’w landing, alaska cruising in 2024: as grand and exciting as ever.

Norwegian Cruise Line will kick things off on Saturday, April 6, 2024, when Norwegian Bliss arrives in Seattle to start the 2024 Alaska season off. For the first two weeks, Norwegian Bliss will sail unopposed in Alaska until other vessels begin to sail over from Asia later that month.

Lindblad Expeditions ’ National Geographic Sea Lion will be the first ship of 2024 to depart Vancouver on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Norwegian will also be the last line with scheduled cruises to Alaska next year: Norwegian Jewel will depart Seattle for the last time on October 28, 2024 – a very late season indeed on the notoriously-stormy Pacific Ocean.

The big news (literally) next year is that Celebrity Cruises ’ revolutionary Celebrity Edge will be deployed to Alaska for the first time in its history. Launched in 2018, the 2,918-passenger ship is as notable for its unique design and walls of glass-windowed lounges as it is for the Magic Carpet : a bright-orange cantilevered platform that functions as an enclosed dining and bar venue and tender embarkation landing.

Celebrity Edge will be primarily based out of Seattle, where it will sail weeklong roundtrips to Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Dawes Glacier, and Victoria, British Columbia. A special one-off sailing will depart from Vancouver and end in Seattle on May 11, while a return voyage on September 13, 2024 will sail from Seattle and end in Vancouver.

The ship will be joined by fleetmates Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit on sailings out of Vancouver and Seattle, with roundtrip cruises and one-way sailings between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska on offer again for the 2024 season aboard Celebrity Summit.

For those looking for a longer sailing to Alaska, Holland America Line really delivers the goods in 2024.

Out of approximately 100 sailings to The Last Frontier, the line is pulling out all the stops with Westerdam’ s 28-day “Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice” cruise. The nearly month-long cruise departs roundtrip from Seattle and calls on Anchorage, Dutch Harbor, Skagway, Homer, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Nome, Seward, Sitka, Valdez and Wrangell.

Westerdam also calls on Prince Rupert, British Columbia and visits Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, Prince William Sound, and even Little Diomede Island – one of two islands situated in the Bering Sea between the Alaskan mainland and Siberia. It’s counterpart, Big Diomede Island, is barely two miles away but is owned by Russia.

Can’t make it in 2024? Not to fear: Holland America is deploying Westerdam on a similar itinerary again in 2025.

If 28 days on a ship is a touch too long, Holland America is also running a series of 14-day cruises from Vancouver aboard Nieuw Amsterdam . These call on Seward, Anchorage, Kodiak, Valdez, Juneau, Skagway, Wrangell and Ketchikan and include visits to Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.

The line also continues to offer a program of weeklong Alaska cruises sailing from both Vancouver and Seattle in 2024.

Rockslides in 2022 and 2023 caused havoc for one of Skagway’s most popular docking spaces: the mountainside Railroad Dock. And while mitigation work in 2023 involved controlled demolition, chain slide guards and a network of shuttle busses, barricades and passenger walkways, the 2024 cruise season is looking better for the former Gold Rush town as FEMA declared it would provide Skagway with $19.9 million to solve the problem.

The town plans to use the money – which will cover three quarters of the overall total cost – to secure the Railroad Dock and avoid having to bus passengers from one end to the other; an expensive and costly solution that no one liked.

There are other improvements coming for Skagway’s terminal facilities as well: the Ore Dock on the north end of town will also see improvements and upgrades to better handle both passenger and freight traffic coming into Skagway, thanks to a $17 million grant from the Canadian Yukon territory that borders Skagway.

Those looking to extend their northbound or southbound Alaska cruise might want to consider a stop at Alaska’s secluded Alyeska Resort, situated 45 minutes south of Anchorage in the town of Girdwood.

Cruise Critic had the opportunity to stay at the Lodge earlier in the summer of 2023 and found it to be a unique and luxurious mountain hideaway that’s wholly different from the usual Alaskan hotel experience. The Resort boasts hot springs mineral pools, a sumptuous Nordic spa, an elevated four-diamond restaurant situated atop the mountain, and two brand-new “Veilbreaker” skybridges situated 2,500 feet above the mountain valley.

Now, for 2024, the Resort is unveiling its new Black Diamond Club Suites that Cruise Critic had the chance to experience last summer. These 36 newly-refitted rooms that range in size from 325 square feet to a whopping 1,971-foot Presidential Suite come equipped with a 50-inch smart screen television, Nespresso machine, Dyson hair dryer, luxury jersey robes and slippers, bathroom amenities by Bamford, luxury linens and a pillow menu to cater to individual sleep style.

The Resort was acquired by Canadian company Pomeroy in 2018 and has expanded its facilities substantially in that time. Access to the cruise port of Seward is available by car or the far-more-scenic Alaska Railroad.

While it won’t be done for some time, visitors to Juneau in 2024 are likely to notice a buzz of activity on the north side of the harbor: the construction of a new $150-million development on the waterfront that will include a brand-new cruise terminal.

Branded as Aak’w Landing, Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the land in 2019 and gave it to Huna Totem Corporation, which built and manages the popular Icy Strait Point port of call.

The new development, which will be located off Egan Drive on the northwestern side of Juneau and will sit outside the downtown area, is expected to house a cultural and science center, retail space and underground parking, in addition to the new pier.

Alaska’s scenery may stay as grand as ever, but these are just a few of the major developments scheduled for The Last Frontier in 2024. To find and book the perfect Alaska cruise , be sure to use Cruise Critic’s very own Find a Cruise tool .

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Princess Cruises deployes 7 ships in Alaska in 2023 (14 itineraries & 25 cruisetours)

Princess Cruises announced updates for the upcoming 2023 cruise and cruisetour season in Alaska. As the leading cruise line in Alaska, Princess is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, immersive programming, and unparalleled guest experiences.

The company sails 7 ships throughout The Great Land across 14 itineraries and 25 land-sea vacations, including the newest ship Discovery Princess along with Royal , Ruby , Majestic , Grand , Crown , and Sapphire Princess .

One of the highlights of the 2023 season is the expanded Wild for Alaska Seafood menu, available to all guests sailing with Princess in Alaska. This industry-first initiative, introduced in 2022, features a rotation of fresh Alaska seafood dishes, along with destination-inspired cocktails made from local spirits. Princess Cruises has partnered with Pacific Seafood, Alaska Seafood, and Alaska Leader Seafood, all known for their environmentally responsible practices and sustainable fishing methods, to develop this unique dining experience. Guests can indulge in a variety of Alaska seafood, including multiple varieties of salmon, wild Alaska cod, halibut, rockfish, Dungeness crabs, spot prawns, and razor clams, highlighting the freshest ingredients from the region.

In addition to the Wild for Alaska Seafood menu, Princess Cruises is also introducing a new Garden-to-Table menu for cruisetour guests staying at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. Guests can stroll through the lodge's large garden, filled with Alaska-grown vegetables and flowers thriving in the summer sunshine, and enjoy the chefs' menu creations using the fresh produce harvested throughout the season.

The beverage program for the 2023 season is also getting a makeover, with decadent coffee and hot chocolate-based creations, themed frozen drinks, Alaska wines, and flights of Alaska beer and cocktails being introduced. Guests can warm up with delicious drinks like Spiced Rum Hot Chocolate and Gingerbread Breakfast, sample Alaska beers through tastings or order beer flights, indulge in themed frozen drinks like Ketchikan Strawberry Shortcake and Alaskan Polar Bear, enjoy Alaska cocktails made from local spirits, and even participate in the Alaska Wine Experience with wine pairings featuring Alaska salmon.

The brand's commitment to showcasing the beauty of Alaska goes beyond dining and beverages. Every cruise itinerary includes at least one glacier-viewing experience, with Princess taking more guests to Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. Cruises also visit marquee ports like Juneau , Ketchikan , and Skagway , with late-night calls in Juneau on select itineraries. Guests can choose from over 150 shore excursions, including unique experiences like lumberjack shows, dog sledding on glaciers, flightseeing adventures, and wildlife viewing tours to spot whales, bears, and more. Exclusive to Princess Cruises, Cook My Catch allows guests to reel in a fish during a fishing excursion and have it cooked for their dinner that night, creating unforgettable culinary memories.

For those looking to explore more of Alaska's interior, Princess Cruises offers cruisetours that seamlessly combine a cruise with land tour options, including visits to Denali National Park and Princess' five signature Wilderness Lodges. The 17-night Princess Connoisseur Cruisetour is back by popular demand, featuring 10 nights on land with stays at each of the five Princess Wilderness Lodges and visits to five national parks.

Princess Cruises also takes care of guests' transportation with their Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service, which takes guests from the ship through the heart of Alaska with breathtaking scenery to the Denali-based wilderness lodges, providing more time to explore the vast interior of this stunning state.

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Alaska Cruises

The great land awaits – set sail with princess, the #1 alaska cruise line.

#1 Cruise Line In Alaska *

Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries and connect with loved ones, locals and Alaska's wilderness with Princess ® .

* More guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line

Up to 40% off + $99 Deposit†

Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours

Alaska cruisetours, see denali on an alaska cruisetour.

Alaska cruisetours combine our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to ten nights on land exploring Denali National Park. Travel aboard our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® train and unwind at Princess Wilderness Lodges®. Every year Princess introduces more people to Denali National Park than any other cruise line.

Voyage of the Glaciers

Twice the glaciers.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Inside Passage Roundtrip Seattle

7-day Alaska cruises

Sail the Inside Passage, a series of channels and waterways formed by the march of glaciers, on your 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. With an abundance of landmarks and wildlife, take in the sights and sounds of the Inside Passage from the comfort of your ship or on a thrilling excursion ashore. Explore fjords, glaciers and Gold Rush-era towns on weekend voyages out of Seattle.

Inside Passage Roundtrip San Francisco

10 or 11-day Alaska cruises

Travel the Inside Passage on 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures. Begin by sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast. As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people.

Inside Passage Roundtrip Vancouver

Alaska cruises that inspire

Feed your hunger for adventure on a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver, B.C. Wind your way through fjords, by bright-green forests and through quaint Gold Rush-era towns on your way to the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park. Then experience age-old traditions with the locals.

Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure

14-day Alaska cruises

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our back-to-back Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend 14 days roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy three glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord.

NEW Alaska long voyages

New for 2025, we have crafted longer adventures at sea with a 22-day roundtrip voyage sailing from San Francisco that coincides with Summer Solstice and a 17-day roundtrip cruise from Seattle, featuring three days of scenic glacier viewing as well as charming ports like Wrangell and Valdez. For those voyagers seeking to sail from Southern California all the way up the Pacific coast to Alaska, try a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles.

2025 Alaska New Cruise & Cruisetour Itineraries.  Learn more

With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska Cruise Ports of Call

• College Fjord
• Endicott Arm
• Glacier Bay National Park
• Hubbard Glacier
• Icy Strait Point
• Victoria, B.C.

The Harriman Expedition discovered College Fjord in 1899 and named the towering glaciers after the great East Coast universities of the United States, like the Harvard Glacier. With the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in the world, your scenic Alaska cruise through the fjord will make a lasting memory.

Endicott Arm is a jewel in Alaska’s crown. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska.

When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park.

Located between the Chilkat River and the Lynn Canal, Haines is the home of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, where as many as 4,000 bald eagles gather each fall to feast on spawning salmon along the river. As many as 80 have been seen perched in a single tree and more than a hundred may be captured within the frame of a single photograph.

The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. See it for yourself on an Alaska cruise with Princess.

Icy Strait Point is home to the remote Tlingit village of Hoonah, home to fewer than 800 people and a deep Native history. The nearby Spasski River Valley holds one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears, who are often found hunting for salmon in the rivers. Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation.

Juneau is unlike any other city in the United States. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.

Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska.

On an Alaska cruise, take your pick of attractions in the port of Sitka. See how bald eagles and local bird populations receive first-class treatment at the Alaska Raptor Center. Encounter wildlife in their natural habitat at the Fortress of the Bear. Or experience the culture of Russian Alaska on a visit to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, and relive Native history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.

Valdez is situated in Prince William Sound and serves as the gateway to the interior of Alaska. Often referred to as the "Little Switzerland", Valdez is known for its breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. It is also well-known for its role in the transportation of crude oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which ends in Valdez. Explore the charming waterfront area and take in the flavors of Valdez through culinary experiences at restaurants such as the Valdez Brewery and the Fat Mermaid.

At first glance many mistake Victoria for an English coastal city or northern European town. Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure.

Wrangell is a charming and scenic harbor known for its local fishing industry. It is not as bustling as larger ports in Alaska and maintains its historic charm and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Explore its historic downtown and learn about the local culture and Native heritage while in Wrangell.

Alaska Cruise Experience

We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks.

Alaska Glaciers

One of the biggest reasons people visit

Glaciers feel alive. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Alaska Wildlife

Untamed, just like Alaska

Alaska is home to a rich array of wildlife, from the famous Big Five animals that live in Denali National Park — grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou — to bald eagles and humpback whales that migrate through the Inside Passage. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.

Alaska Mountains & National Parks

National treasures

With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Along with Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

Alaska excursions

Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.

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The best time to cruise Alaska

Editor's Note

Alaska is a cruise destination with a limited season. Cruise ships arrive in southeast Alaska in spring, stay the summer and linger only into early fall. The 49th state's snowy, cold and dark winters are not conducive to cruising.

Most cruise passengers will head to Alaska between Memorial Day in late May and Labor Day in early September, when temperatures range from slightly chilly to warm during the long daylight hours. Tourist attractions are in full swing, salmon swim upriver and bears (and humans) have access to fishing.

Some adventurous cruisers will board ships when they arrive in Alaska in April to see the remnants of winter. A few big ships cruise into mid-October for those who want a peek at what life is like in Alaska towns when all other tourists have returned home.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Each month has its advantages, not the least of which is discounted pricing in the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Here is a guide to help you decide when to cruise in Alaska.

After a long winter, Alaska begins to wake up in April — that includes the wildlife. Small-ship cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions and UnCruise Adventures have sailings into the wilderness, where you might spot bears emerging from their slumber and admire huge waterfalls fueled by the snowmelt. A few big ships, such as Norwegian Cruise Line 's 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss out of Seattle , begin their season this month with discounted early-season pricing.

You may encounter freezing rain or even snow on your April cruise and should expect to tread through mud. Some tourist facilities — including those at national parks — may still be shuttered for the winter.

On the other hand, you will have the opportunity to observe the change of seasons. Expect crisp mornings with temperatures in the 30s, though, by the end of the month, you may find dry weather and temperatures in the 60s. As an added bonus: The skies will be dark at night; if clear, you might spot the northern lights.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

As someone who has cruised Alaska many times, I love cruising in May when the weather is dry. Locals start emerging from their winter cocoons, embracing the sunshine, and the wildlife does the same. You might spot bears with their cubs, moose with their calves and humpback whales returning from their winter home in Hawaii.

Big-ship cruise lines such as Holland America Line , Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean ramp up their operations in May, as do Disney Cruise Line and small-ship and luxury lines. Early season deals might be available.

Attractions and shops will switch to peak-season hours at the end of the month; Denali National Park and Preserve will switch into summer mode in May. You'll find those who work in tourism excited to be back in business, considering many people in southeast Alaska earn their income from out-of-state visitors. Cruise lines will offer the opportunity to extend cruises with land tours, which include accommodations, transportation and some meals.

While early May often carries a chill in the air, you might encounter temperatures in the 60s by the end of the month. The warmer weather means glaciers begin shedding ice more frequently, so you have a better chance of experiencing the sight and sound of a house-size chunk of ice calving into the sea. Another bonus is that Alaska's large mosquito population has yet to emerge.

Related: Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

The cruise season beefs up in June, with the number of ships growing; the season is in full swing by the end of the month. The midnight sun means many hours of daylight — especially on June 20, the longest day of the year. You'll have to stay up late to see any darkness at all.

Early in June, the ships still mostly carry adults, with the family crowd — including multigenerational groups — arriving later in the month.

Shore excursion experiences abound. Temperatures are pleasant — in the 60s and sometimes higher, with wildflowers in bloom and glaciers calving. Anglers will find opportunities to reel in halibut along with king and sockeye salmon and rainbow trout. In addition to humpbacks, you might also spot belugas and seals with their pups as you sail.

At the beginning of the month, you might still be able to find some early-season pricing; the peak season for Alaska cruising begins in late June.

Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a sailing up north

July and August

Summer is the height of the Alaska cruise season, which means crowds in port towns, especially when several ships are in port at the same time. You might have to wait hours for a table at the popular Tracy's King Crab Shack in Juneau.

It might surprise many, but July and especially August are rainy, so don't expect endless sunshine. That said, you are in Alaska at a time for festivals and other special events, and frontier towns really come alive.

Temperatures will be in the 60s, sometimes higher — you might even see 80s in Juneau in July. During long days of light, you'll find hearty Alaskans swimming in the sea and enjoying water sports. Shore excursion options will be in full swing.

During both months, you will encounter peak-season pricing. Unless you booked early, cabin choice could be limited — especially if you are looking for a fancy suite or cheap inside cabin; those tend to be the first categories to sell out. Balcony cabins are particularly popular in Alaska.

Mosquitos enjoy the summer, too, so pack bug spray. July and August are also spawning season for salmon, so you might spot grizzlies and brown bears near rivers and streams.

Keep an eye out for seabirds and songbirds, seals, Steller sea lions and humpback whales. Marine life is so prolific that some small-boat shore excursions guarantee you will see animals. Bears will be fishing; in late August, they will be looking for blueberries, which also become a featured item on restaurant menus. Toward the end of August, you'll see leaves changing to fall colors.

Related: Best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching

The beginning of September is much like August, but after the kids go back to school and the family crowd departs, it's shoulder season for cruising and pricing drops. Most cruise ships will have repositioned out of the state by the end of the month. You will experience a change of season, with cooler temperatures (in the 50s or lower) and some rain.

Mid-to-late September is one of the best times to spot wildlife in Alaska. I have had extraordinary experiences. Once, I watched a pod of humpback whales gather together in bubble-net feeding (corralling fish in a "net" of bubbles) to fill their bellies in preparation for their annual journey to warmer waters. Bears will be hunting for the last of the berries and salmon, and caribou, deer and moose will be mating.

You'll see colorful fall foliage but not mosquitos. National park facilities and some tourist businesses will switch to winter hours. September is also a great time to get deals on souvenirs, as merchants sell off this year's goods at the end of Alaska's tourist season.

On clear nights, you have a chance of spotting the northern lights — though they won't shine as brightly as they do in winter. Rather than stay up all night, see if your ship or pre- or post-cruise hotel has a sign-up sheet for people who want a wake-up call should the lights appear.

Related: From Alaska to the Panama Canal: Here are 9 of TPG's favorite fall cruise itineraries

A limited number of cruises in October (predominantly on Norwegian Cruise Line ) make it possible for cruisers to experience a taste of Alaska in winter without sub-zero temperatures. You will want to bundle up; the average temperature in Juneau in October is 39 degrees. Days will be short — there are only about 10 hours of daylight. You are likely to experience rain and maybe snow.

Some attractions and shops will be closed for winter, though your cruise line will still operate a full roster of shore excursions. On the plus side, you will experience southeast Alaska towns as they are most of the year, sans tourist crowds. Sit in a bar and talk to the locals as they prepare for the long winter ahead. Cruise fares will be discounted.

Related: Caribbean vs. Alaska cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?

When is the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska?

If one of your primary objectives during your Alaska sailing is to get a glimpse of the northern lights , consider a sailing in late August, September or October. The lights are typically strong in Alaska from late August to mid-April.

Your best bet for a sighting will be in Fairbanks — it's situated under the "aurora oval," an area known for a high frequency of northern lights displays. Fairbanks is a popular stop on cruisetours, itineraries that combine time sailing with overnight stays on land. For example, Holland America's nine-night Denali itinerary begins with an overnight stay in Fairbanks in early September.

Denali National Park and Anchorage can offer a glimpse of the northern lights — though not as frequently as Fairbanks since they are farther south. Both destinations are popular cruisetour stops. If you're cruising into or out of Seward or Whittier, you'll fly through Anchorage on one end of your trip. Consider an extra night or two there if you want to try and catch the aurora.

It's incredibly rare to see the northern lights from aboard your ship in the Inside Passage.

Related: Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea

What is the cheapest month for an Alaska cruise?

As previously mentioned, April, May, September and October are good months for an Alaska cruise if you're hoping to score a deal . In addition to cheaper fares, early and late sailings of the season see fewer crowds.

Bottom line

What is the best month for an Alaska cruise? Alaska is a thrilling cruise destination no matter which month you sail. However, some months might be better for you, depending on your interests. Look to the early and late sailings of the season if you are a bargain seeker. Choose a May or June sailing for drier weather and fewer mosquitos. Summer is the best time to cruise to see abundant marine life and birds. September can be a great month to see wildlife.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Start with these stories:

• Everything you need to know about booking a trip to Alaska on points
• 8 of the best Alaskan lodges for getting close to glaciers, Denali and more
• Best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore
• 6 best Alaska cruises for families
• The best Alaska cruises for couples
• What to pack for a cruise
• 20 must-have cruise items — including a roll of duct tape
• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship

The isolated tourist hotspot taking action to stop overtourism from cruise ships

Every year, a swarm of tourists arrives in Alaska 's capital city on cruise ships to see wonders the region has to offer.

Now, long-simmering tensions over Juneau 's tourism boom are coming to a head over a new voter initiative aimed at giving residents a respite from the influx.

A rule that would ban cruise ships with 250 or more passengers from docking in Juneau on Saturdays qualified for a ballot, setting the stage for a debate about how much tourism is too much in a city that is experiencing first-hand the impacts of climate change.

The measure would also ban ships on July 4, a day when locals flock to a downtown parade.

The “ship-free Saturdays” initiative that qualified this week will go to voters unless the local Assembly enacts a similar measure by August 15, which is seen as unlikely.

Juneau, accessible only by water or air, is home to the Mendenhall Glacier, a major draw for the cruise passengers who arrive on multi-story ships towering over parts of the modest downtown skyline. Many residents of this city of about 32,000 have concerns about increased traffic, congested trails and the frequent buzz of sight-seeing helicopters transporting visitors to the Mendenhall and other glaciers.

Deborah Craig, who has lived in Juneau for decades, supports ship-free Saturdays. Craig, who lives across the channel from where the ships dock, often hears their early-morning fog horns and broadcast announcements made to passengers that are audible across the water.

The current “overwhelming" number of visitors diminishes what residents love so much about Juneau, she said.

“It’s about preserving the lifestyle that keeps us in Juneau, which is about clean air, clean water, pristine environment and easy access to trails, easy access to water sports and nature," she said of the initiative.

“There’s this perception that some people are not welcoming of tourists, and that’s not the case at all," Craig said. “It’s about volume. It’s about too much — too many in a short period of time overwhelming a small community.”

The current cruise season runs from early April to late October.

Opponents of the initiative say limiting dockings will hurt local businesses that rely heavily on tourism and could invite lawsuits. A voter-approved limit on cruise passenger numbers in Bar Harbor, Maine, another community with a significant tourism economy, was challenged in federal court.

Laura McDonnell, a business leader who owns Caribou Crossings, a gift shop in Juneau’s downtown tourist core, said she makes 98% of her annual revenue during the summer season.

Tourism is about all the "local businesses that rely on cruise passengers and our place in the community,” said McDonnell, who is involved in Protect Juneau’s Future, which opposes the initiative.

Some schools recently closed due to factors including declining enrollment, while the regional economy faces challenges, she said.

“I think that as a community, we really need to look at what’s at stake for our economy," she said. “We are not in a position to be shrinking our economy.”

The cruise industry accounted for $375 million in direct spending in Juneau in 2023, most of that attributable to spending by passengers, according to a report prepared for the city by McKinley Research Group LLC.

After a two-year pandemic lull, cruise passenger numbers rose sharply in Juneau, hitting a record of more than 1.6 million in 2023. Under this year's schedule, Sept. 21 will be the first day since early May with no large ships in town.

The tourism debate is polarizing, and the city has been trying to find a middle ground, said Alexandra Pierce, Juneau's visitor industry director. But she noted there also needs to be a regional solution.

If the Juneau initiative passes, it will impact other, smaller communities in southeast Alaska because the ships, generally on trips originating in Seattle or Vancouver, Canada, will have to go somewhere if they can’t dock in Juneau on Saturdays, she said.

Some residents in Sitka, south of Juneau, are in the early stages of trying to limit cruise visitation to that small, island community, which is near a volcano.

Juneau and major cruise lines, including Carnival Corp., Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Group, agreed to a limit of five large ships a day, which took effect this year. They more recently signed a pact, set to take effect in 2026, seeking a daily limit of 16,000 cruise passengers Sundays through Fridays and 12,000 on Saturdays.

Pierce said the overall goal is to keep total cruise passenger visitation around 1.6 million, and to even out daily numbers of visitors that can spike to about 18,000 on the busiest days and feel “a bit suffocating." Juneau traditionally has been the most popular cruise port in the state.

A number of projects around Juneau are expected to help make existing cruise numbers feel less impactful. Those include plans for a gondola at the city-owned ski area and increased visitor capacity at the Mendenhall Glacier recreation area, she said.

Renée Limoge Reeve, vice president of government and community relations for the trade group Cruise Lines International Association Alaska, said the agreements signed with the city were the first of their kind in Alaska.

The best strategy is “ongoing, direct dialogue with local communities" and working together in a way that also provides a predictable source of income for local businesses, she said.

Protect Juneau's Future, led by local business leaders, said the success of the ballot measure would mean a loss of sales tax revenue and millions of dollars in direct spending by cruise passengers. The group was confident voters would reject the measure, its steering committee said in a statement.

Karla Hart, a sponsor of the initiative and frequent critic of the cruise industry, said the threat of litigation has kept communities from taking steps to limit cruise numbers in the past. She was heartened by legal wins this year in the ongoing fight over the measure passed in Bar Harbor, a popular destination near Maine's Acadia National Park.

She believes the Juneau initiative will pass.

“Every single person who is going to vote has a lived experience and knowledge of how the cruise industry impacts their lives,” she said.

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Juneau will vote whether to ban cruise ships on Saturdays to give locals a break

FILE - Cruise ships are shown near downtown Juneau on June 7, 2023, along the Gastineau Channel, in Alaska. Voters in Alaska's capital city could decide in October whether to ban large cruise ships on Saturdays starting next year. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

JUNEAU — Each year, a crush of tourists arrives in Alaska’s capital city on cruise ships to see wonders like the fast-diminishing Mendenhall Glacier. Now, long-simmering tensions over Juneau’s tourism boom are coming to a head over a new voter initiative aimed at giving residents a respite from the influx.

A measure that would ban cruise ships with 250 or more passengers from docking in Juneau on Saturdays qualified for the Oct. 1 municipal ballot, setting the stage for a debate about how much tourism is too much in a city that is experiencing first-hand the impacts of climate change. The measure would also ban ships on July 4, a day when locals flock to a downtown parade.

The “ship-free Saturdays” initiative that qualified this week will go to voters unless the local Assembly enacts a similar measure by Aug. 15, which is seen as unlikely.

Juneau, accessible only by water or air, is home to the Mendenhall Glacier, a major draw for the cruise passengers who arrive on multi-story ships towering over parts of the modest downtown skyline. Many residents of this city of about 32,000 have concerns about increased traffic, congested trails and the frequent buzz of sight-seeing helicopters transporting visitors to the Mendenhall and other glaciers.

[ A citizen initiative to limit cruise ships advances in Juneau, while another stalls in Sitka ]

Deborah Craig, who has lived in Juneau for decades, supports ship-free Saturdays. Craig, who lives across the channel from where the ships dock, often hears their early-morning fog horns and broadcast announcements made to passengers that are audible across the water.

The current “overwhelming” number of visitors diminishes what residents love so much about Juneau, she said.

“It’s about preserving the lifestyle that keeps us in Juneau, which is about clean air, clean water, pristine environment and easy access to trails, easy access to water sports and nature,” she said of the initiative.

“There’s this perception that some people are not welcoming of tourists, and that’s not the case at all,” Craig said. “It’s about volume. It’s about too much — too many in a short period of time overwhelming a small community.”

A group of people take in the views of the Mendenhall Glacier on June 8, 2023, in Juneau. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

The current cruise season runs from early April to late October.

Opponents of the initiative say limiting dockings will hurt local businesses that rely heavily on tourism and could invite lawsuits. A voter-approved limit on cruise passenger numbers in Bar Harbor, Maine, another community with a significant tourism economy, was challenged in federal court.

Laura McDonnell, a business leader who owns Caribou Crossings, a gift shop in Juneau’s downtown tourist core, said she makes 98% of her annual revenue during the summer season.

Tourism is about all the “local businesses that rely on cruise passengers and our place in the community,” said McDonnell, who is involved in Protect Juneau’s Future, which opposes the initiative.

Some schools recently closed due to factors including declining enrollment, while the regional economy faces challenges, she said.

“I think that as a community, we really need to look at what’s at stake for our economy,” she said. “We are not in a position to be shrinking our economy.”

A cruise ship departs from downtown Juneau, on June 7, 2023, along the Gastineau Channel, in Alaska. Voters in Alaska's capital city could decide in October whether to ban large cruise ships on Saturdays starting next year. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

Cruise ships are docked on June 9, 2023, in downtown Juneau, Alaska. Voters in Alaska's capital city could decide in October whether to ban large cruise ships on Saturdays starting next year. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

The cruise industry accounted for $375 million in direct spending in Juneau in 2023, most of that attributable to spending by passengers, according to a report prepared for the city by McKinley Research Group LLC.

After a two-year pandemic lull, cruise passenger numbers rose sharply in Juneau, hitting a record of more than 1.6 million in 2023. Under this year’s schedule, Sept. 21 will be the first day since early May with no large ships in town.

The tourism debate is polarizing, and the city has been trying to find a middle ground, said Alexandra Pierce, Juneau’s visitor industry director. But she noted there also needs to be a regional solution.

If the Juneau initiative passes, it will affect other, smaller communities in Southeast Alaska because the ships, generally on trips originating in Seattle or Vancouver, Canada, will have to go somewhere if they can’t dock in Juneau on Saturdays, she said.

Some residents in Sitka, south of Juneau, are in the early stages of trying to limit cruise visitation to that small, island community, which is near a volcano.

Juneau and major cruise lines, including Carnival Corp., Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Group, agreed to a limit of five large ships a day, which took effect this year. They more recently signed a pact, set to take effect in 2026, seeking a daily limit of 16,000 cruise passengers Sundays through Fridays and 12,000 on Saturdays.

Pierce said the overall goal is to keep total cruise passenger visitation around 1.6 million, and to even out daily numbers of visitors that can spike to about 18,000 on the busiest days. Peak days in the past have felt “a bit suffocating,” she said. Juneau traditionally has been the most popular cruise port in the state.

A number of projects around Juneau are expected to help make existing cruise numbers feel less impactful. Those include plans for a gondola at the city-owned ski area and increased visitor capacity at the Mendenhall Glacier recreation area, she said.

Renée Limoge Reeve, vice president of government and community relations for the trade group Cruise Lines International Association Alaska, said the agreements signed with the city were the first of their kind in Alaska.

The best strategy is “ongoing, direct dialogue with local communities” and working together in a way that also provides a predictable source of income for local businesses, she said.

Protect Juneau’s Future, led by local business leaders, said the success of the ballot measure would mean a loss of sales tax revenue and millions of dollars in direct spending by cruise passengers. The group was confident voters would reject the measure, its steering committee said in a statement.

Karla Hart, a sponsor of the initiative and frequent critic of the cruise industry, said the threat of litigation has kept communities from taking steps to limit cruise numbers in the past. She was heartened by legal wins this year in the ongoing fight over the measure passed in Bar Harbor, a popular destination near Maine’s Acadia National Park.

She believes the Juneau initiative will pass.

“Every single person who is going to vote has a lived experience and knowledge of how the cruise industry impacts their lives,” she said.

Becky Bohrer, Associated Press

Becky Bohrer is a reporter for the Associated Press based in Juneau.

Alaska’s capital, with a population of 32,000, could ban cruise ships on Saturdays as tourists can spike to 18,000 a day

Each year,  a crush of tourists  arrives in Alaska’s capital city on cruise ships to see wonders like the  fast-diminishing Mendenhall Glacier . Now, long-simmering tensions over Juneau’s tourism boom are coming to a head over a new voter initiative aimed at giving residents a respite from the influx.

A measure that would ban cruise ships with 250 or more passengers from docking in Juneau on Saturdays qualified for the Oct. 1 municipal ballot, setting the stage for a debate about how much tourism is too much in a city that is experiencing first-hand the impacts of climate change. The measure would also ban ships on July 4, a day when locals flock to a downtown parade.

The “ship-free Saturdays” initiative that qualified this week will go to voters unless the local Assembly enacts a similar measure by Aug. 15, which is seen as unlikely.

Juneau, accessible only by water or air, is home to the Mendenhall Glacier, a major draw for the cruise passengers who arrive on multi-story ships towering over parts of the modest downtown skyline. Many residents of this city of about 32,000 have concerns about increased traffic, congested trails and the frequent buzz of sight-seeing helicopters transporting visitors to the Mendenhall and other glaciers.

Deborah Craig, who has lived in Juneau for decades, supports ship-free Saturdays. Craig, who lives across the channel from where the ships dock, often hears their early-morning fog horns and broadcast announcements made to passengers that are audible across the water.

The current “overwhelming” number of visitors diminishes what residents love so much about Juneau, she said.

“It’s about preserving the lifestyle that keeps us in Juneau, which is about clean air, clean water, pristine environment and easy access to trails, easy access to water sports and nature,” she said of the initiative.

“There’s this perception that some people are not welcoming of tourists, and that’s not the case at all,” Craig said. “It’s about volume. It’s about too much — too many in a short period of time overwhelming a small community.”

The current cruise season runs from early April to late October.

Opponents of the initiative say limiting dockings will hurt local businesses that rely heavily on tourism and could invite lawsuits. A  voter-approved limit on cruise passenger numbers in Bar Harbor, Maine, another community with a significant tourism economy, was challenged in federal court.

Laura McDonnell, a business leader who owns Caribou Crossings, a gift shop in Juneau’s downtown tourist core, said she makes 98% of her annual revenue during the summer season.

Tourism is about all the “local businesses that rely on cruise passengers and our place in the community,” said McDonnell, who is involved in Protect Juneau’s Future, which opposes the initiative.

Some schools recently closed due to factors including declining enrollment, while the regional economy faces challenges, she said.

“I think that as a community, we really need to look at what’s at stake for our economy,” she said. “We are not in a position to be shrinking our economy.”

The cruise industry accounted for $375 million in direct spending in Juneau in 2023, most of that attributable to spending by passengers, according to a report prepared for the city by McKinley Research Group LLC.

After a two-year pandemic lull, cruise passenger numbers rose sharply in Juneau, hitting a record of more than 1.6 million in 2023. Under this year’s schedule, Sept. 21 will be the first day since early May with no large ships in town.

The tourism debate is polarizing, and the city has been trying to find a middle ground, said Alexandra Pierce, Juneau’s visitor industry director. But she noted there also needs to be a regional solution.

If the Juneau initiative passes, it will impact other, smaller communities in southeast Alaska because the ships, generally on trips originating in Seattle or Vancouver, Canada, will have to go somewhere if they can’t dock in Juneau on Saturdays, she said.

Some residents in Sitka, south of Juneau, are in the early stages of trying to limit cruise visitation to that small, island community, which is near a volcano.

Juneau and major cruise lines, including Carnival Corp., Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Group, agreed to a limit of five large ships a day, which took effect this year. They more recently  signed a pact , set to take effect in 2026, seeking a daily limit of 16,000 cruise passengers Sundays through Fridays and 12,000 on Saturdays.

Pierce said the overall goal is to keep total cruise passenger visitation around 1.6 million, and to even out daily numbers of visitors that can spike to about 18,000 on the busiest days. Peak days in the past have felt “a bit suffocating,” she said. Juneau traditionally has been the most popular cruise port in the state.

A number of projects around Juneau are expected to help make existing cruise numbers feel less impactful. Those include plans for a gondola at the city-owned ski area and increased visitor capacity at the Mendenhall Glacier recreation area, she said.

Renée Limoge Reeve, vice president of government and community relations for the trade group Cruise Lines International Association Alaska, said the agreements signed with the city were the first of their kind in Alaska.

The best strategy is “ongoing, direct dialogue with local communities” and working together in a way that also provides a predictable source of income for local businesses, she said.

Protect Juneau’s Future, led by local business leaders, said the success of the ballot measure would mean a loss of sales tax revenue and millions of dollars in direct spending by cruise passengers. The group was confident voters would reject the measure, its steering committee said in a statement.

Karla Hart, a sponsor of the initiative and frequent critic of the cruise industry, said the threat of litigation has kept communities from taking steps to limit cruise numbers in the past. She was heartened by legal wins this year in the ongoing fight over the measure passed in Bar Harbor, a popular destination near Maine’s Acadia National Park.

She believes the Juneau initiative will pass.

“Every single person who is going to vote has a lived experience and knowledge of how the cruise industry impacts their lives,” she said.

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An Alaska tourist spot will vote whether to ban cruise ships on Saturdays to give locals a break

FILE - Cruise ships are shown near downtown Juneau on June 7, 2023, along the Gastineau Channel, in Alaska. Voters in Alaska’s capital city could decide in October whether to ban large cruise ships on Saturdays starting next year. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

FILE - Cruise ships are docked on June 9, 2023, in downtown Juneau, Alaska. Voters in Alaska’s capital city could decide in October whether to ban large cruise ships on Saturdays starting next year. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

FILE - A group of people take in the views of the Mendenhall Glacier on June 8, 2023, in Juneau, Alaska. Voters in Alaska’s capital city could decide in October whether to ban large cruise ships on Saturdays starting next year. Supporters of the proposal say it would give residents a reprieve from the crush of tourists drawn to attractions like Juneau’s fast-retreating Mendenhall Glacier, but opponents say it would hurt local businesses and invite lawsuits. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

FILE - The face of the Mendenhall Glacier on Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska. Voters in Alaska’s capital city could decide in October whether to ban large cruise ships on Saturdays starting next year. Supporters of the proposal say it would give residents a reprieve from the crush of tourists drawn to attractions like Juneau’s fast-retreating Mendenhall Glacier, but opponents say it would hurt local businesses and invite lawsuits. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

FILE - People gather near the base of Nugget Falls, a popular destination for selfies on June 13, 2023, at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, in Juneau, Alaska. Voters in Alaska’s capital city could decide in October whether to ban large cruise ships on Saturdays starting next year. Supporters of the proposal say it would give residents a reprieve from the crush of tourists drawn to attractions like Juneau’s fast-retreating Mendenhall Glacier, but opponents say it would hurt local businesses and invite lawsuits. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

FILE - A cruise ship departs from downtown Juneau, on June 7, 2023, along the Gastineau Channel, in Alaska. Voters in Alaska’s capital city could decide in October whether to ban large cruise ships on Saturdays starting next year. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

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JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Each year, a crush of tourists arrives in Alaska’s capital city on cruise ships to see wonders like the fast-diminishing Mendenhall Glacier . Now, long-simmering tensions over Juneau’s tourism boom are coming to a head over a new voter initiative aimed at giving residents a respite from the influx.

A measure that would ban cruise ships with 250 or more passengers from docking in Juneau on Saturdays qualified for the Oct. 1 municipal ballot, setting the stage for a debate about how much tourism is too much in a city that is experiencing first-hand the impacts of climate change. The measure would also ban ships on July 4, a day when locals flock to a downtown parade.

The “ship-free Saturdays” initiative that qualified this week will go to voters unless the local Assembly enacts a similar measure by Aug. 15, which is seen as unlikely.

Juneau, accessible only by water or air, is home to the Mendenhall Glacier, a major draw for the cruise passengers who arrive on multi-story ships towering over parts of the modest downtown skyline. Many residents of this city of about 32,000 have concerns about increased traffic, congested trails and the frequent buzz of sight-seeing helicopters transporting visitors to the Mendenhall and other glaciers.

Deborah Craig, who has lived in Juneau for decades, supports ship-free Saturdays. Craig, who lives across the channel from where the ships dock, often hears their early-morning fog horns and broadcast announcements made to passengers that are audible across the water.

The current “overwhelming” number of visitors diminishes what residents love so much about Juneau, she said.

“It’s about preserving the lifestyle that keeps us in Juneau, which is about clean air, clean water, pristine environment and easy access to trails, easy access to water sports and nature,” she said of the initiative.

“There’s this perception that some people are not welcoming of tourists, and that’s not the case at all,” Craig said. “It’s about volume. It’s about too much — too many in a short period of time overwhelming a small community.”

The current cruise season runs from early April to late October.

Opponents of the initiative say limiting dockings will hurt local businesses that rely heavily on tourism and could invite lawsuits. A voter-approved limit on cruise passenger numbers in Bar Harbor, Maine, another community with a significant tourism economy, was challenged in federal court.

Laura McDonnell, a business leader who owns Caribou Crossings, a gift shop in Juneau’s downtown tourist core, said she makes 98% of her annual revenue during the summer season.

Tourism is about all the “local businesses that rely on cruise passengers and our place in the community,” said McDonnell, who is involved in Protect Juneau’s Future, which opposes the initiative.

Some schools recently closed due to factors including declining enrollment, while the regional economy faces challenges, she said.

“I think that as a community, we really need to look at what’s at stake for our economy,” she said. “We are not in a position to be shrinking our economy.”

The cruise industry accounted for $375 million in direct spending in Juneau in 2023, most of that attributable to spending by passengers, according to a report prepared for the city by McKinley Research Group LLC.

After a two-year pandemic lull, cruise passenger numbers rose sharply in Juneau, hitting a record of more than 1.6 million in 2023. Under this year’s schedule, Sept. 21 will be the first day since early May with no large ships in town.

The tourism debate is polarizing, and the city has been trying to find a middle ground, said Alexandra Pierce, Juneau’s visitor industry director. But she noted there also needs to be a regional solution.

If the Juneau initiative passes, it will impact other, smaller communities in southeast Alaska because the ships, generally on trips originating in Seattle or Vancouver, Canada, will have to go somewhere if they can’t dock in Juneau on Saturdays, she said.

Some residents in Sitka, south of Juneau, are in the early stages of trying to limit cruise visitation to that small, island community, which is near a volcano.

Juneau and major cruise lines, including Carnival Corp., Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Group, agreed to a limit of five large ships a day, which took effect this year. They more recently signed a pact , set to take effect in 2026, seeking a daily limit of 16,000 cruise passengers Sundays through Fridays and 12,000 on Saturdays.

Pierce said the overall goal is to keep total cruise passenger visitation around 1.6 million, and to even out daily numbers of visitors that can spike to about 18,000 on the busiest days. Peak days in the past have felt “a bit suffocating,” she said. Juneau traditionally has been the most popular cruise port in the state.

A number of projects around Juneau are expected to help make existing cruise numbers feel less impactful. Those include plans for a gondola at the city-owned ski area and increased visitor capacity at the Mendenhall Glacier recreation area, she said.

Renée Limoge Reeve, vice president of government and community relations for the trade group Cruise Lines International Association Alaska, said the agreements signed with the city were the first of their kind in Alaska.

The best strategy is “ongoing, direct dialogue with local communities” and working together in a way that also provides a predictable source of income for local businesses, she said.

Protect Juneau’s Future, led by local business leaders, said the success of the ballot measure would mean a loss of sales tax revenue and millions of dollars in direct spending by cruise passengers. The group was confident voters would reject the measure, its steering committee said in a statement.

Karla Hart, a sponsor of the initiative and frequent critic of the cruise industry, said the threat of litigation has kept communities from taking steps to limit cruise numbers in the past. She was heartened by legal wins this year in the ongoing fight over the measure passed in Bar Harbor, a popular destination near Maine’s Acadia National Park.

She believes the Juneau initiative will pass.

“Every single person who is going to vote has a lived experience and knowledge of how the cruise industry impacts their lives,” she said.

This story corrects a quote from Pierce about peak days.