The Best Alaska Cruises
By the water is one of the most enchanted ways to discover Alaska’s vast coastline, breathtaking snow-capped mountains, mystic fjords, lush rainforests, awe-inspiring glaciers, and protected species, and it is also one of the most practical ways. And this is precisely the reason why a large number of individuals who visit Alaska do so by way of a cruise. Additionally, it is the ideal way to explore the famous Inside Passage, which is the most popular route for cruise ships departing from Seattle and Vancouver between the months of May and September. Discovering the cruise that is best suited to your character, financial situation, and travel preferences are essential to organizing the trip of a lifetime.
Because the size of the cruise ship is frequently one of the most important considerations when choosing one, we have compiled itineraries that span the gamut of passenger capacities, from a few hundred to nearly 5,000. We have also brought your attention to several cruise alternatives that do an excellent job of presenting nature, giving onboard entertainment that never ends, delivering local experiences, catering to people who are interested in food or luxury vacation, etc.
Your holiday will be drastically different depending on the ship that you explore Alaska on, despite the fact that Alaska itself is undeniably the highlight of the show. (Spoiler alert: If you’re going to take an Alaska cruise, you should always splurge for the oceanview accommodation with a balcony since you’ll be treated to once-in-a-lifetime scenery during your whole voyage!)
Best Alaska Cruises of 2022
• Best Overall Cruise: Windstar Cruises
• Best Ship Renovation: Celebrity Cruises
• Best Small Ship: Oceania Cruises
• Best All-Inclusive Ship: American Queen Voyages
• Best Ultra-Luxury: Seabourn Cruises
• Best Traditional Cruise: Holland America Line
• Best New Ship: Princess Cruises
• Best Large Ship Cruise: Royal Caribbean International
THE VERY BEST CRUISE IN EVERY WAY
The Reasons Why We Opted for Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises ships, which are similar in size to yachts, provide passengers with unrivalled access to the glaciers and fjords of Alaska, whereas other cruise ships are unable to navigate their way into certain areas of the state.
Notable Features and Amenities
WiFi and unlimited drinks are included in the all-inclusive package, and the Signature Expeditions programme provides guests with knowledgeable guides who can give presentations and lead small group excursions.
The Good and the Bad
Pros
• Only 312 passengers
• Every cabin is a suite, and there is no such thing as an interior cabin.
• Ship underwent a transformation in 2021, which included the addition of new dining options, a revamped World Spa, and an infinity pool.
Cons
• Fewer options for entertainment than on ships of a larger size
Your cruise is only as good as the direct access it offers to this region’s beauty, and Windstar Cruises delivers access unlike any other cruise line can. When it comes to experiencing the splendour of Alaska, your cruise is only as good as the direct access it offers. As a result of its diminutive size, guests are afforded the opportunity to participate in a variety of one-of-a-kind activities, such as anchoring directly in the Kenai and Misty Fjords, which is something that would require a separate excursion if they were on a larger ship with a different cruise line. You may get an even better view of Mother Nature’s magnificent creations, from icebergs to whales, if you reserve a spot on one of their kayak or Zodiac Signature Expeditions with one of their very educated guides.
The Star Breeze underwent extensive renovations in 2021 in order to provide guests with a variety of new amenities, including an expanded selection of dining venues (including a Spanish tapas restaurant helmed by Anthony Sasso, one of the youngest chefs to be honoured by the Michelin Guide), a spa and fitness centre, an infinity pool, and additional outdoor decking areas. The ship’s chefs make it a point to shop at local markets in each port they visit, and they bring back whatever they buy to use in the ship’s cooking. Some examples of the items they bring back include reindeer and venison sausage, birch syrup, and of course, King and Sockeye salmon.
BEST SHIP RENOVATION
Why Did We Go With It?
The Celebrity Millennium, which set sail for the first time in 2000, has recently emerged from a comprehensive refurbishment that included the addition of opulent suites, improved technological capabilities, and updated restaurants and lounges.
Notable Features and Amenities
Private verandas, free of charge fitness classes, unlimited access to the Persian Garden, and complimentary dining at Blu are some of the perks that come with staying at this hotel. The immersive dining experience at Le Petit Chef combines augmented reality with the high-end cuisine served there.
The Good and the Bad
Pros
• Autism-friendly cruising, including films and toys that are good for sensory processing, as well as food options
• Accessible cabins that come equipped with grab bars, roll-in showers, and doors that are wider
The ship’s capacity of 2,218 passengers places it squarely in the category of a mid-size vessel.
Cons
On smaller ships, you won’t find the ostentatious, party-like activities that are common on larger ships (which could also be a plus)
Cruise Overview
If you have a deep appreciation for the more refined aspects of life, Celebrity Cruises is likely to strike a chord deep inside your being. For example, the Sky Suite in the Retreat features a long list of curated amenities (such as a credit for a shore excursion, premium drinks, wi-fi, tips, and onboard credit), unobstructed views, a Personal Retreat Host, private dining, and exclusive spaces such as the Retreat Lounge and Sundeck. And the onboard experiences range from tastings of Macallan and Jack Daniel’s to Riedel crystal workshops that demonstrate how the various contours and features of a Riedel glass alter the flavour of wine.
The Millennium provides guests with staterooms in the Edge series that have an Infinite Veranda. At the push of a button, your entire living space transforms into a veranda, allowing you to walk out out onto the deck and into the ocean. In addition, one hundred ninety-nine percent of the staterooms on the Celebrity Edge are furnished with king-size beds that are outfitted with Celebrity eXhale bedding and Cashmere mattresses.
BEST SMALL SHIP
Oceania Cruises
Why Did We Go With It?
Oceania cruises introduce their tourists to Alaska by providing local experiences in conjunction with native communities. These excursions provide a deeper and more meaningful connection to the destination than just sightseeing does.
Notable Features and Amenities
WiFi, two specialised eateries (both of which are complimentary), and free, unrestricted soft drinks that are restocked in the minibar each day are also included.
The Good and the Bad
Pros
• Local Alaskan specialties, like as halibut, king crab, and Alaskan blueberry pancakes, are featured on the menus served onboard.
• Outstanding ratio of guests to employees, with a maximum of 656 guests being served by more than 400 officers and crew members
• A casino, in addition to eight clubs and bars, and four restaurants with open seating
Cons
• Private verandas are available in some but not all of the cabins
Cruise Overview
Oceania Cruises’ Regatta was constructed in 1998 but underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2019. The ship now dazzles guests with bejewelled chandeliers in the Grand Dining Room, updated colour palettes, and new furnishings throughout the ship’s public areas, in addition to completely redesigned suites and staterooms. When combined with the Ultra Tranquility Bed, the gently rocking motion of the ship will ensure that you have a restful night’s sleep.
When you’re not out discovering all that Alaska has to offer, you can pass the time at the casino, catch an evening performance of Tuxedo (a modern take on the Rat Pack) or Gatsby’s (a musical romp set in the 1920s), or just kick back, relax, and pick out a book from the English-style library that has 2,000 titles available. To relax and unwind, you can play nine holes of golf on the putting greens, browse at the three boutiques, and help yourself to afternoon tea with all the trimmings every day at 4 o’clock. You can book a spa treatment or workout in the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center.
THE FINEST ALL-INCLUSIVE SHIP AVAILABLE
American Queen Voyages
Why Did We Go With It?
Because everything you want, from guided tours to cocktails, is already included in the price of your American Queen Voyages vacation, you will never have the experience of being nickeled and dimed throughout your trip.
Notable Features and Amenities
Sailing that is all-inclusive and does not incur any additional costs, as well as an infinity pool and various hot tubs
The Good and the Bad
Pros
• Menus crafted using ingredients sourced from the surrounding area
• Binoculars are provided in every room for guests to use in their search for local wildlife.
• Ship only recently made its debut in November 2021, and American Queen Voyages operated it for the first time in May 2022.
Cons
• A hefty asking price
There will be no stage performances or musicals onboard.
Cruise Overview
Ocean Victory, a ship operated by American Queen Voyages, can accommodate 186 passengers and would like to introduce herself to you. Despite her diminutive size, this ship packs a hefty punch when it comes to her value. The all-inclusive cruise package consists of one pre-cruise hotel night, ground transfers, unrestricted guided tours and beverages, open bars and lounges, unlimited cuisine, in-room dining, WiFi, bicycles, walking sticks, and daily live entertainment and enrichment programmes. In addition, you won’t have to worry about running out of food because you’ll be served five-course banquets with panoramic views that stretch out 180 degrees. There are no interior cabins; all 98 of the accommodations face the outside, and 68 of those cabins have step-out balconies.
Dr. Michelle Fournet is a renowned acoustic ecologist and a prominent expert in the field of the communication of North Pacific humpback whales. As part of the expedition experience offered by American Queen Voyages, the cruise line has teamed with Fournet. As a result of this, hydrophones are utilised while aboard Zodiacs in order to listen to the vocalisations of Alaska’s whales in real time. Guests will also have the opportunity to assist in whale tracking through the process of fluke identification by uploading their own images taken from the vessel to a scientific database that tracks the whales’ seasonal migrations.
THE ULTIMATE IN ULTRA-LUXURY
Cruises offered by Seabourn
Why Did We Go With It?
Seabourn Cruises is a luxurious way to travel through America’s Last Frontier because of the ship’s small size and ease of manoeuvring, as well as its world-class food, social atmosphere, and other high-end facilities.
Notable Features and Amenities
Free Wi-Fi for all guests staying at the hotel, The Grill restaurant with a menu designed by renowned chef Thomas Keller, and free fitness classes.
The Good and the Bad
Pros
• Max guest capacity: 450
• There are 229 luxurious suites, of which 90% have verandas and all face the ocean.
• Amenities offered within the suites include a fruit basket that is refilled on a daily basis, a bar that provides complimentary wines or spirits, nightly turndown service, and Moton Brown bath items.
• Tipping is neither anticipated nor necessary in this culture.
Cons
• Vessel was constructed in 2009 and has not undergone any modifications since then.
Cruise Overview
Eleven days spent cruising the Inside Passage and the fjords of Alaska aboard a magnificent ship that offers a plethora of onboard activities and with just about 400 other passengers? On the Seabourn Odyssey, you will receive just that during your vacation. Kayak along the Hubbard Glacier while gaining a deeper understanding of the local flora, fauna, and geology from the Expedition Team, and revel in the enchantment of the time spent on a Zodiac at the edge of the Misty Fjords exploring their most remote reaches.
In addition, there is a plethora of things to do on board, such as taking advantage of the ship’s two swimming pools, five whirlpools, and the spa and wellness programme designed by Dr. Andrew Weil. In addition, there is a casino, a card room, a library, an observation bar, and a beauty salon. There are various options for dining onboard in addition to the complimentary dining that is provided in each suite. These include a fine dining venue called The Grill, which was created by the illustrious chef Thomas Keller, and an open-kitchen style venue that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
THE VERY BEST IN CLASSIC CRUISES
The Holland America Line (HA Line)
Why Did We Go With It?
The Koningsdam, which is operated by Holland America Line, provides long-time cruisers with everything they might want, including a comfortable size and price point, onboard activities, and a wide variety of dining options.
Notable Features and Amenities
Events such as live cooking demos and exquisite dining, as well as a live music venue known as the Rolling Stone Rock Room and B.B. King’s Blues Club.
The Good and the Bad
Pros
• Underwent a recent makeover in the year 2018
• A comparatively manageable 2,650 passengers, making it a ship of a more moderate size overall
• Included in the price is access to Club HAL for children ages 3 to 17
Cons
• No live daytime music
Cruise Overview
Your trip in Alaska won’t take up all of your time, will it? This “best of” 7-night itinerary is focused on the region’s famed Inside Passage, which gives travellers a taste of all of the area’s most photographed and talked about sights in a condensed and efficient manner. In addition, no other cruise company can compete with Holland America in terms of the number of departures that feature Glacier Bay National Park or the ease with which passengers can visit the park.
There are 912 balconied cabins on the Koningsdam, which implies that 69 percent of the ship is comprised of rooms with a private veranda view. In addition, your cabin will provide you with massage showerheads, magnifying mirrors, terry bathrobes, Egyptian cotton towels, Elemis premium bath items, and fresh fruit (upon request). The Savor My Catch programme, offered by the cruise line, takes the concept of “ocean-to-table cuisine” to an entirely new level, much to the delight of anglers. In addition, guests can fish for themselves during beach excursions and then have their catch cooked and served on board the vessel.
BEST NEW SHIP
Why Did We Go With It?
This cruise line has been operating in Alaska for more than half a century, and it has six ships, five wilderness lodges, and its own own domed rail car, so it is very familiar with the state.
Notable Features and Amenities
The Cook My Catch meal programme is available to visitors on select fishing excursions. The adults-only health and relaxation deck features sled dog puppies for guests to pet and play with.
The Good and the Bad
Pros
• Ship only recently set sail in March of 2022
• Ocean Medallion, a wearable gadget that allows for a smooth and contact-free cruise experience, is featured on Princess vessels.
• One of the most reasonably priced options for an Alaskan cruise
Cons
• Tips and meals at specialist restaurants are not included in the price.
Cruise Overview
The naming ceremony for the Discovery Princess took place in April of 2022, making her a completely fresh addition to the fleet of ships operated by the company. As a consequence of this, the use of technology is a significant component of the experience. Guests on a cruise will receive a free Medallion device along with a complementary lanyard. This device grants the user the ability to do things such as unlock their cabin door, keep track of their onboard purchases, find family and friends, identify venues, and check daily events.
There are also a pizza, a gastropub, an Italian restaurant, a chop house, and a Mediterranean bistro in addition to the three major dining areas. Alternately, take things to the next level with a Chef’s Table Lumiere experience, which features multiple dishes that are paired with wines. Spend your time resting at the jazz club, trying new cocktails from across the world at Good Spirits, and listening to live music at the Crooners Bar. SeaWalk is a walkway that cantilevers off the side of the ship and has a glass floor so that guests can see below as well as above. Guests should make it a point to check out SeaWalk.
THE VERY BEST CRUISE ON A LARGE SHIP
International Royal Caribbean Company
Why Did We Go With It?
This Quantum Class ship, which went into dry dock in 2021 for a normal refurbishment, has a capacity of 4,905 passengers and genuinely has something to offer each and every one of them.
Notable Features and Amenities
High-tech virtual balcony views, recreational activities such as a flowrider surf simulator, an iFly skydiving simulator, and a rock climbing wall, and North Star, a glass observation capsule that climbs 300 feet above sea level and provides guests with bird’s-eye views are all included (additional cost)
The Good and the Bad
Pros
• Options for upscale shopping, including stores like Cartier, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors
• Programs for Children Offered by Adventure Ocean
• At the Bionic Bar, a computer will create a recipe for your preferred drinks.
Cons
• Evenings with a dress code for formal events (or you can choose to dine at a more casual venue those evenings)
Cruise Overview
What is the most appealing feature of a mega-ship such as the Ovation of the Seas? Given the abundance of things to see, eat, and discover, it is essentially impossible to find oneself in a state of boredom. For example, there are ten bars and lounges, sixteen different eating options (including Jamie’s Italian, which is owned and operated by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver), a wide variety of events and shows, a spa and fitness centre, pool tables, and table tennis. To this, you may add theme evenings, bumper cars, archery, guest lectures, outdoor movie screenings, live music, an arcade, a casino, live music, an arcade, dance classes, and classes on how to make sushi. After all, you might even be in need of another trip after this one!
You have the option of upgrading to a stateroom category that offers a view of the ocean, a balcony, or a suite in order to enjoy some additional luxuries, but interior cabins are a good value thanks to their ample space and thoughtful touches (like marble bathrooms with a tub and two sinks). The North Star viewing platform is without a doubt the most advantageous location from which to view both Endicott Arm and the Dawes Glacier.
Final Verdict
Your Alaskan cruise is about to depart, so the only question left to answer is: which ship will you be sailing on for your journey through the Last Frontier? We recommend Windstar Cruises to anyone interested in travelling on a small ship with an all-inclusive approach. This is your best choice for getting up-close and personal with nature while also having access to knowledgeable guides. Choose Seabourn Cruises if you want to travel across Alaska in the lap of luxury and be surrounded by naturalists who are specialists in their fields as well as restaurants that serve exquisite cuisine. If you are interested in megaships, Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas is a floating hotel that offers absolutely everything you could ever want in a place to stay throughout your travels. (The only potential drawback here is that you might have so much fun making use of the ship’s various amenities that you end up missing out on seeing Alaska.)
