How to Pick the Right Alaska Cruise!
How to Pick the Right Alaska Cruise: A Travel Agent's Complete Guide
Not All Alaska Cruises Are Created Equal
If Alaska is on your bucket list, you're not alone. Every year thousands of travelers dream about seeing massive glaciers, spotting whales, watching bald eagles soar overhead, and experiencing one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth.
After more than 35 years in the travel industry, I've learned that choosing an Alaska cruise is not as simple as picking a ship and a date. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes travelers make is assuming all Alaska cruises are basically the same.
They're not.
The cruise line, ship size, itinerary, departure port, cabin selection, and even the week you travel can dramatically affect your experience.
Let's break down exactly how to choose the Alaska cruise that's right for you.
First Decide What Type of Alaska Experience You Want
There are generally two types of Alaska cruise travelers.
The first group wants a relaxing vacation with beautiful scenery, great food, and comfortable accommodations.
The second group wants the ultimate Alaska adventure, focusing on wildlife, glaciers, and shore excursions.
Neither approach is wrong, but knowing which traveler you are will help narrow your options quickly.
If your priority is the destination itself, you'll want to focus on itineraries that spend more time in glacier areas and less time at sea.
If your priority is the cruise experience, then the ship itself may be more important than the ports.
One-Way vs Roundtrip Cruises
One of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to sail roundtrip or one-way.
Roundtrip Cruises
Most roundtrip Alaska cruises sail from Seattle or Vancouver and return to the same port.
Benefits include:
- Easier flight arrangements
- Usually lower airfare costs
- Simpler travel planning
- Great for first-time cruisers
Popular ports include:
- Juneau
- Ketchikan
- Skagway
- Victoria
One-Way Cruises
One-way cruises typically sail between Vancouver and Whittier or Seward.
Benefits include:
- More Alaska coastline
- Additional ports
- Better opportunities for land tours
- Excellent choice for serious Alaska enthusiasts
Many travelers combine these cruises with a land tour that includes:
- Denali National Park
- Anchorage
- Talkeetna
- Fairbanks
Glacier Viewing Is Critical
If you're only going to Alaska once, make sure your itinerary includes glacier viewing.
Many travelers focus solely on ports and forget that glaciers are often the highlight of the trip.
Popular glacier destinations include:
Glacier Bay National Park
This is often considered the gold standard of Alaska cruising.
Benefits include:
- Incredible glacier scenery
- National Park Rangers onboard
- Outstanding wildlife viewing
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hubbard Glacier
One of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America.
Known for:
- Massive ice calving events
- Stunning photo opportunities
- Close-up glacier viewing
Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier
A beautiful fjord experience featuring:
- Waterfalls
- Icebergs
- Seals
- Dramatic scenery
Whenever possible, I recommend choosing an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay.
Which Cruise Line Is Best?
Different cruise lines offer different Alaska experiences.
Princess Cruises
Princess has long been considered one of the leaders in Alaska.
Why travelers love Princess:
- Excellent Alaska enrichment programs
- Great itineraries
- Strong glacier viewing schedules
- Outstanding service
Princess also operates Alaska lodges, making land-and-sea packages easier.
Holland America Line
A favorite among experienced Alaska travelers.
Known for:
- Exceptional destination focus
- Great culinary experiences
- Excellent naturalist programs
Norwegian Cruise Line
Perfect for travelers who enjoy flexibility.
Benefits include:
- Freestyle dining
- Casual atmosphere
- Great entertainment
Royal Caribbean
Ideal for families.
Features include:
- Rock climbing walls
- Water attractions
- Family-friendly activities
Celebrity Cruises
Excellent for couples seeking a premium experience.
Known for:
- Upscale atmosphere
- Modern ships
- Exceptional food
Choosing the Right Cabin
Your cabin choice matters more in Alaska than it does in many other destinations.
Inside Cabin
Best for:
- Budget-conscious travelers
- People who spend little time in their room
Ocean View Cabin
Benefits:
- Natural daylight
- Better scenery
- Usually lower cost than balconies
Balcony Cabin
My personal recommendation for most Alaska travelers.
Why?
Because Alaska is all about the scenery.
Imagine watching:
- Glaciers
- Whales
- Bald eagles
- Snow-covered mountains
All from the comfort of your own private balcony.
For many travelers, the balcony becomes one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Best Time To Cruise Alaska
May
Pros:
- Lower prices
- Snow-covered mountains
- Smaller crowds
Cons:
- Cooler temperatures
June
Pros:
- Long daylight hours
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Comfortable weather
July
Pros:
- Warmest weather
- Peak season
- Great family travel
Cons:
- Highest prices
August
Pros:
- Great whale watching
- Warm temperatures
Cons:
- More rainfall
September
One of my favorite months.
Benefits:
- Fewer crowds
- Excellent pricing
- Fall colors
- Strong wildlife viewing
Don't Forget Shore Excursions
Alaska is one destination where excursions can truly make the trip.
Popular choices include:
Whale Watching
Juneau offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities in the world.
Helicopter Glacier Tours
A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Dog Sledding
A true Alaska bucket-list adventure.
White Pass Railway
One of the most scenic train rides in North America.
Bear Viewing Tours
Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.
Why Booking With a Travel Agent Matters
Alaska is not a destination where I recommend simply clicking "book now" online.
There are countless decisions that affect your experience, including:
- Cruise line selection
- Glacier viewing opportunities
- Cabin location
- Excursion planning
- Pre- and post-cruise hotels
- Flight coordination
A knowledgeable travel advisor can help you avoid costly mistakes and find the cruise that fits your travel style.
Final Thoughts
An Alaska cruise is one of the most spectacular vacations you'll ever take.
Whether you're watching a glacier calve into the ocean, spotting a humpback whale from your balcony, or standing on deck surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Alaska has a way of leaving a lasting impression.
Take the time to choose the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right season.
Do that, and you'll return home with memories that last a lifetime.
Ready to Explore Alaska?
Contact Scott Faust, The Travel Genie, to find the perfect Alaska cruise for your travel style and budget.
Phone: 843-281-6600
Email: sfaust@idotrips.net
Stop wishing. Start traveling. Call the Genie!
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