Best Alaska Cruises of 2024

Table Of Content

• Dining Highlights on Celebrity Solstice:
• Best value Alaska cruise: Radiance of the Seas
• Visiting Scenic Restaurants in Alaska
• Carnival Cracks Down on High Stakes Activity on Pool Deck
• The 9 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler in 2024
• Best Time To Cruise Alaska
• Best for solo travelers: Norwegian Bliss

Royal Caribbean is known for its floating megaresorts, which carry thousands and are big on amenities, glitz and a certain amount of glamor — think flashy casinos, high-tech shows and lavish spas. Dining and drinking venues number in the dozens, while amusement park features thrill the kids and adrenaline-seekers. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear.

The 11 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2024, From Whale Watching to Glacier Tours Condé Nast Traveler - Condé Nast Traveler

The 11 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2024, From Whale Watching to Glacier Tours Condé Nast Traveler.

Posted: Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Dining Highlights on Celebrity Solstice:

Grand Princess is a good choice for all passengers – solo, couples and families. There’s plenty to do onboard, and the service is very good, but it’s not a party ship and has quite a relaxed vibe onboard. Expect a premium experience onboard – not quite ultra-luxury cruising, but a step above mainstream cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Nieuw Amsterdam is best suited to solo travellers and couples, with more of a focus on relaxation and exploration than ‘fun’ during the cruise itself.

Best value Alaska cruise: Radiance of the Seas

However, early season (May) and late season (September) cruises may offer lower prices and fewer crowds. Exploring the pristine beauty and rugged landscapes of Alaska is a dream for many travelers. To fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking wonders of the Last Frontier, consider embarking on a land and sea adventure. This unique combination allows you to experience the best of both worlds, combining the comfort and luxury of a cruise with the opportunity to delve deeper into Alaska’s untamed wilderness.

Visiting Scenic Restaurants in Alaska

Although several luxury lines sail in Alaska, they don't always offer consistent voyages in the region. A handful, in fact, offer Alaska port calls as part of longer itineraries that incorporate other cruise destinations like Asia or Russia, or even transpacific crossings that call on far-flung places like Dutch Harbor. Further, a higher-than-average crew-to-passenger ratio means cruisers can expect stellar service on their luxury Alaska cruise. Think hot beverages at the gangway after chilly days in port or teams of local experts and photographers brought onboard to help you learn and experience as much as possible about the Last Frontier.

Say hello to our little friend, the 186-passenger Ocean Victory, from American Queen Voyages. And speaking of unlimited food, you’ll be treated to five-course dinners along with 180-degree panoramic views. All 98 cabins face out (no inside cabins), and 68 of those feature step-out balconies. The ship offers nine- to 14-night cruise tours that head into the Canadian Yukon, following the route of the Klondike Gold Rush from Alaska to northwestern Canada. Some travelers demand luxury Alaska cruises, while others don't mind going less fancy if it means close encounters with bears and other creatures in the wilderness.

Best for families

Each summer, scads of ships cruise Alaska’s coastal waterways, ranging from 12-person expedition-style sailings to mega-ships with passenger numbers into the thousands. Some stick to a manageable six-day itinerary within the popular and more easily accessible southeast region, while others head out on epic three-week sailings that cross multiple time zones. The Queen Elizabeth captures the spirit of ocean liners of a bygone era, making it a special treat in Alaska waters. The ship is elegant and provides a premium and uncrowded experience for just over 2,000 guests. Unlike the mainstream lines, the QE sails a short season in Alaska, but on longer nine- and ten-night cruises that allow for more in-depth exploration.

The 9 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler in 2024

It sails round-trip out of Vancouver, Canada and offers 5 and 7 night itineraries with an 8-day and 9-day as well. Royal Caribbean International is known for innovation in cruise ships that are built with families in mind. Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas are two Quantum-class vessels with the company that sail to Alaska, mostly departing from Seattle. These 4,100 capacity ships offer amenities like bumper cars, laser tag, a sky-diving simulator, and even an escape room. Royal Caribbean offers some of the largest ships to the region as well, with two Quantum-class ships (Quantum and Ovation of the Seas) sailing to some of the larger ports in Alaska like Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka. These ships carry over 4,000 passengers at double-capacity so it also means some of the tours taken through the ship may be fairly large groups.

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. 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).

Best for solo travelers: Norwegian Bliss

Itineraries can be customized to fit your specific interests, whether you want to take a glacier hike, immerse yourself in Alaska’s history or eat your way through the state. On the ship itself, there are lots of spots where you can take some Instagrammable selfies with the majestic Alaska scenery behind you. Consider upgrading to The Retreat, Celebrity’s exclusive ship within a ship, for a more private and intimate cruise.

The good news is there are so many options for travelers that you should be able to find a great trip that fits your budget. As you'll see below, an Alaskan cruise can cost under $500 per person for some week long trips. Don't forget to check out our Alaska cruise deals page to save even more on your next sailing. To minimize joining the masses during high season, consider a shoulder-season sailing (in late April, May or September), or select a ship that embarks midweek. Saturday and Sunday cruise departures tend to be busiest during the summer months, particularly for families with children.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Alaska cruises and help you navigate the options to find the best cruise line for your Alaskan adventure. From family-friendly options to luxury escapes, we’ll explore different cruise lines and their offerings, as well as factors to consider when selecting a cruise. Notably, both Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore boast large private zones for solo travelers — something you won't find on any other cruise ship sailing out of Seattle. Still, you can get a variation on a luxury cruise experience on a voyage to Alaska from Seattle on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore. We suspect the lower starting prices for Holland America ships as compared to Carnival ships on Alaska sailings out of Seattle is because Alaska cruises from Seattle are round-trip voyages.

If you are traveling with your own vehicle, four-legged family members are welcome. On a Seabourn voyage, passengers share the journey with scientists, naturalists, and others who expand the Alaskan experience with history, culture, and the natural world. The choice for those who enjoy specialty cuisine on a small(er) ship is Oceania Cruises. Chef-inspired and chef-created dishes throughout the journey make this a top-rated line for foodies.