With so many incredible destinations and options, planning an Alaskan cruise can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I get it! That’s why I’ve done the research for you and have all the Alaskan cruise comparisons you will need to make the best choice and ensure your cruise is as stress-free as possible.
Alaska is nothing like a tropical escape— it’s even more breathtaking. Each port offers its own rugged charm, from historic Gold Rush towns to awe-inspiring glaciers. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re looking for a fresh way to explore, I’m here to help make 2026 your most unforgettable Alaskan adventure yet.
Planning from the U.S. or Canada? I work with clients nationwide to plan Alaskan cruises with personalized recommendations.
4 Key Factors When Choosing an Alaskan Cruise
1️⃣ Embarkation Cities & Cruise Length
- How long can you take for your trip?
- Where do you want to start and end? Does it need to be the same city?
2️⃣ Land + Sea, or Just Sea
- Do you want all of your nights to be on the cruise ship?
- Would you like to explore interior Alaska as well as the coast?
3️⃣ Onboard Amenities
- Are big-ship activities like go-karting or waterslides important to you?
- Or are you choosing mainly for the ports and itinerary?
4️⃣ Ports & Glaciers
- Which ports interest you most, and what kind of excursions appeal to you?
- How many glaciers do you want to see—and are there specific ones on your list?
Our Top Alaska Cruise Recommendations for 2026
Handpicked for scenery, comfort, and unforgettable glacier views
7-Day Princess Cruise
Roundtrip from Vancouver • Glacier Bay National Park
7-Day Norwegian Cruise
Roundtrip from Seattle • Dawes Glacier Viewing
11-Day Viking Cruise
From Vancouver • Yakutat Bay & Hubbard Glacier
14-Day Princess Cruise Tour
From Vancouver • Includes Denali & Alaska Rail Adventure
Each sailing offers distinct routes, glacier experiences, and onboard styles— perfect for finding your ideal Alaskan adventure.
Embarkation Cities and Cruise Length
When planning your Alaskan cruise, the first thing to consider is where you’d like to start your cruise from and how much time you can spend on vacation. Most cruises last about 7 days, but there are fantastic 10 and 14-day options for a more immersive experience. The main departure cities in 2026 are Vancouver, BC; Seattle, WA; and Seward or Whittier, AK.
Why Choose a Roundtrip Cruise
These are best for travelers who want to fly in and out of the same city. Most roundtrip sailings depart from Seattle or Vancouver.
Seattle
- Larger ships with more onboard activities, like waterslides and go-karts
- Sails outside Vancouver Island, so more time at sea
- Often have shorter port hours and may skip Glacier Bay National Park
Vancouver
- Mid-size and smaller ships with smoother sailing through the Inside Passage
- Often have longer port days and scenic routing
- Better odds for Glacier Bay or Tracy/Endicott glacier viewing depending on line
Great Roundtrip Alaska Cruise for 2026
Princess Cruise
7-day Inside Passage cruise leaving from Seattle. This cruise is on the new Star Princess and includes 4 ports and a visit to Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.
Disney Cruise
7-day Inside Passage cruise leaving from Vancouver. This cruise is on the Disney Magic and includes 3 ports and a visit to Stikine Icecap on its itinerary.
Norwegian Cruise
7-night Inside Passage cruise leaving from Seattle. This cruise is on the Encore and includes 4 ports and a visit to Glacier Bay National Park.
Longer Options for 2026
Princess Cruise
14-day voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure leaving from Vancouver, BC. It includes 4 ports and a visit to Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and Glacier Bay National Park (twice!) on the itinerary.
Holland America
14-day Alaska Roundtrip Collectors’ Voyage cruise leaving from Vancouver, BC. This cruise is on the Nieuw Amsterdam. It includes 8 ports and a visit to Glacier Bay National Park.
Viking
11-day Inside Passage cruise leaving from Vancouver, BC. This cruise is on the Viking Orion and visits 6 ports, as well as a visit to Yakutat Bay and Hubbard Glacier on the itinerary.
Why Choose a One-Way Cruise
Best for travelers who want to see more of Alaska’s coastline and are fine flying into one city and out of another.
Direction Options
Scenic Inside Passage, plus opportunities for College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier (line dependent).
Similar routing in reverse with strong glacier viewing and photography light earlier in the day.
Why Choose a One-Way
- Smoother sailing through the Inside Passage with lower seasickness risk
- Longer port times for excursions and unrushed days ashore
- Easy to add interior Alaska after your cruise, such as Denali, Fairbanks, or Kenai
- Access to glacier areas often missed on roundtrip routes, like College Fjord
Great Options for a One-Way Alaskan Cruises
One-way Alaskan cruises between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier give you more glacier time and longer port days. They also pair easily with the Alaska Railroad or a Denali + Fairbanks add-on for a fuller Alaskan experience.
Norwegian Cruise
7-day northbound cruise leaving from Vancouver, BC, and ending in Whittier, AK. This cruise is on the Norwegian Jade, which had a major refurbishment in 2022. It has 5 ports, as well as a visit to the Hubbard Glacier on the itinerary.
Celebrity Cruise
7-day southbound cruise leaving from Seward, AK and ending in Vancouver, BC. This cruise is on the Celebrity Solstice, an older but newly refurbished ship in 2026 with some great updates. It has 4 ports and a visit to Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier on the itinerary.
Princess Cruise
7-day northbound cruise leaving from Vancouver, BC and ending in Whittier, AK. This cruise is on the Discovery Princess, which is a newer ship and features large balconies. It has 3 ports and a visit to Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord on the itinerary.
When we booked our Alaska cruise, we chose a northbound cruise for the longer port times and the smoother ride, as seasickness is an issue for one of us and we wanted the ability to see more of Alaska.
Land + Sea Tours vs Cruise-Only
Cruises are an incredible way to explore Alaska’s breathtaking coast and give you a taste of the state’s rugged beauty and charm, but a cruise tour might be perfect if you want to visit Alaska’s interior. Many cruise lines have options that combine the cruise with a land tour, allowing you to explore places like Denali and Fairbanks. These tours handle things like transfers, accommodations, guided excursions, and even some meals, making it a seamless and stress-free way to experience land and sea!
If you’re looking for an Alaskan cruise and land tour package for 2026, I personally recommend Princess Cruises or Holland America. These two lines are known for their long history in Alaska, giving them unmatched experience in crafting unforgettable land and sea adventures. They work with the same trusted tour companies, own their own lodges, and have a well-organized land tour operation, making it easy to relax and soak in the incredible scenery. It’s truly the easiest way to see the best of Alaska!
Denali News for the 2026 Cruise Season
Denali Park Road is slated to reopen to mile 92 in 2026, restoring access to Eielson Visitor Center and the most dramatic tundra and mountain viewpoints. That means higher odds of spotting grizzlies, moose and caribou, plus deeper time in the park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour, so expect lodge space and permits to go fast for next year. You can keep up-to-date on the reopening progress by visiting the Denali National Park & Preserve website.
Best Alaska Cruise and Land Tour Packages 2026
Princess Cruise
14-day Off the Beaten Path tour leaving from Fairbanks, AK and ending in Vancouver, BC. This tour has the land portion first, visiting the Kenai Fjords, Denali and Mt. McKinley, and ending in Whittier. From Whittier, you will cruise to 3 ports and visit Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier.
Holland America
14-day Yukon + Denali tour starting and ending in Vancouver, BC. This tour has the cruise portion first, visiting 3 ports, Hubbard Glacier, and Glacier Bay National Park. From Whittier, you will have time in Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, and Dawson before heading back to Vancouver, BC.
Princess Cruise
12-day Denali Explorer tour leaving from Vancouver, BC and ending in Fairbanks, AK. This tour has the cruise portion first on the Grand Princess, visiting 3 ports, the College Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park. From Whittier, you will visit Denali, Mt. McKinley, and Fairbanks over the next 4 days.
Join Our Facebook Travel Community
Connect with fellow travelers, share travel tips, and get real updates on 2026 sailings inside my Luxury Travel by Jess Facebook Group.
Join the GroupShip Size and Onboard Amenities
Cruise ships that have more onboard experiences, such as bumper cars and ropes courses, are bigger and will sail out of Seattle. The bigger ships cannot sail through the Inside Passage between Vancouver Island and the mainland, so they sail on the outside of Vancouver Island. This means more time at sea and less time in ports, but these big ships are great if you’re looking for more activities onboard!
Great Options for Ships with More Amenities
Royal Caribbean
7-night Adventure cruise leaving from Vancouver, BC and ending in Seward, AK. This cruise is on the Ovation of the Seas and includes 4 ports and a visit to Hubbard Glacier on its itinerary. This ship features the North Star, waterslides and Ripcord by iFLY, as well as specialty restaurants and bars.
Disney Cruise
7-night Inside Passage cruise leaving from Vancouver, BC. This cruise is on the Disney Wonder and includes 3 ports and a visit to Stikine Icecap on its itinerary. This ship features Broadway-caliber shows, a water slide, a top-notch area for kids and teens, several bars, and an adults-only specialty restaurant.
Princess Cruise
7-night Inside Passage cruise leaving from Vancouver, BC. This cruise is on the Discovery Princess and includes 4 ports and a visit to Glacier Bay National Park . This is a newer ship that features an infinity pool, original productions in their theaters, a sports court and several specialty restaurants and bars.
Great Options for Smaller and Luxury Cruise Ships
If the focus for your Alaskan cruise is on longer times in port, getting closer to glaciers, and cruising the entire Inside Passage, sailing on a smaller ship will be your best choice. There won’t be as many big items, like waterslides and rock climbing, but there are still plenty of activities onboard. A smaller ship also means smaller crowds and lines. Viking (935 total guests) or Regent Seven Seas (746 total guests) are some of the most luxurious cruises available, which is a nice bonus.
Most of my Alaska cruise clients choose Viking for its smaller ships and excellent service.
Celebrity Cruise
7-night Inside Passage cruise leaving from Vancouver, BC and ending in Seward. This cruise is on the Celebrity Solstice, which is a smaller ship with great dining options and plenty to keep you busy while at sea. It has 4 ports and a visit to Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier on the itinerary.
Regent Seven Seas
7-day Inside Passage cruise leaving from Vancouver, BC and ending in Whittier. This cruise is on the Seven Seas Explorer, which offers great live entertainment venues, as well as included excursions. It also has some great dining options. It has 4 ports, as well as a visit to Hubbard Glacier on the itinerary.
Viking Cruise
11-day Inside Passage cruise leaving from Vancouver, BC. This cruise is on the Viking Orion and visits 6 ports, as well as a visit to Yakutat Bay and Hubbard Glacier on the itinerary. It features incredible service, onboard cooking classes, and destination-focused entertainment.
Port and Glacier Experiences in Alaska
The last thing to consider when making a plan for an Alaskan cruise are the Alaskan experiences you want to include. Are glaciers important? Is seeing Glacier Bay National Park the most important thing? Do you want to ride a train in Alaska or see the totem poles?
Alaska’s Iconic Glaciers
Only four cruise lines have access to Glacier Bay National Park, so if visiting this park is a priority for you (as most people say, it is a must-see), then consider Princess Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Cunard, or Holland America Cruise Lines. When visiting Glacier Bay National Park, you will remain on-board the ship throughout the day. A park ranger will board the ship upon entering the park and will be present for the entire visit, providing informative presentations, answering questions, and offering narratives about the views you will encounter.
This was a highlight for us on our Alaskan cruise! It was amazing to spend all day sailing in Glacier Bay!
Alaska is home to many other glaciers, and all cruises include at least one glacier visit. Other frequently included glaciers are Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Endicott Arm Fjord/Dawes Glacier. Keep in mind that weather conditions can impact how close the ship can get to each glacier. The exact proximity will only be determined on the day of the visit.
Each glacier offers its own scenery, color, and experience. Here’s what makes the most-visited glaciers in Alaska stand out.
Glacier Bay National Park
This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that requires ships to hold entry permits. Most itineraries spend a full day here with a Park Ranger narrating from onboard. Expect to see multiple glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and often wildlife. This is the classic highlight of many Alaska cruises.
Hubbard Glacier
This glacier is famous for its vivid blue color and rapid movement— sometimes advancing several feet per day— that creates dramatic calving events as ice breaks away into the sea. Weather can occasionally limit how close ships can safely approach, but the sight is unforgettable when visibility high.
Tracy Arm Fjord
This is a narrow, steep-walled fjord ending at the Twin Sawyer Glaciers. Only smaller ships can navigate this passage. You can expect deep blue ice, waterfalls tumbling down cliffs, and frequent seal sightings on floating ice near the glacier face.
College Fjord
Located in Prince William Sound, this area is home to ten named glaciers— five tidewater and five valley glaciers— each named after East Coast colleges. It’s the only place in Alaska where you’ll be surrounded by glaciers on both sides of your ship.
Endicott Arm / Dawes Glacier
This is part of the same wilderness area as Tracy Arm, with similarly stunning fjord scenery and cascading waterfalls. Dawes Glacier marks the end of the fjord and frequently calves, sending small icebergs drifting through the teal water.
See our Alaska cruise packing essentials to help you pack smart for your trip.
Top Alaska Cruise Ports
When selecting an Alaska cruise, it is important to consider the ports and the excursions offered in each port. If riding a train through the Alaskan wilderness is a priority, make sure to choose a cruise that includes a stop in Skagway, which offers a train ride through the Yukon, where the Klondike Gold Rush occurred. If seeing totem poles is important to you, select a cruise that stops in Ketchikan. For wildlife encounters or the opportunity to interact with sled dogs, Juneau is the port to explore.
| Port Name | Facts About the Port |
|---|---|
| Juneau | Juneau is the capital city of Alaska and has the most activities of all the ports. Here, you can hike the Mendenhall Glacier, interact with sled dogs, walk around town, or go on a whale watching tour. |
| Skagway | Skagway is home to the White Pass & Yukon Gold Railroad that takes you up into the Yukon Territory. It also has a rich history centering around the Klondike Gold Rush and has museums and buildings you can check out from that time. From shopping to hiking, this stop has plenty to do. |
| Ketchikan | Called the first city because it is the first city you come to in Alaska, this rainforest area is known for its beautiful scenery, Totem Heritage Center, and salmon. There is plenty to do here, including zip lining and kayaking. |
| Icy Strait Point | Icy Strait Point is a more recent port, and the area is only open when cruise ships are in port. They have ATV tours, zipline tours, as well as a gondola you can ride to see the amazing views of the area. |
| Sitka | This port is full of Russian influences, which you can see in some of the architecture around the town. There are multiple historic sites you can visit, as well as plenty of hiking and shopping. The Fortress of the Bear and the Alaska Raptor Center are also located here. |
Our Pick for the Best Alaska Cruise in 2026
So, what would we pick for an Alaska cruise in 2026? Our pick would be a Northbound cruise with Princess cruise line that stops at Glacier Bay. The top reasons were the glacier viewing (Glacier Bay and College Fjord), extra time in ports, and the one-way itinerary because of seasickness.
This ship has some great amenities for when we are relaxing after a busy day exploring ports, as well as some tasty food options. This itinerary also has two days of cruising through glaciers and Fjords, which is such a great experience. I highly recommend a balcony for this itinerary so you don’t miss any awesome animal sightings! A glacier cruise in Whittier and taking the train up to Anchorage would be an epic way to end your Alaskan adventures. I would love to help you plan an Alaska cruise today, so contact me and we can get started on your own journey!
Our Top Picks for 2026
7 Day Roundtrip Out of Seattle
Norwegian Cruise
7-night Inside Passage cruise leaving from Seattle. This cruise is on the Encore and includes 4 ports and a visit to Glacier Bay National Park on the itinerary.
Land and Sea Cruise Package
Princess Cruise
14-day Off the Beaten Path cruise leaving from Fairbanks, AK and ending in Vancouver, BC. This tour has the land portion first, visiting the Kenai Fjords, Denali, and Mt. McKinley, ending in Whittier. From Whittier, you will cruise to 3 ports and visit Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier.
Longer Cruise with More Ports to Visit
Viking
11-day Inside Passage cruise leaving from Vancouver, BC. This cruise is on the Viking Orion and has 7 ports, as well as a visit to Yakutat Bay and Hubbard Glacier on the itinerary. Viking’s service and amenities are impeccable, giving you a luxurious experience of Alaska.
One-Way Cruise from Vancouver, BC
Princess Cruise
7-day northbound cruise leaving from Vancouver, BC and ending in Whittier, AK. This cruise is on the Discovery Princess, which is a newer ship with larger balconies and great restaurants. It has 3 ports and a visit to Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord on the itinerary. The port times and docking locations are great and it’s easy to add time in Alaska after your cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaskan Cruises 2026
What is the best month to take an Alaskan cruise?
Peak season runs from mid-June through August, offering long daylight hours and the best wildlife viewing. Shoulder months like May and September bring fewer crowds and great value.
Which cruise line has the best Alaskan cruise?
Princess, Holland America, and Viking are consistent standouts for the 2026 season. Each offers access to glacier viewing and well-run land and sea packages.
How many days do you need for an Alaskan cruise?
Most Alaskan cruises last seven days. Ten- to fourteen-day itineraries allow for more glacier time and additional ports if you’d like a deeper experience.
Is a roundtrip or one-way Alaskan cruise better?
Roundtrip cruises from Seattle or Vancouver are convenient for flights. One-way sailings let you explore more coastline and add interior Alaska destinations such as Denali or Fairbanks.
Do I need a balcony for Alaska?
Balconies aren’t required, but are wonderful for glacier days and wildlife spotting. If you skip one, enjoy the views from outdoor decks and observation lounges instead.
Which glaciers can I see on a 2026 Alaskan cruise?
Top glacier destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Endicott Arm with Dawes Glacier. Access depends on weather and cruise line permits.
Having chosen the best itinerary and cruise line for your Alaskan cruise, you still need to decide things like the best month to go and what to do while you are there. Check out our recommendations below for what you can do in Alaska, as well as our packing list for your cruise. I hope you find this information helpful in planning the right Alaska cruise in 2026.
Let us know in the comments if you have a favorite 2026 Alaskan cruise you are looking at. If you are ready to book your Alaskan adventure, schedule an appointment with me today!
Best Alaskan Cruise 2026: How to Choose the Perfect Adventure
With so many incredible destinations and options, planning an Alaskan cruise can feel overwhelming. …
Plan the Best Alaskan Cruise for 2025
If you are looking to book an Alaska cruise for 2026 – Check out my updated list for next year here!…
What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise | 8 Essential Items
Going on a cruise is an amazing way to explore multiple different places without the hassle of const…