The 10 Must-See Alaska Cruises for 2023

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Alaska is a land of natural beauty and wonder, and there’s no better way to experience it than on a cruise. With its towering mountains, glaciers, and wildlife-rich waters, Alaska is a must-see for any traveler.

This article will explore some of the best cruise destinations in Alaska, as well as tips for planning your trip. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing getaway, you’re sure to find the perfect cruise in Alaska.

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Cruise Line Itinerary Price
Holland America Inside Passage $1,500
Princess Cruises Gulf of Alaska $2,000
Carnival Cruise Line Southeast Alaska $2,500

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The Best Time to Go on an Alaska Cruise

There is no bad time to go on an Alaska cruise, but the best time for you will depend on your interests and budget.

Summer (June-August) is the peak season for Alaska cruises, and for good reason. The weather is warm and sunny, the days are long, and the wildlife is abundant. This is the best time to see whales, bears, and other Arctic creatures. However, it is also the most crowded time of year, and prices will be higher.

Shoulder Seasons (May-June and September-October) offer a good compromise between weather and crowds. The weather is still mild, and the days are long, but there are fewer people on the ships. Prices will be lower than in the summer, but higher than in the winter.

Winter (November-April) is the off-season for Alaska cruises, but it can be a great time to go if you’re looking for a bargain. The weather is cold and snowy, but the wildlife is still active. This is the best time to see the northern lights. Prices will be the lowest of the year, but some attractions may be closed.

Here is a more detailed look at the pros and cons of each time of year to go on an Alaska cruise:

| Time of Year | Pros | Cons |
|—|—|—|
| Summer (June-August) | Warm weather | Crowded |
| Shoulder Seasons (May-June and September-October) | Mild weather | Fewer crowds |
| Winter (November-April) | Cold weather | Fewer crowds |

The Best Alaska Cruise Ports of Call

There are many different ports of call to choose from on an Alaska cruise, each with its own unique attractions. Here are five of the best:

  • Juneau is the capital of Alaska and the largest city in the state. It is located on the Gastineau Channel, just across from the mainland. Juneau is known for its stunning scenery, including mountains, glaciers, and forests. There are also many museums and historical sites to visit.
  • Ketchikan is a small town located on the Tongass Narrows, a scenic waterway that connects Ketchikan to the Inside Passage. Ketchikan is known for its totem poles, salmon fishing, and outdoor activities. There are also many art galleries and shops to visit.
  • Sitka is a historic town located on the west coast of Alaska. It was the capital of Russian Alaska from 1804 to 1867. Sitka is known for its Russian heritage, its beautiful scenery, and its many hiking trails.
  • Skagway is a small town located at the end of the White Pass and Yukon Route, a historic railroad that was built during the Klondike Gold Rush. Skagway is known for its gold rush history, its lively waterfront, and its many shops and restaurants.
  • Whittier is a small town located at the head of Prince William Sound. Whittier is known for its unique setting, as it is located inside a former U.S. Army tunnel. Whittier is also a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and kayaking.

Here is a more detailed look at each of these ports of call:

| Port of Call | Attractions |
|—|—|
| Juneau | Mendenhall Glacier |
| Ketchikan | Totem Poles |
| Sitka | Russian Orthodox Church |
| Skagway | Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park |
| Whittier | Portage Glacier |

Alaska is a beautiful and diverse state with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for stunning scenery, wildlife viewing, or historical attractions, you’re sure to find it on an Alaska cruise.

Here are a few tips for planning your Alaska cruise:

  • Start planning early. Alaska cruises are popular, and the best deals go quickly.
  • Consider the time of year. The best time to go on an Alaska cruise depends on your interests and budget.
  • Do your research. There are many different cruise lines and itineraries to choose from.
  • Book your cruise through a reputable travel agent. A travel agent can help you find the best deal and make your cruise planning easier.

The Best Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise

An Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers stunning scenery, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best things to do on an Alaska cruise:

  • Wildlife viewing: Alaska is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, whales, seals, and sea lions. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to see these animals up close on a cruise.
  • Hiking: Alaska has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. Hike through lush rainforests, past glaciers, and to the top of mountains for stunning views.
  • Fishing: Alaska is a great place to go fishing for salmon, halibut, and other fish. You can fish from the shore, from a boat, or from a glacier.
  • Shopping: Alaska has a wide variety of shops to choose from, including art galleries, gift shops, and souvenir shops. You can find everything from local souvenirs to handmade crafts.
  • Glacier cruising: One of the most popular things to do on an Alaska cruise is to take a glacier cruise. You’ll get up close and personal with glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife.

Tips for Planning an Alaska Cruise

Planning an Alaska cruise can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you plan your perfect Alaska cruise:

  • Choose the right cruise line and itinerary: There are many different cruise lines that offer Alaska cruises, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. Consider the size of the ship, the type of activities offered, and the itinerary.
  • Book your cruise early: Alaska cruises are very popular, so it’s important to book your cruise early to get the best rates.
  • Pack for all weather conditions: Alaska has a wide range of weather conditions, so it’s important to pack for all possibilities. Pack warm clothes, rain gear, and waterproof shoes.
  • Get travel insurance: It’s always a good idea to get travel insurance when you’re traveling to a remote destination. Travel insurance can help you cover medical expenses, lost luggage, and canceled flights.

An Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss. With stunning scenery, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures, Alaska has something to offer everyone. By following these tips, you can plan your perfect Alaska cruise and have an unforgettable trip.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

  • [Alaska Cruise Planner](https://www.alaska.org/things-to-do/cruises/planning-your-cruise)
  • [Alaska Cruise Deals](https://www.cruisedeals.com/alaska-cruise-deals)
  • [Alaska Cruise Reviews](https://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/alaska-cruises/)

    Q: What are the must-see sights on an Alaska cruise?

A: There are many amazing sights to see on an Alaska cruise, including:

  • Glaciers: Alaska is home to some of the largest and most beautiful glaciers in the world, including the Hubbard Glacier, the Mendenhall Glacier, and the Tracy Arm Glacier. These glaciers are a must-see for any visitor to Alaska.
  • Wildlife: Alaska is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, whales, seals, and sea lions. You’re likely to see some of these animals on your cruise, especially if you take a wildlife-watching tour.
  • National parks: Alaska is home to several national parks, including Denali National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. These parks offer stunning scenery and opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
  • Native Alaskan culture: Alaska is home to a rich and diverse Native Alaskan culture. You can learn about this culture by visiting Native Alaskan villages, attending cultural events, and taking cultural tours.

Q: What is the best time of year to go on an Alaska cruise?

A: The best time to go on an Alaska cruise depends on what you’re looking for. The summer months (June-August) are the most popular time to visit Alaska, as this is when the weather is warmest and the days are longest. However, the summer months are also the most crowded, and prices for cruises are higher. If you’re looking for a more affordable and less crowded experience, consider going on a cruise in the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October).

Q: What is the dress code for an Alaska cruise?

A: The dress code for an Alaska cruise is generally casual, but you may want to dress up for formal dinners. For daytime activities, you’ll want to wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in, such as jeans, shorts, and t-shirts. For evening activities, you may want to wear something more dressy, such as a skirt or dress.

Q: What are the best ports of call on an Alaska cruise?

A: There are many great ports of call on an Alaska cruise, including:

  • Juneau: Juneau is the capital of Alaska and is located on the Gastineau Channel. Juneau is a popular port of call for cruises because it offers stunning scenery, including mountains, glaciers, and rainforests. There are also many things to do in Juneau, such as visiting the Alaska State Museum, taking a helicopter tour of the Mendenhall Glacier, and hiking in the Tongass National Forest.
  • Ketchikan: Ketchikan is located on the Tongass Narrows and is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Ketchikan is a great port of call for cruises because it offers a unique blend of Native Alaskan culture and modern amenities. There are many things to do in Ketchikan, such as visiting the Totem Heritage Center, taking a fishing tour, and shopping for souvenirs.
  • Sitka: Sitka is located on the west coast of Alaska and is home to the Sitka National Historical Park. Sitka is a great port of call for cruises because it offers stunning scenery, including mountains, forests, and the Pacific Ocean. There are also many things to do in Sitka, such as visiting the Sitka National Historical Park, taking a walk through the Russian Bishop’s House, and hiking in the Tongass National Forest.

Q: What are some tips for planning an Alaska cruise?

A: Here are some tips for planning an Alaska cruise:

  • Start planning early: Alaska cruises are popular, so it’s important to start planning early. This will give you the best chance of getting the cruise you want at a good price.
  • Consider the time of year: The best time to go on an Alaska cruise depends on what you’re looking for. The summer months (June-August) are the most popular time to visit Alaska, as this is when the weather is warmest and the days are longest. However, the summer months are also the most crowded, and prices for cruises are higher. If you’re looking for a more affordable and less crowded experience, consider going on a cruise in the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October).
  • Choose the right cruise line: There are many different cruise lines that offer Alaska cruises, so it

    there are many different factors to consider when choosing the best Alaska cruise for you. The best cruise for you will depend on your budget, interests, and desired itinerary. However, no matter what your preferences are, you are sure to find an Alaska cruise that is perfect for you.

With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich culture, Alaska is a truly unforgettable destination. A cruise is the perfect way to experience all that Alaska has to offer. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Alaska cruise today!

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.