1. Big Ship Cruises

Best For: First-time visitors, families, travelers who love amenities

Think floating resorts. Big ships like those from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises offer everything from Broadway-style shows to zip lines — all while sailing past glaciers and rugged coastlines.
Pros:

• Wide range of onboard activities and dining options

• Affordable pricing and frequent promotions

• Excursions for all activity levels, from whale watching to dog sledding
   

Cons:

• More crowded, especially in ports

• Limited access to smaller, less-visited destinations
   

Top Routes: Seattle to Inside Passage, Vancouver to Glacier Bay

 

2. Small Ship and Expedition Cruises

Best For: Adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, experienced travelers

If you dream of getting up close to calving glaciers or kayaking alongside sea lions, small ship cruises with companies like UnCruise Adventures, Lindblad Expeditions, and Alaskan Dream Cruises might be for you.
Pros:

• Intimate, personalized experiences

• Access to remote areas big ships can't reach

• Expert naturalists and onboard education
   

Cons:

• Higher price points

• Fewer amenities (think less Broadway, more binoculars)
   

Top Routes: Glacier Bay National Park, Prince William Sound, remote Southeast Alaska

 

3. Luxury Cruises

Best For: Those seeking an elevated, all-inclusive experience

If you want to experience Alaska in comfort and style, consider luxury lines like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, or Seabourn.
Pros:

• Smaller ships with exceptional service

• Gourmet dining, included excursions, and fine amenities

• More time in port and exclusive access
   

Cons:

• Higher price tag

• Formal atmosphere may not appeal to everyone
   

Top Routes: Sitka to Vancouver, Anchorage to Juneau

 

4. Family-Friendly Cruises

Best For: Multi-generational families, parents traveling with kids

Cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean cater heavily to families, offering kids clubs, teen lounges, and family-friendly shore excursions.
Pros:

• Onboard programs designed for kids and teens

• Family suites and connecting cabins

• Activities like scavenger hunts, character meet-and-greets, and glacier tours
   

Cons:

• Can feel overwhelming for couples seeking quiet
   

Top Routes: Seattle roundtrips to the Inside Passage

 

5. Land and Sea Cruises (Cruisetours)

Best For: Travelers who want to explore inland Alaska, like Denali National Park

Some cruise lines offer cruisetours — a combination of a cruise and a land tour before or after the sailing. Think rail trips to Denali, wildlife safaris, and stays in remote lodges.
Pros:

• Deeper immersion into Alaska's interior

• Bucket-list experiences like spotting grizzlies or the Northern Lights

• Seamless travel planning
   

Cons:

• Longer and pricier than a cruise-only trip

• More moving parts (hotels, transportation, etc.)
   

Top Routes: Anchorage to Fairbanks combined with a Glacier Bay cruise

 

Not-to-Miss Cruise Stops

Where you stop is just as important as how you cruise! Here are some can't-miss ports and scenic highlights to look for when choosing your itinerary:

• Glacier Bay National Park
  A true highlight — sail past massive tidewater glaciers, watch for calving ice, and spot seals, whales, and bald eagles. Only a few cruise lines have permits to enter, so make sure your itinerary includes it!
   

• Juneau
  Alaska’s capital city is only accessible by boat or plane. Visit the famous Mendenhall Glacier, take a whale-watching tour, or ride the Mount Roberts Tramway for stunning views.
   

• Skagway
  Step back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush era. Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway or explore historic downtown filled with colorful saloons and shops.
   

• Ketchikan
  Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and famous for its Native totem poles. Visit Misty Fjords National Monument for breathtaking scenery.
   

• Sitka
  A charming mix of Tlingit culture and Russian history. Great for wildlife tours, including sea otter and whale watching excursions.
   

• Icy Strait Point
  A native-owned destination offering authentic Alaskan experiences. Try a zip line ride, whale watching, or simply explore the local village of Hoonah.
   

• Hubbard Glacier
  The largest tidewater glacier in North America — and it's still actively advancing! Ships often stop and do a slow "scenic cruise" here for breathtaking photo ops.
   

• Seward
  A popular gateway for land tours to Denali National Park. Also known for the Alaska SeaLife Center and boat tours into Kenai Fjords National Park.

 

What to Know About Alaska Cruise Excursions

No matter which Alaska cruise route you choose, you'll notice many excursions are surprisingly similar — and that's a good thing! Some top experiences you'll find at almost every major stop include:

• Whale Watching Tours:
  Available in ports like Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka — Alaska is prime whale territory during cruise season.

• Glacier Visits:
  From Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau) to Hubbard Glacier (scenic cruising), most itineraries offer opportunities to get up close to these icy giants.

• Dog Sledding and Helicopter Rides:
  Popular in Juneau and Skagway, combining epic glacier landings with a real Alaskan sled dog experience.

• Wildlife Safaris:
  Think bear-viewing expeditions, eagle sanctuaries, and otter-watching tours, available in almost every port.

• Ziplining and Adventure Parks:
  Thrilling zipline adventures are a big hit in Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan.

• Fishing Excursions:
  Reel in salmon or halibut with local guides — Ketchikan and Sitka are especially famous for sportfishing.

• Historic and Cultural Tours:
  Explore Gold Rush towns in Skagway, totem parks in Ketchikan, and Russian and Native heritage sites in Sitka.

 

Even though many ports offer similar types of excursions, each one has its own unique backdrop and charm — making every stop feel fresh and memorable!

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Final Tips

• When to go: Prime cruising season is May to September. July and August are warmest, but also most crowded.

• Cabin choice: Splurge on a balcony — there's nothing like sipping coffee while watching a glacier pass by.

• Book early: Alaska cruises are extremely popular and the best itineraries and cabins fill up fast.