The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler

Table Of Content

• Cruise Fares (All Prices in USD)
• Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay: Alaska Cruise Experience
• Visiting Scenic Restaurants in Alaska
• Book same-day flights on embarkation day or early flights home
• When to book an Alaska cruise
• Are Alaskan Cruises Worth It? Absolutely, and Here’s Why…
• Ovation of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Dawes Glacier Cruise

There are also some higher-end excursions which can offer a truly unique opportunity to view Alaska’s scenery from a different perspective. Some ships, like Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, have more balcony staterooms available than smaller ships like Enchantment or Radiance of the Seas. Therefore you may find balcony staterooms more affordable on a Quantum-class ship than on smaller ships. Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more. We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most romantic destinations to vacation for couples. Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option, too.

Cruise Fares (All Prices in USD)

It’s also worth factoring in onboard features that cost extra like the spa and gift shop. Considering all aspects of the journey, the total cost of an Alaska cruise for an average person can significantly exceed the basic fare, often reaching between $1,500 and $7,000 or more. On average, a week-long cruise to Alaska will cost about $847 per person, with a price per night of roughly $121. The price for Alaska cruises typically ranges from $500 to $900 for mainstream lines. Some people might decide to make their trip even more exciting with a cruise tour. This means adding extra days to your cruise, before or after sailing, to explore more on land.

My (Somewhat) Disappointing Alaska Cruise on the Grand Princess - Upgraded Points

My (Somewhat) Disappointing Alaska Cruise on the Grand Princess.

Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay: Alaska Cruise Experience

You’ll have to pay the difference if you order a more expensive drink. Jenna DeLaurentis enjoys exploring new ports of call around the world on a cruise ship, learning about new cultures, discovering beautiful landscapes, and trying diverse cuisine. She loves to get active while at port, whether cycling through mountains in the Caribbean or scuba diving under the sea. While this price could be seen on another sailing, the extremely low cruise fare combined with the fact that there was no single-supplement fee made it a deal you don’t come across very often.

Visiting Scenic Restaurants in Alaska

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. That’s not to say you won’t see some of that in Alaskan ports of call. They definitely cater to tourists, but places like Sitka and Juneau also have other industry as well. They are real towns that welcome tourists, instead of tourist towns built solely for ship passengers. From the time you wake up until the time you go to bed, there is spectacular scenery.

Since there is a higher demand during this time of the year, you can expect to pay more for cruise fares. The cheapest time to cruise to Alaska is during the shoulder season, which lasts from April through May and September through October. During these months, you’ll often find lower prices compared to the peak summer months. This is because the demand is lower, mainly due to the cooler weather and because school is in session. Another easy way to cut costs on a cruise is to keep track of fare changes. The price of cruises can vary based on demand, the time of year, and ongoing promotions, so grabbing a ticket when the price drops can help make your cruise more budget-friendly.

Additionally, Princess Cruises has special offers for teachers, military personnel, and emergency/medical staff. Many cruise lines provide price reductions for various groups, such as those in the military, seniors, teachers, and emergency service workers. It’s a good idea to ask about these discounts when arranging your cruise, as they can lead to significant cost reductions. When planning an Alaska cruise, you have the choice between embarking on a one-way journey or opting for a roundtrip voyage. One-way cruises typically start from one port, often Vancouver or Seattle, and finish at a different port, such as Whittier or Juneau.

Are Alaskan Cruises Worth It? Absolutely, and Here’s Why…

Cruise tour costs for Royal Caribbean will range from $371-$413 per person for a five-to-eight-night cruise. However, if your cruise includes stops in Canada or other foreign ports, or if you’re flying into Canada to board your cruise ship, you will need a passport. It’s also worth noting that having a passport is recommended even for closed-loop cruises.

Ovation of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Dawes Glacier Cruise

For those interested in fishing, half-day charter fishing trips are popular, typically costing between $150 and $250 per person. The Fortress of the Bear, a sanctuary for orphaned bears, allows visitors to witness these majestic animals up close for around $10-$15 per person. On the other hand, luxury cruise lines are typically all-inclusive, so the fare will cover gourmet meals, high-quality drinks, shore excursions, and gratuities within the initial payment.

Adventures and Shore Excursions

If you don't plan on checking a bag, pick up bug spray in your departure city or first port of call. You can shed the jacket as temperatures allow, then lose the vest if it gets even warmer. Those things might be excessive for a stroll through town but important in the wind on a whale watching boat. Start with thin, base-layer undergarments that won't bulk up your clothes and are comfortable even if the day turns out warmer than expected. The final layers of outerwear should be lightweight because you may need to stuff them in your backpack for half the day as the temperature rises.

The coldest part of your Alaska cruise will likely be while the ship cruises through can't-miss scenery. Your balcony may give you an edge over the folks in interior rooms, but you won't get a 360-degree vista unless you're out on the top deck. The photos you'll enjoy most when you look back next year are the ones of your travel partners enjoying the trip. Take those, then spend your time soaking up the enchantment of this place.

Budget at least $20 to $70 for this, depending on the distance and mode of transportation. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to be a useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. In Juneau we opted to take the $45 Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle Bus that leaves from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier and back throughout the day. For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska. Plan your romantic Alaskan cruise with our adventurer’s guide to discovering the coziest vacation spots and most scenic restaurants for couples traveling in Alaska.

Factors that will increase the cost include the cruise line selected, cabin type, the time of year and how long your trip is. It's worse in midsummer, but even on shoulder season sailings, you may not find space on the excursions you hoped to do if you wait until you're on the ship to book. Now that it has a couple of seasons in Alaska under its belt, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is not holding back. In 2024, the company is offering a 19-day sailing that starts in Vancouver, Canada, before working its way past the fjords, glacier-filled straits, and Indigenous villages of the Inside Passage.

Cruises should be booked as soon as it is decided that you want to go to Alaska. We bring you not just authentic Alaska itineraries and insider tips but also a treasure trove of our own photos and first-hand experiences from the places we've explored and activities we've relished. While onboard, you might want to shop, try your luck at the casino, or enjoy some premium beverages. Setting aside some spending money for these activities is a good idea.

If you’re contemplating this incredible journey, our advice is to plan meticulously, budget wisely, and savor every moment. After all, Alaska is not just a destination; it’s an experience that stays with you long after you return home. We opted for a 10-night stay aboard the Norwegian Sun, choosing an inside cabin with no window to keep costs down. We skipped any extra paid activities or dining options on the ship.

The news, the email correspondence and your Instagram followers can take a back seat until you're back home. The dress code on most Alaska cruises is more relaxed than in other cruise destinations. Days are long and outdoorsy, leaving people less enthusiastic about rushing back to the ship to put on fancy clothes and dress shoes. However, matching your ship and itinerary to your expectations and travel style is crucial for a successful trip.

Interior, ocean view, balcony cabins, and suites all come with varying price points. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. You can visit Alaska without a passport on a closed-loop sailing (one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port).