Alaska Cruise Guide: Best Routes, Ports & Things to Do

Alaska is more than just a holiday; it's a chance to explore immense landscapes, untamed wilderness, and mesmerising wildlife. Alaska cruises offer a breathtaking way to experience a memorable holiday. Whether you are planning your first cruise or looking for an adventure, the Alaska cruise guide covers the best Alaska cruise routes, popular ports and travel tips.

​Why Choose an Alaska Cruise?

An Alaska cruise blends the comfort of a floating resort with landscapes that are difficult to explore. You can enjoy a holiday cruising through different destinations while dining onboard and relaxing.

​The cruising season starts in May and ends in September, when longer daylight hours make it easy to enjoy scenic sailing. June and July are popular for warmer weather and extended daylight, while September offers quieter ports and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.

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Best Alaska Cruise Routes

Choosing the right route depends on whether you want glaciers, cultural experiences, wildlife, or to explore Alaska on land.

• ​Inside Passage Cruise

The Inside Passage is one of the best Alaska cruise routes, especially for first-time visitors. The sheltered network of waterways runs between British Columbia and southeastern Alaska and offers dramatic landscapes throughout the journey.

​Typical itineraries may depart from Vancouver or Seattle with destinations such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. The route is famous for its forest-covered mountains, islands, waterfalls, and opportunities to spot whales and wildlife. Inside Passage cruise is an excellent choice for travellers looking for a classic introduction to Alaska.

• Glacier Route

Consider an itinerary focused on Alaska’s glaciers for breathtaking views. One highlight of the Glacier route is Glacier Bay National Park, with scenic sailing past or near enormous glaciers.

​Watching the massive walls of blue ice surrounded by mountains and pristine wilderness is a defining experience of an Alaska cruise. Some itineraries to Hubbard Glacier also include other impressive destinations where travellers can watch ice calving into the sea.

• Gulf of Alaska Cruise

Gulf of Alaska itineraries are ideal for travellers who want to blend cruising with extensive exploration of Alaska. These cruises allow passengers to experience coastal towns and spectacular interior landmarks. Many Gulf of Alaska cruises can be paired with a land tour to create a longer holiday that combines cruising with destinations such as Denali National Park.

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Best Alaska Cruise Ports

Every Alaska cruise ports offer something different from gold-rush history and Native Alaskan culture to outdoor adventures and spectacular wildlife:

• Juneau

Mountains, forests and waterways surround Alaska’s capital, Juneau. The biggest attraction is Mendenhall Glacier where visitors can admire a dramatic glacier close to the city. Adventure seekers choose whale-watching excursions, kayaking trips, hiking tours and helicopter experiences. Explore downtown Juneau, with its shops, local galleries, and restaurants.

• Ketchikan

Ketchikan is another popular cruise stop renowned for the Native Alaskan heritage and coastal setting. Creek Street offers colourful historic buildings overlooking the water. Explore the Totem Heritage Center collections and learn about Tlingit culture. Rainforest walks, fishing excursions, and wildlife tours are quite popular in Ketchikan.

• ​Skagway

Skagway takes you back to the days of Klondike Gold Rush. One of the popular excursions is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway that travels through mountain landscapes. Hiking trails and historic tours let you explore the area's gold-rush heritage.

• ​Sitka

Sitka combines natural beauty with fascinating cultural history that is set between the Pacific Ocean and the Tongass National Forest. Explore the Tlingit heritage, historic landmarks and the Alaska Raptor Center. Discover adventure sports like kayaking and the opportunity to explore bald eagles, sea otters and marine life.

• ​Seward

Seward is the gateway to Alaska’s impressive wilderness. It provides access to Kenai Fjords National Park, where visitors can discover rugged coastlines, glaciers and abundant marine wildlife. Visit the famous public aquarium and marine research facility while in Seward.

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Things on Do on an Alaska Cruise

• Whale watching: Orcas and Humpback whales are spotted in Alaska’s coastal waters.

• See glaciers up close: Choose itineraries that include Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, or other major ice fields.

• Discover native Alaskan culture: Cultural centers, performances and guided tours offer insights into indigenous communities of Alaska.

• Hike across nature: Alaska offers opportunities to explore mountains, forests, and coastal landscapes.

• Try local cuisine: Savour seafood, including Salmon, halibut, and king crab, which are found throughout the region.

• Explore kayaking: Paddle through calm waters surrounded by mountains and forests for a peaceful perspective on the landscape.

An Alaska cruise offers a memorable holiday exploring the panoramic landscape, wildlife and marine life. Whether you choose an Inside Passage or glacier-focused itinerary, each route offers different scenic landscapes of the Last Frontier. Explore exciting holiday packages with Low Cost Cruises.