Top 10 Alaska Cruises: Expert Recommendations
Our list considers various factors, including itinerary, ship size, onboard amenities, wildlife viewing opportunities, and overall value. Whether you're seeking a luxury experience, an adventurous expedition, or a family-friendly vacation, there's an Alaska cruise on this list for you.
Here's a breakdown of the top 10 recommended Alaska cruises:
Cruise Line & Ship Itinerary Highlights Best For Why Experts Recommend It Holland America Line (Various Ships) Glacier Bay National Park, Inside Passage, Hubbard Glacier First-timers, Seniors, Classic Cruisers Holland America offers a classic Alaska cruise experience with a focus on comfort and scenic cruising. They have a long history in Alaska and offer insightful onboard lectures. Princess Cruises (Various Ships) Denali National Park Land Tours (Cruisetours), Glacier Bay, College Fjord Families, Active Travelers, Land & Sea Combinations Princess is known for its seamless land and sea packages that combine cruising with stays in Denali National Park, offering a comprehensive Alaskan experience. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) - Bliss, Encore, Joy Sawyer Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Inside Passage Families, Younger Travelers, Entertainment NCL provides a more contemporary cruise experience with plenty of onboard activities and entertainment, making it ideal for families and those seeking a lively atmosphere. Royal Caribbean (Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas) Inside Passage, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway Families, Adventure Seekers, Onboard Activities Royal Caribbean offers larger ships with a wide range of onboard amenities, including rock climbing walls and surfing simulators, making it perfect for active families. Celebrity Cruises (Various Ships) Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan Couples, Foodies, Sophisticated Travelers Celebrity provides a more refined cruise experience with exceptional dining options and stylish accommodations, appealing to couples and discerning travelers. UnCruise Adventures (Various Small Ships) Remote Wilderness Areas, Glacier Bay (Small Ship Access), Wildlife Viewing Adventure Travelers, Nature Lovers, Small Group Experiences UnCruise offers small-ship adventures focused on immersive experiences in remote Alaskan wilderness areas, with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Lindblad Expeditions (Various Small Ships) Southeast Alaska, Glacier Bay, Coastal Exploration Educational Travelers, Nature Enthusiasts, Expedition Cruises Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic to offer educational Alaska cruises led by expert naturalists and photographers, focusing on in-depth exploration and learning. Silversea Cruises (Silver Muse, Silver Whisper) Inside Passage, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Luxury Experience Luxury Travelers, Discerning Cruisers, All-Inclusive Experience Silversea provides an all-inclusive luxury cruise experience with spacious suites, gourmet dining, and personalized service, catering to discerning travelers. Seabourn Cruise Line (Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn) Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point, Wrangell, Intimate Setting Luxury Travelers, Couples, Intimate Cruise Experience Seabourn offers a smaller, more intimate luxury cruise experience with exceptional service, gourmet cuisine, and carefully curated itineraries. Viking Ocean Cruises (Viking Orion, Viking Mars) Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Scenic Cruising Mature Travelers, Cultural Enthusiasts, Enrichment Programs Viking Ocean Cruises provides a sophisticated cruise experience with a focus on cultural enrichment, offering onboard lectures and destination-focused excursions.
