Spot bald eagles soaring by, killer whales breaching, and grizzlies grazing along the shore. Ease into the warmth of an outdoor whirlpool and watch glacier floes tumble into the sea. See an unforgettable sunset and savor a gourmet dinner in the comfort of a luxurious shipboard restaurant. And, just before bed, gaze up at a canopy of stars from a seat on your stateroom's private balcony.

Discover the countless stories and adventures that make up the fabric of this pure American wilderness. Native American culture still thrives, Gold Rush legends abound, and Russian influences add spice to Alaska's fascinating narrative. From charming fishing villages to glorious national parks, an Alaskan cruise is guaranteed to be the trip of a lifetime.

When you plan ahead on your Alaskan cruise, you'll save a bundle – book today!

 

While most roundtrip cruises run 7 nights and depart from Vancouver, there are a few 3- and 4-night sailings available from Whittier, as well as select 10-night voyages departing from San Francisco.

The Voyage
Your first day at sea usually features a trip through the Inside Passage. Then, depending on the ship and itinerary, you'll visit 3 or 4 of the following ports of call: Juneau, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway/Haines, and Sitka. Upon arriving back in Vancouver, you'll either hop a flight home or spend a few days exploring British Columbia or Seattle (with hotel accommodations included).

Options
Choosing a roundtrip itinerary means you'll enjoy maximum convenience and flexibility when it comes to flight options. Seniors and families often prefer terminals in Vancouver or San Francisco because sailing and flying in and out of the same port usually makes for a more relaxing vacation. Seattle - located only 3.5 hours from Vancouver's pier - is the popular option for cruisers who favor a scenic drive and a hotel stay before and after an Alaskan cruise (see Cruise Tours for more details). And remember - if you plan on using frequent flyer miles, it's a good idea to book your flight as early as possible. Those seats sell out quickly!

Alaskan Northbound Cruises

Alaskan Northbound Cruises, also known as "Northbound Glacier Cruises," usually sail for 7 nights. These one-way cruises embark from Vancouver and sail north to Seward (near Anchorage) for disembarkation. Journeying further beyond the Inside Passage than roundtrip sailings, these cruises allow you to see more of Alaska's coastline.

The Voyage
Your first day at sea features a trip through the Inside Passage. Then, depending on the ship and itinerary, you'll visit 3 or 4 of the following ports of call: Juneau, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway/Haines, and Sitka.

You'll continue north into College Fjord, home to some of Alaska's most spectacular glacier views. Select ships also visit Valdez before disembarking in Seward. Next, you'll need transportation from Seward to Anchorage - if you booked your flights as part of your cruise package, complimentary transfers are included. From Anchorage, you can either catch a flight home or continue your journey by adding a land tour and hotel accommodations (see Cruise Tours for more details).

Alaskan Southbound Cruises

Alaskan Southbound Cruises, also known as "Southbound Glacier Cruises," usually sail for 7 nights. These one-way cruises embark from Seward (near Anchorage) and sail south to Vancouver for disembarkation. Journeying further beyond the Inside Passage than roundtrip sailings, these cruises allow you to see more of Alaska's coastline.

Getting Started
Once your flight arrives in Anchorage, there are two ways to continue your journey - take the motorcoach transfer to Seward's pier and climb aboard your cruise ship, or check-in to a hotel and spend several days exploring the region before setting sail (see Cruise Tours for more details).

The Voyage
With Seward in your wake, you'll sail south for College Fjord's spectacular glaciers (select itineraries drop anchor in Valdez prior to cruising the fjord). Then, depending on the ship and itinerary, you'll visit 3 or 4 of the following ports of call: Juneau, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway/Haines, and Sitka. Next, you'll cruise the majestic Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver. Catch a flight home, or spend some time exploring British Columbia and Seattle (see Cruise Tours for more details).

Alaskan Cruise Tours

The Best of Both Worlds
The most popular way to see Alaska, cruise tours combine the best of the sea and land - a top-brand cruise plus a scenic land tour with deluxe hotel accommodations - to create the ultimate Alaskan adventure. Cruising gives you the chance to get close to the region's magnificent glaciers and marine life, and provides passengers with the opportunity to sample a variety of coastal ports. Land tours feature lodging in one or more destinations and take you deep into the heart of Alaska's mountain wilderness and myriad cultures. Select packages include transportation in the famed domed cars of the Alaska Railroad, offering incredible views en route to Denali National Park or Mt. McKinley. Many cruise tours also include premium motorcoach service, plus fully escorted sightseeing tours of city centers, national parks, and museums.

Close Encounters
Alaska is enormous - 2.5 times the size of Texas - so cruise tours are an effective way to explore as much of the countryside as you can over the course of a single vacation. These in-depth excursions give you a chance to mingle with the unique people - and the unforgettable wildlife - of America's Last Frontier. Observe giant moose, grizzly bears, caribou, and thousands of leaping salmon in the region's breathtaking national parks. Hike or bike beneath snow-capped peaks. Steer a kayak across a crystal-clear lake, or go white-water rafting through a canyon. The possibilities are infinite.

Itinerary Overview
Cruise tours run anywhere from 9 to 21 nights. For the most variety, choose a one-way northbound or southbound cruise, since any pre- or post-cruise hotel stay allows for extended sightseeing in two different cities. When you choose a Northbound Cruise Tour, you'll cruise first and conclude your journey with a land tour. Southbound Cruise Tours are a popular choice with travelers looking to treat themselves to a relaxing voyage at sea after experiencing the excitement of a land tour. You can't go wrong either way.

Here's an example of a popular Southbound Cruise Tour itinerary:

Fly into Anchorage, where you'll enjoy an overnight hotel stay, then travel to Fairbanks via deluxe motorcoach. You'll enjoy another overnight hotel stay, followed by a scenic trip to Denali in a glass-domed railcar. Tour gorgeous Denali National Park, and enjoy 2 nights' deluxe hotel accommodations. Next, your motorcoach will bring you to Seward's pier, where you'll board your cruise ship. You'll visit 5 incredible ports of call - College Fjord, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan - before concluding your journey with a flight out of Vancouver.

Interested in an Alaskan cruisetour? Learn more about adding a deluxe land stay to your Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, or Holland America Alaskan cruise!

Ask our Alaska experts about booking a cruise tour - call 800-CRUISES today.

 

Cruising Regions
Alaska is broken into five distinct regions. The most popular sites and attractions are located in just three – the famed Inside Passage, the Southcentral region, and the Interior. The major cruise lines do not sail to the Arctic Circle/Far North region, and most itineraries don't include stops in the Southwest region.

Individually, each of the five regions are larger than nearly every state in the "Lower 48" – so you're sure to enjoy an almost endless series of adventures.

Interested in an Alaskan cruisetour? Learn more about adding a deluxe land stay to your Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, or Holland America Alaskan cruise!

Inside Passage Alaska

Alaska's Inside Passage is a web of quiet fjords and peaceful islands forested with hemlock and spruce. Shaped by glaciers millions of years ago, it's the traditional home of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Indians. It's also played host to Russian immigrants, prospectors, lumberjacks, and fishermen.

Ketchikan & Misty Fjords
Generally speaking, Ketchikan is Alaska's southernmost port of call. Highlights include Saxman Park and the Totem Heritage Center, home to the world's largest collection of totem poles. The Tongass Historical Museum features exhibits on traditional Native culture, and Ketchikan's infamous frontier days are immortalized at Dolly's House.

Misty Fjords National Monument – a breathtaking 2.3-million acre expanse – is only accessible via excursion boat or plane. This ecosystem's coastal rainforests and glacial fjords are home to a dizzying array of land animals and marine life. Nearby Wrangell is a picturesque community characterized by four distinctive cultural influences: Russian, British, American, and Tlingit.

Sitka
Sitka, located in the Passage's northern region, was the Russian capital of Alaska from 1808 to 1867. Highlights include Native American artifacts on display at the Sheldon Jackson Museum and a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center. One of Sitka's premiere attractions, the Raptor Center has become Alaska's foremost bald eagle hospital and educational facility, providing critical medical treatment to more than 200 injured bald eagles and other native birds of prey.

Juneau & Haines
Juneau is Alaska's capital and the state's third largest city. Highlights include flightseeing excursions to the beautiful Juneau Icefield and a journey through Tracy Arm Fjord, where glaciers descend as far as 1,000 feet below the water's surface.

Highlights in Haines include Chilkat State Park's magnificent glacier views and the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to over 3,000 bald eagles. And if you're cruising the region in August, don't miss the Southeast Alaska State Fair.

Skagway
Carefully preserved storefronts and the 33-mile Chilkoot Trail are just two of popular Skagway's distinguishing features. Explore Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, then climb aboard vintage railcars for an unforgettable journey along the White Pass & Yukon Route, one of the world's most scenic mountain railways. Glacier Bay is another lovely Skagway landmark – 13 spectacular glaciers flow from surrounding mountains into the waters of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.

Shopping In Port
Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan are home to many of Alaska's finest shops. Beautiful Native American artwork and handicrafts – including carved ivory and jade, masks, totem poles, cedar baskets, and silver jewelry – are available in each destination. Alaskan heritage items are also for sale, including bronze sculptures, oils and acrylics, and fossilized whalebone carvings. Other popular items include Russian nesting dolls, local foodstuffs, and gifts relating to the region's Gold Rush history.

Southcentral Alaska

More than half of Alaska's residents live in the cities, towns, and farmlands of the geographically diverse Southcentral region. Spectacular glaciers, fjords, roadside lakes, beaches, and salmon streams provide visitors with abundant, year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Anchorage
Alaska's largest city, home to nearly 40 percent of the state's population, is a popular tourist destination and the region's commercial capital. Luxury hotels, cosmopolitan cuisine, and excellent shopping exist comfortably alongside state parks, an extensive trail system, and several historical natural attractions.

There's no shortage of things to do in Anchorage. Pay a visit to the Alaska Zoo. Observe 130 species of waterfowl from a vantage point on the boardwalk surrounding Potter's Marsh. Go salmon fishing – downtown. The city's Alaska Heritage Center features artists, performers, interpretative displays, and five traditional village exhibits. The Anchorage Museum of History & Art houses Alaskan art and Native American cultural exhibits.

Even more possibilities await beyond the city limits. The Eagle River Nature Center and Chugach State Park's alpine scenery are just a short drive north of Anchorage. At Eklutna Village Historical Park, you can tour St. Nicholas Russian Church and see the brightly painted Spirit House.

South of town is the Crow Creek Mine – where you can actually pan for gold! Interested in spectacular views of Turnagain Arm? Hike the Crow Pass Trail. Part of the legendary Iditarod Trail, Crow Pass leads to the historic gold fields of Interior Alaska. Looking to lift your spirits? Take an exciting ride aboard the Alyeska Resort's mountain tram.

Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound is comprised of 100,000 glaciers and 10,000 square miles of protected waterways, islands, and fjords. At sea, watch for whales, porpoise, sea otters, sea lions, and seals. On land, keep your eyes peeled for deer, bear, goats, and sheep.

Whittier & Valdez
These coastal communities are your gateways to the Sound's wide variety of spectacular scenery, including Columbia Glacier – an astounding 4 miles wide and over 200 feet tall!

Seward & Glennallen
Seward's harbor bustles with cruise ships. Port highlights include Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska's SeaLife Center, and the amazing Kenai National Wildlife Refuge – a habitat for roughly 6,500 moose.

Glennallen offer visitors easy access to the Wrangell Mountains, one of Alaska's most popular recreation destinations.

Interior Alaska

Alaska's heartland, situated in the shadow of Mt. McKinley, is home to many of the state's most impressive natural wonders and a wealth of culture and history.

Fairbanks
Alaska's second largest city is a hotspot – literally. From mid-May through July, Fairbanks enjoys more than 20 hours of sunlight a day and temperatures that sometimes peak at 80 degrees.

Port highlights include a visit to the University of Alaska Museum and a cruise along the Chena River aboard a reproduction sternwheeler. The Alaskaland Pioneer Theme Park, home to several museums, shops, and turn-of-the-20th century cabins, offers visitors an authentic taste of Alaskan pioneer life.

Fairbanks is also one of the best places in the world to view the Aurora Borealis, the region's legendary Northern Lights. This magnificent show in the sky is visible nearly 240 nights a year, but it's at its most dazzling in the months of March, September, and October.

Mt. McKinley / Denali National Park & Preserve
From Fairbanks, visitors can travel south to Mt. McKinley and Denali's incredible National Park & Preserve. Here, recreational options abound – hiking, rock-climbing, horseback riding, nature treks, and river excursions are just a few examples. Denali is home to an amazing array of wildlife, too – caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, moose, lynx, marmots, foxes, snowshoe hares, ravens, great horned owls, and three species of ptarmigan! A 91-mile road traverses the park, affording excellent views of Wonder Lake, Savage River, Polychrome Pass, Outer Range Sanctuary River, Muldrow Glacier, and the Kantishna mining district.

Southeast of Denali, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range. If you're visiting in the summertime, keep an eye out for salmon spawning in the Gulkana River.

Southwest Alaska

Most Alaskan itineraries don't venture this far west. But if yours does, you're in luck – few settings on earth can compare to Alaska's Southwest region. An unusual variety of environments – ranging from the volcanic terrain of Katmai National Park to the windy grasslands of the Aleutian Islands – play host to brown bears, sea otters, walrus, fur seals, and other fascinating creatures.

Kodiak
Kodiak is the principal town on Kodiak Island. It's also the home of Alaska's largest fishing fleet.

The original inhabitants of the island were the Alutiiq. More than 7,000 years later, their descendants still live here. Six villages scattered throughout the archipelago offer glimpses of the traditional Alutiiq lifestyle, and the Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository documents local Native American history and culture.

Once called Pavlovsk, Kodiak was also the location of the Russian Empire's first administrative center in North America. From 1793 until 1808, it was the headquarters of the Russian-American Company, traders in fur. Reminders of Kodiak's Russian history are on display at the Russian Orthodox Church and the Baranov Museum.

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge covers two-thirds of the island, offering a protected habitat for Kodiak's world-famous brown bears. The area is also home to Fort Abercrombie State Park – originally a World War II coastal fortification, it's now a national historical landmark.

The Alaska Peninsula Extending 550 miles into the Pacific Ocean, the Alaska Peninsula is your gateway to the Aleutian Islands. Area highlights include Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary, and Bristol Bay – the world's largest source of red salmon.


 

Remember - cruises fill up quickly during school vacation season. Triple staterooms, quad staterooms, and family suites sell out fast. Don't miss out - book your family's Alaskan getaway today!

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival offers families a wide variety of entertaining activities designed to teach kids about Alaska's unique culture, heritage, and natural beauty.

These activities are part of Carnival's fleet-wide Camp Carnival kids' program, and they've been created specifically for Alaskan sailings. Events include everything from Native American arts and crafts sessions - where kids can create their very own "dream catchers" and totem poles - to special kids-only lectures conducted by wildlife experts. Children will love the whale-watching sessions - they'll learn about Alaska's amazing marine life and enjoy a chance to spot Carnival's very own "adopted" whale. Carnival's photography contests are also popular - kids can win prizes for their pictures of Alaska's magnificent wildlife and scenery.

Families that want to experience Alaska's beauty on land can choose from more than 60 organized shore excursions (in three activity levels - easy, moderate, and adventure/considerable). Excursions range from exciting glacial flight-seeing tours and mountain biking expeditions to more leisurely pursuits like nature walks and city tours.

Holland America Line

A pioneer in the creation of Alaskan adventures for kids, Holland America offers a wide array of extraordinary experiences for children - float-plane rides, hikes, treasure hunts, and sea kayaking are just a few of the possibilities. A youth coordinator and naturalist oversee each activity.

Holland America offers shore excursions for both teens and "tweens" (children ages 6 to 12). The excursions are part of the line's Club HAL activity program for young cruisers, and they're both fun and educational.

In Skagway, tweens can participate in the Skagway Streetcar Wild Ride, a madcap journey aboard a vintage motorcar guided by a costumed conductor. They'll visit Skagway's historic district, Gold Rush Cemetery, and "the largest gold nugget in the world."

Teens will love the line's Dyea Mountain Bike and Float Adventure. This three-hour excursion includes an entertaining tour of Skagway, a mountain bike ride to historic Dyea, and a raft trip on the gentle Taiya River.

In Ketchikan, children can take a tour of the Totem Heritage Center, where colorful 19th-century totem poles are preserved and Native American arts and crafts kept alive. Another popular choice for teens is a visit to the Deer Mountain Hatchery and Eagle Center, where visitors can feed the fish, view mature salmon, and get up close and personal with majestic eagles. In Sitka, kids can tour the Bald Eagle Raptor Center, where injured eagles and other beautiful birds of prey are nursed back to health before being returned to the wild. Exciting excursions in Juneau include treasure hunts and rainforest trail walks.

Princess Cruises

Passengers cruising Alaska aboard Princess can choose from a number of family-friendly features. Princess' Teen Centers are packed with big-screen televisions, video games, movies, jukeboxes, and more. The line's National Park Service Junior Ranger and Teen Explorer programs are designed especially for children and teens cruising to Glacier Bay.

Princess Cruise Tours feature plenty of onshore fun, too - everything from horseback riding and panning for gold to special children's menus at each riverside wilderness lodge and aboard the line's very own Midnight Sun Express railcars.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean Youth Program offers supervised, age-appropriate activities for kids ages 3 to 17. Young children participate in games, sing-alongs, and art and science projects. Special Alaska events include a frontier theme night and a trip to the Alaska State Fair. Children ages 3 to 11 can learn about the region's culture and create their very own Kwakiutl sun masks and Eskimo oil lamps.

Teens enjoy a less structured atmosphere featuring scavenger hunts, video games, and adventure sports. Most Royal Caribbean ships include teen nightclubs with video screens, music, a dance floor and lounge area, contests, and more.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Family events are an opportunity for kids and parents to have fun together. Families can take part in talent shows, karaoke, and bingo. Everyone has a chance to win cool prizes!

 

Weather

It's a good idea to plan for four types of weather - warm, cool, cold, and (occasionally) wet. Alaska's vast size, varied topography, and geographical location can result in a wide range of conditions.

During the summer months, high temperatures in the inland town of Fairbanks can reach 80°F. Cruising among the Inside Passage's glaciers generally means cooler temps (with more sea breezes blowing on deck). Further along the coast in Anchorage and Denali, the weather is normally pleasant and sunny but slightly cooler. Average temperatures across the state hover in the mid-60s during peak season and the mid-50s in the spring and fall.

Families that want to experience Alaska's beauty on land can choose from more than 60 organized shore excursions (in three activity levels - easy, moderate, and adventure/considerable). Excursions range from exciting glacial flight-seeing tours and mountain biking expeditions to more leisurely pursuits like nature walks and city tours.

Sunny Nights

Because Alaska sits near the top of the globe, the sun can shine for as many as 20 hours a day during peak season!

Dressing For The Ship

Cruising the Inside Passage and planning to do a little sightseeing on deck? Keep a waterproof windbreaker (or a light jacket) and an umbrella handy - the region is cool year-round and subject to sporadic (but gentle) showers. Rubber-soled shoes are a good idea, too.

Nearly every cruise ship includes whirlpools, saunas, a spa, and a fitness center - so don't forget your workout clothes and swimsuit!

Planning a romantic evening or formal occasion onboard? Dress to impress in your ship's gourmet restaurants, lounges, nightclub, or theater. Dress codes vary by cruise line - get the details before you depart and be sure to pack appropriate attire for your ship's public areas.

Dressing For Port

Touring Alaska's coastal towns? An umbrella may be cumbersome. A raincoat, however, frees up your hands - perfect if you'll be carrying around a camera or a shopping bag filled with souvenirs in a port like Ketchikan, which receives up to 100 inches of rainfall annually.

Dressing in layers is the way to go if you'll be exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Pack some short-sleeved shirts (though it's doubtful you'll have much need for a pair of shorts), sweaters, and sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or rubber-soled shoes.

I.D. / Proof of Citizenship

If your itinerary includes a stop in any Canadian port - such as Vancouver or Victoria - you will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Be sure to bring along a valid passport or a notarized copy of your birth certificate, as well as some form of picture I.D., such as a driver's license.

All cruise lines require a government-issued form of identification that includes a photograph. A valid U.S. driver's license or military I.D. is acceptable.

Getting There

Purchasing Airfare - With Us
Complimentary roundtrip transfers between the airport and cruise pier are included in your package when you purchase airfare along with your cruise. This is the most convenient and popular way to go - a range of flight options will automatically be selected as part of your package. Additionally, the cruise line will make special arrangements (or compensate you) if the flights purchased with your package don't arrive in time for cruise embarkation.

You may select alternative flights for an additional fee. Call one of our expert agents for details.

Purchasing Airfare & Transfers - On Your Own
If you buy your flights independently, you'll be responsible for arriving on time for all of your travel components. Allow extra time for each leg of your travel itinerary to help ensure that you don't miss the boat or your flight home.

Transfers between the airport and cruise pier are not included in the price of your package when you purchase airfare on your own. You may add transfers to your package for an additional cost (subject to availability), but don't forget to confirm the transfer reservations and your flight details directly with the cruise line. If you purchase transfers on your own, you'll be responsible for arriving at the ship in time for embarkation.

Packing Checklist

 printable format
The biggest factor to consider is Alaska's weather, of course. But activities at sea and ashore may also require special packing. The following checklist includes some additional suggestions to help you get started - it's by no means comprehensive, but it's a good place to begin.

 

• Binoculars (one pair per passenger)
• Camera (with extra film and batteries)
• Video Camera
• Sunglasses
• Hiking Boots
• Thermal Socks
• Hat
• Gloves
• Heavy jacket
• Light Jacket/Windbreaker
• Raincoat/Umbrella
• Sweaters, Sweatshirts & Long-Sleeved Shirts
• Short-Sleeved Shirts
• Long Underwear
• Formalwear (for dining and cocktails)
• Jeans
• Swimsuit (for the swimming pool/whirlpool)
• Exercise Clothes (for the fitness center)
• Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Overnight Bag (for the train)
• Government-Issued Photo I.D. (driver's license/military I.D.)
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (valid passport/notarized copy of birth certificate with photo I.D. - Canadian ports of call only)
• YOUR TICKETS!