Alaskan Small Ship Cruises | American Cruise Lines (2024)

FAQs

What cruise line is best for Alaska? ›

Holland America Line (HAL) — which recently snapped up a 2023 World's Best Award in the large-ship ocean cruise line category — has been cruising Alaska for over 75 years. HAL prides itself on having more permits for Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line.

Big ships are a good pick if you like a bustling onboard atmosphere, resort living, and want to see more of Alaska's port towns. Size: Up to 1,000 feet long with 10 to 20 decks. Larger ships can have a very wide range of passengers, anywhere from 1,600 to more than 4,000.

The Inside Passage Itinerary is the most popular cruise itinerary to Alaska. This itinerary typically includes Alaska's most visited ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska's scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.

Alaska basks in gorgeous 24-hour daylight during two months of the year surrounding the summer solstice. This is when Alaska residents get their outdoor activities in, including 2:00 am hikes, dog walks, and beach volleyball. Mid-May through mid-July are the best months to cruise to Alaska to soak in the midnight sun.

10 Days. This is a very popular vacation length, and no wonder: 10 days is enough time to combine a cruise with a land tour and experience both sides of Alaska. Trips of this length usually include a whirlwind tour of some of Alaska's popular interior and Southcentral destinations, plus a 7-day cruise.

See Wildlife Up Close

Animals such as whales, bears, bald eagles, and more call Alaska home. There's an excellent chance that a balcony will offer a ringside seat to one of nature's best shows, animals in the wild. With a balcony cabin, access to the outside for viewing these animals up close is quick and easy!

The three busiest ports – Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway – accounted for over 80% of all passenger visits to Alaska.

For passengers looking to enjoy views, especially the scenery in the wake of a ship, we recommend higher decks and the back of the vessel. The higher you pick, the farther you'll see. If you're after views, the best room on a cruise ship will be a balcony cabin at the ship's rear end.

Alaska Cruises Can Be Bumpy in the Gulf of Alaska

Rough Waters: The majority of sailing on an Alaska cruise is done in the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but ships sailing to Seward, Whittier or Anchorage must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which is much rougher.

How to choose an Alaskan cruise tour? ›

Your three main questions in choosing a cruise in Alaska are "When should I go?," "Where do I want to go?," and "How big a ship?" Alaska is very much a seasonal, as opposed to year-round, cruise destination, generally open to cruising from May through September (although some smaller ships start up in late Apr).

Most Alaska cruises depart from Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco, and Anchorage Alaska, which includes departures from Seward and Whittier. Tap the links below for cruises from theses ports of call.

During an Alaskan vacation, you'll spot feeding humpback whales, orcas swimming with their offspring, and gray and blue whales splashing in the water from a front-row seat. The kinds of whale species you'll encounter while on your cruise largely depends on which region of Alaska you're sailing through.

Alaska Cruise Temperature by Month

Temperatures can reach anywhere from the low 30s to upper 80s depending on your month of travel as well as the port of call. We always recommend that you dress in layers to prepare for whatever weather comes your way.

Remember, the cost of an Alaskan cruise typically ranges from $600 to $5,000 per person, depending on the type of cruise and the chosen accommodation. Additionally, it is advisable to allocate an extra $1,000 to $1,500 per person for shore excursions to fully immerse in the Alaskan experience.

Often a starting point for Alaska cruises, the capital city of Juneau gives a fresh look into the culture of the country, highlighting the history and rugged wilderness that makes visiting Alaska a full immersion into the Northwestern lifestyle of old.

There's no difference in northbound and southbound itineraries. The stops along the way are the same no matter which you choose, so it's really about personal preference, and which lines up best with your travel plans.

The average price for a 7-day Alaskan cruise can range from $1,300 to $3,500 per person, depending on the cruise line, type of cabin, and time of year.