My first Alaska cruise started with a rookie mistake: I booked an inside cabin for a glacier viewing itinerary. Watching other passengers rush to their balconies while I scrambled to find deck space taught me a lesson I'm sharing with you.
Alaska cruising is different from Caribbean cruising. The destination matters more than the ship. The weather can change every hour. And some experiences require booking months in advance.
The Timing Question
Alaska's cruise season runs from late April through September. But those endpoints aren't equal.
May
Longer daylight hours (up to 18 hours in late May) and emerging wildlife. The catch: higher chance of rain, especially in Southeast Alaska. Prices run 10-15% lower than peak summer. Whale migration peaks in May.
June
Arguably the best overall month. Consistent daylight, moderate temperatures averaging 55-65°F, and active wildlife including bears fishing for salmon. Mid-June sailings often sell out months ahead.
July
Warmest temperatures, least rainfall, highest prices. School vacation crowds mean full ships. If you have flexibility, early July typically costs less than late July.
August
Salmon runs attract bears to streams and viewing platforms. Daylight starts decreasing noticeably. End-of-summer pricing appears by late August.
September
Shoulder season brings lower prices and Northern Lights potential. Some wildlife has migrated. Weather becomes less predictable. By mid-September, many attractions and tours reduce operating hours.
See all Alaska cruise datesItinerary Types Explained
Inside Passage (Round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver)
These 7-night sailings remain most popular. You'll visit ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway while cruising past glaciers. The route sticks to protected waters, minimizing rough seas.
Best for: First-time Alaska cruisers, those with limited vacation days, anyone prone to seasickness.
Gulf of Alaska (One-way between Vancouver and Anchorage/Whittier)
This route includes Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier plus ports the round-trip sailings skip—typically Seward, which serves as a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.
Best for: Those combining a cruise with land exploration, photographers seeking more glacier time.
Expedition Cruises
Smaller ships (under 500 passengers) access areas large ships cannot—narrow fjords, smaller ports, closer glacier approaches. Rates run higher, but the intimacy and access justify the cost for many travelers.
Explore expedition cruise optionsThe Cabin Decision
I'll say it plainly: get a balcony if your budget allows.
Alaska cruising involves wildlife sightings announced over the ship's PA system. "Whale at 2 o'clock" means something very different when you can step onto your balcony versus fighting for rail space on a public deck.
The sunrise over Glacier Bay from my balcony last summer—coffee in hand, still in pajamas—was worth every extra dollar.
If a balcony truly isn't possible, book the highest deck inside cabin available. You'll reach public viewing areas faster when announcements happen.
Shore Excursions That Deliver
Worth the Splurge
Helicopter glacier landing with dog sledding (Juneau): Yes, it costs $500+. Yes, the photos will make you cry happy tears. Landing on a glacier and meeting sled dogs creates a memory that lasts.
Whale watching (Juneau or Ketchikan): Humpback whale encounters approach 95% success rates in summer. Most tours guarantee a sighting or refund.
White Pass Railway (Skagway): The narrow-gauge railroad climbs 3,000 feet through stunning terrain. Book the first departure to avoid afternoon crowds.
Good Value
Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching combo (Juneau): Combines two must-sees at a lower price than booking separately.
Rainforest walking tours (Ketchikan): Guided walks through Tongass National Forest cost around $75 and reveal the ecosystem's complexity.
Skip or DIY
Bus tours through downtown ports: Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway are highly walkable. Save your excursion budget for experiences you can't replicate independently.
Book Alaska shore excursionsWhat to Pack
Alaska weather changes rapidly. My packing list after five sailings:
- Rain jacket (waterproof, not water-resistant)
- Layers: moisture-wicking base, fleece mid-layer, down jacket for glacier viewing
- Waterproof hiking boots or shoes
- Binoculars (whale and wildlife spotting)
- Camera with good zoom capability
- Motion sickness remedies (even calm waters have swells)
Cruise Line Recommendations
Holland America Line pioneered Alaska cruising and maintains deep regional expertise. Their land+sea packages combining cruises with rail journeys to Denali National Park represent excellent value. Princess Cruises offers the most Alaska sailings and has extensive partnerships with rail tours and wilderness lodges. Their private rail cars provide optimal viewing. Norwegian Cruise Line attracts families with Freestyle dining flexibility and onboard activities for kids.For smaller ship experiences, UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions access areas the mega-ships cannot reach.
Glacier Bay vs. Hubbard Glacier
Only two cruise lines have permits for Glacier Bay National Park: Princess and Holland America. The park limits how many ships enter daily, making these sailings feel more exclusive.
Hubbard Glacier, North America's largest tidewater glacier, is accessible to any ship. The calving here often surpasses Glacier Bay's activity. Neither choice is wrong—both deliver spectacular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Alaska from the water reveals something you simply cannot replicate from land. Glaciers calving into the sea, humpback whales breaching, bald eagles circling above—these moments transform travelers.
Book earlier than you think necessary. Alaska cruises sell out, especially optimal cabins on popular dates. For summer 2026, that means booking by late fall 2024 for best selection.
And spring for the balcony. You'll thank me from 4 AM when you're watching the sunrise over a glacier in your bathrobe.
Start planning your Alaska cruise