Best cruise lines for Alaskan Cruises
The best cruise lines for alaskan cruises as ranked by verified reviews submitted over the past 12 months. This list is continuously updated as we receive new reviews from our members, so be sure to check back often! Note, a minimum of 40 reviews are required to be part of this list.
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Viking’s focus on destinations and expanding one’s knowledge goes hand-in-hand with a cruise in Alaska, as this region is known for its pristine natural beauty and wildlife. Those that desire a relaxed, intimate experience onboard while also learning in-depth about the region they’re visiting will find a perfect fit on Viking Orion — the ship that sails there.
These ships can dock in smaller ports, like the mouth of a fjord or Kotor, Montenegro. But you’ll remember the onboard experience as much as the destinations: The line’s spa suites offer direct access to the thermal area, which is considered the finest at sea. Best of all, most itineraries offer a Marina Day, when the crew unfurls a marina complete with a saltwater pool.
Oceania currently has one ship that sails in Alaska during its beautiful summer season — Regatta. Most common are 7-night voyages that stop in ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Skagway. However, the ship also operates longer 10-14 night cruises in Alaska, so chances are there’s an itinerary to suit everyone’s preferences.
Cunard sailings in Alaska are at minimum 10-day voyages through ‘The Last Frontier.’ Destinations on Cunard’s Alaska itineraries include stops in Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay, Skagway, and more.
Experience Alaska with Regent Seven Seas on one of its curated voyages aboard mid-sized ships. Usually departing in Vancouver, Regent’s Alaska sailings start at 7 days. The line stops in Alaskan ports including Sitka, Ketchikan, Skagway, Wrangell, Juneau, and does scenic cruising by Hubbard Glacier.
Travelers who crave an intimate and luxurious small-ship experience in Alaska will find it on a Silversea cruise. All cabins are suites with an ocean view to watch the region’s stunning vistas go by, and most even include a private balcony. Ships sail to popular Alaska ports, as well as lesser-visited ones like Wrangell, Haines, Kodiak, and Saint Paul Island.
Known as the "Fun Ships,” Carnival attracts fun-loving couples, families, and singles. High energy ships with constant entertainment (think pools, water slides, after-hours comedians, plenty of activities for kids) and an impressive array of dining choices, including burgers by Food Network star Guy Fieri. Carnival partners with Dr. Seuss Enterprises for themed story hours...
Princess Cruises is perhaps the single most popular cruise line for voyages in Alaska. Local experts sailing onboard offer special insight into the destinations and wildlife that travelers encounter along the way through lectures and real-time narration. Local entertainment and cuisine can also be found on the ship, providing even more experience with the local culture.
Holland America’s mid-sized ships are the perfect size for exploring all of the highlights of Alaska. For over 70 years, Holland America has sailed through Alaska, making it one of the lines sailing the longest in the region. The line offers its own Alaska Land+Sea Journeys, which combine a cruise with a land-based adventure to Denali National Park and the Yukon.