1. Home
  2. Forum
  3. Cruise Lines
  4. What cruise line is best for Alaska?
Posted: 7 years ago | 7285 Views

What cruise line is best for Alaska?

So my BF and I had a great debate tonight... We agree we both want to go on an alaskan cruise. We have been loyal crown and anchor members on RCI, but I've been looking into Celebrity for this Alaskan cruise. I will soon be platinum with RCI, and if I understand correctly, I would have a similar level on Celebrity's program. I tried explaining things to my BF about exploring outside of just RCI, different itineraries, ports etc etc, but his stance is "Why would we sacrifice a cruise and points on a cruise with a different line"

So loyalty aside, because it may just take some time to convince him, but honest feedback for those who have done Alaska.. What is the best cruise line for Alaska...

Thinks I know/prefer:

Get a balcony

must be 7+ days

Prefer to port out of a US port- Seattle more than likely

Tags: Alaska cruise lines

17 Answers

Posted: 7 years ago

Are you sure you can cruise from Vancouver through the Canadian Inside Passage between Vancouver Island and the mainland? It appears to me that most, if not all, of the majors tend to cruise west of Vancouver Island and then dip back east between the Queen Charlotte Islands and the Canadian mainland (Which really isn't the Inside Passage most hope for as the ships bypass most of the real Canadian Inside Passage), before entering Dixon Entrance and the Alaska Inside Passage. I could be wrong on that though. We cruised Alaska once for two weeks, going North after leaving San Francisco and then terminating in Vancouver southbound, both directions we were west of Vancouver Island. Some of the Canadians on board weren't very happy as they had been led to believe they we were going to be in the real Canadian Inside Passage all the way. I know the Alaska Marine Highway ferries take the real Inside Passage on the way to/from Bellingham Washington. When we were kids the only way to travel "outside", via Seattle, was on Alaska Steamship Company and they used the Canadian Inside Passage back then. It is truly a scenic experience if one gets to go that way.

Posted: 7 years ago

I think Carnival it's the best for you....but it's depend on your demographic and your state also on what you want.

Carnival Cruise - CHANCE to WIN a $1,000 Carnival Cruise Sweepstakes!

Posted: 7 years ago

Thanks for the info! I have seen the inside passage and some from Seattle... I want to say RCI. I know that the balcony is going to be a must and will cost a little more. Make sure you do a review! I was looking into Celebrity as well.

Posted: 7 years ago

I have sailed to Alaska on Princess and will depart for there again in a few weeks on Celebrity. Princess was great. Nice rooms, staff and great food.The only thing I missed was that since the ship departed from Seattle, I missed the stunning Inside Passage between Vancouver Island and the mainland, so if for no other reason than that you might want to consider Vancouver as a departure point instead of a US port. Plus Vancouver is a great city if you have never been there. Absolutely do make sure you book a balcony room for this cruise. More than worth the extra cash to see the amazing scenery slide by your own balcony whiile you enjoy a coffee. Skagway and Ketchikan are great little towns with character and history. And Tracy Arm Fjord is a once in a lifetime experience. Stunning and haunting scenery.

Posted: 7 years ago

I'm sill learning how to decipher the "tops' for inside passage and Army Fjord, which are not really stops, but are still listed like one.

Posted: 7 years ago

I have sailed Alaska 11 times, NCL, Princess and Holland. I have enjoyed them all. I have sailed once in Celebrity. I pick by itenary, time in port and which glaciers they visit.

Posted: 7 years ago

Sure you can use the deck for sightseeing. Of course you will have to stand at the guardrail 18 hours a day as opposed to lounging on your own balcony, or simply looking out the window from your nice warm bed. At the deck guardrail, you may have to take turns going to eat, visit the head, or any other necessary runs, as opposed to just taking it easy, knowing that the balcony is your spot, and nobody else's. Added to the fact that while standing all day at the guardrail, you are 7 points closer to a few dollars of free stuff on the same old line, you could be getting 35 points (Celebrity Concierge room) closer to a few dollars of free stuff on a different line that would offer different experiences, that you may even prefer.

(meant for you to tell him, not directed at youHappy)
Posted: 7 years ago

My BF had the audacity to tell me to book an inside cabin for Alaska... I just looked at him and said... Uh... No! How else are you supposed to enjoy the scenery and where can I set up a tripod and take pictures without people in front of me??? He told me to go up on the pool deck....Angry
Posted: 7 years ago

We were booked on a Holland America voyage before I got hurt and had to cancel. I have heard however, that Princess does Alaska the best.
Posted: 7 years ago

Base the best cruise line on what YOU want and what YOUR demographic is. My son and his wife went to Alaska on Celebrity when he was 25. They were called the ships babies.They were the youngest on board. the next level of children were 35.

So do your homework.
Showing 1 - 10 of 17 Answers

*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency, and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners (travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on external web sites.