The best way to experience The Last Frontier is on an Alaska Inside Passage cruise. Not only do you benefit from the conveniences of a cruise vacation, but you also get front-row views of some of the most stunning scenery and wildlife on the planet.
The term “Inside Passage” refers to the coastal route of protected waterways that runs from southeastern Alaska through British Columbia. It stretches roughly 1,000 miles in total and offers some of the most scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities from a cruise ship.
An Inside Passage cruise also stops in some of Alaska’s most iconic destinations, such as Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. These ports give cruisers the chance to visit historic gold rush towns, learn about Native Alaskan culture, enjoy scenic hikes, try local seafood, and more.
However, the towering landscapes are what set an Alaska Inside Passage sailing apart from voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, and Europe. From snow-capped mountains to massive glaciers and cascading waterfalls, the scenery is what draws many travelers to Alaska.
Of course, I'd be remiss not to mention the wildlife, which is another highlight of taking an Alaska Inside Passage cruise. You might be lucky enough to spot humpback whales breaching in the distance, bald eagles soaring overhead, or a brown bear hunting for its next meal.
Alaska cruises typically run from May through September, though some cruise lines may begin and end their seasons earlier or later. Early planning is recommended to give yourself time to select the best itinerary, ship, cruise room, and shore excursions to match your interests before they sell out.
Here's everything you need to know about taking a cruise through the famous Alaska Inside Passage.
Glaciers in Alaska's Inside Passage
A cruise is a great way to see some of Alaska's beautiful glaciers. Most Inside Passage cruises include a scenic day sailing through fjords, where you can view calving glaciers from the comfort of your vessel.
Popular spots include Tracy Arm Fjord (for the twin Sawyer Glaciers), Endicott Arm (for Dawes Glacier), and Glacier Bay National Park, which is home to over 1,000 glaciers. That said, most cruise itineraries only visit six glaciers: Margerie Glacier, Grand Pacific Glacier, Red Glacier, Lamplugh Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, and Gilman Glacier.
Mendenhall Glacier is a popular tourist attraction in Juneau. However, it is not accessible by cruise ship. It can be easily viewed through short hikes or once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tours for aerial views.
Hubbard Glacier is another renowned glacier located in eastern Alaska near the border with Canada. While it is not in Alaska's Inside Passage, it’s still one of the state’s most impressive glaciers and the largest tidewater glacier in North America.
Read more: Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay: which glacier is better to see on a cruise?
Alaska's Tongass National Forest
Inside Passage cruises also give you the chance to visit the vast Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States.
Spanning nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest blankets the southeast Alaska portion of the Inside Passage and is filled with Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and red cedar trees.
It's home to a lot of wildlife, too, ranging from bears to bald eagles and salmon during the summer months, populating its rivers and streams.
Inside Passage Alaska Cruise Ports
Alaska's Inside Passage isn't just known for its breathtaking scenery. The ports of call offer a solid mix of native culture, history, and local adventure.
In Skagway, for example, you can learn more about the state's Gold Rush history on a scenic ride on the iconic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, while Juneau is known for the famous Mendenhall Glacier and whale-watching opportunities.
Here's a breakdown of all the Inside Passage cruise ports:
- Sitka —The former capital of Russian Alaska, Sitka was originally founded by the Tlingit people over 10,000 years ago. The port offers a unique blend of history, nature, and culture. Downtown, visitors can explore the famous St. Michael Orthodox Cathedral, browse local shops, or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the restaurants. The 113-acre Sitka National Historic Park is a must for nature-lovers.
- Juneau — Juneau is the capital of Alaska, with the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and wildlife viewing opportunities making it one of the most popular tourist spots in the state. Here, you'll find everything from whale-watching tours to stunning hikes and fresh seafood. The 13-mile Mendenhall Glacier is a highlight, too.
- Ketchikan — Ketchikan, a small town at the southern end of Alaska’s Inside Passage, is best known for its idyllic scenery and Native culture. It's also called the "Salmon Capital of the World," which is fitting since it's a fishing hub. Creek Street should be on every visitor's list. The boardwalk, built on wooden pilings, is lined with shops, homes, and galleries.
- Icy Strait Point — This private port was opened to cruise passengers by the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans in 2004. While many prefer to enjoy the port area's attractions, ranging from the ZipRider to convenient restaurants and shopping, it's close to Hoonah, the largest Tlingit village in Alaska. Icy Strait Point is also one of the best cruise ports for whale-watching thanks to its proximity to Point Adolphus.
- Skagway — Skagway is a small town that's famous for its role in the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, much of the historic downtown area feels like a step back in time. One of the port's most popular attractions is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, a scenic railway climbing 2,885 feet to the summit of the White Pass. Active travelers will love the easy access to hiking trails, too.
- Haines — Finally, Haines is one of the most quaint ports found on any Alaska cruise itinerary. Activities include sea kayaking, rafting, cycling, and ATV tours. However, don't overlook the local restaurants and shops, where you might find a hidden gem.
If you are going on a round-trip Inside Passage cruise from Seattle, your ship will likely stop at Victoria, British Columbia. This is to satisfy the Passenger Vessel Services Act's requirement that all foreign-flagged ships must visit at least one foreign country.
Still, the downtown area is well worth exploring, with stunning Victorian buildings, local pubs, and boutiques lining the harbor.
Read more: Alaska cruise ports guide
What Royal Caribbean ships visit the Alaska Inside Passage?
During the Alaska cruise 2026 season, four Royal Caribbean ships will visit The Last Frontier: Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas.
Two vessels — Ovation and Serenade — will offer one-way voyages from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, Canada, and vice versa.
In addition to a scenic day of cruising in the Hubbard Glacier area, these sailings will also call at ports within the Inside Passage, like Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka.
The round-trip cruises on Anthem and Voyager of the Seas are ideal for cruisers who want an easier time planning travel logistics, as they begin and end in Seattle, Washington.
Read more: 50 Alaska Cruise Tips for Your Royal Caribbean Cruise
How much does an Alaska cruise cost?
If you plan it right, taking an Inside Passage cruise doesn't have to break the bank. Prices for an Alaska cruise vary depending on the ship, itinerary, time of year, and stateroom type.
For example, a cruise departing in July will be more expensive than one in May. Additionally, balcony rooms will cost more than windowless inside staterooms.
To help you gauge costs, we priced out a few 2026 and 2027 Alaska cruises in inside and balcony rooms. Keep in mind that add-ons, including shore excursions, specialty restaurants, transportation, and gratuities, will increase the price. These prices were accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change without warning.
Serenade of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Inside Passage Cruise from Vancouver, Canada — June 21, 2026
- Interior: $889 per person
- Balcony: $1,821 per person
Serenade of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Inside Passage Cruise from Vancouver, Canada — September 13, 2026
- Interior: $786 per person
- Balcony: $1,157 per person
Anthem of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Adventure Cruise from Seattle, Washington — May 18, 2026
- Interior: $1,200 per person
- Balcony: $1,801 per person
Anthem of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Adventure Cruise from Seattle, Washington — August 10, 2026
- Interior: $1,381 per person
- Balcony: $1,973 per person
Voyager of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Adventure Cruise from Seattle, Washington — June 11, 2027
- Interior: $867 per person
- Balcony: $1,700 per person
Voyager of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Adventure Cruise from Seattle, Washington — September 10, 2027
- Interior: $728 per person
- Balcony: $1,231 per person
Anthem of the Seas: 7-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier from Seward, Alaska — June 4, 2027
- Interior: $884 per person
- Balcony: $1,597 per person
Anthem of the Seas: 7-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier from Seward, Alaska — September 10, 2026:
- Interior: $824 per person
- Balcony: $1,376 per person
It's recommended to book an Alaska cruise as soon as you decide you want to visit the Inside Passage. Waiting for a cheap last-minute fare usually does not pay off, as fares tend to get higher closer to the sail date.
Read more: How much does an Alaska cruise cost?
