What is it like to take a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska in 2025?
If you’re planning an Alaska cruise this year or in the coming years, it’s helpful to know what to expect. Whether budgeting for shore excursions or planning travel logistics, you’ll want to be as prepared as possible for your Alaska vacation.
I recently returned from a 7-night cruise to Alaska aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. During my cruise, I learned firsthand what it’s like to visit the state in 2025.
Prices were substantially higher than on Alaska cruises I’ve taken previously, but the core experience remained the same. The fjords were just as majestic as in the past, and cruise ports offered dozens of ways to experience Alaska’s highlights to the fullest.
These days, however, it’s not as easy to “wing it” on an Alaska cruise. With so much demand, failing to prepare in advance could hinder your trip’s success. You’ll want to plan your trip’s logistics far in advance, and it’s also helpful to get a taste of what life is like onboard before you set sail.
This is what it’s really like to take a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise in 2025.
Prices are higher for nearly everything, but there are still ways to save money
I’ve been cruising to Alaska almost every year since 2021, and I’m shocked at the rising prices.
Every summer, it seems like cruise fares and shore excursions rise substantially, even if you’re booking independent tours outside of the cruise line.
When I booked my Alaska cruise in 2025, I paid almost $3,000 for an interior cabin on Anthem of the Seas. Just two years prior, I cruised to Alaska on sister ship Quantum of the Seas, but paid only $1,850 for the same cabin category.
Related: Cheap interior vs. balcony on an Alaska cruise
I noticed another substantial price increase while my cruise was docked in Juneau. In 2022, I paid $45 for a roundtrip shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier aboard M&M Tours’ Glacier Express bus.
This year, the round-trip shuttle was priced at $79 per person—an increase of over 75%.
Rising prices of cruise fares and excursions far surpass standard inflation rates. Unfortunately, this makes it harder to cruise to Alaska on a budget, especially if you want to travel during peak season.
Fortunately, though, there are still ways you can save money on an Alaska cruise.
Instead of opting for that $79 shuttle bus, for instance, you can take a local bus instead for just $4 roundtrip per person. Or, instead of cruising to Alaska in mid-July, consider a cruise in May or September for lower prices.
Even still, there’s no getting around the fact that prices are drastically higher than just a few years ago.
Your sailing could have Alaska locals as special guests
While sailing through Alaska, you might notice a change in programming aboard your Royal Caribbean ship. In addition to standard activities like trivia and game shows, there could also be scheduled lectures by Alaska locals.
Royal Caribbean has a partnership with Voyij, an Alaska marketplace that represents local businesses and artists from around the state. Through their partnership, Royal Caribbean brings Alaska artists onboard to offer insightful lectures about life in the Last Frontier.
On my cruise, artist Donna Catotti, who hails from the small town of Haines, spoke about what it's like to live in rural southeast Alaska.
I attended all three of Donna’s lectures during my cruise, and loved learning about local life and culture in such a remote community. Donna was available to chat while out and about the ship, too, and I saw plenty of guests asking her more questions about life in Alaska.
It can be challenging to engage in local culture when your ship is docked in port for just a few hours. Through partnerships like Royal Caribbean’s with Voyij, however, it’s easier to learn more about the itinerary's destinations.
Glacier viewing days might include commentary from naturalists
In addition to local Alaskans, your Alaska cruise may also have a naturalist onboard.
On my visit to Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, I headed to the pool deck to catch some views of this stunning, narrow channel. To my surprise, the visit was narrated by a naturalist in the ship’s bridge.
On previous cruises to Alaska, I never noticed onboard commentary during glacier visits, so this was a welcome surprise. The naturalist provided information on Dawes Glacier, the geology of fjords, and local wildlife.
Related: 50 Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tips
When seals were spotted lounging on an iceberg nearby, for example, he announced it over the ship’s loudspeaker. I was grateful for the commentary, as it helped provide a broader overview of what I was looking at during our short visit.
Drink menus offer Alaska-inspired favorites, from craft beers to cocktails
There are countless drinks and cocktails to try on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but Alaska cruises put a local twist on the menu.
Aboard your Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska, you might see small placards placed atop bar tables around the ship.
These menus, entitled “Flavors of the Alaskan Spirit,” feature Alaska-inspired drinks. These include an IPA from Alaskan Brewing Co. and vodkas from Anchorage Distillery.
Related: Top 10 cocktails to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise
As for cocktails, the Anchorage Mule combines Anchorage Distillery blueberry vodka with blueberry mix, lime juice, and ginger beer. Likewise, the Anchorage Glacier Martini mixes Anchorage Distillery Glacier vodka with vermouth and olives for an Alaskan twist on the classic drink.
The menu also includes a selection of warm beverages perfect for chilly days in Alaska, including Irish coffee, hot toddies, and spiked hot chocolate.
Crowds are in full force, but it’s still easy enough to avoid them
You should expect crowds on an Alaska cruise in 2025, 2026, and further into the future. Alaska cruises are extremely popular, and there are no signs of the region’s popularity slowing down anytime soon.
My 2025 Alaska cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas was completely sold out, and I was concerned the crowds would negatively impact my experience.
Yet even with nearly 5,000 passengers onboard, it was easy to escape the crowds. A ship like Anthem of the Seas has plenty of quiet, hidden gems perfect for relaxation, whether it's the climate-controlled Solarium or the outdoor seating in the Windjammer buffet.
Related: I did these 5 small things before my Alaska cruise that made a huge difference
Before your cruise, I recommend watching a tour of the ship on YouTube. Not only does this help you visualize your ship, but it may provide commentary on places to escape crowds and enjoy the best views of Alaska’s scenery.
Even in port, I found it relatively easy to escape the crowds. On my visit to Skagway, Broadway Street was packed with thousands of passengers, but nearby hiking trails were far less crowded.
As usual, Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau was packed with guests, too, but there are plenty of viewpoints just off the main trail to enjoy views of the glacier with fewer crowds.
The best way to avoid crowds in port, though, is to disembark your ship early or stay in port until closer to all aboard time. If your ship is docked from 8AM to 7PM, most crowds will peak in the middle of the day.
So, whether onboard your ship or in port, there are still ways to experience Alaska without fighting the crowds.
Finally, you can take advantage of Alaska specials, like discounted flights and complimentary luggage valet
Lastly, you’ll want to research any Alaska-specific deals and specials while planning your cruise.
On my cruise, I purchased flights to Seattle through Air2Sea, Royal Caribbean’s flight booking program. Occasionally, the cruise line offers deals on flights to Seattle and Vancouver, and this can lead to substantial savings.
When I searched for flights to Seattle, I was surprised to see a first class flight for just $276 round trip. It was cheaper than economy! The same deals may not be available when booking directly with an airline, so it’s worth checking Air2Sea for discounts.
Related: Port Valet review on an Alaska cruise
You should also take advantage of Port Valet, Seattle’s complimentary luggage transfer service.
On disembarkation day, this service transports your luggage from your ship directly to Seattle’s airport and onto your flight. Aside from airline baggage fees, Port Valet costs nothing extra, but offers unparalleled convenience on the last morning of your cruise.
Both of these programs greatly enhanced my Alaska cruise in 2025.
