Alaska

An Alaska cruise is a dream for many travelers so they can view incredible scenery, taste delightfully fresh cuisine, and experiencing Alaska’s unique history firsthand.

Royal Caribbean's Alaska cruises primarily visit the state’s southeastern region, which consists of towns and islands dotted along the state’s scenic Inside Passage. Alaska cruise ports in the Inside Passage include Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, and Haines.

Despite the colder weather, Alaska cruises offer unique ways to explore this fascinating region of the world, from booking a whale watching tour to dogsledding on a glacier.

A giant cruise ship will sail deeper into Alaska than ever before on one-way voyages

In:

Alaska

If you love big ships, there's a new way to see more of Alaska than ever before on Royal Caribbean.

Cruisers can now book their 2026 Royal Caribbean sailing to Alaska, and they've changed their lineup by having one of their megaships do open-jaw runs instead of a smaller ship.

Ovation of the Seas is one of four Royal Caribbean ships just announced to sail to Alaska in 2026, and the voyages are open for booking on the Royal Caribbean website or by speaking with a travel agent.

Following in the tradition of previous deployments, Royal Caribbean will send four ships of the fleet to Alaska.

In addition to Ovation, Royal Caribbean will also deploy Anthem of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas to the Last Frontier.

Take a look at the 2026 cruises to Alaska

The 2026 Alaska cruises are available to book between May and September 2026.

The most notable change is Ovation of the Seas will sail open-jaw sailings out of Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas 2026 Alaska sailings

This Quantum-Class mega-ship is scheduled to cruise 7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier itineraries.

Between May and September of 2026, the vessel will visit ports such as Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Seward, Icy Strait Point, with views of the Hubbard Glacier.

This means you can sail from Vancouver to Seward, or Seward to Vancouver and see more of Alaska than ever before because you can combine the sailing with a Cruisetour.

Cruisetours are pre- and post-land trips you can add-on to a cruise that are operated through Royal Caribbean and can take you to inland places, such as Denali National Park and Preserve and Banff National Park.

New CruiseTours available in summer 2026 include a 9-night Destination Denali CruiseTour, 12-night Kenai Trek and Inland Wildlife CruiseTour and a 13-night Homer Adventure and Interior Wildlife CruiseTour.

These sort of sailings have traditionally been only offered by much smaller ships.

The change to have a big ship such as Ovation of the Seas is related to a $137 million cruise ship port that is being built in Seward, Alaska that should be ready for the 2026 cruise season.

Anthem of the Seas will sail roundtrip, 7-night voyages out of Seattle, Washington.

Voyager of the Seas will also homeport in Seattle, offering 7-night sailings to popular Alaskan ports.

Voyager of the Seas 2026 Alaska sailings

Both ships will visit popular ports such as Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point. Alaskan sailings out of Seattle also offer cruisers the opportunity to view Dawes Glacier, as long as the weather permits a sighting.

Itineraries will vary depending on the sailing.

Returning to Alaska in 2026, Serenade of the Seas will cruise 7-night roundtrip sailings from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Serenade of the Seas 2026 Alaska sailings

One notable change is Serenade will visit Prince Rupert, British Columbia, which is located on Kaien Island near the Alaskan panhandle.

Repositioning cruises are also open for booking

Voyager of the Seas docked in Costa Maya

Royal Caribbean has also added two repositioning cruises to its 2026 Alaska deployments.

Voyager of the Seas will cruise a 25-night Transpacific itinerary, departing on April 14th from Brisbane, Austrailia.

The sailing will call at Papeetee, Tahiti; Moorea, French Polynesia; Honolulu, Hawaii; Hailua Kona, Hawaii; and Hilo, Hawaii, before reaching Seattle, Washington.

Anthem of the Seas also offers a repositioning cruise: a 18-night Transpacific sailing departing on April 14th.

The Quantum-Class ship will sail from Sydney, Australia, to New Zealand; Papeetee, Tahiti; Moorea, French Polynesia; Raiatea, French Polynesia; and Honolulu, Hawaii.

What is an open-jaw cruise?

An open-jaw sailing is essentially a one-way cruise that embarks in one port and disembarks in another.

Open-jaw cruises are a popular choice to sail to Alaska because of the beautiful land views the state offers.

Cruisers find that the more remote ports and inland areas of Alaska provide the most authentic view. For those who value the landscapes and wildlife of the Last Frontier, an open-jaw cruise provides more opportunities to sight-see.

These sailings visit more ports than round-trip cruises and allow you to book land tours before or after the cruise in different locations.

However, one-way sailings come with additional logistics questions and often cost more in transportation to and from the cruise ports.

For example, you'll have to book two one-way flights instead of round-trip airfare. These two flights will often be more expensive, in addition to the extra cost of travel to and from the airports.

For example, if your cruise begins or ends in Seward, Alaska, you'll have to account for a 2+ hour drive to the airport.

Another disadvantage of open-jaw sailings is that they require a valid passport. US citizens cannot use a birth certificate or government ID for these sailings.

Book earlier for the best price

Alaskan cruises are more expensive than Caribbean sailings, but you can get a better price by booking early.

Typically, the lowest pricing for an Alaska cruise is found right when itineraries are released.

Especially if you'd like to sail during the peak of the cruising season, with warmer weather (in June and July), you should book your cruise as soon as possible.

The shoulder season (the months of May and September) offers good deals on occasion but worse weather.

Plus, specific cabins can sell out quickly on popular sailings. For example, if you want to book a suite or aft balcony cabin on Serenade of the Seas, you'll need to book as early as possible to ensure your preferred category.

As a rule, placing your initial deposit as soon as you can gets you the best price.

Booking your Alaska cruise:

7 Things Cruisers Wish They Packed for Their Alaska Cruise This Year

In:

Alaska

What are the things people who went to Alaska on a cruise wish they brought with them?

With the Alaska cruise season in full swing, many people are excited to have a great cruise, but worry about what they need. If you're unfamiliar with the beautiful region, packing can still pose a challenge.

To pack the right items and clothing for a cruise, you have to understand the climate and the time frame in which you are cruising.

Read more: Alaska cruise packing list

In the Alaska Royal Caribbean Cruises Facebook group, user Lindsey Parks asks for advice from other cruisers who've recently sailed to Alaska. "For anyone who has gone [on an Alaskan cruise] recently (like within the last week), what's something you learned you should have packed?" she wrote.

Other Facebook users jumped to her assistance, sharing items they wish they'd packed, or items they were grateful they brought.

To help fellow cruisers prepare for their upcoming Alaskan voyage, we've compiled a list of the 7 top items people wish they'd packed.

Please note that we’ve linked items on Amazon in this article, which contain an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog makes a small commission if you purchase the item through the link. Shop more on our Amazon Storefront.

1. A rain jacket

Although Alaska's weather improves in the spring and summer months, rain is always a possibility.

July and August are usually the wettest months, but it could rain at any time during a summer cruise.

Cruisers commented that they wished they had a rain jacket or poncho to protect them from the downpour.

The big attraction of an Alaska cruise lies in the access to beautiful natural wonders, unique wildlife, and real-life glaciers.

All of these attractions require you to be outside to see them, and on a cruise, you're limited to a few hours to explore.

If you're looking forward to certain natural attractions, packing a rain jacket or umbrella will ensure that you will see them, rain or shine.

Our pick

Our recommendation is to pack a waterproof rain jacket. For women, they could pick up the Columbia Arcadia Ii Jacket. For men, try the Glennaker Rain Jacket by Columbia.

If you have kids, try the Columbia Boys' Rain Jacket or the Girls' Switchback li Jacket.

2. Waterproof shoes

Along those same lines, many Facebook users commented that they should have packed waterproof sneakers or hiking shoes.

They would be helpful for "even just going through the town," Kimberly Helfant wrote. "Icy Strait Point was rainy and muddy."

Icy Strait Point is a Native-owned private cruise port, with popular shore excursions.

From whale-watching tours to gondola rides, there are many popular shore excursions to experience there.

Cruisers will find themselves walking a lot while at this port, starting with disembarking off the ship and continuing into museums or following their shore excursion groups.

Having the right footwear will enhance your stamina for the entirety of the port day and save you from getting wet socks!

Our pick

Sperry makes really good boots you can wear anywhere in Alaska, such as the Women's Saltwater Lux Boot and Men's Cold Bay Chukka Boot.

3. Moisture-wicking socks

Multiple commenters said they wished they'd packed moisture-wicking socks, winter socks, or more pairs of warm socks.

On an Alaskan cruise, where hikes and walks are popular methods of viewing the scenery, lots of quality pairs of socks will be essential.

Good-quality, warm socks work together with your sneakers or hiking shoes to control odors and reduce the risk of blisters.

Moisture-wicking socks also help your feet stay warm because they won't get cold and damp.

This keeps away infection and ensures that you won't get sick on a cold hike.

Our pick

The Fox River Wick Dry Explorer Socks came highly recommended by other cruisers because they wick moisture away from your skin so you're able to stay warmer longer.

4. Warm leggings

BJ Cannon wished she packed "warmer leggings, not the thin ones."

For those used to living in warmer weather, packing for a colder destination can be a challenge.

You might assume "leggings" just means thin, workout clothing.

In reality, you should look for warm, thick fleece or wool leggings. These will properly trap the heat, and work as great layering pieces.

For especially cold days, wear warm leggings under a pair of jeans or snow pants, and you'll feel nice and toasty.

Our pick

Try the Hixiaohe Women's Casual Sherpa Fleece Lined Warm Leggings for something to pack on your Alaska cruise.

5. Binoculars

Amy Ehrhardt commented that she should have packed binoculars, "especially for whale-watching excursions."

A pair of good binoculars can ensure that you don't miss any of the beautiful sights of nature throughout the cruise.

They also allow you to sightsee even from the deck of a cruise ship.

You might not be able to see bald eagles, bears, whales, or the details of an icy glacier with the naked eye, but a pair of binoculars will bring them all into sharp focus.

There are so many exotic attractions to spot, so pack binoculars to ensure that you can see them clearly, even from the deck of the cruise ship.

Our pick

For most people, an inexpensive but good quality pair of binoculars makes sense, such as the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars.

6. A sweater

"I found the ship to be colder than I expected," Christine Stalker said.

"The main dining room was particularly cold—I needed a sweater over my sleeveless dress on formal nights."

While you might not expect a summer cruise to Alaska to be cold enough for hoodies or sweaters, don't forget about the climate of the cruise ship.

Cruise ships are unique in that you'll spend plenty of time indoors on your vacation—in a cabin, at dining venues, and watching shows in theaters—but won't be able to control the temperature.

The air conditioning on cruise ships can run colder than some passengers would prefer, so it's important to stay prepared.

Especially if you're planning on bringing lighter clothes, such as tank tops or sleeveless dresses, pack a light jacket or sweater, just in case you start feeling chilly.

Our pick

Try bringing a light fleece jacket that you could easily wear around your Alaska ports, or on the ship.

7. Magnetic hooks

An Alaskan voyage calls for lots of big items, like coats, hats, and gloves.

Hanging these items up on the steel walls of your cabin can save a considerable amount of space.

Kanetha Hysinger Foster commented that she used magnetic hooks "to hang coats, lanyards, binoculars, etc."

When you might be low in space in a small cruise cabin, using hooks to hang your things is a great way to store them in easy reach.

Our pick

Make sure you pick magnetic hooks that can hold a little bit of weight, such as magnetic hooks with swivel carabiners.

7 things cruisers wish they packed for their Alaska cruise

I went on a 7-night cruise to Alaska. Here are 16 things that surprised me the most.

In:

Quantum of the Seas Alaska

Royal Caribbean's 2024 Alaska cruise season just began, and I took a week-long trip to experience it.

Growing up, my family exclusively cruised to the Caribbean, primarily on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class. Having matured and wanting to see more of the world, I've started to broaden my horizons, which is why I booked a 7-night cruise to Alaska on Quantum of the Seas!

Now that I've returned from the trip and settled back into my daily routine, I find myself missing the snow-capped mountains, lush greenery, and crisp air more than I thought I would! It was tough returning home to 75° weather in North Carolina.

As with any cruise, however, it wasn't without its pros and cons. Here are 16 things that I loved and hated about my Alaska cruise aboard Quantum of the Seas.

I hated the embarkation process

In the past, I've always arrived at the cruise terminal to be greeted by porters ready to assist me with my larger pieces of luggage. This wasn't the case in Seattle. After we got out of our Lyft, we were instructed to step to the side amidst a long line of passengers who had just disembarked.

After that, there was little instruction regarding where to drop off our bags. One port employee told us to head inside the terminal; however, I thought that seemed strange. Turns out that it was his first day on the job and he wasn't too informed.

As we made our way back towards the crowd, we saw a ton of suitcases condensed near a kiosk, so we figured that was probably where we needed to go.

Rather than have porters readily available, guests checking in must drop their bags off themselves. If you happen to forget your luggage tags— don't worry! There's a kiosk with a port agent available to assist you. It, however, is separate from the line to drop off bags.

Thankfully, the check-in process inside the terminal was much more organized. We were through security and on the ship in no time, even though we arrived about 45 minutes prior to our scheduled arrival appointment.

Disembarkation was a complete 180. Though we didn't have a super early flight, we wanted to be off the ship relatively early, as I had to check a bag and didn't know how long the line at the airport would be. Initially, group 15 was estimated to be able to disembark around 8:40am; however, we were called while eating breakfast around 8:05!

The only difficult part was figuring out where the rideshare pickup was. We saw one line and learned that it was for a shuttle to the rideshare area. Instead of waiting, we decided to take the short 5-minute walk and were en route to the airport in no time, arriving a little after 9:10am.

I loved Two70

Having sailed on Celebrity Ascent recently, Two70 reminded me of Eden. The floor-to-ceiling windows made it a great place to take in all of the amazing scenery while staying warm. Plus, guests don't have to leave for lunch, as the Café @ Two70 is just steps away.

In addition to being a great place to relax, it hosted a lot of ship-sponsored activities, ranging from the sailaway party to Bingo, lectures, dance parties, original production shows, and more. If you're cruising on Quantum, there's a chance you'll visit Two70 at least once!

My dad and I grabbed a light lunch at Café at Two70 a few times throughout the cruise, and we enjoyed listening to a live band one evening after dinner. Starwater, the only show onboard requiring reservations, is also held in Two70, rather than the Royal Theater.

I hated the virtual balcony

Truthfully, hated is a strong word. I didn't hate my cabin as much as I wished I had splurged on a balcony, especially considering my dad was tagging along. It was his first time staying in an interior room, and though he didn't mind the experience, he wouldn't cruise without a balcony again.

When sailing somewhere as scenic as Alaska, having a balcony can truly make or break your experience. There were times we wished we had the ability to open up the door and step outside on our personal verandah, rather than getting dressed to sit on the upper decks.

While I appreciated the virtual balcony more than a standard interior room, as I was able to see whether it was rainy or not before going outside, it's impossible to fully appreciate Alaska's beauty from a screen.

I loved RipCord by iFly

Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class ships are the only cruise ships in the world to feature a skydiving simulator. On port days, guests can take advantage of a complimentary one-minute flight, while a two-minute session on port days costs around $100 per person.

Unsure if we'd like the experience or not, my dad and I didn't want to shell out $200 for the RipCord, so we booked an included session while the ship was docked in Icy Strait Point. To be honest, I'm surprised my dad was willing to do it!

I got the hang of the basics pretty quickly, and while I thought it was a neat thing to do on a ship, I wouldn't have paid for it. There's an iFly center about 20 minutes from my apartment that charges $140 for four flights, which I think is a much better deal. If, however, your schedule allows you to take advantage of the complimentary sessions, I'd recommend giving it a shot!

I hated the Windjammer

When it comes to cruise ship buffets, I tend to avoid them. They're usually way too crowded for my liking, and there are higher-quality options elsewhere on the ship.

Overall, my dad and I agreed that the Windjammer onboard Quantum was probably our least favorite. My dad remarked how the quality of the buffet seemed to have gone downhill since his last cruise onboard Harmony of the Seas in 2018.

There was only one dish that was particularly good, while everything else was slightly below average, in our opinion. Laksa, a noodle dish that's popular in Southeast Asia, was served one afternoon, and my dad thought it was so delicious he got a second bowl!

I loved sailaway

Having departed from Florida more times than I can count, bundling up for a chilly sailaway from Seattle was a welcomed change. In fact, since the sailaway party was held in Two70, the top decks were pretty empty.

I had no desire to watch passengers dance while the ship departed Washington, so my dad and I grabbed a drink from the pool bar and watched the skyline disappear.

Sailing into the mountains was more enjoyable than listening to blasting music, which can be done on any cruise!

I hated the unorganized shore excursions and long lines to disembark the ship

Our arrival into Icy Strait Point was slightly delayed due to the strong winds that we encountered en route from Seattle. By 12:00pm, passengers were getting a bit angsty, as they were ready to get off the ship.

The line to get off the vessel snaked through the Royal Esplanade before we were cleared to disembark. Those who arrived after 12:45pm found themselves waiting past the pub. When we were finally cleared, it was almost like a scene from The Hunger Games.

The only other disembarkation process I've seen that was more chaotic was on a cruise onboard Carnival Elation when we were waiting to tender to Half Moon Cay.

The next day, we had a Royal Caribbean-sponsored excursion in Skagway. Our scheduled meeting time at the Royal Theater was 8:15am; however, when we arrived, we found a line that extended into the shopping area.

As we were checking in, they began instructing passengers to leave the theater and descend to Deck 3, where we'd walk from the front of the ship to the aft's gangway. One passenger was distraught by this, claiming that there should have been a more centralized meeting point.

As we made our way to the gangway, a mother and daughter tried to leave their cabin, only to be greeted by a hoard of guests!

I loved the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, as well as Skagway in general

After the chaotic disembarkation process in Skagway, we boarded a train car for a three-hour ride along the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Though rainy and foggy, we didn't let the weather impact our excitement to ascend 3,000 feet up the summit.

Everything from the greenery to the blanketing snowfall was pictureworthy. When packing for my Alaska cruise, I didn't expect to see so much snow. In fact, I've never seen that much snow in May! Though I'm sure the pass is equally beautiful in the latter half of the season, the snowfall made it seem more magical.

I'd recommend sitting by either the front or back of the train car, as you're allowed outside when ascending and descending the mountain. Otherwise, you'll be walking back and forth quite a bit, as the best views were outside, especially when passing through the tunnels and seeing the train car snake around the track.

When we arrived back in Skagway, we got off at the depot in town, rather than returning to the cruise terminal. Though we encountered the worst weather of the cruise while docked, we wanted to walk around the quaint town and find some delicious seafood for lunch.

We stumbled upon the Skagway Brewing Company and decided to give it a shot, especially since my dad loves to try local beer. While the most expensive meal of our trip, coming in at around $200 for two people, it was worth every penny.

Everything from the fresh crab legs to crab artichoke dip and cajun french fries was delicious! Plus, we had a great conversation with a local employee, who told us that she drives her children two hours into Canada for swim lessons since Skagway doesn't have a pool!

I hated Icy Strait Point

Again, hate is a strong word. It's hard to truly hate anything on a cruise, especially when sailing somewhere as beautiful as Alaska!

Icy Strait Point has a lot to offer cruise passengers, from whale-watching tours to the world's largest ZipRider. If, however, you don't thoroughly research the port, you might be left disappointed.

Looking back, we should have booked a whale-watching excursion in Icy Strait Point, visiting just Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau and having some time to explore the area around the port. Instead, we did both activities in a single day, opting to go off on our own while docked in Icy Strait Point.

After a mediocre lunch at the Crab House, we purchased shuttle tickets to the nearby town of Hoonah.

While it was neat to see how those in remote Alaska live (I can't imagine paying $50 for Kirkland brand K-Cups!), we heard other passengers rave about the excursions they took, whether they were booked through the cruise line or not.

I loved Sonic Odyssey

Between Starwater and Sonic Odyssey, I'd recommend the latter in a heartbeat. While I didn't dislike Starwater by any means, it started off much slower. It didn't seem to captivate much of the audience until the female singer began her "Diamonds" cover.

Sonic Odyssey, however, was interesting before it even began. It was hard to ignore the long harp stings that extended over the lower level of the Royal Theater.

The Earth Harp was developed by William Close, and, according to our Cruise Director, there are only five individuals capable of playing it, one of which was on our cruise!

Everything from the talented violinist to the wall of drums was entertaining, and the singers harmonized incredibly well. Truthfully, it was my favorite original production I've ever seen on a cruise ship!

I hated that the North Star wasn't operational

I knew that the North Star was out of commission before I boarded; however, that didn't completely eliminate the disappointment I felt as I passed the gigantic arm while walking on the top decks throughout the sailing.

Supposedly, the North Star is out of commission for the entirety of the 2024 Alaska season, so those with later sailing dates shouldn't get their hopes up.

While there are tons of other activities to do, being unable to ride the North Star, an amenity exclusive to Quantum Class ships, was a letdown, especially when sailing through Alaska.

I bet the views from the unique observation capsule would have been amazing, whether at sea or when docked in port!

I loved sailing through Endicott Arm

I'm usually not the most pleasant morning person. Though I prefer mornings to nights, as I'm far more productive when the sun's out versus when it's dark, it takes a lot to get me up early.

However, when we were sailing through Endicott Arm, I only hit snooze once; I wasn't going to miss the breathtaking scenery of the fjords. Thankfully, and I mean THANKFULLY, there was coffee nearby in the Solarium, so I was able to caffeinate moments after leaving my cabin at 5:30am— there was no reason to hang out in the cabin when passing beautiful snow-capped mountains and icebergs.

It was one of the most memorable mornings of the cruise. Neither my father nor I had seen an iceberg in person before that moment, and though we were only able to get a glimpse of Dawes Glacier, I can see why scenic cruising is just as appealing as thrilling shore excursions in Alaska.

I hated that we weren't able to get too close to Dawes Glacier

Speaking of Dawes Glacier, we weren't able to get too close due to all the ice. Before the cruise, I knew this was a possibility, as Alaska is just now warming up after the winter.

Considering that the base fare for our 7-night cruise was just $950 per person, including gratuities, I thought this was a fair compromise. Rather than sailing close to the Glacier, we cruised to Alaska relatively cheaply, putting more money towards add-ons like excursions and specialty restaurants.

Still, like the North Star, I was optimistic and hoping that my gut feeling would be wrong and that we'd end up being able to approach Dawes Glacier.

I loved the specialty restaurants onboard

Overall, I wasn't a fan of the included dining experience on Quantum of the Seas. Though nothing was inedible, there wasn't really anything worth writing home about, either. After two dinners in the Main Dining Room, I was grateful we had decided to pre-book two specialty restaurants, in addition to Jamie's Italian for lunch.

From the juicy filet mignon at Chops Grille to the decadent desserts at Wonderland and fresh pasta at Jamie's, they were easily the best meals we had onboard.

Growing up, we'd typically splurge on a single specialty dinner on our vacations; however, as I've matured and begun to cruise frequently without my dad and sister, I've started to appreciate specialty restaurants more. In fact, they're becoming more of a priority, as the main dining experience can become repetitive to frequent cruisers.

Out of the three we tried, Jamie's was our least favorite— it's hard to beat perfectly cut steaks, jumbo shrimp cocktails, and the unique experience at Wonderland.

I hated how everything closed on the last evening

As we pulled into Victoria, British Columbia, we noticed that the majority of bars began to close. Though we expected certain amenities, namely the casino and onboard shops, to close due to local regulations, I had never seen so many bars closed on the final night of the cruise, especially around 4:30/5:00pm!

Having spent so much time in the Harp & Horn Pub listening to live music throughout the week, we were upset that the pub didn't reopen until 10:30pm. Knowing we had a long travel day ahead, we didn't feel like waiting, especially since the singer wasn't scheduled to perform.

Note that if you're planning on doing any gambling, it's important that you check the Cruise Compass for times, as you don't want to miss the last chance to visit the cashier and receive your winnings!

Likewise, those who want to do some last-minute shopping shouldn't bank on hitting up the shops late on the last night. Instead, prioritize purchasing all of your souvenirs early on the last day.

I loved seeing the Northern Lights

Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket list item for many, and I was lucky enough to cross it off of mine during my cruise onboard Quantum of the Seas. As we sailed through the Inside Passage, we got a glimpse of the lights thanks to the extreme geomagnetic storm that made its way toward Earth.

Though friends and family back in the continental United States saw the Nothern Lights, too, they didn't witness them illuminating the snow-capped mountains of Alaska, which was such a unique and once-in-a-lifetime sight.

They were certainly worth staying up until 2:00am to see, even if I had been awake since 5:15am to take in all of the scenery of the Endicott Arm fjord.

Photos show why taking an Alaska cruise is worth it

In:

Alaska

A Royal Caribbean cruise provides an opportunity to see some of the most stunning natural landscapes still on Earth.

Alaskan itineraries will take you to glaciers and into fjords, and give you the opportunity to learn about diverse history and culture.

From majestic scenery to exotic wildlife to delicious seafood, there’s so much to enjoy on a cruise to this rugged state.

However, planning a vacation can still intimidate the new cruiser.

Are you still balking at the cost and magnitude of an Alaska cruise?

To show why cruisers love these itineraries so much, we asked readers on our Royal Caribbean Blog Facebook page to share the best Alaska cruise photos.

After sifting through hundreds of submissions, we’ve gathered 13 photos that show why taking an Alaska cruise is worth it.

Bryan Lamb’s submission shows Mendenhall Glacier, in Juneau, Alaska.

Almost all Alaska cruises will include a stop at the state’s capital city, Juneau.

Home to only 32,000 people, this small city is a great place to stop and explore.

One of its most popular attractions is the Mendenhall Glacier. It can be accessed via helicopter, boat, or car, and is only 20 minutes from downtown Juneau.

A shuttle bus is even located directly outside the pier where the ship docks in Juneau.

Mendenhall is a 13-mile-long receding glacier, one of the closest to an Alaskan port.

The recreation area offers five walks and hikes to choose from and an informative visitor’s center.

You can even take the 1.5-mile trail to Nugget Falls, a 377-foot waterfall.

No matter which path you take, you’ll see stunning views of eagles in the trees, huge mountain peaks, or glacier calving across the lake.

Steve Cohen shared this photo of a cruise ship sailing by a snowy mountain.

One major benefit to choosing an Alaskan cruise is the stunning landscape and scenery that will surround your cruise ship.

Unlike a stay on land, on a cruise, you’ll be directly transported to and through these incredible sights, without even needing to lift a finger.

Lush forests, bubbling waters, and soaring mountains will all be visible right from the decks of the ship!

Alaska’s natural beauty suspends travelers in awe, as these photos show.

Imagine sailing through these massive mountains while having access to all the accommodation, dining, activities, and entertainment onboard a cruise ship.

Your route is pre-planned for you, making a cruise to Alaska a convenient, streamlined way to visit.

Allison Schwarz’s photo, captioned “along the Klondike Highway,” is a gorgeous example of the landscapes you’ll see on an Alaskan cruise.

Looking at this picture, you can practically feel the fresh air and smell those sweet flowers.

Looking for somewhere to escape those hot summer months?

During the summer, you may struggle to find a vacation that suits you. Your home is hot and humid, and you’re spending more and more money on A.C. every day.

The Caribbean begins a humid, dangerous hurricane season in June.

To solve your problems, a cruise to Alaska provides the perfect opportunity to visit a cooler place.

Alaskan cruise season usually runs from April to October, with July and August being the most popular times. You do have a shorter sailing window when it comes to avoiding the extreme winter weather, so take advantage of a cruise to Alaska this summer.

Renee Gibbons shared this photo from Ovation of the Seas in June 2022.

Royal Caribbean currently sends Ovation of the Seas on Alaska cruises. This Quantum Class ship provides a lot of facilities to enjoy, whether indoors or outdoors.

No matter the weather, you’ll find something to love.

The state-of-the-art ship has indoor pools, the SeaPlex, an indoor skydiving simulator, and countless other activities.

Whether you’d like to lounge by the pool and watch glaciers go by, or try some fine dining, there’s a lot to enjoy on a Quantum Class ship.

Lisa Wolfe’s son plays with sled dog puppies in Skagway, Alaska.

“Highlight of my son’s trip. It still makes me smile,” she commented.

You can expect unique, memorable shore excursions on your Alaska cruise.

Whether you love the outdoors, want an exhilarating adventure, or love learning about other cultures, there’s something special for everyone.

Skagway is located north in Alaska’s Inside Passage and is packed full of tours involving Alaska’s gold rush history.

The sled dog camp tours are one such popular excursion. There, guests can experience the state sport of dog sled racing firsthand, and meet sled dog puppies.

You’ll be pulled by a team of 14-16 huskies, all led by a competent team of mushers.

And afterward, you get to meet these charming puppies!

This cozy submission was shared by Marilyn Wescott.

While the sight of campfires, snow, and mountains may not come to mind when you think of a cruise, you can find that and more in Alaska.

Beaches, snorkeling, and pools are almost synonymous with cruising. But what if the heat and sand don’t appeal to you, or you’re just sick of humid beaches?

Alaska is the perfect refreshing destination for hikers, nature lovers, or long-time cruisers looking for something new.

You’ll be able to find unique excursions, such as ziplining, train rides, rafting tours, glacier viewings, historic museums, and wildlife sanctuaries.

And it doesn’t all have to be expensive! We’ve written a guide to cheap and free things to do on an Alaskan cruise.

“Leaving Icy Strait [in] July 2023,” Angie Foil Haeny commented. “We are ready to go again!”

Icy Strait Point is a smaller cruise stop that offers an intimate chance to study nature and history near Hoonah, Alaska.

The town has been founded, owned, and operated by the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans since 2004.

Popular outdoor attractions include whale-watching and ziplining.

You can also learn more about the culture and history of the Huna Tlingit people by visiting the Native Heritage Center Theater and viewing songs, plays, and dances.

Read more: Alaska cruise ports guide

Joan Firchow Peet’s submission shows a big chunk of ice calving off Hubbard Glacier.

Your Alaska itinerary will include at least one opportunity to see a majestic floating glacier.

One of the most popular glaciers to visit is Hubbard Glacier, a 400-foot tall and 6 miles-wide tidewater glacier.

It has been nicknamed the “Galloping Glacier” due to how swiftly and frequently it calves ice. In fact, the glacier is quickly advancing at 80 feet per year!

You can see this glacier on a cruise by first sailing into Yakutat Bay.

Carlos Varela’s photo of a brown bear in the snow sparks a little jealousy. What a cool snapshot to share with friends and family!

Have you ever seen a brown bear? What about a humpback whale, a sea otter, a bald eagle, a mountain goat, or a harbor seal?

Yes, Alaska is home to these unique animals and more.

Cruise ships offer access to wildlife excursions like whale-watching or bear-spotting tours, so you’re guaranteed a chance to get up close and see these creatures with your own eyes.

Alaska’s diverse ecosystems provide a view into the untouched parts of nature.

Andrea Hancock shared this photo of kids looking out over a balcony at a marvelous view.

To get this perspective outside your bedroom window, you’d want to book a balcony stateroom on your Alaska cruise.

But it’s not a requirement!

The best type of cabin for your cruise depends on what your travel preferences and needs are.

If you’re a budgeter looking forward to spending time out on the ship or on land, an interior cabin is a cheap, efficient option.

Traveling with family and kids who want their privacy? You can book two connecting rooms for extra living space.

For luxury, try a suite stateroom such as a Loft Suite.

Joelle Hotte captioned this picture: “Mom and baby at the end of an incredible whale-watching tour in Juneau.”

Whale-watching is just one of many incredible tours you’ll have the opportunity to take on your Alaskan cruise.

This picture makes us want to hop straight on a ship to Alaska!

But, before you go, there are a few things you’ll want to prepare for.

For example, shore excursions like these can get expensive, adding it when it comes to creating a marvelous vacation.

To save money, look for last-minute cruise deals in the shoulder season, starting in March or April.

You’ll find lower fares on the Radiance Class ships that sail to Alaska: Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas.

Christina Topp’s family is all bundled up with smiling faces.

Wondering what you should pack on an Alaska cruise? It’s not as difficult as it might seem.

We recommend packing lots of layers. Start with base layers, such as T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and leggings.

Next, make sure you have some warm layers: pullovers, sweaters, fleece jackets, and crewnecks. Anything with down or fleece in it is likely to keep you toasty!

Make sure you also have something with a waterproof layer, like a rain jacket.

For bottoms, bring thick jeans and fleece leggings.

Ruth Madewell submitted a photo of the White Pass and Yukon Railroad Train, a popular attraction in Skagway, Alaska.

If you’re passionate about history or just want to learn more about Alaska's vibrant heritage, then there’s plenty for you to explore on an Alaskan cruise.

You can wander charming coastal towns, visit indigenous communities, or witness historic sites like in Skagway.

Booking a train ride on the White Pass Railroad offers a scenic route towards Canada’s Yukon territory. On your journey, a guide will offer nuggets of information about frontier Alaska, Skagway’s gold rush history, and modern insight into the town today.

Royal Caribbean releases new 2025 Alaska cruises to book

In:

Alaska

You can now book a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska in 2025.

Royal Caribbean released its Alaska cruises for the 2025 cruise season, and they're now available to book on the Royal Caribbean website. You can also speak with your travel agent.

Like in previous years, the cruise line will have four ships in Alaska during the 2025 season: Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas.

The ship lineup for Alaska is a bit different this year, as Anthem of the Seas begins her first Alaska run ever, and Serenade of the Seas returns to the Alaska region.

Here's a look at Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska in 2025

The new Alaska 2025 cruises are available to book between May and September 2025.

Anthem of the Seas will sail from Seattle and offer 7-night Alaska cruises.

Quantum of the Seas will also sail from Seattle, sailing 7-night cruises.

Both ships will visit popular Alaska ports, such as Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point. They also feature glacier viewings of Dawes Glacier, weather permitting. Depending on which sailing you pick, the itinerary will vary slightly.

Both Radiance Class ships will offer cruises from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Radiance of the Seas will offer 7-10 night Alaska cruises that can also combine with Land Tours to offer immersive visits to Alaska, including in-land destinations such as Denali.

Radiance is sailing alternating, open-jaw itineraries between Vancouver and Seward.

Serenade of the Seas will sail primarily 7-night roundtrip cruises, including cruises that visit Hubbard Glacier.

Be sure to consult the Royal Caribbean website or your travel professional for further assistance with itinerary options and booking.

What's the difference between open-jaw and round-trip cruises?

If you choose an open-jaw cruise, you will have different embarkation and disembarkation ports. This allows you to visit ports that you would not be able to on a round-trip cruise from Seattle.

Cruisers who sail to Alaska claim that the more remote ports offer a more authentic view of Alaska, with more dynamic scenery and varied wildlife.

Rather than booking airfare to and from Seattle, you will have to book two one-way flights, which can often be more expensive. Plus, Anchorage is about 125 miles from Seward, so you will have to account for a 2+ hour drive from the airport when you either begin or end your one-way cruise.

Something else you should know about an open-jaw sailing is you must have a passport for an open jaw cruise. You cannot use a birth certificate and government ID for these types of sailings.

Booking early is key if you want to score the lowest pricing

The lowest pricing for Alaska cruises tends to be when itineraries are released. While you can usually find a good deal on shoulder season sailings, if you have hopes of sailing during the peak of the Alaska cruise season (i.e., June-July), you should book as early as possible.

Additionally, some highly desirable cruise cabins sell out quickly. If you want to book a specific stateroom, like a suite or aft balcony cabins on Radiance Class ships, you will not want to wait too long to place your initial deposit.

More about Alaska cruises

What to bring on a cruise to Alaska? 8 things you'll want to take with you

In:

Alaska

If you're used to visiting the Caribbean, you will want to know what to bring on a cruise to Alaska that might be different from anywhere else.

Having cruised to the last frontier, I quickly learned that there's a different approach to packing for an Alaska cruise.

You likely already know planning for a cruise to this region is different than other sailings. And while a summer cruise up to Alaska will not be frigid or even as far north as you might imagine, there are nuances to planning a great cruise.

A good mantra for any traveler is to be prepared, and you certainly don't want to get to Alaska only to realize you should have brought something truly important. Maybe it's something to enhance your trip, or it could be a real game-changing tool. In either case, learning about what you need now can save time.

While we have a comprehensive Alaska cruise packing list, I thought about the things that you really should consider bringing that would not be obvious. Here's my list of eight important things to bring with you to the 49th state.

You will find in this article links to products that we receive a small commission for when you purchase them. This costs you absolutely nothing extra, but the small commission helps support our site. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Binoculars

You'll be surrounded by nature's beauty throughout your Alaska cruise, and a pair of good binoculars can really make a difference.

From the bald eagles that are pretty much everywhere, to whale sightings, remote villages, and even bears, there is a lot to spot. While you might be able to get a glimpse with the naked eye, having binoculars makes a world of difference.

Binoculars are so helpful for kids because they can really get a sense of detail when trying to view nature. Adults can enjoy them too for the same reason, and with the benefit of having a little more patience to look around.

When you get close enough to see a glacier, binoculars are so important so that you can see the jagged edges of ice. Plus, the colors pop so much more when viewed closely.

Waterproof and thermal insulated jacket

If you buy one piece of clothing for Alaska, it should be a light and insulating waterproof jacket.

The weather will change a lot during your cruise, even hourly, and you'll need to adjust to it. And it will likely rain too, but because it changes so often, you will need the right clothing.

On my first cruise, I bought a Columbia 2-in-1 jacket that was insulated and also waterproof. The only thing worse than being wet and is being wet and cold!

You will likely hear about the importance of layering on an Alaska cruise, and the outermost layer should be a good all-weather jacket to keep you dry. Don't get something puffy or bulky. You want a jacket that can be easily folded up or tied around your waist when the sun comes back out later.

Waterproof shoes

I didn't think about my footwear when planning my first Alaska cruise, and I regretted not having waterproof shoes.

Not only can it rain, but you'll encounter puddles and damp trails in the towns you visit. Plus, some of the terrain may be slippery or not paved.

It makes sense to get a pair of hiking shoes that are waterproof to keep your feet dry no matter where you go.

I can deal with wet hair and even wet clothing, but wet feet turn cold quicker (thanks to being in the extremities of your body) and that will sour almost any outdoor experience.

Sunglasses

When you imagine visiting Alaska, is a bright shining sun what you picture? Probably not, but there's plenty of sunshine too.

Summer in Alaska is a lot sunnier than most people anticipate, and you will actually need to bring sunglasses with you.

If you have plans to visit a glacier by helicopter or seaplane, sunglasses are essential to avoid the glare of the sun off the surface of the ice.

Insect repellant

I've got to be real with all of you and warn you that mosquitos are an unfortunate reality of going to Alaska in the summer, especially during the warmest months.

There are plenty of mosquitos around Alaska throughout the summer. In fact, there's a running joke that the mosquito is the unofficial state bird of Alaska. Given how much wetlands, slow moving rivers, and stagnant pools there are, it's a prime breeding ground for them.

Mosquitoes are usually worse inland than on the coast, so bringing insect repellent is extra important for those doing a Cruise Tour to Denali and other interior destinations before or after their cruise.

Skagway, Alaska, pier with Serenade of the Seas docked

It's a good idea to pack a can of insect repellent spray, wipes, or lotions. There are many varieties, but you should buy one before you leave from home to ensure you don't pay higher tourist prices in Alaska.

Another option are mosquito-repellent wristbands because of how easy they are to use, especially for kids.

Of course, you could also wear long sleeves and pants to avoid giving mosquitos a target to land on, but there's always exposed skin somewhere.

Waterproof backpack

Just like how rain can make you wet, it can also get your belongings wet, so it's important to have a waterproof backpack with you when you go on shore.

When I sail to the Caribbean, we might bring a beach bag, but a backpack elsewhere seems unnecessary.

In Alaska, however, backpacks are far more useful because you will need somewhere to put extra clothes, souvenirs, binoculars, and other important items.

Water resistant backpacks should be sufficient in most scenarios, although 100% dry bags can be a safe option, too (affiliate links included here).

Some backpacks are able to be packed down into a very small size (affiliate link), which can be helpful for those traveling on airplanes or with limited room in their suitcase.

Sleep mask

People aren't exaggerating when they say it doesn't get dark in Alaska. During the summer, the sun stays up well into the night and might only go down for a few hours before rising again.

Whether you're a light sleeper or night, the natural light could interfere with your sleep routine and some people find it quite difficult to fall or stay asleep with the light coming in from their cruise ship balcony or window.

It's a good idea to invest in a quality sleep mask so that you can have it pitch dark when you sleep.

I used the Manta Sleep Mask (affiliate link) for my first transatlantic flight to go on a European cruise earlier this summer, and it worked perfectly.

Water bottle

You already know how important it is to stay hydrated, but I found I was getting parched far more often in Alaska than elsewhere.

Even hiking on flat paths will drain you, and having water makes such a difference.

I think it's a great idea to also bring with you a reusable water bottle that you can bring on any shore excursion with you.

Our staff love the Hydro Flask (affiliate link) as their top pick for bringing on a cruise.

I cruised on the oldest and newest cruise ships to Alaska: here’s how they compare

In:

Alaska

I cruised to Alaska on Royal Caribbean’s old and new cruise ships, and the two experiences were drastically different. I visited more unique ports of call on the old ship, but the new ship offered more amenities. Although I wouldn’t say one cruise was better than the other, it’s important to know what to expect when cruising to Alaska on an old versus new ship.

Here’s how these two cruises compared.

Royal Caribbean sends four cruise ships to Alaska each summer

One of the first decisions to make when planning an Alaska cruise is selecting a ship. Royal Caribbean sends four cruise ships to Alaska each summer—two Radiance Class ships and two Quantum Class ships.

Radiance Class vessels are the older of the two ship classes, having launched in the early 2000s. Quantum Class ships, on the other hand, were launched between 2014 and 2021.

I cruise to Alaska nearly every summer, and I’ve cruised to the state on both classes of ships. Despite the fact that Radiance and Quantum Class vessels belong to the same cruise line, the overall experience can vary greatly.

Onboard amenities—like restaurants, thrills, and entertainment options—vary between the two classes. Likewise, you may find more port-intensive itineraries on older and smaller ships.

If you’re torn between booking an older or newer ship to Alaska, it’s helpful to know what to expect with each.

First, I cruised to Alaska on Radiance of the Seas. I paid $1,146 for a 7-night cruise.

A few summers ago, I was itching to cruise to Alaska, and I found an insanely cheap deal at the last minute. The cruise was on Radiance of the Seas, a Radiance Class ship that launched in 2001. I paid only $1,146 for two adults in an interior cabin, including taxes and fees.

This brought the daily cost to just $81 per person, a steal considering what is included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare.

The next summer, I cruised to Alaska on Quantum of the Seas. I paid $1,856 for a 7-night cruise.

After my cruise on Radiance of the Seas, I decided to book another Alaska cruise for the following summer. This time, I chose a newer ship, Quantum of the Seas, which launched in 2014.

Quantum of the Seas is not the newest Royal Caribbean ship sailing to Alaska—that title is earned by Anthem of the Seas, built in 2015. Regardless, the two ships are nearly identical, from their ship design to cabins and dining venues.

In total, I paid $1,856 for two adults in an interior cabin, including taxes and fees. This brought the daily cost per person to $132.

My Radiance of the Seas cruise left from Vancouver, whereas Quantum of the Seas set sail from Seattle.

There are two main embarkation ports for Alaska cruises: Vancouver, British Columbia and Seattle, Washington.

Royal Caribbean homeports Radiance Class ships in Vancouver each summer due to their smaller size, which enables them to fit under Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge. Quantum Class ships can technically fit under the bridge, too, but they have to wait until low tide to pass safely. This is not conducive to cruise itineraries, as they must wait until the middle of the night to pass.

Most Americans will find sailing from Seattle more convenient than Vancouver. There are more direct flights to Seattle from US airports compared to the latter. Not only that, but flights to Seattle may be cheaper, and those driving to the cruise port will not have to cross the border.

Radiance of the Seas docked in Vancouver

Nonetheless, sailing from Vancouver offers other benefits. Because the cruise starts in Canada, Alaska cruises from Vancouver are not required to make a port stop elsewhere in Canada on the itinerary. This means guests can visit more ports in Alaska on a 7-night cruise compared to those departing Seattle.

Plus, some cruises from Vancouver are one-way itineraries, allowing passengers to end their cruise in Seward, Alaska instead of returning to Vancouver. Many passengers choose these itineraries so that they can spend extra time in Alaska’s interior before flying home.

Personally, I found sailing from Seattle more convenient during my Quantum of the Seas cruise because I could book a direct flight. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Vancouver before Radiance of the Seas and preferred the one-way, port-intensive itinerary of the sailing.

Quantum of the Seas has a more innovative design compared to the traditional design of Radiance of the Seas.

Of all Royal Caribbean ships, I find Quantum Class ships to be the most beautiful. Royal Caribbean incorporated a modern, sleek design with these vessels, putting a focus on elegant, open spaces both indoors and outdoors.

I loved the tall ceilings and wide open spaces on Quantum of the Seas, from the multi-story Two70 entertainment venue to the two-deck Royal Esplanade. The passenger flow on a new, modern cruise ship is much more efficient compared to that on older ships.

Radiance of the Seas has a traditional ship design. The hub of the ship is an indoor, multi-story atrium, which is essentially a large elevator lobby with bars, retail stores, and desks like Guest Services spread throughout the decks.

I am not a huge fan of the ship’s atrium design. Not only did it feel cramped, but sound traveled easier in the small area, leading to a lack of quiet spaces on the ship.

My cabin on Quantum of the Seas was far more modern and spacious than that on Radiance of the Seas.

Your cabin becomes your home away from home on a cruise, and I loved my cozy interior room on Quantum of the Seas.

When I opened the door to my stateroom for the first time, I was pleased to see my interior cabin had a full-sized couch in the back of the cabin, which gave the room two distinct (albeit small) areas: a living room and bedroom.

In addition, my cabin boasted modern decor and color schemes. Despite the ship being a decade old, the cabin still fit today’s trends. Plus, having a virtual balcony in the room was an added benefit, as I could watch a live camera feed from outside the ship during the sailing.

My Radiance of the Seas cabin left something to be desired. There was far less storage in the room compared to my cabin on Quantum of the Seas, and the room’s layout felt more cramped.

The cabin’s decor and upholstery was not necessarily outdated, but it wasn’t the most contemporary, either. Given the ship’s age, there were far fewer outlets in the cabin, which made charging electronics more difficult.

Quantum of the Seas had more complimentary restaurant options than Radiance of the Seas, which made dining more convenient.

During my Radiance of the Seas cruise, I mainly ate in either the Main Dining Room or Windjammer buffet. There were just two other complimentary dining options: Park Cafe and the Dog House, both of which had limited offerings.

Quantum of the Seas had a far greater variety of complimentary dining options. Although I still ate the majority of my meals in the Main Dining Room and Windjammer, I enjoyed having extra options.

The Solarium Bistro on Quantum of the Seas was one of my favorite dining venues onboard. For breakfast and lunch, this venue offered buffet-style dining, and even though there were fewer choices than the Windjammer, the venue was less crowded.

I also enjoyed dining at Cafe @ Two70 on Quantum of the Seas. This grab-and-go spot served breakfast and lunch and had some of the best soups, salads, and sandwiches you could find on the ship.

There is also a standalone Sorrento’s Pizza restaurant on Quantum of the Seas in addition to grab-and-go snacks at Cafe Promenade, hot dogs at SeaPlex Dog House, and quick-service lunch at Noodle Bar on the pool deck.

I wouldn’t necessarily pick one ship over the other just for the dining options, but expect to eat at the Main Dining Room and Windjammer more on an older ship if you don’t want to pay extra for specialty restaurants.

Both ships had excellent indoor spaces for watching Alaska’s scenery.

One of the things I look for most when picking a ship for an Alaska cruise is the amount of indoor spaces from where I can watch Alaska’s scenery.

I was recently left disappointed after a 7-night Princess cruise to Alaska when I realized the ship was ill-designed for cold weather. There was no indoor pool and hardly any indoor lounges to watch the scenery, meaning I had to stand outside in the cold whenever I wanted to enjoy the views.

Fortunately, I find that Royal Caribbean designs their ships adequately for cold weather. You will find an abundance of indoor spaces on both old and new ships cruising to the Last Frontier.

On Radiance of the Seas I loved watching scenery from the Viking Crown Lounge, a venue with panoramic views at the top of the ship. Views were unparalleled from the lounge, and it offered the perfect, heated space to relax while watching glaciers, mountains, and wildlife pass by.

Radiance Class ships are built with over three acres of glass, so there were plenty of other indoor areas to enjoy as well. The Champagne Bar offered floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the ship’s starboard side, and venues like the Schooner Bar and Singapore Sling’s were also designed with ocean views in mind.

On Quantum of the Seas, my favorite place to watch the scenery was from the Solarium. While all Royal Caribbean ships have an adults-only Solarium, I find the Solarium on Quantum Class ships to be better than the rest.

This large pool space has windows in nearly every direction, and there’s arguably no better place to sip a cocktail with a view onboard.

Families with kids may prefer the activities on Quantum of the Seas, including a surfing simulator and indoor sports court.

If you’re cruising with kids to Alaska, I’d recommend sailing on Quantum of the Seas over Radiance of the Seas. Quantum of the Seas is packed with kid-friendly activities.

Onboard, you’ll find an indoor Sports Court called the SeaPlex. Here, you’ll find both free play and organized sports activities such as basketball, pickleball, soccer, and volleyball, as well as bumper cars and rollerskating.

The SeaPlex also has video games, ping pong tables, and arcade games for guests of all ages.

Outside the SeaPlex are more kid-friendly activities, including a rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, and RipCord by iFLY indoor skydiving simulator.

Radiance of the Seas has a few kid-friendly activities—a rock climbing wall, mini golf course, and small aqua park—but far less than what you’ll find on a Quantum Class ship.

Another benefit of Quantum of the Seas over Radiance of the Seas is that the ship has an indoor pool for all ages, not just for adults. In addition to the adults-only Solarium is a separate indoor pool that both kids and adults can access.

The only indoor pool on Radiance of the Seas is in the adults-only Solarium. The ship does have select hours where kids can access the pool, but they are relatively limited.

There’s no harm in picking a Radiance Class ship for an Alaska cruise, and your kids will still, more than likely, have a whole lot of fun onboard. Nonetheless, it’s hard to deny that Quantum of the Seas offers a more family-friendly experience overall than Radiance of the Seas.

I preferred the entertainment on Quantum of the Seas, but Radiance of the Seas still offered varied entertainment options.

As far as entertainment, I think Quantum of the Seas has a slight edge over Radiance of the Seas. Shows on the vessel were more modern than those on Radiance of the Seas, both in story concept and technology integration.

I attended just one production show on Radiance of the Seas, Piano Man, and while the cast were talented, nothing wowed me about the show’s storyline. If anything, I thought it seemed geared toward passengers of an older age demographic.

In comparison, the production of Starwater on Quantum of the Seas blew me away. Located in the ship’s technology-focused Two70 venue, this performance featured innovative stages, animated projections on the venue’s walls, and moving television screens to enhance the performance by the singers and dancers.

It was a modern, top-notch performance with a production quality that simply cannot be matched on an older ship.

Outside of production shows, both ships have live music at the pub and Schooner Bar along with other bands and performers, whether a comedian or jazz band.

While not traditional entertainment, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the indoor movie theater on Radiance of the Seas. If you’re in the mood for a chill evening, there’s no better place to spend it than in the cinema, where you can watch movies free of charge.

Movies are also shown on Quantum of the Seas, but they are shown on the pool deck, which isn’t conducive to the cold weather on an Alaska cruise.

My Radiance of the Seas cruise had a more in-depth Alaska itinerary compared to Quantum of the Seas.

As far as itineraries go, Royal Caribbean’s older ships almost always have more in-depth itineraries compared to newer ships, and this holds true in Alaska as well.

My Radiance of the Seas cruise was a one-way itinerary. I departed from Vancouver, British Columbia and ended the cruise in Seward, Alaska. Traveling in one direction allowed the ship to stop at more ports in Alaska along the way, as well as include a scenic cruise around Hubbard Glacier.

And, by ending the cruise in Seward, passengers could choose to extend their vacation by visiting destinations in the state’s interior, such as Denali National Park & Preserve.

Quantum of the Seas still offers a nice itinerary, but when Alaska cruises depart from Seattle, they must include a stop in Canada before returning back to the United States. Therefore, my itinerary had to stop in Victoria, British Columbia.

I thoroughly enjoyed my day in Victoria, but I would have preferred visiting another port in Alaska. The itinerary only visited three Alaska ports as opposed to the four I visited on Radiance of the Seas.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with either ship for an Alaska cruise, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each before choosing one over the other.

There’s no right or wrong ship choice for an Alaska cruise, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each before booking your vacation.

For most people, visiting Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it makes sense to get the most out of your weeklong cruise. Booking a ship from Vancouver means you will not have to stop in Canada during the itinerary, allowing you to see even more of Alaska’s beauty throughout the week.

Plus, a ship like Radiance of the Seas offers one-way cruises, something you won’t find on newer vessels sailing to Alaska.

Nevertheless, it’s tough to beat the modernity and variety of activities offered on Quantum of the Seas. Whether you’re cruising with a 5-year old or 80-year old, there’s truly something for everyone on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships.

While I would say I prefer the overall experience on Quantum of the Seas more than that on Radiance of the Seas, I wouldn’t hesitate to book an older ship to Alaska again.

Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better?

In:

Alaska

Among the cruising community, Princess Cruises is supposedly the “best” cruise line for Alaska cruises, so I wanted to see how it compared to Royal Caribbean.

It’s no secret that I love cruising to Alaska—I’ve cruised to the Last Frontier five times in the past two years. After four cruises on Royal Caribbean, however, I figured it was time to try something new, so I booked a cruise on the Royal Princess, a Princess ship launched in 2013.

Prior to booking my cruise, I heard that Princess Cruises was a market leader for Alaska cruises. Not only do they have a permit to visit Glacier Bay National Park, but they offer special enrichment activities throughout the sailing, designed to immerse passengers in the state’s cultural and natural wonders.

Because I’ve enjoyed my Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska so much, I was curious as to how Princess would compare to Royal Caribbean’s Alaska offerings.

During my 7-night cruise, I compared the food, cabins, entertainment, service, and ship design of each cruise line to see how they stood apart from each other. Would it be worth sailing on Princess, a line that puts a large focus on Alaska, or would I regret not cruising on Royal Caribbean?

Here’s what I found out.

I paid $2,494 for an interior cabin on the Royal Princess during the peak season. It was slightly more expensive than my Royal Caribbean Alaska cruises.

I always thought a cruise on Princess would be much more expensive than a Royal Caribbean cruise, but that was not the case.

My 7-night Alaska cruise on the Royal Princess came out to $2,494, or $1,247 per guest, as my sister joined me on this sailing. The cruise fare reflected the price of 2 adults in an interior cabin, and it included taxes, fees, and gratuities.

To put this price into perspective, here’s what I paid for an interior cabin on my previous Alaska cruises:

Ovation of the Seas (October 2021): $727 total (end of season and solo guest)
Radiance of the Seas (August 2022): $1,118 (2 guests and last-minute deal)
Quantum of the Seas (May 2023): $1,856 (2 guests)
Ovation of the Seas (June 2023): $2,182 (2 guests)

My cruise departed on June 17, so it was right at the start of Alaska’s peak summer season. So while it was the most expensive of all my Alaska cruises, the price may have been cheaper if I sailed in the shoulder season or found a last-minute deal.

I was shocked at how poorly my Princess cruise ship was designed for an Alaska itinerary compared to Royal Caribbean’s ships.

Because Princess is revered for their Alaska cruises, I was flabbergasted at the design and layout of the Royal Princess. It was, to be blunt, terribly designed for cold weather.

I’ve sailed on three Royal Caribbean ships to Alaska: Radiance of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, and Ovation of the Seas. All three of these ships were designed for cold weather, with indoor pools, lounges with large windows, and indoor activities like a sports court and movie theater.

When I boarded the Royal Princess, I was shocked to find out there were no indoor pool spaces on the ship. Furthermore, there were hardly any indoor lounges with windows looking toward the outside—most windows in lounges looked toward the promenade deck with views blocked by lifeboats.

Thankfully we had excellent weather for most of the cruise, so it was possible to sit on the outdoor decks to watch Alaska’s scenery. If we hadn’t, though, it would have been challenging to enjoy the views without freezing or getting soaked in the rain.

Related: The best time to visit Alaska

On my Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska, I spend most of my time lounging in the adults-only Solarium, a climate-controlled space with massive floor-to-ceiling windows in all directions.

Other venues, like the Two70 lounge with its 270 degree window views, are much better designed for Alaska compared to the Royal Princess’ dark, enclosed venues.

I couldn’t believe the Royal Princess was built just a year before Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas. Although the Royal Princess had some pretty spaces, it seemed years older than the innovative design and layout of Quantum of the Seas.

My cabin on the Royal Princess was better than the cabins I’ve had on other Alaska cruises.

Like most cruises, I booked an interior cabin on the Royal Princess, and it was the best cabin I’ve had on any Alaska cruise thus far. While I usually expect inside cabins to be extremely small, I was impressed with not only my cabin’s size, but its layout.

Most interior cabins on Royal Caribbean cruises are small and compact. On most of my Alaska cruises, my interior room has consisted of a bed, a small chair or couch, and a desk. All furniture was placed in the same area and there was little walking space around the room.

On my recent Quantum of the Seas cruise, I was lucky enough to stay in an interior room built for four guests. These interior rooms are bigger than a standard interior cabin, but it still appeared small compared to the room I had on the Royal Princess.

My Royal Princess cabin had two separate spaces in the room: a sleeping area and a closet/bathroom space. The sleeping area had two twin beds, a big desk and vanity area, drawers, nightstands, and a full-length mirror. It also had a large TV, and I was pleased to find out that on-demand movies came at no extra charge.

Behind this part of the cabin was a “walk-in closet” space that connected to the bathroom. It was nice to have this separate closet space as it allowed for easy changing when sharing a room, and it helped to separate the cabin into two areas.

The only thing missing in the room was a plush chair or couch—we had to sit on either our beds or the small desk chair. Nonetheless, the room’s spacious layout made up for the lack of an additional seating area.

I loved spending time in my interior cabin, something I almost never feel about other inside rooms.

While food is subjective, I preferred most of the food on Royal Caribbean compared to Princess.

When reading online reviews about Princess before my sailing, I heard fantastic things about the cruise line’s food. I was expecting the food to wow me, but that was not the case.

Food is, of course, subjective, but I found that overall, I preferred the food on Royal Caribbean over Princess. I enjoy the themed cuisine menus each night on Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room menu, and their buffet is the best I’ve tried on any cruise line thus far.

The Main Dining Room on Princess tended to offer more upscale dishes—oxtail soup and five-spice duck breast, to name a few. Although the dishes we did try were tasty, my sister and I rarely found the menus appealing, so we ended up at the buffet more nights than not.

The buffet on Princess offered both standard American and international options, and while there was a lot of variety, I found the overall quality of food to be higher at Royal Caribbean’s Windjammer buffet. The desserts, in particular, were extremely subpar at the buffet, a disappointment for my sweet tooth!

That being said, the ramen noodle station at the buffet was on par with what I would expect from a specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean. In fact, it was probably the best food I’ve ever had from a buffet on both land and sea.

It was easy to see where Princess allocated extra funds compared to Royal Caribbean.

Although I found the food to be overall better on Royal Caribbean, I noticed a few ways where Princess spent extra on dining compared to the latter.

The buffet had a far wider range of condiments and toppings, whether sriracha for Asian dishes or nutella for French toast.

The soft serve ice cream machine, as another example, had a new flavor each day in addition to vanilla. During the week we enjoyed banana, strawberry, pineapple, vanilla, and chocolate ice cream, and they even had a toppings bar with sprinkles and chocolate sauce.

Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, tends to only offer chocolate and vanilla, and the ice cream station is only open for a short portion of the day. On Princess, we could enjoy ice cream anytime from 11AM to 10PM.

Another plus was that Princess offered complimentary room service, which was a nice perk compared to Royal Caribbean’s $7.95 room service charge.

Although we were disappointed with the cruise line’s supposed deliver-to-anywhere feature in the app (the food almost never came), we managed to have a few orders delivered throughout the cruise.

It was evident that Princess spent a little more on these small touches, and it definitely enhanced my dining experience.

My Princess cruise shined in its Alaska-themed activities, although Royal Caribbean still offers more to do overall.

Princess runs a program called North to Alaska during their Alaska itineraries, which is an enrichment program designed to immerse passengers in the Alaska experience. This is a huge selling point for their Alaska cruises, and I was interested to see how it compared to Royal Caribbean’s programming.

Unsurprisingly, Princess shined in its Alaska offerings. Although Royal Caribbean may occasionally host Alaska-themed events on its itineraries, it’s nothing like what is offered on Princess.

During our cruise, I attended a “Meet the Sled Dogs” program, during which an Iditarod trainer boarded the ship with sled dog puppies. After a brief presentation about these active pups, passengers were able to meet the puppies in the ship’s atrium.

In addition to the sled dog programming were lectures on Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife along with kid-friendly activities like storytime with the ship’s mascot, Stanley the Bear. As far as food goes, the buffet and Main Dining Room put a focus on Alaskan cuisine during the sailing, which was another nice touch.

I was impressed by the North to Alaska programming, but I still found the activity offerings onboard limited compared to what is offered on Royal Caribbean. It’s hard to beat the activities offered on a Royal Caribbean cruise, from surfing simulators to bumper cars, sushi classes, trivia, and game shows.

While the Royal Princess still offered daily activities, they were not as frequent or varied compared to what I’ve experienced on Royal Caribbean.

I found the service on Princess to be adequate, but it lacked the family feel of a Royal Caribbean cruise.

I was neither impressed nor unimpressed with the service on my Princess cruise. Don’t get me wrong, I met some incredibly friendly crew workers, but at times the service was definitely lacking.

Aside from our favorite ice cream attendants, who exclaimed “My ladies are back!” whenever my sister and I would get in line for a cone, and our welcoming stateroom attendant, I was disappointed with the level of service onboard.

Many crew members did not appear happy to help us with problems when they arose. And, after witnessing a few inpatient crew members in the buffet nearly yell at passengers, I was too intimidated to ask questions about a particular dish if I didn’t know what it was.

Additionally, I missed hearing “Welcome Back!” after getting onboard after a port day, and I found myself missing the service I’ve experienced on other cruises. Perhaps I’m just used to the over-the-top friendly service on Royal Caribbean, but I was genuinely surprised with the more stand-offish service on Princess.

Like food, service is subjective, and one passenger’s experience could be different from another. It’s entirely possible we just encountered some crew members at a stressful time, and my experience should not be a reflection of the hard-working crew as a whole.

Visiting Glacier Bay National Park was a highlight of my Princess cruise, and this experience is not possible on Royal Caribbean.

One major difference between cruising to Alaska on Princess vs Royal Caribbean is visiting Glacier Bay National Park.

The primary reason I booked a cruise on the Royal Princess was to visit Glacier Bay National Park. Royal Caribbean does not have the permit to enter the park, so unfortunately you cannot visit Glacier Bay on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Although you can visit destinations like Hubbard Glacier and Dawes Glacier with Royal Caribbean, I heard great things about Glacier Bay and was determined to check it out.

The national park certainly lived up to the hype. I was awestruck by the glaciers in the park, especially the 200 foot high Margerie Glacier, which spans nearly a mile wide. We spent the entire morning sailing around the park, visiting several glaciers right after each other.

Because it was a national park, park rangers came onboard during the day to provide information about the park and answer questions. I thought this was a special touch as it allowed visitors to learn more about the destination they were visiting.

Visiting Glacier Bay was the highlight of our time on the Royal Princess, although I wouldn’t necessarily suggest booking a Princess cruise over Royal Caribbean only to visit Glacier Bay.

Royal Caribbean’s itineraries still visit impressive destinations, and the advantages of a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise still outweighed a visit to Glacier Bay.

I found entertainment on Princess and Royal Caribbean to be comparable, and I wouldn’t choose one line over the other for entertainment.

I do not place much importance on entertainment when I cruise, and truthfully, I almost never attend production shows. Instead, I tend to favor live music and other programming like game shows.

For the purposes of this review, I dragged myself to a few entertainment shows, and boy am I glad I did!

I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of entertainment shows on the Royal Princess. I saw two production shows while there, each of which focused on singing and dancing instead of a traditional play.

The singers were so talented I couldn’t believe they weren’t a part of an opera on land. Even though I didn’t understand the storyline of the productions (if there even was one), I would have watched the shows multiple times just to hear the casts’ impressive voices.

Live music was abundant around the ship as well, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to a live band play relaxing music during our ship’s sailaway from Skagway. I hadn’t seen this type of classy entertainment during sailaway on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and it created a truly magical atmosphere while sailing through breathtaking scenery.

Related: 50 best Alaska cruise tips

Royal Caribbean’s entertainment, on the other hand, is more technologically-focused than the traditional shows on the Royal Princess. On Royal Caribbean cruises you’ll find ice-skating shows, high diving performances, drone shows, and technology-focused productions.

Although not all of these performances are found on ships sailing Alaska cruises, I still find the entertainment on Royal Caribbean’s Alaska itineraries to be more forward-thinking than traditional.

Overall I enjoyed my cruise on the Royal Princess, but I don’t think I would book another Princess cruise over Royal Caribbean.

Despite the complaints listed above (this is a review, after all!), I enjoyed my time on the Royal Princess. While I did not love the ship’s design as a whole, I still liked certain aspects of the ship, including the Outrigger’s Bar in the ship’s aft and the elegant, multi-story atrium.

Other than the dozen ice cream cones I enjoyed throughout the week and the buffet’s delightfully spicy ramen station, I haven't been daydreaming about any of the food I had onboard. It’s not that anything was inherently bad, but nothing blew my mind, either.

The main reason I wouldn’t book a cruise on this ship again over Royal Caribbean, though, lies in the lack of indoor viewing spaces around the ship. Sure, I’m visiting Alaska, but that doesn’t mean I want to stand in the cold for a week!

I appreciate the varied amount of indoor spaces on Royal Caribbean’s ships to Alaska, whether the indoor pool or Viking Crown Lounge. There is a clear connection to Alaska’s scenery on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but you had to intentionally seek this out on my Princess cruise.

Perhaps I would have enjoyed cruising on the Majestic Princess more than the Royal Princess, as that ship has an indoor pool, but I still think it’s hard to beat the design of one of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships when it comes to Alaska.

I’m happy to have spent another fun-filled week in Alaska, and to have experienced the state’s majesty with my sister. Visiting Glacier Bay was nothing short of a wonderful experience and it's something that is unattainable on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

If there’s anything I learned last week on the Royal Princess, it’s that there is a cruise line for every type of traveler. While I wouldn’t consider myself a Princess cruiser, I’ll still admit they put out a great product with their Alaska itineraries, even if it didn’t entirely match my cruising style.

Alaska cruises. Your questions answered

In:

Alaska

Many people share the same questions about cruising to Alaska, and today we’re answering the most pressing questions about cruises to the Last Frontier.

Planning a cruise to Alaska can lead to plenty of questions. Whether you’re wondering about the best Alaska cruise itinerary, trying to pick a ship, or aren’t sure which cabin to book for the sailing, it’s natural to have questions during the planning process.

Recently, our readers submitted their top Alaska cruise questions to our Facebook page. They wanted to know the top tips and tricks about Alaska cruises from Royal Caribbean Blog’s staff members, some of whom travel to the state each year.

We love sharing our favorite cruising tips with you, and these are our answers to your biggest Alaska cruise questions.

When is the best time to find deals on Alaska cruises?

More often than not, the best Alaska cruise deals are found when booking far in advance.

Royal Caribbean typically releases new itineraries around 18-24 months before the sail date. Booking a cruise as soon as the itinerary is released will often bring the lowest prices as well as the most selection of available cabins.

Despite this, you can sometimes find unbeatable Alaska cruise deals at the last minute, but you might have to be flexible.

For the past few years, we’ve noticed a trend on last-minute Alaska cruise pricing. One-way itineraries on Radiance of the Seas, for instance, have offered cheap cruise deals a few months before the sailing.

How many days is an Alaska cruise, and how many ports of call are there?

The vast majority of Royal Caribbean Alaska cruises are 7 nights, although you may occasionally find a 6 or 8-night itinerary.

7-night Alaska cruises usually visit three or four ports of call from the following list:

Juneau
Skagway
Sitka
Ketchikan
Haines
Icy Strait Point
Victoria
Prince Rupert

All roundtrip sailings from Seattle must include a port stop in either Victoria or Prince Rupert, British Columbia, thus visiting three ports in Alaska. One-way cruises, on the other hand, are not required to stop in Canada and have four port stops in Alaska.

Related: Alaska cruise ports guide

In addition to port stops—where guests disembark the ship—most itineraries include a scenic viewing day of a glacier. During these visits, your cruise ship will sail into a fjord and stop within sight of one of Alaska’s magnificent glaciers, such as Hubbard Glacier or Dawes Glacier.

How do I choose which itinerary is best for me?

There’s no right or wrong itinerary to book for Alaska, but it’s important to know what to expect in each port before booking one cruise over the other.

Almost all itineraries stop in Juneau, Alaska, but other ports vary from itinerary to itinerary. Some cruises may visit Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan whereas others may call upon Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka.

Before booking an Alaska cruise, take time to research the activities and shore excursions offered in each port. Some cruisers may prefer booking a train ride in Skagway whereas others will love the opportunity to learn more about Alaska’s Russian influence in Sitka.

Truthfully, your experience in Alaska will not vary drastically from itinerary to itinerary. All itineraries give passengers the chance to explore the state’s wildlife, history, and cuisine regardless of the town.

Where is the best embarkation location for an Alaska cruise?

There are three ports you can embark from on an Alaska cruise: Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward.

In most cases, Seattle is the best embarkation port for American passengers, as it’s usually easier to travel to Seattle compared to Vancouver or Seward. There are ample direct flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, making traveling to the city easier and more affordable.

Vancouver, though, is an excellent embarkation port for the itinerary options. All Alaska cruises departing Seattle must include a port stop in Victoria, British Columbia to meet the requirements of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA).

Cruises leaving Vancouver do not need to stop in Victoria, meaning your cruise itinerary will visit more ports in Alaska compared to those leaving Seattle.

The third option for embarkation is in Seward, Alaska, a small town located a few hours' drive from Anchorage. This option is not as convenient as Seattle or Vancouver, but is a good choice for those hoping to spend time in Alaska’s interior before starting the cruise.

Simply put, there’s not one “best” embarkation port for an Alaska cruise—each has its own pros and cons.

What are typical ship amenities on an Alaska cruise?

Currently there are two classes of Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska: Radiance Class and Quantum Class. Both classes of ships have several indoor features perfect for cold weather cruising.

Radiance Class ships have an indoor Solarium for adults, an indoor movie theater, and lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows looking toward the ocean. Quantum Class ships also have plenty of indoor areas, including an indoor pool for all ages, adults-only indoor Solarium, and indoor sports court.

Both classes of ships also have a thermal suite available at an extra cost, which includes hot stone loungers, saunas, and steam rooms—all of which are perfect for Alaska’s chilly weather.

The plethora of indoor spaces and amenities on Radiance and Quantum Class ships means guests can enjoy Alaska’s scenery regardless of the weather conditions outside.

What do we pack?

Packing for an Alaska cruise is not as difficult as it might seem. The key to packing for Alaska is to pack layers, as you never know what type of weather conditions you will encounter on your cruise.

We recommend packing:

Base layers: t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, etc.
Warm layers: pullovers, crew necks, sweatshirts, fleece jackets, etc.
Waterproof layer: rainjacket and water-resistant daypack
Bottoms: jeans and leggings
Dinner outfits: dresses, slacks, blouses, collared shirts, etc.

For more information on what to pack for an Alaska cruise, check out these helpful guides:

What are good excursions to do that are not booked with the cruise line?

There’s no need to book a shore excursion on an Alaska cruise in order to have a good time. A little research goes a long way, and here are our best tips for ways to enjoy Alaska’s ports without a cruise ship shore excursion:

Look for local tour operators

Instead of booking directly through Royal Caribbean, search shore excursions on websites like Tripadvisor, Viator, and Shore Excursions Group. By going through these websites, you can find tours that may be priced lower compared to those offered by the cruise line.

Reserve tours once you disembark in port

In most Alaska cruise ports, you will find stands selling tours as soon as you disembark the cruise ship. These tours can be booked day-of and may be priced significantly lower than those booked onboard.

It’s easy to find shore excursions upon arriving in most ports. If you’re visiting smaller ports like Icy Strait Point and Haines, however, we advise researching and booking tours ahead of time.

Explore port on your own

Instead of booking a tour, there’s always the option of exploring a cruise port without a tour. To find the best things to do in each port, we recommend reading the following:

If you could, would you do a one-way sailing over a roundtrip cruise? It seems to give much more time exploring Alaska.

When planning an Alaska cruise, you will have to choose between either a roundtrip or one-way itinerary. Each of these itineraries comes with advantages and disadvantages, so you should weigh the pros and cons of each before booking an itinerary.

Northbound one-way cruises start in Vancouver, British Columbia and end in Seward, Alaska whereas southbound sailings travel in the opposite direction.

Advantages of a one-way Alaska cruise

There are two main advantages of a one-way itinerary. First is that these itineraries allow you to start or end your trip in Alaska’s interior, meaning you can visit sites like Denali National Park and Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park, both of which are inaccessible on a roundtrip voyage.

Additionally, the 7-night cruise includes more port stops compared to a roundtrip itinerary. Because the cruise starts or ends in Canada, it is not required to call upon Victoria, British Columbia as a port of call.

Disadvantages of a one-way Alaska cruise

Of course, there are disadvantages, too. Roundtrip sailings depart and return to Seattle, Washington, and this is often more affordable and logistically easier than starting and ending in different ports.

In addition to convenience, roundtrip sailings also provide an excellent Alaska cruise experience. On a roundtrip cruise, you’ll still visit Alaska’s most popular ports, such as Juneau and Skagway, and most itineraries include a scenic glacier viewing as well.

Plus, Royal Caribbean’s roundtrip Alaska cruises are offered on Quantum Class ships, which are significantly larger and more modern than the Radiance Class ships sailing one-way voyages.

If there is no pool/tan time, what is there to do all day when at sea?

Most Alaska cruises have two sea days—one on the way to Alaska and the other when returning. Despite traveling through a cold climate, there’s no lack of pool time on an Alaska cruise.

All Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska have an indoor pool for guests to enjoy. Quantum Class ships have two indoor pool areas—one for all ages and the other for guests 16 and older. Each area has a pool and several hot tubs, meaning you can enjoy a pool day in Alaska just as easily as in the Caribbean!

Outside of hanging out by the pool, guests can enjoy a variety of other activities on a sea day, including sports activities, surfing simulators, rock climbing, trivia, live music, and entertainment shows.

In short, a sea day on an Alaska cruise isn’t drastically different from a sea day in the Caribbean.

How do I get my beach and warm weather wife to want to go to Alaska?

It can be challenging to convince someone to go on an Alaska cruise if their idea of vacation includes suntanning by the pool under a palm tree.

While we can’t say for sure whether or not you’ll be able to convince someone to go on an Alaska cruise, it might not be as challenging as you think. During the peak summer months, Alaska is not nearly as cold as most people think, and you might even find yourself warm when walking around ports on sunny days.

Show your spouse, friend, or another family member who needs convincing a few images and videos of Alaska’s scenery. Maybe find a vlog on YouTube from an Alaska cruise, as seeing a first-hand experience could get someone more excited about the possibility of cruising to Alaska themselves.

If you really can’t convince your wife to cruise to Alaska, you can always book a solo cruise (although she may not be too happy about that!).

Are the seas calm in the Pacific?

While it’s impossible to predict the exact weather conditions you may encounter on an Alaska cruise, it’s possible your ship will sail through choppy waters.

While on an Alaska cruise, your ship will sail through both the open ocean and the calm waters of the Inside Passage. When in the open ocean, you may encounter rough seas and high winds, leading to more movement onboard than you may be used to while visiting other destinations.

Luckily, the Inside Passage tends to be extremely calm, as these waters are protected and sheltered from the higher waves in the open Pacific waters.

If on a one-way itinerary, you may also encounter rougher seas while crossing the Gulf of Alaska to and from Seward.

Most passengers will not feel seasick on an Alaska cruise, but packing seasickness remedies is still recommended.

What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

There’s no “best” time to cruise to Alaska, as each month offers pros and cons.

Here is an overview of each month of the season and what you should expect. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each month may help you find the best month for your travel style and needs.

Late April/May: less chance of rain, fewer crowds, colder temperatures, lower prices
June and July: highest crowds, long hours of daylight, higher prices, warmest weather
August: higher crowds in the first half of the month, more chance of rain, lower prices around the end of the month
September: lower crowds, high chance of rain, lower temperatures, less daylight, lower prices

What’s it like sailing to Alaska in the early season?

The end of April and early May mark the beginning of Alaska’s summer cruise season. Visiting Alaska in the early season will come with several differences compared to visiting in the peak season.

In April and early May, you can expect lower chances of rain and temperatures with lows in the 40s and highs in the mid-50s There are around 15 hours of daylight in southeast Alaska during this time of year.

As far as wildlife, you’re less likely to see bears and salmon in the early season compared to later months, but you may see humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed

What’s it like sailing to Alaska in the late season?

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise season ends in late September each year. This shoulder season will see some of the lowest prices offered all year, and you can occasionally snag a great last-minute cruise deal as fall approaches.

In September, you can expect to see more rainfall compared to other months and temperatures will be chillier compared to peak summer. Nonetheless, the fewer crowds and lower prices make visiting at this time of year appealing for many guests.

As far as wildlife, you may catch a glimpse of Alaska’s annual salmon run as well as bears, and it’s possible to see whales in Alaska’s waters, too.

What type of cabin should you book for an Alaska cruise and why?

There’s no right or wrong cabin to book for an Alaska cruise, and the type of room you book ultimately comes down to your budget and cabin availability.

A balcony is the most wished-for choice on an Alaska cruise, as it allows you to enjoy the state’s scenery from the comfort and privacy of your own cabin. Even if it’s too cold to stay on the balcony all day, you can still enjoy views of the outside from the warmth of your couch or bed in the stateroom.

Those on a budget, however, should opt for an interior or oceanview room. While nothing fancy, these small, budget-friendly cabins allow you to allocate your vacation funds elsewhere. Instead of spending $1000 extra for a balcony, why not book a once-in-a-lifetime shore excursion?

If you’re on the opposite end of the budget spectrum, there’s nothing wrong with booking a suite. Staying in a suite on a Royal Caribbean cruise can make your Alaska experience even more enjoyable by providing extra space and amenities like private restaurants and priority embarkation.

What is the minimum number of days for an Alaska cruise and land trip?

If you’re hoping to combine a one-way Alaska cruise with a land trip in Alaska’s interior, you should allocate at least 9 days for the trip.

The shortest cruise and land tour combinations offered by Royal Caribbean are 9 nights, and they include a 7-night cruise and 2 nights in Alaska’s interior, during which you will visit Denali.

If traveling all the way to Alaska, though, we advise planning more days for a cruise and land trip. Many guests prefer spending an additional week in Alaska’s interior, giving them extra time to visit other areas like Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Whether you book a tour through Royal Caribbean or rent a car and explore Alaska on your own, having extra time gives you more opportunities for adventure.

Best places to eat in port?

Alaska has delightful cuisine, from freshly caught fish to reindeer meat. While traveling to any destination, one of the best ways to learn more about a region’s culture is to taste local cuisine, and that is true in Alaska as well.

Our local Alaska expert Mollie wrote a great piece about where to eat like a local on your Alaska cruise. From local breweries to diners and food trucks, we recommend reading through her guide before your Alaska cruise to ensure you don’t miss out on the state’s best eats.

Inside or outside passage and why?

All Alaska cruises sail through the Inside Passage, but there is one difference between cruising from Seattle versus Vancouver.

Cruises from Vancouver sail through Canada’s Inside Passage en route to Alaska. This narrow passage is between Vancouver Island and British Columbia and offers scenic mountain views.

Ships departing Seattle first travel along the west coast of Vancouver Island in the open ocean instead of through the Inside Passage. Upon reaching Alaska, the ships then enter the Inside Passage.

There is little difference between the two routes, and it isn’t worth booking one itinerary over another just for a few extra views on the way to and from Alaska. Instead, book the itinerary that works best with your interests and schedule, whether that means sailing from Seattle or from Vancouver.

Can you see the northern lights on an Alaska cruise?

Many cruisers to Alaska dream of seeing the northern lights while visiting the state, but the northern lights viewing season does not coordinate well with the summer cruise season.

The most common time to see the northern lights is during the winter and early spring. Because of the long hours of daylight in the summer, it’s not common to see northern lights on an Alaska cruise.

That being said, they do appear from time to time in the later part of the cruise season, usually around September. Because of their unpredictability, we wouldn’t recommend getting your hopes up about seeing the northern lights.

Even so, if they do make an appearance, it will surely be spectacular.

What is the best way to see the ports on a budget?

The best way to see Alaska’s cruise ports on a budget is to explore on your own instead of booking a tour.

Fortunately, Alaska’s cruise ports are all small and walkable, meaning you can see many attractions without booking expensive excursions. A variety of museums, restaurants, and bars are located just a few minutes away from where cruise ships dock in each port.

Day hikes are free and accessible from cruise ports as well. If visiting Skagway, take a short, 30-minute walk to Yakutania Point, which provides a stunning view of the Taiya Inlet. Or, if in Ketchikan, put on your hiking points and summit Deer Mountain for unbeatable views of the nearby islands.

If you would prefer a tour, book through an outside tour company instead of a Royal Caribbean shore excursion. Many guests enjoy visiting Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, but instead of booking a $150 excursion, you can book a $45 roundtrip ticket on a shuttle bus to and from the glacier!

For more ideas of what to do in Alaska cruise ports, check out these guides:

Are Alaska cruises kid-friendly?

Bumper cars in SeaPlex on Anthem of the Seas

Alaska cruises often have a reputation of being for adults, but they can be a wonderful vacation for families with kids, too.

While on shore in Alaska’s cruise ports, kids will love the outdoor adventures offered in the state, from looking for wildlife to running around Alaska’s hiking trails.

And, while onboard, kids will enjoy the activities and programming offered by Royal Caribbean. Whether in the Caribbean or Alaska, Royal Caribbean offers the same family-friendly activities and programs for its guests.

Related: 50 tips for cruising with kids

If cruising with kids, we recommend booking an Alaska cruise on a Quantum Class ship over a Radiance Class ship. Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas both sail roundtrip cruises from Seattle, and they offer family-friendly activities for guests of all ages.

These ships feature amenities like an indoor sports arena, rock climbing wall, indoor skydiving simulator, and FlowRider surf simulator. In addition, they have a larger Adventure Ocean kids programming space and an indoor pool for all ages.

Kids will still enjoy an Alaska cruise on a Radiance Class ship, but there is a far greater amount of kid-friendly activities on Quantum Class vessels.

Do I really need gloves and a hat?

Predicting the weather in Alaska is nearly impossible, and you may encounter all four seasons in just one day while visiting the state.

If you’re wondering whether you really need to pack accessories like gloves and a hat, we’d recommend putting them into your suitcase. These items are small and you may be thankful to have them in your cabin during the sailing.

Even if a port day reaches 70 degrees, the next day could see lows in the 40s. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors viewing scenery, it’s always better to be prepared with more layers and accessories than you think you’ll need.

Is the casino open on an Alaska cruise?

The casino is open on an Alaska cruise when your cruise ship is sailing through international waters. This means that when your ship is docked in port, the casino will be closed.

As soon as your ship leaves port and enters international waters, the casino will open.

Which port has the train excursion? Is it handicap accessible?

The popular “train excursion” on an Alaska cruise is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, and it’s located in Skagway, Alaska.

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is a historic railroad built in 1898 that links Skagway to Whitehourse, Yukon Territory. Cruise line excursions take guests to the summit of the White Pass and back to Skagway, and the trip takes around three hours.

The excursion is handicap accessible, although guests traveling with a wheelchair should notify the excursion team or tour operator while booking.

What are land tours, and does Royal Caribbean offer them?

Land tours are offered on one-way Alaska cruise itineraries, and these are multi-day tours you can add before or after an Alaska cruise.

Land tours range from 2 to 6 extra nights before or after a 7-night sailing. The tours are guided and include accommodation at charming lodges and hotels, a scenic train ride, and visits to destinations including Denali and Fairbanks.

Royal Caribbean offers these tours during the summer cruise season, and they can be booked directly through the cruise line as part of your overall cruise fare.

Should you do the land portion at the beginning or end of your cruise?

If you’re booking a one-way Alaska itinerary, you have two options: northbound or southbound.

Northbound itineraries travel from Vancouver to Seward, which means guests enjoy a 7-night cruise before starting the land portion of their trip.

Southbound itineraries travel from Seward to Vancouver, meaning you can spend time in Alaska’s interior before the cruise begins.

While there’s no right or wrong direction to book for a one-way cruise, a southbound itinerary may be more relaxing.

You can spend several busy days sightseeing in Alaska’s interior before the cruise begins, which will likely leave you tired and in need of relaxation. Once you board your cruise, you’ll have 7 days to relax and unwind while traveling to Vancouver.

What are the must sees and dos on an Alaska cruise?

Here are some of our favorite activities of must sees and dos in Alaska’s main cruise ports:

Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls waterfall
Skagway: White Pass & Yukon Railroad
Sitka: Fortress of the Bear, the Raptor Center, and Sitka National Historical Park
Ketchikan: Creek Street (in town) or Misty Fjords National Park (excursion necessary)

Is the Hubbard Glacier excursion worth $450?

During scenic glacier viewing days, Royal Caribbean offers excursions that allow guests to disembark their large cruise ship and board a small expedition vessel.

These small vessels allow passengers to get up close and personal with Alaska’s wildlife and scenery in a way that is impossible to experience on a large ship.

Unsurprisingly, these excursions are not cheap, and it’s not uncommon to pay hundreds of dollars for a spot on a smaller boat. But because what is “worth it” for one guest may seem like a waste of money to another, we cannot say for sure whether or not a glacier excursion will be worth the cost.

If you value being able to see scenery more up close and have the budget to spend on an extra excursion, there’s no harm in booking the tour. If you are choosing between a glacier excursion and an excursion in another cruise port, though, we advise booking an excursion in a different port instead.

You can still enjoy glacier views from the ship without a $450 tour, as there are many places onboard to catch views of Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, the Sawyer Glaciers, and any other views as your ship sails through Alaska.

Are we missing out by not doing Glacier Bay?

Glacier Bay National Park and Reserve is one of Alaska’s cherished national parks, but you cannot visit the park on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Only select cruise lines, including Princess Cruises and Holland America, can visit Glacier Bay. The national park issues permits to cruise lines, and Royal Caribbean does not currently have a permit.

“Missing out” is subjective, but Glacier Bay is, of course, a spectacular destination to visit. Even though you cannot visit the park on Royal Caribbean, you still have the chance to visit other magnificent glaciers on a Royal Caribbean cruise, including Mendenhall Glacier, Taku Glacier, the twin Sawyer Glaciers, and Hubbard Glacier.

Despite not visiting Glacier Bay, Royal Caribbean puts an incredible product out with their Alaska cruises. If you enjoy Royal Caribbean, it’s not necessary to book another cruise line simply to visit Glacier Bay, as you may prefer the overall experience with Royal Caribbean more than with another company.

What is a moderate price hotel to stay in Seattle?

If you’re planning to stay in downtown Seattle before your cruise, you may find it difficult to find a hotel under $200. Most nice hotels in the downtown area are over $250-300 per night, especially if you’re cruising in the peak summer season.

Nonetheless, you can occasionally come across a good deal by booking in advance or finding a last-minute deal offered by a hotel. If you really need a budget hotel, your best bet is to stay further from downtown or near the airport.

Here are a few hotels for a pre-cruise stay in Seattle that our team members have enjoyed:

Holiday Inn Seattle Downtown-Lake Union
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Seattle-City Center
Grand Hyatt Seattle
Sheraton Grand Seattle

Use Priceline Express Deals

Our favorite tip for finding a cheap deal on a hotel is to use Priceline Express Deals. Priceline offers a “blind booking” feature where you can input the destination and dates, and a list of hotels will populate offering deals.

The caveat is that you cannot see the hotel name and are only given the number of stars and approximate location of the hotel, thus leading to a “blind” booking.

There is a workaround, however, and using a few tech-savvy skills can lead to great savings. Each Express Deal hotel shows a photo of the hotel. By screenshotting or saving the photo and uploading it to Google Images under the “Search by Image” feature, you can find the exact name of the hotel, negating the need for a “blind” booking!

Our team frequently uses Priceline Express Deals to book nicer hotels at a lower price.

How does a person with a past DUI sail to Alaska?

Those with criminal records may be unable to board an Alaska cruise. Canada does not permit entry to any visitors with criminal records, regardless of how long ago the crime occurred. Crimes include DUI, misdemeanor drug possession, shoplifting, theft, etc. You can read more about the requirements and exceptions here.

Many cruisers have been able to board Alaska cruises despite having a DUI, however, provided they sail from Seattle and not Vancouver. Because the process can vary from person to person, we advise doing extra research on whether or not you will be able to board an Alaska cruise.

Do I have to go home?

All cruises come to an end, and unfortunately this means you will have to return home after your Alaska cruise.

Of course, nothing is stopping you from booking another Alaska cruise, so why not head to Next Cruise before disembarkation day?

I packed for my Alaska cruise in a carry-on suitcase. Here's what I packed and how you can do it too.

In:

Alaska

There’s nothing I hate more than checking a bag when I travel. From paying baggage fees to risking lost luggage, I find checking a bag to be more stress than it’s worth.

On my recent Alaska cruise, I packed everything I needed in a small carry-on suitcase and backpack, and I have no regrets about packing lightly for my vacation.

When I cruised to Alaska for the first time two years ago, I was overwhelmed with what to pack and ended up (gasp) checking a bag. Inside the bag I placed nearly every cold-weather outfit I could find in my closet and, unfortunately, I way overpacked.

After the hassle of lugging my suitcase around the airport, throughout Seattle, and to the cruise port, I swore I’d never check a bag for a cruise again. So when I cruised to Alaska just last week, I was determined to fit everything into a carry-on, and I’m so glad I did.

Here’s why you should use a carry-on bag to travel to Alaska, including a step-by-step method of what I packed in my bag for the cruise.

My carry-on suitcase and backpack provided more than enough space

Most airlines allow guests to bring both a carry-on suitcase and personal item on a flight. The combination of space in a suitcase and personal item-sized backpack allows me to fit everything I need for a weeklong cruise.

For my Alaska cruise, I used a standard-sized carry-on suitcase with four wheels. I always use hard-shelled suitcases as I find them sturdier and less prone to unexpected water damage while traveling. In addition, having four wheels as opposed to just two allows for easier handling while wheeling the suitcase around the airport.

For my personal item, I used this anti-theft backpack from Amazon. The backpack is made from water-resistant material and opens from a pocket against my back, lessening the risk of pickpockets while traveling through busy areas.

Not only does this backpack work perfectly as a personal item while flying, but it is the optimal bag for port days during a cruise. Its relatively small size and anti-theft features make it comfortable to wear in any cruise port.

Using packing cubes is the trick to packing for an Alaska cruise in a carry-on

Packing cubes are, by far, the best investment I’ve made for travel. My handy packing cubes have traveled the world with me throughout the past six years (as shown by their wear and tear) and I never travel without them.

Using packing cubes allows you to pack more into a small suitcase, as they condense the space your clothes take up in the bag. Saving space is critical when traveling with a carry-on, and I can easily stuff two times as many clothes in my bag while using packing cubes.

I packed three packing cubes in my carry-on suitcase—one for pants and dresses, one for shirts, and the other for undergarments and socks.

Here’s what I placed into each packing cube.

Packing Cube #1

In my first packing cube, I packed my formal outfits and pants. In total, I put nine items into the packing cube:

1 pair of blue jeans
1 pair of black jeans
2 pairs of yoga pants
1 pair of flowy patterned pants
2 dresses
1 jumpsuit
1 pajama shirt

I found the amount of pants and formal outfits I packed to be totally adequate for my weeklong cruise. In fact, I regretted bringing three formal outfits because I ended up dining at the buffet more than I thought I would—I only wore one of the outfits!

During port days, I mostly stuck to jeans as I didn’t have many active excursions planned, and I wore each pair two or three days during the cruise. While visiting Juneau, however, I wore yoga pants as I rented a bicycle.

On sea days I stuck to my flowy patterned pants or yoga pants as they were much comfier to wear when lounging in the Solarium and attending activities.

Although it rains frequently in Alaska, I think packing waterproof pants is overkill. Jeans and athletic pants should work perfectly fine in most circumstances. If you’re traveling in the middle of summer, it may even be warm enough to pack a pair of shorts!

Packing Cube #2

My second packing cube is where I placed shirts and warm layers. In total, 11 items were packed into this packing cube:

2 workout shirts
3 pullovers
1 sweater
1 black t-shirt
3 miscellaneous shirts
1 pair of pajama shorts

Packing layers is essential on an Alaska cruise, and many first-time visitors to Alaska are concerned with which types of shirts to pack. After three Alaska cruises, I find I have a pretty good idea of what you should pack to be comfortable in all weather conditions.

The two workout shirts, my base layers, were useful to wear around the ship and when it was sunny outside in port. In the morning, I could put one of these shirts under a pullover, and when it got too hot, I was comfortable wearing just my short sleeve shirt and rain jacket.

I brought three pullovers to act as my warm layer. Most days I skipped the base layer and just wore a pullover with my rain jacket.

Aside from the workout shirts and pullovers, the more fashionable shirts I packed were useful to wear around the ship and to dinner. With four of these shirts and a sweater, I had just enough to wear every day around the ship.

Packing Cube #3

My third packing cube is where I placed undergarments, socks, and my bathing suit. This packing cube is smaller than the other two, so it’s the perfect size for packing these smaller items.

Whereas on a Caribbean cruise I would pack at least two bathing suits, I only packed one on my Alaska cruise. Alaska is not, after all, a tropical beach destination, so I assumed I would spend far less time in a bathing suit compared to on a cruise to the Bahamas.

For any cruise, I recommend packing more underwear and socks than you think you’ll need. These items do not take up much space and it’s always better to have more than you need instead of not enough!

If you’re walking around a port and suddenly step in a large puddle, you’ll want to have an extra pair of socks handy to help keep your feet warm.

Water-resistant jacket

One of the most important items to pack for an Alaska cruise is a water-resistant jacket. Alaska’s weather is unpredictable, and it might rain every day of your cruise. Some days have just a light sprinkle whereas other days encounter heavy rainfall.

Wearing a rain jacket helps keep you dry while walking around the outer decks of your cruise ship and exploring port.

I usually travel to rainy destinations with my trusty REI rain jacket, so I panicked when I could not find the jacket while packing for my cruise. Fortunately, I had another water-resistant jacket to bring which, albeit useful, still did not hold up to the quality of my REI jacket. Nonetheless, any rain jacket is better than none!

To save on space, I did not pack my jacket in my carry-on. Instead, I wore it while traveling to Seattle and to the cruise port. Luckily, it was able to fit inside my backpack if I got too warm.

I ended up wearing this jacket every day during the cruise. Having a water-resistant jacket is essential and is much more comfortable than wearing plastic ponchos or holding umbrellas while walking around ports of call.

Pro tip: If your cruise stops in Ketchikan, take a look around the town’s souvenir shops for affordable rain jackets. You’ll find a huge variety of both lightweight and thermal rain jackets that will be perfect for the rest of your time in Alaska.

Toiletries

Inside my personal item backpack, I packed my toiletries—hair products, makeup, and other essentials. I put my liquid products into a plastic bag to avoid spillage and for easy handling at airport security.

In total, I packed:

1 shampoo bottle
2 conditioner bottles
1 toothpaste
1 antibacterial cream
1 sunscreen
Razors
Makeup
Travel-size contact solution
Contacts case and extra contacts
Toothbrush
Hairbrush

Because I was traveling with just a carry-on, I brought travel-size containers of liquid products like shampoo and contact solution. I find the amount of travel-size product to be perfect for a weeklong cruise, although I packed two conditioner bottles because I often run out when traveling with just one.

Additionally, packing sunscreen is recommended in Alaska even if the forecast shows clouds and rain every day. Bringing a small tube of antibacterial cream is helpful as well, as you never know when you might accidentally cut or injure yourself—avoiding infections is crucial!

I’ll admit I pack relatively light when it comes to makeup and other toiletries. Some cruisers may require far more hair products, bath products, and other items.

Electronics

Because I travel for work, I end up traveling with more electronics than most other passengers. Inside my backpack, I packed:

1 mirrorless camera and charger
1 DJI Pocket 2 video camera
AirPods
Laptop and charger
2 hard drives
1 European outlet adapter
1 USB hub with 4 slots
1 MicroSD card reader
1 camera lens cleaning cloth

If you’re not traveling with a camera, you probably only need to pack a few chargers for items like a phone or Kindle.

That being said, I recommend packing a USB hub as well. My USB hub has four USB cord spots, meaning I can charge four devices at once while using only one plug socket in the cabin. Some cruise cabins may have few outlets in the room, especially on older ships, so being able to charge more than one device at a time is helpful.

Passport and credit cards

Perhaps the most important thing to pack on any cruise is the necessary documentation to board the ship.

In my personal item backpack, I packed my passport and several credit cards into a protective case. I then put the passport into a sealed Ziploc bag and placed it into the front pocket of my backpack.

I’m always nervous about my passport accidentally getting wet, whether from the rain or something spilling on my bag. To avoid any mishaps, I always place it into a plastic bag so there is less chance of water damage.

Shoes

I brought five pairs of shoes on my Alaska cruise:

1 pair of black flip flops
1 pair of black flats
1 pair of white flats
1 pair of black Nike shoes
1 pair of white Puma shoes

As the photo implies, I stick to neutral shoe colors as they are much more versatile than colorful statement shoes. White or black shoes go with virtually any outfit, and part of packing with only a carry-on is knowing how to best mix and match pieces together. Neutral shoe colors make this a whole lot easier!

I wore my white tennis shoes on the plane, which meant I only had to fit four pairs of shoes in my suitcase. The other shoes were relatively small—bringing ballet flats saved space compared to other types of dress shoes—I was able to fit them in the suitcase without any issues.

While I didn’t wear the flip flops in port in Alaska, I was glad to have them for use onboard. Sometimes it’s just easier to quickly put on flip flops before heading to the buffet or the pool instead of tennis shoes. Having them handy is convenient, even when cruising to a cold-weather destination.

As far as tennis shoes, I recommend bringing water-resistant shoes. My mom, who traveled with me on this cruise, packed a mesh/cloth-style shoe and regretted it almost immediately. These types of tennis shoes get wet very easily in the rain or when walking on a wet surface. Bringing water-resistant shoes—those with a harder shell—will be more comfortable on rainy days.

Why you should cruise to Alaska with just a carry-on bag

Packing for a cruise with a small carry-on suitcase might seem ridiculous, but it’s a better idea than you think.

If you’re flying to a cruise port, checking a bag is a huge hassle. Even if you get a free checked bag with a particular airline, it still adds unnecessary stress to the mix. If your bag does not make it on your plane, which may happen with short layovers, you might have to board the ship without your luggage.

Plus, traveling with a large suitcase makes it more difficult to transit from the airport to the cruise port. You may have to call an Uber XL instead of a normal car, and it makes navigating transit like buses and trains much more difficult.

Truthfully, you don’t need as many clothes as you think on an Alaska cruise. Unlike in the Caribbean, you won’t (hopefully) be sweating nearly as much, which means your clothes will stay cleaner longer.

Because of this, you can easily wear the same outfit twice during the week, although I find I always have enough space in a carry-on to pack a new outfit for every day.

Plus, if worse comes to worst, you can always pay for laundry services on the cruise ship, and a bag of laundry will still be cheaper than roundtrip baggage fees.

The bottom line

Overall, I have no regrets about packing for my Alaska cruise using only a carry-on suitcase. Doing so gave me more flexibility at the airport and when traveling to port, as I could easily fit on public transport and did not have to wait at baggage claim.

I never felt like I was running out of clothes, as I had more than enough shirts and pants to wear both in port and onboard. There were a few items I did not end up wearing during the cruise even with such light packing!

I’m not sure I’ll ever check a bag when I cruise, as I can’t imagine needing more than what I can fit in my carry-on and backpack. Whether in Alaska, the Caribbean, or Europe, I’ll always prefer the convenience of a carry-on.

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I packed for my Alaska cruise in a carry-on suitcase. Here's what I packed and how you can do it too

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