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.

Alaska cruises from Seattle Guide & Review

In:

Alaska

04 Jan 2023

Alaska cruises from Seattle visit many of the 49th state’s most beautiful destinations while offering all the comforts found in a cruise vacation. The city makes a convenient start point for embarking on a much-anticipated adventure.

From spending the day exploring historic ports to enjoying wonderful dining and entertainment each evening onboard, it’s easy to see why Alaska cruises are so popular.

If you’re considering booking an Alaska cruise from Seattle, here’s everything you need to know.

Where do Alaska cruises go from Seattle?

Seattle is a gateway to Alaska cruises, and you’ll have the opportunity to visit remarkable, stunning ports on a weeklong cruise. You’ll typically find between 3-4 ports and a scenic glacier viewing day on a 7-night Alaska cruise from Seattle.

Ports may include Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, and Tracy Arm Fjord. Most port stops are between 7-10 hours.

All Alaska cruises from Seattle must also include a port stop in a country outside of the United States. Because of this, you’ll find a port stop in Victoria, British Columbia on each Alaska cruise itinerary from Seattle.

How long are Alaska cruises from Seattle?

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruises from Seattle are 7-night roundtrip sailings. This provides enough time to travel to the Inside Passage, visit 3-4 ports in Alaska, and travel back to Seattle.

Some cruise lines may offer longer sailings from Seattle, such as 10-14 day cruises visiting more ports and glaciers, but this is not offered on Royal Caribbean.

Where is the Seattle cruise port located?

Royal Caribbean ships depart from Pier 91 in Seattle, which is located three miles from downtown and sixteen miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

The address of Pier 91 is Smith Cove Cruise Terminal 91, 2001 West Garfield St, Seattle, WA 98199.

Alaska cruises on other cruise lines may leave from other ports in the Seattle area. Therefore, it’s important to check which Seattle cruise port your ship departs from if you’re sailing on a line other than Royal Caribbean.

Which cruise ships sail from Seattle to Alaska?

Two Royal Caribbean ships sail from Seattle to Alaska each summer, with Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas offering Alaska cruises each season. These large, modern Quantum Class cruise ships are perfect for any passenger due to the variety of dining options, activities, and cabin categories you’ll find onboard.

Related: All about Quantum Class ships

Outside of Royal Caribbean, you’ll find Alaska cruises from Seattle on many popular cruise lines including Carnival, Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, and Norwegian.

Is it better to book an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver?

Most Alaska cruises depart from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia. Deciding which port to leave from is one of the first decisions you’ll make when planning an Alaska cruise.

Seattle is convenient for most passengers from the United States, with direct flights offered to Seattle from around the country. While Vancouver still offers many direct flights to and from the United States, most cruisers find it easier to travel to Seattle.

Radiance of the Seas docked in Vancouver

Cruising from Vancouver, though, allows for more port stops in Alaska. Because of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA), roundtrip cruises from Seattle to Alaska must include a foreign port stop, so visiting Canada is required on these sailings.

If you’re cruising from Vancouver, you won’t need to stop in Victoria, British Columbia, and this allows for another port day in Alaska instead.

One benefit of cruising to Alaska from Seattle is that Royal Caribbean sends its newer, bigger cruise ships to the city each summer season. Activities like bumper cars, indoor skydiving, surfing simulators, and the latest and greatest of entertainment, bars, and dining are available on these newer ships.

How to prepare for an Alaska cruise from Seattle

Arrive in Seattle the day before your cruise begins

If you’re flying to Seattle before your cruise, be sure to arrive the day before embarkation day. Flying can be unpredictable, and allotting wiggle room in the case of any airline delays or cancellations is recommended.

Plus, by arriving in Seattle a day early, you’ll have more time to enjoy the city’s attractions. Whether admiring skyline views from the Space Needle or eating your way through Pike Place Market, there are plenty of ways to keep busy in Seattle before your cruise begins.

Know what to pack for an Alaska cruise

Packing for an Alaska cruise is totally different than packing for a tropical vacation in the Bahamas. Knowing what to pack can keep you from freezing in port, getting soaked in the rain, or even feeling too warm in the peak of Alaska’s summer.

Our best advice is to pack layers for an Alaska cruise. Having a base layer, warm layer, and waterproof layer ensures you are covered for a wide range of weather conditions.

In addition to clothing, you’ll also want to pack accessories such as a waterproof daypack, binoculars, sunglasses, and bug spray.

Book shore excursions far in advance

It’s common to book shore excursions on an Alaska cruise, and with high demand there’s always a chance that an excursion will sell out. Therefore, if there’s an excursion you really want to experience on a cruise to Alaska, be sure to book the tour far in advance.

You can choose to book an Alaska shore excursion directly through the cruise line or through an independent tour company. Both come with their own pros and cons; a tour booked through Royal Caribbean may offer added protection, although it usually comes at a higher price.

It’s also important to note that booking an excursion on an Alaska cruise is not a requirement. Alaska cruise ports offer many options for free and low-cost sightseeing, from walking around historic towns to tasting local cuisine and hiking in the mountains.

Research the best time of year to visit Alaska before booking your cruise

If you cruise to Alaska in late September and expect sunny skies, warm temperatures, and 18 hours of daylight, you’re going to end up disappointed. Likewise, if you’re hoping to find a cheap cruise deal to Alaska in the peak of summer, your chances are slim.

Depending on the month you sail, Alaska cruises can vary greatly in terms of weather, crowds, wildlife viewing opportunities, daylight hours, and cost.

The cheapest months to cruise Alaska are in the shoulder season of April, May, and September, although these months don’t always bring the best weather. The busiest times to cruise Alaska are in June, July, and August, so you should expect more crowds during this time of year.

Planning an Alaska cruise from Seattle? Check out more of our top tips & tricks:

Best way to see Alaska: Land or cruise?

In:

Alaska

21 Dec 2022

Visiting Alaska is an aspiration for many travelers, and you’ll want to plan the Alaska vacation that suits your travel style best. Most visitors to Alaska travel via cruise ship or through a land-based vacation, but what is the best way to see the state?

Regardless of how you travel Alaska, you’re sure to be impressed by the state’s wildlife, history, food, and terrain. However, each travel style comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Although you can enjoy an all-inclusive vacation on a cruise to Alaska, you’ll miss out on some of the state’s most popular attractions. And while you can visit Alaska without a cruise on a land tour, you may find the logistics of navigating on your own too complicated.

Let’s dive in and discover why you should cruise to Alaska and why you might want to consider a land-based trip to the Last Frontier.

Why cruise to Alaska

Alaska cruises are popular for a reason: they travel through some of the most gorgeous landscapes in North America and allow passengers to experience several diverse areas of the state in one week.

Whether discovering Gold Rush history in Skagway, whale watching in Icy Strait Point, or glacier-hopping near Juneau, an Alaska cruise is certainly an experience you’ll never forget.

Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska visit the Inside Passage, a 500 mile stretch of fjords, islands, and small towns in the southeast region of the state. Many towns along the Inside Passage are only accessible by sea or plane, making a cruise the perfect way to travel from place to place.

An Alaska cruise is a fantastic way for families to travel around the state. Cruises are designed to cater to a wide range of age demographics and interests. You’ll find both kid-friendly activities like surfing simulators and kids clubs and adult-focused programming like theater shows and live music on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska.

Plus, a cruise offers a more all-inclusive experience compared to traveling independently to Alaska. While onboard, you won’t have to worry about the cost of food, entertainment, transportation, or hotels. Everything you need is included in your cruise fare, so you won’t be surprised with unexpected costs along the way.

One con of traveling to Alaska on a cruise is the limited time you’ll have in each cruise port. However, since many ports are quite small, you may find that you have more than enough time to explore the destination’s main attractions. If you’re looking for the most in-depth way to explore Alaska, though, you may want to consider a land tour.

Why book a land tour to Alaska

If you look at a map of Alaska and find the Inside Passage, you’ll realize that you’ve barely scratched the surface of the state on a cruise itinerary. Alaska is a whopping 665,400 square miles, and the Inside Passage is only a tiny portion of the state.

Therefore, it’s understandable that many people are torn between cruising to Alaska versus visiting the state on a land-based vacation. And while we love cruising here at Royal Caribbean Blog, there’s no doubt that a land tour to Alaska comes with its own set of benefits.

Visiting Alaska on a land tour brings you closer to the state’s nature, as you can travel further into Alaska’s interior. Denali National Park and Preserve, for example, is one of the most popular places to visit in the state.

The national park is the second largest in the United States and is one of the best places to see Alaska’s Big Five: bears, wolves, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot the peak of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.

Traveling Alaska on a land-based vacation means you can travel at your own pace. You won’t have to worry about limited time in port or sticking to a rigid schedule. It also gives you more flexibility with how you’d like to travel, whether you prefer touring with an organized group or renting an RV to drive around the state yourself.

One con of traveling to Alaska on a land-based trip are the logistics required to travel through the Inside Passage. For those with limited time, being constrained to the Alaska Marine Highway's ferry schedules can be frustrating, and the onboard accommodations won’t be as comfortable as on a cruise ship.

The solution: do both!

Truthfully, there’s no “better” way to see Alaska. Both cruises and land-based vacations each come with their own pros and cons, and it can be difficult to choose the best option for your Alaska trip.

Luckily, you don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other. Why not do both?

You can combine a cruise with a land trip to Alaska by booking one of Royal Caribbean’s one-way cruise itineraries. A Royal Caribbean ship sails one-way Alaska cruise itineraries each summer season. These cruises begin in Vancouver, British Columbia and end in Seward, Alaska and vice versa.

One-way Alaska cruises are 7-nights and visit 4-5 destinations in Alaska’s Inside Passage before (or following) a crossing through the Gulf of Alaska to Seward. A one-way cruise means you can visit Alaska’s top inland destinations and Inside Passage cruise ports.

There are a few ways to combine a cruise with a land tour of Alaska. Many passengers opt to book the land portion of their Alaska trip through Royal Caribbean as part of their overall cruise fare. 2-6 night tours are offered through Alaska’s interior, visiting destinations such as Talkeetna, Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, and Seward.

Alternatively, you can choose to sightsee on your own in Alaska before or after your cruise. Renting a car, campervan, or RV is common for many travelers, or you can travel via the Alaska Railroad. Several tours are offered to Denali National Park and Preserve from Anchorage as well if you’d prefer an organized option without booking through Royal Caribbean.

More Alaska tips & tricks:

Best cabins to book for an Alaska cruise

In:

Alaska

06 Dec 2022

It’s important to select the right cabin for your cruise to Alaska. Those on a budget might want to book an interior cabin, while passengers in search of epic views should consider a balcony room.

side by side of interior cruise cabin and balconies

Like on any Royal Caribbean cruise, there are many types of cabins to book for an Alaska itinerary, whether an oceanview stateroom or multi-story suite. Knowing which cabins are available will help you book the one that best suits your travel style and budget.

Here’s our guide to the best cabins to book on an Alaska cruise.

Best cabin for a budget traveler: Interior

Cruising to Alaska on a budget? An interior cabin may be your best bet. While some cruisers may swear by a balcony cabin on an Alaska cruise, an interior cabin will give you the most bang for your buck.

Interior cabins have no window or balcony, and they’re often smaller than most other cruise ship cabins. These cabins are usually several hundred dollars cheaper than balcony rooms, making them an excellent value on a cruise to Alaska.

Pros of an interior cabin on an Alaska cruise

Many passengers who book inside cabins do so because they don’t plan on spending much time in their cabin. With so many activities and entertainment options around the ship, it’s possible that you’ll only visit your cabin to sleep, shower, and change.

Therefore, saving money on cruise fare allows for more wiggle room in your budget to spend on extras like shore excursions, dining packages, and other pre-cruise add-ons.

Many of Alaska’s excursions are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences, whether a helicopter ride to a glacier or traveling on the famous White Pass & Yukon Railway in Skagway. These excursions can cost hundreds of dollars, so you may want to put your vacation budget toward these experiences instead of an upgraded cabin.

One other plus of cruising in an interior cabin is that you’ll find it easier to fall asleep. You may experience 18 or more hours of daylight in Alaska during the summer months. Trying to keep to a normal sleep schedule when it’s still light outside at 10 PM can be difficult, but you won’t have to worry about this in a pitch-black interior cabin!

Cons of an interior cabin on an Alaska cruise

The biggest drawback of cruising to Alaska in an inside cabin is that you won’t have views of Alaska’s scenery out the window or balcony.

It’s worth noting, though, that even though interior cabins don’t provide private views of Alaska’s scenery, you’ll often find better views from other areas of the ship than you would from a balcony.

Related: Ultimate Alaska cruise guide

People watching glaciers on Alaska cruise

Most balconies only face one side, meaning you’re often seeing only half of the scenery as you sail through the Inside Passage. When you cruise to Alaska in an interior cabin, you tend to spend more time watching scenery from the pool deck and other more panoramic venues onboard.

Another con is that interior cabins can be much smaller than balcony rooms. Some interior cabins, for example, only have a small chair instead of a couch, and there is little walking room.

Spacious oceanview, balcony cabins, and suites can provide much more living space, which is especially helpful when traveling with kids or a larger group.

Virtual Balcony cabins

If you’re cruising on either Quantum of the Seas or Anthem of the Seas to Alaska, interior cabins feature a “virtual balcony”. These virtual balcony cabins have a floor-to-ceiling television screen projecting a real-time view from outside the ship.

Virtual balconies are a nice benefit for those who want to save money by sailing in an interior cabin but still want to know what the scenery looks like outside.

Best cabin for families: 2 connecting rooms

If you’re traveling with kids on an Alaska cruise, we recommend booking two connecting rooms instead of one room. Connecting rooms are two cruise cabins with a door in between them, which can be opened to connect the rooms together. Connecting rooms are available for interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins.

One of the biggest perks of connecting rooms is extra living space. Cramming into one room with a sofa bed or pullman bunk bed is not necessary with connecting rooms. Plus, you’ll also have an extra bathroom, and this is helpful when traveling with kids and teenagers.

More often than not, the price difference between two connecting rooms versus staying in one room is quite reasonable. Sometimes, in fact, the price for two connecting rooms is actually cheaper than booking four guests in one cabin.

You'll want to ask your travel agent about connecting cabins to compare pricing on your particular sailing.

Best cabin overall: Balcony cabin

The best option for most passengers cruising to Alaska is a balcony cabin, as it gives you the chance to enjoy Alaska’s nature from the comfort of your own private outdoor space.

Balcony cabins are usually around 180 square feet (not including the balcony), which is a comfortable size for most passengers. The balcony has a set of chairs along with a small table, making it the perfect place to relax with a view.

Some cruisers are adamant that a balcony cabin is a necessity on an Alaska cruise, but others are unsure of whether or not they should pay extra to upgrade from an interior or oceanview cabin to a balcony. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Pros of a balcony cabin on an Alaska cruise

Alaska’s scenery is breathtaking, and you’ll find gorgeous mountain views outside nearly the entire sailing. Having a private balcony to enjoy the views is, undoubtedly, a marvelous addition to your Alaska cruise vacation.

Imagine sipping warm hot chocolate while watching glaciers pass by from the privacy of your balcony. Or perhaps enjoying a cocktail in the evening as the sun sets behind Alaska’s mountains. You can experience all of this (and more!) in a balcony cabin to Alaska.

Another plus is the extra space a balcony provides. Whether you’re traveling with your spouse or with kids, it’s beneficial to have extra room to spread out, even if the weather is chilly.

Cons of a balcony cabin on an Alaska cruise

Balcony cabins are more expensive than interior or oceanview cabins, and you’ll often find the price difference between these categories more pronounced on an Alaska cruise due to high demand for balcony cabins.

To put this into perspective, I priced out the cost per person to sail in either an interior, oceanview, or balcony cabin on a July 2025 Alaska cruise on Quantum of the Seas. Here were the results:

Interior: $1,422
Oceanview: $1,461
Balcony: $1,870

As you can see, a balcony is over $400 more expensive per person than an interior or oceanview cabin in this case. And while prices can change from day to day, you can usually expect to pay significantly more for the comforts of a balcony cabin.

Another con of a balcony cabin on an Alaska cruise is that the weather will usually be quite cold outside, even in the summer months. You may find it too brisk to relax on the balcony and stick to watching scenery from indoor spaces instead, thus lessening the value of the balcony.

Best cabin for luxury: Loft Suite

If you’re sailing to Alaska on a Quantum Class cruise ship, look no further than a loft suite. These spacious suites feature two stories with massive floor-to-ceiling windows providing unbeatable views of Alaska.

While these suites are always in high demand, cruising in a Loft Suite can be extra enjoyable on an Alaska cruise, where you’ll have the best views of the state’s mountains, glaciers, and fjords out the window.

There are four loft suites available: the Sky Loft Suite, Grand Loft Suite, Owner’s Loft Suite, and Royal Loft Suite. Each suite is part of the Royal Suite Class, with the Sky Loft Suite in Sky Class and the others in Star Class.

Pros of a loft suite on an Alaska cruise

It’s hard to find things not to love about a loft suite on Royal Caribbean. Not only will you stay in the most spacious, luxurious cabins, but you’ll have access to the elusive benefits that come with the Royal Suite Class.

If staying in a Star Class suite, for example, you’ll have access to a Royal Genie, a crew member that acts as your personal concierge and magic maker during your time onboard. You’ll also receive a Deluxe Beverage Package, Unlimited Dining Package, VOOM internet, and other perks to enjoy throughout the cruise.

When cruising to colder climates, it’s common to spend more time relaxing and less time rushing from activity to activity onboard. Loft suites can truly be your home away from home on an Alaska cruise, and you’ll likely find yourself spending more time than ever in your cruise cabin.

Cons of a loft suite on an Alaska cruise

The most obvious con of staying in a loft suite on an Alaska cruise is the price. Loft suites are, unsurprisingly, quite expensive, with cruise fares as high as $20,000 common for the largest loft suites.

Considering two adults can cruise in an interior cabin for as little as $1,500 total (or even less), booking a loft suite is certainly way more expensive.

Other cabins to book for an Alaska cruise

Outside of the cabins listed above, there are a variety of other stateroom categories to book on an Alaska cruise.

Before booking an interior cabin, check the price for an oceanview. The price for an oceanview cabin versus an interior is often only $100-300 extra, and the benefits of natural light and scenery out the window can be well worth the cost for some cruisers.

Traveling solo? Consider booking a studio room, as these cruise cabins are built for just one passenger. While small, booking a studio cabin means you can avoid paying a single supplement fee on your cruise fare, which leads to fantastic savings.

In addition, don’t assume you have to stay in the biggest and most luxurious suites on an Alaska cruise. Outside of the impressive loft suites are many other suite categories, including Junior Suites, Grand Suites, and Owner’s Suites.

These suites can still provide a lavish cruise experience without forking away $20,000!

Lastly, consider an aft-facing balcony cabin if sailing on a Radiance Class ship to Alaska. These cabins face backward and provide some of the best views from the ship from your private balcony.

Truthfully, there’s no right or wrong cabin to pick for a cruise to Alaska, so weigh the pros and cons of each type of cabin before booking. Regardless of whether you sail in the cheapest interior cabin or most opulent of suites, any Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska is sure to be a memorable vacation for all onboard.

More Alaska cruise tips:

Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay: which glacier is better to see on a cruise?

In:

Alaska

28 Nov 2022

Choosing an Alaska cruise itinerary doesn’t boil down to just cruise ports. You’ll also want to consider which of Alaska’s colossal, majestic glaciers you’d like to visit.

Two of the most beloved places visited on an Alaska cruise are Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park. While visiting either location offers the chance to see some of the most spectacular scenery in Alaska up close, they each offer different experiences, pros, and cons.

Let’s take a look at what each glacier experience has to offer so you can decide which glacier you want to visit on your Alaska cruise.

Hubbard Glacier

Imagine standing directly in front of a 30-story building made of ice. That’s what you’ll experience from a cruise ship visiting Hubbard Glacier, and you’re sure to be awe-inspired.

Hubbard Glacier is located in Wrangell-St.Elias National Park and Preserve. It starts in Canada’s Yukon Territory at Mt. Logan, the second tallest peak in North America at 19,850 feet. The glacier flows over 75 miles to reach Disenchantment Bay in southeast Alaska.

At 400 feet tall and six miles wide where it meets the ocean, Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Unlike many other glaciers in Alaska, Hubbard Glacier is rapidly advancing at around 80 feet per year.

Due to its rapid growth, Hubbard Glacier has been nicknamed the Galloping Glacier. Its fast advancement results in frequent calving as chunks of ice break off the glacier.

Visiting Hubbard Glacier is a multi-hour experience, with ships sailing first into Yakutat Bay followed by Disenchantment Bay en route to the glacier. Sightseeing occurs for about three hours as the ship makes a 360 turn in front of the glacier, allowing guests to view its magnificent face from anywhere onboard.

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park is the 6th biggest national park in the United States. At over 3 million acres, the national park is roughly the size of Connecticut!

There are a whopping 1,045 glaciers located in Glacier Bay National Park. While most glaciers are located far into the mountains, cruise itineraries can visit up to 6 glaciers in one day in the park.

Here are the glaciers most commonly visited on a scenic cruising day in Glacier Bay:

Margerie Glacier
Grand Pacific Glacier
Red Glacier
Lamplugh Glacier
Johns Hopkins Glacier
Gilman Glacier

The longest glacier in Glacier Bay National Park is the Grand Pacific Glacier at 40 miles long. The fastest is Johns Hopkins Glacier, which can advance up to 15 feet per day.

When you visit Glacier Bay, park rangers will board the ship to provide information on the park’s scenery and wildlife.

Depending on the cruise line, this can include formal presentations in onboard lounges, commentary on the loudspeakers, a children’s educational program, and an informational desk you can access throughout the day.

Itineraries to Glacier Bay include a full day of sightseeing in the National Park. Ships typically enter the bay in the early morning, cruising slowly for two hours before reaching the glaciers.

Once at the glaciers, cruise ships spend around four to five hours exploring the scenery before turning around and making the two hour journey back into the open ocean.

Does Royal Caribbean offer cruises to Glacier Bay?

Royal Caribbean does not currently offer cruise itineraries to Glacier Bay National Park. While the cruise line was offered an agreement with the park to offer Glacier Bay itineraries from 2019 - 2029, Royal Caribbean did not sign the agreement.

That being said, you may be able to book a flightseeing shore excursion to Glacier Bay. These tours typically depart from Icy Strait Point and fly over the park.

There are many other glaciers you can visit on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska, however, including Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, and the twin Sawyer Glaciers. There’s also the chance to visit other glaciers while in port, such as the famous Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau.

Which glacier is better for wildlife?

Both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay offer the chance to spot wildlife including harbor seals, humpback whales, and seabirds. While wildlife sighting is never guaranteed, you have the chance to spot wildlife while visiting either glacier.

A plus of visiting Hubbard Glacier is the chance to book the “Hubbard Glacier Wilderness Explorer” excursion. This tour brings passengers aboard a small excursion boat, allowing guests to travel closer to the glacier while spotting wildlife. A guide is onboard to provide insight on the region’s ecology and wildlife calling the region home.

If we have to pick the best glacier for wildlife viewing, though, it would be Glacier Bay. As cruise ships spend more time in Glacier Bay than at Hubbard Glacier, you have more time (and chances) to spot wildlife.

Which glacier should I pick for my Alaska cruise?

Deciding between Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier comes down to a few main considerations.

The first decision you’ll have to make if you’re a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser is whether or not you are open to sailing on another cruise line. Because Royal Caribbean does not sail to Glacier Bay, you’ll have to sail on a cruise line like Princess, Holland America, or Norwegian.

Glacier Bay is undoubtedly impressive, however, and if visiting the park is on your bucket list, it’s worth sailing on a cruise line other than Royal Caribbean.

Hubbard Glacier, on the other hand, can still make for an excellent addition to an Alaska cruise itinerary. While only one glacier instead of multiple glaciers, Hubbard Glacier dominates the landscape more dramatically than any glacier at Glacier Bay.

Plus, while Hubbard Glacier may offer shorter sightseeing times compared to a day in Glacier Bay, this can be perfect for families. Days at Glacier Bay are long, often starting in the early morning and lasting until dinnertime. Kids may not want to spend the whole day looking at the scenery, so Hubbard Glacier can be a more condensed yet still beautiful experience.

While there’s no ‘best’ Alaska cruise itinerary, you can’t go wrong visiting either glacier. In fact, you may even be able to find itineraries visiting both glaciers in one cruise!

Tips for visiting glaciers on an Alaska cruise

No matter which glacier you visit on an Alaska cruise, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared so that you have the best viewing experience possible. Here are our top tips & tricks for viewing glaciers on an Alaska cruise.

Find the best spot to watch the scenery

Whether visiting Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, or any of Alaska’s other magnificent glaciers, be sure to find the best spot to watch the scenery.

You can view the scenery from your balcony, the pool deck, Promenade deck, the helicopter pad, or any other place onboard with windows.

Prior to your itinerary’s scenic glacier viewing day, scout out a few of the best places to view the glacier. While you may opt to view glaciers from your balcony, you might want to consider somewhere onboard with more panoramic views, such as the pool deck or helicopter pad.

Be flexible

Nothing is guaranteed when cruising, and it’s always important to be flexible to ensure you don’t end up disappointed.

Alaska’s weather is unpredictable, and it’s not entirely uncommon for cruise ships to cancel or modify glacier viewing times in order to keep guests, crew, and the ship safe.

While ships successfully visit glaciers more often than not, there’s always the chance your glacier viewing day may not occur.

Bundle up

Packing for an Alaska cruise means layers, layers, and more layers.

When preparing to view a glacier on an Alaska cruise, be sure to bundle up to ensure you don’t get too cold while viewing the glacier.

Our advice is to wear pants (leggings or jeans), a base layer (long-sleeve shirt or sweater), a rain jacket, and a hat. It’s always better to wear more than you need and take layers off rather than be too cold while viewing the glacier.

Most importantly, don’t forget your camera!

Planning an Alaska cruise? Discover our best advice:

Royal Caribbean releases new 2024 Alaska cruises to book

In:

Alaska

09 Nov 2022

Are you ready to book an Alaska cruise in 2024?

Royal Caribbean has released its Alaska cruises for the 2024 season.

The cruise line will send four cruise ships to Alaska in 2023, matching the amount of ships it has been sending to the region in the years prior.

The new sailings are posted on Royal Caribbean's website.

Why booking early is so important

If you want to get in some of the lowest Alaska cruise prices, booking early is the key.

Equally important is the ability to get a specific cabin, especially suites. Some highly desirable cruise cabins sell out quickly, especially the aft balcony cabins on the Radiance Class ships.

While you could roll the dice and hope for a better last-minute deal on an Alaska cruise, the cabin selections will be paltry at best.

More information to help you save money on an Alaska cruise:

A look at the 2024 Alaska cruises

The new Alaska 2022 cruises are available to book between April and September 2024.

Ovation of the Seas will sail from Seattle and offer 7- and 8-night Alaska glacier cruises.

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

Both Quantum Class ships will visit scenic cities and towns along the Northwest coastline, including Victoria, British Columbia; Sitka, Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau, Alaska.

The two 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.

Brilliance of the Seas will sail primarily 7-night roundtrip cruises, including some multi-glacier cruises that visit Hubbard Glacier in addition to Dawes Glacier.

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

Hawaii 2024 cruises

In addition to the Alaska cruises, Royal Caribbean also included Hawaii cruises in this new deployment.

Royal Caribbean sails to Hawaii as part of the repositioning process to get its vessels between North America and Australia. This means each ship that sails to Alaska, does a one-time Hawaii cruise as it gets into position.

At the time of this article's posting, Radiance of the Seas Hawaii itineraries are not listed yet.

In April 2024, the ships will offer cruises from Hawaii to North America:

Brilliance of the Seas: 8-night cruise from Oahu to Vancouver with stops in Maui & Hawaii.
Ovation of the Seas: 9-night cruise from Oahu to Vancouver with stops in Maui & Hawaii.
Quantum of the Seas: 10-night cruise from Oahu to Vancouver with a sailing along the Napali Coast and stops in Maui & Hawaii.

At the conclusion of the Alaska cruise season, the ships reverse the itinerary and sail from Vancouver to Hawaii.

Brilliance of the Seas: 10-night cruise from Vancouver to Oahu with stops in Kauai, Maui, Hilo& Hawaii.
Ovation of the Seas: 9-night cruise from Vancouver to Oahu with a stop in Maui and sailing along the Napali Coast.
Quantum of the Seas: 10-night cruise from Vancouver to Oahu with stops in Victoria, Seattle & Maui.

More about Alaska cruises

I tried the cheapest Alaska cruise I could find: here's how it went

In:

Alaska

09 Sep 2022

One of the things I love most about cruising is the fantastic vacation value it can offer, with accommodation, food, entertainment, and amazing destinations included in the cruise fare. It’s hard to pass up a cheap cruise deal, especially when the cruise visits Alaska.

Back in May, I was browsing Royal Caribbean’s website when I came across a cheap cruise deal to Alaska: a 7-night one-way cruise on Radiance of the Seas.

The cruise fare was listed at $240 per person with $293 in taxes and fees. As someone who cruises on a budget and loves visiting Alaska, I took the leap and booked the cruise unsure of what to expect.

Cruising to Alaska on the cheap? Yes, please!

Expectations

Booking the cheapest cruise you can find often comes with low expectations, but my expectations were set pretty high. I took an Alaska cruise last year, and it remains one of the best vacations I’ve ever had.

The scenery, food, culture, and ports on an Alaska cruise are simply fantastic and it’s definitely my favorite place to cruise in North America.

Things would have to be pretty bad onboard for me not to enjoy my Alaska cruise experience, so I went into the cruise knowing it would likely live up to my expectations.

Plus, I assumed the cruise was offered at such a low price not because the product would not be up to par, but because of low demand at the end of the summer season.

In the spirit of booking the “cheapest Alaska cruise,” I did not book any excursions, dining packages, or drink packages. Alaska cruise ports are all walkable and full of free activities, so I knew I would be able to find enough to do in port without spending hundreds on shore excursions.

Cruise fare, flights, and hotel

When I booked my cruise on Radiance of the Seas, it was the cheapest Alaska cruise on Royal Caribbean’s website. The total cruise fare with taxes & fees for 2 guests in an interior room was $1,118, or $559 per guest.

Gratuities for each guest were $101.50, bringing the total cruise fare to $660.50 per person. At around $94 per day, I felt it was a fantastic deal!

Related: How much does a cruise cost?

Flights & shuttle transfers

Because the cruise started in Vancouver and ended in Seward, I needed to purchase two one-way flights. Flying to Vancouver was $189 and flying from Anchorage was $347, bringing the total flight cost to $536.

Flying roundtrip from my house to either Seattle or Vancouver usually costs between $200 and $300 total, so the one-way flights were definitely more expensive, especially the one from Anchorage, adding a significant amount to the total cost of the cruise.

Additionally, because the cruise ended in Seward, I needed to purchase a shuttle bus to Anchorage for $78.95. This was the cheaper option; the train transfer was $124.95!

Hotel

The last purchase I made before the cruise was a hotel in Vancouver. As it’s recommended to fly to your cruise departure port the day before you sail, I spent $285 USD to spend the night at the Blue Horizon Hotel in downtown Vancouver ($142.50 per person). This was one of the cheapest hotel options I found downtown, with others as high as $400+ per night.

I also spent around $10 to get from Vancouver’s airport to downtown via the metro and $15 for an Uber from my house to the airport.

Total cost of my cruise fare, flights, hotel, and transfers: $1,442.95

Arrival & Embarkation

I arrived in Vancouver the night before my cruise and spent about 24 hours in the city before heading to the cruise terminal. Canada Place, Vancouver’s cruise terminal, is located walking distance from many hotels in downtown Vancouver.

I was cruising to Alaska with my friend Reeham from Egypt. I met Reeham in graduate school a few years ago and we’ve remained friends ever since! Reeham and I arrived at the cruise terminal by foot eager to board Radiance of the Seas and start our Alaska vacation.

The embarkation process was extremely easy and we were onboard within 20 minutes of arriving at the terminal.

Radiance of the Seas first impressions

I had never sailed on a Radiance Class cruise ship before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Royal Caribbean has 6 classes of cruise ships, and each has a different layout and size as well as varied onboard dining, activities, and amenities.

One of the first things I noticed was the large Centrum in the middle of Radiance of the Seas. Royal Caribbean is known for their sprawling Royal Promenades inside the ship, but the cruise line’s older cruise ships do not have this feature.

Instead, Radiance of the Seas has a large, 6-story elevator lobby connecting shops, lounges, a coffee shop, and other onboard amenities. I don’t mind the Centrum and feel that it connects the ship’s decks together nicely, although it seemed a bit cramped, even when compared to the more open Centrum area on my recent cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas.

Radiance Class ships are known for the amount of windows found throughout the ship, and this is one of the features I ended up loving most about Radiance of the Seas throughout my cruise. No matter where I was onboard, I could relax with a view and enjoy Alaska’s scenery.

The outdoor decks on Radiance of the Seas were really nice as well, although I didn’t expect to spend much time there during an Alaska cruise. Having access to the helicopter pad is always a plus, and the indoor pool area in the Solarium was a beautiful space.

While Radiance of the Seas clearly did not have all the bells and whistles of a newer cruise ship, I thought the ship was perfect for a cruise focusing more on the destinations as opposed to the ship itself.

The vibe onboard

I almost immediately noticed that the vibe on this Alaska cruise would be different from not only Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean cruises, but also my Alaska cruise last year on Ovation of the Seas.

I was told there were only around 100 kids onboard and the average age of passengers was probably in the late 50s-70s. I’d say Reeham and I stuck out in comparison to the average demographic on the ship, and the atmosphere felt very tame throughout our entire cruise.

The relaxed vibe onboard was probably due to a few factors:

The school year had just started, so there was a noticeable lack of families and kids.
Those passengers and families looking for a more modern, activity-filled cruise will often choose a Quantum Class ship over a Radiance Class ship. Quantum Class ships have activities like bumper cars and the FlowRider which are not available on smaller ships.
This was a one-way sailing, so logistics were more difficult and expensive for younger passengers with limited PTO time, leading to a higher age demographic onboard.

I’m not a huge partier, so I didn’t mind the tame atmosphere on the ship. You’ll rarely catch me awake after 11PM and after 12 cruises I still haven’t been to the nightclub, so the older and calmer vibes onboard were fine with me.

Plus, if you really wanted to find a party you could. There was a nightclub/DJ each night at the Starquest Lounge and live music/dancing in the Centrum. Even if it didn’t have the party vibe of a weekend cruise from Miami, there was always something to do in the evenings.

Our cabin

Our cabin was ready around 1:30PM, and we had booked an interior cabin for this cruise. Booking the cheapest cruise to Alaska will almost always mean booking an interior cabin!

While a lot of people may think you have to book a balcony cabin when cruising to Alaska, I’d argue that there are better spaces onboard to watch the scenery than a balcony, which only provides views in one limited direction. I prefer hanging out on the pool deck or a lounge with more panoramic views of the outside.

The cabin was room 9009, which was located on deck 9 forward of Radiance of the Seas. The cabin appeared well-maintained and had a nice amount of walking space throughout it. There was a ton of storage, too, with 7 drawers in the vanity, two shelving areas above the TV, one full-sized wardrobe, and one smaller wardrobe with shelves inside.

Because I travel with so much camera gear along with my clothes, I’m always happy when a cruise ship cabin has tons of storage.

Our cabin had two twin beds pushed apart. When traveling with friends, I prefer having the beds pushed apart not only so we get our own space, but it gives the room better walking space. I appreciated that this was done before we arrived as I did not have to track down my stateroom attendant!

The room had four outlets (2 North American style outlets and 2 European), which was more than I expected on a 20+ year old cruise ship. I was glad I packed a European outlet adapter so we could take advantage of all the outlets in the cabin.

The bathroom in our cabin was a standard cruise ship-sized bathroom and nothing too fancy. The bathroom is where I noticed the ship showing its age, as the light would flicker on and off several times before staying on and the paint was faded in some areas, but that didn’t matter in the long run.

I only had two complaints with our stateroom. First, the walls seemed a lot thinner on Radiance of the Seas compared to other Royal Caribbean ships I’ve sailed on. One morning, in fact, I was woken up by the alarm in the room next to me!

Second, the internet onboard, which was pretty awful in the first place, was often not functional in our stateroom. As someone who has to do a few hours of blogging onboard each day, it was frustrating having to constantly leave the room and try to get better internet elsewhere.

Food & beverage

One of the first things that comes to mind when anyone thinks of the word “cruise” is endless food, so what was the food like on my cheap Alaska cruise?

I’ve never been disappointed by the food on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and I enjoyed every meal I had on Radiance of the Seas. Reeham and I did not dine at any specialty dining venues onboard, choosing only to eat at complimentary venues.

Thankfully, Radiance of the Seas has several complimentary venues onboard, including the Windjammer buffet, Park Cafe, Boardwalk Dog House, and the Main Dining Room.

Windjammer

We started most mornings of the cruise at the Windjammer. This is my favorite place to eat breakfast on a Royal Caribbean cruise due to how many options are available. From savory options like made-to-order omelets and bacon to sweets like french toast, cinnamon rolls, and pancakes, I was never disappointed.

My favorite breakfast at the Windjammer is a few slices of french toast topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips. I had this pretty much every morning!

We had a few lunches and dinners at the Windjammer as well. The dinner theme changes every night, and our favorite was Mediterranean night, which had fresh hummus, falafel, lamb kabobs, and other Mediterranean delicacies.

Main Dining Room

One of my favorite meals during the cruise was brunch in the Main Dining Room, where I had one of the best dishes of the cruise: butternut squash risotto. Both breakfast and lunch options were available at brunch, although the special menu was only offered one day of the cruise.

I loved the decor and ambiance in the Main Dining Room, and we ate dinner there 5 out of the 7 nights of our cruise. Dinner would usually take 1-1.5 hours. The French onion soup is by far my favorite item on the menu, but all of the salads, soups, main courses, and desserts were nice as well.

Other dining venues

Outside of the Main Dining Room and Windjammer, I spent most evenings in the Diamond Lounge enjoying complimentary appetizers and small bites. Occasionally I would grab a quick snack from Park Cafe or Caffe Latte-tudes which were free as well.

I was impressed with the food overall and never got tired of visiting the same venues for meals. I’m glad I did not purchase a dining package as this allowed me to save money for a nice, fresh lunch in port each day.

Beverages

As a Diamond member in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, I receive four free drinks per day of the cruise. This is my favorite benefit of having Diamond status, and I was able to order fresh orange juice, specialty coffees, and cocktails every day!

I only went over my limit twice, adding a total charge of $19 to my account balance.

There were a ton of venues to enjoy a drink, too. My favorite was Starquest and the Diamond Lounge, which are both located on the top deck of Radiance of the Seas. They offered what I think are the best views from the ship, and there were always fewer people there than in other bars and lounges.

Onboard activities

I don’t tend to pack my days onboard full of activities, and most of the time I’m happy to sit back and relax with a coffee and a nice view. That being said, I never felt bored on Radiance of the Seas and there were always activities available whenever I wanted to participate.

The first activity I tried was a movie at the Cinema. Something that makes Radiance Class cruise ships unique is the movie theater, which plays a different movie each day of the cruise! There were five showtimes each day, so it was the perfect thing to do on a chilly day at sea.

We also attended a round of trivia at the Schooner Bar. Trivia is offered several times throughout the day each day of the cruise, and it’s a low-effort activity that can be pretty fun.

Other activities, like bingo, spa seminars, dance classes, etc. were available, although I did not partake in any of these activities.

Music & entertainment

There was always some kind of entertainment or live music every night during the cruise. Guitar music was offered at the pub, piano tunes at Schooner Bar, singers and instrumentalists in the Centrum, and production shows in the Royal Theater.

On our first sea day, I checked out Piano Man in the Royal Theater. The show combined music from Billy Joel, Elton John, and Barry Manilow combined with dancing and singing.

I felt that the show was definitely geared toward an older age demographic, but it was still entertaining to watch. I’m not a huge theater person outside of Royal Caribbean's Broadway shows, so I didn’t attend any other performances throughout the week.

My favorite activity I attended was the Captain’s Corner, where the ship’s captain had a Q&A session to answer guests’ questions about what it’s like to work onboard, how ships navigate the ocean, etc. It was fascinating to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes on a cruise ship!

While Radiance of the Seas may not have a zip line or ice-skating rink, it seemed like there were enough activities onboard to keep kids busy. Adventure Ocean kids programming, a basketball court, mini-golf, and rock climbing were available. There is also a children’s swimming area with a small slide, although this remained closed during our cruise due to the weather.

Alaska cruise ports

We stopped at four different ports on our Alaska cruise: Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Skagway. We were in port between 8-10 hours each day, and I felt this was plenty of time to explore without getting bored or feeling like we were in a rush.

Juneau

Pretty much every Alaska cruise itinerary stops in the state’s capital of Juneau, and it’s one of my favorite ports because of how many activities are available. A lot of Juneau’s best attractions must be visited either by car or through a tour, so I knew we would probably spend more money here than in any other ports.

Radiance of the Seas docked at the dock furthest away from downtown Juneau, and while there was a shuttle available for around $6 roundtrip, we decided to save money and make the 20 minute walk into town.

We initially planned to spend $45 to ride the Goldbelt Tram to the top of Mount Roberts, but as there was a ton of fog on the mountaintop, we decided against it as the view would be severely blocked.

Instead, we found a shuttle bus to and from Mendenhall Glacier for $45. Other tours, like whale watching and helicopter rides, were in the hundreds of dollars, so we figured visiting Mendenhall Glacier would be the most budget-friendly tour option.

The trip was well worth the cost as Mendenhall Glacier is stunning and easily accessible from downtown Juneau. We spent a few hours walking on nature trails around the glacier and taking in the beauty around us. Mendenhall Glacier really is a must-do activity in Juneau.

Once we returned to downtown Juneau, we visited a few local shops and discovered a cool food truck park in the middle of the city. In total, we spent $9 each on fudge and chocolate and $6 on a salmon taco.

Total cost of my day in Juneau: $69

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is a unique port in that it is privately owned and operated by the Huna, a Tlingit tribe located in the nearby town of Hoonah. I wasn’t sure what to expect at this port and assumed there would be little to do, but I ended up enjoying the day a lot more than I initially expected.

Icy Strait Point is well developed and has many free attractions, including nice walking paths, a museum, and a beach. The natural beauty of Icy Strait Point is pristine, and we spent the morning looking through our binoculars trying to spot whales, bears, and sea otters.

The port is pretty small, however, so Reeham and I decided to walk to the nearby town of Hoonah. Free shuttles are available, but we walked the 40-minute coastal path to town.

While Icy Strait Point is only a port area, Hoonah is where the locals live, and I enjoyed observing local life in a remote town of only 850 people.

We visited a grocery store where jars of salsa were over $8 and bags of beef jerky over $20, watched a free demonstration of locals carving a traditional totem pole, and enjoyed lunch ($15 each) at a local seafood restaurant. There wasn’t too much to do in Hoonah, but it was worth the ~2 hour trip.

Once back at Icy Strait Point, we enjoyed a bag of mini donuts ($5 each) before walking around a bit more and getting back onboard.

If I visit Icy Strait Point again, I’d probably choose to spend money on a shore excursion for half the day and explore on my own for the other half. We were in Icy Strait Point for the longest time of any ports on the cruise, but I ran out of things to do in the early afternoon. Booking a whale watching tour in addition to walking around on my own would be a nice way to fill up the entire day.

Total cost of my day in Icy Strait Point: $20

Sitka

Sitka, the former capital of Russian Alaska, was the next port on our cruise. Like other ports, we planned to explore freely without a prior plan, and it led to a fun yet busy day in town.

I was impressed with the amount of free activities in Sitka. One of my favorite parts of the day was walking around the Sitka National Historic Park, which had gorgeous rainforest nature trails. The salmon were also running when I was in Alaska, so tons of visitors gathered to watch as the salmon frantically swam upstream.

I was pretty frightened with all the “WARNING: BEAR” signs around town, though, so I didn’t venture too far on my own!

I also visited the Alaska Raptor Center, a rehabilitation center for injured birds of prey. Admission to the center was $15 which felt fair as I was contributing to a good cause.

We spent most of the day in downtown Sitka exploring local businesses and attractions. In total, we spent $12 each on fish n’ chips, $4 on fudge, $3 on hot chocolates, and $6 on magnets.

My favorite place in town was the Baranof Castle State Historic Site, the location where Russia formally handed off Alaska to the United States. This site is free and the views from the top were beyond beautiful.

Total cost of my day in Sitka: $37

Skagway

Our last port of call brought us to Skagway, Alaska, the town most known for Alaska’s Gold Rush.

Last year I spent $100 to ride the White Pass & Yukon Railroad from Skagway. I would 100% recommend doing this while in port, but as I had done it already, I decided to simply walk around town without a plan.

Skagway is probably the most picturesque town we visited on this cruise, and I could spend hours walking up and down the town’s streets, which are lined with historic saloons, museums, souvenir shops, and restaurants.

Our first stop was to a few souvenir shops where we spent $5 on postcards and stamps to mail to friends and family back home.

We also made a pit stop to my favorite place to eat in Skagway, Klondike Doughboy. Specializing in Alaskan fry bread, Reeham and I shared a cinnamon-sugar fried dough for $7.

As I mentioned, Reeham is from Egypt and she abruptly stopped in her tracks in front of a jewelry shop when she saw a variety of Egyptian souvenirs and decor inside the shop.

The shop was owned by an Egyptian, and in true Egyptian culture, he invited Reeham and I inside to chat. Mohamed, the shop owner, and Reeham enjoyed talking to a fellow Egyptian in a town as remote as Skagway, and we stayed in the shop for a while to learn more about local life in Alaska.

Mohamed treated us to lunch and we treated him (and us!) to ice cream ($15) before getting back onboard Radiance of the Seas.

Total cost of my day in Skagway: $27

Weather

When I cruised to Alaska in October last year, we encountered awful weather. It basically did not stop raining the entire week!

Because this cruise was at the end of August and into September, I did not expect the weather to be nice this year, either, but I was pleasantly surprised by the weather conditions.

While we encountered some rain on and off most days of the cruise, there was usually only a light sprinkle with a couple rare downpours. We saw the sun nearly every day and in Skagway we did not have any rain whatsoever!

Weather is unpredictable anywhere in the world, but especially in Alaska, so I think we lucked out on this cruise. I even took off my jacket a few times to walk around in just a long sleeve shirt and remained comfortable.

Last sea day & disembarkation

The last full day of our Alaska cruise was supposed to include a visit to Hubbard Glacier, but unfortunately we were unable to approach the glacier due to low visibility.

Bad weather was the theme of the day, and we encountered the roughest waters I’ve experienced yet on a cruise. I spent most of the day feeling seasick and laying in bed, which was definitely not fun!

As evening approached, however, Reeham and I began to feel better and were able to enjoy our last night onboard before disembarking the next morning in Seward.

We arrived in Seward early on disembarkation day and took a 3 hour shuttle bus to downtown Anchorage. We still had ten hours before our flight once we arrived in Anchorage, so I was pleased to discover that the city has a complimentary building with luggage storage, tables and chairs, and a free airport shuttle available.

Soon enough, it was time to say goodbye to Alaska’s beauty and return home.

Total cost: was it really the cheapest Alaska cruise?

While I may have booked the “cheapest Alaska cruise” based on cruise fare price, the extra add-ons (one-way flights, shuttles, etc.) added a significant cost to the cruise.

Alaska cruise costs (per person):

Pre-cruise purchases (cruise fare, hotel, flights, etc.): $1442.95
Purchases in port: $153
Onboard purchases: $19

Total cost of my Alaska cruise: $1614.95

Looking back, I probably could have booked a more expensive cruise fare on a newer ship from Seattle and still saved money due to cheaper flights and other transportation expenses.

If you’re truly looking to save the most amount of money possible, definitely research flight costs and shuttles before booking an Alaska cruise!

I had no idea a shuttle would cost $80 one-way to reach Anchorage from Seward, for example, and this could easily get way more expensive when cruising with a large family.

That being said, I definitely saved hundreds of dollars by not booking excursions and instead choosing to explore ports freely on my own. I didn’t feel we missed out on anything by not booking excursions.

However, I’ve already been to Alaska and will cruise to Alaska again in the future. If you’re only going to visit Alaska once, I’d book at least 1-2 excursions, such as whale watching and the White Pass & Yukon Railroad train, in order to make the most out of Alaska’s attractions.

I was happy to end the cruise in southcentral Alaska as it allowed me to explore Anchorage (and I even saw the peak of Denali from downtown!).

In the end, I made some amazing memories with my friend Reeham and we were able to explore four unique Alaska cruise ports and discover more of Alaska’s culture, cuisine, and nature.

Alaska cruises remain my favorite cruise itineraries in North America and I’ll never get tired of relaxing onboard with a scenic view out the window.

Cruising to Alaska on a budget can be done, and while I’m not entirely sure this ended up being the cheapest cruise overall, it was certainly an incredible experience, and I’m already looking forward to returning to Alaska!

Planning an Alaska cruise? Check out our guides for more tips & tricks:

I tried the cheapest Alaska cruise I could find. Here's how it went

Top 5 binoculars for an Alaska cruise

In:

Alaska

15 Aug 2022

Binoculars may not be an item you use often at home, but they definitely come in handy on an Alaska cruise. Being able to view Alaska’s scenery “up close” from hundreds of feet away brings you closer to nature, whether spotting whales, bears, eagles, or glaciers from the binocular’s lens.

Binoculars come in all shapes, sizes, and budgets. There’s no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of binoculars for your Alaska cruise, but you don’t want to buy a pair at the dollar store, either.

Here’s our list of the top 5 binoculars to buy for an Alaska cruise that are sure to enhance your experience in the Last Frontier.

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means Royal Caribbean Blog gets a commission for purchases made. There is no additional cost to you.

Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

Purchase the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars on Amazon here.

These are the binoculars I purchased for my Alaska cruise last year. While I admit I knew nothing about binoculars and what was considered “good” in terms of quality, I was extremely pleased with these Occer binoculars. For only $35.99, they make a solid pair of binoculars for a first-time user.

One problem with cheaper binoculars is that they can lack stability, making it frustrating to keep your focus on an object through the lenses. While these Occer binoculars aren’t the most fancy pair out there, I was pleased with the lens quality, clarity, and stability.

SkyGenius 8x21 Small Compact Lightweight Binoculars

Purchase the SkyGenius 8x21 Small Compact Lightweight Binoculars on Amazon here.

If you’re looking for another budget-friendly binocular option, this pair of SkyGenius binoculars is not only lightweight, but compact, meaning it will fit into the smallest of daypacks on your Alaska cruise!

At only $20, these binoculars can have a huge impact on your Alaska cruise experience. There’s no need to lug heavy binoculars around port, and these binoculars may even fit in your pocket!

These can also make a great pair of binoculars for kids due to the low cost and small size.

Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10x42mm Binocular

Purchase the Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10x42mm Binocular on Amazon here.

The highest quality binoculars on our list are the Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10x42 binoculars, which are priced at a staggering $599. Shockproof, waterproof, fog proof, lightweight, and ergonomic, these binoculars are a nice option for avid outdoor enthusiasts.

The binoculars provide an extremely crisp and clear image with no edge distortion, and they even have a Twilight Max HD Light Management System to provide extra viewing light at dawn or dusk.

I wouldn’t recommend spending so much if you only plan to use the binoculars on your cruise and later store them in a closet. However, if you have an interest in using binoculars in your day-to-day life, such as bird watching or hiking, they can make a nice investment.

Roxant Monocular Telescope

Purchase the Roxant Monocular Telescope on Amazon here.

The Roxant Monocular Telescope is not a pair of binoculars. Instead, it’s a monocular, which has just one viewing tube instead of two.

There are several benefits to using monoculars instead of binoculars. Monoculars are smaller, making for easier transportation while exploring Alaska. At half the size of most binoculars, they’re also more lightweight. It’s easy to fit a monocular in your pocket, making for easy access when you want to catch a fleeting glimpse of a bear, eagle, or whale on your Alaska cruise.

Monoculars aren’t without drawbacks, however, including increased strain on your eyes from viewing the magnified world through just one eye. Therefore, monoculars are best for a short glimpse instead of looking through it for an extended period of time.

Vanstarry Compact Binoculars for Kids

Purchase the Vanstarry Compact Binoculars for Kids on Amazon here.

If you’re traveling to Alaska with young children, consider purchasing a pair of binoculars made just for kids. These binoculars will be small in size with kid-friendly colors, and while they are more like a toy compared to higher-end binoculars, they still allow kids to see Alaska’s scenery and wildlife up close.

The Vanstarry Compact Binoculars for Kids have a 5x30 optical lens, and the binoculars have soft rubber surrounding the eyepieces to protect the eyes and face. They’re made of rubber, too, allowing for easy grip, and come with a neck strap to prevent the binoculars from falling.

Not only that, but the binoculars come with a Compass, which can add to the fun for kids as they set off to discover the outdoors.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Start here:

Tips for taking an Alaska cruise on a budget

In:

Alaska

04 Aug 2022

If you’re dreaming of visiting the gorgeous landscapes and fjords of Alaska on a Royal Caribbean cruise but you’re on a tight budget, you’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of ways to save money on an Alaska cruise.

Flexibility is key when planning an Alaska cruise on a budget. If you don’t mind visiting one port over another, the departure port, the month you sail, or the type of cabin you book, you can easily find a way to visit the Last Frontier without breaking the bank.

From choosing to cruise in shoulder season to booking the cheapest stateroom, here are our top tips for taking an Alaska cruise on a budget.

Sail during the off-season

More often than not, the best way to save money on an Alaska cruise is to sail during the shoulder season. Alaska’s cruise season runs from late April through September each year, with the busiest season in June, July, and August.

Booking a cruise in the shoulder season months of April, May, and September can often lead to fantastic discounts compared to sailing in the middle of summer. An Alaska cruise in May, for example, can sometimes be half the price of cruising in July.

There are, of course, pros and cons to sailing during the off-season compared to peak season. While you’ll encounter fewer crowds and lower prices in shoulder season, you might also experience rougher seas, more rain, less daylight, and colder temperatures.

It’s never a good idea to book a cruise based solely on price, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before heading to Alaska in shoulder season:

Book an interior cabin

One of the best ways to save money not just on an Alaska cruise, but any cruise, is to book an interior stateroom. Interior staterooms can be priced hundreds of dollars cheaper per person than ocean view or balcony cabins, making for great savings for those on a budget.

Royal Caribbean’s interior staterooms offer most of the same amenities as higher-category cabins. You’ll find everything you need to keep comfortable in an interior cabin, with a comfy bed, couch or chair, television, vanity, dresser, closet, and private bathroom.

While interior cabins may not come with a private balcony, there are plenty of public areas onboard to watch Alaska’s scenery pass by during your sailing.

If you want to save even more money on an Alaska cruise, book a guarantee interior cabin. While you won’t be able to pick the exact location of your room when booking a guarantee interior cabin, you can save a bit more money on your cruise fare.

Buy lightly-used winter weather gear

Packing for an Alaska cruise involves more research and planning than packing for a summer cruise to warm weather destinations. From water-resistant clothing to base layers, jackets, sweaters, and pants, there’s a lot to remember to ensure you remain warm and comfortable throughout your time in Alaska.

Before breaking the bank on new outfits, head to local thrift stores or check websites like Facebook Marketplace and eBay for lightly-used clothing. You can often find nice name brand clothing at a fraction of the price of buying new, which is extremely helpful for those on tight budgets.

Do free or cheap activities in port

Once you’ve booked an Alaska cruise and begin searching for shore excursions, you might have sticker shock. Alaska excursions are often quite expensive, with many tours costing well over $100. Some tours, like helicopter excursions, might cost over $400!

Instead of booking shore excursions in each Alaska cruise port, do some research on what activities are available at little to no extra cost in each town.

All Alaska cruise ports have a walkable town center, where you’ll find landmarks, a scenic waterfront, restaurants, museums, shops, hiking trails, and more. Many of these activities come with no extra cost yet still provide an insightful look into Alaska’s history, nature, and culture.

Read through our guides on what to do in Alaska cruise ports to plan your budget-friendly days off the ship:

Consider your departure port

When browsing Royal Caribbean’s website for cruises to Alaska, you’ll find sailings departing from both Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia.

If you have to fly to the cruise departure port, it’s a good idea to check for typical flight prices and schedules to both Seattle and Vancouver before booking one cruise over another.

You don’t want to book an Alaska cruise departing from Vancouver because it is $100 cheaper per person only to find out that flying to Vancouver will cost $300 more per person than flying to Seattle!

This is extremely important if you’re considering booking a more port-intensive, one-way cruise to Alaska. These often come with cheaper prices, but you’ll have to factor in the cost of one-way flights to or from Vancouver and Anchorage, Alaska.

Do a little research on travel costs and flight schedules prior to booking your cruise to avoid any unexpected costs later on.

Skip specialty dining and drink packages

While Royal Caribbean ships offer incredible specialty dining venues, with everything from hibachi to Italian and a steakhouse, there are more than enough complimentary dining venues to choose from on a cruise. You can easily save $100-200 by dining only at complimentary venues, like the Main Dining Room and Windjammer, instead of specialty restaurants.

Additionally, consider not purchasing a beverage package when cruising to Alaska on a budget. Royal Caribbean’s deluxe beverage packages can be priced as high as $80+ per person, per day, and this can drastically increase the price of a 7-night Alaska cruise.

Instead of buying a drink package, opt to enjoy a few drinks in port each day at historic saloons. Not only will drinks be cheaper on land compared to on the ship, but you’ll get a taste of Alaska’s local culture in the process.

Book your cruise far in advance

While it’s possible to find a last-minute cruise deal to Alaska, this is usually the exception and not the norm. Therefore, once you know you want to visit Alaska, book the cruise as soon as possible.

Royal Caribbean usually releases Alaska cruise itineraries in November for the season to come in two years. This is when you’ll often find the lowest prices on cruise fare.

Even if you book an Alaska cruise for $2000, for example, and the price later lowers to $1500, you can reprice your cruise and save the $500 provided it is before the sailing’s final payment date. To reprice your cruise, call Royal Caribbean or speak to your travel agent to receive the price difference.

Long story short: there’s no harm in booking a cruise earlier rather than later so you’re able to lock-in the lowest price!

Don’t miss out because of a tight budget

Our last tip for taking an Alaska cruise on a budget is to not be too strict with yourself while onboard and in port. An Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for many cruisers, and there are certain aspects of the vacation where you may want to splurge.

If visiting Mendenhall Glacier is on your bucket list, don’t skip visiting just to save a few dollars. Likewise, if tasting freshly-caught salmon while in port is important to you, budget $20 for a meal instead of heading back to the ship for lunch.

While keeping to your budget is important, don’t restrict yourself too much that you end up regretting not trying something later on.

Alaska cruise outfits: Ideas of what to wear

In:

Alaska

13 Jul 2022

Cruising to Alaska is one of the best ways to see everything this stunning state has to offer. From May to September, cruise ships will sail through the Inside Passage and through the beautiful, icy fjords of Alaska.

Packing for a cruise to Alaska is vastly different than packing for a Caribbean cruise. For obvious reasons, the weather and scenery are complete opposites. You’ll trade sugary sand beaches in the Caribbean for snow-capped mountains and glaciers in Alaska.

The weather in Alaska is undeniably best in the summer during the cruise season with more daylight, less rain, and warmer temperatures. However, you can still experience rain, snow, and chilly temperatures throughout the year.

I’ve sailed to Alaska three times. The first time I sailed to Alaska was from Seward to Vancouver in July. The second cruise was roundtrip from Seattle to Alaska in August. The most recent time I sailed to Alaska was a round-trip cruise from Vancouver in May.

Two of my three cruises had typical Alaska weather with chilly temperatures and rain showers throughout the week. I would say my first cruise in July was the coldest weather while my most recent cruise in May was slightly warmer, but still cold.

My husband and I lucked out with great weather when we cruised in August 2021 with 70-degree days and sunny skies all week. We were told multiple times that our good weather was unusually warm for Alaska, so I think this was just good luck.

Essentially, packing for Alaska will require some planning and preparation. Ensuring you pack layers and versatile clothing will be key for a successful cruise week.

If you’re looking for outfit ideas for your upcoming Alaska cruise, look no further! Here’s our Alaska cruise outfit guide to help you perfectly plan both practical and versatile outfits.

Focus on Layers

When you start picking your cruise outfits for Alaska, focus on packing pieces that can be layered together. Focusing on layers will let you maximize your suitcase space, which is important since warmer clothes will be bulkier. With layers, you can also mix and match outfits depending on both weather and activities.

For women, this could include packing leggings and dark jeans as outfit staples. Leggings are extremely versatile for an Alaskan cruise; from active excursions to exploring an Alaskan town in the rain, you won't regret packing black leggings. If it's super cold, you can even layer two pairs of leggings for extra warmth.

Also, leggings can be worn with a long tunic, a cozy plaid shirt, an oversized sweater, or fuzzy sherpa.

Leggings or dark jeans can easily be layered with a jean jacket to provide extra warmth. A jean jacket is a great piece to bring and can be worn while exploring ports for warmth or as a casual jacket onboard the ship. I prefer to wear a jean jacket on travel days since the airplane is normally cold.

When it comes to layering for men, versatile pieces that can be layered together will be the best option for Alaskan cruise outfits.

For men, dark jeans and khaki pants can be a great option to wear both during the day and also onboard for dinners. When planning outfits for your Alaska cruise, it’s good to consider whether the pants you pack can be used for dinner outfits as well.

Long-sleeve knit or plaid shirts can also layer well under a rain jacket, providing both warmth and versatility. Half-zips are another great piece to consider packing because these layer well with an outdoor jacket but can also be worn with khakis onboard the ship.

Prepare for Rain

As much as you can hope for incredible weather during an Alaskan cruise, you should be prepared to experience rain throughout your vacation. Alaskan weather consists of gloomy clouds, foggy skies, and chilly rain, even in the summer.

Packing a waterproof rain jacket is a must for your Alaskan cruise, along with an umbrella. I prefer to pack a black rain jacket because it goes with everything.

If you are sailing at the very beginning or end of the Alaskan season, you might want to consider packing a waterproof coat with a warmer lining, like sherpa or fleece. A light puffer jacket would travel well for an Alaskan cruise as well.

If you don’t pack a rain jacket and find that the Alaskan weather is too cold for you to handle, every port will be selling fleece-lined, waterproof jackets that are embroidered with 'Alaska'. These also make a great souvenir because they are reasonably priced, some are sold as low as $9.99.

Here's an example of the souvenir jacket you can snag in the ports if you would rather purchase a coat during your cruise. I would guess at least 15% of the people on our cruise were wearing a jacket like this by the end of the week.

Don’t Forget Boots

When planning your Alaskan cruise outfits, you’ll absolutely want to consider which waterproof boots you’re packing. Unless the forecast is showing sunshine all week, these are essential for your Alaskan cruise.

You’ll want to make sure these boots are comfortable for walking and any other excursions you might have planned.

For women, this could include Chelsea rain boots or classic Sperry boots. Both of these are perfect options for an Alaskan cruise and pair well with leggings and rain jackets. Hunter rain boots could also be a good option depending on how much space you have in your suitcase.

Men will also want to pack a waterproof pair of boots that can be worn during the day, such as Timberland Waterproof Boots. If you have any active excursions or you want to go hiking, you should consider packing comfortable hiking boots or duck boots that would pair well with your outdoor gear.

Hats, Scarves, and Mittens

Imagine sailing through the Alaskan fjords and getting up so close to a glacier that you can hear the ice cracking and falling into the sea. It’s unbelievable to see the natural beauty of Alaska when you cruise, but your ears and hands won’t be enjoying the scenery as much unless you’ve packed properly.

As such, be sure to pack a pair of gloves and a hat for your Alaskan cruise, as your hands and ears will be cold both in-port and on the ship when sailing the Inside Passage.

For women, a cute hat or warm headband is a perfect accessory for your Alaskan cruise! If it’s looking particularly cold, you can even pack a stylish scarf that you can wear throughout the week.

For men, a beanie paired with a light scarf will be a great addition to your Alaskan wardrobe. A puffer jacket or vest can also be a versatile piece to add more flexibility to your wardrobe, especially if the weather is colder than anticipated.

Consider that you will likely be on the top deck of your cruise ship for whale watching or sailing through the Inside Passage, so it’s best to have a pair of gloves too. I had to buy a pair of gloves on my last Alaskan cruise because my hands were much colder than I expected.

Dinner Outfits

Packing for any cruise requires a little consideration about what to wear each night onboard the ship for dinners and shows.

In my experience on Alaskan cruises, people are less concerned about what they wear at dinner each night because they’ve had a long day exploring the ports. The ship isn’t necessarily the destination as much because Alaska’s beauty and wilderness is really the draw for these cruises.

As such, you will probably need to pack a few nice outfits to wear at night when you go to dinner or one of the shows. If this isn’t your thing, you can always enjoy a casual dinner at the buffet and not worry about packing separate dinner outfits.

For women, I suggest packing a few dresses or jumpsuits for dinner. I love wearing a jumpsuit at dinner because it's comfortable, warm, and easily styled for formal night.

A sleeved midi dress or long-sleeve dress is perfect for evenings at sea. Typically, you only need one pair of nice heels, wedges, or sandals to wear for dinners at sea, so I prefer a classic pair of nude or black heels.

If you like to go all-out for formal night, you can definitely pack a more glitzy gown; however, this takes up more space in your luggage. With all of the warm winter clothes that are usually packed for an Alaskan cruise, you might not have as much room in your suitcase.

For men, dinner outfits should also be a consideration, a pair of slacks paired with a button-up shirt and dress shoes is a great outfit for most nights at dinner. A blazer is another good versatile piece that can be worn in the evenings onboard your Alaskan cruise.

Men can also consider bringing a more formal outfit; but again, this will take up more luggage space that might be better utilized by packing warmer clothes and boots.

Final Thoughts

Nothing's worse than unpacking your suitcase in your stateroom and feeling like you've packed horribly for the upcoming week. With unpredictable weather these days, it's even more important to plan ahead and be purposeful with the outfits you choose to bring on your Alaskan cruise.

Properly planning for your Alaskan cruise will ensure that you've packed the essential pieces that will keep your outfits warm and comfortable throughout the day (that is, unless you're hoping to have a vacation shopping spree!).

More Alaska cruise tips:

Alaska cruise whale watching guide & tips

In:

Alaska

11 Jul 2022

A whale watching tour is one of the most sought after shore excursions on an Alaska cruise, and for good reason. Viewing some of the largest mammals on earth in their natural habitat is breathtaking and one that will be a highlight for many on an Alaska cruise.

Deciding where to book a whale watching excursion, what to bring with you, and what to expect can be confusing, so here are a few tips and tricks to make your whale watching experience as unforgettable as possible.

Types of whales to see in Alaska

There are four main types of whales to see in Alaska: humpback whales, gray whales, killer whales (orcas), and beluga whales.

Humpback whales are the most common to spot on a whale watching excursion, and are most prevalent in June and July.

If you’re traveling to Alaska in the early season, you may be able to spot gray whales as they migrate further north. Gray whales are most likely to be seen in late April to early May.

Killer whales, or orcas, can sometimes be spotted on a whale watching excursion as well. Orcas are quick moving animals, though, and have more unpredictable movement patterns than humpback whales, so they are less common to see.

Beluga whales are unlikely to be spotted on an Alaska cruise, as they spend their time further north in the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean. Occasionally they may go as far south as Turnagain Arm near Anchorage, but it is highly unlikely you will spot a beluga whale on a typical southeast Alaska cruise itinerary.

Other whales, such as minke and fin whales, are present in Alaska although far less common to see on a whale watching excursion.

Best ports for viewing whales in Alaska

While it’s possible to view whales in any Alaska cruise port, two of the most popular whale watching destinations are Juneau and Icy Strait Point. Both locations are home to feeding grounds for humpback whales, making sightings extremely common.

Juneau is the most popular whale watching port. Not only is it a more common port stop than Icy Strait Point, but it offers the biggest chance of spotting whales.

That being said, Juneau is a port offering an abundance of other activities to enjoy, from hiking at Mendenhall Glacier to the Goldbelt Tram Cable Car and drinking in saloons. Some guests opt not to book a whale watching tour in Juneau and instead book it in a port where there are less excursion and activity options.

In Icy Strait Point there are fewer excursions to choose from, leading many to save whale watching for their day in this port instead.

Seward, Alaska is another recommended port for whale watching. If you are doing a one way cruise to or from Alaska, consider a whale watching tour in Seward before or after the cruise. This can be a good option for guests interested in other excursions while on the cruise but still wanting to book a whale watching tour before heading home.

Although not in Alaska, Victoria, British Columbia can be another excellent port for whale watching.

It’s common for whale watching excursion providers to offer a guaranteed whale sighting. If you do not end up seeing a whale, they may offer you a partial cash refund. Be sure to read your tour operator’s policies before booking to be aware of the details.

Whale watching in your cruise departure port

If you don’t want to book a whale watching tour while in Alaska, consider booking one in your cruise departure port. Both Seattle and Vancouver offer whale watching opportunities, so this can be a nice way to add another day of excitement to your vacation before or after a cruise.

Plus, by booking a whale watching tour in your departure port, more time is opened up while in Alaska to book other types of shore excursions.

Viewing whales from the cruise ship

If a whale watching excursion is out of your budget, you are prone to seasickness on small vessels, or you prioritized other activities while in port, you may still be able to spot whales while on an Alaska cruise.

While the ship is sailing through the northern Pacific waters, whales can sometimes be spotted from the ship. This can happen in the open ocean on the way to or from Alaska, or while the ship is sailing through the Inside Passage.

When whales are spotted by the captain, an announcement will be made on the loudspeaker to let guests know there are whales near the ship. When this happens, expect a flood of guests quickly heading to the outside decks eager to catch a glimpse of whales.

The best spots onboard to watch whales from the ship are from a private balcony, Promenade deck, upper pool deck/running track, and outdoor area at the Windjammer.

Bring binoculars

It’s a good idea to bring binoculars on an Alaska cruise regardless of if you booked a whale watching tour or not. Alaska’s scenery is so vast that sometimes a closer look through binoculars at mountains, glaciers, and wildlife is helpful.

The same is true on a whale watching excursion. Pack a pair of binoculars with you for your tour to ensure you can catch the best glimpse of whales if they happen to be far away. While a binocular is not necessary for every person in your travel party, having a pair to share with the group is recommended.

Get your camera ready

Make sure your camera and phone battery are fully charged before your whale watching excursion. Photography aficionados may want to bring a full camera setup with a telephoto lens to ensure they can capture the best pictures possible.

Whichever camera you bring, though, remember to spend some time away from the lens and view whales without the use of a screen or camera viewfinder. While capturing photos is something you may value, it’s just as important to spend time during the excursion away from your electronics.

Seasickness medication or remedies

Whale watching boats are usually quite small and can encounter choppy waters. Even on the smoothest of days, the rocking of a small boat can make some passengers feel seasick.

If you are prone to seasickness, don’t hesitate to pack seasickness remedies with you for your whale watching excursion, whether medication or natural remedies.

Whale watching excursions with other activities

Some guests may want to go whale watching but combine the tour with other popular activities in port. This gives the opportunity to not only spot whales, but experience what else a port has to offer.

In Juneau, for example, you can book the “Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching, and Wildlife Quest” excursion which brings you on a whale watching tour followed by free time to explore Mendenhall Glacier. This can give guests the best of both worlds by experiencing two of Juneau’s most popular attractions.

In addition, some excursions may not be listed as a ‘whale watching excursion’ but may offer the opportunity to spot whales. In Icy Strait Point, guests can book a kayaking excursion that brings them on a tour through the waters of Port Frederick. This is a route commonly followed by humpback or killer whales, so passengers will have a chance of spotting whales while on a kayak.

Planning a cruise to Alaska? Be sure to read more of our tips for an Alaska cruise:

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