Envisioning Towering Glaciers and Natural Wildlife
If you’re comparing the best Alaska cruise lines, this guide explains how they differ on routes,
Glacier Bay access, timing, and must-do excursion
Why a Alaskan Cruise?
Alaska is, without question, a bucket-list destination. And what better way to take in its wild, rugged landscapes than on a cruise or cruise tour? It’s a chance to experience the raw beauty of the Last Frontier—towering glaciers, untamed wilderness, and wildlife in its natural habitat—without giving up the comforts of a luxury hotel.
Although several major cruise lines operate in Alaska—ranging from family-friendly to luxury-focused—Princess Cruises stands out for its long-standing presence and expertise in the region. With thoughtfully curated itineraries and onboard programs tailored to Alaskan culture and wildlife, they offer a more immersive way to experience the state’s breathtaking landscapes.
Princess Cruises has earned repeated recognition as a top choice for exploring Alaska—not just for its well-equipped ships, but also for its thoughtfully designed pre- and post-cruise land itineraries. With eight ships (including the newest, Star Princess®), departures from five ports, and sailings that range from 7 to 20 days across 19 destinations, Princess offers flexible options to suit different travel styles. Their five exclusive wilderness lodges nestled deep in the Alaskan interior add another layer to the experience, allowing travelers to go beyond the coastline and into the heart of the Last Frontier.
Pro Tip – Glacier Bay Permits
A word on Glacier Bay access. Glacier Bay permits are limited by the National Park Service (max two large ships per day in season). HAL and Princess historically hold the most access, which is why many of their itineraries include Glacier Bay. Always check the specific sailing.
When is the Best Time to Cruise Alaska?
A Month-by-Month Guide to Weather, Wildlife, and Crowds
May
Weather: Expect daytime highs in the 50s °F (10–15 °C), cool evenings, and lingering snow on the mountains. It’s one of the driest months, offering crisp air and excellent visibility.
Wildlife: Whales begin arriving from their migration, black bears emerge from hibernation, and seabirds are nesting. This is also a good time to spot moose along coastal routes.
Crowds & Pricing: As the shoulder season, May offers fewer crowds and some of the lowest prices of the year. Shore excursions are easier to book last-minute.
Why Cruise in May? Ideal for travelers who value quiet ships, fresh snow-capped scenery, and budget-friendly fares.
June
Weather: Long daylight hours (up to 18 hours in some areas) and warming temperatures make this a comfortable month, though layers are still needed.
Wildlife: Salmon runs begin, attracting brown and black bears to rivers. Humpback whales and orcas are commonly spotted, and bald eagles are highly active.
Crowds & Pricing: Ships start filling up quickly, and prices rise compared to May. Still, it’s not yet at July’s peak congestion.
Why Cruise in June? A “sweet spot” month with balanced weather, strong wildlife opportunities, and fewer crowds than midsummer.
July
Weather: The warmest month, with daytime highs reaching the 60s–70s °F (15–21 °C). It’s also one of the sunniest months, perfect for glacier viewing and photography.
Wildlife: This is peak season: brown bears fish for salmon, humpback whales breach dramatically, and sea lions, seals, and puffins are abundant.
Crowds & Pricing: July is the busiest and most expensive month. Popular excursions (like Glacier Bay and Denali add-ons) sell out months in advance.
Why Cruise in July? The quintessential Alaska experience—perfect weather, peak wildlife, and fully operational excursions—if you don’t mind crowds.
August
Weather: Still warm but slightly wetter, with increased chances of rain later in the month. Early fall colors begin to appear, especially inland.
Wildlife: Salmon runs reach their peak, keeping bears highly visible near rivers. Marine wildlife remains strong, and migrating birds start gathering.
Crowds & Pricing: Early August still feels like peak season, but by mid-to-late August, crowds taper off and some cruise deals reappear.
Why Cruise in August? A balance between strong wildlife activity and slightly reduced crowds later in the month, with the added bonus of early autumn landscapes.
September
Weather: Cooler temperatures (40s–50s °F / 5–12 °C) and a higher chance of rain. Days shorten, but sunsets can be spectacular, and the first hints of northern lights appear late month.
Wildlife: Salmon spawning continues, drawing bears to rivers. Migratory birds prepare to leave, and moose are active during rut season.
Crowds & Pricing: The quietest and most affordable time to cruise Alaska. Fewer ships in port mean more intimate experiences, but some excursions scale back.
Why Cruise in September? Perfect for travelers who want solitude, fall colors, and a chance of northern lights without paying peak-season prices.
Best Alaska Cruise Itineraries:
Inside Passage vs Gulf of Alaska
- What it is: Sheltered coastal waterways with fjords, islands, and frequent port calls (e.g., Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka).
- Why people love it: Smoother seas, constant scenery, easy round-trip air, great for first-timers and families.
- Watch-outs: Many 7-night round-trips include one glacier day (Tracy Arm/Dawes, Hubbard, or Glacier Bay), and Glacier Bay permits are limited—you must pick an itinerary that explicitly includes it.
- What it is: Adds open-gulf sailing to reach Southcentral Alaska; usually pairs the Inside Passage with big glacier days (Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord) and sets you up for Denali/rail land tours.
- Why people love it: Most “epic” variety of glaciers and wildlife plus seamless cruisetour options.
- Watch-outs: One-way flights can cost a bit more/logistically trickier; seas can be livelier crossing the Gulf.
Which is the Best Way to Travel?
Top Alaska Cruise Lines — Quick Comparison
Budget Rating: ★ to ★★★★★ (more stars = more budget-friendly/value, ★ = Highest Value)
| Cruise Line | Typical Alaska Routes | Glacier Bay Access* | Route Strengths | Best For | Budget Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princess | RT Seattle/Vancouver; One-Way Gulf of Alaska | Frequent on select sailings | Deep Alaska program, strong cruisetours, broad date selection | First-timers, couples, Glacier Bay seekers | ★★★★☆ |
| Holland America | RT Vancouver; One-Way Gulf of Alaska | Frequent on select sailings | Classic Inside Passage, strong Glacier Bay presence, Denali rail links | Scenery lovers, culture/wildlife focus, mature travelers | ★★★★☆ |
| Royal Caribbean | RT Seattle; limited RT Vancouver | Occasional (check itinerary) | Newer big ships, family amenities, action-oriented onboard | Families, multigen, big-ship entertainment | ★★★★★ |
| Norwegian (NCL) | RT Seattle; some One-Way options | Occasional (check itinerary) | Freestyle dining, modern ships, good family offerings | Families/friends groups, flexible dining | ★★★★☆ |
| Celebrity | RT Seattle/Vancouver; some One-Way | Some (check itinerary) | Upscale feel, strong dining, modern design | Couples, foodies, premium experience | ★★★☆☆ |
| Regent Seven Seas | RT Vancouver; One-Way Vancouver $\leftrightarrow$ Seward | Limited (check itinerary) | All-inclusive fares (excursions, drinks, gratuities), highest staff-to-guest ratio. | Affluent travelers, all-inclusive luxury seekers, couples. | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| UnCruise Adventures | RT Juneau; Small ship itineraries | Frequent (long/multi-day access) | True expedition style, daily adventure activities (kayaking, hiking), access to remote fjords. | Active travelers, wildlife lovers, those who prioritize rugged adventure. | ★★☆☆☆ |
*Glacier Bay is permit-limited. Only itineraries that explicitly list “Glacier Bay National Park” will enter; availability varies by ship and date.
Quick Note About Regent and UnCruise
If you are considering choosing a cruise line like Celebrity or even a suite on a Princess ship it maybe worth looking into Regent Seven Seas. It is a true all inclusive luxury experience. Your price covers everything from shore excursions, to fine dining and unlimited beverages.
If you are looking for something more Adventure related you would want to look into UnCruise Adventures. These small ships are floating base camps for those who want to explore and adventure out like no other. Ships can range from 22 to 90 passengers! These itineraries focus heavy on the Alaska Wilderness over ports and include activities like kayaking, paddleboarding and guides bushwhacking tours which are all included.
Best Alaska Cruise Excursions?
Beyond the Balcony: Must-Do Alaskan Shore Excursions
From Helicopter Glacier Landings to Whale Watching, we break down the top adventures.
Cost Rating Legend: $ = Low • $$ = Low-Mid • $$$ = Mid • $$$$ = High • $$$$$ = Very High
Juneau
- Mendenhall Glacier Visit – Visitor center & Nugget Falls. 2–3 hrs • Easy • Cost: $
- Whale Watching (Auke Bay) – Prime humpback/orca waters. 2.5–4 hrs • Easy • Cost: $$$
- Helicopter Glacier Landing – Land on the ice; guided walk. 2–3 hrs • Moderate • Cost: $$$$
- Dog Sledding on a Glacier – Heli to snow camp, mush with a pro team. 2.5–3 hrs • Moderate • Cost: $$$$$
Why it’s iconic: Reliable whale sightings, easy glacier access, and flexible combos.
Pro tip: Flight tours are weather-dependent—book morning slots and keep a backup plan.
Skagway
- White Pass & Yukon Route Railway – Historic alpine train. 2.5–3.5 hrs • Easy • Cost: $$$
- Rail + Yukon Highway Combo – Train one way, coach the other. 6–8 hrs • Easy • Cost: $$$$
- Dog Mushing (dry-land) – Meet sled dogs & ride a wheeled cart. 2–3 hrs • Easy • Cost: $$$
- Guided Hiking or Zipline – Forest trails or canopy runs. 2–4 hrs • Moderate • Cost: $$–$$$
Why it’s iconic: Gold-Rush history plus glacier-carved scenery in one day.
Pro tip: Some Yukon combos cross into Canada—bring passports. Train seats sell out on peak days.
Ketchikan
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show – Family-friendly competition. 1 hr • Easy • Cost: $
- Salmon Fishing Charter – King/Coho/Pink by season. 4–6 hrs • Easy–Moderate • Cost: $$$$
- Misty Fjords Floatplane – Fjords, granite walls, alpine lakes. 1.25–2 hrs • Easy • Cost: $$$$
- Tongass Rainforest & Totem Parks – Potlatch/Saxman culture. 2–3 hrs • Easy • Cost: $$
Why it’s iconic: “Salmon capital,” Native heritage, dramatic fjord flights.
Pro tip: Fishing & floatplanes are weather-sensitive—early departures help.
Icy Strait Point
- Whale Watching & Wildlife – High success rates. 2.5–3.5 hrs • Easy • Cost: $$$
- ZipRider – One of the world’s longest ziplines. 1–2 hrs • Moderate • Cost: $$–$$$
- Brown Bear Search (seasonal) – Salmon streams with guides. 2–4 hrs • Moderate • Cost: $$$$
- Cultural Tours in Hoonah – Tlingit heritage. 1.5–2.5 hrs • Easy • Cost: $$
Why it’s iconic: Small-town Alaska with big wildlife; typically less crowded than major ports.
Pro tip: Best bear viewing is late July–September during salmon runs.
Sitka
- Sea Otter & Wildlife Cruise – Otters, whales, puffins. 2–3 hrs • Easy • Cost: $$$
- Alaska Raptor Center & Totem Park – Rehab & totem trails. 2–3 hrs • Easy • Cost: $$
- Coastal Kayaking or Hiking – Protected waters & trails. 2–4 hrs • Moderate • Cost: $$–$$$
Why it’s iconic: Rich marine life and hands-on conservation experiences.
Pro tip: Mornings are often calmer for small-boat wildlife trips.
Seward (Kenai Fjords)
- Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise – Tidewater glaciers & orcas. 6–9 hrs • Easy • Cost: $$$
- Exit Glacier / Harding Icefield – Guided hikes to vistas. 3–8 hrs • Moderate–Strenuous • Cost: $$–$$$
- Alaska SeaLife Center – Research aquarium. 1–2 hrs • Easy • Cost: $
Why it’s iconic: Arguably the best “glaciers + wildlife” boat day in Alaska.
Pro tip: Dress for wind on open-water routes; motion aids help on longer fjord runs.
At-a-Glance: Excursion Planner
| Port | Top Experience | Duration | Activity Level | Cost Rating ($–$$$$$) | Book Early? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juneau | Whale Watching | 2.5–4 hrs | Easy | $$$ | Yes (peak months) |
| Juneau | Helicopter Glacier Landing | 2–3 hrs | Moderate | $$$$ | Yes (limited seats; weather) |
| Skagway | White Pass Railway | 2.5–3.5 hrs | Easy | $$$ | Yes (very popular) |
| Ketchikan | Misty Fjords Floatplane | 1.25–2 hrs | Easy | $$$$ | Yes (weather/limited) |
| Ketchikan | Salmon Fishing Charter | 4–6 hrs | Easy–Moderate | $$$$ | Yes (peak runs) |
| Icy Strait Point | ZipRider | 1–2 hrs | Moderate | $$–$$$ | Yes |
| Sitka | Sea Otter & Wildlife Cruise | 2–3 hrs | Easy | $$$ | Recommended |
| Seward | Kenai Fjords NP Cruise | 6–9 hrs | Easy | $$$ | Yes (limited departures) |
About Cost Ratings: Ratings reflect typical relative pricing across the season and may vary by date, operator, and demand.
Restrictions: Flight tours have weather/weight limits. Some Skagway Yukon trips require passports. Fishing requires an Alaska license (and king salmon stamp in season).
Booking tip: Reserve marquee tours (train, whale watch, flightseeing, Kenai fjords) 4–12 weeks ahead in June–August; keep a weather-proof backup plan.