8 Best Alaska Cruises, According To Travel Experts

Alaska cruises offer breathtaking views of glaciers, wildlife, and rugged coastlines you can’t experience anywhere else. Whether you’re hoping to spot whales from your balcony or explore charming coastal towns, choosing the right cruise makes all the difference.

I’ve gathered insights from seasoned travel experts to help you find the perfect Alaska cruise for your bucket-list adventure.

1. Princess Cruises’ Voyage of the Glaciers

Travelers consistently rank this seven-day adventure between Vancouver and Whittier as the gold standard for glacier viewing. I was amazed by the up-close encounters with massive ice formations in Glacier Bay National Park. Princess offers an authentic Alaskan experience with fresh salmon and crab feasts on board.

Their naturalists provide fascinating commentary about the wildlife you’ll spot from the ship. What makes this cruise exceptional is the perfect balance of scenic cruising and port time in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.

2. Holland America’s Inside Passage Explorer

Mid-sized ships give Holland America a distinct advantage in Alaska’s narrow waterways. Their vessels can navigate closer to glaciers and wildlife than larger ships.

Did you know Holland America has been sailing Alaskan waters for over 70 years? This experience shows in their thoughtfully planned itineraries and onboard experts who share fascinating local knowledge.

You’ll appreciate the elegant but unpretentious atmosphere aboard their ships, with plenty of viewing areas to enjoy the scenery and excellent dining featuring sustainable Alaskan seafood.

3. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Bliss Alaska Journey

Imagine racing around a go-kart track while surrounded by snow-capped mountains! Norwegian Bliss was specifically designed for Alaska cruising, combining outdoor observation areas with entertainment options for days when weather turns chilly. Families love this ship for its balance of adventure and relaxation.

Kids can enjoy the waterslides while parents unwind in the observation lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows. The freestyle dining concept works perfectly for Alaska cruising, allowing you to eat when you want rather than missing wildlife sightings for scheduled dinner times.

4. UnCruise Adventures’ Wilderness Explorer

If crowded ports and formal dinners aren’t your style, UnCruise offers an entirely different Alaskan experience. Their small ships (carrying just 22-90 passengers) can access remote coves and inlets that larger vessels simply cannot reach.

Every day brings a new adventure – kayaking alongside harbor seals, hiking through pristine rainforests, or watching bears fish for salmon from a safe distance. The casual, intimate atmosphere means you’ll form genuine connections with fellow travelers and crew.

Meals feature fresh, locally-sourced ingredients prepared with care by talented chefs.

5. Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas Northern Route

Adventure seekers gravitate to Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships for their perfect blend of Alaskan exploration and onboard thrills. Where else can you try skydiving simulation, bumper cars, and trapeze classes between glacier viewings?

The North Star observation pod deserves special mention – it extends 300 feet above sea level, offering spectacular panoramic views of Alaska’s landscapes that you simply can’t get elsewhere. Families particularly appreciate the versatility of activities available regardless of weather.

Evening entertainment rivals Broadway productions, keeping the excitement going long after port days end.

6. Silversea’s Luxury Alaska Expedition

Luxury and wilderness exploration blend seamlessly aboard Silversea’s intimate ships. Your suite comes with butler service, yet the focus remains firmly on Alaska’s natural wonders through expert-led expeditions.

The all-inclusive nature of Silversea means you won’t think twice about joining every excursion or ordering champagne while watching humpback whales breach beside the ship. Their expedition team includes marine biologists and naturalists who bring Alaska’s ecosystems to life through informative presentations.

With fewer than 300 passengers, you’ll never wait in lines or feel crowded at prime wildlife viewing spots.

7. Windstar’s Alaskan Splendors Small Ship Experience

Sailing on Windstar feels more like being on a private yacht than a cruise ship. Their vessels carry just 148-342 guests, creating an intimate atmosphere where crew members learn your preferences by the second day.

The water sports platform at the ship’s stern opens directly to the sea when conditions permit – imagine paddleboarding among icebergs or swimming in a secluded Alaskan cove! Windstar’s chefs incorporate local ingredients from port visits, including just-caught seafood.

Without crowds to manage, the captain can alter course for whale sightings or extend time in particularly scenic areas.

8. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Partnership

For photography enthusiasts and true nature lovers, nothing compares to Lindblad’s Alaska expeditions. Their partnership with National Geographic means professional photographers and scientists accompany every voyage, offering workshops and insights you won’t find elsewhere.

Their fleet includes specially designed expedition ships with tools for exploration – hydrophones to hear whale songs, ROVs to see underwater life, and a fleet of zodiacs for close-up glacier viewing. The emphasis here is education alongside adventure.

Evening recaps where experts discuss the day’s discoveries create a sense of participating in something meaningful rather than just sightseeing.