Best Alaska cruise itinerary—which option is right for you?
An Alaskan cruise is the ultimate way to experience the Last Frontier's rugged natural beauty, one-of-a-kind wildlife sightings, and serene coasts. From glacier-carved fjords to remote frontier towns, every itinerary offers unique memories to last a lifetime.
Before booking your Alaska cruise, it’s important to choose the right route for your adventure. Each itinerary includes distinct ports and excursions you won’t find anywhere else, and this guide will help you compare your options and find the best Alaska cruise itinerary 2025 for you.
Related: Choosing the right itinerary is important, but timing matters too. Learn about the best time to go on an Alaskan cruise to get the best weather, wildlife sightings, and cruise deals.
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What is the best Alaska cruise itinerary?
Compare Alaska cruise itineraries:
What Is the best Alaska cruise itinerary?
The Inside Passage is the best Alaska cruise itinerary 2025 for first-time travelers, offering calm waters, breathtaking fjords, and iconic ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan on a roundtrip route from Seattle or Vancouver. For those looking to venture deeper, top Alaska cruises add Hubbard Glacier and Denali access in Cross-Gulf sailings, while extended West Coast sailings provide even more time to explore remote destinations.
Keep reading to find which itinerary is right for your Alaskan cruise.
Related: Discover the best cruise lines to Alaska to find the right fit for your journey.
1. Inside Passage cruises
Best for: First-time Alaska cruisers and families looking for a convenient roundtrip itinerary
Destinations: Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm Fjord, and possibly Victoria, BC
If you’re looking for calm waters and breathtaking scenery, Inside Passage is the best Alaskan cruise route as an introduction to the region. The numerous glacier-carved fjords, lush coastal forests, and remote islands will provide a diverse and romantic backdrop for your journey.
Related: Looking for a romantic getaway? Check out our guide to the best Alaska cruises for couples.
The Inside Passage is also widely regarded as the best Alaska cruise itinerary for families, thanks to its calm waters, kid-friendly excursions, and convenient roundtrip sailings.
Inside Passage cruises typically depart from Seattle or Vancouver and range between 4-night and 7-night sailings. Most of these cruises are "closed loop" (roundtrip) sailings, meaning you’ll return to the same port where you started.
Along the way, you’ll find a variety of one-of-a-kind adventures at some of the best Alaska cruise stops, including Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.
Find the best Inside Passage Alaska cruises:
Juneau
As Alaska's capital city, Juneau is one of the state's most popular cruise ports. Tucked between towering mountains and the Gastineau Channel, this remote yet vibrant city is accessible only by air or sea, adding to its charm. Juneau boasts a multitude of activities for cruisers to enjoy, from exploring its historic downtown, to experiencing fresh Alaskan seafood, or nearby walks along one of Alaska’s longest glaciers.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter excursion, offered by Royal Caribbean, is a must. This thrilling adventure starts with a scenic helicopter flight over snow-covered peaks and deep glacial crevasses, leading to a remote dog sledding camp atop the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. There, a team of energetic huskies awaits to whisk you across the ice for an exhilarating ride, making it one of Alaska’s most iconic excursions.
Related: Browse our list of the best Alaska cruise excursions to plan your perfect adventure.
For a more relaxed but equally breathtaking experience, the Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest from Holland America Line takes you to Auke Bay, where you’ll board a water-jet-powered catamaran for a scenic wildlife cruise. With expert naturalists onboard, you’ll have the chance to see humpback whales breaching, orcas gliding through the water, and Steller sea lions basking on rocky outcrops.
Skagway
Just north of Juneau is the port city of Skagway, another key Alaska cruise stop on Inside Passage cruises. Once a booming Gold Rush town, Skagway still carries the spirit of the Klondike era, with wooden boardwalks, historic saloons, and well-preserved buildings that transport visitors back in time. Beyond its rich history, Skagway is also an Alaskan paradise destination for nature lovers and photographers, boasting towering waterfalls, glacial rivers, and dazzling alpine lakes framed by dramatic mountain landscapes.
For those seeking family-friendly thrills, Skagway is one of the best Alaska cruise stops for families, with its Grizzly Falls Ziplining Adventure Expedition. Available through Disney Cruise Line, this high-flying adventure takes guests of all ages through the dense forest canopy, where they’ll navigate suspension bridges, exhilarating zip lines, and more obstacles that offer breathtaking views of Alaska’s rugged terrain.
History buffs and scenic explorers will love the White Pass Railway, Klondike Gold Fields & Panning excursion from Norwegian Cruise Line. This historic narrow-gauge train ride follows the same path prospectors took during the Klondike Gold Rush, winding through steep mountain passes and deep gorges to reach the breathtaking White Pass Summit. The journey continues with a hands-on gold panning experience at Alaska 360, where visitors can try their luck at striking gold.
Whether you’re after adventure, history, or unique landscapes, Skagway offers an memorable blend of the past and present that makes it a must-visit on any scenic Alaska cruise itinerary.
Ketchikan
Just south of Juneau and Skagway, Ketchikan is a vibrant cultural hub with a deep Native Alaskan heritage. Often referred to as the "First City of Alaska" due to its location at the southern entrance of the Inside Passage, Ketchikan is home to the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. Ketchikan's rich Tlingit history, colorful waterfront, and lush rainforest surroundings make it a must-visit Alaska cruise destination for travelers looking to immerse in Alaska’s indigenous traditions.
For those interested in authentic cultural experiences, the Potlatch Totem Park & Ketchikan History excursion with Viking Ocean Cruises offers a fascinating look into the art of totem pole carving. Visitors can explore a recreated 19th-century Tlingit village set on historic fishing grounds, where they’ll learn about the symbolism and stories behind these towering works of art.
Beyond its cultural significance, Ketchikan also delivers high-energy experiences like the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, available through Royal Caribbean International. This action-packed event showcases world-class timber athletes competing in twelve thrilling, high-stakes events, including tree climbing, axe throwing, and log rolling.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in North America, so be sure to pack the right gear. See our guide to the best rain jacket for Alaska cruises to stay dry and comfortable.
2. Cross Gulf of Alaska
Best for: Cruisers wanting to add a land tour to Denali or the Arctic Circle
Destinations: Inside Passage stops, plus Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord, and Whitter or Seward (Anchorage gateway)
A Gulf of Alaska cruise is typically longer than a standard inside passage itinerary, offering additional unique stops at ports along Alaska's southern coast. These cruises are open-loop, meaning they only sail one way and do not drop you off at the port you started from.
You can choose between a northbound or southbound cruise, both of which feature similar ports of call—the only difference is where you start and end. These are usually around 7-night Alaska cruise itineraries, departing from Vancouver or Seattle for northbound journeys, and Anchorage (Whittier or Seward) for southbound sailings.
The key ports of call on this itinerary combine favorite Inside Passage ports (Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway) with breathtaking Gulf of Alaska highlights, such as Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and Seward or Whittier.
Browse open-loop Gulf of Alaska cruises:
Anchorage (Whittier & Seward)
Most Gulf of Alaska cruises begin or end in Seward or Whittier, the primary gateways to Anchorage and the Alaska interior. These small port towns offer breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, and access to destinations like Denali National Park and Fairbanks.
Seward is best known for Kenai Fjords National Park, where visitors can explore towering glaciers, abundant marine wildlife, and rugged fjords through activities like kayaking, hiking, or wildlife cruises. Whittier, a charming fishing village nestled between mountains and the sea, offers scenic train rides to Anchorage, glacier tours, and wildlife spotting excursions.
Although cruise ships don’t dock directly in Anchorage, the city is Alaska’s largest urban hub and a popular pre- or post-cruise destination. Located about 1.5 to 2.5 hours from Seward or Whittier, Anchorage boasts stunning national parks, vibrant cultural sites, and excellent wildlife viewing. The city's location—surrounded by mountains, forests, and waterways—makes it ideal for outdoor adventures, northern lights viewing, and access to remote Alaskan landscapes.
Related: Find out the best time to take an Alaska cruise for northern lights to maximize your chances of catching its wonder.
For those eager to explore Anchorage’s natural beauty, the Chugach National Forest excursion—offered by Holland America Line—provides options like hiking, kayaking, or salmon fishing in one of the state’s most diverse ecosystems. Another must-visit attraction is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center with Princess Cruises, a sanctuary dedicated to protecting native wildlife, where visitors can observe moose, elk, caribou, and bears in a natural setting.
Whether you're setting out on an Alaskan adventure or wrapping up your cruise, Anchorage and its gateway ports are some of the best Alaska cruise stops offering a memorable blend of wilderness, wildlife, and cultural exploration.
Hubbard Glacier & College Fjord
Cruise lines that visit Hubbard Glacier: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Viking Ocean, Regent Seven Seas
Cruise lines that visit College Fjord: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises (primarily on northbound and southbound Gulf of Alaska itineraries)
A highlight of Gulf of Alaska cruises, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord feature some of the most scenic Alaska cruise routes in the world. These massive, icy landscapes provide an unforgettable experience as towering blue ice walls stretch for miles, with frequent calving events sending thunderous chunks of ice crashing into the sea.
Hubbard Glacier, often referred to as “the Galloping Glacier”, is the largest tidewater glacier in North America, spanning an incredible 76 miles from source to sea. Unlike many other glaciers that are retreating, Hubbard is actually advancing, making it one of the few glaciers in the world that continues to grow.
As your cruise ship approaches Hubbard Glacier, you'll be struck by the sheer scale of this ice giant, with its face towering up to 400 feet above the waterline. The deep blue hues of the glacier contrast beautifully with the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating a breathtaking panorama. One of the most exciting moments is witnessing calving, when massive chunks of ice break off and plunge into the sea with a thunderous roar, creating waves that ripple across the bay.
Nestled in Prince William Sound, College Fjord offers a unique glacier experience featuring over a dozen tidewater and valley glaciers, all named after Ivy League universities. This fjord was first explored in 1899 by the Harriman Expedition, whose members included professors from Harvard, Yale, and other prestigious institutions—hence the scholarly names like Harvard Glacier, Yale Glacier, and Dartmouth Glacier.
The main attraction is Harvard Glacier, the largest in the fjord, spanning more than a mile across at its face. Unlike Hubbard Glacier, which is known for dramatic calving, College Fjord is prized for its serene, picture-perfect setting, where glaciers cascade down from the mountains, reflecting in the glassy waters. Wildlife is also abundant—sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles, and even humpback whales are often spotted in the fjord.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: From sea otters in College Fjord to humpback whales at Hubbard Glacier, Alaska is a haven for wildlife lovers. Make sure to bring the best binoculars for an Alaska cruise to get the best views.
Icy Strait Point
Although technically part of the Inside Passage, Icy Strait Point is a frequent stop on Gulf of Alaska itineraries due to its prime location along one of Alaska’s main channels.
Unlike many other cruise ports, Icy Strait Point is privately owned by the native Huna Tlingit people, offering a deeply immersive cultural and wilderness experience. The port is designed specifically for cruise travelers, with authentic cultural attractions, unparalleled wildlife encounters, and adventure excursions that highlight Alaska’s untamed beauty.
One of the most thrilling activities here is the Scenic Mountain Ascent & World’s Largest ZipRider, an excursion available through Celebrity Cruises. It begins with a scenic gondola ride to a panoramic mountaintop viewpoint, followed by a pulse-racing descent down the longest and highest zip line in the world—measuring 5,330 feet in length and dropping 1,300 feet at speeds of up to 60 mph.
If you prefer a slower pace, the Whale & Marine Mammals cruise offered by Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers a chance to spot massive humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and porpoises in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait. A resident naturalist provides insightful commentary as you take in the unforgettable sights and sounds of Alaska’s marine life.
Beyond adventure and wildlife, Alaska cruise guests can also explore authentic Tlingit heritage, sample fresh-caught seafood, or take a leisurely walk along the scenic coastline.
3. Longer sailings from the West Coast
Best for: Guests who want more time to explore Alaska, often paired with Canada stops
Destinations: Inside Passage and Gulf of Alaska stops, plus extra ports like Icy Strait Point or Prince Rupert
Alaska offers so much to explore that many travelers prefer a longer, more immersive cruise experience. If you're looking to delve deeper into Alaska's landscapes, culture, and wildlife, a longer sailing from the West Coast is an excellent choice.
These extended cruises, typically 10 to 14 days, depart from San Francisco, San Diego, or Vancouver and combine elements of Inside Passage and Gulf of Alaska itineraries.
The added duration allows for more time in port, offering opportunities to venture further inland, explore multiple nearby cities, and experience more diverse landscapes than shorter sailings. Longer sailings also tend to include more Alaska ports, making them among the most scenic and comprehensive Alaska cruise itinerary.
Browse extended Alaska cruises:
Sitka
Situated on the outer coast of Alaska’s Inside Passage, Sitka is a popular stop on many cross-Gulf of Alaska itineraries. Known for its rich biodiversity, rugged coastline, and Russian heritage, Sitka offers an authentic Alaskan experience with incredible wildlife, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and a deep connection to nature. The town is also less crowded than other Inside Passage ports, making it a great destination for travelers looking for a more tranquil escape.
For adventure cruisers, the Volcano Coast Exploration by Ocean Raft—offered by Carnival Cruise Line—is a must-try Sitka shore excursion. This high-speed ocean rafting tour takes you along the rugged volcanic coastline of Kruzof Island, where you’ll see sea otters, whales, and even rare volcanic sea caves in their natural habitat.
If you’d rather opt for something more peaceful and enriching, consider the Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure by Seabourn Cruise Line. Take a tranquil paddle through Sitka's pristine waterways, as an expert naturalist guides you across reefs, kelp forests, and coastal rainforests. Wildlife sightings are also common on this excursion, with an opportunity to spot sea lions, bald eagles, and even whales.
Adventure to Alaska
Sailing on an Alaskan cruise is the adventure of a lifetime. From the flowing waterfalls of Skagway to the majestic humpback whales at Icy Strait Point, each of the Alaska cruise itineraries offers its own excitement to behold. If Alaska’s icy landscapes inspire you, check out our picks for the top winter wonderland cruises to plan your next cold-weather adventure.
Now that you know which itinerary is right for you, book your Alaskan cruise with Cruisebound and save today. Our platform makes it easy to find great cruise deals, so you can spend more time enjoying your Alaskan escapade.
FAQs:
Q: What is the best itinerary for Alaska cruises?
A: The best Alaskan cruise itinerary is Inside Passage is best for first-time cruisers, Cross Gulf of Alaska for glacier viewing and Denali access, and extended West Coast sailings for longer exploration.
Q: What type of cruise route is referred to as the "cross gulf" in Alaska?
A: A Cross-Gulf of Alaska cruise route is a one-way route between Vancouver or Seattle and Anchorage (via Seward or Whittier). It extends beyond the Inside Passage, featuring Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord and offering access to Denali National Park through land tours.
Q: What is the best Alaskan cruise line?
A: The best cruise lines Alaska has to offer include Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, Viking, Regent, Seabourn, and Carnival.
Q: What is the best route for Alaska cruise?
A: The best Alaska cruise routes include the Inside Passage for scenic fjords and wildlife, the Gulf of Alaska for glaciers and Denali Park access, and West Coast sailings for extended exploration.
