Alaska Cruises
Calving glaciers, breaching whales and towering fjords. An Alaska cruise is a bucket-list voyage — and a specialist gets you the right ship, side and season.
Alaska is one of cruising’s great experiences: glacier-carved fjords, abundant wildlife and gold-rush towns, best seen from the water. From Inside Passage round-trips out of Seattle or Vancouver to one-way Gulf of Alaska sailings paired with a land “cruisetour” to Denali, a specialist plans the ideal route, cabin (and which side of the ship) and timing.
Why Cruise Alaska?
Glaciers up close
Sail into Glacier Bay and Hubbard for calving ice and blue fjords.
Wildlife everywhere
Whales, bears, eagles and sea lions from deck and shore.
Cruisetour add-ons
Extend to Denali and the interior by rail and lodge.
Right ship, right side
We book the cabin and glacier-facing side that matters.
Alaska Cruise Routes
Inside Passage
Round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver — Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan.
Gulf of Alaska
One-way between Vancouver and Anchorage (Whittier/Seward).
Glacier viewing
Glacier Bay, Hubbard and Tracy Arm.
Land + sea cruisetours
Add Denali, Fairbanks and the Yukon.
Alaska Cruise Highlights
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Whale watching in Icy Strait & Juneau
- The White Pass railway from Skagway
- Denali & the interior (cruisetour)
- Small-ship & expedition options
Ready to cruise Alaska?
Tell us your dates, route and whether you want a Denali add-on and we’ll plan it. Get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from a cruise specialist.
Get up to 5 Alaska cruise quotes!Why Smart Traveler?
Smart Traveler is a service of the travel division of Best of the USA, Inc. Entrust your trip to seasoned professionals specializing in cruises, tours, vacation packages, all-inclusive resorts and international airfares. With over 50,000 travel advisors in our growing database, we’re sure to have the experts right for your travel needs!
50+ years of expertise
Five decades fine-tuning the art of travel — every journey a masterpiece.
Online pioneers since 1995
Tradition blended with technology — book your dream trip with a click.
Exclusive proprietary rates
Insider access to rates and partnerships unavailable to the average traveler.
Alaska Cruises — Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to cruise Alaska?
The season runs May–September. Early season is drier with snowy peaks; July–August is warmest with peak wildlife; September brings the northern lights and lower fares.
Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska?
Inside Passage round-trips are easiest logistically; one-way Gulf sailings reach more glaciers and pair perfectly with a Denali land tour.
Which side of the ship is best?
It depends on the itinerary and direction — a specialist books the side and cabin with the best glacier and scenery views.
How do I get an Alaska cruise quote?
Request up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from a cruise specialist and compare ships, routes and cruisetours.