Cruise ship passengers poolside in Glacier Bay, Alaska. (Photo by david lindahl on Unsplash)
Imagine this: you’re lounging on the deck of a luxurious cruise ship, sipping hot cocoa as a majestic glacier glides by. Suddenly, a pod of whales breaches nearby, as if they’re putting on a private show just for you. No, you’re not in a Hollywood movie; you’re on one of the best Alaskan cruises. These floating paradises offer all the charm of a small town, the adventure of a nature documentary, and the buffet line of your dreams. Forget the tropical sunburns and sandy swimsuits—it’s time to swap them for awe-inspiring landscapes, cozy parkas, and the kind of vacation selfies that make your friends question their life choices. To help curious could-be cruisers navigate this voyage, we searched 10 expert websites for the very best Alaskan cruises you can take according to popular reviews!
StudyFinds compiles lists of consensus picks featured on credible review sites. We aim to lay out top consumer research finds for you by bringing expert rankings to one place.
1. Regent Seven Seas Explorer
Regent’s highest priority is making you their top priority — even all specialty dining and all excursions are included with the cruise! U.S. News writes, “The ship makes service a top priority … Travelers were even more impressed by the all-suite accommodations, which are some of the largest offered among ocean liners. Another high point: the cuisine. As part of ‘Regent Experience,’ all specialty dining is included in the cruise fare. The best perk, according to recent passengers? All shore excursions are included.”
The Points Guy recommends this as one of the best ships for luxurious cruising around Alaska: “Regent’s 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer is an all-suite ship offering guests in Alaska multiple gourmet onboard restaurants, all-inclusive beverages, free airfare and included gratuities. Many shore excursions are complimentary. Enjoy little luxuries, like an afternoon in the thermal suite of the two-story spa-and-fitness center, or really splurge out by booking the Regent Suite, the most lavish suite you’ll find at sea.”
2. Windstar Cruises
Goldilocks would probably choose this cruise line because it’s just right. The right size, that is. According to Trip Savvy, “When it comes to experiencing the splendor of Alaska, your cruise is only as good as the direct access it offers to this region’s beauty — and Windstar Cruises delivers access like no other. Because of its dainty size, guests are treated to unique experiences, like anchoring right in Misty Fjords and Kenai Fjords, which is something you’d have to do on a shore excursion if you were on a larger ship with another cruise line.”
Afar recommends the Islands & Inlets of the Inside Passage voyage, which departs from Vancouver, Canada: “What’s appealing about this Windstar Cruises itinerary is that it’s a good mix of Alaska’s natural landscapes and coastal cityscapes. Visits to bustling port towns like Juneau and Ketchikan are balanced with days spent entirely in the wilderness of Endicott Arm and Misty fjords.”
3. Holland America
This cruise line knows how to leverage its relationships. After all, its been cruising in Alaska for a long time! “Holland America Line has nearly 75 years of Alaska expertise, on land and sea. The cruise line has established relationships with local communities and has hotels and vacation services at the entrance to Denali National Park. With this in place, it’s easy to enjoy the most unique and memorable Alaska and Yukon adventures offered by a cruise line,” Cruise Maven writes.
And Best of the Northwest says, “Holland America has been named among the best for Alaskan voyages geared for retirees. It offers round trip cruises from Seattle to Southeast Alaska, with stops in Tracy Arm, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria, British Columbia. The focus is on fine dining, a Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, shore excursions that are easily accessible, onboard activities geared toward more mature adults and exceptional service.”
4. Viking Cruises
Touring Alaska and taking guided tours are way different! According to Travel Awaits, “Viking Cruises’ guided tours draw in many travelers. One shore excursion is included in each port of call during the trip (excluding embarkation and disembarkation ports). These guided tours take you inside some of the best parts of Alaska.”
If having a travel guide to show you around sounds like your thing, Viking is a really great choice. “Viking’s focus on destinations and expanding one’s knowledge goes hand-in-hand with a cruise in Alaska, as this region is known for its pristine natural beauty and wildlife. Those that desire a relaxed, intimate experience onboard while also learning in-depth about the region they’re visiting will find a perfect fit on Viking Orion — the ship that sails there,” Cruiseline.com says.
5. Celebrity Cruises
You don’t have to be a celebrity to book with this cruise line, but there’s a good chance you might feel like one while you’re all aboard. “When looking for the best cruises to Alaska, chances are that a Celebrity itinerary will pop up. Offering a variety of voyages that last 5, 6 or 7 nights, Celebrity Cruises is a main player in the Alaska cruise market. They have dedicated no fewer than three ships to their Alaska itineraries: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Millennium. Additionally, Celebrity’s Alaska cruisetours are amazing trips that combine a 7-night cruise and a land-based tour to remote inland lodges and parks,” Cruise Travel Outlet writes.
Travelness describes the experience onboard the Eclipse, writing, “Your Alaskan adventure will start in Vancouver when you board the Celebrity Eclipse — one of Celebrity’s ships that have been gliding through the seas since 2010. Full to the brim with activities and luxurious touches, the Eclipse can accommodate 2,852 people.”
Been on an Alaska cruise? What excursions do you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!
Sources used to create this consensus list
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
