How to Choose the Best Alaska Cruise Route

The Ruby Princess in Tracy Arm Fjord.

How to Choose the Best Alaska Cruise Routes

From the natural wonders of Glacier Bay National Park to the historic charm of each port, our best Alaska cruises have a lot to offer. Every turn awards unparalleled views of Alaska’s monumental glaciers, majestic wildlife and picturesque scenery. That’s why we carefully crafted our Inside Passage roundtrip and one-way cruise itineraries so you can experience just that. Roundtrip voyages include one glacier viewing with four ports of call. One-way itineraries offer two glacier viewings and three ports of call. With more balconies than any other Alaska cruise line, all of our ships allow you to relish in the beauty of the great land from almost anywhere on board. Between exclusive shore excursions and plentiful onboard activities, your time spent cruising Alaska will be nothing short of memorable. Here are our best Alaska cruise routes.

7-Day Roundtrip Alaska Cruise from Seattle

As you wave goodbye to the modern city of Seattle, settle into the timeless comforts of a Princess ship on a 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise. The first day of your journey begins at sea where you can explore all that Princess has to offer with the award-winning North to Alaska program. Taste specialty dishes from Alaska's iconic local eateries or immerse yourself in Gold Rush history when you visit the Princess Prospector. Regardless of your preferences, there are endless ways to enjoy your time on board. After a full day sailing the open waters, set out on one of many Alaska shore excursions. Soar over the ice-capped mountains in Juneau or admire the natural beauty of the Misty Fjords National Monument in Ketchikan. Cloaked in sheer granite cliffs, vast waterfalls and reflective lakes, you’ll leave feeling inspired and ready to continue your exploration. Your journey doesn’t end there. Depending on your itinerary, you’ll come face-to-face with one of Alaska’s most beloved jewels – Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. There, delight in Mother Nature’s most breathtaking compositions from your stateroom balcony or virtually anywhere on board. Before you know it, you’ll strike gold as you cruise into Skagway. Cozy up to the newest generation of sled dogs and learn how they are trained. Visit historical sites like the Red Onion Saloon or embark on a 41-mile train ride aboard the “Scenic Railway of the World.”

10-Day Roundtrip Alaska Cruise from San Francisco

Our 10-day Alaska cruise route will have you trading in the rolling hills of San Francisco for majestic mountains along the Inside Passage. Spend the first two days diving into Alaskan culture long before you arrive at the first port. Sit front row at an authentic axe-throwing competition hosted by Alaskan lumberjacks or experience the thrill of the gold rush with an authentic Klondike Festival full of animated dancers and live guitar performances. You might even feel like a true local by the time you arrive at your first destination. After a full day in the city of Juneau, you’ll head one of two directions. One itinerary will sail you to Glacier Bay National Park. As one of the only cruise lines with access to Glacier Bay, enjoy untouched waters and snow-capped mountains from the comfort of your ship. The alternate cruise itinerary will take you past Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier and make an additional stop in Haines. From there, be whisked away into Victoria B.C. With fantasy-like gardens and storybook homes, you’ll experience first-hand the old-school charm of this historic port. Wrap up your adventure by stopping in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan for the best Alaska cruise experience.

14-Day Roundtrip Alaska Cruise from Los Angeles

Take your Alaska adventure to new heights with our 14-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Los Angeles. Escape the pandemonium of the city and cruise into the welcoming waters of the Pacific. Ease into the week with three relaxing days at sea. Take a dip in freshwater pools, enjoy a unique cinematic experience with Movies Under the Stars® or sip specially crafted cocktails as you sail into Ketchikan. Upon arriving, witness traditional axe-throwing sports at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show or visit Totem Bight State Park to see traditional, hand-carved totem poles. On your way to Juneau, stop at Icy Strait Point and get up close and personal with killer whales, sea lions and brown grizzly bears. Or, test your inner thrill-seeker and soar down a 5,330-foot-long descent on the world’s highest ZipRider cable – which sits 1,300 feet above sea level. Then, voyage past Hubbard Glacier as you travel to Skagway and Sitka. Between your final days at sea, stop by Victoria B.C. for an enchanting end to your trip. No matter where you choose to explore, your 14 days aboard an Alaska cruise will be filled with endless discovery and a newfound sense of wonder.

7-Day One-Way Alaska Cruise

Among the best Alaska cruises is our top-rated 7-day, one-way Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary. Every journey features two glacier-viewing experiences, which can include Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. Compared to our roundtrip itineraries, our Voyage of the Glaciers cruises sail 500 miles farther north across the Gulf of Alaska into Prince William Sound. In addition to Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway or Icy Strait Point, you will begin or end your journey in Whittier. There, you’ll have extra time to soak up expansive views of rich greenery and striking mountains. Or, discover authentic Native Alaskan culture as you stroll through this four-time All-American City.

There’s a reason why we’re a 15-time winner of “Best Cruise Line in Alaska” by Travel Weekly. With so many opportunities to choose from, any of our Alaska cruises will ignite your love of adventure and leave you coming back for more. View Alaska cruises.

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