Photos courtesy of Getty Images, unless noted

Like many other crowd-drawing industries, cruises sunk to a low point in 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak as many potential passengers sought the safety of solitude instead.

But in the past five years, life has largely returned to normal, with it coming a renewed desire to live in the present, appreciate nature, and see the world. It should be no surprise, then, that people are hitting the open seas again, especially to Alaska—in fact, such cruises are experiencing record numbers, with over 1.68 million sailing these waters in 2024 alone.

Why Alaska?

It may seem like an obvious question to ask: Alaska has a reputation for being cold, after all, making the sun-drenched Caribbean sound like a tempting alternative. But, simply put, such an excursion is about as unique an experience as you can get. Whether it’s encountering massive glaciers, witnessing rarely seen wildlife, or touring expansive national parks, there’s so much adventure to be had up north. With summer being peak season for cruising these parts, discover what makes sailing off to the forty-ninth state a once-in-a-lifetime event.

What to see and do

As with any other cruise, these ones offer everything from basic amenities to enticing activities, such as live entertainment, water parks, and spa treatments. But it’s their breathtaking views that truly set them apart.

Wildlife
Considering the locale, it’s only natural that wildlife is abundant here. For example, tourists love catching glimpses of whales, the most frequently sighted being humpbacks, orcas, and gray whales. Other reasons to keep your binoculars handy include seals, sea lions, birds like puffins, and various bears, especially if you have the chance to trek the land.

Glaciers
You simply cannot take this journey without allowing yourself to be awestruck by these natural wonders (and any accompanying icebergs). Two popular sights often found on cruise itineraries are the mammoth Hubbard Glacier, which boasts a six-mile-wide face, and Glacier Bay, a three-million-acre national park with over 1,000 glaciers.

National parks
Speaking of, Alaska is home to several such parks, the most notable being the aforementioned Glacier Bay and Denali National Park and Preserve. Many ships take you right into the former for a day, though for the best experience, try to book one with a ranger-led tour. In contrast, you must depart your ship to see the majesty of Denali, which features the namesake mountain—the tallest in all of North America at over 20,000 feet.

Flightseeing
If you’re truly daring, give flightseeing a shot. As the name indicates, the activity involves sightseeing the rugged wilderness from above via helicopter or plane; options offered as part of certain cruise lines’ land outings even include witnessing Denali’s peak from such heights.

Culture
Don’t forget to take in some civilization by visiting popular cities like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Just as excursion worthy are smaller places that serve as ports of call, such as Sitka and the more intimate Wrangell. You may also have the opportunity to interact with native cultures.

Now that you have an overview of the many pluses of Alaskan cruises, you might be eager to book your vacation. But take note that like most true expeditions, you’ll need to look ahead—you may very well be planning now for next year. Here are just a few key considerations when doing so.

Cost
Your final tab will primarily depend on your liner and accommodations as well as when and where you go and for how long. As a starting point, weeklong voyages can range from around $2,500 to $5,500 per person on average. In addition, don’t assume that everything is included; for instance, airfare is often a separate cost.

Cruise line
There are dozens of cruise lines to choose from, so narrow down your options based on what your priorities are. Carnival lives up to its partyesque name and Disney is like an amusement park at sea, but both are uberpopular and usually super crowded. Others, such as Holland America and Oceania, have smaller passenger counts and thus a more intimate vibe.

Cabin type
This choice will be contingent on your preferences and budget. Interior cabins without views will be cheaper, but you’ll have to walk up to a packed deck to see the sights. Conversely, balcony staterooms are pricier but provide your own personal view of the scenery.

Type of voyage
You can do a one-way or round-trip journey, and each generally lasts seven or fourteen days. The typical route is between Vancouver or Seattle and Anchorage, though some cruises go as far down as San Francisco or even San Diego. You’ll also need to decide if you want to travel through the calmer Inside Passage or cross the Gulf of Alaska and its choppier waters. Furthermore, consider offshore options, known in the industry as cruise tours, that include land-based adventures.

Timing
Peak season runs from early May through late September/early October, with warmer summer months being the most popular. Prices are often cheaper and more cabins are available at the beginning or end of this time frame, but it’s also colder, wildlife may be scarcer, and offshore itinerary pickings are slimmer since many places are closed.

Temperatures
The area is renowned for its chill, seeing an average high temperature of 28 degrees. However, the state does warm up during summertime; typical coastal highs are in the 60s and can even reach the 80s. Plus, there’s more daylight for exploring.

What to pack
The best general advice is twofold: overpack instead of underpack, and be prepared for any weather condition—sun, snow, rain, or wind—by bringing layers and multiple pairs of shoes. And don’t forget binoculars and, if need be, seasickness pills.

This guide is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Alaskan cruises. To minimize hitches in your plans, put in ample research while giving yourself a deadline for booking since slots tend to fill up fast. For the most seamless process, contact a travel agent, who can walk you through your choices and help you select the best itinerary for the trip of a lifetime.

For more info, visit alaskatravel.com/find/cruises