Want to experience Alaska in a way that makes navigating the largest state in the U.S. easy and efficient? More than twice the size of Texas and with more coastline than all other U.S. states combined, there’s a lot of ground to cover in the Last Frontier. You can do just that and more by taking a cruise.
Imagine taking in Alaska’s untamed wilderness, snow-capped mountaintops, immense glaciers and abundant wildlife from your very own balcony—or better yet, a glass-enclosed observation capsule that reaches 300 feet above the ocean. From land to sea, a Royal Caribbean cruise has adventures in store for every traveler—and they’re all conveniently at your fingertips. Think shore excursions to explore every destination and a variety of restaurants and bars, entertainment, nightlife and thrills, like a skydiving simulator and bumper cars.
Here are five reasons why a cruise to Alaska is a one-of-a-kind way to see the 49th state:
Get panoramic views of Alaska’s natural beauty from North Star, an all-glass observation capsule that goes up to 300 feet above sea level.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
1. It’s the Best of Land and Sea
With Alaska’s broad terrain, solely exploring the state by sea would leave several natural wonders undiscovered. You can dive into both land and sea on a cruise: In between sailing the Inside Passage and nearby fjords and more, you’ll have the chance to see the state’s highest mountains, land animals known as the “Big Five” (grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolf and Dall sheep) and immense interior landscapes on one of many shore excursions. These include a variety of experiences, from zip lining through the rainforest (yes, really) and dog sledding to glacier walks and different wildlife expeditions.
Pro tip: Go whale watching in Juneau for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s one of the many GTSC-certified shore excursions offered by Royal Caribbean, which are sustainably operated adventures.
Cruising the far-flung waters of Alaska offers unparalleled sights to behold, like Tracy Arm fjord and the Hubbard and Mendenhall glaciers.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
2. It’s Efficient
Much of the Last Frontier is sweeping, untouched tracts of wilderness, rugged mountains, glaciers and wide waterways. If you were to map out your own itinerary, it would likely require a great deal of planning and involve planes, trains, cars and a ferry or two. Cruising, by contrast, is the most efficient way to immerse yourself in Alaska and maximize every minute of your vacation.
Pro tip: Spend even more time in Alaska by adding a Cruisetour before or after your sailing. These packages include guided, land-based adventures, from a visit to the historic gold-mining town of Talkeetna to a trek into Denali National Park or a trip on the Alyeska aerial tram for one of Alaska’s most expansive views.
Whale watching in Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
3. It Offers Breathtaking Views from All Angles
Natural wonders exist all over Alaska, so you’ll have Instagram-worthy views every single day—especially from on board one of four Royal Caribbean ships. Enjoy Alaska’s incredible vistas, from massive glaciers to winding fjords, as you hang ten on the FlowRider surf simulator or float inside a wind tunnel on RipCord by iFly, a skydiving simulator, on both Ovation and Quantum of the Seas. Or, take it all in through acres of floor-to-ceiling windows or from the top of the rock climbing wall on Radiance and Serenade of the Seas.
Pro tip: For sky-high panoramic views, go on North Star. Only on Royal Caribbean, it’s an all-glass observation capsule atop Quantum and Ovation of the Seas that will take you as high as 300 feet above sea level.
4. It’s a Great Value
Cruising is not only easy—it’s a great value. Royal Caribbean has amazing deals on Alaska cruises and for all types of accommodations. Plus, the variety of thrills and activities on board make it the ideal vacation for everyone in the family. The best part? Many of these experiences and amenities are included, from the rock climbing wall to roller skating, to jaw-dropping entertainment and more.
Take in the awe-inspiring views from a helicopter before hiking the glaciers in Skagway, Alaska.
Credit: iStock
5. It’s Convenient
There are few things better than waking up in a different destination nearly every day, especially in Alaska. On a cruise, whether you’re visiting Juneau, Skagway, Sitka or Ketchikan, you’ll always have a home base to come back to and crew members who are at the ready to make your day memorable. Did we mention you only have to unpack once?
Pro tip: Royal Caribbean experts say the weather in Alaska can change quickly and often. They recommend wearing thin layers, so you can easily add or remove pieces of clothing when the temperature fluctuates. Even better, this takes up less room in your suitcase.
Take your pick of Alaska cruises on board Ovation, Quantum, Radiance and Brilliance of the Seas to spot incredible wildlife, ogle majestic glaciers, explore charming fishing towns and more. Whether from Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; or Seward, Alaska, you also have several cities to choose from when it comes to where to start and end your vacation in the Land of the Midnight Sun—whichever is most convenient.
Ready to venture into Alaska’s natural beauty, both by land and sea? Check out all of the Royal Caribbean cruises to the Last Frontier here.
