Famous Alaska Landmarks To Visit On A Cruise

1. National Parks And Preserves

Cruises through Alaska bring guests close to some of the most remarkable protected areas in the country and one of the biggest highlights is Glacier Bay National, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ships enter the bay to view enormous tidewater glaciers that calve directly into the ocean — a sight not seen anywhere else in the U.S.

South along the coast, Kenai Fjords National Park showcases rugged cliffs, deep inlets and the Harding Icefield, which feeds dozens of glaciers that reach the water. Passengers can often spot sea otters, puffins and humpback whales from the decks.

Some Royal Caribbean guests combine their cruise with a land tour to Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest mountain at 20,310 feet. The park’s tundra valleys and river plains make it one of the best areas for viewing bears, moose and caribou.

2. Scenic And Natural Wonders Of Alaska

Few destinations rival Alaska’s natural scenery, and several of Alaska’s famous landmarks stand out as must-see highlights. Start with Hubbard Glacier, the state’s largest tidewater glacier, which stretches roughly 70 miles long. Ships spend time here so guests can watch massive pieces of ice breaking away and splashing into the bay.

Another favorite is Tracy Arm Fjord, near Juneau, a narrow waterway surrounded by 3,000-foot granite walls and cascading waterfalls. The twin Sawyer Glaciers sit at the end of the fjord and wildlife such as seals and bald eagles are commonly spotted along the way.

Just outside Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaska’s most accessible natural landmarks. Shore excursions take travelers to the visitor center and nearby trails that lead to the glacier’s viewpoints and Nugget Falls.

3. Historic And Cultural Landmarks

Alaska’s history is closely tied to the Gold Rush and its Indigenous heritage, both visible in ports visited on cruise itineraries. Skagway’s Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park preserves the town’s 1898 character with wooden buildings, restored saloons and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway that climbs through the same mountain passes miners once crossed.

In Sitka, Sitka National Historical Park highlights the meeting of Tlingit and Russian cultures. Walking trails lined with totem poles depict stories passed down for generations and ranger talks explain their meanings.

Ketchikan offers one of the largest collections of totem poles in Alaska at Totem Bight State Park. The park also features a replica clan house that illustrates how Native Alaskans lived in the region’s coastal environment. Creek Street, Ketchikan’s colorful boardwalk built on stilts above the water, adds another layer of history as visitors explore its shops and galleries.

4. Coastal Towns And Ports Of Call

Each port has its own distinct landmarks and personality and is  home to some of Alaska’s major attractions. Juneau, the state capital, for example, sits between the Gastineau Channel and towering mountains. From the port, guests can take a tramway up Mount Roberts for city and glacier views, join whale-watching tours in Auke Bay or head out to Mendenhall Glacier.

Ketchikan, also known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” is renowned for its totem poles at Saxman Village, Creek Street’s historic shops and nearby Misty Fjords excursions by floatplane or boat.

Passengers will feel like they are stepping back in time in Skagway, with its compact downtown of frontier-style buildings. The charming town provides easy access to scenic rail routes and excursions here often combine history and scenery — from visiting the old gold rush trail to taking a ride on the mountain railway.

5. Hidden Gems

Some Alaska landmarks remain less visited but are equally impressive. Misty Fjords National Monument, for instance, is an Alaskan monument made up of narrow fjords, high cliffs and hundreds of waterfalls. Flightseeing tours give a bird’s-eye view of this vast wilderness and boat trips offer close-up looks at its granite walls.

Farther east, Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is the largest in the U.S., covering more area than nine smaller states combined. It contains massive glaciers, active volcanoes and remnants of copper mining towns. Though most travelers see it by flight or small-group tour from the coast, its scale and isolation make it one of Alaska’s most extraordinary and protected areas.

The Kenai Peninsula also delivers plenty of scenic variety, from the fishing port of Homer to the mountain peaks above Seward. Wildlife sightings are frequent along the coast and the peninsula’s accessible road network makes it ideal for guests extending their cruise with a land stay.

Alaska Cruising: What You Need To Know

Why A Cruise Is The Best Way To Experience Alaska’s Landmarks

How To Plan An Alaskan Cruise

When To Cruise To Alaska

The Alaska cruise season runs from May through September and each month offers its own version of the experience. May marks the start of the season, when snow still caps the mountains and spring wildlife is active and early sailings often come with lower fares and fewer crowds. It’s also one of the driest months in Southeast Alaska.

June brings longer daylight hours — up to 18 hours in some areas — giving travelers more time for glacier viewing and outdoor excursions. Temperatures rise into the 50s and 60s, ideal for checking out famous sights in Alaska.

July is the warmest and busiest month, when wildflowers bloom, salmon runs begin and whale sightings peak along the Inside Passage. It’s also a prime time for families, as schools are on summer break and cruise schedules are most frequent.

By August, days are slightly shorter, but still mild and the state’s coastal rainforests are at their lushest. Travelers may spot bears feeding on spawning salmon near rivers and streams — a highlight of late-summer cruises.

September signals the season’s close and a return to quieter ports. Prices often drop and early hints of fall color appear in the mountains. Cooler temperatures make for crisp air and clear skies.

What To Expect On An Alaska Cruise

An Alaska itinerary blends scenic cruising days with port visits that showcase the state’s landscapes, wildlife and culture. Ships typically sail through the Inside Passage, a sheltered network of fjords and islands where passengers can watch glaciers, forests and coastal villages glide by from the deck. At ports, a wide range of excursions bring guests even closer to Alaska’s highlights, such as helicopter tours, railway rides and small-group hikes through the surrounding valleys. 

Back on board, ships often deliver Alaska’s character through regional dining and enrichment programs. Local seafood and Alaskan craft beers often appear on menus, while lectures, photo workshops and wildlife talks deepen guests’ understanding of the environment they’re sailing through. Evenings might bring live music, theater or time on deck as the late-night sun lingers over snow-covered peaks. 

Accessibility Of Alaska’s Landmarks

Book Your Alaska Adventure

Seeing Alaska by cruise brings the state’s most famous landmarks within easy reach to combine once-in-a-lifetime sights with comfort, convenience and expert-led excursions that help travelers make the most of every moment.

Whether you’re watching ice calve in Glacier Bay, spotting whales from the ship or visiting totem parks and frontier ports, each day offers a new view of the Last Frontier’s natural and cultural treasures.