Explore the Best Alaska Cruises With Royal Caribbean

If you love the great outdoors, few vacations compare to an Alaska cruise. Whether you sail from Seattle or Vancouver — the two main departure ports for this stunning region — these epic adventures into the Last Frontier are all about immersing yourself in Alaska’s rich heritage. Not only that, but the best Alaska cruise will help you get an up-close look at captivating natural wonders. It’s no secret that this state is considered one of the most beautiful, must-visit corners of the planet, and a cruise is hands-down the best way to experience its postcard-pretty ports, secluded fjords and majestic glaciers — not to mention some destinations too remote to reach by land.

Feeling the wanderlust yet? Keep reading to learn more about some of the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver.

Key Takeaways

● Juneau, Alaska, is the best place to access the majestic Mendenhall Glacier.

● Seward, Alaska, is home to Kenai Fjords National Park.

● In Ketchikan, Alaska, you can explore Misty Fjords National Monument.

● Visit Skagway, Alaska, for opportunities to chase adventure outdoors.

● Alaska has lots of national parks to check out, including Glacier Bay and Denali.

● Explore our Alaskan cruises for an up-close look at all this state has to offer.

1. Juneau, Alaska

Only accessible by sea or air, this bustling port is one of the top Alaska cruise destinations. Lots of boats make a stop here, so you’ll have the best Alaska cruise itinerary when planning your dream cruise to the Last Frontier.

In addition to having a great food scene and interesting historical sights, Juneau is also the best place to access the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. This incredible natural wonder is one of the most iconic sights on any cruise to Alaska. You can experience it by air on a flightseeing tour or paddle past it in a kayak. There are even tours that let you glide over its gleaming white surface on a mushing ride led by a team of huskies.

If you plan on heading out to Mendenhall — and you definitely should — make sure to add some sunscreen and sunglasses to your packing list. The sunlight reflects off the ice to dazzling effect, causing what some people call a “glacier tan.”

2. Seward, Alaska

Seward is another popular stop on many Alaska cruise itineraries. This scenic destination is nestled between towering mountains and the sparkling blue sea. It’s also home to Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the best places to see local critters. This huge wilderness reserve teems with a diverse variety of animals, including mountain goats, black and brown bears, wolverines, Stellar sea lions and several kinds of whales, which you can see up close on a whale watching tour.

If you want to get out and stretch your legs, set out on a hike to the summit of Mount Marathon, located just west of the port. The views of the surrounding forests and sea are definitely worth the effort.

3. Ketchikan, Alaska

If you’re looking for wild landscapes and plenty of opportunities to experience nature, make sure you choose an Alaska cruise that stops at Ketchikan. This beautiful port sits right at the southern tip of Alaska’s Inside Passage, and is a great hub for outdoor activities — especially fishing. Misty Fjords National Monument is also nearby, where you can explore gorgeous fjords, dramatic sea cliffs and dense emerald forests.

And if you’re craving a bit of culture, you’ll find that here, too. Ketchikan is home to three tribes of Northwest Coast Indians. Keep an eye out for the beautiful hand-carved totems located throughout the town.

4. Skagway, Alaska

History buffs should look for Alaska cruises with stops at Skagway, a cozy little town that hasn’t changed much since the Klondike Gold Rush over a century ago. While the prospectors may be long gone by now, this idyllic port will transport you back into the past with its old-fashioned street cars, historical reenactments and its well-preserved buildings. You can even drop by the oldest hotel in Alaska.

That said, history isn’t the only draw to Skagway. Like most ports in the Last Frontier, it also brims with opportunities to chase adventure outdoors. Go for a sleigh ride over Laughton Glacier with a team of huskies, or hop into a raft and set sail down Lynn Canal, the longest fjord on the continent

5. Glacier Bay National Park

6. Denali National Park

No matter which itineraries you choose to sail on from Seattle or Vancouver, the best way to maximize your Alaskan cruise is with a CruiseTour. Added onto the beginning or end of your sailing, CruiseTours let you dive deeper into this gorgeous state with a few days spent on land under the midnight sun.

One of the most popular draws to booking a CruiseTour is getting to spend some time in Denali National Park, a pristine, untamed wilderness of taiga forests and rolling tundra where you can scout for caribou, moose, sheep, bears, and more. It’s also home to the towering Denali, part of the Alaska Range and the tallest peak in America.

When’s the Best Time to Cruise Alaska?

Explore the Final Frontier on the Best Alaska Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean has several types of ships sailing to Alaska, including Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, and Anthem of the Seas. Their itineraries span seven-night trips from Seattle or Vancouver as well as one-way sailings that allow you to travel deeper into Alaska’s wilderness. Guests can expect highlights like Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, and Tracy Arm Fjord, ensuring glacier-viewing is front and center.

And because our cruises aren’t just about the destination, we offer tons of onboard experiences your whole family can enjoy. One of the standout features of Quantum Class ships is the North Star®, a glass observation capsule that gently rises over 300 feet above sea level, giving guests a bird’s-eye view of glaciers, mountains, and expansive wilderness.

The SeaPlex® is another favorite, offering a massive indoor activity space complete with bumper cars, a roller-skating rink, basketball courts, and even trapeze lessons — perfect for families when the weather turns chilly outside. Another gem is Two70, a transformational entertainment venue with floor-to-ceiling windows by day and jaw-dropping digital performances by night, blending robotics, acrobatics, and immersive visuals.

Families are particularly well catered to with features such as dedicated kids’ clubs, family staterooms, bumper cars, and an indoor sports complex, which are rare finds on many Alaska-bound ships.

Find the Best Alaska Cruise for Your Family

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