The Ultimate Alaska Cruise: How To Pick the Best Itinerary

If you love the great outdoors, few vacations compare to an Alaska cruise. When you sail with Royal Caribbean, these epic adventures into the Last Frontier are all about immersing yourself in Alaska’s rich heritage.

It’s no secret that this state is considered one of the most beautiful, must-visit corners of the planet. The best Alaska cruises allow you to soak up postcard-pretty ports, secluded fjords, majestic calving glaciers and more than a handful of wildlife spotting opportunities from multiple inviting vantage points on the ship.

Feeling the wanderlust yet? Keep reading to learn more about some of the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise with Royal Caribbean.

Key Takeaways: Best Alaska Cruise Itineraries

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

Top Glacier Experiences in Alaska

1. Glacier Bay National Park

No matter how many cruises you’ve been on, you’ve likely never had a sea day like what you’ll experience when you visit Glacier Bay before or after your Alaska cruise. Framed by dense rainforests and soaring snow-capped mountains, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is the definition of wild Alaska. 

Keep an eye out for breaching whales as you sail past Margerie and Johns Hopkins Glaciers, and watch the coast for moose and bears. If Glacier Bay is one of the stops on your Alaska cruise itinerary, add some binoculars to your Alaska packing list — you’ll be glad you did once the local wildlife comes out to play.

2. Juneau, Alaska

Only accessible by sea or air, this bustling port is one of the top Alaska cruise destinations. Lots of ships make a stop here, so it’s easy to add this stop 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.”

Best Wildlife Experiences in Alaska

3. Seward, Alaska

Seward is another popular stop on many Alaska cruise itineraries for the wildlife. 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.

4. Denali National Park

Regardless of which itineraries you choose to sail, 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 by land and sea 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 tallest peak in America.

Best Family and Adventure Experiences in Alaska

5. 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, all providing fun entertainment for the whole family. 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. Take the kids 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.

Best Couples and Cultural Trips in Alaska

6. Ketchikan, Alaska

Couples looking for wild landscapes and plenty of opportunities to experience nature might want to add Ketchikan to their Alaska bucket list. This beautiful port sits right at the southern tip of Alaska’s Inside Passage, and is a great hub for bonding outdoor activities — especially fishing. Misty Fjords National Monument is also nearby, where you can explore gorgeous fjords, dramatic sea cliffs and dense emerald forests.

If you’re craving a bit of culture, you’ll find that here, too. Ketchikan is home to the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian Alaska Native cultures. Keep an eye out for the beautiful hand-carved totems located throughout the town.

When Is the Best Time To Cruise Alaska?

The best time for an Alaska cruise is from late spring to early fall, and you’ll find lots of itineraries to choose from between May and September. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect each month:

● May: Coming off the shoulder of winter, May is still chilly, meaning guests tend to prefer heated pools as opposed to cool-water pools. However, flora is blooming and animals start to emerge with their young during this time.

● June and July: These are the warmest months, with temperatures ranging between 55°F and 70°F and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. In fact, it’s the best time to cruise to Alaska for whales. Expect a few rain showers, increased mosquito numbers and long, luxurious days.

● August and September: The weather cools down as summer fades — but don’t worry, you’ll still see plenty of wildlife activity. Traveling later during these months may even offer a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

You’re going to want to start planning early, though, as these adventures are popular — the sooner you book, the better the cruise deals.

Is Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier Better for a First-Time Alaska Cruise?

Comparing the best Alaskan destination for first-time cruisers depends on the type of experience you want. For hands-on excursions, Glacier Bay offers a full day of varied scenery to experience by kayaking, boat tours or on foot. On the other hand, Hubbard Glacier is a massive, highly active tidewater glacier, offering spectacular, up-close calving views from the ship.

Which Cruise Lines Have Permits to Actually Go Inside Glacier Bay National Park?

The National Park Service limits entry to Glacier Bay National Park. When sailing with Royal Caribbean, you can still visit this stunning destination before or after your cruise.

Which Side of the Ship Should I Book a Balcony Cabin on for a Northbound Alaska Cruise?

For continuous views of the mountainous coastlines and islands throughout your northward journey, book a starboard side balcony (on the right-hand side of the ship).

What Is the Best Month To Go on an Alaska Cruise To Avoid Rain and See Wildlife?

May is generally considered the best month to cruise to Alaska for limited rain, offering crisp weather and newborn wildlife. June provides maximum daylight for spotting whales and coastal bears; however, there is increased rainfall, despite the warmer weather and longer days.

Do You Need a Passport for an Alaska Cruise?

Yes, you’ll need a passport because Alaska itineraries often stop in Canada. While U.S. citizens on closed-loop sailings (starting and ending in the same port) can technically use an official birth certificate and government photo ID, bringing a passport is highly recommended.

Find the Best Alaska Cruise for Your Family

When you’re traveling with kids or looking for an unforgettable couple’s adventure, a vacation like this delivers on every level. From Alaska’s incredible natural wonders and awe-inspiring landscapes, to its rich cultural heritage and history, nothing beats a cruise to this wild northern paradise.