Best Alaska Cruises for Couples: How To Choose the Right One

What Couples Should Look for When Planning an Alaska Cruise

The best Alaska cruise for couples starts with a simple question: "How do we want our trip to feel?" Maybe you're looking for a slow-burn escape, the two of you lingering on the balcony, clinking a few glasses as pale blue ice drifts past. Perhaps you'd prefer a wild-hearted adventure, dog sledding across Mendenhall Glacier and kayaking under misty Sitka peaks. You could also go for a Gold Rush wander by rail through ravines and waterfalls to the White Pass Summit — and don't forget a cultural coastal escape exploring Ketchikan’s totems and local flavors.

Consider the types of memories you want to bank and choose an itinerary to suit. You’ll want to weigh a few different factors like glacier viewing, port time, how much you want to splurge on your stateroom and onboard atmosphere. You’ll also want to determine whether you prefer a roundtrip or one-way cruise. Roundtrip sailings make logistics seamless and simple, while one-way routes can provide you more time on land and the option to explore more of Alaska post-cruise.

Compare Alaska cruise options to find the sailing that best suits your shared travel preferences.

Itinerary Details That Matter Most

Once you know the tone you want set for your escape, it’s time to look at the route that will carry you there. Your itinerary sets the tempo between slow sea mornings with coffee in hand or a lively succession of port days that always bring one more trail to trot or sailboat to board.

Many seven-night roundtrip sailings from Seattle or Vancouver combine Inside Passage scenery with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Sat in the heart of Tongass National Forest and affectionately coined the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan offers as much wildlife and wilderness as it does rich local heritage and quirky, historic boardwalks. Juneau is best explored via float planes and whale boats, where you can float above Norris Glacier and play eagle for a day or sail out to Auke Bay to spot humpbacks and orcas. Skagway is all story, with its rich Gold Rush lore (pun intended!) and historic scenic railways.

If you want to just fly there, sail around and fly home, opt for a roundtrip. Choose a one-way route if you want to pair your cruise with more Alaska land time, like tacking on a Cruisetour pre- or post-cruise. For glacier devotees, compare scenic days carefully. For instance, choosing between a route that offers Hubbard Glacier vs. Endicott Arm determines whether you experience the sheer scale of a gargantuan, six-mile-wide tidewater glacier or the tight navigation of a narrow fjord nestled in steep cliffs with waterfalls and deep blue icebergs — just one way it pays to browse Alaska Cruise itineraries before choosing your sailings.

Romantic Alaska Cruise Experiences for Two

Roses are red, violets are blue, a chilly whale-watching morning is perfect with you…

You may’ve guessed already, but Alaska’s romance is in its contrasts. On board, make time for romantic moments like:

• Windswept whale watching or glacier gazing from the rail.
• Indulgent spa treatments, from hot stone massages to seaweed wraps and salt scrubs.
• Candlelit dinners followed by a twilight stroll on deck.
• Next-level views from North Star on a Quantum class ship, or intimate and scenery-forward moments in the panoramic lounges of a Radiance class ship.

On shore, the charm continues in grand journeys through The Last Frontier’s best wilderness and culture, both lending themselves to tasty cuisine to feast on and lasting stories to tell.

A day in Juneau is perfect for:

• Whale watching or lacing up your boots for a hiking adventure around Nugget Falls with breathtaking views of Mendenhall Glacier, bald eagles and black bears.
• Strolling through historic downtown and poking into the Juneau-Douglas City Museum to learn about local Tlingit culture, mining and maritime history.
• Filling up on local delights like sweet Alaskan king crab or savory reindeer sausage and grabbing a pint or two of the iconic Alaskan Smoked Porter or sipping on craft botanical gins made from spruce tips and juniper.

When To Take an Alaska Cruise as a Couple

Cruises set sail for Alaska May through September. May brings snowy peaks with spring wildlife and quiet ports, while July and August deliver the longest daylight hours, warmest weather and liveliest waterfronts. September trades the peak-season bustle for crisp air, fall colors and the chance to experience the northern lights.

For couples that like room to roam with light crowds and a lighter price tag, the shoulder months of May and September have their own appeal. Mid-summer is better for those who want maximum daylight for long port days. Whatever your seasonal needs, a few tips for planning a cruise to Alaska can help you prepare and choose the stretch of the season that best floats your boat — figuratively and literally.

How To Plan the Best Alaska Cruise for Your Travel Style

Once you’ve decided on the type of trip you want — a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime escape, a relaxing special occasion splurge or your own mix of the two — and you’re ready to begin planning your cruise and blocking out some dates on the calendar, the rest is a breeze. Shortlist a few different sailings, then compare the practical details that will shape your journey:

• The Alaska towns, glaciers and landscapes you’ll have time to explore.
• The number of sea days you’ll have to settle in and enjoy the ship.
• The excursions available in each port, from sea kayaking to cultural tours.

Next, turn your attention to small things that make a big adventure run smoothly. Alaska isn’t exactly known for its predictable weather and smooth terrain, so skimming an Alaska cruise packing list for things like rain-ready layers and sturdy hiking boots can make all the difference, while binoculars and a charged camera make sure you capture the best of your trip.

Explore Alaska Cruises for Two

Now that you’ve conjured up a million could-be Alaskan adventures for you and your special someone, weighed your itinerary options, seasonal variations, activities both on board and on shore, it’s time to make it official. Browse upcoming Alaska cruises to find a sailing that turns glacier-gazing, whale-watching and wild, wonderful days into a shared escape that’ll stay with you long after you’ve returned home.