Why A Luxury Cruise Is The Best Way To See Alaska
Discover the Last Frontier in Elegance With Royal Caribbean
By Simone Cheri Harvin | Published on November 19, 2025
Experiencing the wild wonders of Alaska is a bucket list adventure for many. Royal Caribbean gives guests a front-row seat to some of Alaska’s most stunning landscapes, venturing to destinations not often or easily accessible by land. Glacial views, wildlife encounters and cultural activities await adventurous travelers who enjoy the comforts of cruising and the challenge of getting outdoors.
Some wait a lifetime to view the scenic mountain and island terrain of the Inside Passage, while others are in it for glacier viewing in the Glacier Bay National Park and that of Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Widely praised as the best cruise line for families, Royal Caribbean delivers resort-style entertainment at sea, international cuisine and award-winning service, no matter the occasion. But the best way to experience America’s Last Frontier is in luxury.
From personalized service and premium accommodations to exclusive amenities, here’s how to plan a luxury Alaskan cruise with Royal Caribbean.
Why Take A Luxury Alaskan Cruise With Royal Caribbean?
The biggest wins for sailing on an Alaskan cruise with Royal Caribbean are the ease of logistics and the ability to see multiple cities in a single vacation. Cruises simplify making the most of your vacation days and are particularly helpful for exploring destinations like Alaska, where planning similar itineraries on your own can be more challenging.
Royal Caribbean Alaskan cruise itineraries range from six to eight nights, with longer sailings of nine to 13 nights that include pre- and post-cruise tours for a complete land-and-sea experience. Cruises typically depart from one of three ports: Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle, Washington; and Seward, Alaska. Opting for a luxury experience offers a level of intimacy and perks you don’t otherwise have access to — along with the best staterooms and exclusivity on board, of course.
Luxury Staterooms, Fine Dining And Endless Activities At Sea
With several premium stateroom and dining options, you decide just how luxurious you want to go with your Alaska cruise. Interior and outdoor view staterooms are available, but discerning travelers will enjoy the collection of suites Royal Caribbean offers.
Junior suites are great for luxury on a budget, with the bonus of Sea Class amenities and an optional larger balcony upgrade. Groups, families and those who simply enjoy the highest level of service should consider a 1-bedroom Grand Suite or the absolute VIP stunner, the Owner’s Suite — the most luxurious (and spacious) stateroom in the fleet.
Food and beverage options also get an upgrade with specialty restaurants, a signature cuisine element on every Royal Caribbean ship. Celebrate small and big moments with elevated dining experiences at restaurants such as the crowd-favorite Izumi Teppanyaki℠, the new Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen or take an immersive culinary journey at Chef’s Table.
The biggest benefit of sailing with Royal Caribbean in Alaska is the abundance of cruise itineraries. Hundreds of various cruise paths create a nearly personalized itinerary experience, without having to actually coordinate it yourself.
Embark On Wilderness Adventures On Alaska’s Popular Shore Excursions
Activities on an Alaskan cruise range from low-effort mini-golf and arcade time to thrilling helicopter tours, kayaking and scenic glacier hikes. Train and history enthusiasts should plan to explore via the White Pass Railway in Skagway, which offers a wealth of stunning views and landmarks of the Gold Rush era. For many Alaska cruise guests, the most memorable part of their trip is the whale-watching tours. Most popular in Juneau and the Icy Strait, Alaska is one of the best sites in the world to spot humpback whales, orcas and other wildlife like sea lions, salmon and bald eagles.
Additionally, there’s plenty of fun to go around on the cruise itineraries themselves, between the activities on board and the sights and sounds of each port town. However, Alaska Cruisetours, which offer pre- and post-cruise land-based itineraries, are a great excuse to maximize PTO and extend a week-long vacation by a few days. Cruisetours combine a 7-night cruise with 2–6-night land tours to discover the magnificence of Alaska’s Interior. This enhanced Alaska experience takes care of your lodging and transportation needs, along with providing expert adventure guides, a guided tour of Denali National Park and other activities.
The Best Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruises For A Luxury Vacation
Royal Caribbean has several ships that sail through Alaska during the regional cruise season. Deciding which ship is right for you and your guests depends on preferred stops and itinerary routes, as well as must-see attractions. Here’s a quick snapshot of what the most popular Royal Caribbean ships have to offer:
Quantum Class
Quantum Class ships like Ovation of the Seas® and Anthem of the Seas® provide some of the best views at sea in the North Star®, a first-of-its-kind observation capsule that takes guests 300 feet above sea level. This class is the choice for cruisers who want as much adventure on the ship as they can have on shore, with adrenaline-filled activities like the Ripcord® by iFLY® skydiving simulator and relaxing hideaways like the Solarium.
Radiance Class
Radiance Class ships like Serenade of the Seas® satisfy cruisers who want to maximize their time exploring the Inside Passage, making this one of the best Alaska cruise adventures at sea. These ships still deliver a few adventure elements, but they’re more about having a relaxing getaway — and an excellent choice for guests who prefer more intimate vacations. You’ll find the coziest viewing spot in the Viking Crown Lounge®, which features 270-degree views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
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Tips For Making The Most Of A Luxury Alaskan Cruise
Booking an Alaskan sailing with Royal Caribbean is pretty simple, with hundreds of itineraries available during its regional cruise season of May to September. However, luxury options are limited, and the best excursions often go quickly. Here are a few helpful recommendations for planning your vacation and preparing for sailing day.
Book Your Cruise Early
Book your luxury cruise 6 to 12 months in advance for the best deals and perks. The combination of limited luxury accommodations and the popularity of cruising in Alaska makes early bookings a key consideration for travelers. Guests who book early benefit from more stateroom choices, allowing you to tailor your Alaskan cruise experience. This is especially important if you’re planning to sail to celebrate a special occasion.
Choose Your Travel Type
Determine whether you want a one-way or round-trip cruise. First-time Alaskan cruisers often wonder which option is better, and many seasoned explorers suggest one-way is the way to go. While one-way cruises are the best choice for those who want to see more of Alaska, round-trip cruises skip the hassle of coordinating multi-city airfare.
Consider Cruisetours
Consider a Cruisetour itinerary for a complete Alaskan experience. The team at Royal Caribbean has done the legwork of combining curated inland tours with Royal Caribbean cruises, so you spend less time planning and more time exploring. These pre- and post-cruise experiences simplify maximizing your time in Alaska, supporting your accommodation and shore activities needs.
Book Excursions Quickly
Select and book shore excursions as soon as possible. Limited availability and high demand often lead to sold-out excursions, so this isn’t the vacation you want to wing it on. Cruise guests are pre-booking shore activities more than ever, so prioritize saving your spot early on the Royal Caribbean app. Otherwise, you may have to choose from fewer options if you wait until you’re on board.
Pack Smart
Don’t forget your adventure travel essentials. It might seem frivolous to some travelers to pack gear such as dry bags, binoculars or your camera’s wide-angle zoom lens, but Alaska’s majestic (and misty) untamed wilderness is the perfect trip for it.
Start Planning Your Luxury Alaska Cruise With Royal Caribbean
If Alaska has been on your travel radar, there’s never been a better time to commit to discovering the Last Frontier firsthand. Royal Caribbean cruises offer a healthy balance of rugged adventures, opportunities to unwind and luxury upgrades for guests who enjoy a touch of exclusivity. Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood, enjoying premium pampering at the Vitality℠ Spa or watching whales breach at sunset, each day brings a new way to explore the wild.
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