Discover 10 unforgettable reasons to visit Alaska on a cruise—from breathtaking glaciers and incredible wildlife to charming port towns and exciting shore excursions. The perfect guide for planning your Alaska cruise adventure.
Alaska is one of those places that feels like it belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. Majestic glaciers, untamed wilderness, and charming coastal towns all combine to create an unforgettable adventure.
10 Things You’ll Love About Cruising Alaska
Breathtaking Glacier Views
Seeing a glacier from land is impressive, but watching one from the deck of a cruise ship is something else entirely.
Cruising through Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm offers a front-row seat to massive walls of ice. The blue water, icebergs floating, waterfalls and blue glaciers are absolutely gorgeous.
Multiple Destinations in One Trip
Instead of unpacking and repacking as you travel, a cruise lets you explore multiple towns—like Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria, Canada —while only unpacking once. Each stop offers unique excursions, history, and culture, so you get a well-rounded Alaska experience in one trip. Most of Alaska can only be visited by boat or airplane, so cruising makes the travel process much easier.
Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters
From humpback whales breaching beside the ship to bald eagles soaring overhead, Alaska’s wildlife is incredible. You might even spot sea lions lounging on buoys or bears fishing along riverbanks during your shore excursions.
Scenic Cruising Days
Some days aren’t about the ports—they’re about the journey. Cruising through fjords, past snow-capped mountains, and along emerald coastlines gives you jaw-dropping views right from the deck or even your balcony.
On our first sea day we spent hours lounging on the lido deck with a drink in hand as whales swam all around the ship.
Exciting Shore Excursions
Whether you want to go on an ATV tour, take a scenic train ride through the mountains, or take a float down a glacier fed river, Alaska’s excursions are unlike anything else. They allow you to dive deeper into the state’s natural beauty and rich culture.
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Perfect for First-Time Visitors
If you’ve never been to Alaska, a cruise is a great introduction. You’ll experience the highlights without worrying about complicated transportation or lodging in remote areas.
Check out this first timer’s guide to taking an Alaska cruise.
Cultural and Historical Experiences
Learn about Alaska’s Native heritage through dance performances, visit gold rush-era towns, and tour historic sites like Totem Bight State Historical Park, natural rain forest or trek through scenic hiking trails. The cruise makes it easy to access a mix of culture and history.
Fresh, Local Seafood
Alaska is seafood heaven. Think wild-caught salmon, king crab legs, and halibut so fresh it practically melts in your mouth. Many cruises even feature local dishes so you can savor the flavors of the region onboard.
Comfort and Convenience
Cruising to Alaska means you have a cozy stateroom, onboard entertainment, and dining options at your fingertips. You get the adventure of Alaska with the comfort of a floating hotel. We really enjoyed our balcony stateroom on the Carnival Spirit.
Spectacular Photo Opportunities
Between dramatic landscapes, colorful fishing villages, and close-up wildlife encounters, you’ll return home with memory cards full of stunning shots with your Alaska cruise photography. Alaska is simply a photographer’s dream.
Why an Alaska Cruise Should Be on Your Bucket List
An Alaska cruise is more than a vacation—it’s an experience that will stay with you for years. From glaciers to wildlife to rich history, the Last Frontier offers something for everyone, and cruising is one of the easiest, most breathtaking ways to see it all.
