Alaskan best cruise lines vacations are an amazing journey. Many visitors consider a journey to the 49th state to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience because of its breathtaking natural beauty, untamed wilderness, enormous glaciers, and plentiful wildlife viewing chances. An further benefit is that cruise ships can visit far-flung regions of Alaska, such as Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, one of the world’s most important and beautiful marine and wildlife reserves.
More ships are sailing north to the coasts of The Great Land as a result of the destination’s increasing appeal and a longer cruise season (some lines now visit Alaska between April and October). When planning your Alaska cruise, there are more considerations than ever before thanks to these extended itineraries.
U.S. News has compiled a list of the best cruise lines to think about in five different categories, including the best choices for luxury-seekers, families, and couples, to help you make your pick. To create this list of the best cruise lines going to Alaska, U.S. News used information from Cruiseline.com and the findings of our 2025 Best Cruise Lines rankings.
Holland America Line and Princess Cruises
Holland America Line
Unlike any other cruise line, Holland America Line has been sailing Alaska’s pristine glacier waters for over 75 years. Additionally, compared to its rivals, the line offers more trips to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Seattle or Vancouver are the starting points for seven-day round-trip sailings. Glacier Bay can be seen on the line’s one-way seven-day sailings from Whittier to Vancouver (or the other way around). Holland America Line’s sea and land-based packages, known as cruisetours, depart from a number of cities and last anywhere from nine to eighteen days.
If this is your first time visiting Alaska, you might want to reserve the all-inclusive 14-day Ultimate Denali cruise. This Alaskan trip consists of a two-night stay at Holland America’s as well as a voyage onboard Noordam.
Princess Cruises
With more than 50 years of experience visiting the 49th state, Princess Cruises has a lengthy history in Alaska. Many cruise itineraries include visits to the Inside Passage and range in length from four to twenty-two nights. In addition, Princess Cruises owns and runs five wilderness lodges for its cruise tour passengers, and the line provides special “Direct to the Wilderness” rail service to those establishments. Off-the-beaten-path locations and solo activities are included in Princess’ extensive cruise tour choices. The Connoisseur cruisetour, which includes up to 10 nights ashore after the seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, is a good choice for passengers looking for the best level of service and the most time on land. A tour guide leads the Connoisseur vacation, which consists of a few scenic excursions and the majority of meals.
Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International
Norwegian Cruise Line
From April to October, Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of Alaska’s longest seasons. Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore, two of the line’s bigger ships, are based in Alaska. Racetracks, laser tag, aqua parks, mini-golf, free kid’s and teen clubs, video arcades, themed parties, live performances, game shows, and more are just a few of the many onboard entertainment options available on these ships for both adults and children. Along with whale watching and seafood festivals on land, families may also enjoy rides on the historic White Pass Railway and talks with park rangers who accompany the train to explain the Glacier Bay passage. There are plenty of roomy alternatives that are ideal for larger families, particularly in The Haven, the line’s unique ship-within-a-ship concept.
Royal Caribbean International
Additionally, Royal Caribbean International offers some of the greatest family-friendly Alaskan itineraries. The line provides extended cruisetours (ranging from nine to thirteen nights) with land segments before or after the voyage, as well as five- and seven-night cruise-only Alaska choices (some include the Inside Passage). Among other attractions, cruise trips may stop in Denali National Park. Families will like the line’s selection of “kids sail free” itineraries.
Select one of Royal Caribbean International’s two larger Quantum-class ships, Anthem of the Seas or Quantum of the Seas, if you desire continuous entertainment while on board. The capacity of both megaships is approximately 4,900 passengers. Consider scheduling a reservation on one of the Radiance-class ships (Radiance of the Seas or Serenade of the Seas) if you would rather travel in a smaller ship.
Best for Couples: Celebrity Cruises
During Celebrity Cruises’ 2025 Alaska season, couples looking for adventure will have a lot of possibilities. Close-up views of Hubbard Glacier, the longest tidewater glacier in the world at 76 miles, and Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm Fjord are included in the line’s seven-night cruise-only itineraries. Celebrity’s cruisetours offer a maximum 13-night stay for a more thorough study of Alaska’s interior, including stops in small towns like Talkeetna, Alaska, the oddball community that served as the backdrop for the 1990s television series “Northern Exposure.” In addition, there are culinary tours that showcase Alaskan cuisine and themed tours that focus on wildlife observation and national parks.
Regardless of the ship they select, couples will also discover a lot of entertainment and activities geared for adults. Every ship has a spa, many lounges and bars, and a great assortment of specialty and free restaurants. The number of passengers on Celebrity’s three ships sailing to Alaska ranges from 2,158 (Celebrity Summit) to 2,918 (Celebrity Edge). The newest ship, Celebrity Edge, features immersive entertainment and particularly lovely public areas, such as The Grand Plaza, a three-story venue located in the center of the ship.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Between May and September of 2025, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will offer two 14-night sailings in addition to a large selection of seven-night cruises. Because of its modest size and all-balcony suites, the 746-passenger ship offers a thorough exploration of Alaska’s wilderness. Free limitless shore excursions (some trips cost extra), exquisite wines and spirits, eating at specialized restaurants, 24-hour room service, unlimited Wi-Fi, gratuities in advance, free valet laundry, and more are all included in Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ all-inclusive packages. A pre-cruise hotel stay may also be included in the package, depending on the type of suite.
Silversea Cruises
In Alaska, Silversea is planning 40 trips for 2025. With its asymmetrical form and cutting-edge technologies, Silver Nova is the line’s newest ship and the most ecologically friendly one yet offered by Silversea Cruises. Silver Nova is a great luxury cruise choice for an Alaskan trip because of its 728 guest capacity, roomy cabins (some offering 270-degree views), and outdoor areas that highlight the unspoiled wilderness of The Great Land. In addition to 14-day cruises aboard Silver Nova, Silversea offers seven-day excursions on its two Alaska ships.
Free nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks, including Champagne, in-room minibars, gourmet cuisine, all gratuities, at least one port excursion, butler service in each suite, and other high-end facilities are all included in the line’s all-inclusive prices.
Best Small-Ship Expedition Line: UnCruise Adventures
Small, expedition-style ships from UnCruise visit Alaskan ports and isolated locations that are inaccessible to larger vessels. There are several seven-, 10-, 12-, and 14-night itineraries available, and the eight ships that operate in The Great Land may seat anywhere from 22 passengers (Safari Quest) to 86 guests (Wilderness Legacy). Additionally, you can reserve the Denali & Talkeetna Wilderness Rail Adventure, an optional six-night land excursion. On land, expedition teams offer visitors hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, skiing, bushwhacking, waterfall viewing, and other activities near the glaciers. You’ll see remote locations and waterways that are ideal for spotting animals.
Group transportation to and from the ship, all meals, fine wine, beer, and liquor, all nonalcoholic drinks, daily activities, wellness facilities, onboard heritage and expedition guides, and guest experts are all included in cruise fares. UnCruise ships do not have Wi-Fi, so you will need to unplug your gadgets in isolated locations.
Reserve the 14-night Alaska’s Fjords & Glaciers Ultimate with Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise on the 76-passenger Wilderness Discoverer for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This trip includes a stop to Marble Island for birdwatching, where you can spot guillemots, puffins, cormorants, and other birds. Additionally, you may kayak in the Blashke Islands, look for brown bears on Chichagof Island, and see animals in the Tongass National Forest’s Behm Canal.