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Alaska Cruisetours to Denali National Park

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Denali National Park Guide

When booking your Alaska cruise, why not see everything The Last Frontier has to offer? When you decide to take one of our Alaska cruises, you have the option to select a Cruisetour (also known as a land and sea package), which extends your cruise vacation with a 2 to 6 night adventure into Alaska. With our Alaska Cruisetours , you can travel further inland and visit even more beautiful destinations like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and of course, the unforgettable Denali National Park.

When you’re looking into one of the many Alaska cruise itineraries we’ve carefully crafted, don’t forget to book a Cruisetour and create the ultimate land and sea adventure. Cruisetours must be booked when you’re booking your cruise. Unlike shore excursions where you can book excursions at anytime, our Cruisetours serve as land and sea packages to help you fulfill your dream Alaskan adventure, both on land and onboard our ship.

All of our Alaska Cruisetours overnight in Denali and include an excursion into the beautiful Denali National Park as part of our Cruisetour package. Depending on whether you choose to take a southbound or northbound Alaska cruise, you will be taking the land portion of your Cruisetour before or after your cruise. Southbound Alaska cruises start in Seward and have the land portion of the Cruisetour before setting sail. Northbound Alaska cruises start in Vancouver and have their land portion of the Cruisetour after the cruise docks in Seward.

An Alaska Cruisetour to Denali National Park is a sure-fire way to explore the incredible Alaskan wilderness, whether you prefer a laid back approach of walking tours and panoramic vistas, or you crave adventure, like whitewater rafting on the Nenana River or a soaring plane ride to catch panoramic views of Denali Mountain. This is what makes Denali must-see for any intrepid traveler. Experience the humbling and awe-inspiring spirit of Alaska for yourself when you go off the beaten path with Celebrity.

Top Sights & Attractions on an Alaska Cruisetour to Denali

Unwind in denali’s breathtaking scenery.

Booking an Alaska land and sea package is the ideal way to see Alaska. If you’re craving time in nature and fresh air, you’ll be glad you’re staying overnight in Denali on an Alaska Cruisetour. Denali National Park is unlike any other place on earth for its dense forest of evergreens and endless tundra. On the Natural History excursion, you’ll learn how early settlers lived in subarctic conditions and made Denali into what it is today. You’ll be amazed as you explore this quiet, undisturbed paradise.

Spot Bears, Moose & More Wildlife

The Tundra Wilderness excursion into Denali National Park can take you nearly 41 miles into the wilderness of the Arctic range into the subarctic tundra. You’ll have the best chance of spotting local wildlife and protected species that call the park home the deeper you go into the park’s depths. It’s extra special to spot the “Big 5” species unique to Denali: grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolf and Dall sheep. Keep your eyes peeled for these creatures as your roam.

Expand the Land Portion of Your Land & Sea Package with Land Excursions in Denali

Your Cruisetour experience with Celebrity is a build-your-own adventure. On an Alaska cruise, Denali is a hidden gem that’s not always easy to get to on your own. Denali is nearly 300 miles from the Seward cruise port after all. With Celebrity Cruises®, however, we take the guesswork out of Alaska’s most memorable places for you. While your Cruisetour has land experiences included in your package, you can also book optional land excursions on your Denali Cruisetour with your tour guide. Luckily, there are options for all types of vacationers, whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for your next adrenaline rush or a seasoned traveler wanting to learn something new about Alaska’s natural history.

Soar Above Denali Mountain in a Helicopter

Ever taken a helicopter tour at the end of the world? Well, you can on a helicopter ride across Denali National Park and Denali Mountain, which was once called Mt. McKinley, and is the highest mountain in North America. Glaciers and seemingly-endless stretches of tundra will fill your eye-line, and you’ll be surrounded by quiet, natural beauty, and roaming wildlife below.

Whitewater Adventure on Nenana River

An early morning on the Nenana River can be a peaceful, lazy experience for some, but if you’re looking for action, try out the two hour whitewater ride on intense, high class rapids. This unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime river tour is an adrenaline surge.

Explore Denali’s Many Hiking Trails

Hiking in Denali and the park’s sinuous trails of thriving evergreens are beautiful year-round. You can even hike with a dedicated park ranger and ask all your questions about Denali along the way.

Top Food & Drink Spots in Denali

Prospector’s Pizzeria & Alehouse

Is there any better combination after a day of hiking or white water rafting than pizza and a cold beer? Luckily, Prospector’s Pizzeria & Alehouse has both in spades. Beyond brick oven pizzas, they offer standard sandwich and salad fare. They provide special vegan and gluten-free entree options as well.

The Salmon Bake

Another option for eats on your Denali cruise the appropriately named Salmon Bake, is just one of the many spots to try local Alaskan salmon and other comfort foods during your time in Alaska. Stop in for live music, where local bands play every night, or fill up on crab cakes and halibut tacos, or simply to experience this fun, quirky location just a mile from Denali National Park.

Moose-AKa’s

Stray away from the conventional burger-and-fries territory and instead try Eastern-European influenced moussaka and schnitzel, plus cocktails and traditional tavern-style eats like fish and chips in a no-frills setting. Grab a cold beer and strike up a conversation with the bartender here.

Culture and History of the Denali National Park

Denali National Park came to be as Mount McKinley National Park way back in 1917, and since then, the park expanded and now encompasses over six million acres of preserved Alaskan nature. “Denali” means “the Tall One” in the language of the indigenous Athabaskan population who lived there long before 19th century settlers came out west. This name references the sweeping summit of Denali Mountain within the park. A huge part of the culture and appeal of a Denali cruise is the chance to spot native wildlife like caribou, moose, grizzly bears, and black bears. These sightings are a huge draw for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts visiting the park.

Getting to Denali on an Alaska Cruise

All of our Alaska Cruisetours have an overnight in Denali and include an excursion into the breathtaking Denali National Park as part of the Cruisetour package. There are several ways your Cruisetour will transport you to Denali before or after your Alaska cruise.

Depending on whether you choose to take a Alaska cruise southbound or northbound, your ship will either depart or arrive in the Seward cruise port . If your southbound Alaska cruise begins in Seward, you will take your Cruisetour to destinations like Denali National Park before hopping on the cruise. If your northbound Alaska cruise starts in Vancouver and ends in Seward, you would take your Cruisetour after the cruise.

When traveling on land between destinations, you will travel on an unforgettable train ride and deluxe motor coach. Our Cruisetours are carefully created to provide a comfortable, stylish and picturesque journey to the beautiful Denali National Park. Whatever you want your Alaska experience to be, your Celebrity Cruisetour to Denali will help you achieve it.

Transportation in Denali

Hourly shuttles are available between the Denali National Park Visitor's Center and the Denali Park Village lodge, where you will be staying. Your Cruisetour, however, includes all of your transportation needs during the land tour.

Shopping in Denali

While you probably won’t have time to shop when your cruise ship docks in Seward, you can pick up both kitsch and practical Alaska souvenirs when you arrive in Denali Park Village.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

Like other states, Alaska uses the U.S. dollar (USD) and the standard tipping practices that prevail across America are equally accepted here. Credit cards are generally okay to use as well. Tip your server or bartender 15-20% for good services, and don’t forget a 15% tip for taxi drivers and tour guides or operators as well.

Find Cruises to Alaska's Denali Port

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Denali National Park?

6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship

Gene Sloan

Editor's Note

Many people think of America's national parks as places to go on an epic road trip . But there are other ways to get to some of these temples to outdoor beauty than by car . For instance, there are parks you can visit by rail or by bus , and even -- yes -- a few you can reach by cruise ship.

Alaska and Hawaii are two big cruise destinations where national parks play an outsized role in the typical cruise itinerary. National parks in Maine and the U.S. Virgin Islands also make the excursion checklists for many a cruiser.

Of course, you won't get a lot of time in a national park if you visit it as part of a cruise. Often, a cruise ship stopping in a destination that's home to a national park will only will stay for eight hours or so (although, occasionally, ships will stay in the vicinity of a park for longer).

But even if your stay is short, you can at least get a taste of a national park when arriving on a cruise ship. After all, you always can come back.

Here, the six U.S. national parks that are unmissable cruise ship destinations.

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Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska

Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park

Of all the national parks in North America , this is the one most associated with cruise ships — and for good reason. It isn't easy getting to Glacier Bay National Park any other way. The park has no roads and only is reachable by small plane, boat or ship. As a result, the vast majority of its 700,000 annual visitors arrive on a cruise vessel.

As the name suggests, this park is all about glaciers. Covering more than 5,200 square miles of mountainous wilderness, Glacier Bay is home to more than 1,000 glaciers. Of those, nine are tidewater glaciers that stretch down into the giant namesake bay. The typical cruise ship visit lasts the better part of a day and includes a trip up the fjord-like waterway to one of these glaciers to watch giant chunks of ice crash down from its face -- a magnificent show.

You'll probably be doing your glacier viewing from the deck of your ship. Most cruise vessels in Glacier Bay never dock, and nobody gets off. Still, you'll get the full National Park Service experience. Park rangers will board the vessel for the day to offer shipwide commentary over loudspeakers and presentations, lead kiddie activities and answer questions.

Who goes there: Among big-ship lines, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are the biggies for cruises that include Glacier Bay, as they hold a large number of the available permits.

Norwegian Cruise Line , Seabourn , Cunard Line , Crystal Cruises and Viking also offer trips into the park, as do small-ship operators UnCruise Adventures , American Cruise Lines , Lindblad Expeditions and Alaskan Dream Cruises.

Related: A beginner's guide to visiting Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska

(Photo by Johnny Johnson/Getty Images)

Despite being more than 200 miles away from the nearest port, Denali National Park is almost as big a cruise ship destination as Glacier Bay. That's because it's the must-see Alaska attraction that's built into just about every land-and-sea "cruise tour" of the state that's offered by such lines as Holland America and Princess.

The typical Alaska cruise tour combines a week of cruising along Alaska's famed Inside Passage with anywhere from one to three nights at Denali. Some then add overnight stays in such popular Alaska destinations as Anchorage and Fairbanks. The cruise lines handle all the logistics of getting you to and from the park, either by motorcoach or train, and arrange accommodations. Both Holland America and Princess own their own lodges at Denali.

Denali is a massive park -- at 9,446 square miles, it's bigger than the state of New Hampshire. But most visitors coming from cruise ships only see a small part of it. The highlight of a visit is a view of 20,320-foot-tall Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America. Meaning "High One" in the Athabascan language, it's truly a stunning sight -- that is, when it's not clouded over, something that happens often.

Visitors to Denali also have the chance to see Alaska's Big Five animals: grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, moose and wolves. Make sure your stay is long enough to take the all-day Tundra Wilderness Tour – the signature way to get deep into the park's mostly roadless environment.

Who goes there: Holland America and Princess are the biggies here, too, with the most extensive cruise tour itineraries. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian also offer cruise-and-land tours that include a Denali stay.

Related: How to get to Alaska with points and miles

Acadia National Park in Maine

Acadia National Park. (Photo by Dermot Conlan/Getty Images)

It's a long drive from almost anywhere to reach Acadia National Park , which is way up the coast of Maine . But a cruise ship can get you almost to its front door. Vessels traveling along the Maine coast on "New England and Canada" voyages routinely stop at Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia. The park pretty much envelopes the town.

Cruise vessels typically sell a 2.25-hour bus tour of the park for around $100 (on Norwegian sailings, it costs $99). The tours will take you on a drive along the 27-mile Park Loop Road for coastal, mountain and forest views. They include travel along the ocean's edge, passing Sand Beach, Schooner Head Overlook and the grand High Seas Estate. Weather and traffic permitting, there's also a photo stop atop 1,530-foot Cadillac Mountain. Longer tours might pair this all with a lobster bake.

That said, if it was us, we'd just strike out into the park on our own, time permitting, for a hike along one of the coastal trails such as the Great Head Trail or the Gorham Mountain Loop.

Who goes there: Among lines operating bigger ships, Holland America is the biggest player in the market for cruises to Bar Harbor, followed by Norwegian and Royal Caribbean.

Bar Harbor also is a core destination for small-ship operator American Cruise Lines. Other lines that send ships to Bar Harbor occasionally include Princess, Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea and Regent.

Related: How to get to Acadia National Park on points and miles

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii

Hawaii's Kilauea Caldera at Twilight. (Photo by Kevin Thrash / Getty Images)

Some sort of excursion to this steaming home of two active volcanoes is the big allure of a cruise call at Hilo on the island of Hawaii, commonly called the Big Island . Located just 29 miles from where ships arrive in Hilo, the park encompasses 505 square miles of vents, fissures, craters and (at times) lava flows that can be reached by tour bus, rental car or -- for a hefty price -- sightseeing helicopter.

Often costing around $500 per person, the 45-minute helicopter tour of the park sold through cruise lines is the once-in-a-lifetime way to experience it. It'll take you over the most recent eruption sites of Kilauea where, during active periods, you might see streams of hot lava glowing red against an otherwise blackened landscape. You'll also fly over the devastated village of Kalapana and the nearby black sand beaches formed as lava crashed into the sea. Kilauea is the more active of the two volcanoes at the park, the other being Mauna Loa.

Other park-touring options for cruisers during Hilo calls include a minicoach excursion that brings visitors to see the steam vents around Kilauea's caldera and to view it from the Kilauea Iki Overlook. Mauna Loa sometimes is visible off in the distance. Cruisers also can sign up for a hiking tour into the Kilauea Iki crater.

Who goes there: Norwegian is the dominant player here, with weekly Hawaii voyages out of Honolulu that include a day stop at Hilo. The trips take place on the U.S.-flagged, 2,186-passenger Pride of America.

Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line , Celebrity, Regent and Oceania also offer Hawaii cruises with Hilo stops, although far less frequently and only on longer itineraries out of such West Coast ports as Los Angeles and Seattle.

Related: How to get to Hawaii on points and miles

Haleakala National Park in Hawaii

Tourists watch the sunset from the summit of Haleakala on Maui. (Photo by Xuan Che/Getty Images)

This 52-square-mile national park on the Hawaiian island of Maui encompasses the island's soaring Haleakala volcano and is one of the top attractions for cruisers arriving at the island. For around $130 to $160 per adult, cruisers can sign up for a 4- to 6-hour tour to its 10,023-foot summit to see the lunar-like landscape. Unlike the volcanoes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala isn't active. But it's still a stunning sight.

The typical tour for cruisers to Haleakala takes place midday, but some lines offer early and late outings timed to get you there for sunrise or sunset. Other tours take you up the volcano road for a ride down on a bike. Just be prepared for a bit of a drive to get to the summit of the volcano. It can be a 2-hour trip from sea level. And bring a jacket. It can be 30 degrees cooler at the top.

The summit of the volcano offers panoramic views to other Hawaiian islands, a visitors center with exhibits about the native flora and fauna, an easy walk to an overlook and hiking trails that will let you crunch your way across the cinder desert landscape.

Who goes there: Norwegian is the dominant player for cruises to Maui, too. Its weekly Hawaii voyages out of Honolulu include two full days at the Maui port of Kahului.

Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Regent and Oceania also offer Hawaii cruises with stops either at Kahului or Lahaina, but far less frequently than Norwegian.

Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Trunk Bay on St John in US Virgin Islands

Covering two-thirds of the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands , Virgin Islands National Park isn't a huge destination for cruisers. Most cruise ships that visit the U.S. Virgin Islands head to nearby St. Thomas and never make a stop at St. John. But there are a handful of mostly small vessels that regularly buck the trend and make St. John their focus.

For passengers on such ships, which typically anchor off of St. John's Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands National Park is the prime attraction. The park is home to many of St. John's most spectacular beaches (think: powdery white sand, coconut trees and crystal-clear waters) as well as hiking trails and historic ruins. Swimming, sunning, snorkeling and scuba diving are the big allures in and around the park, along with sailing, kayaking and windsurfing.

Even for cruisers arriving at St. Thomas for the day instead of St. John, it's not impossible to make St. John and its park the focus. Cruise ships docking in St. Thomas often offer a St. John beach excursion that involves traveling to the island on a small boat for a few hours. Typically, the tours take cruisers to Trunk Bay, which is within Virgin Islands National Park. It's also possible to ride a ferry to St. John from St. Thomas. Just be mindful of the time you need to be back.

Who goes there: Small-ship operators Seabourn and SeaDream include St. John on itineraries fairly regularly. Start-up line Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection also has plans for St. John visits.

Related: Best places to use points for a trip to the Caribbean

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Alaska Cruises

The great land awaits – set sail with princess, the #1 alaska cruise line.

#1 Cruise Line In Alaska *

Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries and connect with loved ones, locals and Alaska's wilderness with Princess ® .

* More guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line

Up to 35% off + 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free †

Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours

Alaska cruisetours, see denali on an alaska cruisetour.

Alaska cruisetours combine our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to ten nights on land exploring Denali National Park. Travel aboard our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® train and unwind at Princess Wilderness Lodges®. Every year Princess introduces more people to Denali National Park than any other cruise line.

Voyage of the Glaciers

Twice the glaciers.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Inside Passage Roundtrip Seattle

7-day Alaska cruises

Sail the Inside Passage, a series of channels and waterways formed by the march of glaciers, on your 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. With an abundance of landmarks and wildlife, take in the sights and sounds of the Inside Passage from the comfort of your ship or on a thrilling excursion ashore. Explore fjords, glaciers and Gold Rush-era towns on weekend voyages out of Seattle.

Inside Passage Roundtrip San Francisco

10 or 11-day Alaska cruises

Travel the Inside Passage on 10 or 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures. Begin by sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast. As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people.

Inside Passage Roundtrip Vancouver

Alaska cruises that inspire

Feed your hunger for adventure on a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver, B.C. Wind your way through fjords, by bright-green forests and through quaint Gold Rush-era towns on your way to the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park. Then experience age-old traditions with the locals.

Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure

14-day Alaska cruises

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our back-to-back Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend 14 days roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy three glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord.

NEW Alaska long voyages

New for 2025, we have crafted longer adventures at sea with a 22-day roundtrip voyage sailing from San Francisco that coincides with Summer Solstice and a 17-day roundtrip cruise from Seattle, featuring three days of scenic glacier viewing as well as charming ports like Wrangell and Valdez. For those voyagers seeking to sail from Southern California all the way up the Pacific coast to Alaska, try a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles.

2025 Alaska New Cruise & Cruisetour Itineraries.  Learn more

With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska Cruise Ports of Call

  • College Fjord
  • Endicott Arm
  • Glacier Bay National Park
  • Hubbard Glacier
  • Icy Strait Point
  • Victoria, B.C.

The Harriman Expedition discovered College Fjord in 1899 and named the towering glaciers after the great East Coast universities of the United States, like the Harvard Glacier. With the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in the world, your scenic Alaska cruise through the fjord will make a lasting memory.

Endicott Arm is a jewel in Alaska’s crown. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska.

When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park.

The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. See it for yourself on an Alaska cruise with Princess.

Icy Strait Point is home to the remote Tlingit village of Hoonah, home to fewer than 800 people and a deep Native history. The nearby Spasski River Valley holds one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears, who are often found hunting for salmon in the rivers. Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation.

Juneau is unlike any other city in the United States. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.

Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska.

On an Alaska cruise, take your pick of attractions in the port of Sitka. See how bald eagles and local bird populations receive first-class treatment at the Alaska Raptor Center. Encounter wildlife in their natural habitat at the Fortress of the Bear. Or experience the culture of Russian Alaska on a visit to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, and relive Native history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.

Valdez is situated in Prince William Sound and serves as the gateway to the interior of Alaska. Often referred to as the "Little Switzerland", Valdez is known for its breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. It is also well-known for its role in the transportation of crude oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which ends in Valdez. Explore the charming waterfront area and take in the flavors of Valdez through culinary experiences at restaurants such as the Valdez Brewery and the Fat Mermaid.

At first glance many mistake Victoria for an English coastal city or northern European town. Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure.

Wrangell is a charming and scenic harbor known for its local fishing industry. It is not as bustling as larger ports in Alaska and maintains its historic charm and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Explore its historic downtown and learn about the local culture and Native heritage while in Wrangell.

Alaska Cruise Experience

We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks.

Alaska Glaciers

One of the biggest reasons people visit

Glaciers feel alive. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Alaska Wildlife

Untamed, just like Alaska

Alaska is home to a rich array of wildlife, from the famous Big Five animals that live in Denali National Park — grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou — to bald eagles and humpback whales that migrate through the Inside Passage. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.

Alaska Mountains & National Parks

National treasures

With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Along with Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

Alaska excursions

Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.

Alaska Cruise Onboard Experience

Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land.

Alaska Seafood

Fresh and bountiful, like Alaska itself

Alaska's seafood is famous, and we bring the best to you with locally inspired dishes from the state’s best eateries. With Cook My Catch excursions, catch your own salmon or halibut with the help of a local expert, and in the evening our talented chefs will prepare your haul for your dinner — a Princess exclusive. From ship to shore, the best is at your fingertips on our Alaska cruises.

Meet Local Alaskans

Real Alaska from local Alaskans

Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise.

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Great experiences from the great land

Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium. At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Or savor tree-inspired bites at our very own Sappy Hour. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine, and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2024-2025

The best cruise line in Alaska just keeps getting better! From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess.

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise.

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Alaska Ports of Call

From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Check out our helpful checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise with Princess.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

See Alaska through our guests' eyes.

You May Also Like

Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience.

Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on our top-rated 7-day cruise.

North to Alaska

Immerse yourself in all things Alaska with our onboard program.

carnival cruise alaska denali

Alaska cruises have surged in popularity in recent years, and demand to see America's last unspoiled frontier continues to grow. If you decide to cruise Alaska you can see snowcapped peaks, mighty glaciers, steep fjords and such wildlife as whales, black bears, brown bears, bald eagles, sea otters and seals. You'll also find historic gold rush towns, Native American art and culture, Russian heritage and plenty of outdoor adventure. Because of this region's popularity and short season, the per-diem prices for Alaska cruises are among the highest in the cruise industry.

Alaska cruises are generally divided into two types, Inside Passage cruises and Gulf of Alaska cruises. The Inside Passage has been the traditional way to cruise Alaska, with most ships sailing round-trip from Vancouver or Seattle, through glacier country as far north as Skagway or Juneau. Gulf of Alaska cruises cover more territory as they travel from Vancouver through the Inside Passage and up to Seward/Anchorage (or the reverse). Airfare for a Gulf of Alaska cruise is generally more expensive because Anchorage is so far north.

  • The Alaska cruise season lasts from May through September.
  • Cruises to Alaska are 7 to 12 nights in length.
  • You can find the most affordable Alaska cruise rates in May and September, the off-peak periods.
  • Nearly half of all passengers add a land tour to their Alaska cruise. Denali National Park, the Yukon gold rush country and the Canadian Rockies are among options.
  • Alaska experiences long hours of daylight during summer, lasting up to 23 hours a day in June.
  • In addition to popular sightseeing tours via train and motorcoach, cruise lines have added more adventurous shore excursions to Alaska itineraries, such as sea kayaking, mountain hiking and salmon fishing.
  • If you have frequent-flier miles, this may be a good time to use a free ticket to fly round trip to Vancouver, the main port of departure for Inside Passage cruises.
  • Because in most cases you'll need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your cruise. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

carnival cruise alaska denali

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Alaska Cruise Tours:

A cruise tour is a voyage and land tour combination, with the land tour occurring before or after the voyage. Unless otherwise noted, optional services such as airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, land tour excursions, etc. are not included and are available for an additional cost.

carnival cruise alaska denali

Alaska: Denali Explorer Cruisetour - Tour #DB4

11-night grand princess cruise tour.

From $929 per person* Additional government taxes, fees and port expenses per person: $307 - $330

Princess Cruises

Between the natural masterpieces and the animate personalities, every part of Alaska tells an extraordinary story. On an Alaska cruisetour with Princess®, discover what makes the Great Land so special, and craft your own tales of your time on land and sea. Explore the interior of Alaska for four nights as you visit Anchorage and Denali, then sail seven nights from Whittier (Alaska) to Vancouver (British Columbia).

Included Extras

Motorcoach to Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®

Education tour into Denali National Park

Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service to Whittier

  Executive Member Benefit

Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

  Digital Costco Shop Card

Member Exclusive: Digital Shop Card with every Princess Cruises® sailing†

Sailing Itinerary

carnival cruise alaska denali

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Port of Call Port of Call (Arrival, Departure)

carnival cruise alaska denali

Amid the wild countryside that crowds around it on all sides, Anchorage has grown into a spirited, cosmopolitan city - by far Alaska's largest and most sophisticated. The relative affluence of its largely white-collar population - with a sprinkling of olive drab from nearby military bases - attracts fine restaurants and pricey shops, first-rate entertainment, and world-class sporting events. Flashy modern towers punctuate the skyline, and colorful flowers spill from hundreds of baskets on downtown lampposts. Traffic from the city's busy international airport, served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, lends a more cosmopolitan air than you might expect from a city with a only 258,000 residents - nearly half the people in the state. Yet despite the 14 McDonald's, 2 Wal-Marts, and a 16-plex movie theater, the city has not entirely lost touch with its frontier spirit. Sled-dog races are still revered events, and moose and bear sightings in downtown Anchorage or on the Coastal Trail that rims the water are not uncommon. First incorporated in 1920, Anchorage is still a young city. Its citizens' median age of 30 years and an aggressive style make this - and not the capital city of Juneau - the state's power center. In addition to acting as the center for oil development in the state, Anchorage hustles its living as a government, banking, transportation, and communications hub. Anchorage residents are primarily from elsewhere in America - they include oil workers from such conservative oil-patch states as Oklahoma and Texas - and the attitudes they bring have fueled the conservative, pro-development mentality that characterizes the city and Alaska as a whole. Although representing less than 8% of the population, Alaskan Native peoples add an important cultural dimension. A growing Asian population is also having an impact, with well-stocked Asian food stores and restaurants an increasingly familiar sight. Boom and bust periods followed major events: an influx of military bases during World War II; a massive buildup of Arctic missile-warning stations during the Cold War; reconstruction following the devastating Good Friday earthquake of 1964; and in the late 1960s the biggest bonanza of all - the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay and the construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline. Not surprisingly, Anchorage positioned itself as the perfect home for the new pipeline administrators and support industries, and it attracts a large share of the state's oil-tax dollars. In the last decade, Anchorage has become an increasingly important focus of travelers to Alaska. The central location, relatively mild climate, and excellent transportation system make it a natural place to begin or end a trip.

Denali Princess Lodge

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Located only one mile from the Park entrance, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is the premium riverside accommodation in the Denali area. An expansive deck overlooks Denali National Park and the Nenana River - the ideal spot to relax, visit with friends and savor the exquisite landscape. The Denali Princess Lodge features a luxurious lobby, extensive viewing deck with hot tubs, and a highly rated dining experience on the bluff above the Nenana River, looking out towards Denali National Park. All Park tours and activities depart from the Denali Princess Lodge. In addition to fine dining, there are also casual dining options and an entertaining dinner theater performance each evening. Whether you are visiting in spring, summer or fall, the Denali Princess Lodge offers exceptional quality and value.

carnival cruise alaska denali

Whittier is a city at the head of the Passage Canal in the U.S. state of Alaska, about 58 miles southeast of Anchorage. The city is within the Valdez–Cordova Census Area.

Hubbard Glacier

carnival cruise alaska denali

Stretching over 90 miles long and covering over 1,350 square miles in area, Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. It is also one of the most impressive, a 300-foot wall of ice rising sheer and jagged from the ocean. You may hear the rumble and see the monumental splash as the glacier severs into great ice chunks, known as "calves."

Glacier Bay

carnival cruise alaska denali

It grinds, cracks and moans as massive pieces of ice split off and crash down. This is not your automatic icemaker on the blink. This is Glacier Bay doing what it's been doing for two centuries. The bay, once covered by sheets of glacial ice, is now a bay revealed. As the glaciers continue to recede, the bay enlarges. Back in 1879, naturalist John Muir was the first to note the glacial movement. Comparing charts from European explorers made 85 years earlier, he determined that the glacial ice had receded by more than 30 miles. Designated a National Park in 1910, today Glacier Bay is a 3.3 million-acre expanse that was buried under a mile-wide wall of ice only 200 years ago. Its natural environment includes five major land ecosystems including wet tundra, coastal western hemlock and spruce forest, alpine tundra, glaciers and icefields, and post-glacial meadows. Each week, dozens of ships traveling the Inside Passage spend the day cruising the 65-mile long bay. As each ship arrives, a National Park Service ranger boards the cruise vessel to provide a running commentary of the treeless mountains, icy fjords, hidden inlets and glacial landscapes as the ship passes by. Glacier Bay isn't just about ice. The ranger will also point out the killer and gray whales, sea otters, porpoises, moose, coyotes, wolves and bears visible in the sea or on the land. Leave your ice pick at home. But don't forget your binoculars.

carnival cruise alaska denali

Skagway, with a population of 862, is located in the Upper Lynn Canal at the northernmost point on the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska, 100 air miles north of Juneau and 110 road miles south of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. The City of Skagway is geographically the largest city in Alaska with 455 square land miles. Skagway's history and spectacular natural setting combine to create unparalleled sightseeing and recreation opportunities. Poke around on your own, or select from a variety of commercial tours. Either way, you will be amply rewarded with the sights and activities in and around Skagway.

carnival cruise alaska denali

Considered the "gem" of Southeast Alaska, the city is nestled against the ocean, tucked tight against the mountains and back-dropped by the lush green of the largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass. Visitors will find that Juneau is not only the state's capital, but it's also a melting pot of history, unique topography and jaw-dropping scenery that is found nowhere else on the planet. Whether it's wildlife viewing, glacier trekking, ziplining or just shopping for locally created artwork, visitors to this remote yet extraordinary region will certainly find a bit of "Alaska" to take home.

carnival cruise alaska denali

A city of southeast Alaska on an island in the Alexander Archipelago. A supply point for miners during the gold rush of the 1890s, it is now a major port and tourist center on the Inside Passage. Population: 7,450.

carnival cruise alaska denali

Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, is among Canada’s densest, most ethnically diverse cities. A popular filming location, it’s surrounded by mountains, and also has thriving art, theatre and music scenes. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for its works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses preeminent First Nations collections.

Tour Highlights

Day 1 anchorage.

Arrive in Anchorage and get settled in the Hotel Captain Cook for an overnight stay. You might enjoy getting out to see the shops, restaurants and cultural attractions of this surprisingly metropolitan city.

Day 2 Anchorage/Denali

This morning, you'll head for the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge® via a scenic motorcoach drive. Located just a mile from the entrance to Denali National Park, the lodge is the perfect base camp for exploring the area.

Day 3 Denali

Explore Denali National Park on a Natural History Tour watching for glimpses of Denali and Denali's "Big Five"; moose, bears, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves. Later today, you may want to simply relax with a glass of wine on the deck overlooking the Nenana River. Visit the Grizzly Burger or grab a slice at Lynx Creek Pizza (additional fees may apply).

Day 4 Denali

Check in with the Guest Service Desk for help in planning your own Denali adventure. You have a full day to enjoy a variety of excursions like a husky homestead tour, river rafting, hiking, glacier flightseeing and an off-road ATV adventure (additional fees apply). Or you may enjoy the spectacular main lodge, river view deck, and Princess Village with the popular Christmas cottage and sugar shack. Be sure to check out Fannie Q's Saloon (additional fees may apply), named after a famed local homesteader, or sit outside at a fireside patio.

Day 5 Denali/Whittier

Enjoy a scenic rail journey through some of the best wilderness on an exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service toward Whittier, where your cruise ship awaits.

Onboard the Grand Princess

Cruise FPO 6

Grand Princess

Costco member reviews.

4.3 of 5 stars

  • Year Built: 1998
  • Year Refurbished: 2016

Double Occupancy Capacity: 2600

Grand Princess® is a consummate host at sea, rivaling the most luxurious resorts on land. Included among the myriad of features are more than 700 balcony staterooms and an entire deck of mini-suites, the Lotus Spa®, Movies Under the Stars®, and dozens of dining and entertainment options.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

carnival cruise alaska denali

  • Disco/Nightclub
  • Game Arcade
  • Movies Under the Stars®
  • Theater/Show Lounge
  • Fitness Center
  • Fitness Classes
  • Sauna/Steam Room
  • Miniature Golf
  • Pool - Children's
  • Pool - Outdoor
  • Pool - Indoor
  • Pool - Indoor/Covered
  • Sports Facilities
  • Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
  • Art Gallery
  • Bars/Lounges
  • Children's Indoor Play Area
  • Children's Outdoor Play Area
  • Educational Classes
  • Organized Age Specific Activities
  • Teen Center or Disco
  • Teen Programs
  • Business Center
  • Conference Center
  • Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
  • Infirmary/Medical Center
  • Religious Services
  • Self-Service Laundromat
  • Wedding/Vow Renewal

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

carnival cruise alaska denali

  • Full-Service Spa
  • Beauty Salon
  • Spa Services/Massage
  • Educational Programs
  • Internet Center
  • Babysitting
  • Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service

carnival cruise alaska denali

Dining Room

Main Dining

Botticelli Dining Room:  After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

Michelangelo Dining Room:  After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

Da Vinci Dining Room:  After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.

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Specialty Dining

Chef’s Table Experience:  A multi-course menu that is specially created by the chef, and is not offered anywhere else on the ship. Specially selected wines complement the meal, and each couple at the Chef's Table will receive a personalized autographed copy of Courses, A Culinary Journey. This restaurant is available for an additional cost. Limited capacity, reservations required.

Crown Grill℠:  An upscale and more refined approach to the traditional steakhouse, this venue features some of the best, most tender cuts of beef, such as New York and porterhouse, plus a prime rib carving station. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria:  A new menu features handmade pasta dishes from Chef Angelo Auriana of renowned L.A. restaurants The Factory Kitchen and Officine BRERA, plus treasured family recipes from Italian chefs across the fleet. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Ultimate Balcony Dining:  A luxurious breakfast experience at sea all served right on the privacy of your own balcony by dedicated waitstaff. Treat yourself to this unparalleled indulgence and savor food, views, and memories that will never be forgotten.

Vines Wine Bar:  Vines boasts an extensive collection of wines such as Opus One, Super Tuscans, fine sparkling wines and regional offerings for purchase. The menu also includes wine flights and a selection of wines by the glass.

carnival cruise alaska denali

International Café

Casual Dining

Afternoon Tea:  Afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, pastries, scones, cookies, music and white-glove service.

Alfredo's Pizzeria:  Poolside pizzeria serving fresh pizza by the slice.

Chocolate Journeys℠:  There are few foods that inspire as much passion as chocolate. Pastry chefs channeled their love of chocolate into handcrafted treats designed exclusively for the Chocolate Journeys℠ program. These sweet creations combine premium quality chocolate with unique flavors and artful designs and can be found throughout the ship.

Coffee & Cones:  Complimentary ice cream cones await you at our top-deck creamery venue. Pick up a chocolate cone, vanilla, or a combination. Or treat yourself to an ice cream sandwich, with a tempting choice of flavors. Also featuring specialty New Grounds Crafted Coffee. Energize with an Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte or Chai Tea. If you want to cool down, opt for a refreshing Frappe.

Horizon Court:  The World Fresh Marketplace menu is offered in Horizon Court. Enjoy an endless selection that changes throughout the day to satisfy the most discriminating palate. Indulge in a delightful array of worldwide cuisine, freshly baked breads and regional comfort foods, in a casual setting at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy fresh fruits, signature pastas and desserts galore along with your favorite beverages and customizable features like create-your-own salads and sandwiches. Beverage charges apply.

International Café:  Open 24-hours a day, the International Café located in the Piazza is the place for an ever-changing array of small bite meals, treats and gourmet beverages. Grab a freshly baked croissant to start your day, snack on pies and quiche or choose from a wide variety of salads and sandwiches at lunchtime, and indulge in decadent desserts in the evening. Coffee and tea fans will love the New Grounds Crafted Coffee menu featuring a variety of specialty espresso-based drinks made from a custom blend of coffee beans, as well as iced tea fusions. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

The Salty Dog Grill:  While you're enjoying the fresh air on the top deck, treat yourself to a 100% handmade gourmet burger, including the Princess Burger or Triple Smoked Burger.

Room Service:  Call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® MedallionClass® app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a $5 room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. To order, guests can press the "Room Service" button on their stateroom phone, or order through OceanNow®.

Disclaimer regarding ship dining

Inside Stateroom

Ocean view stateroom, balcony stateroom, suite stateroom.

Staterooms feature a refrigerator, spacious closet and bathroom with shower.

Interior (Category: IA)

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Category: IA Approximately 160 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IB)

Category: IB Approximately 160 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IC)

Category: IC Approximately 160 to 182 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: ID)

Category: ID Approximately 160 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IE)

Category: IE Approximately 160 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Interior (Category: IF)

Category: IF Approximately 160 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.

Nicely-appointed staterooms feature a picture window or porthole and bathroom with shower.

Oceanview (Category: OF)

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Category: OF Approximately 163 to 171 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Oceanview (Category: OC)

Category: OC Approximately 163 to 171 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.

Porthole Oceanview (Category: OE)

Category: OE Approximately 168 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a rear-facing porthole for memorable views.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OV)

Category: OV Approximately 168 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OW)

Category: OW Approximately 168 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OY)

Category: OY Approximately 168 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Oceanview (obstructed view) (Category: OZ)

Category: OZ Approximately 168 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.

Staterooms feature a private balcony, spacious walk-in closet, desk and bathroom with shower.

Premium Balcony (Category: B2)

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Category: B2 Approximately 274 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Premium Balcony (Category: B4)

Category: B4 Approximately 274 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides dramatic wake views from a rear-facing private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BA)

Category: BA Approximately 232 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BB)

Category: BB Approximately 232 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BC)

Category: BC Approximately 232 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BD)

Category: BD Approximately 232 to 274 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BE)

Category: BE Approximately 232 to 274 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Balcony (Category: BF)

Category: BF Approximately 232 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.

Features separate sitting area with sofa bed and desk, refrigerator, wet bar, tub with shower and balcony or window.

Premium Club Class Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: M1)

Category: M1 Approximately 323 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious stateroom provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: MB)

Category: MB Approximately 323 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: MD)

Category: MD Approximately 323 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Mini-Suite with Balcony (Category: ME)

Category: ME Approximately 323 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.

Grand Suite with Balcony (Category: S1)

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Category: S1 Approximately 730 sq. ft. including balcony, the Grand Suite features an expansive cabin and oversized aft-facing balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Owner's Suite with Balcony (Category: S2)

Category: S2 Approximately 591 sq. ft. including balcony, the Owner's Suite features an expansive cabin and balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Penthouse Suite with Balcony (Category: S3)

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Category: S3 Approximately 468 to 473 sq. ft. including balcony, the Penthouse Suite features a spacious cabin and rear-facing balcony with spectacular wake views. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Penthouse Suite with Balcony (Category: S4)

Category: S4 Approximately 536 sq. ft. including balcony, the Penthouse Suite features a spacious cabin and separate seating area with a sofa bed. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Vista Suite with Balcony (Category: S6)

Category: S6 Approximately 484 to 527 sq. ft. including balcony, the Vista Suite features a spacious cabin and aft-facing balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Window Suite, no Balcony (Category: S7)

Category: S7 Approximately 319 to 341 sq. ft., the Window Suite features a picture window from which to enjoy the views. Includes exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Two-Bedroom Family Suite with Balcony (Category: S8)

Category: S8 Approximately 595 sq. ft. including balcony, the Two Bedroom Family Suite features 2 bedrooms to accommodate up to 8 passengers. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Sky Deck

  • Ship Name: Grand Princess
  • Year Entered Present Fleet: 1998
  • Ship Class: Grand
  • Maximum Capacity: 2,600
  • Number of Passenger Decks: 17
  • Number of Crew: 1,100
  • Officers' Nationality: British/Italian
  • Ocean-View without Balcony: 218
  • Ocean-View with Balcony: 502
  • Total Inside Staterooms: 366
  • Tonnage (GRT): 107,517
  • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 2,600
  • Country of Registry: Bermuda
  • Total Staterooms: 1,301
  • Suites with Balcony: 206
  • Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

Available Dates & Prices

Departure date, departure date - 05/11/2024, departure date - 05/25/2024, departure date - 06/08/2024, departure date - 06/22/2024, departure date - 07/06/2024, departure date - 07/20/2024, departure date - 08/03/2024, departure date - 08/17/2024, departure date - 08/31/2024, terms & conditions.

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

© Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

Digital Costco Shop Card

This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

Ship Rating

5 of 5 stars

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

4.0 of 5 stars

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

3.0 of 5 stars

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

2.0 of 5 stars

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

1.0 of 5 stars

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

0.5 of 5 stars

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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Away We Go Homepage

  • Food & Drink
  • How to Plan
  • Shore Excursions
  • Onboard Activities
  • What to Expect

The 10 Best Alaskan Shore Excursions

By Carnival Cruise Line

  • Speed Down a Zip line
  • Explore Mountain Trails
  • Glacier Watch in Style
  • Ride the Yukon Railway
  • See Fjords and Glaciers
  • Glacier & Wildlife Quest
  • Roam with the Bears

Are you looking for something a little bit out of the way and a little bit out of the ordinary? Then a cruise to Alaska could be for you.

Travel to Alaska is like a little gift from Mother Nature. Ok, it’s more like a big gift! Lying northwest of Canada, Alaska is known for its diverse terrain, wide open spaces, stunning mountain views and abundant wildlife. Thus it’s the perfect cruise destination for memorable experiences.

To make sure you don’t miss out on anything during your cruise vacation , we’ve made a list of some places you must see in Alaska.

Adventure Activities

When it comes to what to do in Alaska, adventure is at the top of the list! There are plenty of fun Alaskan shore excursions to help you make the most of your vacation.

1. Speed Down a Zip line

Fly high across the treetops at the Klondike Zipline Adventure Park ! Begin with a short, guided drive through the quaint seaside town of Skagway. Then, after a quick nature hike from the bus stop, you’ll be fitted with safety equipment and ready to zip! Let the thrilling ropes course challenge you and the heart-pumping aerial zip lines excite you.

man zip lining between trees in klodike zipline adventure park as friends watch

2. Explore Mountain Trails

Start your day with a high-speed catamaran down North America’s longest and deepest fjord. Then jump on your four-wheel drive vehicle and get ready to drive past panoramic views of beautiful waterfalls and crystal clear creeks. Feel the crisp northern air as you drive to the highlight – panoramic views of sub-alpine meadows as seen from 1500-foot elevation. Top it all off with some time by a cozy fire, gourmet lunch and some rest before returning to the ship with timeless memories.

elevated view of the snowcapped mountain range in alaska

3. Glacier Watch in Style

Fly in a classic seaplane o Visit Site ver the Juneau Icefield for a view of 5 breathtaking glaciers. After the thrill of your flight, you’ll land at a riverside lodge and settle in for an elegant and relaxing dinner of local wild-caught salmon. This is truly an unforgettable Alaskan excursion.

seaplane flying near breathtaking glacier in alaska

4. Ride the Yukon Railway

See the legendary Yukon Territory by train . From your departure in Skagway, you’ll climb 3,292 feet above sea level in your deluxe motor coach to White Pass. Next, enter Canada and explore the Yukon. Visit the authentic Yukon town of Caribou Crossing, marvel at sparkling lakes, and more. Between the amazing lunch location, informative guides, tales of simpler times, and the majestic views, you’ll love this combination excursion.

train traveling through yukon territory to white pass

On the Water Activities

There’s nothing quite as special as spending some time on the water, especially in a place as magical as Alaska.

5. Seafaring

Experience a day in the life of commercial fishermen. This tour takes place aboard a very famous crab fishing boat , fitted with a special on-deck aquarium for watching as the crew brings in their daily catch. Besides giant crabs and other amazing marine life, you might catch a glimpse of whales, octopus, sea lions, porpoise, sharks and seals.

commercial fisherman holding giant crab as a guest touches its shell

6. See Fjords and Glaciers

Explore the famed Tracy Arm Fjord on this popular catamaran tour . Marvel at the jaw-dropping cliffs rising 4000-feet above the serpentine sea. See glaciers, witness the wildlife, and experience “white thunder” for a true northern exposure.

 ice breaking off tracy arm fjord and crashing onto the ocean

7. All in One

If you need a little bit of everything, the Best of Juneau combination tour is definitely for you. Do 3 of Alaska’s top attractions all in one action-packed day. Visit a feeding ground for humpback whales, devour a delectable salmon bake on a wilderness island, and visit a mighty glacier. It doesn’t get more exciting than this!

 humpback whale sticking its tail out of the water during an alaska tour

Discover Wild Alaska

8. Glacier & Wildlife Quest

Stroll alongside a glacier, watch salmon spawning in a nearby stream, and look for wildlife in their natural habitat – this tour has it all. After visiting the glacier, you’ll go wildlife viewing aboard a speedy catamaran customized for your excursion. Lookout for humpback whales, sea lions, porpoises, harbor seals, bald eagles, and Sitka black-tailed deer.

 bald eagle gliding down with open wings to catch its prey

9. Roam with the Bears

There is more than sea life in Alaska! This once-in-a-lifetime wildlife expedition from the port of Ketchikan features the awe-inspiring black bears of southeast Alaska . See the bears up close in their natural habitat.

alaskan black bear holding on to a fish with its mouth as it hunts by the river

10. Go Mushing

Dog lovers, this excursion is for you! Learn about mushers and their sleds, take part in a real mush ride , and interact with the dogs, all in a spectacular outdoor setting. You’ll even see the charming town of Skagway on your way to the mush.

pair of tourists recording their dog sled ride on a dirt road in alaska

From the pristine landscape of Glacier Bay to untamed mountain forests, Alaska is one of the last remaining frontiers. This natural wonderland is lesser explored and enchantingly wild. A cruise to Alaska is a must-have experience, and you can have it right now.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by  ship  and destination.

Related articles

Experience alaska.

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-to/alaska-cruises.aspx

Best Cruises to Alaska

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carnival cruise alaska denali

Celebrity Edge

Debuted in December 2018, the 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge stands out for its modernity. The Edge is dressed to the nines in contemporary designs and features a diverse array of technologies, amenities, activities and dining venues on board. Passengers can delight in the ship's rooftop garden, take a dip in one of many ocean-facing pools, work up a sweat on the jogging track or relax at the on-site spa.

You'll find plenty of evening entertainment options, too, including themed bars and lounges, a club and a theater showcasing a variety of productions. The Edge was the first Celebrity ship fitted with the Magic Carpet – the line's cantilevered venue at sea that travels 13 stories. The open-air venue can be repositioned alongside several decks, allowing it to transform from a live music venue to a bar to an exclusive specialty restaurant, depending on its location.

For dining, passengers have 29 options to choose from. These include four main restaurants and specialty options serving a range of cuisines, from sashimi to French bistro classics. After a bite to eat, take a break and relax in your modern stateroom or suite. Every room offers technology that allows guests to control temperature, service and lighting with a touch screen. What's more, with a roughly 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, service across the ship will be spot on.

Celebrity Edge makes sailings across Europe, Asia, Australia and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Edge Series ships, park yourself at the Sunset Bar with a spicy margarita every evening – it’s the best spot on the ship to watch for the fabled green flash. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

carnival cruise alaska denali

Seven Seas Explorer

Regent Seven Seas Explorer debuted in 2016. It's one of the largest vessels in the fleet, welcoming up to 746 passengers. The ship makes service a top priority, with 548 crew members on board. According to past cruisers, the staff was friendly and attentive.

Travelers were even more impressed by the all-suite accommodations, which are some of the largest offered among ocean liners. All 373 suites include spacious balconies, marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, interactive flat-screen TVs and unlimited Wi-Fi.

Another high point: the cuisine. Explorer offers eight dining areas that range from the casual Pool Grill to Asian creations at Pacific Rim. As part of the 'Regent Experience,' all specialty dining is included in the cruise fare.

Outside the cabins, guests can spend their days participating in cooking demonstrations, lounging by the pool or relaxing in the library. At night, entertainment options include casino games, cocktail lounges and shows in the Constellation Theater. Complaints about this ship are few and far between, though some reviewers felt the entertainment could be more impressive. 

The best perk, according to recent passengers? All shore excursions are included. Seven Seas Explorer sails to destinations in Alaska, Asia, Australia and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Pacific Rim is a favorite dining venue among cruisers, with its Asian-inspired cocktails and cuisine offering a selection of dishes from Thailand, Korea, China, Vietnam and Japan. Spin the bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel as you enter the restaurant and be sure to sample the miso black cod. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

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Viking Orion

The 930-passenger Viking Orion set sail in 2018. All staterooms on the Viking Orion are equipped with balconies, flat-screen LCD TVs and minibars. Cabins also feature bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and heated floors.

When it's time to relax, cruisers can head to the spa for a treatment or – for a unique experience – cool their body temperatures down in the snow grotto (where snowflakes fall) before jumping into the sauna or hot tub to warm up. Recent travelers said this spa experience is not to be missed. 

The ship is also home to a fitness center, a living room that hosts live entertainment, a library, shops, a salon and two movie theaters. The main pool area is expansive, featuring ample lounge seating, a retractable roof and a poolside bar. At night, the ship screens poolside movies under the stars. 

Viking Orion's guests can enjoy meals at several onboard restaurants, including the main restaurant where menus rotate daily. Or, guests can book a private dining room for intimate gatherings. Recent cruisers raved about the service and food quality across the ship. Come nighttime, the ship's theater offers live performances ranging from themed shows to history and art lectures.

Viking Orion sails to Australia and New Zealand, Asia and Alaska.

U.S. News Insider Tip: One of the most relaxing spaces on Viking Orion (and all of Viking’s ocean ships) is the glass-enclosed Wintergarden, which is located next to the pool area. Afternoon tea is served every day, and it’s not to be missed at least one time during your cruise. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

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Silver Muse

Debuted in April 2017, Silver Muse offers a nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio, with 411 crew members and space for 596 passengers.

Among the ship's standout features are its spacious all-suite accommodations, which range from 334 square feet to 1,970 square feet. All cabins are serviced by a butler and include luxury bed linens, a marble bath with luxury toiletries and a picture window or balcony. While all passengers are treated to a complimentary hour of internet per day, those staying in upgraded suites get extras like balconies, multiple flat-screen TVs and interactive media libraries.

When it comes to dining, Silver Muse boasts eight venues that showcase a variety of cuisines, including Italian and Asian, as well as French fare at the upscale La Dame.

Similar to other ships in the fleet, Silver Muse offers a variety of onboard activities and facilities, including a spa, a pool deck and gym, a casino and several lounges.

Silver Muse sails to a number of areas in Asia, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand.

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Seabourn Odyssey

The 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey began sailing in June 2009 and – like its sister ships – is an all-suite vessel. It received an extensive renovation in summer 2019 to update its interior design, entertainment venues and technology. Travelers can enjoy complimentary Champagne upon arrival, fresh fruit daily and 24-hour room service, plus everyone has access to a personal suite stewardess for additional requests. Each cabin is equipped with a separate living area and bedroom, a stocked bar, a flat-screen television, a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a tub, shower and dual sinks.

The four dining options aboard the Seabourn Odyssey range from casual poolside fare, such as pizzas and salads, to The Grill by Thomas Keller, which serves upscale meals and tasty libations. Post-dinner, travelers can relax with a cocktail at one of the bars or test their luck at the casino. The Seabourn Odyssey also offers nightly entertainment like movies under the stars and dance parties on the boat's deck.

Onboard amenities on this ship include two pools, five outdoor hot tubs, a fitness center, a nine-hole putting green and a spa. The ship also allows cruisers to enjoy water sports equipment like kayaks, paddle boats and Hobie Cat sailboats in select destinations.

Odyssey sails to a number of ports across Australia, Alaska, the Pacific Coast and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip: There is no need to bring extra books. Seabourn's ships have large lending libraries. – Dana Freeman, Contributor

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As part of Oceania's fleetwide revamp, Regatta was completely redesigned in September 2019. Passengers in Veranda Staterooms and Suites will enjoy verandas and spaces ranging from 216 to 1,000 square feet, while Inside and Ocean View cabins are smaller. The ship now offers solo staterooms for those who are traveling alone. No matter which you choose, all staterooms are equipped with minibars, flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service, plus all-new furnishings and marble bathrooms.

The 670 passengers will receive Oceania's signature service, with 400 crew members catering to guests' needs. Recent cruisers noted they rarely encountered crowds in the ship's public areas. The atmosphere aboard Regatta is decidedly adult, as the ship caters to older, affluent cruisers.

Entertainment varies from nightly musical performances to table games at the casino. Dining is also diverse: Regatta offers five venues ranging from the formal dining room to a casual grill. All-new plant-based menu items are also available. 

Regatta sails to destinations in Mexico, Asia, Australia and more.

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Celebrity Solstice

Last refreshed in early 2023 (and first launched in 2008), the 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice offers a sushi restaurant and the Retreat Lounge. Daytime activities range from spa treatments to golf putting to art classes. Young passengers ages 3 to 17 can also participate in Camp at Sea activities. 

As far as dining goes, Celebrity Solstice boasts 10 restaurants, close to half of which are specialty spots that require an extra fee. Guests were pleased with the cuisine variety, and with a nearly 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ration, the ship makes service a priority.

When it comes to lodging, 85% of Solstice's cabins feature verandas. Guests can choose from Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite category cabins, all with amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars and 24-hour room service. Those who spring for an AquaClass cabin receive additional amenities, like an upgraded room service menu. Travelers will also have access to Starlink high-speed satellite internet. 

Celebrity Solstice sails to Hawaii , the Pacific, Asia and Alaska.

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Launched in 2016, the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam is one of Holland America's newer ships and the first in the more contemporary Pinnacle Class. Passengers can participate in everything from cooking classes to duty-free shopping, or simply relax by the pool or at the spa.

Holland America now features an exclusive amenities program, Club Orange. Members can receive benefits such as a complimentary stateroom upgrade, a dedicated concierge hotline and skip-the-line priority access.

Members of Club Orange will also receive additional benefits when onboard Koningsdam including a premium in-room breakfast menu and a private dining venue with an expanded menu.

Guests can spend their evenings playing casino games or watching stage shows and musical acts through a partnership with "Rolling Stone" magazine. While the ship does offer youth clubs for children ages 3 to 17, most of the entertainment and activities are geared toward adults.

When hunger strikes, passengers can choose between 11 dining venues, ranging from the casual New York Pizza & Deli to the more formal Pinnacle Grill steakhouse.

The ship's cabin categories are also diverse. Staterooms range from Interior and Ocean View cabins to Verandah rooms and three Suite categories.

Koningsdam departs from ports like San Diego , Seattle ,  Vancouver  and Anchorage , Alaska, for sailings through Mexico, Hawaii , Alaska and California. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: The three Pinnacle Class ships (Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam) have Single and Family Staterooms. Family Staterooms accommodate up to five guests and have two bathrooms, plus extra closet space. – Jill Schildhouse, Contributor

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Disney Wonder

The 2,713-passenger Disney Wonder debuted in 1999. It was most recently updated in 2019; the refurbishment rolled out new family-oriented amenities and entertainment offerings, like Tiana's Place with live music and southern cuisine inspired by the Disney movie, "The Princess and the Frog." 

The ship offers plenty of onboard activities, with 10 designated family areas, five youth clubs and seven adults-only spaces. While younger passengers play at age-appropriate clubs, grown-ups can relax at the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool. When hunger strikes, Wonder offers six dining options, including one adults-only specialty restaurant.

Like the majority of the ship, staterooms are designed with families in mind. Interior cabins can accommodate up to four passengers, while larger suites can sleep up to seven. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs, seating areas and classic Disney designs. Recent cruisers noted the expensive cost of a trip on the Disney Wonder, but most felt the quality of service was top-notch. 

Disney Wonder departs from a range of ports throughout Australia and New Zealand, as well as  Vancouver , for sailings around the South Pacific, Mexico and Alaska. 

U.S. News Insider Tip : The Disney Wonder features Disney Cruise Line's only Princess and the Frog-inspired rotational dining room. Tiana's Place is themed after a jazz supper club, with a live band, Creole dishes and dancing. – Megan duBois, Contributor

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Celebrity Summit

First introduced in 2001, the 2,218-passenger Celebrity Summit was most recently renovated in March 2019 and offers unique activities like a rooftop terrace with an outdoor movie screen. The renovation added new staterooms, lounge areas and more. Cruisers looking for some R&R can retreat to the spa, the outdoor pool or the adults-only indoor solarium. Meanwhile, children ages 3 to 17 can participate in pool games and Xbox tournaments at Camp at Sea.

When it comes to dining, there are nine venues on board, including a handful of specialty spots (for an added fee) serving up creative cuisine ranging from French to Italian fare. While some recent cruisers noted long lines and average food at the buffet, most travelers were in agreement when it came to the wait staff and room stewards: service was prompt and friendly.

Speaking of rooms, Summit offers the same four cabin categories found on other Celebrity ships (Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite). About half of the cabins on board feature balconies. Cruisers will find flat-screen TVs, bathrobes and 24-hour room service in all staterooms.

Celebrity Summit sails in the Caribbean, Alaska and more. 

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Ocean Waters and Snow Mountains Part of the Alaska Experience

ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

Alaska cruises.

Adventure comes first on the last frontier.

No vacation in the world delivers once-in-a-lifetime adventure like Alaska. Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all. Take off by dogsled across thousand-year-old ice as you soak in otherworldly sights. Trek across the majestic Mendenhall Glacier for breathtaking views of the wildest country. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. And do it all from onboard one of four thrill-filled ships. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running.

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Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals

Want more time to plan the adventure of a lifetime? Our 2024 Alaska sailings are now open.

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Family watching out for whales on an Alaskan Cruise

OF ICE AND MOUNTAINS

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes,  imposing glaciers  and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness. 

Seals in Alaska Inside Passage

JOURNEY INWARD

Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective.

Majestic Glacier in Alaska

GLACIERS WILL MOVE YOU

In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve  massive icebergs . Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders.

Magnificent Denali National Park Alaska

JOURNEY TO "THE GREAT ONE"

In the center of the state,  Denali National Park  is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your vacation.

Beautiful Mountain View in the National Park, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

FEEL THE RUSH

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories you couldn't have made anywhere else during your cruise to Alaska. 

Alaska Dog Sledding Excursion

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the  Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour . The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill.

Whale Watching Activity in Alaska

WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?

Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a  whale watching tour . There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water.

Alaska Charter Helicopter Tour

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape.

Juneau, Alaska Blue Glacier Ice Cave

RELEASE YOUR WILD SIDE ON THE BEST ALASKA CRUISE

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 20 years running.

iFly and Flowrider Sunset in Alaska

QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Quantum of the Seas® heads to the Last Frontier from Seattle . This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather. Edge of your seat entertainment, all weather activities like the fan-favorite Flowrider®* and unparalleled views from every room.

EXPLORE MORE

Ovation of the Seas North Star Bar in Alaska

OVATION OF THE SEAS

Pioneer America’s Last Frontier onboard Ovation of the Seas®, one of the world's most groundbreaking ships and among the boldest ships to ever sail Alaska. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm . Scan the surrounding waters on your way to Juneau for glimpses of wildlife from the North Star®, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. 

Brilliance of the Seas Hero

BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS

Brilliance of the Seas® gets you up close to the glacial giants of The Last Frontier — from the expansive Hubbard to the calving Dawes. You can add once-in-a-lifetime to the itinerary for your wildest week ever. Go wildlife spotting in Juneau, peak-seeking in Sitka , and take-on rugged adventure in Haines. Getting to your coolest getaway yet is easy for the whole family with sails roundtrip from Vancouver

Radiance at Hubbard Glacier - Alaska

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling.

The best time to travel to Alaska depends on your priorities. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

No two days will be the same, and you'll need to pack your clothing to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day. Think layers: zip-up sweaters, boots, rain jackets.

Brilliance of the Seas Elevators

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February 21, 2024

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Start sailing today.

 Brilliance of the Seas Pool Entrance Opacity

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Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many.

Alaska Hubbard Glacier Mountain Blue Ocean

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Anchorage, Alaska Glaciers

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When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. Here's why travel by cruise ship is best here.

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Fun activities for kids abound on an Alaska cruise. Embark on a thrilling journey with young explorers through breathtaking landscapes.

Alaska Yukon Skaqway White Pass

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Your Guide to the Best Cruises From Alaska. Learn more about the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver.

Mount Roberts Tramway above the forest, Juneau, Alaska

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Take the guess work out of what to pack for a cruise to Alaska with this guide that tells you what to bring and why you'll be glad you did!

Vegan pancakes with Birch syrup and raisins

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Cozy Cabins and Scenic Restaurants in the Alaskan Wilderness

Visiting Scenic Restaurants in Alaska

Plan your romantic Alaskan cruise with our adventurer’s guide to discovering the coziest vacation spots and most scenic restaurants for couples traveling in Alaska.

Woman looking at Exit Glacier, Harding Ice Field, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

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Find the most Instagrammable places for your next vacation cruise to Alaska. Come discover the prettiest spots to take pictures with our travel photo guide.

Best Helicopter Tours to Take when Flying over Alaska

Alaska Helicopter Tours

There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. Take your breath away as you travel above its amazing glaciers.

Mukluks, high fur boots white, black and brown color.

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After traveling somewhere new, you want to bring something back with you to remember all of your fun adventures. Don't miss these Alaska souvenirs.

Haines Alaska Coastal Homes

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Whether you're curious about Alaska native culture or other Alaska traditions, here's how to make these an integral part of your trip up north.

Alaska, Juneau Mendenhall Glacier

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Planning a honeymoon cruise to Alaska? We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most romantic destinations to vacation for couples.

Radiance Hubbard Glacier Alaska

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As you plan your Alaska vacation, you might be torn between traveling by cruise ship, plane or even car. Here's how to decide the best way to see Alaska.

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Denali, Alaska Highest Mountain Peak

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Denali, Alaska National Park Mountains

Best Vacation Spots in Alaska in the Summer

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Sled Dog Racing Alaskan Malamute, Alaska

Dog Sledding Tours

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There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.

Craft Beer Tap Bartender

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For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska.

Alaska, Bull Moose Wildlife

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Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more.

Zip Lining in the Summer, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

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Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure.

Couple Enjoying Glacier Tour, Juneau, Alaska

Must-Sees for Your Once in a Lifetime Alaska Cruise Vacation

December 14, 2022

Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation.

Alaska is not a formal place; people even wear jeans to the opera. Focus more on comfort when deciding what clothing to pack.

Cameras, binoculars, rain ponchos and jackets are useful, but add these to the souvenirs you'll be picking up and soon your bag will be too heavy to tote around. Bring along a quality day pack to make it easier to hold your necessities.

Learn a few words in Alaska's local lingo: The "Alcan" is the Alaska-Canada Highway, for example, and "fish stories" are the local version of tall tales — unreliable yarns of mythological proportions, often told by fisherman.

ALASKAN CUISINE WILD IS THE WAY 

Alaskan food focuses on locally sourced ingredients that reflect the state's rugged terrain and the vast oceans surrounding it. These nutrient-rich waters serve up some gorgeous fish and shellfish, from super-fresh salmon to huge Alaskan King Crabs that can feed a crowd, while game meats and berries from the wilderness form a perfect marriage of flavor.

Best Alaska Smoked Salmon

SALMON IS CENTRAL

Fresh-caught wild salmon is served up at backyard BBQs and the finest restaurants. For something different, try the sweet and savory treat Indian Candy, salmon that is sweetened and smoked till hard.

Typical Alaskan Sourdough Bread

SOURDOUGH WON'T LET YOU GO

Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch.

Alaskan Wild Berries Pie Dessert

GO WILD FOR BERRIES

Alaskan wild berries are sweet and pack a powerful punch of flavor. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.

 National Park Mountains Snow, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Flowers Nature Mountains , Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Misty Fjords National Monument, Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Coastal Town Seascape Views, Sitka, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

National Park Forest, Inside Passage, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Iceberg Snow Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Vancouver Island Mountains, Inside Passage, British Columbia

Inside Passage, Canada

Seascape Mountain Side Ocean, Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Glacier Icy Snow, Endicott Arm & Glacier Dawes

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Chilkat Peninsula, Skagway, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Alaska Glacier Bay Mountains

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Chilkoot Lake Haines Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Downtown Lodge Houses Stilts, Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Resurrection Bay Mountain Side Ocean Kayaking Nature, Seward, Alaska

Seward, Alaska

Related Destinations

Canadian Rockies Park in the West Coast

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US News & World Report - Travel

The 9 Best Northern Lights Alaska Cruises for 2024 & Beyond

T here's no other experience on Earth quite like witnessing the northern lights. Also known as the aurora borealis, this spellbinding phenomenon – when brilliant hues of green, yellow and purple dance across the night sky – is visible in Alaska from late August to late April. Clear, dark evenings away from the ambient light of cities provide prime viewing opportunities.

Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis – especially locations in the Interior and Arctic regions, such as Coldfoot, Wiseman, Utqiagvik (Barrow) and Nome. Fairbanks is regarded as a top location due to its position directly under the auroral oval, a ring-shaped area in the far north where aurora activity is generally concentrated. The Southcentral region of Alaska, where you'll find Anchorage, Talkeetna and the Mat-Su Valley, also offers basecamps for northern lights viewing.

If you're hoping to see the magic aboard an Alaska cruise in 2024 or 2025, then you just might be in luck. Experts predict the next few seasons will be particularly good for northern lights sightings, due to increased solar activity. While seeing the northern lights is never guaranteed, your best chance of seeing them is during these high-activity solar cycles, which occur about every 11 years.

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When to take a cruise to view the northern lights

The Alaska cruise season falls between May and September, with a few cruise lines extending the season from April to October.

Holland America Line recommends booking a cruise or cruisetour (a combined sea and land package) during the autumnal equinox, or the official start of autumn, which falls around Sept. 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. Disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field are more likely around the autumn and spring equinoxes, which could increase your chances of seeing the aurora. For the best views, Holland America advises heading to higher ground in Anchorage , to vantage points like Glen Alps, the Knit River Valley and Point Woronzof.

Princess Cruises also suggests booking your vacation in the fall. September is an ideal month to watch for the spectacle in the sky as the nights start getting longer and darker. The elusive display is most likely to appear on crystal-clear evenings between midnight and 4 a.m. While you can see incredible light shows in Anchorage, consider an extended tour of Fairbanks or the Interior that takes you away from light pollution (such as to Denali National Park & Preserve).

U.S. News has compiled a list of the nine best cruises and cruisetours to give you the optimal chance of viewing these whimsical lights in the sky, with a focus on sailings around the autumnal equinox in 2024 and later dates in September 2025. We've also included an early sailing in April, before the end of the aurora season. (Keep in mind: Many of these trips and itineraries are also available on other dates during the season. Cruise fares were accurate at the time of publication.)

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Holland America Line

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9-Day Denali: Tour D8l

This nine-day land and sea tour on Nieuw Amsterdam includes an opportunity to search for the northern lights in Fairbanks, one of the best places to see them in Alaska (and in the world). Holland America offers a four-hour aurora borealis viewing tour outside the city in a yurt; it operates between the last week of August and mid-September.

If you'd like more options, there's no shortage of tour operators in town that can take you on a northern lights adventure in Fairbanks. You can even fly into town early to stay in the wilderness in an igloo with clear views of the night sky at Borealis Basecamp, located less than 30 miles from Fairbanks. Be sure to notify your hotel that you'd like a wake-up call or a knock on the door if the northern lights are on display.

You'll have more opportunities to see the aurora when you head to Denali National Park & Preserve for a stay at Holland America 's exclusive 60-acre McKinley Chalet Resort, located near the entrance to the park. After a full day exploring the park by ATV or a bucket list flightseeing adventure over Denali, you'll have another chance to see the colorful light display in Alaska's wilderness after midnight. The rest of the cruisetour itinerary includes scenic cruising days, with one spent in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. You'll also call on Juneau , Skagway and Ketchikan before disembarking in Vancouver .

14-Day Denali: Tour D3c

This 14-day adventure includes scenic cruising of the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord, with stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Whittier and Seward. You'll then have nearly a week on land in Anchorage, Denali National Park & Preserve and Fairbanks to go aurora hunting. If you spend an extra night or two in Fairbanks at the end of the trip, you'll be in town for the autumnal equinox, maximizing your northern lights viewing opportunities.

With the extra time in town, plan to book the Arctic Circle Air Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Company. This unforgettable journey takes you on a flight over the Yukon River and Brooks Range, just east of the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. You'll then land 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the community of Coldfoot and receive an Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate before your return flight to Fairbanks.

7-Day Glacier Discovery Northbound

If you're interested in a cruise-only option and would prefer to arrange the land portion independently, consider this seven-day voyage on Nieuw Amsterdam. The itinerary includes three scenic cruising days, with one day in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, and calls on the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking in Whittier, which sits roughly 60 miles south of Anchorage.

From Whittier, there are many options to transfer to Anchorage (by rail or by road), including the iconic Glacier Discovery Train. Plan to stay a few evenings in Anchorage with a multiday guided aurora tour, or reserve a spot on an evening outing in search of the northern lights.

Princess Cruises

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11-Day Denali Explorer – Tour DA4

This 11-day cruisetour begins with a seven-night voyage embarking from Vancouver on Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The itinerary includes three sea days, two of which are dedicated to scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord. You'll make stops in the coastal towns of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Anchorage (Whittier) before disembarking to depart for the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge via the line's direct-to-the-wilderness rail service.

Spending three nights at the lodge – located just outside the entrance to the park – in mid-September will offer excellent opportunities for aurora viewing. Keep your fingers crossed for high solar activity and clear, dark skies. Throughout your trip, learn photography tips to capture the mesmerizing display through Princess' North to Alaska Program. After your stay in Denali, you'll take a motor coach to Anchorage and stay overnight in a hotel there to finish up your voyage.

10-Day On Your Own – Tour BBX

The 10-Day On Your Own cruisetour with Princess Cruises begins with three nights on land, including overnights in Fairbanks, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. While at the Mt. McKinley resort, be sure to check out the lodge's treehouse. Designed by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," this vantage point offers impressive views of Denali – the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet above sea level.

Before heading off to bed, get an update on aurora activity from the tracker on your smartphone, especially if you have clear skies that night; the app My Aurora Forecast & Alerts has excellent reviews. Request a wake-up call to have the Princess lodge staff call your room if the dazzling bands of light begin to dance in the sky. The next day, after traveling to Whittier by motor coach, you'll embark on your cruise to Vancouver aboard Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess.

The voyage from Whittier includes three sea days for relaxing activities on board the ship, with two days of scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier and in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. During your time in Glacier Bay, park rangers will board the ship to offer commentary about this captivating wilderness area's pristine glaciers and abundant wildlife. Younger cruisers and teens will also appreciate learning about this spectacular place through the Junior Ranger program, which features interactive games, activities and presentations. (All cruise ships visiting the park participate in this program with the National Park Service.) Ports of call for the rest of the journey include Icy Strait Point or Skagway (depending on the cruise), then Juneau and Ketchikan. The voyage ends in Vancouver.

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Celebrity Cruises

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The Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour

Celebrity's pre-cruise national parks adventure takes guests on a wildlife viewing quest to destinations in the north and the Interior where you can watch for the aurora. The 12-night trip begins in Fairbanks with a free day to explore.

Consider a trip to the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which features exhibits on Arctic dinosaurs, diverse wildlife, Alaska Native cultures and 2,000 years of Alaska art. You could also visit the impressive collection of antique cars and clothing at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, or take a walk with the reindeer into the woods at Running Reindeer Ranch. The second day in town includes a Riverboat Discovery ride and a tour of the city, as part of the cruisetour.

On the third day, you'll board the Wilderness Express (a glass-domed railcar) for the ride to Denali. Then, you'll embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour in search of the park's grizzly bears, moose, Dall sheep and other wildlife. Be sure to put your name on the list before bedtime to get a wake-up call for aurora activity. You'll also have one evening in Anchorage, where you can arrange for a northern lights tour, and one night in Seward before setting sail on Celebrity Summit the next morning. Highlights of the voyage include cruising Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage as well as stopping in Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. You'll disembark in Vancouver.

Norwegian Cruise Line

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13-Day Denali Explorer – Pre-Cruise Cruisetour

Norwegian Cruise Line's six-day pre-cruise adventure begins with overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage, where you'll have the best chances to view the northern lights. Other highlights for the first part of the trip include a deluxe dome car rail journey from Talkeetna to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad and a private tour to an Iditarod sled dog musher's kennel. You'll also have plenty of time in Denali National Park to book a flightseeing tour, go whitewater rafting, or take a hike with a park ranger to look for bears, moose, Dall sheep, wolves and other local wildlife before starting your cruise in Seattle .

Norwegian Encore will call on Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan (Ward Cove) in Alaska. The Mill at Ward Cove near Ketchikan is a newly built cruise ship port that serves as a jumping-off point for outdoor activities in the Tongass National Forest, from hiking and biking to kayaking and sea cycling. You can even pick up souvenirs, grab a bite to eat and sample a cold Alaska brew at the mill. The cruise itinerary also includes one day at sea and a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, before you disembark in Seattle.

7-Night Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Consider this seven-day cruise on Norwegian Bliss if you prefer to travel early in the spring and take your chances at catching the northern lights toward the end of aurora season, which falls around April 21. This round-trip itinerary from Seattle is one of the earliest sailings of the year to visit the Great Land and features two sea days, with one day of scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. You'll also visit Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan (Ward Cove) and Victoria before disembarking in Seattle.

Juneau will offer one of the best opportunities during the cruise for seeing the northern lights, although chances are dependent on the weather and solar activity. There are several apps and websites with real-time updates for aurora tracking, including My Aurora Forecast & Alerts. If the skies are clear in the evening and the forecast looks promising, ask guest relations if there's a sign-up sheet to get a call or a knock on the door in the event of aurora activity.

Royal Caribbean International

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12 Night Mountain Panorama Adventure Cruisetour 5B (Pre Tour)

This 12-night cruisetour with Royal Caribbean International begins with an overnight in Anchorage before boarding the Wilderness Express, where you'll have a glass-domed rail car for the journey to Talkeetna. The quirky community of Talkeetna is said to be the inspiration for the fictional Alaska town of Cicely in the 1990s show "Northern Exposure." It's also an excellent base for chasing the aurora – especially at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, where you'll be staying.

After an overnight at the lodge, your tour moves on to Denali, where you can search for wildlife by day and look for the aurora at night. Another evening on land at Hotel Alyeska in the remote town of Girdwood affords more opportunities to chase the finnicky lights before heading to Seward to board your ship, Radiance of the Seas .

Ports of call on this voyage include Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. There are also two days of scenic cruising through Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver. While there are plenty of activities, dining venues, bars and lounges on board to keep you entertained all night long, be sure to save up enough energy to wake up in the middle of the night should you get a call to see the magical natural wonder that is the northern lights.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

  • Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
  • The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
  • The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
  • The Best Alaska Shore Excursions
  • How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

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Holland America Line Opens Bookings for 2025-2026 Panama Canal and Hawaii Cruises

Cruises include new ports, myriad ways to transit the Panama Canal, plus Nieuw Amsterdam’s Hawaii debut 

Seattle, Wash., March 4, 2024 — Holland America Line has opened bookings for 2025-2026 Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises. The premium cruise line, known for longer and destination-focused voyages, will offer departures from five North American homeports , sailing on five ships.

This season of six different Panama Canal cruises includes several firsts: Holland America Line has added the port of Acajutla, El Salvador, on most Panama Canal sailings. Additionally, guests can sail aboard Pinnacle-Class ship Koningsdam as she makes the transit through the canal for the first time. And for those hoping to transit the canal aboard Zuiderdam, new this season are departures from Miami . Voyages span from 15 to 22 days , providing options for those seeking shorter or longer vacations.

“We know a Panama Canal transit is a once-in-a-lifetime experience many of our guests are seeking, and by adding Acajutla to select voyages, we’re making it even more memorable. Guests can discover the ‘Pompeii of the Americas’ with a shore excursion to Joya de Cerén archaeological site, where they’ll explore a Mayan farming village remarkably preserved under volcanic ash,” said  Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer. “With four different departure cities, there are so many different ways to experience the Panama Canal aboard one of our ships.

In Hawaii, Nieuw Amsterdam makes its debut, cruising roundtrip itineraries from San Diego, California. The ship will be joined by Koningsdam and Zaandam on island-hopping adventures that nearly all include an overnight at Honolulu, Hawaii’s iconic capital. Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises are offered from October 2025 through April 2026 and range from 15 to 22 days.

Natural and man-made marvels feature prominently on cruises to Hawaii and the Panama Canal, with cascading waterfalls, ancient Mayan ruins and, of course, the Panama Canal’s famous locks. Shore excursions are culturally immersive to show off the natural beauty and rich history of the destinations. Cuisine on board highlights local flavors with golden pineapple, locally sourced fresh fish like Pacific mahi-mahi, fresh homemade salsa and other regional  specialties sourced directly from port to plate.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Panama Canal Cruise Season:

· Panama Canal cruises are aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam and Zuiderdam.

·Cruises start or end in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Seattle, Washington; San Diego, California; or Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

·Guests enjoy a daylight transit of the Panama Canal, with commentary on the open decks detailing the amazing feat of the man-made marvel.

·Itineraries range from 15 to 22 days and include a combination of calls in Aruba, California, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama and Turks and Caicos.

·Several cruises offer multiple embarkation or disembarkation options. For example, Fort Lauderdale to San Diego, Seattle or Vancouver.

·Select Panama Canal sailings include a call at Acajutla, a new port for Holland America Line, offering excursions to remarkably preserved Mayan ruins, volcanoes, and cacao plantations, while also providing a gateway to see more of El Salvador, including San Salvador and Nahuizalco.

·Many Panama Canal cruises include a call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Hawaii Cruise Season:

· Cruises to Hawaii are aboard Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam. This will be Nieuw Amsterdam’s first season in Hawaii.

·Guests sailing aboard Nieuw Amsterdam will be able to experience the culinary delights of the ship’s newest restaurant, Morimoto by Sea. Guests sailing on Koningsdam or Zaandam will also be able to experience the restaurant menu during special pop-up dinners.

· Itineraries are roundtrip from San Diego, roundtrip from Vancouver, or from Vancouver to San Diego.

·  17-day “Circle Hawaii” from Vancouver to San Diego visits Nawiliwili, Kahului, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight) and Kona. The 17-day roundtrip from San Diego features either an overnight or late departure from Honolulu, a call to Ensenada, Mexico, and more Hawaiian ports like Kona and Kahului.

·  18-day “Circle Hawaii” is roundtrip from San Diego or Vancouver and calls at Kahului, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight), Nawiliwili and Kona. Roundtrip San Diego adds a call at Ensenada and roundtrip Vancouver includes Victoria, Canada.

Have It All Booking Bonus

For a limited time, when guests book select 2025-2026 Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Terms and conditions apply.

Beginning cruise-only fares for 2025-2026 Hawaii cruises start from $1,579 and Panama Canal fares begin at $1,779, per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional. Visit hollandamerica.com for full details.

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    Cruises include new ports, myriad ways to transit the Panama Canal, plus Nieuw Amsterdam's Hawaii debut . Seattle, Wash., March 4, 2024 — Holland America Line has opened bookings for 2025-2026 Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises. The premium cruise line, known for longer and destination-focused voyages, will offer departures from five North American homeports, sailing on five ships.