Cruise past glaciers, explore Alaska by land, or combine both for the ultimate Alaska adventure. I’ll help you choose the experience that fits the way you want to travel.
Glaciers, wildlife, scenic cruising, and incredible ports. I’ll help you compare cruise lines, ships, itineraries, and staterooms to find the right fit.
Explore Alaska beyond the ports with scenic rail journeys, wilderness lodges, national parks, wildlife experiences, and customized land itineraries.
Want both? Combine an Alaska cruise with a pre- or post-cruise land experience for a more complete look at the Last Frontier.
Not sure which cruise line, itinerary, or time of year is right for you? My free Alaska Cruise Guide breaks down the options and helps you figure out which Alaska cruise fits your travel style.
Cruise and itinerary recommendations • staterooms • hotels • rail and land packages • transfers • excursions • travel protection • important deadlines
You enjoy Alaska. I’ll keep track of the details.
Answers to some of the most common Alaska cruise and vacation planning questions.
When is the best time to cruise Alaska?
Alaska cruise season typically runs from May through September, and the best time depends on what you want from your trip. May and September can bring cooler weather and fewer crowds, while June through August offer long daylight hours and peak summer conditions. Wildlife viewing, weather and pricing vary throughout the season, so I help my clients choose dates based on the Alaska experience they want, not simply the month everyone else is booking.
Which cruise line is best for Alaska?
There isn’t one Alaska cruise line that is best for everyone. Princess and Holland America have long histories in Alaska and extensive cruise + land options, while Royal Caribbean and Norwegian can be great choices for travelers who place more emphasis on the ship experience. Celebrity offers another premium option. I compare the cruise line, ship, itinerary, time in port, glacier viewing and overall travel style before recommending the best fit for each client.
What is the Inside Passage on an Alaska cruise?
The Inside Passage is the scenic coastal route traveled by many Alaska cruises, with forested islands, mountains, waterways and wildlife along the way. Popular ports can include Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, but not every Inside Passage itinerary is the same. Port combinations, time in port, scenic cruising and glacier experiences are all important things to compare before choosing a cruise.
Is Glacier Bay worth seeing on an Alaska cruise?
For many travelers, Glacier Bay National Park is one of the highlights of an Alaska cruise. It is a scenic cruising experience rather than a traditional port day, with glaciers, mountains and opportunities to spot wildlife from the ship. Not every Alaska cruise visits Glacier Bay, so if it is high on your wish list, we need to choose your cruise line and itinerary accordingly.
Should I choose an Alaska cruise or a cruise + land vacation?
If you want to experience Alaska beyond the coastline, a cruise + land vacation can be a great choice. Adding time on land can give you opportunities to experience places such as Denali, Anchorage and Fairbanks, travel by scenic rail and stay in Alaska lodges. Some travelers prefer an organized cruise tour, while others want a customized pre- or post-cruise land itinerary. I can help with either.
How many days do you need for an Alaska vacation?
Many Alaska cruises are seven nights, but I recommend allowing additional time when possible, especially if you are traveling a long distance to get there. Adding a few days before or after your cruise can create a more complete Alaska experience. If Denali or a more extensive land itinerary is important to you, plan for a longer trip rather than trying to squeeze everything into a week.
Is a balcony worth it on an Alaska cruise?
A balcony can be especially worthwhile in Alaska because the scenery is such a big part of the experience. Having your own outdoor space lets you enjoy mountains, glaciers and wildlife without always heading to a public deck. That said, I don't automatically recommend spending more on a balcony for every traveler. Your budget, itinerary, ship and how you like to travel all matter when choosing the right stateroom.
Still not sure which Alaska vacation is right for you?
That’s where I come in. I help my clients compare cruise lines, ships, itineraries, staterooms, land packages, hotels, rail journeys, transfers and excursions to build an Alaska vacation around the way they actually want to travel.