Alaska Cruise Guide

Alaska is unlike any other cruise destination in the world. There are no ancient ruins or beach clubs here — instead, you'll find towering glaciers, untouched wilderness, and wildlife encounters that will stay with you for a lifetime. If you've been dreaming of Alaska, here's everything you need to know before you sail.

Why Princess Cruises for Alaska

When it comes to Alaska, Princess Cruises is our top recommendation — and for good reason. Princess has been sailing Alaska longer than almost any other cruise line and has built an unmatched infrastructure in the region, including their own wilderness lodges and rail connections for land extensions. Their ships are perfectly sized for Alaska's ports and waterways, and their onboard naturalists and park rangers provide expert commentary as you sail through some of the most dramatic scenery on earth. If Alaska is on your bucket list, Princess is the line that does it best.

Sailing the Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is the heart of any Alaska cruise. This sheltered network of waterways winds through a landscape of fjords, forested islands, and snow-capped peaks that stretches from Washington State all the way to Southeast Alaska. Sailing the Inside Passage feels less like a cruise and more like a journey through one of the last truly wild places on earth. Keep your camera ready at all times — the scenery changes constantly and the light in Alaska has a quality you won't find anywhere else.

Most Alaska itineraries are either round-trip from Seattle or one-way between Vancouver and Whittier (near Anchorage). The one-way itinerary is particularly popular because it covers more ground and pairs perfectly with a Denali land extension.

Glacier Viewing

Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier are the two crown jewels of Alaska cruising. Sailing into Glacier Bay — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in all of travel. Your ship will slow to a near stop as you drift through the icy waters surrounded by towering blue-white glaciers. The sound of calving ice echoing across the bay is something you simply cannot prepare for.

Princess Cruises is one of the few lines with special access to Glacier Bay, making it a significant advantage when choosing your itinerary.

Wildlife Watching

Alaska's wildlife is extraordinary and surprisingly accessible from the ship. Keep your binoculars handy throughout the voyage — humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, bald eagles, brown bears, and Dall's porpoises are all commonly spotted along the Inside Passage. Many guests report that their most memorable Alaska moments happened not on a shore excursion but simply standing on their balcony watching the wilderness drift by.

On shore, Juneau and Ketchikan offer excellent wildlife excursions including whale watching tours and bear viewing floatplanes that take you deep into the backcountry.

The Denali Land Extension

No Alaska experience is truly complete without venturing inland to Denali National Park. Princess makes this seamless with their Cruisetour packages — a combination of your cruise and a multi-day land journey by rail and motorcoach through the Alaska interior, culminating at the foot of North America's tallest peak. If you are short on time, you can take the direct train ride to Denali.

The Princess wilderness lodges at the entrance to Denali National Park are spectacular, and the park itself offers wildlife viewing unlike anywhere else — grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves, and Dall sheep all roam freely across the tundra. We strongly recommend adding at least 3 to 4 nights inland to make the most of your Alaska journey.

Best Time to Sail — May and June

While Alaska's cruise season runs from May through September, we particularly recommend May and June for first-time visitors. The landscapes are lush and green, wildflowers are in bloom, and the long days give you extraordinary light for photography — in June, Juneau sees nearly 18 hours of daylight. Crowds are also noticeably smaller in May and early June compared to the peak summer rush, and pricing tends to be more favorable.

One thing to keep in mind — Alaska weather is famously unpredictable regardless of when you sail. Pack layers, a good waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. The reward for being prepared is one of the most breathtaking destinations on the planet.

A Note on Balcony Cabins

For Alaska, we always recommend booking a balcony cabin. Unlike tropical cruises where you might spend most of your time ashore or at the pool, Alaska cruising is largely about what you see from the ship. Having a private outdoor space to watch glaciers, spot wildlife, and take in the scenery at your own pace is worth every penny. Book early — balcony cabins on Alaska sailings sell out fast.

Pro-Tip: Book your post train package from Whittier to Anchorage early as seating is very limited.

Ready to start planning your Alaska adventure? GalaxSea Cruises & Tours specializes in Alaska cruise and cruisetour packages with Princess Cruises. Contact us today and let's find the perfect sailing for you.