Best Alaska Cruise Lines to Book in 2025/26

Between the icy fjords, towering glaciers, and wildlife that casually wanders past your balcony, Alaska is one of those places that feels like it shouldn’t be real. But it is, and it’s absolutely worth seeing by sea.

Now, the trick is choosing how to do it. Big ship or small? Expedition vibes or classic comfort? All-you-can-eat buffets or something a bit more boutique? 

With cruise lines going all in on Alaska next season, finding your cruise is important. In this article, we’ll help you figure out which cruise lines are worth your time (and money) in 2025. 

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Top Cruise Lines for Alaska Voyages

Holland America Line

For travellers who want the classic Alaska experience with a side of depth.

If Alaska had a hometown cruise line, this would be it. Holland America’s been sailing these waters for over 75 years, so they know every glacier, fjord, and fishing village like the back of their hand. In 2025, expect a full roster of 7-day Inside Passage cruises and longer cruisetours that bundle your cruise with inland adventures to Denali and even the Yukon.

Onboard, it’s all about relaxed elegance. Think live blues music, cooking demos with fresh Alaskan salmon, and a solid enrichment program that makes learning fun. Their “Savor My Catch” program even lets you bring back your own fish from shore excursions and have it cooked on board. Very wholesome. Very tasty.

Best for: Mature travellers, food lovers, and anyone wanting a well-rounded, deeply local experience.

Princess Cruises

The most well-known Alaskan expert in the game.

Princess comes so often to Alaska, it practically moved in. With their own wilderness lodges and rail services, they’re the only cruise line that can seamlessly take you from sea to summit. In 2025, they’re rolling out a big line-up of 7- to 14-day cruises with options to tack on land tours before or after.

Back on board, there’s everything from Alaska-themed shows to ranger talks and fresh seafood grills. They’ve even got that Medallion tech, which basically turns your cruise card into a magic token that opens doors and brings drinks. You’ll never be short on views, especially from their Glacier Bay National Park sailings.

Best for: First-timers, scenic cruisers, and travellers who want both the cruise and the national parks.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Casual, flexible, and full of fun.

NCL keeps it chill. No set dinner times, no forced dress codes. Just you, your itinerary, and whatever you feel like eating that day. Their cruise ships doing Alaska in 2025, like the Norwegian Bliss and Encore, are floating playgrounds: race tracks, laser tag, Broadway shows, you name it.

The itineraries stick to the hits (Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway), and the onboard experience leans into modern design and freedom to roam. If you want something more luxe, “The Haven” is a private section of the ship with its own lounge, restaurant, and concierge.

Best for: Families, younger couples, and travellers who want to mix wildlife with waterslides.

Royal Caribbean

Big ships, big activities, big windows to Alaska.

Royal Caribbean brings its signature mega-ship energy to Alaska, albeit on its smaller vessels like Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas. But don’t let “smaller” fool you. These ships are still loaded with glass elevators, outdoor movie screens, and plenty of action for kids and grown-ups alike.

Their 2025 itineraries include northbound and southbound routes between Vancouver and Seward, with all the fan favourites in between. The onboard experience is classic RCL: upbeat, vibrant, and family-friendly.

Best for: Families, cruisers who want lots to do, and those who like their glacier views served with a cocktail.

MSC Cruises

European flair meets Alaskan air.

MSC isn’t the first name that comes to mind for Alaska, but if you’re after a slightly different vibe, this one’s worth a look. In 2025, MSC Poesia is offering 7-night sailings out of Seattle, with stops in Sitka, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert.

The ship has that signature MSC style with sleek interiors, lots of international flair, and wellness-focused amenities like the Aurea Spa. You’ll find a quieter, more refined experience here, with fewer poolside belly flop contests and more time spent sipping espresso on the deck.

Best for: Couples, experienced cruisers, and those who want a European-style experience.

Regent Seven Seas

Top-tier luxury with everything included.

If you want a champagne-poured-on-arrival kind of cruise, Regent’s where it’s at. Their 2025 Alaska itineraries include 7- to 12-night voyages with no surprise add-ons. Everything’s included: excursions, flights, transfers, drinks, fine dining, etc.

The ships are smaller and more intimate, so you’ll get into ports the big guys can’t. Expect all-suite accommodation, attentive service, and excursions like helicopter tours and wildlife tracking.

Best for: Luxury travellers, milestone celebrations, and those who want to cruise without touching their wallet.

Carnival Cruise Line

Affordable, cheerful, and full of energy.

If your vibe is more comedy shows, waterslides, and trivia nights, Carnival’s got you sorted. Carnival Spirit will be sailing 7-day roundtrips from Seattle in 2025, covering all the classic Alaska ports. The ships are colourful and buzzing, with loads of food options and a down-to-earth atmosphere. 

Best for: Families, first-timers, and anyone after an affordable Alaskan adventure with lots of laughs.

Cunard Line

Formalwear, fine dining, and glacier views.

Cunard brings a bit of British class to Alaska with Queen Elizabeth offering 10- to 12-night sailings. If you’ve ever wanted to watch whales while sipping afternoon tea, this is your cruise. It’s all very refined: ballroom dancing, guest lecturers, proper service, and a dress code that gives you an excuse to pack that tux.

Best for: Traditionalists, fans of the golden age of cruising, and anyone who believes in dressing for dinner.

Celebrity Cruises

Polished, stylish, and surprisingly relaxed.

Celebrity hits that sweet spot between luxury and casual. Their 2025 Alaska lineup includes Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit, sailing round-trip from Seattle and Vancouver. The ships are modern but not flashy, and the vibe is refined without feeling formal.

You’ll find real grass lawns on the upper decks, world-class wine lists, and onboard programs like “Taste of Alaska” that give you a feel for local culture without being over-the-top.

Best for: Foodies, couples, and travellers who like the finer things but also like to leave their heels at home.

UnCruise Adventures

Small ships. Big adventures.

If you want to get off the beaten track (way off), UnCruise is your go-to. These small expedition vessels carry fewer than 100 passengers and focus on true wilderness immersion. 

Expect to spend your days kayaking past icebergs, hiking through dense rainforest, or watching bears from a Zodiac. No casinos, no Broadway shows, just pure Alaska and a bunch of other curious, outdoorsy types.

Best for: Nature lovers, adventure travellers, and people who want to experience Alaska, not just cruise past it.

Lindblad Expeditions

An Alaskan deep dive for the brainy and brave.

In partnership with National Geographic, Lindblad offers expedition cruises that feel more like floating science labs (in the best way). Naturalists, marine biologists, and Nat Geo photographers join you on board, offering talks, hikes, and kayaking trips with expert insights.

The vibe is curious and engaged, and the experience feels authentic. Ships are small, cosy, and designed to get really close to nature.

Best for: Curious minds, photographers, and anyone who wants a cruise that’s more about discovery.

Ponant

French luxury meets Arctic expedition.

Ponant’s ships are sleek, stylish, and small enough to access lesser-known parts of Alaska. Their 2025 sailings bring a bit of French sophistication to the wilderness, with expert-led expeditions and five-star service along the way.

You’ll find fine French cuisine, spa treatments, and an onboard lecture program that dives into local geology, culture, and wildlife. It’s a cruise for people who want to feel like explorers, without giving up their glass of Bordeaux.

Best for: Sophisticated travellers, Francophiles, and those who want their adventure with a soft robe and room service.

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Must-Visit Ports and Excursions

Juneau – Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching

First thing to know: you can’t drive to Juneau. Alaska’s capital is only accessible by boat or plane, which already makes it feel like an adventure. 

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the easiest glaciers to visit in the world, just a short drive from the cruise docks, and you’re standing in front of this massive wall of ice. You can take an easy hike to Nugget Falls, or hop in a kayak if you’re feeling bold.

But the real magic happens out on the water. Whale watching in Juneau is world-class. Every summer, humpback whales gather here to feed, and they’re not shy. You might see bubble-net feeding, orcas cruising by, or sea lions sunbathing like they own the place. 

Ketchikan – Totem Heritage & Lumberjack Shows

Ketchikan is a town with a frontier vibe, a strong First Nations presence, and a sense of humour about its soggy weather (It rains a lot, so bring a hood).

One of the top cultural stops is the Totem Heritage Center, where you can get a proper look at the art and stories behind the towering poles you’ll see all around town. These pieces have deep ties to Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian traditions.

If you want something a bit rowdier, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is pure entertainment: chainsaws, log-rolling, axe throwing, and a bit of tongue-in-cheek competition between “rival” lumberjacks. 

Skagway – White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

Skagway feels like stepping onto a movie set from the gold rush era. This town exploded in the late 1890s when everyone decided to chase gold into the Yukon. And while the gold’s long gone, the stories (and saloons) are still standing.

The must-do here is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. It’s a narrow-gauge train that climbs nearly 3,000 feet into the mountains, past waterfalls, cliff edges, and old trail markers from the Klondike days. The views are unreal, and the history is just as gripping, especially when you realise people hiked this with 40 kilos of gear on their backs.

You can pair the train ride with hiking, dog sledding (even in summer), or a bucket list trip over the border into Canada if you’re doing a one-way cruise. Just don’t forget your passport if that’s the case.

Icy Strait Point – Indigenous Culture & Ziplining Adventures

This one’s a bit more off the beaten path, and that’s part of the charm. Icy Strait Point is near the village of Hoonah, home to the Tlingit people, and it’s 100% locally owned. You’ll find beautifully restored clan houses, traditional performances, and a vibe that’s more authentic than most ports.

This place also has the longest zipline in the world. The ZipRider drops you over 400 vertical metres, hits speeds up to 100 km/h, and gives you sweeping views of the forest and bay as you fly down the mountain.

Add in hiking trails, whale-watching right off the beach, and some of the friendliest locals you’llmeet, and you’ve got one of Alaska’s most memorable stops.

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Frequently Asked Questions