Are you planning to go on an Alaska cruise, but confused about which cruise line to choose? Look no further, as we break down the top contenders for the best Alaska cruise.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is a popular choice for Alaska cruises, offering a wide variety of itineraries and ships. They have been cruising in Alaska for over 50 years and have a great reputation for their onboard experiences.
Their ships are equipped with amenities like movie theaters, casinos, and live entertainment. Princess Cruises also offers unique excursions like dog sledding and glacier trekking.
Pros:
- Wide variety of itineraries and ships
- Great onboard experiences
- Unique excursions
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other options
- Crowded during peak season
Holland America Line
Holland America Line is another top contender for the best Alaska cruise. They offer a range of itineraries that cover both the inside passage and Gulf of Alaska.
Holland America Line’s ships are known for their elegant decor and spacious cabins. They also offer culinary experiences like cooking demonstrations and wine tastings.
Pros:
- Elegant decor and spacious cabins
- Culinary experiences available
- Affordable pricing options available
Cons:
- Limited onboard entertainment options compared to other cruise lines
- Slightly older demographic on board can be less engaging for younger travelers.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, where passengers have more control over their dining and entertainment choices. They offer itineraries that cover both the inside passage and Gulf of Alaska.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships are equipped with amenities like water parks, ropes courses, and Broadway-style shows.
Pros:
- More control over dining and entertainment choices
- Amenities like water parks and ropes courses on board
- Flexible pricing options available
Cons:
- Slightly less emphasis on the Alaskan experience compared to other cruise lines
- Quality of food on board can be inconsistent.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International offers a range of itineraries that cover both the inside passage and Gulf of Alaska. Their ships are equipped with amenities like rock climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and zip lines. They also offer unique excursions like helicopter tours and whale watching.
Pros:
- Amenities like rock climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and zip lines on board.
- Unique excursions available.
- Affordable pricing options available.
Cons:
- Crowded during peak season.
- Slightly less emphasis on the Alaskan experience compared to other cruise lines.
The Verdict:
In conclusion, all four cruise lines offer unique experiences and itineraries for an Alaska cruise. However, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are more suitable for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the Alaskan experience, whereas Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International are better for those who want more flexibility and entertainment options on board. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a cruise experience.
So, choose your cruise line wisely and get ready for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure!