How Long Does It Take a Cruise Ship to Go From San Francisco to Alaska?

By Alice Nichols

Alaska is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and a cruise to this majestic place can be a great way to explore the region. With its vast untouched wilderness, awe-inspiring glaciers, and incredible wildlife, Alaska is an unforgettable experience. So how long does it take to go from San Francisco to Alaska on a cruise?

The answer depends on several factors such as the size of the ship, its speed, and the route taken. A large cruise ship such as Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas can take up to seven days at sea when traveling from San Francisco to Alaska.

This includes stops at ports along the way such as Astoria, Oregon; Victoria, British Columbia; Ketchikan, Alaska; and Juneau, Alaska. It also includes two days at sea before arriving in Alaska.

For those who want a shorter voyage, there are several five-day cruises available from San Francisco to Alaska. These cruises often include stops in Vancouver, British Columbia; Ketchikan; Juneau; and Skagway, Alaska. Of course, these itineraries may vary based on the season and availability.

Cruise Ship Speed

The speed of a cruise ship also affects how long it takes to get from San Francisco to Alaska. Most ships travel at an average speed of around 17 knots (20 mph). This means that it would take around three days for a ship traveling non-stop from San Francisco directly to Ketchikan or Juneau in Alaska.

Other Factors

Another factor that can affect the length of time it takes for a cruise ship to go from San Francisco to Alaska is weather conditions. If there are storms or rough seas during your voyage, you may find yourself spending extra time at sea or having longer port stays due to delays.

Conclusion

Overall, how long it takes for a cruise ship to go from San Francisco to Alaska depends on factors like size of the ship, its speed and route taken. Generally speaking it can take up five or seven days depending on whether you choose a five-day or seven-day itinerary respectively. However other factors such as weather conditions can affect this so always allow yourself some extra flexibility just in case.