What Is the Largest Cruise Ship That Goes to Alaska?

By Robert Palmer

Alaska has long been known as a top destination for cruise ships, with its stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife making it a favorite of travelers from around the world. But, what is the largest cruise ship that goes to Alaska? The answer changes from year to year, as new ships are launched and more routes become available.

Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas is currently the largest cruise ship that visits Alaska. The Ovation of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class cruise ships, and at 168,666 gross registered tons (GRT), it is one of the largest in its class.

The ship has 18 decks with a capacity of 4,180 passengers and 1,500 crew members. It offers multiple restaurants and bars, entertainment venues, pools and hot tubs, an onboard spa and gym, retail shops, casino gaming tables, and much more.

The Ovation of the Seas typically sails 7-day round trips from Seattle or Vancouver to Alaska’s Inside Passage during the summer months. It makes stops at popular ports in both Canada and Alaska including Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Victoria (BC), Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) , Skagway and Hubbard Glacier Cruising. Passengers on these cruises will have plenty of time to explore each port city before continuing on their journey.

Other large ships that visit Alaska include Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas which carries 3,114 passengers at 138,279 GRT; Celebrity Solstice which carries 2,850 passengers at 122,400 GRT; Norwegian Joy which carries 3,883 passengers at 167156 GRT; Celebrity Infinity which carries 2152 passengers at 91000 GRT; Carnival Miracle which carries 2494 passengers at 88500 GRT; Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam carrying 2106 passengers at 86000 GRT; Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess carrying 3034 passengers 80200 GRT; and Carnival Spirit carrying 2450 passengers 80000 GRT.

No matter what type of cruise line or size ship you choose for your Alaskan journey you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring this beautiful region with its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife.

Conclusion: Currently the largest cruise ship that visits Alaska is Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas which has a capacity for 4180 guests and 1500 crew members spread across 18 decks with a total gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 168666. Other large vessels that make their way up to Alaska include Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas carrying 3114 guests on 138279 GRT; Celebrity Solstice carrying 2850 guests on 122400 GRT; Norwegian Joy accommodating 3883 guests on 167156 GRT; Celebrity Infinity hosting 2152 guests on 91000 GRT; Carnival Miracle accommodating 2494 guests on 88500 GRT; Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam hosting 2106 guests on 86000GRT; Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess taking 3034 guests 80200GRT; Carnival Spirit hosting 2450 guests 80000GRT.