A cruise ship is an excellent way to explore Alaska. With its stunning glaciers, towering mountains and abundant wildlife, a cruise ship voyage to Alaska will be an unforgettable experience.
The season and type of cruise you plan on taking can help determine which cruise ship goes to Alaska. Most major cruise lines offer cruises to the Last Frontier at least once a year during the summer months, typically May through September.
The most popular itineraries include round-trip sailings from Seattle, Vancouver or San Francisco; cruisetours that combine a multi-day ocean voyage with an extended land tour; and one-way voyages between Seattle and Anchorage (Whittier) or Vancouver and Seward.
When selecting which cruise ship goes to Alaska, it’s important to consider the amenities that each vessel offers. Cruise ships vary significantly in size, from intimate boutique vessels carrying fewer than 300 passengers to mega-ships accommodating up to 5,000 guests. Generally speaking, the larger ships offer more activities and entertainment options than their smaller counterparts.
Cruise Lines With Alaska Itineraries
Major lines sailing to Alaska include Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival’s Alaska sailings are offered on the Carnival Miracle and Carnival Legend — both of which are mid-sized ships accommodating 2,124 guests each.
Holland America Line
Holland America’s fleet of premium mid-sized vessels includes six ships sailing seven-day cruises around the Inside Passage between Vancouver or Seattle and either Skagway or Ketchikan in Southeast Alaska. The line’s biggest ship — the 2,660-passenger Koningsdam — sails roundtrip voyages from Seattle.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offers seven-day roundtrip sailings aboard its two biggest vessels — the 3,560-passenger Regal Princess and Royal Princess — as well as its smaller Pacific Princess (668 passengers). Select one-way itineraries aboard Grand Princess (3,080 passengers) link Vancouver with Whittier (Anchorage).
Royal Caribbean InternationalRoyal Caribbean’s largest Alaskan vessel is Ovation of the Seas with a capacity for 4100 passengers. This Quantum class vessel includes several exciting features such as skydiving simulators , bumper cars , roller skating rink , robotic bartenders .
It also has North Star observation pod , Ripcord by iFly simulators . But if you want something more intimate then try Radiance of the Seas with only 2400 passengers capacity . It has several attractions like rock climbing wall , ice skating rink , solarium pool , miniature golf course.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity offers voyages aboard four different vessels: Celebrity Solstice (2144 guests), Celebrity Infinity (2286 guests), Celebrity Millennium (1962 guests) and Celebrity Summit (2158 guests). All these ships have multiple dining options including specialty restaurants like Qsine where you can enjoy interactive dining experiences . Other features include high definition movies shown on giant outdoor screens , glass blowing shows in Hot Glass Show venue etc.Conclusion:
When it comes to choosing which cruise ship goes to Alaska there are many options available depending on your specific needs. Major cruise lines offer a variety of itineraries for travelers looking for adventure in this breathtaking destination. From intimate boutique vessels carrying fewer than 300 passengers to mega-ships accommodating up to 5,000 guests – each offering unique onboard amenities – there is sure to be a perfect fit for everyone!