For travelers looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, an Alaska cruise from Seattle is an excellent choice. The Alaskan coast is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world, with majestic mountains, lush forests, and picturesque coastline. Seattle is one of the best locations to set off from for a cruise to Alaska, since it offers easy access to the ports of call on your voyage.
When planning an Alaskan cruise from Seattle, it’s important to consider which side of the ship you should book.
On a southbound cruise, your ship will sail along the outer coast of Vancouver Island and the Inside Passage before heading south through Canada’s Inside Passage. On a northbound voyage, your ship will sail along Canada’s inner coast before entering Alaska’s Inside Passage and cruising north to its final port. Both options offer stunning views of glaciers and wildlife, but there are some differences between them.
The Southbound Route
Cruising southbound provides perhaps the most scenic route from Seattle to Alaska. You’ll spend more time in open water as you sail down Vancouver Island’s outer coast before passing through Canada’s Inside Passage.
This gives you more opportunity to spot marine life such as whales and seals. On this route, you’ll also get views of some of British Columbia’s most beautiful scenery as well as remote villages and fishing towns.
The Northbound Route
Cruising northbound allows you to take advantage of less crowded ports and smaller crowds onboard your ship. You’ll pass through Canada’s inner coast before entering Alaska’s Inside Passage. This allows you more time in some of Alaska’s scenic ports like Juneau or Ketchikan where you can explore by foot or take part in shore excursions such as whale watching or glacier tours.
Conclusion
Both southbound and northbound routes offer amazing views during an Alaskan cruise from Seattle but each has its own advantages. Southbound cruises provide more time at sea with opportunities for wildlife spotting while northbound cruises provide more time in port with fewer crowds on board your ship. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference when deciding which side of the ship is best for your cruise!