How to Pick the Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary

The Inside Passage is one of the best Alaska cruise routes, a true classic, perfect for people who have never been to the Last Frontier. The route snakes through several islands, towering fjords, and peaceful bays.

Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway are sometimes called the "Big 3" of Alaska cruise ports, and the Inside Passage gives you access to all of them. While you cruise, watch for orcas, bald eagles, and humpback whales right from the ship.

Duration

Most Inside Passage voyages typically last between 7-14 days. A week-long trip will give you the Alaskan essentials without leaving you exhausted, while longer itineraries often include both the Gulf and extra glacier stops.

Ports

The top ports of call for Alaska's Inside Passage include Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point. These ports offer a mix of Native Alaskan culture, Gold Rush history, glacier adventures, and some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the state and the world.

Top Things To Do

• Whale Watching: On the best Alaska cruise itineraries, you might see a whale or 10. From May to September, humpbacks migrate to Alaska's Inside Passage, making it one of the best places in the world for whale spotting. Whale watching tours departing from Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan are common.
• Glacier Bay National Park: Covering over 3.3 million acres, Glacier Bay National Park is a dream for nature lovers and adventure seekers. 
• Sitka National Historical Park: The famous Sitka National Historical Park preserves the site where the Tlingit tribe was defeated by the Russians in the Battle of 1804. These days, the park tells its story and also has incredible hiking trails and wildlife viewing.
• Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: Established in 1976, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway demonstrates the history of the 1897-98 Klondike Gold Rush. Tip: If you sail from Seattle, visit their sister museum!
• Dog Sledding Adventures: Dog sledding is a deeply rooted tradition in Alaskan culture, made famous by the legendary Iditarod race. Whether you visit in winter for a full-on mushing adventure or take a summer tour to ride on a wheeled cart, don’t miss dog sledding in Alaska's Inside Passage. 
• Totem Bight State Park: Learn to decipher totem poles and maybe the meaning of life. A visit to Totem Bight State Park in Ketchikan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Explore the park's coastal rainforest and a traditional clan house and take a peek into the communal living of Alaska's Indigenous communities. 
• Shopping in Juneau: For souvenirs that scream, "I visited Alaska," you want Juneau. The city's historic downtown is packed with locally made-with-love art, jewelry and fashion, qiviut scarves, and perishable gifts like salmon jerky, jams, and glacial soaps. 

Other Things To Consider

Typically, the Inside Passage voyages are round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver, returning to the same port, with 3-4 stops, usually Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Sitka. There aren't open ocean swells, and the waters are known for being calm, which is attractive to passengers who get seasick or first-time cruisers. 

The Gulf of Alaska connects you to incredible ports like Seward, where you can visit Kenai Fjords National Park, and Valdez, home to massive glaciers like Columbia. Cruising through the Gulf gives you front-row views of massive tidewater glaciers. It is also one of the best places to spot orcas, humpbacks, and sea lions from your cabin balcony or window.

If you're in need of the best Alaska cruise itineraries for sightseeing, consider one along the Gulf.

Duration

Cruises through the Gulf of Alaska usually last about 7-10 days. This allows you to move at a leisurely pace without feeling rushed. You'll have time for everything from glacier spotting to relaxing on deck.

Ports

The top stops for cruises in the Gulf of Alaska include Juneau, Seward, Whittier, and Valdez. These ports connect travelers to Alaska's rugged interior, including national parks, charming towns, and scenic highways.

Top Things To Do

• Sailing Through the Gulf of Alaska: Cruising through the Gulf of Alaska is an epic journey across one of Earth's most beautiful landscapes. This massive body of water, wedged between the Kenai Peninsula and the Alaskan coast, is full of towering glaciers, misty fjords, and endless wildlife. 
• Hike a Glacier: Lace up those hiking boots because getting close to the ice giants at Mendenhall Glacier is an Alaska must-do. And luckily, most people can experience this, because the trails surrounding Mendenhall Glacier range from easy to difficult, with options for both shorter walks and longer, more challenging treks with elevation gain. Located just outside Juneau, you can take guided glacier hikes to get up close for the perfect (and safe) photos. 
• Cultural Tours: Alaska's history is built on the traditions of its Indigenous peoples. In ports like Ketchikan and Sitka, you can visit heritage centers, watch traditional dance performances, and see local artists carving authentic Alaskan totem poles.
• Wildlife Viewing in Kenai Fjords National Park: A stop at Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the best things to do in all of Alaska. Located near Seward, it's home to a stunning mix of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. You might see otters playing, orcas hunting in pods, and massive sea lions sitting on rocky shores. 
• Fishing: The state is home to all five species of Pacific salmon! Charter boats take fishers to prime fishing spots, and many tours will clean and ship your catch home so you can enjoy the taste of Alaska long after your trip ends.

Other Things To Consider

You'll need to fly one-way to or from Alaska, as well as one-way from Seattle or Vancouver, making it a more expensive trip. If you want to add a land tour to your cruise, the Gulf of Alaska is a fantastic place to do so. 

Since these cruises disembark in either Seward or Whittier, transitioning into a land tour before or after is smooth. However, many people also sail this route for the scenery and don't even add a land tour at all!

Does your idea of the best Alaska cruise itinerary include glacier hopping? You're not alone. Keep reading to understand why so many of the best Alaska cruise itineraries are glacier-focused.

Duration

Glacier cruises typically last between 7-14 days. A week-long journey is perfect if you're short on time, but if you crave more through exploration, a two-week cruise allows visits to more remote locations. 

Consider the itinerary carefully; some cruises pack a variety of glacier-stops to ensure you get the most out of your time without sacrificing your schedule. Tip: Ask if the cruise offers glacier days, where ships remain in scenic spots longer, giving you more time to take in the breathtaking views, watch for calving ice, and capture amazing photos.

Ports

Ports in glacier-focused itineraries are as cool as an Alaskan summer breeze and perfect for photographers, both pro and amateur. The best Alaska cruise itineraries that are glacier-focused include top ports like Juneau, Skagway, Seward, and Valdez, along with iconic sites like Glacier Bay, Mendenhall Glacier, and Exit Glacier. 

Top Things To Do

• Helicopter Tours Over Glaciers: For a truly unforgettable experience, a helicopter tour gives you indescribable views of Alaska's mind-bending ice fields and snowy mountains. See glaciers from a perspective few ever do! Many tours also include a glacier landing, where you can step onto the ancient ice.
• Hike to Exit Glacier: For those who want to experience a glacier up close, hiking to Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park is all that, and a bag of frozen chips. This accessible glacier offers well-maintained trails that take you right to the edge of the ice, with interpretive signs showing how much the glacier has receded over time.
• Exploring Hubbard Glacier, the Largest Tidewater Glacier: Extending over six miles wide where it meets the sea, Hubbard is a true giant among glaciers. Unlike many others, Hubbard is advancing (growing and moving forward) rather than retreating (shrinking), making it one of the most unique glaciers in the state.
• College Fjord: Expect a lot while cruising College Fjord. The glaciers on the left side are named after various women's colleges, and those on the right are named for men's colleges.This naming tradition was established by the Harriman Expedition in 1899 to honor East Coast colleges like Wellesley (on the left) and Harvard (on the right).

Other Things To Consider

Plan shore excursions in advance, as popular ones can sell out even quicker than normal on more niche cruises such as a glacier tour. Also, keep in mind that wildlife sightings are better at some times of the year than others. Have patience—real animals don’t always reveal themselves to humans. Bring binoculars to spot wildlife and sites further away.

If you're looking to peep at every bit of Alaska without rushing, consider a longer sail. These trips give you more time to find hidden gems at ports and explore your cruise ship.

Ports

Can't settle on the best Alaska cruise itinerary that's on the shorter side? What a problem to have! Luckily, there is a solution: a long cruise. 

In 10-15 days, you can stop at some of the state's most incredible ports. Long voyages through Alaska will connect to epic ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point, and sometimes smaller ones like Valdez.

Top Things To Do

• Cross the Arctic Circle by Plane: Longer cruises sometimes take excursions to the Arctic Circle, a rare experience most visitors miss. 
• Visit Remote Aleutian Islands: Some extended itineraries venture to places like Dutch Harbor, a historic World War II site, and a top fishing hub. 
• Explore Interior Alaska by Rail: Take the Alaska Railroad to places like Denali National Park.
• Alaskan Cuisine: Use your extra time to eat your way through Alaska with tastes of salmon, Pacific halibut, king crab, caribou, reindeer sausage, and traditional Native dishes like muktuk and akutaq.

Other Things To Consider

On longer cruise itineraries, you'll have more time to see everything you want, including lesser-known ports, but keep in mind that they typically cost more. These extended itineraries often include scenic cruising days through stunning spots like Glacier Bay. Prices vary based on the cruise line, season, and cabin type, so choosing an off-season trip could save you some cash for that extra souvenir. Lastly, note that smaller ships can navigate into tighter spots, bringing you even closer to glaciers and wildlife.