Have you been on an Alaskan cruise? It’s an incredible, breathtaking experience where you’ll constantly find yourself saying to your travel companion, “Look at that!” Stunning blue-white glaciers, wildlife – Moose, bears, crabs and more – along with the cool, crisp summer air make for a unique experience that you can’t duplicate anywhere else in the U.S. And for many, an Alaskan vacation is at the top of their bucket list. Many cruise enthusiasts agree that Alaska cruises are the best in the business.
While we can’t think of any downsides to seeing the beauty that is Alaska, there are some downsides to cruising. First, emissions. Not only is sailing not very friendly to the environment, but secondly, it is also quite expensive on your wallet. According to Cruise Critic, Alaska’s cruise season runs from late April to early October, with the most expensive cruises falling in June and August. Price in high season? Up to $8,000 per person!
Money is a big factor that keeps people from dreamingcations like a cruise around Alaska, or any trip at all. Amid inflation, travel plans are being put on hold. And in a recent survey, over half of the 2,000 participants (56 percent) do not believe they can complete vacation plans in 2022 due to rising costs. Unfortunately, inflation seems to be stable in 2023 as well.
But that said, it’s not yet Alaskan cruise season! So you have a little more time to search for the best cruise for you and your budget. Booking your trip can, of course, be complicated as there are many ships to choose from. To help curious travelers navigate this trip, we searched 10 expert websites for the best Alaskan cruises you can get based on popular reviews! Check out the top five cruises recommended by expert travel guides below.
List: The best Alaska cruises, recommended by experts
1. Regent Seven Seas Explorer
Regent’s highest priority is to make you their top priority — even All specialty dining and all excursions are included with the cruise!
US News write, “The ship makes service a top priority… Passengers were even more impressed by the all-suite accommodations, which are some of the largest offered among ocean liners. Another high point: the kitchen. As part of the ‘Regent Experience’, all special meals are included in the price of the cruise. The best perk, according to recent passengers? All shore excursions are included.”
The points guy recommends this as one of the best ships for luxury cruises around Alaska: “Regent’s 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer is an all-suite ship that offers guests in Alaska multiple gourmet on-board restaurants, all-inclusive beverages, complimentary airfare and included gratuities. Many shore excursions are complimentary. Enjoy the little luxuries, like an afternoon in the thermal suite of the two-story spa-and-fitness center, or really indulge yourself by booking the Regent Suite, the most luxurious suite you’ll find at sea.”
2. Windstar Cruises
Goldilocks would probably choose this cruise line because it’s fair. The right size, that is.
According to Trip Savvy, “When it comes to experiencing Alaska’s splendor, your cruise is only as good as the direct access it provides to this region’s beauty — and Windstar Cruises offers access like no other. Because of its beautiful size, guests are treated to unique experiences like anchoring in the Misty Fjords and Kenai Fjords, which you would have to do on a shore excursion if you were on a larger ship with another cruise line. .
Afar RECOMMENDS Islands & Inlets of the Inside Passage voyage, which departs from Vancouver, Canada: “What’s attractive about this Windstar Cruises the itinerary is that it is a good mix of natural Alaskan landscapes and coastal cityscapes. Visits to bustling port cities like Juneau and Ketchikan are balanced with days spent entirely in the wilderness of Endicott Arm and Misty Fjords.
3. Netherlands America
This cruise line knows how to use its relationships. After all, he has been sailing in Alaska for a long time!
“Holland America Line has nearly 75 years of expertise in Alaska, on land and at sea. The cruise line has established relationships with local communities and has hotels and vacation services at the entrance to Denali National Park. With this in place, it’s easy to enjoy the most unique and memorable Alaska and Yukon adventures offered by a cruise line.” Cruise Maven write.
AND The best of the Northwest say, “Holland America has been named among the best for Alaska vacations for retirees. She offers round-trip cruises from Seattle to Southeast Alaska, with stops in Tracy Arm, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia. The focus is on fine dining, a Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, easily accessible shore excursions, onboard activities geared toward more mature adults, and exceptional service.
4. Viking Cruises
Traveling in Alaska and taking a guided tour are very different! According to Travel Awaits, “Guided tours of Viking Cruises attract many travelers. A shore excursion is included at each port of call during the voyage (excluding ports of embarkation and disembarkation). These guided tours take you inside some of the best parts of Alaska.”
If having a travel guide to show you around sounds like your thing, Viking is a really great choice.
“Viking’s focus on destinations and expanding one’s knowledge goes hand-in-hand with an Alaskan cruise, as this region is known for its pristine natural beauty and wildlife. Those who desire a relaxed and intimate onboard experience while learning in-depth about the region they are visiting will find a perfect fit on Viking Orion – the ship that sails there.” Cruiseline.com say.
5. Famous Cruises
You don’t have to be a celebrity to book with this cruise line, but there’s a good chance you’ll feel like one while you’re all on board.
“When you search for the best Alaska cruises, chances are a celebrity itinerary will pop up. It offers a variety of trips lasting 5, 6 or 7 nights, Famous Cruises is a major player in the Alaska cruise market. They have dedicated no less than three ships to their Alaska itineraries: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Millennium. Moreover, celebrities Alaska tour are amazing trips that combine a 7-night cruise and a land-based tour of remote inland lodges and parks,” Cruise travel plug write.
Traveling describes the experience aboard the Eclipse, writing, “Your Alaskan adventure will begin in Vancouver when you board Celebrity Eclipse – one of Celebrity’s ships that have been gliding across the seas since 2010. Filled to the brim with activities and luxurious touches, Eclipse can accommodate 2,852 people.”
Been on an Alaska cruise? What excursions do you recommend? Tell us in the comments below!
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