GETAWAYS DESTINATION GUIDE
Alaska Cruises and Tours
Alaska is the trip people call a once in a lifetime, and then book again. Glaciers, whales, and tiny gold rush towns, best seen from a ship with the scenery rolling by. Here's how we plan it!
Where to go in Alaska
Inside Passage
The classic roundtrip from Seattle or Vancouver. Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and glacier viewing from the ship. The easiest and most affordable way to see Alaska.
Gulf of Alaska (one way)
Sail one way between Vancouver and Anchorage and add a land tour. This is how you get to Denali, and it's the version we recommend for a first big Alaska trip.
Denali and the interior
The land portion: domed rail cars, Denali National Park, and wildlife you'd never see from the coast. Two to four nights turns a cruise into a true Alaska trip.
Small ship and expedition
Fewer than 100 guests, zodiac landings, and ports the big ships can't reach. Pricier, and absolutely worth it for travelers who want wilderness over entertainment.
When to visit Alaska
May
Quieter ships and some of the lowest fares of the season. Cooler, but the mountains are still snow capped and gorgeous.
June to July
Peak season. The warmest weather, the longest days, the best wildlife, and the highest prices. Book 9 to 12 months out.
August
Still lovely, with more rain as the month goes on. Salmon runs bring bears and eagles close to shore.
September
The season winds down with fall color and the best fares. A great pick for couples without school calendars.
Questions we hear most
Alaska cruise or cruise tour?
If Alaska is a once in a lifetime trip for you, do the cruise tour. The interior, especially Denali, is half the experience, and a one way sailing plus a few land nights is the way to see it.
How much does an Alaska cruise cost?
A 7 night Inside Passage sailing for two usually runs $2,500 to $4,500 for a balcony, and a cruise tour with Denali typically runs $5,000 to $8,500 for two. Shoulder months save real money.
What is the best month for an Alaska cruise?
Late June through July for weather and wildlife, May and September for value. There's no bad month in the season; it runs May through September only.
Is an Alaska cruise good for kids?
Yes, especially the big ship lines with kids clubs and easy excursions like whale watching and gold panning. We match the ship to your kids' ages.
Let’s plan it together
Let's plan your Alaska trip
Tell us when you can travel and who's coming, and we'll send sailings and cruise tour options with honest notes on each.