Alaska has been a popular cruise destination for decades, and the industry has continued a trajectory of growth. Each summer season there seems to be another cruise line sailing Alaskan waters, while the longtime incumbents are relentless in their addition of new itineraries, amenities, and excursions. During the busy peak cruising season, both the port area and downtown Seattle are well served with ample options for local transportation. From the ship terminal, most visitors on Seattle cruises prefer to take the shuttle offered through the cruise line to the pier.
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One benefit of cruising to Alaska from Seattle is that Royal Caribbean sends its newer, bigger cruise ships to the city each summer season. Activities like bumper cars, indoor skydiving, surfing simulators, and the latest and greatest of entertainment, bars, and dining are available on these newer ships. Because of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA), roundtrip cruises from Seattle to Alaska must include a foreign port stop, so visiting Canada is required on these sailings.
Departure Ports
With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.
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Both ships are almost identical, but we give Discovery Princess the edge only because it's newer than Royal Princess. On each of the ships, the "studio" zones, as Norwegian calls them, are made up of 82 special solo cabins and a private Studio Lounge where solos can gather for happy hours and other events. It's yet one more stylish and upscale area for cruisers looking for an upgraded experience to retreat. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.
Deciding which port to leave from is one of the first decisions you’ll make when planning an Alaska cruise. Each cruise line has their preferred port—Holland America Line and Princess Cruises berth at Whittier. Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas—currently berthing at Seward—will move operations to Whittier upon completion of berths currently under construction. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. In Alaska’s capital of Juneau, you’ll find yourself surrounded by mountain vistas and scenic waterfronts. A favorite spot for adventure seekers, Juneau boasts more hiking trails than roads, and is home to the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, which is easily accessible on a hike through Tongass National Forest.
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We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Plus, by arriving in Seattle a day early, you’ll have more time to enjoy the city’s attractions. Whether admiring skyline views from the Space Needle or eating your way through Pike Place Market, there are plenty of ways to keep busy in Seattle before your cruise begins.
Seattle is a gateway to Alaska cruises, and you’ll have the opportunity to visit remarkable, stunning ports on a weeklong cruise. You’ll typically find between 3-4 ports and a scenic glacier viewing day on a 7-night Alaska cruise from Seattle. Explore the dynamic glaciers, soaring peaks and captivating history of the 49th state on our award-winning itineraries. Sail the Inside Passage, a series of channels and waterways formed by the march of glaciers, on your 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. With an abundance of landmarks and wildlife, take in the sights and sounds of the Inside Passage from the comfort of your ship or on a thrilling excursion ashore.
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What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. It's the sort of itinerary that specifically appeals to retirees with the time (and money) to book such a long trip. Still, unlike some lines that cater to an older crowd, Princess doesn't ignore the children's market. On Norwegian Encore, there's a much bigger version of the exclusive, extra-charge Vibe Beach Club sunning area that's on Norwegian Bliss. If living large is your goal, you're not going to find anything better than this — other than with a cruise on a similar Norwegian vessel that also cruises to Alaska from Seattle. Norwegian Bliss, also based in Washington during the summer, is part of the same Norwegian Breakaway-Plus class of vessels and has a similar Haven enclave.
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Visitors can try their hand at fishing and even cook up their catch on board. Finally, May also offers an opportunity to experience the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of Alaska, with various tours and activities available to learn about their traditions, language, and way of life. During May, passengers can expect to witness a plethora of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou, as they emerge from hibernation and migrate towards the coast. The coastal waters are also teeming with life as whales, seals, and sea otters bask in the warmer waters.
Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 20 years running. There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water.
Its retractable glass roof is perfect for cruises to Alaska when the weather is iffy. The two-level complex also has upstairs nooks for playing Xbox, ping pong and foosball. It's like one big play zone for families that will keep your kids busy for hours. All four ships are loaded with all sorts of gee-whiz family attractions, from bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators on the Royal Caribbean vessels to go-kart tracks and laser tag courses on the Norwegian ships.
Both come with their own pros and cons; a tour booked through Royal Caribbean may offer added protection, although it usually comes at a higher price. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. Riding one of Seattle’s many ferries is a unique way to see the best views of the city.
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See the beauty and wonder of the Tongass National Forest, the nation’s largest national forest, on wildlife tours, wilderness hikes, and bike tours through the Tongass temperate rainforest. Sailing north along the lower Inside Passage, you’ll reach Ketchikan, your first port of call on a round-trip Alaska cruise from Seattle. Here, you’ll be introduced to the culture of the Tlingit, native Alaskans whose expressive totem carvings tell stories of their history and traditions. Having a base layer, warm layer, and waterproof layer ensures you are covered for a wide range of weather conditions.
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For more private or direct transportation, plenty of taxis are typically found in the area, and rideshares are available as well. After spending a few days in this vibrant metropolitan city, you’ll experience the towering glaciers, rugged landscapes, and unique wildlife of the Last Frontier. We have more Alaska cruise port departures featuring Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. All Alaska cruises include one or more glacier-viewing days, and you’ll get closer to ‘the giants’ on ships perfectly sized for the Great Land. We’ve been sharing the wonders of Alaska longer than any other cruise line. See the best of the Great Land’s glaciers, coastal towns and wildlife on board perfectly sized ships offering superior service and exclusive programming.
