Everything You Need to Know Before Going on an Alaska Cruise
- Logan & Audri
- Jul 22
- 17 min read
Alaska is famous for its incredible scenery, abundant wildlife, and remote landscapes that feel unlike anywhere else in the United States. For many travelers, it is a destination they dream about visiting for years, and after finally experiencing it for ourselves, we completely understand why.
The only problem is that Alaska is enormous, and planning a trip here on your own can get complicated fast. Many of the coastal towns are not connected by road, transportation can be expensive, and seeing several destinations in one trip often requires a mix of flights, ferries, boats, and tours.
That is exactly why cruising is such a great way to experience Alaska for the first time. You can visit several areas in one trip, enjoy the scenery while traveling between ports, and get a feel for which places you may want to return to later. Though fair warning: narrowing that list down may be harder than expected because every stop offers something different!
In this guide, we are sharing everything you need to know before taking an Alaska cruise, based on our own experience sailing through one of the most beautiful parts of the country.
Table of Contents
Why Take an Alaska Cruise?
Many of Southeast Alaska’s coastal towns are not connected by road, which makes visiting several of them independently a much bigger undertaking than you might expect. You would need to coordinate ferries, flights, boats, accommodations, and tours, and the cost could quickly climb into the thousands.
On a cruise, those logistics are handled for you. You unpack once, wake up somewhere new throughout the week, and visit several of Alaska’s coastal towns without constantly worrying about how you will get to the next destination.
Another reason an Alaska cruise is so special is that the travel days are not simply wasted time getting between ports. The journey is a major part of the experience.
We spent hours sitting on our balcony or walking around the ship because there was almost always something worth looking at outside. Even on days when we were not in port, we passed mountains, waterfalls, small coastal communities, floating ice, and wildlife.
Sailing through Endicott Arm was a perfect example of this. We spent the morning cruising through a fjord toward Dawes Glacier, with something new appearing every few minutes.
If you want an easy introduction to America's Last Frontier without planning a complicated multi-stop trip on your own, cruising is hard to beat!
Our Alaska Itinerary and Route Map
We sailed on the June 29–July 6, 2026 Alaska itinerary aboard MSC Poesia. Our journey began in Seattle, Washington, where we boarded the ship and sailed north to Ketchikan, Alaska. From there, we cruised through Endicott Arm before continuing to Juneau and Icy Strait Point. We then made our way south to Victoria, British Columbia, before returning to Seattle. See the map below.
When Is the Best Time to Take an Alaska Cruise?
Alaska’s cruise season generally runs between late April and early October, with June, July, and August being the most popular months.
These months bring some of the warmest temperatures of the season, the longest days, and the widest selection of cruises and excursions. Around the summer solstice, parts of Southeast Alaska receive close to 18 hours of daylight, which gives you plenty of time to explore without feeling like the day is disappearing.
Summer is also a great time for wildlife viewing. Humpback whales travel to Alaska’s coastal waters to feed, and you may also spot seals, sea lions, bald eagles, sea otters, and bears.
We sailed at the end of June and loved the timing. The days felt incredibly long, and we still had plenty of daylight after returning to the ship in the evening.
Of course, peak season comes with a higher price tag. Cruises, airfare, and excursions can all cost more between June and August, and the most popular tours may sell out weeks or even months in advance.
Ports can also feel busier when several ships arrive on the same day, though we personally never felt like the crowds ruined our experience.
May and September can be great alternatives if you would rather travel with fewer crowds or find better prices. Just keep in mind that temperatures may be cooler, weather can be less predictable, and daylight becomes more limited later in the season.
If you sail in September, you may even have a small chance of seeing the Northern Lights once the nights begin getting darker.
How to Choose the Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary
Choosing an Alaska cruise itinerary can feel overwhelming because there are so many different routes, ports, and cruise lines to consider. Most itineraries are around seven to ten days and visit several towns throughout Southeast Alaska, such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, or Icy Strait Point. Many also include at least one scenic cruising day near a glacier, which should be one of the first things you look for when comparing your options.
Seattle vs. Vancouver Departures
One of the first decisions to make is whether you want to depart from Seattle or Vancouver.
Vancouver itineraries typically spend more time sailing through the protected Inside Passage. Many round-trip Seattle cruises travel along the western side of Vancouver Island, which means more time in open ocean.
We sailed round-trip from Seattle and had an amazing trip. There were a few rougher stretches at sea, but we still had views for much of the journey and would happily choose the same route again.
Seattle may also be the easier departure point for some U.S. travelers, especially if you want to spend a few days exploring Washington before or after the cruise.
Look Closely at Scenic Cruising Days
The ports matter, but do not choose an Alaska cruise based on the port list alone.
Pay close attention to where the ship goes for scenic cruising. Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier were major highlights of our sailing, but other itineraries may visit Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm, or College Fjord.
These areas are not interchangeable, so take a little time to research what each route includes. A cruise with a strong scenic sailing day would be high on our priority list.
Consider a Land and Sea Trip
If you want to see more than coastal Alaska, look into a one-way cruise or land and sea cruisetour.
Princess and Holland America both offer itineraries that combine a cruise with time farther inland, including destinations such as Denali National Park. These trips take longer, but you get to experience a side of Alaska that a coastal cruise alone cannot show you.
Consider a Small Ship Expedition
For a smaller and more adventurous trip, an expedition-style cruise may be a better fit.
Seabourn offers a luxury small-ship experience, while National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions places more emphasis on wildlife, education, and exploration. Because these ships are smaller, they can often enter narrower waterways and reach more remote areas than large cruise ships.
For a first Alaska trip, we think a seven-night cruise through Southeast Alaska is a great introduction. If you have more time, a land extension or small-ship expedition can take the experience even further.
How Many Days Do You Need for an Alaska Cruise?
A seven-night cruise, which typically spans eight calendar days, is enough time for most first-time Alaska cruisers.
That usually gives you several days in port, time to enjoy the ship, and at least one full or partial day of scenic cruising. It feels long enough to settle into the trip without requiring several weeks away from home.
We spent 11 days traveling in total. Eight of those days were aboard the cruise, and we spent another three days exploring Washington before setting sail.
During that time, we visited Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and a few other stops around the state.
Since many Alaska cruises depart from Seattle or Vancouver, adding a few days before or after the sailing is an easy way to extend your trip. Plus, if you are already flying a long distance to reach the port, you may as well make the most of it!
We highly recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation. Flight delays happen, and missing a cruise ship is a much bigger problem than arriving late to a hotel.
Arriving early also gives you time to recover from the flight, adjust to the time difference if needed, and begin the cruise without feeling rushed.
Around 10 to 12 days is ideal if you want to combine a weeklong sailing with a few days exploring the departure city or surrounding area. If you are adding an inland Alaska portion, plan for closer to two weeks or more.
For us, 11 days felt like the perfect amount of time!
Is a Balcony Worth It on an Alaska Cruise?
You do not need a balcony room to have a great Alaska cruise, but we would highly recommend one if it works with your budget.
Interior cabins are a great way to keep the cost down, and you can always visit the top deck or one of the ship’s public viewing areas when you want to enjoy the scenery.
However, those spaces can become crowded during glacier-viewing days or sudden wildlife sightings. If someone spots a whale, there may not be enough time to leave your room and make it upstairs before it disappears.
Having a balcony meant we could step outside immediately whenever we noticed something in the water or along the coastline. We spent hours out there watching mountains, waterfalls, floating ice, and wildlife pass the ship.
Some of our favorite moments happened right outside our room, when there was no plan and nothing we needed to do besides sit there and look around. A balcony is 100% worth the upgrade.
What is the Weather Like on an Alaska Cruise?
Alaska weather can be all over the place, even during the middle of summer.
Expect cloudy skies, rain, wind, chilly mornings, and hopefully a little sunshine mixed in. Conditions may change several times in one day, and it can feel much colder on the ship than it does while walking around a port.
Most of our cruise was cloudy, but that never took away from the trip. The low clouds and mist gave parts of the coastline a moodier look, which we ended up loving.
Alaska does not need perfect blue skies to be beautiful!
Our advice is to expect clouds and rain rather than planning the trip around ideal weather. That way, every sunny day feels like an unexpected bonus.
We got incredibly lucky during our scenic sailing through Endicott Arm. The sky cleared, the sun came out, and we had some of the best conditions of our entire cruise.
You can see the average temperatures in Ketchikan during Alaska’s cruise season below. We chose Ketchikan as an example because it appears on many Alaska cruise itineraries and gives you a general idea of what to expect in Southeast Alaska between April and September.
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What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
What you should pack for an Alaska cruise will depend on the month you are traveling, the excursions you have planned, and how much time you expect to spend outdoors. Someone planning several hikes and wildlife tours will need different clothing than someone who plans to stay closer to the ports and enjoy most of the scenery from the ship.
No matter when you visit, layers are going to be the most important part of your Alaska cruise packing list! The weather can change quickly, and it may feel completely different at sea than it does while exploring a port. We experienced cloudy skies, rain, wind, and sunshine throughout our trip, sometimes all within the same day.
Below are some of the essentials we recommend bringing on an Alaska cruise. Be sure to adjust the list based on your own itinerary, planned excursions, and the time of year you are visiting.
Essentials to Bring on an Alaska Cruise
Waterproof Jacket: Rain is common throughout Southeast Alaska, so a lightweight waterproof jacket is one of the most important things to bring. We recommend choosing one that is roomy enough to wear over your other layers. Recommended waterproof jacket.
Insulated Jacket: A lightweight insulated jacket is perfect for colder mornings, windy sailing days, and time spent near glaciers. Something warm but packable is ideal. Recommended insulated jacket.
Fleece or Mid Layer: A fleece, sweatshirt, or warm sweater gives you an easy layer to add or remove throughout the day. Recommended fleece.
Long-Sleeve Shirts: Bring a few comfortable long-sleeve shirts that can be worn on their own or layered underneath a jacket. Recommended long-sleeve shirt.
Comfortable Pants or Leggings: We wore leggings and comfortable pants during most of the trip. Bring something you can walk in for several hours and wear comfortably during excursions. Recommended leggings.
Waterproof Shoes: Waterproof shoes are helpful for rainy port days, outdoor excursions, and hikes. Heavy hiking boots are not necessary unless your activities call for them. Recommended waterproof shoes.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Pack a second pair for dry days, walking around the ship, and dinner. Recommended walking shoes.
Warm Socks: Merino wool or moisture-wicking socks help keep your feet warm and dry during long days outside. Recommended hiking socks.
Hat and Gloves: A warm hat and lightweight gloves take up very little room and are worth bringing, especially for windy days. Recommended beanie and gloves.
Small Backpack:A lightweight daypack is helpful for carrying extra layers, water, snacks, and camera gear during port days and excursions. Recommended daypack.
Binoculars: Binoculars make it much easier to spot whales, bald eagles, bears, and other wildlife from the ship. Recommended binoculars.
Portable Charger: Long port days, constant photo taking, and limited access to outlets can drain your phone quickly. Recommended portable charger.
Reusable Water Bottle: A refillable water bottle is useful both on the ship and during excursions. Recommended water bottle.
Sunglasses: Even on cloudy days, the glare from the water, snow, and ice can be surprisingly bright. Polarized sunglasses are especially helpful. Recommended sunglasses.
Sunscreen: It may not feel like a sunny destination every day, but sunscreen is still important, especially during long hours outside or near reflective water and ice.
Motion Sickness Medication: Some Alaska routes include stretches of open ocean, and the water can become rough. It is worth bringing your preferred motion sickness medication even if you do not expect to need it.
Camera Gear: Alaska is one of the most photogenic places we have ever visited, and a longer lens can be incredibly helpful for photographing wildlife. We brought our camera bodies, several lenses (28-70mm, 70-200mm, and 200-600mm), extra batteries, camera lens cleaner kit, tripod, and plenty of memory cards.
Phone and Offline Information: Download any excursion confirmations, port maps, reservations, or important travel details before leaving the ship. Cell service can be very inconsistent outside the main port areas.
ID, Passport, and Cruise Documents: Keep all required identification and travel documents somewhere secure but easy to access. Cruises that stop in Canada may require a passport or other approved documentation, depending on your citizenship and itinerary.
Alaska is one destination where we would rather bring an extra layer than wish we had packed one. You may not use everything every day, but having options makes it much easier to enjoy the trip when the weather changes.
What Are the Best Alaska Cruise Excursions?
Out of the more than ten cruises we have taken over the past two years, Alaska had the most exciting excursion selection by far.
There seemed to be something for everyone. You could search for wildlife, fly over glaciers, hike through the forest, kayak, watch a cultural performance, go dog sledding, or choose something more adventurous.
Once your cruise is booked, you will be able to view the complete excursion list for your sailing. The options below are based on what we personally booked, experienced, and considered during our trip.
Wildlife Tours
Wildlife excursions were the tours we were most excited about, and they can be completely worth the cost when the animals show up.
Our favorite was whale watching in Juneau. We saw more than a dozen whales, along with sea otters, seals, bald eagles, and other wildlife.
It was easily the best excursion of our trip and one we would book again without hesitation.
Of course, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
We also booked a brown bear search in Icy Strait Point, but the only bear we saw appeared briefly beside the road while we were driving to the main viewing area.
We still enjoyed seeing more of the area, but wildlife tours are always a bit of a gamble. Go in excited, but understand that the animals may not be there.
Flightseeing Tours
The flightseeing excursions looked incredible, especially the tours that flew over glaciers and remote areas of Alaska.
They were outside our budget for this trip, but we would absolutely consider one in the future.
Just remember that flights are dependent on safe weather conditions. Guests that were at the Juneau port on the same day we were there had their flightseeing tours cancelled due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Our Other Alaska Excursions
In Ketchikan, we booked a backcountry Jeep and canoe safari. It was a fun way to leave the main cruise port area, drive through the forest, and spend time out on the water.
We also planned to ride the ZipRider in Icy Strait Point, which had been on our bucket list for years. Unfortunately, it was running behind schedule, and we would not have made it back to the ship in time. But we'd still highly recommend this for anyone considering it.
We were definitely disappointed, but it just gives us another reason to return!
Quick note: Excursion cancellations are not the cruise line’s fault. Weather, wildlife, safety concerns, and tour operator delays can affect activities at any port and on any cruise line.
Once your cruise is booked, take some time to review the complete excursion list and reserve your favorites early! We booked around three weeks before our departure and still got most of the tours we wanted, but next time we would book sooner, especially for anything we would be disappointed to miss.
What to Expect on Scenic Cruising Days
Scenic cruising days are nothing like a normal day at sea, and they may end up being your favorite part of the entire trip.
So take it all in!
We woke up around 5 a.m. just as our ship was entering Endicott Arm and beginning the nearly 30-mile journey toward Dawes Glacier.
Yes, it was early. But the second we stepped onto the balcony, we knew the wake-up call had been worth it.
We spent the next several hours wrapped in blankets, watching waterfalls run down the mountains, pieces of ice float past the ship, and wildlife appear along the way.
Our ship remained in Endicott Arm until around noon, so there was plenty of time to enjoy the morning without feeling like we only had a few minutes to see everything.
MSC Poesia also had an expert narrating the journey and pointing out wildlife and other interesting things we passed. We could listen from our room through a designated television channel, which was something we did not know they offered before the cruise. It was incredibly helpful because we knew when to look outside and what to watch for.
If you do not have a balcony, head to one of the outdoor decks early so you can find a good viewing spot before they become crowded. The crew was also serving hot chocolate on the upper decks, YUM!
Check the ship’s schedule the night before and set an alarm. This is one morning you definitely will not want to sleep through.
What Wildlife Can You See on an Alaska Cruise?
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and require luck, but Alaska is one of the best places in the United States to see animals in the wild. Keep an eye on the water, shoreline, trees, and floating ice whenever you are outside! Sightings can happen quickly and you do not always get much warning.
You may see:
Humpback whales: Look for a misty blow above the water, followed by a dark back or tail. Once you spot one, continue scanning in the direction it was traveling because it may surface again nearby.
Orcas: Watch for tall, straight dorsal fins cutting through the water. Orcas often travel in groups, so keep looking after the first fin appears. They may also be seen in areas where seals, sea lions, or schooling fish gather, since these are some of their important food sources.
Sea otters: Look at calmer water and kelp beds for small dark shapes floating on their backs. They can easily look like driftwood from far away. They're a lot bigger than you probably think!
Seals: Usually found on floating ice, rocky shorelines, and the water around salmon streams. Sometimes only their heads are visible above the surface.
Sea lions: Watch rocky islands, docks, buoys, and floating ice. They are larger than seals and may also be easier to locate by listening for their barking.
Bald eagles: Look at the tops of evergreen trees for what looks like a small white golf ball. Bald eagles also perch on buoys, docks, and exposed branches near the shoreline.
Bears: Your best chance is usually near salmon streams, beaches, and forest edges, especially during salmon season. A guided bear-viewing tour will normally give you a better chance than trying to spot one from the ship, but there are a few spots you might get lucky!
Mountain goats: Look high along steep, rocky mountainsides for tiny white spots or what might look like moving snow. Binoculars or a long camera lens will make them much easier to see.
Moose: More likely to be seen during inland travel than on a Southeast Alaska cruise. Look near wetlands, lakes, and forest clearings if your trip includes time farther inland.
Porpoises: Watch for small, fast dorsal fins near the ship. They may travel in groups and occasionally ride through the waves created by a boat.
Puffins and other seabirds: Scan rocky islands, cliffs, and the water around feeding whales. Large groups of birds gathering over one area can sometimes mean fish or marine mammals are feeding below.
What Camera Gear to Bring on an Alaska Cruise
We brought our Sony a7 IV, a Tamron 28–70mm lens, a Sony 70–200mm lens, and a Sony 200–600mm lens. We rented the 200–600mm from Lensrentals specifically for the trip, and it made a huge difference when photographing whales, eagles, and other wildlife that was too far to capture with a standard lens.
Even though we got some great photos with it, there were still times when we wished we could zoom in a little more. If we did the trip again, we would probably look into renting a 400–800mm lens, especially for wildlife sightings from the ship.
You absolutely do not need professional camera gear to enjoy or photograph Alaska. A phone or smaller camera will be more than enough for the ports, landscapes, and everyday moments throughout the cruise. The longer lenses are really only worth bringing if wildlife photography is a big priority for you.
How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost?
The total cost of an Alaska cruise can vary widely, which makes it difficult to give one number that will apply to everyone. Your final budget will depend on the cruise line you choose, where you are traveling from, the type of room you book, and how many extras you add along the way.
The cruise fare is only one part of the total. Before booking, make sure to budget for:
Cruise fare, taxes, and port fees
Flights to and from the departure city
A hotel or Airbnb in the departure city before the cruise
Transportation to and from the airport and cruise port
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Wi-Fi and drink packages
Specialty dining
Alaska cruise excursions
Souvenirs and shopping in port
Meals and activities before or after the cruise
Parking, checked luggage, or other travel fees
The type of cabin you choose can make a major difference in the price. An interior room will usually be the most affordable option, while ocean-view rooms, balconies, and suites can increase the cost considerably. The cruise line matters too, since a mainstream sailing will be priced very differently from a luxury or small-ship expedition.
Excursions are another expense you will want to plan for carefully. Alaska offers some incredible experiences, but wildlife tours, flightseeing, helicopter rides, and other adventures can add very up quickly, especially if you book something in every port.
The good news is that an Alaska cruise can be adjusted to fit several different budgets. You can save by choosing an interior cabin, limiting paid excursions, skipping specialty dining, or sailing during the shoulder season. On the other hand, a balcony, multiple excursions, and a few days of exploring before or after the cruise is a big part of what made our trip so special.
Rather than planning around one average price, we recommend listing out each part of your trip before booking. This will give you a much more realistic idea of what your Alaska cruise will actually cost.
Is an Alaska Cruise Worth It?
After experiencing Alaska for ourselves, we can confidently say that an Alaska cruise is absolutely worth it. It gives you the chance to visit remote coastal towns, search for wildlife, see glaciers, and enjoy the journey between each destination without having to plan every complicated detail on your own.
It is also a great first introduction to Alaska. You may leave with a much longer list of places you want to return to, but that's part of what makes the trip so exciting.
If Alaska has been on your bucket list for years, this is your sign to start planning!
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