Which Alaskan Cruise is Right for Me?

(42 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Ted Blank

Woodbury, MN
Tailor-Made Journeys

You understand that extraordinary vacations aren’t simply a function of dollars and cents, and you know that they certainly aren’t just pulled off the shelf. 

Journeys of a lifetime are carefully designed with imagination, creativity, atten...

Alaskan Cruise Ships in Skagway

Alaska’s glaciers, mountains, and wildlife – as well as its quirky, authentic culture – beckon the with experiences and sights not available anywhere else in the world.  In Alaska, you can watch part of a glacier beak off and crash into the sea, followed several seconds later by a thunderous boom.  Or, see moose, bears, spawning salmon, and more up close and personal.  How about going deep sea fishing, then enjoying your catch prepared for you by a skilled chef? 


Many parts of Alaska are accessible only by sea, and cruising to Alaska offers the best way to discover the Last Frontier.  In 2020 alone, there will be over fifty ships cruising to Alaska, with over 3,000 departures scheduled.  With that much choice, how do you decide which one is right for you?  I’ve personally traveled on over two dozen cruises, including several to Alaska, and helped countless travelers plan their Alaskan adventures.  Here are a few of the questions I ask my clients, to help guide them to the right cruise. 


Do you have two weeks (or more) for your trip?  While many large ship Alaskan cruises are seven days long, two weeks offers a much better window of time to really discover all that Alaska has to offer.  Longer cruises can offer a more relaxed pace, combined with an opportunity to see more and to get off the beaten cruise path.  Smaller ports, longer port calls, and even a few relaxing days at sea mixed in can completely change your Alaskan experience for the better. Two weeks also offers an opportunity to combine a cruise with time spent ashore exploring rest of Alaska.  Denali National Park is a must-see for first time visitors, but with more time, you can also explore fascinating and scenic places like the Kenai Peninsula, the remote Arctic, and even the nearby, but completely unique Yukon Territory.  Or, how about starting your Alaskan cruise in Banff National Park in Canada, then traveling by the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train through the stunning Canadian Rockies to Vancouver to join your northbound cruise?   


Might you be interested in exploring small ship cruises?  Alaskan cruise ships come in all size, some carrying two thousand or more guests, others carrying forty guests, and some falling in the middle. Each type offers a different vacation experience, both onboard and onshore.  Small ships offer expedition-style cruising, visiting remote, isolated villages and natural areas.  Some offer five star luxury onboard, allowing you to experience the wilderness but return to elegant surroundings each evening.  Other small ship cruises offer simpler accommodations, but more than make up for it with very personal service, great food, and a convivial atmosphere.  Some small ship Alaskan cruises allow the adventurous guest to venture off in kayaks, motorized skiffs, and guided hikes. 


Which inclusions are important to you?  With the variety of Alaskan cruises available, it can be challenging to interpret the variety of inclusions, onboard amenities, and the bewildering array of promotions available.  As a skilled value interpreter, I can help you sort through all the offerings in the market and choose the best cruise for you.   


Contact me to schedule a complimentary initial consultation, and we’ll get started choosing the right Alaskan cruise for you! 

See more travel stories
Return to my Discover Alaska - the Last Frontier! page
©  Travel Leaders Group