The Best Alaska Cruises

Table Of Content

• Dining Highlights on Viking Orion
• What is a moderate price hotel to stay in Seattle?
• Sleeping on Radiance of the Seas
• Cons of an interior cabin on an Alaska cruise
• Best cabin overall: Balcony cabin
• Why choose Radiance of the Seas?
• Royal Caribbean Cruises Customer Testimonials
• Sleeping on Quantum of the Seas

At Cruise Critic, we believe you need facts about dining, staterooms and onboard activities along with where the ship will stop to make the best decision. These Alaska glacier cruises depart and return on Fridays, with two Alaska cruise ports, one scenic and sightseeing day at Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, and one port day at Victoria, British Columbia. They also feature RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator, and the North Star, a 360 degree observation pod taking guests 300 feet above sea level. Starting your cruise in Seward is recommended for those who plan to travel in the interior of Alaska ahead of time, whether independently or on one of Royal Caribbean’s organized Cruisetours. One-way Alaska itineraries tend to be more port-heavy, as well, as there is less distance to cover than on a round trip sailing.

Dining Highlights on Viking Orion

These have big round windows looking out over the bow of the ship and the ocean beyond. Even when at max capacity, there are plenty of places passengers can spread themselves out, leaving room to roam in between. It may seem like a minor detail, but it's easier to get around on a smaller ship.

What is a moderate price hotel to stay in Seattle?

Cruises departing from Seattle include a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, as the Jones Act requires foreign-flagged cruise ships to visit a foreign port when departing from the United States. Therefore, cruises leaving from Vancouver tend to include more port stops in Alaska itself as there is no legal obligation to stop in Victoria. Most Alaska cruises depart from either Seattle or Vancouver on round-trip 7-night sailings. Some cruises to Alaska are one-way only, though, starting in Vancouver and ending in Seward, Alaska or vice versa. This is to allow for pre and post-Cruisetours to Alaska or Canada, allowing guests to experience more inland destinations like Denali National Park and Preserve and Banff National Park. Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all.

Sleeping on Radiance of the Seas

Like any cruise ship, there may be a better ship choice for your family depending on what you are looking to do and experience as part of your vacation. Icy Strait Point, while less commonly visited on an Alaska cruise, offers a chance to get closer with nature in a tranquil environment. The port, near the town of Hoonah, is Alaskan Native owned-and-operated, founded by the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans in 2004.

Cons of an interior cabin on an Alaska cruise

All passengers regardless of their home country, citizenship or country of residency are responsible for obtaining the proper documentation for travel. This includes passports and visas for any country they may visit during their trip. Everything about Alaska is massive - from the 90-pound cabbages grown in the Matanuska Valley to the coastline that's longer than all the other U.S. states combined.

Royal Caribbean sails to destinations around the world, offering fun, adventurous itineraries well-suited for families, groups, and active travelers. Some highly desirable cruise cabins sell out quickly, especially the aft balcony cabins on the Radiance Class ships. Northbound itineraries travel from Vancouver to Seward, which means guests enjoy a 7-night cruise before starting the land portion of their trip.

Why choose Radiance of the Seas?

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April through September 2024, catching the warm weather of the summer months. In fact, when Royal Caribbean announces new Alaska itineraries is the best time to book. Royal Caribbean almost always announces new Alaska cruises in late November for the season to come in two years. Those cruising to Alaska in the peak of summer may find the weather surprisingly warm, making it comfortable to wear just a t-shirt during the day.

I cruised on the oldest and newest cruise ships to Alaska: here's how they compare - Royal Caribbean Blog

I cruised on the oldest and newest cruise ships to Alaska: here's how they compare.

Posted: Mon, 24 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Royal Caribbean Cruises Customer Testimonials

Sitka, the former capital of Russian Alaska, was originally founded by the Tlingit people over 10,000 years ago. Now part of the United States, Sitka is home to 10,000 year-round residents and is a popular port on any Alaska cruise itinerary. Regatta offers an experience that's close to luxury without being all inclusive or priced sky high. Then there’s the massive indoor activity zone called the SeaPlex featuring bumper cars, laser tag and even pickle ball. One-way cruises also ensure that you have plenty of time to explore the wonders of Canada and Alaska before or after your cruise.

Sleeping on Quantum of the Seas

During these visits, your cruise ship will sail into a fjord and stop within sight of one of Alaska’s magnificent glaciers, such as Hubbard Glacier or Dawes Glacier. The 168,666 gross tons, Quantum-class cruise ship Anthem of the Seas will be sailing roundtrip from Seattle, offering two different 7-night itineraries. Cruises onboard Anthem of the Seas will include visits to Sitka, Skagway, Endicott Arm fjord, Dawes Glacier, Juneau, and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Radiance of the Seas will offer one-way Alaska sailings this summer, with 7-night Northbound and Southbound cruises. Usually, these cruises will depart on Fridays, visiting four Alaska ports with a scenic viewing day at Hubbard Glacier. This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather.

Norwegian Encore operates seven-night round-trip itineraries from Seattle that include time in Glacier Bay National Park with a park ranger onboard the ship. With these indoor shelters and the possibility of visiting diverse, beautiful ports, Radiance makes for the perfect timeless ship to visit Alaska on. Overall, Brilliance of the Seas offers a combination of comfort, convenience, and adventure, making it an excellent choice for experiencing the beauty and wonders of Alaska via cruise ship. One major highlight of Quantum of the Seas is the North Star observation capsule, which offers stunning views from 300 feet above sea level. In addition to the potential for stargazing, this is a marvelous opportunity to witness Alaska’s landscapes.

Guests can enjoy soaring glass elevators, the adults-only indoor Solarium pool, and movies at the indoor cinema. Sailing on Brilliance of the Seas also provides you the opportunity to see Hubbard Glacier, one of the most famous glaciers in Alaska. Brilliance of the Seas provides an intimate, port-focused cruising experience. Adrenaline-pumping activities and live, Broadway-caliber performances ensure that you’ll never have a dull moment onboard.

Royal Caribbean offers a collection of ships specifically designed to give you an unforgettable experience in Alaska. Every guest must complete the eMuster drill before your cruise ship can depart, and getting it done quickly on embarkation day is recommended. However, families with kids are always going to appreciate having more options available to them, especially on sea days.