Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Review: What to Expect on an Alaska Sailing
A Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise combines breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and all the onboard entertainment the cruise line is known for. From watching humpback whales breach alongside the ship to sailing through Endicott Arm toward Dawes Glacier, these cruises offer an unforgettable way to experience Alaska’s Last Frontier.
But is a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise the right choice for your vacation?
In this Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise review, I’ll cover the ships, itineraries, cabins, dining, shore excursions, onboard activities, and the best time to sail so you can decide whether Royal Caribbean is the best fit for your Alaska adventure.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support Costa Bella Travel and allow me to continue creating free travel guides and resources. As always, I only recommend experiences and accommodations I would confidently suggest to my own clients.
Why Choose Royal Caribbean for an Alaska Cruise?
Royal Caribbean appeals to travelers who want more than scenic cruising. While Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife are the main attraction, the ships themselves become part of the experience.
Highlights include:
- Modern cruise ships with extensive amenities
- Family-friendly activities
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- Hot tubs with glacier views
- Broadway-style entertainment
- Multiple dining venues
- Adventure activities like rock climbing
- Spacious public areas for wildlife viewing
Unlike some smaller ship operators, Royal Caribbean offers a resort-style experience while still delivering access to Alaska’s natural wonders.
Which Royal Caribbean Ships Sail to Alaska?
The most popular Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska include:
Ovation of the Seas
Many travelers consider Ovation of the Seas the flagship Alaska experience.
Features include:
- North Star observation capsule
- Indoor pool with retractable roof
- Multiple hot tubs
- Two70 entertainment venue
- Windjammer Marketplace
- Main Dining Room
- Spacious observation areas
The North Star is especially popular because it lifts guests high above the ship for panoramic views of Alaska’s glaciers, mountains, and coastline.
Quantum of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas offers a similar experience and shares many of the same features.
Guests enjoy:
- North Star
- Indoor activities
- Entertainment venues
- Family-friendly amenities
- Modern staterooms
Both ships are excellent choices for a 7-night Alaska cruise.
Typical Royal Caribbean Alaska Itineraries
Most sailings depart from Seattle and follow a round-trip Inside Passage route.
Popular ports include:
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Sitka
- Victoria, British Columbia
Some itineraries also feature:
- Endicott Arm
- Dawes Glacier
- Scenic glacier cruising days
A typical 7-night cruise includes:
| Day | Port |
|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle |
| 2 | Cruising the Inside Passage |
| 3 | Sitka |
| 4 | Skagway |
| 5 | Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier |
| 6 | Juneau |
| 7 | Victoria, British Columbia |
| 8 | Seattle |
Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier
One of the best experiences on a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise is sailing through Endicott Arm.
This narrow fjord is lined with:
- Waterfalls
- Floating icebergs
- Snow-capped mountains
- Bald eagles
- Harbor seals
The grand finale is Dawes Glacier, an impressive tidewater glacier where guests often witness chunks of ice calving into the water.
For the best views:
- Head to the upper deck early
- Watch from the front of the ship
- Reserve a balcony room if possible
Shore Excursions Worth Booking
Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety of shore excursions.
Juneau
Top excursions include:
Whale Watching
Juneau is one of the best places in Alaska to see humpback whales.
Guests frequently spot:
- Humpback whales
- Orcas
- Sea lions
- Bald eagles
Mendenhall Glacier
One of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers.
Options include:
- Shuttle bus transportation
- Visitor center access
- Hiking trails
- Photo opportunities
Skagway
White Pass Railway
One of Alaska’s classic excursions.
You’ll travel through:
- Historic Gold Rush territory
- Mountain passes
- Waterfalls
- Stunning viewpoints
Dog Sledding
For many travelers, dog sledding becomes the highlight of the trip.
Several tours combine:
- Helicopter flights
- Glacier landings
- Dog sled rides
Sitka
Sitka offers a more authentic Alaska experience with:
- Wildlife viewing
- Historic sites
- Local culture
- Smaller crowds
Many tour guides focus on the area’s Russian and Native Alaskan history.
Dining on Royal Caribbean
Main Dining Room
The Main Dining Room remains one of the most popular dining venues.
Guests can expect:
- Multi-course meals
- Rotating menus
- Alaska-inspired dishes
- Friendly service from crew members
Windjammer Marketplace
The Windjammer Marketplace provides casual buffet dining throughout the day.
Popular options include:
- Breakfast stations
- International cuisine
- Fresh desserts
- Family-friendly choices
Many guests enjoy grabbing breakfast here before heading out for shore excursions.
Cabin Options
Interior Room
The most budget-friendly option.
Pros:
- Lower cruise fares
- Great for travelers who spend little time in the cabin
Cons:
- No natural light
- No private outdoor space
Balcony Room
My recommendation for most Alaska cruises.
Benefits include:
- Private glacier viewing
- Wildlife spotting
- Scenic photography
- Quiet retreat from crowds
Watching Alaska’s glaciers from your balcony room can be one of the most memorable moments of the cruise.
Junior Suite
A Junior Suite offers:
- Additional living room space
- Larger bathroom
- More storage
- Extra comfort on a 7-night cruise
Onboard Activities and Entertainment
Royal Caribbean is known for keeping guests busy.
Activities may include:
- Game shows
- Trivia competitions
- Live music
- Production shows
- Rock climbing
- Fitness classes
- Shopping
- Beauty salons
The cruise director and cruise staff keep the schedule packed with fun activities throughout the voyage.
Indoor Pool vs Outdoor Pool
Because Alaska weather can be unpredictable, the indoor pool is a major advantage.
Even during cold weather, guests can enjoy:
- Swimming
- Relaxing in hot tubs
- Watching scenery from sheltered areas
The outdoor pool is most popular during peak season, when temperatures are warmer.
Best Time to Take a Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise
May
Pros:
- Lower cruise fares
- Smaller crowds
- Snow-covered scenery
June
Pros:
- Long daylight hours
- Excellent wildlife viewing
July
Pros:
- Warmest temperatures
- Peak whale watching season
August
Pros:
- Strong wildlife activity
- Great glacier viewing
September
Pros:
- Best deals
- Fewer crowds
- Potential northern lights sightings
For most travelers, June and July offer the perfect time to visit.
Royal Caribbean vs Princess Cruises
Many travelers compare Royal Caribbean with Princess Cruises.
Choose Royal Caribbean If:
- You enjoy large cruise ship amenities
- You want more entertainment options
- You’re traveling with children or teens
- You love active onboard experiences
Choose Princess Cruises If:
- You prefer a more destination-focused atmosphere
- You want enrichment programs
- Glacier Bay National Park access is a priority
Both are excellent cruise lines, but they appeal to slightly different travelers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✓ Modern ships
✓ Excellent family activities
✓ Great entertainment
✓ North Star observation capsule
✓ Indoor pool and hot tubs
✓ Wide range of shore excursions
✓ Strong value for money
Cons
✗ Larger crowds
✗ Fewer Alaska-focused experiences than some competitors
✗ Popular venues can develop a long line during peak times
✗ Not all itineraries visit Glacier Bay National Park
Should You Buy The Key on a Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise?
One upgrade many travelers consider is Royal Caribbean’s The Key program.
The Key includes benefits such as priority boarding, internet access through the VOOM Surf package, reserved seating for select shows, and priority departure at the end of the cruise.
Personally, my favorite benefit was the exclusive welcome lunch on embarkation day. After boarding, Key guests are invited to a special lunch in the Main Dining Room, where you can relax while the crowds explore the ship.
Even better, guests can drop off their carry-on bags at lunch. The crew then delivers those bags directly to your stateroom, often before cabins officially open to all passengers. Instead of dragging luggage around the ship for several hours, you can start enjoying your cruise right away.
For many travelers, that convenience alone makes embarkation day much more enjoyable.
The Key tends to provide the best value for guests who:
Plan to purchase internet access anyway
Appreciate priority access and shorter lines
Enjoy reserved seating for shows
Prefer a more relaxed embarkation experience
Before purchasing The Key, compare the price against the cost of an internet package, since internet access is already included with the program.
My Costa Bella Travel Tip
“The welcome lunch is my favorite perk included with The Key. Being able to drop off our carry-on bags and let the crew deliver them directly to our cabin made embarkation day feel far less hectic and much more enjoyable.”
Final Verdict: Is a Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Worth It?
For travelers seeking a balance between adventure and comfort, a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise is an excellent choice.
The combination of scenic cruising through the Inside Passage, glacier viewing at Endicott Arm, unforgettable whale watching excursions, and innovative ships like Ovation of the Seas makes for an incredible vacation.
If you enjoy plenty of onboard activities, family-friendly entertainment, and modern cruise ships, Royal Caribbean delivers one of the best Alaska cruise experiences available.
While smaller ship cruises provide deeper access to remote wilderness areas, Royal Caribbean offers outstanding value, comfortable accommodations, and enough Alaska scenery to leave most travelers planning their next visit before the cruise even ends.
Planning an Alaska Cruise?
Choosing the right Alaska cruise can feel overwhelming. From deciding between cruise lines and cabin types to selecting the best shore excursions, there are many details to consider.
If you’re planning an Alaska cruise and would like personalized recommendations, I’d be happy to help. Whether you’re comparing Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, or small-ship Alaska cruises, I can help you find the itinerary that best fits your travel style and budget.
Let’s turn your Alaska cruise dreams into a stress-free vacation.
Keep Exploring Alaska
If you’re dreaming about an Alaska cruise, I’d love to stay in touch. Join the Costa Bella Travel newsletter for Alaska travel guides, cruise planning tips, and destination inspiration.
FAQ Section
Yes. Royal Caribbean combines scenic Alaska itineraries with modern ships, excellent entertainment, and family-friendly amenities.
Many travelers consider Ovation of the Seas the best Royal Caribbean ship for Alaska because of the North Star observation capsule and extensive indoor viewing areas.
For most travelers, yes. A balcony provides private views of glaciers, wildlife, and Alaska’s stunning coastline.
Most Royal Caribbean itineraries visit Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier instead. Some competing cruise lines are more likely to visit Glacier Bay National Park.
June and July generally offer the warmest temperatures, longest daylight hours, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Need Help Planning Your Alaska Cruise?
From choosing the best cruise line to finding the right shore excursions, planning an Alaska cruise can be complicated. If you’d like personalized guidance, I’d love to help.
