Best Alaska Cruise Lines Compared: Which Cruise Line Is Best for Alaska?
If you’re planning an Alaska cruise, one of the first questions most travelers ask is simple:
Which cruise line is best for Alaska?
The good news is that Alaska is one of the few destinations where several cruise lines truly offer excellent itineraries. The challenge isn’t finding a good option — it’s choosing the right cruise line for your travel style.
Some travelers prefer smaller ships focused on wildlife and glacier viewing, while others enjoy large cruise ships with entertainment, fine dining, and resort-style amenities.
Table of Contents
- Alaska Cruise Line Comparison Chart
- Why Alaska Cruises Are Different
- Best Alaska Cruise Lines
- Celebrity Cruises (Modern Luxury Option)
- Glacier Bay National Park Explained
- Small Ships vs Big Ships
- Best Alaska Cruise Itineraries
- Best Shore Excursions
- Best Time to Cruise Alaska
- 5 Mistakes to Avoid
- FAQ
In this guide, we’ll compare the best Alaska cruise lines, including:
- Princess Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Disney Cruise Line
We’ll also cover:
- The best cruise lines for Glacier Bay National Park
- Ship sizes and onboard experiences
- The best shore excursions, like whale watching and the White Pass Railway
- Wildlife viewing opportunities, including humpback whales, bald eagles, and brown bears
- Whether you should add a Denali National Park land tour
By the end, you’ll know exactly which Alaska cruise line is the best fit for your trip.
Planning an Alaska cruise involves a lot of small decisions that can make a big difference — from choosing the right cruise line to picking the best time for wildlife viewing. If you enjoy guides like this, join the Costa Bella Travel newsletter where I share Alaska travel tips, cruise insights, and curated itineraries designed for relaxed, beautiful travel.
Alaska Cruise Line Comparison Chart
Before diving into each cruise line in detail, here is a quick comparison of the best Alaska cruise lines and what they are known for.
| Cruise Line | Best For | Ship Sizes | Alaska Highlights | Glacier Access | Cruise Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princess Cruises | Best overall Alaska cruise | Mid-size | Denali land tours | Glacier Bay | Classic Alaska |
| Holland America | Glacier viewing | Mid-size | Naturalists onboard | Glacier Bay | Nature-focused |
| Norwegian | Modern ships | Large | Observation lounges | Glacier Bay or Dawes | Resort style |
| Celebrity Cruises | Modern luxury | Large | Upscale dining & design | Dawes or Hubbard | Premium cruise |
| Royal Caribbean | Families | Large | Entertainment | Dawes or Hubbard | Big ship |
| Disney | Families with kids | Mid-size | Disney experiences | Dawes | Family cruise |
Choosing the right Alaska cruise can feel overwhelming — different ships, routes, and glacier experiences all make a difference.
If you’d like help choosing the cruise line and itinerary that fits your travel style, I’d be happy to help you plan a seamless Alaska journey.
Why Alaska Cruises Are Different From Other Cruise Vacations
An Alaska cruise is very different from a typical tropical cruise.
Instead of focusing on beaches and nightlife, Alaska cruises are centered around nature, glaciers, and wildlife viewing.
Most itineraries travel through Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage, a protected waterway surrounded by mountains, forests, and glaciers.
Along the way, cruise passengers often see incredible wildlife such as:
- Humpback whales
- Sea otters
- Bald eagles
- Brown bears and grizzly bears
Many cruises also sail past massive tidewater glaciers, such as:
- Hubbard Glacier
- Dawes Glacier
- College Fjord
- Glacier Bay National Park
Ports typically include:
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Ketchikan
- Icy Strait Point
- Prince Rupert in British Columbia
These destinations offer unforgettable shore excursions, including whale watching, glacier hikes, and historic rail journeys.
Best Alaska Cruise Lines
- Best Overall: Princess Cruises
- Best for Glacier Viewing: Holland America Line
- Best Modern Luxury Option: Celebrity Cruises
- Best Large Ships: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Best for Families: Royal Caribbean
- Best for Kids: Disney Cruise Line
Princess Cruises (Best Overall Alaska Cruise Line)
Princess Cruises is often considered the best overall Alaska cruise line, especially for travelers who want a balanced experience among comfort, scenery, and wildlife viewing.
Princess has been sailing in Alaska for decades and has developed some of the strongest cruise-and-land tour programs in the region.
Many itineraries combine the cruise with visits to Denali National Park, allowing travelers to see both the interior of Alaska and the coast.
Highlights of sailing with Princess include:
- scenic glacier viewing decks
- onboard naturalists and Alaska experts
- access to Glacier Bay National Park
- partnerships with the Alaska Railroad
Princess also operates several wilderness lodges that pair perfectly with Denali land tours.
Best for:
Travelers who want the classic Alaska cruise experience with great itineraries and wildlife viewing.
Holland America Line (Best for Glacier Viewing)
Holland America Line is another excellent choice for Alaska cruises, especially well known for its glacier-viewing itineraries and exceptional service.
Their ships are typically slightly smaller than the newest mega-ships, which can make the experience feel more relaxed and intimate.
Many travelers also appreciate Holland America’s culinary experience, which focuses on fresh ingredients and regional cuisine.
Highlights include:
- excellent Glacier Bay itineraries
- onboard naturalists and educational talks
- exceptional service
- strong wildlife viewing opportunities
Ships often visit:
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Dawes Glacier
- Hubbard Glacier
Best for:
Travelers who want a nature-focused Alaska cruise with great service.
Norwegian Cruise Line (Best for Modern Ships)
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a more modern cruise experience with large ships and plenty of entertainment.
Ships like the Norwegian Bliss were designed specifically for Alaska cruising and feature large observation lounges perfect for glacier viewing.
Highlights include:
- floor-to-ceiling observation lounges
- flexible dining options
- hot tubs with glacier views
- entertainment and nightlife
Itineraries typically visit:
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Ketchikan
- Glacier Bay or Dawes Glacier
Best for:
Travelers who enjoy large ships with lots of onboard experiences.
Celebrity Cruises (Best for Modern Luxury Alaska Cruises)
Celebrity Cruises is one of the best options for travelers who want a modern luxury cruise experience while exploring Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife.
Celebrity ships are known for their sleek design, upscale atmosphere, and excellent dining, making them a great fit for couples and travelers who prefer a more refined cruise experience without the formality of traditional luxury cruise lines.
One of the standout ships sailing in Alaska is the Celebrity Edge, which features innovative design elements and large outdoor viewing spaces that are perfect for glacier viewing.
Highlights of Celebrity Alaska cruises include:
- modern luxury ship design
- excellent fine dining and culinary experiences
- large outdoor viewing areas for glaciers
- spa and relaxation spaces
- strong service and onboard experiences
Celebrity itineraries typically sail through the Inside Passage and often include visits to:
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Ketchikan
- Dawes Glacier
- Hubbard Glacier
Shore excursions often focus on wildlife and scenery, including:
- whale watching
- glacier viewing
- kayaking adventures
- wildlife viewing for humpback whales, bald eagles, and sea otters
While Celebrity ships are larger than expedition vessels, they still offer an atmosphere that feels more relaxed and upscale than many large cruise ships.
Best for:
Couples and travelers looking for a modern luxury Alaska cruise with excellent food, stylish ships, and beautiful viewing spaces.
Royal Caribbean (Best for Families)
Royal Caribbean operates some of the largest ships sailing in Alaska, offering a resort-style cruise experience.
Ships like Anthem of the Seas include a wide range of activities, including climbing walls, entertainment shows, and multiple restaurants.
While Alaska’s glaciers remain the main attraction, Royal Caribbean provides plenty of activities for families traveling with teenagers.
Highlights include:
- adventure activities onboard
- family-friendly entertainment
- multiple dining venues
Best for:
Families looking for an Alaska cruise with lots of onboard entertainment.
Disney Cruise Line (Best for Families With Young Kids)
Disney Cruise Line offers a very unique Alaska cruise experience with storytelling, themed dining, and family-friendly activities.
While Disney cruises are known for their entertainment, they also deliver excellent service and surprisingly strong dining options.
Highlights include:
- character experiences
- themed dining
- family activities
- storytelling about Alaska’s wildlife and culture
Best for:
Families traveling with younger children.
Small Ships vs Big Ships in Alaska
One of the most important factors when choosing the right Alaska cruise line is ship size.
Large Ships
Large cruise ships offer more onboard entertainment, restaurants, and activities.
Pros
- more dining options
- entertainment and shows
- family-friendly amenities
Cons
- fewer remote ports
- less intimate wildlife viewing
Smaller Ships
Smaller ships and expedition vessels offer a more immersive Alaska experience.
Pros
- closer wildlife encounters
- access to remote areas
- kayaking and nature excursions
These ships are ideal for travelers who want a deep nature experience rather than a resort-style cruise.
Best Alaska Cruise Lines for Couples
While Alaska cruises are popular with families, they are also one of the most romantic cruise destinations in the world. Watching glaciers calve into the sea, spotting humpback whales from the deck, and sailing through misty fjords create an unforgettable atmosphere for couples.
The best cruise line for couples often comes down to travel style, ship atmosphere, and onboard experiences.
Here are some of the best Alaska cruise lines for couples looking for a more relaxed and elevated travel experience.
Celebrity Cruises (Best Modern Luxury Experience)
Celebrity Cruises is an excellent choice for couples who want a modern luxury cruise experience while exploring Alaska.
Ships like Celebrity Edge feature beautiful open-air viewing spaces, stylish lounges, and some of the best dining at sea. Many couples appreciate the relaxed but upscale atmosphere, which feels sophisticated without being overly formal.
Highlights couples often enjoy include:
- sunset views from the outdoor decks
- spa treatments and relaxation spaces
- elevated dining experiences
- Beautiful observation areas for glacier viewing
Celebrity is a particularly good fit for couples who want great food, stylish ships, and a peaceful cruise environment.
Holland America Line (Best for Scenic Cruising)
Holland America Line is often a favorite among couples because of its calm atmosphere and scenic itineraries.
Many ships feature wide promenade decks and large viewing areas, making it easy to enjoy Alaska’s dramatic landscapes together.
Couples also appreciate Holland America’s:
- exceptional service
- excellent culinary experience
- immersive Alaska programming
Because the ships are slightly smaller than many mega ships, the experience often feels more intimate and relaxed.
Princess Cruises (Best for Cruise + Land Tours)
For couples who want to combine their cruise with a Denali National Park land tour, Princess Cruises is a top choice.
Princess offers seamless cruise + land packages that include:
- scenic journeys on the Alaska Railroad
- wilderness lodges near Denali
- guided tours through Alaska’s national parks
For many couples, this combination of glaciers, wildlife, and mountain landscapes creates the most complete Alaska experience.
Small Expedition Cruises (Best for Adventure-Loving Couples)
Some couples prefer a more adventurous Alaska experience aboard small expedition vessels.
These cruises focus heavily on nature and often include:
- kayaking near tidewater glaciers
- guided wildlife excursions
- close encounters with marine wildlife
Because the ships are smaller, the experience feels more personal and immersive.
These cruises are ideal for couples who want adventure, wildlife viewing, and a deeper connection with Alaska’s wilderness.
Choosing the Right Cruise Line for Your Travel Style
When selecting the best Alaska cruise line as a couple, consider what kind of experience you want most.
Some couples prioritize:
- glacier viewing and wildlife
- fine dining and relaxation
- adventure excursions
- cruise + land tour experiences
The best cruise line is simply the one that matches your travel style and pace.
And in Alaska, no matter which cruise line you choose, the real highlight will always be the incredible landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife surrounding you.
If you’re planning a shorter trip, this 6-day Alaska itinerary shows how to combine a cruise with some of Alaska’s most iconic destinations.
Best Alaska Cruise Itineraries
Most Alaska cruises follow one of two main routes.
Inside Passage Roundtrip Cruise
Round-trip cruises typically depart from:
- Seattle
- Vancouver
- occasionally San Francisco
Ports usually include:
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Ketchikan
- Icy Strait Point
This itinerary is often the best introduction to Alaska cruising.
Which Alaska Cruise Lines Visit Glacier Bay National Park (And Why It Matters)
One of the most important details that many first-time Alaska cruisers overlook is access to Glacier Bay National Park.
Glacier Bay is widely considered one of the most spectacular places in Alaska, featuring massive tidewater glaciers, deep fjords, and incredible wildlife viewing. Because it is a protected national park, only a limited number of cruise ships are allowed to enter each day.
The National Park Service strictly controls permits, which means not every cruise line can visit Glacier Bay.
If Glacier Bay is a priority for your trip — and for many travelers it should be — choosing a cruise line with access to Glacier Bay is extremely important.
Cruise Lines With Glacier Bay Permits
Several cruise lines currently have permits to sail through Glacier Bay National Park.
These include:
- Princess Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Cunard
- Seabourn
Ships entering the park typically spend several hours sailing slowly past tidewater glaciers, allowing passengers to watch for wildlife such as:
- humpback whales
- sea otters
- harbor seals
- bald eagles
- brown bears along the shoreline
Park rangers also board the ship to provide commentary on the park’s glaciers, wildlife, and history.
Why Glacier Bay Is So Special
Glacier Bay is home to some of Alaska’s most impressive glaciers, including:
- Margerie Glacier
- Grand Pacific Glacier
- Johns Hopkins Glacier
These glaciers regularly produce dramatic calving events, in which enormous chunks of ice break off into the water.
The surrounding waters and forests also support abundant marine wildlife and birds, making Glacier Bay one of the best places in Alaska for wildlife viewing.
Travelers who want even more wildlife viewing often continue on to Seward, home to Kenai Fjords National Park, where dramatic tidewater glaciers and abundant marine life create one of Alaska’s most spectacular coastal landscapes.
Glacier Bay vs Hubbard Glacier vs Dawes Glacier
Many Alaska cruises visit glaciers, but each is a very different experience.
Glacier Bay National Park
- Multiple glaciers in one area
- Protected national park
- Park rangers onboard
- One of the most scenic parts of Southeast Alaska
Hubbard Glacier
- One of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America
- Ships approach the glacier directly
- Often produces spectacular calving events
Dawes Glacier
- Located at the end of Endicott Arm fjord
- Dramatic cliffs and waterfalls
- Often combined with wildlife viewing
All three are impressive, but Glacier Bay offers the most complete glacier experience because you see several glaciers in one day.
Should You Choose a Glacier Bay Cruise?
If this is your first Alaska cruise, I strongly recommend choosing an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay National Park.
It offers:
- some of the best glacier views in Alaska
- excellent wildlife viewing
- a full day of scenic cruising
Many experienced Alaska travelers consider Glacier Bay one of the highlights of the trip.
One-Way Alaska Cruise (Best for Land Tours)
One-way cruises travel between:
- Vancouver
- Seward
- Whittier
These itineraries allow travelers to add a land tour to Denali National Park or the Kenai Peninsula.
Many experienced Alaska travelers consider this combination the best way to see Alaska because it allows you to explore both the coastline and the interior.
Best Shore Excursions in Alaska
Some of the most popular shore excursions include:
- Whale watching in Juneau
- Visiting Mendenhall Glacier
- Riding the White Pass Railway in Skagway
- Bear viewing near Icy Strait Point
- Exploring the Tongass National Forest
Wildlife sightings often include:
- humpback whales
- sea otters
- bald eagles
- brown bears
These excursions are often the highlight of the entire cruise.
Best Time to Cruise Alaska
The Alaska cruise season runs from late April through early October.
Early Season (Late April – Early June)
Pros
- fewer crowds
- lower prices
- snow-covered mountains
Peak Season (June – August)
This is the most popular time to cruise Alaska because of:
- long daylight hours
- active wildlife viewing
- comfortable temperatures
Late Season (September)
September offers:
- fewer cruise passengers
- beautiful fall colors
Some late sailings may even offer a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Timing your cruise matters more than most travelers realize. If you’re trying to decide when to go, this guide to the best time to visit Alaska explains how wildlife, weather, and glacier viewing change throughout the season.
How to Choose the Right Alaska Cruise Line
When deciding on the best Alaska cruise line, consider:
- your travel style
- ship sizes
- onboard experiences
- glacier viewing opportunities
- shore excursions
For many travelers, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line offer the most well-rounded Alaska cruise experience.
5 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Choosing an Alaska Cruise Line
Planning an Alaska cruise can feel overwhelming, especially with so many cruise lines, ship sizes, and itineraries to choose from. After helping travelers plan Alaska trips, I see a few common mistakes again and again.
Avoiding these can make a huge difference in the quality of your Alaska cruise experience.
1. Choosing a Cruise Without Glacier Bay National Park
One of the most common mistakes travelers make is booking a cruise that does not visit Glacier Bay National Park.
Because Glacier Bay is a protected national park, only a limited number of ships are allowed to enter each day. This means many itineraries skip it entirely and instead visit glaciers like Dawes Glacier or Hubbard Glacier.
Those glaciers are still beautiful, but Glacier Bay offers a full day of glacier viewing, multiple tidewater glaciers, and incredible wildlife sightings.
If this is your first Alaska cruise, I usually recommend choosing an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay National Park.
2. Focusing Too Much on the Ship Instead of the Itinerary
In tropical destinations, the cruise ship itself is often the main attraction. Alaska is different.
In Alaska, the destination is the highlight.
Instead of choosing a cruise based only on ship amenities like pools or entertainment, focus on:
- glacier access
- wildlife viewing opportunities
- port calls
- scenic cruising days
A slightly smaller ship with a better itinerary can often provide a much richer Alaska experience.
3. Skipping a Denali Land Tour
Many travelers don’t realize that some of Alaska’s best parts are inland, far from the cruise ports.
Adding a land tour to Denali National Park allows you to experience Alaska’s interior landscapes, wildlife, and national parks.
Many cruise lines — especially Princess Cruises and Holland America Line — offer excellent cruise + land tour packages that include:
- scenic journeys on the Alaska Railroad
- guided visits to Denali National Park
- stays at wilderness lodges
For many travelers, this combination creates the most complete Alaska experience.
Many travelers extend their cruise with a land tour into Alaska’s interior. One of the most popular add-ons is Denali National Park, where visitors can see grizzly bears, moose, and sweeping tundra landscapes beneath North America’s tallest mountain. If you’re considering adding it to your itinerary, this complete Denali National Park guide explains how to experience the park.
4. Not Considering Ship Size
Ship size can dramatically change your Alaska cruise experience.
Large cruise ships offer:
- more dining options
- entertainment and shows
- family-friendly activities
Smaller ships and expedition vessels provide:
- closer wildlife viewing
- access to smaller ports
- a more immersive nature experience
Neither option is wrong — it simply depends on your travel style.
5. Booking the Wrong Time of Year
Alaska’s cruise season runs from late April through early October, and each part of the season offers a slightly different experience.
Early Season (April–May)
- fewer crowds
- snow-covered mountains
- cooler temperatures
Peak Season (June–August)
- the best wildlife viewing
- long daylight hours
- warmer weather
Late Season (September)
- fall colors
- fewer cruise passengers
- possible Northern Lights sightings
Choosing the best time to cruise Alaska can significantly impact wildlife sightings and overall scenery.
Alaska weather can change quickly, so packing correctly is essential. This Alaska cruise packing list walks through exactly what to bring for glacier viewing days, wildlife excursions, and chilly evenings on deck.
The Good News
The good news is that there are many excellent Alaska cruise lines, and most travelers have an amazing experience no matter which one they choose.
The key is selecting a cruise that matches your travel style, priorities, and itinerary goals.
With the right planning, an Alaska cruise can easily become one of the most unforgettable trips you’ll ever take.
Final Thoughts
The good news is that there really isn’t a bad Alaska cruise line — only the right one for your travel style.
If your goal is to experience Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and national parks, choose an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier.
And if you want the full Alaska experience, consider pairing your cruise with a Denali National Park land tour.
Join the Costa Bella Travel Newsletter
Planning an Alaska cruise can feel overwhelming — especially with so many cruise lines and itineraries.
Inside my newsletter, I share:
- Alaska cruise planning tips
- best months to visit Alaska
- Denali land tour strategies
- cruise itinerary ideas
Join the Costa Bella Travel newsletter for thoughtful travel planning and inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Alaska cruise line?
Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are often considered the best Alaska cruise lines because of their strong itineraries and access to Glacier Bay National Park.
Which cruise lines visit Glacier Bay National Park?
Cruise lines that frequently visit Glacier Bay include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
What is the best month for an Alaska cruise?
The best time to cruise Alaska is typically June through August, when wildlife viewing is strongest and daylight hours are longest.
Should you add a land tour to an Alaska cruise?
Many travelers combine their cruise with a Denali National Park land tour, which allows them to see Alaska’s interior landscapes and wildlife.
