How to Plan the Best Alaska Cruise
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(HAL is the first cruise line to serve fresh, certified-sustainable Alaskan seafood.) As of September, acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto is the Fresh Fish Ambassador as part of the line’s Global Fresh Fish Program. During your trip, your Expedition Team will guide you as you explore ports and take you on included activities such as kayaking and hiking. These experts will also share their knowledge of the natural history and ecology of Alaska. On average, there are 11 guests per expedition guide, which grants you plenty of opportunity to learn about the 49th state and ask plenty of questions. For 2023 and 2024, Viking will base one ship in Alaska during the summer (the 930-passenger Viking Orion), but it'll expand in 2025 with a second vessel (the 930-passenger Viking Sea). In addition to 10-night sailings to Alaska, the ships occasionally offer longer, 22-night sailings that extend beyond Alaska all the way to Japan.
Departure ports in Alaska
Cruisers appreciate the standard luxurious features available on Princess ships. Couples, in particular, value the convenience of having breakfast delivered to their stateroom, allowing for leisurely mornings before commencing the day. The Ruby Princess stands out as it was christened by Trista and Ryan Sutter from "The Bachelorette." In the capital city of Juneau, experience a thrilling dog sled ride, savor a delectable crab and salmon feast in Ketchikan, and observe wildlife in Icy Strait Point. The highly-trained team from Celebrity is dedicated to ensuring your every cruise desire is met. With its intimate size and maneuverability, world-class dining, social atmosphere, and high-end amenities, Seabourn Cruises is a luxurious way to explore America’s Last Frontier.
The 9 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler in 2024
Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better? - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better?.
Posted: Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Book a spa treatment or work out in the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, play nine holes of golf on the putting greens, shop the three boutiques, and unwind, help yourself to afternoon tea with all the accouterments at 4 p.m. Mini-suite cabins are a budget-friendly option for couples who want a little more space and privacy than a standard cabin. Alaska has a rich cultural history, and couples can learn about it by taking a cultural tour in one of the ports. They can visit museums, totem pole parks, and historical sites to gain a deeper understanding of the indigenous cultures and traditions. For those couples who want to stay active all day and night, Carnival is an excellent choice with all of its nightlife options. You can start with a cocktail hour before heading to dinner, then hit up a comedy show before heading to the piano bar to finish off the evening!
Best Alaska Cruise Lines
Couples also love the Vegas-style shows keeping you entertained night after night. NCL has duty-free shops with everything from souvenirs to fine jewelry for those who like to shop. Enjoy an alpine lake adventure in Skagway, whale watching in Skagway, and brave the ziplines in Ketchikan. The spacious staterooms are decked out in plush bedding and are stocked with sparkling wine or champagne upon check-in.
Plus, guests can catch their own fish during shore excursions and have it prepared and served on board. Say hello to our little friend, the 186-passenger Ocean Victory, from American Queen Voyages. And speaking of unlimited food, you’ll be treated to five-course dinners along with 180-degree panoramic views. All 98 cabins face out (no inside cabins), and 68 of those feature step-out balconies. Many cruise ships have live music and entertainment shows that couples can enjoy together. These performances may include music, comedy, and even Broadway-style productions, providing a fun and romantic evening for couples.
Small Ship Cruises: adventure & Luxury
Seabourn Odyssey is currently the cruise ship dedicated to Alaska for the line and it offers 7-15 night sailings in the area. The 32,000 gross ton vessel has a capacity of 450 guests and has one of the best crew to passenger ratios in the industry along with Regent Seven Seas. Oceania Cruises is another good choice for small cruise ships to Alaska, especially if you’re a foodie. Most of the line’s sailings to this area are on the ship, Regatta, which is a 30,000 gross ton vessel with a capacity of only 656 passengers. There are currently day cruises being offered with the company through next year. These sailing are on the ships Sapphire Princess, Majestic Princess, and Royal Princess.
An Alaskan cruise with Oceania means luxurious cabins, intimate ships (just 342 staterooms!), and boutique shore excursions. Cruisers love the way Oceania staff remember personal preferences making everyone feel right at home. You can find ships offering fine dining experiences, cultural programs, and stunning glacier views. Guests can explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or search for orca and humpback whales in Frederick Sound. Lindblad has special permits to bring passengers into the wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the Tongass National Forest, beyond what the big ships can offer. A hike on Chichagof Island is the perfect opportunity to spot bald eagles in the wild.
Enjoy the magical moments spent exploring the far end of the Misty Fjords on Zodiac, learn more about the local wildlife and geology during lectures with the Expedition Team, and kayak along Hubbard Glacier. If you’re passionate about the finer things in life, Celebrity Cruises may very well speak to your soul. And onboard experiences range from Macallan and Jack Daniel’s tastings to Riedel crystal workshops that show how different shapes and qualities of a Riedel glass change the taste of wine. When it comes to experiencing the splendor of Alaska, your cruise is only as good as the direct access it offers to this region’s beauty—and Windstar Cruises delivers access like no other. For an even closer look at Mother Nature’s impressive work, from icebergs to whales, book a kayak or Zodiac Signature Expedition with their incredibly knowledgeable guides. Duty-free shops on board Alaska cruise ships offer a variety of products such as jewelry, cosmetics, and alcohol, all at tax-free prices.
Best Cruise Line for Couples Who Go With The Flow: Norwegian Cruise Line
Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north. No matter your budget, age or travel interest, plenty of cruise options ply the waters around Alaska. If you want to get out of your comfort zone and try something entirely new, several cruise lines will send you on the adventure of your dreams in Alaska. Norwegian also makes some cabins available for solo occupancy on select cruises if a single studio is unavailable.
Just remember that since you’re sailing out of California you will have at least a couple sea days before reaching Alaska. The Alaska’s Winter Sports & Northern Lights sailing takes place when most cruise lines can’t sail to Alaska. These trips take place as early as February and March and allow passengers to witness the Northern Lights and even enjoy some winter activities as skiing and ice skating.
If you're traveling with young kids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, make a beeline for Disney Cruise Line and its Alaska-based Disney Wonder. The ship has an extensive children's program, high-quality entertainment, and such activities as water slides and play areas. King's Blues Club, play a game of pickleball on the outer deck or enjoy fine dining at numerous restaurants serving sushi and Asian cuisine, steak, seafood, Italian fare and Dutch treats. It can be hard to figure out which cruise ship will deliver your idea of a "bucket list" experience in The Last Frontier. Now that we’ve covered the basics of all things Alaska cruising, keep reading to discover the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, featuring expert insight and award-winning picks. Ashton Palmer is a Seattle-based T+L A-List travel advisor who specializes in expedition cruises.
When you book your cruise, you can pick from two Alaska cruise honeymoon packages that include such amenities as champagne, chocolates, and roses waiting in your stateroom, as well as spa treatment options. You can even arrange for a champagne breakfast in bed on any morning of your Alaskan honeymoon cruise. The beauty of the land and its immense history; the thrill of seeing bears, moose and bald eagles; and the mysteries of the surrounding marine life will astound you. It's a trip worth taking the time to plan and doing right — because who knows if or when you'll make it back to the Last Frontier.
In contrast to the Voyage of the Glaciers offered by Princess Cruises, this cruise will start its journey in Seattle. You’ll cruise through the sea, up into Alaska, seeing sights along the way until you arrive at Juneau. Before listing the best cruises to Alaska, it is important to consider the different kinds of cruises to Alaska that you can take.
The cruise line also offers beloved live music programming, which I got to experience firsthand on a summer 2023 Alaska sailing. King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard (a dueling piano bar), Lincoln Center Stage, and Rolling Stone Rock Room. After our shore excursions, we’d hop back on board the ship for drinks, dinner, and a nightcap at the dueling piano bar to jam out to hits from Billy Joel and Elton John.
The experience comes with a private Champagne reception and a tour of the galley. For a more casual but still completely fun experience, visit Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse. Available on Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, the BBQ joint offers a great variety of smokehouse favorites from Chef Guy Fieri. Plus, it has an onboard brewery and live music, perfect for couples who love to dance.
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