When it comes to Alaska cruise planning, choosing the right time of year is important (and we’ve written a blog about that). However, choosing the right ship is what really takes your cruise to the next level.
Sure, your goal is to see glaciers, wildlife, and incredible Alaskan landscapes. But keep in mind: you’ll be spending a lot of time on the ship. From sea days to glacier viewing, meals to downtime, your cruise ship plays a huge role in how much you enjoy the journey.
We help clients find the perfect match and we’re breaking down how to get started.
Where to Begin with Alaska Cruise Planning
There are tons of cruise lines and ship options out there. It can feel overwhelming at first. But we walk our clients through four key questions to help narrow it down:
- What itinerary is most important to you?
- What is your budget?
- Who is traveling with you?
- What ship amenities matter for your experience?
Let’s walk through each of these as you begin your Alaska cruise planning journey.
1. What Itinerary Do You Want?
There are two major types of Alaska cruise itineraries:
One-Way Cruises – Usually sail between Vancouver, BC and Seward or Whittier, Alaska. These are popular for travelers who want to extend their trip with a land tour – like Denali National Park, Fairbanks, or the Kenai Peninsula.
Roundtrip Cruises – Most roundtrip Alaska cruises depart from Seattle or Vancouver and return to the same port. These are great for convenience – especially when flying – and still showcase the Inside Passage and glaciers.
Insider Tip: We highly recommend selecting an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay National Park. It’s consistently a top highlight for our clients and for us.
2. What’s Your Budget?
Alaska cruises can range from budget-friendly to luxury, but keep in mind: – this destination tends to be pricier than others.
Here are some budget factors to consider:
Stateroom Type – We always recommend a balcony if possible. Alaska’s views are unreal and having private space to enjoy them is worth the splurge.
Ship Category – Are you looking for: Economical, family-friendly fun? Premium cruise lines with elegant touches? Ultra-luxury with all the bells and whistles? We can help you sort through the differences.
Excursions – Alaska excursions tend to cost more than Caribbean or European ports. Consider this when setting your budget – or work with us to choose cruise lines that include excursions in the fare.
3. Who’s Traveling With You?
Whether it’s just you and your partner, a multi-gen family trip, or a group of friends, the “who” of your Alaska cruise planning matters just as much as the “where.”
Some ships are better for families with kids, while others are more geared toward couples or active adult travelers. We’ll help you find a ship that fits your crew.
4. What Amenities Matter Most?
Even within the same cruise line, ships can vary a lot in what they offer. For example, here’s a breakdown of some ships in Royal Caribbean’s 2026 Alaska fleet, which is a great family-friendly option:
Serenade of the Seas
- Smaller, more traditional ship
- Roundtrip from Vancouver (passport required)
- Great pricing for families looking for value
Voyager of the Seas
- Midsize ship sailing roundtrip from Seattle (NO passport required)
- Amped-up amenities: waterslides, ice rink, mini golf, rock climbing, laser tag
- Tons to do for kids and teens
Ovation of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean’s largest ships in Alaska
- The most amenities and activities onboard: bumper cars, waterslides, ice rink, mini golf, rock climbing, broadway style shows, and tons more!
- Huge observation lounges and enclosed pools – perfect for Alaska’s cooler weather
- Ovation does one-way itineraries (ideal for adding land tours)
- Anthem sails roundtrip from Seattle
Final Thoughts: Let’s Make It Easy
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Alaska cruise planning, but that’s where we come in. We help you:
- Compare ships across cruise lines
- Choose an itinerary that matches your goals
- Stay on budget (while maximizing value)
- Pick the best ship for your people
Let’s find the right ship for your Alaska adventure. Ready to get started? Contact us here and we’ll help you make it happen.
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Written by: DeWayne Tudor
Photo credit: DeWayne Tudor