I purposefully didn't take my first Alaska cruise for a few years and friends that cruised more than me always found that strange.

They told me that I had to go see it, and after enough people kept saying the same thing, I thought I'd give in an try it. 

Not only were they right, but I loved Alaska, and we've been back again with more trips planned for the future.

Our first Alaska cruise was on Explorer of the Seas in 2018 and we had a good time. However, looking back, I made a few mistakes that could've been easily avoided.

Here are three missteps from my trip that could happen to anyone — and what I'd do differently next time.

Feeling I'd regret not having a balcony

If you do five minutes of research into an Alaska cruise, you're going to see at least five recommendations to book a balcony cabin.

To be clear, this is really good advice. There's so much to see around you as your ship sails, and having a balcony is very convenient to be able to hop out and check things out.

But I really don't think you need a balcony as much as it may seem because ship designs have changed a lot.

Royal Caribbean does such a good job designing its ships with public space on open decks that you can easily get outside and see what's happening.  Plus, since you're on a Royal Caribbean ship and not a cruise line with ho-hum things to do, there's far more impetus to be out and about and away from your room to begin with.

I found that the balcony in my Junior Suite was indeed convenient, but it wasn't as critical as I was lead to believe.

I think this recommendation is rooted in older and smaller ships that lacked as much public space as Royal Caribbean's bigger ships, and those decks got crowded.

Not to mention your balcony only faces one direction. There are usually things to see all around you, and the pool decks or helipad are far better suited to taking it all in.

On the day we visited Dawes Glacier, there was a person answering questions and talking about what we were seeing on the helipad.  You don't get that insight on your balcony.

To be clear, booking a balcony cabin isn't a mistake. I think it's a great idea, if you can afford it.

Rather, the mistake is assuming you're making a mistake by not booking a balcony cabin.  Saving money and taking an inside room is arguably a better spend if you can re-invest those savings on an amazing Alaska shore excursion.

Not trying the White Pass Railway

I have an aversion to any super popular shore excursion because I feel they sometimes are overrated and a tourist trap, but the White Pass Railway isn't one of them.

Arguably the top thing to do in Skagway is take a ride on the White Pass Railway.  I saw it, looked at it, and didn't book it.  I then regretted it, even though my Hummer tour was incredible.

It’s a beautiful, relaxed way to take in the dramatic scenery of the historic Klondike Highway and White Pass. You’ll ride the famous train one way and enjoy a scenic coach tour the other, with several stops for photos along the way. It’s a wonderful mix of history, views, and comfort.

It picks up from near the cruise ships, and the windows offer a tremendous view every mile of the trip into the Yukon.

There are a lot of combinations you can book, but I've heard from a few readers this tour because they all said it was a highlight of their trip. (Contains an affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to buy)

I still haven't tried it yet, but when I go in 2026, I'll book that tour I linked to above immediately.

Not researching where to eat lunch

I knew enough before my cruise to plan out my tours and excursions, but one thing I neglected to do was pick out where to eat.

Many tours or activities in Alaska aren't all day affairs, so you'll have time for meal before or after.  

The food in Alaska is incredible, but some spots are definite tourist traps. Plus, some restaurants get really busy, really quickly.

As you might imagine, seafood is the food Alaska is best known for and it's part of the appeal of visiting. You'll rarely get food so fresh and bountiful.

The key is to seek out the recommended local spots and have a few options in mind so depending on where you end up, you can head over.  Or if one is too busy, skip to the next.

More realizations about taking an Alaska cruise

Since trying Alaska, I've come to learn a few important lessons that have greatly improved my cruise experience.

These aren't mistakes I made, but better approaches to my Alaska planning process.

Don't worry about the weather: I used to get so wound up about if it will be cold, rain, cloudy, or hot and the reality is I have no control over it.

Instead, you just have to be prepared for all of it, because Alaska weather changes throughout the day.

Yes, it will rain. But probably not all day. And you'll be cold at some point, then want a t-shirt.

Packing layers is the key, and it's a great tip for avoiding disappointment and remaining comfortable.  That way, you can still enjoy the best Alaska has to offer.

Booking excursions early is more important than ever: Cruisers are much better informed today than in the past, and it's clear the recommendation to book tours has gotten out there.

I've noticed shore excursions selling out much faster in Alaska than in the Caribbean, and it's a good reminder to book your tours as early as you can to avoid the frustration of it selling out.

If you see a cruise line excursion that sounds amazing but it's sold out, odds are there's a very similar tour offered by a third party you can book.

I have a running list of great tours you can book on your own in Alaska that have been suggested by our community, so give them a try!

Leave time in your day to explore: It's so easy to want to book every tour, but also leave time do explore on your own.

Sitka, Haines, Juneau and more offer great opportunities to meander and see what's around the next corner. 

I love stumbling across a coffee shop, finding a historical monument, or sitting down on a bench and taking in the view.

The last thing anyone wants to do is make a mistake that ruins their vacation or starts things off on the wrong foot, and it's why being prepared for a cruise is so crucial.

May is the traditional start of the Alaska cruise season, where Royal Caribbean ships begin sailing north from both Seattle and Vancouver.

Most people approach an Alaska cruise with a great deal of excitement, but also some trepidation because they're unsure about what they should or shouldn't do. After all, it's quite different from a Caribbean cruise.

Ed Wiggins has worked at the Seattle cruise terminal in Pier 66 and 91 for four years, so he's seen just about every kind of passenger issue come through the doors.

He shared 10 things anyone going on Alaska cruise cruise from Seattle ought to know before they arrive, and I think it's really helpful advice.

Get a passport

Ed's first piece of advice is for Americans to get a passport book.

While you can travel with a birth certificate and state issued ID, he recommends spending the money for the passport.

"US citizens, get passports for everyone in your group. Not the cards, the full book."

The reason the passport card is a mistake to get is because if you get stuck in Canada, you can't fly home with the passport card.

While he admits it's unlikely, the book is a safer bet.

He also says to double check all of your travel documents are with you, and not in any of the checked luggage you give to the porters.

Buy travel insurance

Another piece of good advice that applies to just about anyone is to buy travel insurance for your cruise vacation too.

He says some cruisers believe healthcare is free on the ship, which is definitely not true.

Moreover, he thinks travel insurance is a worthwhile investment because, "it's cheap and anything can happen."

"Buy trip insurance including medical and evacuation costs," he said. 

He also added the warning, "The cruise lines will not refund you if you miss the ship because your flight is cancelled.

You need to get a Canadian visa if you aren't from the US

Those going on the cruise that aren't Americans need to be aware of Canadian Visa rules.

While these people will already have a passport, they may also need a Canadian visa. As an example, Mexicans need a Canadian visa now. 

"Every sailing we have people (Not US or Canadian) denied boarding because they did not get a Canadian visa. As of now, EU countries are exempt but be sure to check the Canadian immigration website to verify what you need from your passport of origin. Getting off the ship in Canada has nothing to do with it. If you do not have proper documents, you will be denied boarding, no exceptions."

Never fly the same day of your cruise

Ed recommends flying into Seattle at least a day before the cruise begins.

This piece of advice is one of the most important ones because there are people who fly in the same day their cruise begins and they miss the cruise and forfeit the entire vacation cost because of travel delays.

"Don't risk your vacation for the cost of one night in a hotel. Besides, Seattle is a great place to visit."

Unlike a land hotel, if you miss the ship, you're out of luck. Trying to fly the same day is playing with fire by relying on your flight to be on time and not impacted by the typical delays and cancellations the air travel industry often encounters.

Royal Caribbean (nor any cruise line) will not refund your money if you miss the cruise due to a travel delay.  Travel insurance could kick in, but you're still out of the vacation you dreamed about.

Go through what you're not allowed to bring

Another common mistake is showing up to the cruise terminal with things you're not supposed to have and that can start things off on the wrong foot.

Ed recommends checking Royal Caribbean's list of prohibited items that you cannot bring on the ship.

"Know that every piece of luggage, checked or carry-on, is X-rayed for prohibited items. Items that require to be plugged into a power outlet are mostly prohibited like cookers or heat pads."

Bringing weapons will get you in trouble

He was also sure to mention you can't bring any weapons, ammunition or blades, "All knives will be confiscated. If you pack a firearm, you will be denied boarding, and you may be arrested. Be certain your bags do not contain ammunition. 

It appears while weapons are on the prohibited item list, he was sure to call out weapons specifically because people either intentionally or inadvertently show up with hunting knives or re-use bags that may have weapons from a hunting or other trip.

As an example, one commenter was surprised they aren't allowed to bring a small Swiss Army knife.

"While that seems obvious, we catch random bullets every cruise. We will see it and you will have problems."

You can't bring leftovers with you

The most surprising piece of advice Ed shared was warning people not to bring prepared food with them to the cruise terminal.

Royal Caribbean allows you to bring sealed bags of snacks, but leftovers or food you cooked isn't allowed.

He also went through a number of things to be aware of when it comes to food and other items not to pack

• Do not pack distilled spirits, it will be confiscated.
• Cruise lines allow wine and champagne but check with your cruise line; some allow two bottles per person, some only one.
• Check with your cruise line about plastic disposable bottles and flowers. Some do not allow either.

What not to wear so you don't get stuck in security

Just like the airport, you'll walk through a security check point where they need to go through what you're carrying on.

He recommends not wearing metal jewelry, cowboy boots, metal toe boots, belts with large metal buckles.

"Any metal will set off the magnetometers and delay you and your fellow passengers. Although we make constant announcements, at least every 5th passenger enters the metal detector with cell phones in their pockets. It significantly delays everyone."

Be sure to empty your pockets before going through the metal detector.

You don't need as much stuff as you might think

Ed also thinks too many passengers overpack for their Alaska cruises.

"Do not over pack. You are on a six-night cruise. If you pack more than one suitcase, you are probably packing too much."

He thinks lighter is better, so consider different tips and hacks for packing less for your cruise.

The best time to check-in at the cruise terminal

While getting to the cruise terminal early seems to be what everyone wants because they want to start their vacation sooner, he sees the shortest lines later in the day.

According to Ed, if you check in at the terminal between 1 and 2 PM, you shouldn't encounter any lines.

"You will breeze through, and it is possible your cabin will be ready. If you arrive at the terminal."

 It's true things cost more to do in Alaska, but there are a few great ways to enjoy time in each port without spending a lot.

When I took my first Alaska cruise in 2018, I was astounded by how much shore excursions cost.  Many tours cost hundreds of dollars per person to go on, and that's money on top of the cruise fare and airfare.

While Alaska is an amazing place that many people seek to visit at least once, it's also expensive and a lot of people want to keep their vacation budget in check.

And to be clear, some of the very expensive tours are totally worth it considering it might be your only opportunity to try it. As an example, taking a helicopter to land on a glacier is pricey, but it might be your only chance to try it. We also have a list of recommended tours in each Alaska port that cruisers swear by.

There are lots of ways to save money on an Alaska cruise. Before you shell out hundreds of dollars for your family to go on an expensive tour, here are a list of inexpensive or free tour ideas in each of the Alaska cruise ports.

A quick note, the links to paid tours contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you book it, but it costs you nothing extra.

Juneau

Juneau is a popular port for expensive excursions like whale watching tours and helicopter rides to glaciers. 

Free Activity: Downtown Juneau Stroll

Right in front of where cruise ships dock downtown is a boardwalk perfect for taking a stroll and admiring the views.

Downtown Juneau is walkable and full of hidden gems. Visit the historic Red Dog Saloon, browse local galleries, and snap a photo in front of the Alaska State Capitol. 

Don’t forget to stop by Taku Smokeries for free samples of smoked salmon.

Affordable Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour

Want to see Juneau’s most famous glacier without the hassle of public transportation? The Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour is a great value at $79 per person, offering scenic views and plenty of time to explore the glacier area.

Website

Skagway

Skagway is a small town located at the northernmost part of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Situated on mainland North America just 14 miles from Canada, Skagway is stunning, with tall, snow-capped peaks dominating the landscape.

The town is most known for its role in the Klondike Gold Rush, and many attractions in Skagway showcase its gold rush history, including the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railway and the Gold Rush Cemetery.

Free Activity: Gold Rush Stroll & Lake Trail

Alaska is well known for its Gold Rush history, and Skagway is one of the best places to see it's impact.

Downtown Skagway has many restored 1890s-era buildings you can easily walk and see as you explore the town.

Reward yourself with a pint from Skagway Brewing Company or a peek inside the Red Onion Saloon.

Free Activity: Lower Dewey Lake Trail

You can enjoy a scenic hike along the Lower Dewey Lake Trail., This is a 2.5-mile loop trail that meanders through pine forest around Lower Dewey lake. 

If you want a shorter hike, try the hike to Yakutania Point. It's only 1.5 miles and it overlooks Tailya Inlet. It's the perfect selfie spot on the rocks.

Affordable Excursion: Skagway City and Summit Tour

If a city walk isn't enough, try one of the tours that offers much more of the history.

The Skagway City and Summit Tour costs $72 per person, and will take you up to the White Pass Summit, providing views and entertaining you with stories from Alaska's history.

Website

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s “First City” as it is the first Alaskan city you’ll encounter while traveling north. Due to its southerly location, Ketchikan is usually the first or last port of call in Alaska on a cruise.

Although there are several excursions you could book in Ketchikan, such as a visit to the Misty Fjords National Monument, many of the town’s most popular activities are free of charge.

Free Activity: Self-Guided Walking Tour & Salmon Spotting

There's a great (and free) app you can download from the App Store or Google Play Store that takes you around Ketchikan to see its history.

The tour takes you through the town and it's self-paced, so you can go as quickly or slowly as you like.  You’ll pass colorful buildings, totem poles, and Creek Street — the historic red-light district turned quirky shopping lane.

As you near the end of Creek Street, the boardwalk continues upwards into the rainforest, which is known as the Married Man’s Trail. Once used by married men to conspicuously reach the red-light district, the path is now a free way to explore Ketchikan’s nature.

Affordable Excursion: Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show & Axe Throwing

A very Alaska show that is quite popular is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.

At $68 per person, you'll enjoy a rowdy demonstration of axe tricks, log rolling, and a high-energy competition. You can even try your hand at axe throwing!

Website

Affordable Excursion: Dolly’s House Museum

Dolly’s House Museum was one of the most famous madams working on Creek Street between 1919 and 1954. After prostitution was deemed illegal, she continued living in the house until moving to a nursing home. Her colorful, historic house has been maintained throughout the past few decades, transporting visitors to another era altogether.

Admission to tour Dolly’s House is just $10, making it an affordable way to spend an hour or so during your port day.

Icy Strait Point

Free Activity: Boardwalk Stroll & Wildlife Watching

One of the best spots for a nature walk that you can access right off your cruise ship is in Icy Strait Point.

The boardwalks are free to walk, and you might be able to see bears or whales during your stroll.  Plus, the scenery around you is lovely.

Affordable Excursion: Shuttle to Hoonah

You can take the shuttle to nearby Hoonah for just $5 each way.

Grab some halibut tacos at The Fisherman’s Daughter, then unwind with a cold brew from Icy Strait Brewing. Bonus: There’s a shuttle stop right outside the brewery!

Sitka

Sitka offers a quintessential Alaska experience, as the town allows visitors to easily explore nature, spot wildlife, and stroll through the charming downtown area.

Because most tourist attractions are located within close proximity to each other, it’s easy to explore Sitka without an organized tour. Not only that, but many of these attractions have a low cost, making it easy to enjoy your day without ruining your budget.

Free Activity: Downtown Sitka walk

Once you get into the town of Sitka, it's incredible easy to walk around and explore on your own. Many of the streets allow you to walk along the beautiful harbor, providing great coastal views.

The Visit Sitka site has a map you can use to identify the key spots that have historical and cultural significance.

Affordable Excursion: Sitka Scenic Tour

A great small-group tour that hits the major highlights of Sitka:

• Fortress of the Bear sanctuary
• Walk overlooking Indian River to learn about life cycle of salmon
• Totem pole viewing
• Learn about Sitka’s role in World War II

At $89 per person, it brings you to the major attractions within the area.

Website

Sitka Sound Science Center

The Sitka Sound Science Center is just ten minutes from downtown by foot and has an admission cost of $7 for adults and $5 per child.

At the science center you can get up close to aquatic creatures in the center’s aquarium—which include touch tanks—and take a tour of the facility, which teaches visitors the role of salmon and aquaculture in Southeast Alaska.

The Sitka Sound Science Center is one of the best kid-friendly activities in Sitka, and you can purchase admission online ahead of time or once you arrive.

Amidst the ongoing trade war between the United States and Canada, one U.S. Senator threatened to have cruise ships skip Canada when cruising to Alaska. 

Historically, Alaska cruises sailing round-trip from the U.S. have had to call at a Canadian port to satisfy the Passenger Vessel Service Act (PVSA) of 1886, which requires foreign-flagged cruise ships to visit a foreign port if sailing a closed-loop cruise from the United States.

Alaska’s U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan claimed he'd propose an amendment to the PVSA after British Columbia Premier David Eby said he'd introduce legislation to place tolls on Alaska-bound commercial trucks. 

“I’m here to share that we will be introducing a new law in the coming days to respond to this historic challenge: unprecedented legislation. It will include such countermeasures as allowing the province to apply fees to commercial trucks that transit through British Columbia on their way to Alaska,” Eby said speaking at the Legislative Assembly building in Victoria. 

As a result, Sullivan said Congress could pass a law exempting cruise ships from the required stop in Canada when sailing from the Lower 48 to Alaska. 

Alternatively, he could seek an exemption by executive order issued by President Trump. Either way, Sullivan claimed the impact on Canada's economy could be in the "billions."

“You know, Canada, you don’t want to mess with Alaska,” Sullivan added, “If you do, we’re going to work hard on having our cruise ships bypass your ports, and that’ll help our economy tremendously, it’ll help our tourism industry tremendously, and it’ll really hurt their tourism.”

Currently, cruise ships that depart from U.S. ports like Seattle often call at Victoria on the final evening of the cruise before making their way back to Washington. 

For example, a round-trip Alaska cruise on Anthem of the Seas may depart from Seattle and visit Sitka, Skagway, and Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier before making its way to Victoria. 

This new exemption would mean that cruise ships no longer have to visit Canada on voyages from the U.S. Instead, they could potentially adjust their itineraries to include additional stops in Alaska or spend more time offering scenic cruising at glaciers. 

Read more: I’ve been on 5 Alaska cruises, and one itinerary was far better than the rest

If Sullivan's threats are successful, it wouldn't be the first time the United States passed an exemption

In 2021, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a new bill to repeal and reform the PVSA. The Alaska Tourism Restoration Act (ATRA) was signed into law in May but was only temporary and applied just to 2021 cruises.

Before the act went into effect, Canada banned cruise ships from entering their waters due to the global pandemic. As such, Alaska cruises from the United States—such as Seattle or San Francisco—were impossible. 

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) tried to make the change permanent, arguing that the requirement "unintentionally put many Alaskan businesses at the mercy of the Canadian government."

The Cruising for Alaska’s Workforce Act would have allowed any ship carrying more than 1,000 passengers to transport passengers between a port in Alaska and another port in the United States, directly or by way of a foreign port.

Read more: I went on a 7-night cruise to Alaska. Here are 16 things that surprised me the most

After taking my first cruise to Alaska, I realized there were a few things I wish I knew before I went. From packing proper footwear to picking the right dinner time, a few minor decisions could have made my Alaska cruise go more smoothly.

I’ve been on nearly 30 cruises, but my first cruise to Alaska remains one of my favorites. I was awestruck by the state’s majestic nature, whether marveling at an expansive glacier or picturesque fjord.

Despite the wonderful memories of my first trip to Alaska, the cruise was dotted with small mistakes that made a big difference in my overall cruise experience. I thought I researched everything there was to know about cruising Alaska, but I still found myself making mistakes along the way.

Since then, I’ve been on 4 more Alaska cruises. By now, I’m familiar with the ins and outs of visiting the state, but I always find myself learning additional ways to make the most of my Alaska cruise experiences.

These are the 7 things I wish I knew about cruising to Alaska before I went.

Don’t bring mesh tennis shoes—you’ll regret it

I traveled with my dad on my first cruise to Alaska, and he packed a trusty pair of soft mesh tennis shoes. Looking back, we didn’t know any better, but this was a huge mistake.

When packing for an Alaska cruise, it’s crucial to bring a comfortable pair of shoes. Many passengers spend their port days walking around historic towns and hiking near glaciers, so you’ll want to bring suitable footwear for the trip.

However, you want to ensure your footwear is water-resistant. Popular sneakers with a mesh exterior might be comfy, but they do not fare well with Alaska’s rainy weather.

As my dad and I explored port, his feet were cold and wet almost immediately after disembarking the ship. Rainwater quickly seeped through the mesh lining of his shoes, leaving his socks wet and frigid.

My water-resistant Adidas sneakers and pair of boots were far more adequate for visiting Alaska. Had I thought about this before my cruise, I would have told my dad to pack more appropriate footwear.

It might be surprisingly warm, so pack short-sleeved shirts

Before I cruised to Alaska, I assumed the weather would always be slightly cold. I packed nearly every sweatshirt and jacket I could find in my closet, but neglected to bring items like short-sleeved shirts and shorts.

My first Alaska cruise was in October, which is arguably the worst month to cruise to Alaska. It rained nearly every day, but I kept warm in my thermal layers and waterproof jacket.

Two years later, however, I cruised to Alaska in mid-June, often considered one of the best times to visit Alaska. The days were long, sunny, and much warmer than I expected.

Even though temperatures were hovering just over 70 degrees, it felt more like 90 degrees in my long-sleeved shirts and pants. While walking around Skagway, my sister and I couldn’t help but laugh at how unprepared we were for the sweltering heat.

Next time I cruise to Alaska, I’ll definitely pack a few short-sleeved shirts… and maybe even a pair of shorts!

Your much-anticipated glacier day might not happen

Most Alaska cruise itineraries include a glacier viewing day, during which your ship sails along one of the state’s scenic glaciers. This is a major highlight of visiting Alaska for many passengers, many of whom might be seeing a glacier for the very first time.

On my first Alaska cruise, I was looking forward to visiting Dawes Glacier, but rainy weather and patches of ice blocked our ship from a safe approach. Even though we still saw a faraway glimpse of the glacier, I was disappointed we couldn’t get closer.

Later, on my second cruise to Alaska, our visit to Hubbard Glacier was cancelled due to unfavorable weather conditions. Hubbard Glacier was supposed to be a highlight of my one-way itinerary, so I was bummed I couldn’t visit.

Of course, the weather is something cruise lines cannot control. Even though I felt disappointed, I knew it was for the best to call off a glacier visit in order to keep guests (and the ship) safe.

Fortunately, on subsequent visits to Alaska, my ships completed their scheduled glacier visits without any issues. Nonetheless, I wish I knew how unpredictable these glacier visits could be before my first Alaska cruise.

Excursions are expensive. You can still have fun without them, but they could be worth the splurge

Shore excursions on any cruise can be expensive, but especially in Alaska. Booking a whale watching tour might cost around $200 per person. Bucket-list excursions, like helicopter tours to glaciers, are priced even higher—sometimes over $600 per person.

I’m a budget cruiser, so I usually skip booking shore excursions. By doing just a little research ahead of time, I can almost always plan a fun day in port on my own. When I cruised to Juneau, for example, I visited Mendenhall Glacier on my own instead of booking a tour through Royal Caribbean, saving me nearly $50 in the process.

Yet when I think back to my first Alaska cruise, I wish I could have told myself that it’s okay to splurge on that extraordinary excursion even if the price tag seems shocking.

My dad and I considered booking a whale watching tour, but we ultimately decided against it to save money. Looking back now, I wish my dad and I would have booked the excursion to make more memories together.

For most cruisers, visiting Alaska is something they’ll only do once in their lifetime. Some excursions are totally worth the splurge in order to dive deeper into Alaska’s nature, history, and culture.

Luggage Valet makes disembarkation day less stressful

I distinctly remember carrying my jam-packed, nearly-broken suitcase through Seattle’s cruise terminal on disembarkation day of my first Alaska cruise.

There was nothing glamorous about lugging the heavy suitcase out of the cruise terminal, through the rain to grab an Uber, and to the check-in desk at the airport. I’m sure I looked ridiculous carrying so much luggage!

I wish I knew about Royal Caribbean’s Luggage Valet service before cruising to Alaska, as it would have made my disembarkation day far more relaxing.

If your Alaska cruise returns to Seattle, you can take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s Luggage Valet service, which works in partnership with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Passengers who book this service receive their airline boarding passes and luggage tags in their stateroom the day before disembarkation. Later that evening, the luggage is taken from their cabin, where it is delivered to the airport and onto their flight the next day.

The convenience of Luggage Valet cannot be understated, and I wish I knew about this helpful service on my first cruise to Alaska.

The Gulf of Alaska can be rocky, so be prepared with seasickness remedies

For my second cruise to Alaska, I booked a port-intensive itinerary that started in Vancouver, Canada and ended in Seward, Alaska. These itineraries allow passengers to visit more ports in Alaska compared to a roundtrip sailing. Plus, many choose to extend their vacation in Alaska’s interior, visiting places like Denali National Park & Preserve and Anchorage.

To reach Seward from southeast Alaska, where the majority of the cruise takes place, ships must traverse the Gulf of Alaska. I wish I knew how rocky this body of water could be before I sailed.

As my ship crossed the gulf, I felt nauseous and miserable. The ship rocked substantially throughout the day—my cabinmate even fell ill! 

Luckily, a few motion-sickness pills in the day made me feel much better.

If I knew about this before, I would have taken the seasickness remedies in the morning to avoid wasting half my day onboard.

Book a later dinner time so you don’t miss sailaway

Eating dinner in the Main Dining Room is a staple of any Royal Caribbean cruise experience, but I wish I knew to pick a later dinner time for my Alaska cruise.

As your ship sails away from any of Alaska’s ports of call, you’ll be rewarded with unbeatable views. Sailing away from Skagway, for instance, involves a multi-hour passage through the Lynn Canal, where astonishing mountains surround both sides of the ship.

Most ships leave port sometime between 5 and 7PM, although some port days may differ. Regardless, if you book an early seating time in the Main Dining Room, sailaway could occur at the same time as your dinner reservation.

I booked the earliest dinner time on my first few Alaska cruises, but I later regretted the decision. I found myself skipping dinner in the dining room in favor of the buffet so that I didn’t miss out on breathtaking views.

Next time, I’ll select a later dining time so I can eat after my ship sails away from port.

One of the targets of the Trump Administration has been cuts within the National Park Service, and that is going to likely impact the top tourist destination in Alaska's capital.

Juneau is a port of call that nearly every Royal Caribbean ship visits during the summer Alaska cruise season.  The top destination is Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, home to a glacier thousands of tourists see each year.

About 700,000 visitors each year visit the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, according to the Juneau Visitor Circulator Study report that came out in February 2024. The city of Juneau expect more than 1.6 million people will visit the city by cruise ship this summer.

Unfortunately, the cut backs mean there could be major staffing issues resulting in impossible waits or delays.

The Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau warned, "We don’t know at this time whether the visitors center or the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area will be open to the public, or how traffic and other visitor services will be managed."

How bad are the cuts? Recent Federal cuts have "trimmed staff at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (MGVC) to a single person."

Why were all but one person fired from the park? The Trump Administration included it as part of their sweeping effort to reduce the size of the federal government workforce.

An executive order issued Feb. 11 read, in part: “Agency Heads shall promptly undertake preparations to initiate large-scale reductions in force (RIFs), consistent with applicable law.”  

Impact a lack of staffing in the park could have

It's too early to know what impact these cuts will have for cruise ship passengers looking to visit the park.

The NPCA is an independent organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the National Park System. According to Kristen Brengel, senior vice president of Government Affairs for the NPCA, these cuts could result in:

• Potentially shorter visitor center hours and fewer activities
• Longer lines at park entrances
• Less maintained trails
• Closed campgrounds
• Limited access to other park amenities to prevent damage
• Seeing more trash because it can’t be collected as frequently 

Juneau’s Visitor Industry Director Alix Pierce told KTOO the remaining park staff are trying to figure out exactly what will be different this year.

"Everybody has a lot of questions about what the next steps are," she said. 

"I think the Forest Service staff that remain from what I understand are kind of in triage mode trying to figure out how to best allocate resources."

There are 260 independent businesses that are permitted by the Forest Service to run tours at the glacier, but they're concerned the glacier could be off-limits for the season. 

What you can see and do in Mendenhall Glacier park

Viewing one of the most easily accessible glaciers is the main draw of the park, as glacier viewing is the top thing to do in Alaska.

Not only can you see the glacier by driving into the park, but you can take one of the many tours that bring you onto the glacier by helicopter.  

There's also kayak tours and other means to get very close to it.

The park serves as a way for visitors to learn about Alaska's natural beauty.

There's a thirteen-mile-long river of ice that culminates on Mendenhall Lake, where you can watch blue icebergs floating by.

My favorite spot is Nuggets Falls, which requires a very leisurely hike to reach. You then get to see a beautiful waterfall with the glacier next to it.

The park is also known for offering various hiking trails of varying skill levels.

What you can do

Travel Juneau and the Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau is asking everyone that is concerned about their ability to access parks like Mendenhall to speak to your representatives in Congress.

"Travel Juneau urges you to contact your federal delegation (senators and representatives) as soon as possible about reinstating critical funding to the US Forest Service," they said in a statement and to specify that this park falls under USDA/US Forest Service management. 

I cruise to Alaska every summer, and I always see passengers making the same few rookie mistakes.

After five cruises to the 49th state, I’m familiar with the ins and outs of Alaska cruises. I know exactly what I should pack, which excursions I should book, and what to do in each cruise port.

For most first time cruisers to Alaska, however, this is not the case. Many of these passengers make rookie mistakes that can easily be avoided, whether packing incorrectly or unintentionally missing out on breathtaking views.

As someone who sails to Alaska often, I wanted to share the most common mistakes I see cruisers making on Alaska cruises so that you know what to expect.

Be sure to avoid these mishaps to ensure your cruise is as memorable and stress free as possible.

Booking shore excursions in every port

Alaska cruises offer some seriously intriguing shore excursions, from whale watching tours to helicopter rides over glaciers. There’s no doubt these excursions lead to an unforgettable day, but it’s not necessary to book an excursion in every port.

One advantage of Alaska’s small ports is that they offer plenty to do without needing an excursion or transportation from one place to another.

Most ports have walking trails, downtown shopping, and museums within walking distance to the cruise port. You can visit raging waterfalls, hike through the rainforest, and learn more about the state’s culture without spending much (if anything) extra.

Related: Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise guide

If you want to venture away from downtown, you can always book shuttles to destinations like Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau or the Fortress of the Bear rehabilitation center in Sitka. Booking transportation on your own versus as part of a shore excursion not only gives you more flexibility, but lower prices, too.

Shore excursions are great for activities you cannot experience as easily on your own, such as kayaking tours and flightseeing experiences, but you can experience a lot of the state’s highlights on your own as well.

Worrying too much about the weather

“It’s going to rain every day!”

I’ve heard this sentence more times than I can count from those visiting Alaska for the first time. While preparing for an Alaska cruise, it’s tempting to check the weather forecast, but take it with a grain of salt.

Alaska’s weather can change rapidly from one moment to the next. At 7AM you may find yourself freezing with high winds and rain whereas at 1PM you might have to take off a layer because it’s too hot.

Related: When is the best time to cruise Alaska? Month-by-month guide

I always recommend packing layers for an Alaska cruise for this very reason. If you have the appropriate layers (a base layer, warm layer, and waterproof layer), you will be prepared for any type of weather condition.

It’s important to remain flexible, nonetheless, and to mentally prepare yourself to feel uncomfortable—it’s unlikely you’ll encounter ideal weather conditions in every port.

On a recent visit to Juneau, for example, I rode a bicycle to Mendenhall Glacier. On route to the glacier we rode in favorable conditions, with temperatures in the mid 60s and a slight breeze.

On the way back, we encountered heavy rainfall and were drenched by the time we made it back downtown. Sure, we were uncomfortable and our clothes were beyond filthy, but it didn’t ruin our cruise experience by any means.

Worrying about the weather will cause you unnecessary stress. As long as you wear and/or pack appropriate layers for each port day, everything should go smoothly.

Packing too warm of clothes for cruises in the middle of summer

One mistake I see many first time Alaska cruisers make is packing clothes more suited for Antarctica than southeast Alaska. As shocking as it sounds, you can feel uncomfortably warm on an Alaska cruise in the middle of summer.

In fact, my most recent Alaska cruise in mid June had me sweating more often than shivering. I could not believe the high temperatures we encountered—in Juneau it was nearly 80 degrees fahrenheit!

Needless to say, I immediately regretted wasting packing space with several sweaters, pullovers, and jackets. Most warm layers went unworn during the cruise, and I found myself in need of a lightweight t-shirt to avoid overheating!

Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing

If you’re cruising to Alaska in the middle of summer, I would avoid packing an excessive amount of warm layers. There’s no need to pack a parka, wool socks, and extreme weather gloves.  While you should definitely still pack a few warm outfits, be sure to pack lightweight layers like t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and, yes, maybe even a pair of shorts.

If you’re cruising to Alaska during the shoulder season (the beginning or end of the season), disregard this advice: you’ll definitely want the majority of your suitcase to be warm layers.

Assuming balcony rooms are necessary

Many first time cruisers to Alaska are under the assumption that they must book a balcony cabin for an Alaska cruise. Having a balcony cabin means you can enjoy Alaska’s scenery from the comfort of your stateroom, so it’s an extremely popular cabin choice on Alaska itineraries.

Booking a balcony cabin is certainly nice, but it’s not necessary in order to enjoy an Alaska cruise. I’ve cruised in an interior cabin on all five of my Alaska cruises, and I have no regrets about this decision. 

Related: Interior vs Balcony staterooms on a Royal Caribbean cruise

One of the unique aspects of cruising Alaska is sailing through the narrow inlets of the state’s Inside Passage. As your ship travels through Alaska, you can view the state’s huge mountains and islands on both sides of the ship.

Most balconies only have views of one side of the ship, meaning that by watching scenery from your balcony, you are missing out on half of the scenic views! Because of this, many cruisers find themselves heading to the pool deck or the helicopter pad anyway in order to have a wider view of the outdoors.

If a balcony room is in your budget, there’s no harm in booking one for an Alaska cruise. If it’s a stretch for your bank account, book an interior room and allocate additional vacation savings towards add-ons like shore excursions instead.

Eating dinner in the Main Dining Room during sailaway

Enjoying meals in the Main Dining Room is a staple part of any cruise vacation, but I hardly ever eat in the venue on Alaska cruises.

The Main Dining Room on Royal Caribbean ships is a gorgeous space, with most ships featuring a multi-story, opulent dining venue. However, there are limited tables by the windows, so only a small percentage of passengers dine with a window view.

While your ship sails through Alaska, you’ll want to be near a window or outside view as often as possible. If you have early dining, which is around 5PM, your dinner may coincide with the sailaway in Alaska’s cruise ports.

Related: Dinner on Royal Caribbean: Early Dinner vs. Late Dinner

Some of the most beautiful cruising occurs as your ship leaves port. The sailaway in Skagway, as an example, travels through the Inside Passage for several hours, passing massive glaciers and mountain ranges along the way.

If you’re eating in the Main Dining Room during sailaway, there’s a good chance you’ll miss some of the best scenery of the trip.

If your ship’s sailaway is at the same time as dinner, I recommend skipping dinner in the Main Dining Room and eating at the Windjammer buffet instead. Unlike the dining room, the Windjammer has large windows around the whole venue, allowing you to dine with a panoramic view of Alaska’s scenery.

Waiting too long to disembark the ship in port

One of the biggest mistakes I see passengers making on Alaska cruises is waiting too long to disembark their ship in a port of call.

Generally speaking, the earlier you disembark your cruise ship on a port day, the fewer crowds you’ll encounter in port. It’s not uncommon for there to be four or five cruise ships in busy ports like Juneau, which means 10-15,000+ passengers may disembark their ships on any given day.

Related: Local's guide of what to do in Juneau, Alaska

Alas, Alaska’s small, quaint cruise ports can feel crowded quickly, with peak crowds appearing around 11AM - 1PM. As passengers finish a morning shore excursion or disembark the ship after sleeping in, most walk the streets of each port's downtown, leading to higher crowds.

If you want to beat the crowds on an Alaska cruise, disembark your ship as early as possible. While this might require setting an alarm earlier than you would prefer, it’s worth it for the early morning exploring without the crowds.

Only considering roundtrip itineraries

There are two options when it comes to Alaska cruises: one-way itineraries and roundtrip itineraries.

Roundtrip itineraries travel roundtrip from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia, starting and ending in the same port. One-way cruises, on the contrary, travel in one direction—from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska and vice versa.

Many first time cruisers to Alaska book a roundtrip itinerary for convenience. In most cases, it’s easier to start and end in the same port, as it makes booking flights and/or driving to the cruise port much easier.

Nonetheless, one mistake I see passengers make on an Alaska cruise is only considering roundtrip itineraries. Of my five Alaska cruises, I sailed on four roundtrip sailings and one one-way cruise. The one-way cruise was, by far, the better itinerary.

A one-way cruise allows you to visit more ports and glaciers in Alaska, including those that are further away from the lower 48 like Hubbard Glacier. Additionally, traveling in one direction means you can extend your trip in Alaska’s interior to visit sites like Denali National Park & Preserve.

Before booking an Alaska cruise, be sure to consider the pros and cons of a one-way itinerary over a roundtrip sailing.

Not researching what to do before arriving in port

Each Alaska cruise port offers its own set of must-sees and dos, and one of the worst mistakes you can make when planning an Alaska cruise is not researching what to do in each port.

On my recent cruise to Skagway, I planned to hike to Yakutania Point, a lookout point with a stunning view of the Taiya Inlet. When it came time to disembark in port, I realized I had not yet researched how to get to the trailhead, and upon reaching town, my phone had no cell connection.

An emergency trip to the local library for wifi eventually led me to finding the trailhead, but I wished I had done more research ahead of time to avoid this unexpected scenario.

While you don’t have to book excursions in every port, we still recommend having a general idea of what to expect in each Alaska port. Whether you’re interested in a day hike in Sitka or museum visit in Ketchikan, it’s a lot easier to research things to do before you disembark the ship in port.

Eating only on the ship

Alaska is home to delightful, fresh cuisine—the state is famous for its fish, king crab, and reindeer meat. If you’re a seafood lover, one of the worst mistakes you can make on an Alaska cruise is eating only on the ship to avoid paying for food in port.

Although most food on a Royal Caribbean cruise is complimentary, I always suggest budgeting for a meal in port. Whether you grab a few fish tacos from a food truck or enjoy a sit-down meal in port, spending ~$20 for a tasty meal of Alaskan specialties is well worth the cost.

Related: Where to eat like a local on your Alaska cruise

Flying in the same day the cruise begins

Like any cruise destination, a huge mistake many passengers make is flying to their embarkation port the same day the cruise begins.

I always fly to my cruise ports the day before my cruise. Arriving a day early eases the stress of travel by ensuring I have enough wiggle room in the case of flight delays or cancellations.

Related: The costly cruising mistakes newbies make planning their first cruise

Not only that, but arriving early means I can enjoy a day in Seattle or Vancouver before my Alaska cruise. I always take this time to dine at a nice restaurant, go for an evening walk, and catch up on rest before embarkation day.

Time and time again, I see passengers booking flights the same day as their cruise. Not only is this risky, but it makes the first day of your cruise extra stressful. Instead of spending embarkation day sipping a cocktail stress-free, you’ll most likely be jet lagged and ready for a nap.

Forgetting binoculars

You can only get so close to Alaska’s scenery and wildlife while visiting on a cruise, but using binoculars makes you feel so much more connected to the state’s magnificence.

A common mistake many passengers make on an Alaska cruise is forgetting to bring binoculars. You can find a cheap pair of binoculars on Amazon for around $30, and believe us: it‘s well worth the small cost.

Related: What should you bring on an Alaska cruise?

I spend an embarrassing amount of time looking through my binoculars on an Alaska cruise—I’m on whale watching duty, as I like to call it. Whether spotting whales or viewing glaciers close-up, binoculars undoubtedly make an Alaska cruise more immersive.

Not using Port Valet in Seattle

If your Alaska cruise ends in Seattle, you should take advantage of the port’s luggage valet program.

Luggage Valet is a helpful, complimentary service offered by the Port of Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This service enables passengers to bypass check-in and baggage drop at the airport by completing these steps on their cruise ship instead.

If you sign up for luggage valet, you will receive a luggage tag near the end of your cruise. When you place your suitcase (with the luggage tag attached) outside your cabin door on the last night of the cruise, you will not see the suitcase again until you arrive at your home airport.

Luggage Valet transfers your suitcase directly from the ship to the airport and onto your plane. There’s no need to travel from the cruise terminal with the luggage yourself, and this is a huge time (and stress) saver for many passengers.

You can enroll for the service ahead of time or once onboard—a sign up sheet will be delivered to your stateroom during the cruise.

Waiting too long to book a shore excursion

If you wait to book a shore excursion until you're on your ship, you're making a big mistake.

Alaska shore excursions sell out quickly, and more people are booking them before the cruise begins than ever before.

Tours offered by Royal Caribbean are in short supply, and slots fill up fast. Once you get within 4-6 months of your cruise, you can expect tours to start selling out.

What you should be doing is booking your excursions as early as you can. Ideally, at least six months before the sailing.

Skip third party excursions

Just as problematic as waiting too long to book an excursion is overlooking tours sold outside the cruise line.

Alaska is one of the best places to book a tour with an outside company because it's part of the United States, everyone speaks English, and you could save a lot of money.

Check out our list of Alaska shore excursions our readers swear by as reputable and really fun.

Not buying travel insurance

You never know what might happen while in Alaska, and it's why it's so important to buy travel insurance.

All too often cruisers skip it to save money, or just out of ignorance.  Regardless, it's a big mistake because of the risks with travel. You could slip and fall, your flights might get cancelled, or you might get sick.

Travel insurance is something I recommend for everyone on every cruise to buy. It's more than just medical coverage, as travel insurance plans cover unforeseen circumstances and issues you may run into before, during, or after the cruise.

Overpacking for evenings

Because an Alaska cruise is so port intensive, dinners on a Royal Caribbean cruise are secondary.

In practice, most people dress far more casually for an Alaska cruise on Royal Caribbean.  While I can't speak for other lines, I can tell you it's a mistake wasting a lot of luggage space on formal outfits for dinners when going to Alaska.

That isn't to say you should dress like a slob to dinner.  Rather, don't over think it. You can skip the formal wear and pack outfits you can re-use or mix and match to save on space.

Not to mention packing less means potentially saving on luggage costs when flying with the airlines.

Not planning for getting seasick

You probably won't get seasick, but it can happen on an Alaska cruise, especially if your sailing goes through the Gulf of Alaska.

The Pacific Ocean can get plenty rough during the summer. Luckily most of the cruise occurs within the Inside Passage, but there's still the risk of getting seasick.

Pack seasickness medications with you, just in case the motion in the ocean hits you. I've seen posts from too many people complaining they got so seasick when they could have avoided the worst of it by having the right medicine with them.

Not spending enough time outdoors

Even in the summer, Alaska can get cold. But you really ought to suck it up in order to enjoy what you can see that surrounds you.

Often I see cruisers focused on the indoor activities, and totally missing out on what's happening outside.

Pack the right jackets, sweaters, hats, scarves, and gloves so you can be outside and see the thing you came to Alaska to see in the first place.

The best spot to go are the top decks of your ship, and that's also going to be the windiest locations.  Having the right clothing makes a big difference, and you don't want to miss out on a passing whale, soaring eagle, or incredible mountain range.

Skipping the visitor centers

Each port has a visitor bureaus you can visit for free, and it's really a great starting point if you've never been to that city.

These visitor centers can help with referrals and recommendations. You'll get great info from Travel Juneau, Visit Ketchikan, and Skagway Visitors Center.

Not trying the White Pass Railway at least once

If you're worried the White Pass Railway is a tourist trap, fear not. It's probably the Alaska shore excursion to try.

This is an authentic gold rush era train that takes you from Skagway into the Alaskan wilderness.  You can book the train roundtrip, or with a bus ride to/from the station.

Inside the train car are large windows to view Alaska's scenery.

The ride starts by passing through Skagway and the historic Gold Rush Cemetery near town. It continues along a river and begins to gain elevation. The guide onboard highlights interesting points along the way, telling the history of Skagway's role in the Gold Rush era.

More Alaska cruise tips:

• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• Alaska cruise whale watching guide & tips
• How far in advance to book an Alaska cruise
• What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Alaska?

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I’ve cruised to Alaska five times—each on a different route—and I thought one cruise itinerary was far better than the rest.

Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, with over 1.5 million passengers visiting the state this past season. The vast majority of Alaska cruises, and all of Royal Caribbean’s itineraries, depart from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia.

Itineraries vary from sailing to sailing, but all cruises offer a somewhat similar experience. Virtually all itineraries visit Juneau, with most stopping at ports like Skagway, Sitka, and Victoria, too. Yet even though itineraries are similar, the slight differences in each are enough to make them distinguishable from one another.

Related: 10 things to know before you book an Alaska cruise

Having cruised to Alaska five times in the past four years, I’ve found I prefer certain ports and itineraries over others. While I wouldn’t go as far to say there’s a “bad” Alaska cruise itinerary, one of my five cruises to Alaska offered the most spectacular itinerary of them all.

I tried a roundtrip Alaska cruise first, and I was immediately hooked

Back in 2021, I headed to Seattle to board my first Alaska cruise, a 7-night itinerary on Ovation of the Seas. It was my third cruise ever, and my first outside of the Caribbean region. Compared to the tropical Caribbean, I found that Alaska offered a totally unique cruise experience.

During my week onboard, I was astonished by Alaska’s landscapes and historic ports. I marveled at glaciers amongst the state’s narrow fjords, hiked through the Tongass National Forest, and caught a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

Related: Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

Alaska’s plethora of outdoor activities—along with its stunning nature—really opened my eyes to what a cruise could be. I found I preferred the itinerary over Caribbean cruises, and I couldn’t wait to head back the following year.

For my second Alaska cruise, I booked a one-way, port-intensive itinerary

I loved my first Alaska cruise experience so much that I planned to book a second sailing to the Last Frontier. So, when I came across an ultra-cheap Alaska cruise deal the following summer, I booked the itinerary without hesitation.

The second time around, however, I would be trying something new. Instead of a roundtrip cruise from Seattle, I booked a one-way itinerary on one of Royal Caribbean’s oldest ships, Radiance of the Seas.

Related: I tried the cheapest Alaska cruise I could find: here's how it went

The cruise was set to depart from Vancouver, British Columbia and end in Seward, Alaska. Not only would the itinerary offer an additional port stop in Alaska, but it also included a scenic sailing around Hubbard Glacier. As another plus, ending the cruise in Seward meant I could explore Alaska’s interior after disembarking, whether on a Royal Caribbean Cruisetour or on my own.

All that being said, I still had hesitations. I wondered whether or not the one-way itinerary would be worth the extra travel time. There were no direct flights available from my home airport to Vancouver, and getting home after the cruise would be more challenging, too, as it required a long travel day from Anchorage.

Nonetheless, the itinerary intrigued me, and I figured it would be worth the longer travel times to and from the ship.

Luckily, the one-way itinerary was just as majestic as I hoped it would be

As it turned out, the minor inconveniences of getting to and from the ship were well worth the effort.

The one-way itinerary meant I visited four Alaska cruise ports in one week—Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point. I felt this offered a better value than roundtrip cruises from Seattle, which usually only visit three ports in Alaska.

Related: Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise guide

I also loved ending the cruise in Seward, which brought me closer to some of the most famous national parks in the United States. Even though I didn’t have time to spend extra days in Alaska, I loved spending disembarkation day in Anchorage before my flight home. For those interested in exploring Alaska’s interior before or after their cruise, booking a one-way itinerary is a no-brainer.

Unfortunately, our scheduled visit to Hubbard Glacier was canceled due to poor weather. This was, of course, out of our control, but I’m sure visiting the glacier would have made the one-way itinerary even more remarkable.

The next year I cruised to Alaska three more times, but the one-way itinerary remained my favorite

Somewhat unexpectedly, I ended up cruising to Alaska three separate times in the summer of 2023. An early-season cruise deal in May and two family vacations in June brought me back to the state again and again—all on roundtrip itineraries from Seattle.

All three itineraries were relatively similar, stopping at three ports in Alaska along with a visit to Victoria, British Columbia. Two of the cruises included a glacier viewing day, with a Princess Cruises’ itinerary visiting Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.

Related: Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: Which cruise line is better?

Glacier Bay is often considered the crown jewel of Alaska port visits, and the park certainly lived up to the hype. Our ship sailed past multiple glaciers in one day, and National Park Service rangers joined the ship to give lectures about the park. Nevertheless, I found I still preferred cruising to Alaska on a one-way itinerary over these roundtrip sailings.

To me, you can’t beat the chance to start or end your cruise in Southcentral Alaska, providing convenient access to Denali National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park.

Plus, despite my bad luck with the weather, the scheduled visits to Hubbard Glacier are a major drawing point of one-way cruises. This is especially true if cruising on Royal Caribbean; the cruise line does not have access to Glacier Bay, so Hubbard Glacier is a great alternative.

All in all, Alaska’s remote location makes one-way itineraries worth the extra effort

For many cruisers, visiting Alaska is something they will do just once in their lifetime, and truthfully, there’s no right or wrong Alaska cruise route. When I cruised to Alaska for the first time, I was awestruck by the state’s geography, culture, and cuisine. I could have cared less about whether or not I picked the “right” itinerary for the cruise.

Related: Best Alaska cruises for every travel style

So, if you’ve booked an Alaska cruise on a roundtrip itinerary from Seattle, don’t feel as if you’ve made the wrong choice. For most passengers, these itineraries offer a perfect first glimpse into what the state has to offer. In addition, the majority of these cruises are on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships, which offer countless activities, dining options, cabin categories, and entertainment onboard.

Personally, though, after cruising to Alaska five times, I would choose a one-way itinerary for my next sailing. There are downsides, of course, including fewer direct flights to board the ship and the fact that only older ships tend to sail these itineraries.

Despite these drawbacks, I still find one-way itineraries to offer a more in-depth, immersive Alaska cruise experience.

2025 is set to be an exciting year for Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruises. Four ships will sail in the region from May to September, visiting historic ports and magnificent glaciers throughout the Last Frontier.

If you’re considering an Alaska cruise in 2025, it’s helpful to know the ins and outs of each ship sailing to the region. Not all Royal Caribbean cruise ships are created equal, after all. Understanding the key differences between the vessels will help you pick the best ship for your cruise vacation.

Let’s jump in and compare the four Royal Caribbean cruise ships sailing to Alaska in 2025.

Quantum of the Seas

Homeport: Seattle, Washington (Monday departures)
Ports: Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Victoria, Sitka, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, Skagway

Quantum of the Seas will return to Alaska in 2025 for her fourth consecutive cruise season in the region, offering 7-night roundtrip itineraries from Seattle. Each week, itineraries visit three Alaska cruise ports along with a stop in Victoria, British Columbia. One shorter, 5-night itinerary is offered in May.

Related: All about Quantum Class ships

Most itineraries include a scenic sailing to Dawes Glacier. To get there, passengers will transit through the stunning Endicott Arm fjord.

As a Quantum Class ship, Quantum of the Seas boasts Royal Caribbean’s most popular amenities and attractions, making the vessel an excellent choice for families.

Adults will love features like the thermal suite—perfect for staying warm in chilly Alaska—along with technology-focused production shows in the Two70 venue.

Kids, on the other hand, can enjoy thrilling attractions like the indoor skydiving simulator, rock climbing wall, and bumper cars.

Quantum of the Seas is well-appointed with pool options for a cold-weather cruise, too. Aside from an outdoor pool is an indoor pool for guests of all ages, as well as an indoor pool in the adults-only Solarium.

Anthem of the Seas

Homeport: Seattle, Washington (Friday departures)
Ports: Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Victoria, Sitka, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, Skagway

Anthem of the Seas will make her Alaska debut in 2025, marking the first Alaska cruise season for the vessel. Like Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas will also sail from Seattle on 7-night roundtrip itineraries.

Related: Anthem of the Seas Guide & Review

Itineraries are nearly identical to those offered on Quantum of the Seas. Guests hoping to visit Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier should double check their itinerary choice, however, as not all sailings include a glacier viewing day.

Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas are both Quantum Class vessels, and passengers will notice little variation between the two ships. It’s worth noting that Anthem of the Seas features a Broadway show—We Will Rock You—and offers Johnny Rockets on the pool deck instead of Quantum’s Asian-inspired Noodle Shop.

Serenade of the Seas

Homeport: Vancouver, British Columbia (Sunday departures)
Ports: Inside Passage (Canada), Sitka, Tracy Arm Fjord, Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Skagway

The third ship sailing to Alaska in 2025 is Serenade of the Seas, departing every Sunday on roundtrip cruises from Vancouver, British Columbia.

Embarking an Alaska cruise in Vancouver gives guests the opportunity to sail through Canada’s Inside Passage. As the ship departs the city, guests can enjoy mountain landscapes surrounding both sides of the ship. This provides a sneak peek into the remarkable scenery yet to come.

Related: All about Radiance Class cruise ships

7-night itineraries on Serenade of the Seas visit four ports along with a visit to Tracy Arm Fjord, home to the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Most port visits are to common destinations like Juneau and Ketchikan, but some itineraries include visits to less-frequented ports, such as Haines, Alaska and Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

Serenade of the Seas is a Radiance Class cruise ship, which makes her significantly smaller in size and capacity compared to Quantum and Anthem of the Seas.

The core Royal Caribbean features, including the Windjammer buffet, Schooner Bar, and Chops Grille, are still onboard, but there are fewer amenities compared to the fleet’s newer ships.

Related: I've been on every class of Royal Caribbean cruise ships: here's what I like about each

Because of this, families may not find as many options for kids onboard. That being said, there are still amenities like a rock climbing wall, mini golf court, and a kid-friendly splash area. The only indoor pool on Serenade of the Seas is found in the adults-only Solarium, but this area is open for family swimming during select hours.

Radiance of the Seas

Homeports: Vancouver, British Columbia and Seward, Alaska (Friday departures)
Ports: Inside Passage (Canada), Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka

Those hoping to visit Alaska’s interior before or after their cruise should choose a sailing on Radiance of the Seas. The ship will offer one-way itineraries in 2025, departing from Vancouver and ending in Seward, Alaska (and vice versa).

Of all Royal Caribbean’s Alaska itineraries, those on Radiance of the Seas are the most unique.

Related: Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise guide

Unlike itineraries from Seattle, Radiance of the Seas’ itineraries include four, not three, port stops in Alaska. It’s possible, for example, to visit Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point or Ketchikan on a 7-night cruise. Plus, most itineraries include a scenic glacier viewing day of Hubbard Glacier, and visiting this spectacular destination is only possible on Radiance of the Seas.

Another benefit of one-way cruises is the chance to explore Alaska’s interior. Because cruises start or end in Seward, passengers are just a stone’s throw away from destinations like Denali National Park and Preserve and Talkeetna. Royal Caribbean offers Cruisetours to these destinations, which can be added to the start or end of most one-way itineraries.

Like Serenade of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas lacks Royal Caribbean’s newest amenities and onboard thrills. The layout and experience is similar to that of Serenade, but Radiance has an additional specialty dining venue, with Brazilian cuisine available at Samba Grill.

Deciding between a Quantum Class and Radiance Class ship for Alaska

One of the most important choices a prospective cruiser can make when planning an Alaska cruise is deciding between a Quantum Class and Radiance Class ship. Despite both classes being part of Royal Caribbean’s fleet, they are quite different from one another.

If you value options and convenience, pick a Quantum Class ship

It’s hard to go wrong with a Quantum Class cruise ship. These mega-ships are filled to the brim with restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, pools, and onboard thrills. Whether it’s a game of laser tag in the SeaPlex or a surfing lesson on the FlowRider, these ships provide endless ways to have fun for guests of all ages.

Related: 8 questions to ask yourself before picking a cruise ship

Beyond thrills, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas offer state-of-the-art amenities. The vessels are more modern than Radiance Class ships, having been launched over ten years after the latter.

Interior cabins, for instance, feature a virtual balcony, which displays a floor-to-ceiling live video feed of the view outside the ship. Passengers won’t want to miss the North Star, either, which is an observation pod that takes guests 300 feet above sea level. There’s no better way to witness Alaska’s beauty onboard!

Because Quantum Class ships depart from Seattle instead of Vancouver, travel times are typically more convenient for American travelers, as there are numerous direct flights to Seattle available from around the United States.

If you value in-depth itineraries and a low-key vibe, sail on a Radiance Class ship

Radiance Class ships may lack the bells and whistles of the Quantum Class ships sailing to Alaska, but that doesn’t mean they should be overlooked. Some passengers prefer the laid-back atmosphere found on these ships, along with the Alaska-intensive itineraries offered.

Calling Serenade and Radiance of the Seas small is relative—at maximum capacity, both ships can accommodate around 2,500 passengers. Unlike Quantum Class ships, you won’t find skydiving simulators and robotic bartenders onboard, but you can rest assured that there are more than enough activities, bars, and restaurants to stay satisfied.

Related: Does it matter how old your cruise ship is?

The main reason to book a Radiance Class ship to Alaska is for the itinerary. Departing from Vancouver on a Radiance Class ship means passengers can enjoy a more in-depth itinerary once in Alaska. For those interested in one-way cruises, a Radiance Class ship is the only option.

Outside of the itinerary, these ships are renowned for their abundance of windows. Over three acres of glass are found throughout both Serenade and Radiance of the Seas, meaning you’re never far from a panoramic view of Alaska’s beauty.

Any ship is sure to provide an excellent Alaska cruise experience

At the end of the day, any of the four ships sailing to Alaska in 2025 will make for a memorable vacation.

Most Alaska itineraries are relatively similar to one another regardless of the ship, so you can visit attractions like Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau or the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway regardless of the ship you choose.

Nonetheless, it’s important to know the key differences between Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Radiance of the Seas before choosing one over another. Knowing what to expect helps ensure your vacation is off to a fantastic start once you board the ship on embarkation day and set sail to Alaska.

An Alaska cruise will take you on a journey to visit some of the most magnificent natural beauty and local culture you'll find anywhere in the world.

Alaska truly is one of those places you have to see to believe, and a Royal Caribbean cruise is a fantastic way to visit the Last Frontier. Planning a vacation to Alaska means knowing where you want to visit, what you want to do in port, and how to save money along the way.

From the majestic scenery, to amazing wildlife, delicious seafood, and diverse history and culture, Alaska has a lot to offer.

This comprehensive guide has everything you need to know about planning an Alaska cruise to ensure you have the best vacation possible and make memories to last a lifetime.

Alaska cruise ports: Where can I go on an Alaska cruise?

Cruises to Alaska visit ports primarily along the Inside Passage, visiting small, picturesque towns, some of which are inaccessible by road.

Juneau is the most commonly visited Alaska cruise port and state capital. It is the largest town visited in Alaska on a cruise and offers the most excursion options of any Alaska port. Activity highlights in Juneau include whale watching, exploring Mendenhall Glacier, and riding the Goldbelt Tramway up Mount Roberts. Don’t forget to taste local seafood, either, with Juneau’s king crabs, salmon, and halibut among the best in the world.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, the southernmost Alaska cruise port, is a quaint waterfront town surrounded by the Tongass National Forest. The town’s gold rush history alongside its Native culture offers a chance for visitors to experience Alaska through history.

Walking through Creek Street can give insights into the town’s historic red light district, and visiting the Saxman Totem Park provides a lesson on the Native Tlingit peoples’ culture and traditions. Kayaking, hiking, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, and walking through downtown are all great options for a day in Ketchikan as well.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska

Skagway is further north in Alaska’s Inside Passage and, while small, is filled with Alaska's gold rush history.

Located on the Lynn Canal, panoramic vistas surround Skagway and the town is a gateway into Canada’s Yukon Territory. Many passengers choose to ride the White Pass & Yukon Railroad, taking visitors through a mountain pass once climbed by those hoping to strike it rich in the gold-rush era.

Others may choose to cross the border into Canada, kayak the Lynn Canal, or rent a scooter and explore Skagway on their own.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Skagway, Alaska

Sitka is home to a blend of American, Tlingit, and Russian influences and was once the capital of Russian Alaska.

A visit to the Baranof Castle State Historic Site is an option for spending the day in Sitka, which was where the formal transfer ceremony of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place. Strolling along the forest at the Sitka National Historical Park is a popular activity, too, which preserves the site of a battle between the Tlingit people and Russian traders.

Downtown Sitka is a charming place to walk around, where you can view the city’s cultural influences on every street.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Sitka, Alaska

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.

Getting close to nature and wildlife is recommended while in Icy Strait Point, with whale watching and ziplining popular activities to book. Cultural excursions are another option, where guests can learn more about the Huna Tlingit people through song and dance at Icy Strait Point’s Native Heritage Center Theater.

Haines, Alaska is a relatively new port for Royal Caribbean cruises to visit. Located on the way to Skagway along the Chilkoot Inlet, Haines is a small port accommodating just one large cruise ship at a time. Kayaking, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing are all popular activities in Haines. Flightseeing tours can be booked from Haines to visit sights like Glacier Bay, one of the most beautiful glaciers in Alaska.

Victoria, British Columbia is a port visited on Alaska cruises from Seattle. While in Canada and not Alaska, Victoria still offers an array of landscapes and culture to explore. Visiting the Butchart Gardens is a popular destination in Victoria, where visitors can wander among 55 acres of floral display that date back to 1904.

Visiting glaciers on an Alaska cruise

Outside of port stops where passengers disembark the ship, Alaska cruises offer scenic cruising days to glaciers along the Inside Passage. Passengers do not disembark the ship on these days. Instead, the ship slowly sails within a view of a glacier, often completing a 360 degree turn to ensure all guests onboard can have an excellent view of such amazing scenery.

There’s also the opportunity to spot harbor seals, wolves, brown bears, and other wildlife that call these areas home.

Tracy Arm Fjord is another glacier visited on scenic cruising days. The deep, narrow passage of the Tracy Arm Fjord travels over 30 miles alongside the Tongass National Forest, with the twin Sawyer Glaciers at the end of the passage.

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier will surely impress cruise passengers, featuring a scenic sail through the Endicott Arm Fjord followed by a panoramic view of Dawes Glacier, a 600 foot tall, half-mile wide active icecap.

Hubbard Glacier is a glacier commonly visited on an Alaska cruise. Located in Disenchantment Bay, Hubbard Glacier is an astonishing sight. The glacier’s ice is 400 feet tall, 76 miles long, and 1,200 feet deep.

Depending on your cruise itinerary, there may be a chance to book an excursion on a scenic cruising glacier day. Some glaciers offer a “Wilderness Explorer” excursion, during which passengers disembark the cruise ship and embark a small vessel, allowing them to get up close and personal to glaciers. Be sure to check if this shore excursion is available on your Alaska cruise.

Alaska cruise departure ports: Which embarkation city should I choose?

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.

Deciding whether to start your cruise in Seattle, Vancouver, or Seward is one of the first decisions you make when planning an Alaska cruise.

If you’re from the United States and have to fly to an Alaska cruise port, flying to Seattle tends to be cheaper than getting to Vancouver or Seward. A passport isn’t necessary when cruising out of Seattle, either, although it is recommended.

Sailing from Seattle will likely offer an Alaska cruise vacation on Royal Caribbean's big ships and is your best bet for someone new to the itinerary.

Related: Top 20 tips for planning your Alaska cruise

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.

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.

Smaller ships tend to sail from Vancouver whereas larger ships sail out of Seattle. This is due to the fact that Quantum Class ships are unable to fit under Vancouver’s Lion Gate Bridge outside of a very low-tide. Therefore, ships like Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Brilliance of the Seas sail out of Vancouver instead.

Best itinerary on an Alaska cruise

There is no “perfect” itinerary for an Alaska cruise, and one itinerary is not necessarily better than another.

While cruise ports do differ in history, local attractions, and size, many ports offer the same type of excursions to book. Activities like whale watching, kayaking, nature walks, gold rush towns, museums, and food tours are available in nearly every cruise port.

Likewise, every Alaska cruise will sail through the Inside Passage, meaning you won’t miss the state’s beautiful scenery on any itinerary. Oftentimes it’s just as enjoyable sitting on the pool deck and watching Alaska’s scenery pass by as it is to explore the ports you visit!

Being flexible on an Alaska cruise is important, especially when it comes to your cruise itinerary. High seas and storms can change your port stops at the last minute. Oftentimes another port is visited in place of your original destination. If this happens, be flexible! You may end up enjoying the replacement port even more than you would have enjoyed the original itinerary.

Related: How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary

Best time to cruise to Alaska

The Alaska cruise season generally runs from April to October, and each month offers its own advantages and disadvantages. While there is no best time to cruise to Alaska, knowing what to expect in terms of weather, wildlife, and activities is helpful before booking your cruise or shore excursion.

Read more: How far in advance to book an Alaska cruise

Cruising to Alaska in the early season, April and May, brings lower crowds and prices. Expect to see daily temperatures with highs in the mid 50s and lows around 40 degrees. Less rain is expected during the early season, as April, May, and June are among the driest months of the year in Alaska. (However, this is Alaska, so don’t forget to pack a rain jacket!). Daylight hours will increase each day leading up to the summer solstice, with daylight hours from 4AM to 10PM in late May.

Alaska’s peak cruise season is from mid-June to August, coinciding with the school vacation schedule. During the summer, visitors can expect to see the warmest temperatures and most hours of daylight. More crowds are to be expected during the summer, too, both onboard and in port.

Read more: Top ways to avoid crowds on an Alaska cruise

Making sure you book shore excursions early is important when cruising to Alaska during the peak season to ensure tours do not sell out.

Related: When should I book my Alaska shore excursion?

The fall shoulder season in Alaska is during the month of September. As days become shorter and temperatures cool down, cruise crowds and prices tend to be lower. In fact, September is the cheapest month for an Alaska cruise.

Wildlife is harder to spot during the fall and rainier weather is likely. That being said, it’s possible (though not guaranteed) to see Alaska’s northern lights in September, which is a plus for those planning an Alaska cruise in the fall.

Related: What it’s like to go on an Alaska cruise at the end of the season

If you're trying to figure out the best time to visit Alaska, there's advantages to every month. The key is to prioritize if weather, crowds, or price is the most important to you.

Alaska cruise activities: What to do in port

An Alaska shore excursion will allow you to explore what each of the ports have to offer, including taking in the natural beauty of this part of the world.

Alaska cruises tend to favor outdoor activities, whether getting active on a hike or taking a relaxing canoe ride down a river. Exploring the state’s mountains, glaciers, trails, and lakes is a fantastic way to spend a day in port, although choosing the best tour to book can be a tough decision.

Related: Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

Whale watching tours are one of the most popular shore excursions to book on an Alaskan cruise, as many visitors hope to catch a glimpse of some of the largest mammals on Earth. A variety of whales are able to be spotted on an Alaska cruise, including grey whales, killer whales (orcas), and humpback whales.

Certain ports, such as Juneau and Icy Strait Point, tend to offer better whale watching opportunities than other Alaska cruise ports. Be sure to read our whale watching guide before booking your whale watching excursion to ensure you book it at the right port and time of year.

Visiting glaciers is another recommended activity on an Alaska cruise. Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau is the most easily accessible glacier for cruise passengers, where visitors can view the glacier from easy walking trails and visit the Nugget Falls waterfall. Most cruise itineraries to Alaska will include a scenic cruising day at a glacier as well, such as Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier or Hubbard Glacier.

Related: Visiting Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau

Active cruisers will enjoy kayaking through Alaska’s fjords and lakes, hiking on glaciers, and biking through the rainforest. Magnificent scenery can be viewed on day hikes up Alaska’s dramatic mountain peaks or when paddling a kayak near glaciers.

Animal lovers are in luck on an Alaska cruise, too, as they can choose from a plethora of wildlife-viewing excursions. Outside of whale watching tours, cruisers can visit the Fortress of the Bear to observe Alaska’s black bears, the Sitka Raptor Center to learn about the state’s birds of prey, and wildlife cruises during which seals, sea otters, salmon, and bald eagles may be spotted. Dog lovers will enjoy learning about dog mushing, Alaska’s state sport, and go dog sledding on top of a glacier!

Related: What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Alaska?

Other popular excursion options on an Alaska cruise include:

• Salmon bakes
• Cultural tours to learn about Alaska’s Native Tlingit people
• Ziplining through the rainforest
• Rafting
• Fishing
• Walking around historic towns
• Relaxing at restaurants and saloons

Read more: Where to eat like a local on your Alaska cruise

Which Royal Caribbean ships sail to Alaska?

Royal Caribbean sends 4 cruise ships to Alaska each summer, with each ship offering a different layout, amenities, dining options, entertainment, and stateroom options. Some of Royal Caribbean’s smallest and largest cruise ships sail to Alaska, so it’s important to consider which ship works best for you before booking an Alaska cruise.

The following ships will sail to Alaska in 2025:

• Ovation of the Seas (Quantum Class)
• Quantum of the Seas (Quantum Class)
• Radiance of the Seas (Radiance Class)
• Serenade of the Seas (Radiance Class)

The following ships will sail to Alaska in 2026:

• Ovation of the Seas (Quantum Class)
• Anthem of the Seas (Quantum Class)
• Voyager of the Seas (Voyager Class)
• Serenade of the Seas (Radiance Class)

Both the most technologically advanced, large Quantum Class ships and the smaller, more traditional Radiance Class ships will offer a wonderful Alaska cruise experience. 

Related: Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska in 2024

Most ships Royal Caribbean sends to Alaska offer plenty of indoor features, meaning the ship can be enjoyed in all types of weather. From each ship’s enclosed, temperature-controlled Solariums to the indoor pools on Quantum Class ships, guests can enjoy their ship even in the chilliest of temperatures.

Quantum Class ships can be a great choice for families, as they feature the SeaPlex, an indoor sports court and arcade where guests can enjoy activities like bumper cars, circus school, rollerblading, basketball, volleyball, and more. 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.

Radiance Class ships offer a more traditional cruising experience. While there are still activities for guests of all ages onboard, there are less options overall for dining, staterooms, entertainment, etc. Smaller cruise ships offer more itinerary options in Alaska, though, visiting destinations such as Haines, Icy Strait Point, and Hubbard Glacier.

Related: What’s the difference between a large and small cruise ship?

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.

Most people going on an Alaska cruise are most interested in the destinations, with the ship choice a secondary consideration. Given the long hours spent in port, having a ton of activities or whizz-bang features may not be as important.

However, families with kids are always going to appreciate having more options available to them, especially on sea days.

Royal Caribbean Cruisetours: Visit inland Alaska and Canada

In addition to a 7-night Alaska cruise, you can extend your trip with a land-based tour.

Known as pre or post-sailing Cruisetours, these extended trips can range between 9 and 13 nights, including the 7-night cruise. These land tours are arguably the best way to see Alaska's interior and the most popular destinations.

Highlights of a Cruisetour include visiting Alaska’s biggest city of Anchorage, going back in time at a former gold mining boomtown, traveling by train on the scenic Wilderness Express, or marveling at the unbelievably high mountain peaks of Denali National Park.

Cruisetours in Canada are also offered, which feature a comfortable overnight train ride through the Rocky Mountains and visits to Jasper and Banff National Parks, including an overnight stay at Lake Louise.

While Alaska’s Inside Passage provides awe-inspiring views of Alaska’s fjords, glaciers, and mountains,  cruisetours offer the opportunity to see more of Alaska or Canada, which you can book before or after your one-way cruise in Alaska.

Cost of an Alaska cruise

Your budget for an Alaska cruise can affect your ship choice, sailing date, stateroom category, excursion options, and onboard add-ons. Knowing how much Alaska cruises cost in advance is helpful to ensure you can budget and save for such an incredible vacation.

Related: How much does an Alaska cruise cost?

There is no set cost for an Alaska cruise. Cruise fares are dynamic, with prices constantly shifting based on demand. The shoulder seasons of May and September will see the lowest prices whereas June, July, and August see the highest cruise fares.

A 7-night cruise for two adults in an oceanview stateroom on Serenade of the Seas in July may be around $2200 whereas the same cruise in September can be around $1600. Newer ships, such as Ovation of the Seas, will often be priced $300-500 more expensive than smaller ships on a similar itinerary.

Related: 45 ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Newer cruise ships have more balcony staterooms available, though, so balcony staterooms on ships like Quantum of the Seas are not usually significantly more expensive than interior or oceanview cabins.

As smaller ships like Radiance of the Seas have far fewer balconies available, booking a balcony stateroom on a small ship can be much more expensive than other cabins.

Related: How to cruise to Alaska on a budget

Shore excursion prices can quickly add up while on an Alaska cruise. While booking early will help lock in a low price, some Alaska shore excursions are simply more expensive than others. Activities like helicopter tours, luxury whale watching, and dogsledding can easily cost a few hundred dollars per person.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save money in port. Royal Caribbean offers more budget-friendly excursions that still take you to some amazing destinations. As an example, a wildlife safari and bear viewing tour in Haines will run around $89 per adult, whereas a ride on the White Pass Scenic Railway in Skagway is around $100 per person.

Exploring ports through independent tour operators or on your own is another option. All Alaska cruise ports have complimentary attractions and nature activities right near where the ship docks, so it’s not always necessary to book an excursion.

Related: 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own

What to pack for an Alaska cruise

Packing for an Alaska cruise does not have to be stressful. A bit of research and preparation will get you far when deciding what to bring on an Alaska cruise.

Your Alaska cruise packing list should focus on layers, as the weather can change rapidly… and several times per day!

Having the following layers is recommended, especially on port days:

• Base layer: t-shirt, jeans, yoga pants
• Warm layer: fleece, down jacket, sweater, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt
• Waterproof layer: thin waterproof jacket

Read more: Alaska cruise outfits

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. Those cruising in the shoulder seasons, on the other hand, will want to make sure they have warm layers in case of inclement weather.

Water-resistant shoes are also a must, as many excursions take guests through hiking trails or near lakes and streams. In addition, water-resistant shoes can be a lot more comfortable and warm on rainy days in port.

Other accessories, such as binoculars and cameras, are nice to have as well, whether when on an excursion or watching scenery from onboard the cruise ship.

When should I book an Alaska cruise?

Booking your cruise in advance is always a good idea, but Alaska cruises are so popular that you really need to book early to get the prices. Ideally, if you can book your cruise at least 12 months in advance, you will likely get some of the best prices.

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.

If you want to book a balcony or suite, then booking early becomes even more important. Since so many people value a private balcony on Alaska cruises, demand for these categories is even higher than on Caribbean or European itineraries.

The same can be said for booking shore excursions, too. Booking shore excursions early ensures you can pay the lowest price possible and reserve a spot on a tour on the chance it sells out.

Related: When should I book my Alaska shore excursion?

How to prepare for an Alaska cruise in 2025

Sailing to Alaska this season? There are a few ways to prepare so your cruise goes as smoothly as possible.

First, if you're flying to your cruise port, make sure to fly the day before your cruise begins. Airline delays are common, and you don't want to miss your cruise because of a canceled or delayed flight! Spending the night at a hotel in Seattle or Vancouver before your cruise can help ensure your vacation is off to a great start.

In addition to booking travel, we recommend purchasing travel insurance before your cruise. Travel insurance can protect you in case of any unexpected travel delays or medical emergencies during the sailing. While most travelers who purchase travel insurance won't end up using it, you will definitely be happy to have it if you need it!

You can purchase a travel insurance plan directly through Royal Caribbean upon booking or through an outsider provider. If you travel frequently, we recommend an annual travel insurance plan that covers you all year round.

Related: Should you buy annual travel insurance plans?

Another tip for 2025 Alaska cruises is to check in online 45 days prior to your cruise. You can check in on Royal Caribbean's website or the Royal Caribbean app. The earlier you check in, the better chance you have at selecting an early boarding time at the cruise terminal. Getting onboard early means more time to enjoy your vacation!

Once onboard your cruise, be sure to complete Royal Caribbean's eMuster safety drill as soon as possible. This safety drill consists of three parts:

• Watching a lifejacket demonstration video on the Royal Caribbean app
• Listening to the emergency horn sound on the Royal Caribbean app
• Visiting your muster station on the ship to confirm you have completed the muster drill

Every guest must complete the eMuster drill before your cruise ship can depart, and getting it done quickly on embarkation day is recommended.

Finally, make sure to book pre-cruise add-ons as soon as possible for a 2025 or 2026 Alaska cruise. From dining packages to shore excursions, it's always better to book in advance before add-ons increase in price or sell out.