June 25, 2025

These 10 Alaska Cruises Offer the Best Ways to Experience the 'Last Frontier'

See glaciers and wildlife


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Alaska is a land of stunning natural beauty, rich wildlife, and fascinating cultures. It's also one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, with dozens of ships and itineraries to choose from. These 10 Alaska cruises have been selected by a panel of experts and voted by readers as the best because they provide top-notch journeys — both aboard their well-appointed ships and on land with guided excursions.

No. 10: Norwegian Bliss
Norwegian Cruise Line

Aboard the Norwegian Bliss, guests can admire Alaska's unparalleled natural beauty and participate in both easy and adventurous excursions. This ship invites each of its 4,000 passengers to witness Alaska's grandeur from the comfort of their staterooms or the innovative, panoramic observation lounge. Itineraries allow guests to explore ports like Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, as well as natural wonders like Glacier Bay and the Mendenhall and Dawes Glaciers. Those who want an additional pre-cruise adventure can also explore Denali, Fairbanks, and Anchorage.

No. 9: Seabourn Quest
Seabourn Cruise Line

Embarking on an Alaskan cruise aboard the Seabourn Quest is an experience of unparalleled luxury and adventure. Offering seven- to 14-day itineraries, passengers can glide through pristine waters, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Alaska's natural landscapes, all while indulging in the Seabourn Quest's outstanding service and gourmet meals. With its intimate, club-like atmosphere and personalized attention, the ship offers a unique, sophisticated way to explore the rugged wilderness of Alaska in absolute comfort.

No. 8: Wilderness Legacy
UnCruise Adventures

Sail aboard UnCruise's Wilderness Legacy for a trip filled with wonder, history, and adventure. Though it only has room for 86 guests, this heritage vessel — built in 1984 — offers plenty of modern comforts, including platforms for viewing sea lions, orcas, birds, even land animals from close up, thanks to the ship's small size. Onboard and off, passengers enjoy unique explorations led by expert guides who delve into Alaska's rich heritage.

No. 7: Koningsdam
Holland America Line

Featuring seven- to 14-day itineraries, Holland America Line's Koningsdam sets sail from Washington, Alaska, and Vancouver, providing passengers with a variety of port calls and land tours. The Koningsdam makes both one-way and round-trip cruises of Alaska, making it easy for passengers to choose their ideal route.

No. 6: Wilderness Discoverer
UnCruise Adventures

Specializing in adventures that are intimate and off the beaten path, UnCruise Adventures' 76-passenger Wilderness Discoverer focuses on unique explorations that include skiff excursions to glaciers and hidden coves, as well as opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. The ship's small size allows it to swiftly change course in case breaching whales are spotted in the distance, as well as get close to shore to spot bears and other wildlife on land. This cruise offers an unforgettable glimpse into Alaska's untamed wilderness.

No. 5: Discovery Princess
Princess Cruises

Embark on a voyage along the snowcapped Alaskan coastline aboard the Discovery Princess. Kayak through icy fjords, indulge in fresh regional seafood, and unwind in the ship's lavish spa. Offering some of the largest balconies at sea and cuisine created by award-winning chefs, this cruise envelops guests in breathtaking beauty on and off the ship.

No. 4: Viking Orion
Viking

Viking Orion is a modern vessel that offers an enriching exploration of Alaska's history and breathtaking natural landscape. With all-veranda staterooms featuring tasteful decor, this ship is abundant with Nordic-inspired luxury, fine dining, an incredible spa, an impressive art collection, and a variety of destination-related onboard lectures and cultural experiences. Guests enjoy these amenities while surrounded by the region's enormous glaciers and striking shoreline.

No. 3: Eurodam
Holland America Line

Eurodam, an exquisite Holland America Line vessel, invites passengers to experience Alaska's magnificence in elegance and style. The vessel was Holland America's first Signature Class ship, and it has a 2,100-passenger capacity. Gourmet dining, cultural enrichment, and enthralling shore excursions — like whale watching and seaplane tours featuring jaw-dropping scenery — ensure an enjoyable and adventurous cruise.

No. 2: American Constellation
American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines offers a number of cruises aboard the American Constellation, some up to 19 days long. Because of the Constellation's small size, it can traverse the inner waterways of Southeast Alaska and access port cities like Skagway, Juneau, and Sitka. Some fares incorporate land travel — guests can explore Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park before catching a flight to Juneau, Alaska, where they'll board the Constellation.

No. 1: Carnival Spirit
Carnival Cruise Line

On the Carnival Spirit, passengers can set sail from Seattle through Alaska's Inside Passage for a week to 10 days. Passengers can explore port cities like Ketchikan and Skagway, and marvel at natural wonders like Tracy Arm Fjord, the ice-capped mountains of Juneau, and the Icy Strait Point's beautiful, verdant shoreline.



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