• Special Edition : Cruising Alaska

Royal Caribbean International Sails to Alaska

2022-2024

Cruise Traveler Magazine®

Where every port leads to new discoveries

Where to Cruise in '2022-2024. Find the full list here.

Special Edition : Alaska Travel Report Posted October 2022

We invite you to explore, then experience an Alaska cruise vacation. Our special edition of Cruise Traveler Magazine explores enriching Alaska cruise vacation options to see the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks from the perspective of spectacular ships, exclusive rail service and wilderness lodges. With both roundtrip and one-way Alaska cruises sailing from Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco or Los Angeles,  you can experience stunning views of glaciers, explore beautiful port cities and trek through Alaska's untamed beauty. Come find yourself in the heart of the wilderness and discover the very best Alaska cruises , cruisetours and Alaskan land and sea vacations. Cruise Traveler Magazine® is a cruise travel blog and online magazine offering an unbiased cruise guide, latest cruise news, cruise reviews, tips, feature cruise articles, and need to know information about cruising. Featuring community member contributed content. Cruise Reviews. Cruise Ship Ratings and Cruise Line Rankings. Editorially independent of travel providers or cruise lines. "Cruise Traveler Magazine : Expert Advice for First Time Cruisers and Seasoned Travelers.".

Why Is Alaska So Popular Today!  Alaska destination influencer shares her insights with readers.

 Are you an adventurous explorer driven by curiosity?
 I
s this perhaps your vacation checklist?
 ☑ I want to participate in immersive activities on board such as "North to Alaska" and

      shore excursions to experience Alaska authentically
 ☑ Have unique meaningful experiences that differentiate themselves from others
 ☑ I want to visit must-see places such as Denali, Kenai, Copper River, or the Yukon
 ☑ At the end of my trip I want to know more about Alaska than when I left home.

If you answered yes by checking off the items on the list,

your ready to learn more about Alaska.

You love cruising & you love a good deal.... so check 👇 this out!

 

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| Alaska Cruises Only    | Alaska Cruisetours       | Alaska Land + Sea Journeys

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  • Need Help? Have Questions? Want More Information: FREE Planning Advice 800.365.1445

Nature's Showcase

Mighty Glaciers

Many people travel to Alaska just for a chance to see her famous glaciers. And with good reason. There's no other natural spectacle like witnessing a towering river of otherworldly blue ice and hearing the thunderous crack when an iceberg calves into the tidewater. Imagine sailing past towering peaks of snowy white glaciers, miles wide. Only the sounds of wind and seagulls disturb the silence. Then a massive crackling and a thunderous roar echo across the pristine bay. The icescape rumbles and quakes as the glacier splinters and calves' sending ice and snow cascading into the sea. There's no spectacle in the world that surpasses these towering frozen masses and best displays the fierce majesty of the region. 

Alaska 2020

Once in a Lifetime Experience

This year's aurora viewers, hikers, dogsledders, glacier landers and train riders have a full slate of Alaska Summer Season options. The largest state in the United States, Alaska is home to 17 of the 20 highest peaks in North America, more than 100,000 glaciers, 3 million lakes, 6,640 miles of coastline, 33,904 miles of shoreline, and more than 70 potentially active volcanoes. From Alaska's majestic beauty to its staggering array of wildlife, it is truly a unique destination.  Sailing on a cruise ship is just the beginning of any Alaskan adventure. The absolute magnificence and splendor of Alaska can only be fully realized by experiencing an Alaska shore excursion. Whether it's by air, land or sea, exploring the wonders of Alaska will be a once in a lifetime experience.

Spectacular Views

Majestic Mountains

Take a moment to pause and gaze up. Massive, eternally snow-capped mountains rise majestically against the bright blue sky, which darkens to a majestic indigo at twilight. Wild, untamed and exquisitely unique, this astounding landscape dwarfs your wildest imagination. No other place offers such untouched beauty. Home to almost 3,000 peaks and Denali, North America's tallest mountain, Alaska's summits are a feast for your eyes. And one you'll never forget.

Alaska Rail Journeys

Direct to the Wilderness

Alaska rail service takes you between your ship and the Denali area the very same day for more time to enjoy the wilderness. This private pull by the Alaska Railroad, available on select land & sea vacations, gets you to Denali a full day earlier without an overnight hotel stay en route and all your luggage transfers are conveniently handled. Rail travel is offered on most land & sea vacations, featuring glass-domed rail cars, open-air observation platforms to take in all the wilderness, onboard rail guides providing expert commentary and trademark Princess service. There is also full beverage service and delicious cuisine is available for purchase while onboard.

Jeff King's

Alaska Husky Homestead


Now there's a unique shore excursion that is both a nature lovers' and dog lovers' dream. You can get exclusive access to Husky Homestead - home of Iditarod Champion, Jeff King. Jeff is an acclaimed expert, with 35 years of dog sled racing and freight hauling on the great white expanses of America's last frontier. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating a championship Iditarod dog sledding team. Jeff will share his personal stories from the trail and show you the racing sleds, survival gear and equipment he used to endure crossing 1,100 miles of Alaska's most rugged arctic terrain. Hear the excited pants of precious Alaskan Husky puppies as they rush to greet you at the start of your tour. Play, pet and have your photo taken with the cute and energetic young pups.

Whales, Wonders and Wildlife

Alaska's Wildlife

How many times in life have you had the opportunity to see moose grazing in meadows, eagles nesting in treetops, whales frolicking in glistening waters and bears roaming in their native habitat? On an Alaska vacation, all that is possible - including glimpsing Denali National Park's Big Five: brown bears, wolves, moose, dall sheep and caribou on a cruisetour. Eagles nesting in treetops. Moose grazing through lush meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges. A breaching whale crashing down into the tranquil sea. On a Princess Alaska vacation, you'll also have plenty of chances to enjoy the sights of humpback, beluga and orca whales, along with harbor seals, sea lions and sea otters frolicking in the water.

Coming Together

Family & Multigenerational Travel To Alaska

Your family can revel in Alaska's most charming towns and set sight on Alaska's abundant wildlife in their natural habitats, from breaching 40-ton humpback whales, roaming bears and soaring bald eagles. See Majestic Glaciers & Denali on a Land & Sea Vacation! It's a journey equal parts exhilarating and inspiring. Consider the ultimate Alaska land and sea vacation, featuring a tour director escort, personal service and most meals on land included. Spend 5 to 8 nights on land at Princess wilderness lodges visiting Denali and perhaps, sensational places like Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and/or the Kenai Peninsula. Plus great advice for family travel from Certified Alaska Cruise Experts. 

When you embark on a family cruise trip, you'll enjoy the thrills of an unforgettable vacation before you even get to your destination. Easy-to-plan, fun onboard activities are an enticing reason to choose a cruise instead of a land-based vacation for your family getaway. There are a variety of incredible options that the whole family can enjoy, most of which are included in your trip. Each activity is designed with your family's relaxation in mind. On a family cruise, every detail is carefully tended to by staff, so you are free to focus on collecting brag-worthy and life-changing moments.

Alaska's Icons

Meet The Real Alaskans

Ever wonder what it's like to climb North America's tallest peak? Hear first-hand accounts from mountain climbers who have conquered Denali as they share their exhilarating stories in the Hudson Theater at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge®. On board, chat with award-winning photographers as they highlight their Alaska photography experiences and offer tips. Or meet Alaska icons like dog musher Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Even live like a logger head during an exciting axe-throwing competition with an Alaskan lumberjack, or learn about totem pole carving.

A land of rugged hills, rushing waters and undisturbed wildlife, Alaska is as big as it is wild. Whether you're watching whales splash in the Pacific Ocean, gazing up at towering ice formations like the Hubbard Glacier or journeying by train deep into the last frontier on Anchorage's Coastal Classic Railroad, Alaska is sure to quench any explorer's thirst.

 ALASKA '2022-2024

 Planning on going to Alaska?
You'll likely come across puffins, whales, otters, bears, glaciers, and fjords. But to get the most of your Alaska visit you have to get off the ship, and explore more. Lots more! Consider an action-packed Alaska cruise that lets you explore the wilderness not only by ship, but also by rail, by kayak, sea plane and dogsled. We call them Hi-Energy Alaska Land & Sea Adventures. Everything from the mild to the wild. Alaska is at the top of many a travelers' bucket list, but how many cruises can truly get you up close to the state's natural wonders?. The Alaska Resource Center provides help content and how-to articles about travel in Alaska.

These Travel Specialists

Know Alaska

They are at your service to answer every question about your journey and offer recommendations. They provide insight and invaluable guidance in creating your Alaskan experience; capturing the spirit, wildlife, whales and wonders of Alaska. Ready to turn moments into memories? Call Raye & Marty Trencher at 800.365.1445. For more than 20 years they have helped guests plan unique, unforgettable and memorable journeys.

TRENDING NOW

Alaska Guided Vacations for Family Travel
Replace the stress of planning a family vacation with the relaxation, personal connections and immersive experiences of an Alaska family guided vacation. Find out more if this stress-free vacation style, that is trending for families, is right for you. Call us at 800.365.1445 to learn all about family travel to Alaska.
Princess Cruises' Land & Sea Vacations

Princess is celebrating 50 years of adventure and innovation in Alaska. It's a legacy that has made them the #1 cruise line in Alaska. We invite you to experience an Alaska cruise vacation as only Princess can show you. We offer a range of enriching Alaska cruise vacation options to see the Great Land's glaciers, wildlife and national parks from the perspective of spectacular ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges. Learn More

ARTICLES, REVIEWS, REPORTS & INSIGHTS

:: Cruise Traveler Magazine readers went on some great cruise vacations this summer to Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, even Hawaii. Whether you traveled across the globe, or just took a weekend Bahamas cruise, you came back with lots of pictures, stories and fond memories. Read all about their favorite moments in words and pictures.

:: Cruise reviews from cruise travelers just like you help others in our community choose the best cruise ships, destinations and ports of call, making the experience better for everyone. A fair, unedited and unbiased resource of cruise ship reviews ratings and rankings, cruise line reviews, cruise ship listings, cruise destinations, cruise reports, cruise line reviews, ratings and cruise ship reviews, ratings by travelers and cruise experts on today's most popular cruise ships.

Alaska Cruisetour Review - Read our 7 day Alaska Rail, Lodge, and Denali National Park Review: Island Princess, Coral Princess & Star Princess.

Grand Asia Cruise Review - Read our 14 day Asia cruise review of Diamond Princess. Loaded with destination information and tips.

Viking River Cruise Review - Our Rhine Getaway River Cruise Review

Viking Ocean Cruise Review - Our Viking Cruises' Viking Star Cruise Ship Review
Let's Debate - Holland America -vs - Princess Cruises in Alaska. Cruise Traveler Magazine compares the real difference between Holland America vs. Princess Alaska Cruises

Why For This Travel Advisor Alaska Is Hot - A very special level of service differentiates this travel advisor from others.

The Top 20 Winning Ways To Get More Cruise For Less.

This Is Officially the Best Way to River Cruise - River cruises are designed so you can experience the essence of a place and its people. You can truly explore each destination, immersing yourself in its history, music, art and cuisine. truly a great way to travel, one of our all-time favorite travel experiences. Read on and find out why.

►Personalized Shore Excursion Experiences. A better way to see the world! You'll find our list of the most exciting cruise shore excursions here.

 

Editor's Choice Awards

Best cruise ships of 2023
Best Ocean Cruise Ship Overall
Viking Orion - Viking Ocean Cruises

Best River Cruise Ship Overall

Viking Longship Idi  - Viking River Cruises - Europe

Best Cruise Ship Cabins
Harmony of the Seas - Royal Caribbean International
Best Cruise Ship for Dining
Celebrity Equinox - Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment
Symphony of the Seas - Royal Caribbean International
Best Cruise Ships for Shore Excursions
Coral Princess - Princess Cruises Alaska

Best Cruise Ships for Value
Viking Sky - Viking Ocean Cruises

 

IN THE NEWS

Chicago Tribune
Book Alaska cruises early, ships are crowded!

More News
Alaska Cruise Tour Review :7 Nights - 8 Days Anchorage to Fairbanks plus a 7 day Voyage of the Glaciers Cruise.
Alaska - The Last Cruise Frontier : A destination that should be at the top of every cruise enthusiasts bucket list.

An Alaska Adventure; Exploring the Interior of the Last Frontier by Craig Zabransky Stay Adventurous Podcast

In this episode, Staying Adventurous travels the interior of Alaska for a week with stops in Fairbanks, Denali, Talkeetna and Kenai.

This one week adventure will provide us a taste of the adventures, experiences, and opportunities for anyone deciding to put Alaska on their travel plans.

Start Planning
Get Your Free Official State of Alaska Vacation Planner
Summertime is the perfect time to head out on your Alaska trip of a lifetime.

The Official State of Alaska Vacation Planner has dozens of trip suggestions. Alaska is waiting, for you!
GET THE GUIDE

 

Most Popular Top 5 Cruise Lines & 29 Ships

Celebrity Cruises® (3)  Celebrity Eclipse Celebrity Millennium Celebrity Solstice
Holland America Line
® (9) Amsterdam Eurodam Koningsdam Maasdam Nieuw Amsterdam Noordam Oosterdam Volendam Westerdam
Norwegian Cruise Line
® (5) Norwegian Bliss Norwegian Encore Norwegian Jewel Norwegian Joy Norwegian Sun
Princess Cruises
® (9) Coral Princess Emerald Princess Golden Princess Grand Princess Island Princess Pacific Princess Royal Princess Ruby Princess Star Princess
Royal Caribbean International
® (3) Ovation of the Seas Radiance of the Seas Serenade of the Seas

What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise, According to the People - Who have "Been There-Done That" - many times.

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AD Find Shore Excursions by Destination

Alaska Shore Excursions

 

Going to Alaska and looking for wilderness adventures while you are there? Prepare to be awed. Shore Trips offers exciting excursions throughout Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Our unmatched, personalized shore excursions will take you to Juneau’s majestic Mendenhall Glacier, Skagway’s White Pass Train, Denali’s natural marvels, Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords of Ketchikan, and many more Alaskan adventures!

find-shore-excursions-by-destinationExperience an Alaska Cruisetour to Denali National Park  Cruise: Sail for 7 days on a Voyage of the Glaciers cruise. Train: Travel inland via exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness Rail. Lodge: Stay at Wilderness Lodges near national parks.


Wolf, Moose, Caribou, Eagles,Whales and Bear!

AD " Our trip was excellent. The room, with the upgrades, was amazing! We saw many eagles (bald and golden), one bear, many whales, including one breach, seals, one bear, one wolf, moose and caribou, and many smaller animals.. If we travelled during salmon run, we probably would have seen more bear and eagles. The scenery is to die for, the vistas spectacular. The ship was great; service, food, etc were all great. Thanks for everything."

Learn More About Alaska & Find More Guest Comments

 

 

 Animal Planet's™ Treehouse Masters built the exclusive treehouse at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge®.

Experience this amazing treehouse with Princess, the #1 cruise line in Alaska.