The word “Alaska” is derived from the local Aleut word Alyeska, meaning great land — which is why it’s no surprise a trip to America’s last frontier is at the top of many bucket lists. Alaska has the longest coastline in the US, so the best way to explore is by ship. Highlights of an Alaska itinerary include the Inside Passage, a wildlife-rich habitat with shimmering glaciers weaving 500 miles along the Pacific Ocean coastline, while on land there’s the evocative legacy of Gold Rush-era towns and remote indigenous villages. A wide range of cruise lines, with expedition and luxury ships, visit Alaska. Here are 12 of the best.
Main photo: Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth sails past the Hubbard Glacier in Alaska (Cunard)
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1. Holland America Line
Best for trips by sea and rail
Holland America has an enviable reputation for Alaskan expertise as it has sailed to the region for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line — and even before Alaska became the 49th US state in 1959. It also holds more permits to visit Glacier Bay National Park than any other line. You can pair Alaska with some of Canada’s most mesmerising sights on a journey by sea and rail, which combines a Holland America cruise with a journey aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train.
2. Princess Cruises
Best for land-based stays
Return from the trip of a lifetime with lasting memories by booking one of Princess Cruises’ excursions, such as photo safari in Ketchikan, in which a local snapper leads the off-the-beaten-path tour and shares professional tips. If you prefer more action, try a cross-country tour and canoeing excursion on Revillagigedo Island. Princess also offers cruise tours, with land-based stays at its exclusive wilderness lodges. They include Denali National Park, covering six million acres of Alaska’s interior wilderness that surrounds the 6,190m(20,310ft) namesake mountain, North America’s tallest peak.
3. Cunard
Best for glamour
See Alaska in style on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, where visits to ports such as Juneau, Kodiak and Seward are set against a backdrop of art deco-style interiors, glamour, afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters and co*cktails inspired by glacial scenery. There’s plenty to do ashore, with more than 140 experiences including dog sledding, salmon fishing or a journey on Skagway’s White Pass scenic railway, built for the Klondike Gold Rush. Cunard partners with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society to provide expert and thought-provoking speakers on every sailing.
4. Viking
Best for a child-free holiday
Viking, the world’s largest river cruise line, has expanded into ocean cruising with a fleet of identical adult-only ships catering to 930 guests. The sophisticated Scandinavian style is enhanced by the lack of rowdy entertainment and casinos. Alaskan voyages are geared to exploration and enrichment with the bonus of a free shore excursion in every port and no charges at any of the restaurants. Destinations include Icy Strait Point, with the option to visit the largest native Tlingit village ofHoonah to experience history portrayed through traditional song and dance.
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5. Celebrity Cruises
Best for a round trip
If you want to start and finish your cruise in the same place, Celebrity’s itineraries include round-trip sailings from Seattle and Vancouver. Highlights include Skagway, associated with North America’s biggest and most frenzied gold rush in 1897. Time stands still in the neighbourhood that’s part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Move back into the present on the cutting-edge Celebrity Edge, which sails in Alaska. Admire the views from the eye-catching Magic Carpet: a bar, lounge and dining area which moves up and down the outside of the ship.
6. Seabourn
Best for a warm welcome
Personal service comes to the fore on Seabourn’s intimate ships — by day two you can expect crew members to know your name. In 2025, the 458-passenger Seabourn Quest will sail in Alaska, and the panoramic observation bar is one of the best places to watch the passing scenery. Itineraries include a seven-night voyage between Vancouver and Juneau and a 14-night round-trip Vancouver sailing. Whichever you pick, you’ll visit Unesco-listed Glacier Bay National Park, one of the largest protected wilderness areas on earth and home to more than 50 glaciers.
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7. Norwegian Cruise Line
Best for solo travellers
NCL has four ships based in Alaska. They include Norwegian Encore and Bliss, which are a great choice if you’re sailing solo. Both feature the line’s well-designed inside studio cabins for single travellers, which come with access to an exclusive private lounge where you can mingle with like-minded shipmates. Additionally, the cabins on Norwegian Bliss have novel virtual windows that project real-time ocean views from outside the vessel. Sailings visit the Alaskan capital, Juneau, which is on the North American mainland but is inaccessible by road, giving it a unique island community vibe.
8. Oceania Cruises
Best for nature lovers
Experience Alaska on Oceania’s renovated flagship Regatta, which carries just 684 passengers. Daily adventures range from exhilarating helicopter “flightseeing” to crabbing in the Bering Sea. Energetic passengers can paddle a kayak through the glacial waters of Chilkoot Lake while keeping an eye out for bald eagles, moose and brown bears. And after you’ve worked up an appetite, Oceania prides itself on serving some of the best cuisine at sea. Selected cruises feature the Alaska Explorer Youth Programme, for youngsters aged from 5 to 12, with interactive and culturally focused games and activities.
9. Royal Caribbean
Best for families
Enjoy an adventure afloat and ashore on Royal Caribbean’s fun-filled, family-friendly ships, which offer great value for money. The seven to 13-night Alaska sailings include all the top ports, such as Sitka, with its fascinating blend of Alaskan, Russian and American history. Thrill-seekers can soar through the treetops on the world’s longest zip line at Icy Strait Point and continue the buzz back onboard. Royal Caribbean’s Alaskan ships include Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas with a skydiving simulator and North Star capsule rising 90m (300ft) above sea level.
10. Silversea
Best for all-inclusive luxury
On Silversea’s Alaska cruises, everything is taken care of from the minute you leave home. All-inclusive fares include return chauffeur service to the airport, flights and overseas transfers. On arrival you’ll board one of the line’s elegant small ships, such as Silver Shadow, which carries fewer than 400 passengers, and be treated to butler service whichever suite you book. Popular voyages include seven-night sailings between Vancouver and Seward. You’ll stop at Ketchikan, a former rugged frontier town now best-known as the gateway to the emerald waters of the Misty Fjords.
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11. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best for stylish hikers
Regent Seven Seas is one of the most inclusive ultra-luxurious lines. To give you an idea, the 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer, which sails in Alaska, is an all-suite vessel decorated with 500 chandeliers and 2,500 works of art including pieces by Picasso. The small size of the ship provides a close-up, front-row seat to Alaska’s wild and untamed nature, which can be explored ashore with a hike in awe-inspiring Tongass. Covering most of southeast Alaska, it’s the largest national forest in the US and the world’s biggest temperate rainforest.
12. HX
Best for an adventure
HX is the new name for Hurtigruten Expeditions, to differentiate the line from the sister brand sailing along the Norwegian coastline. HX’s focus is on soft adventure, nature and science, and vessels used for Alaska sailings include its purpose-built hybrid expedition ships Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen; the former is the first passenger ship capable of sailing solely under electric power for segments of the journey. Alaskan voyages range from 13 to 19 days and, in real explorer style, itineraries are adapted to maximise wildlife spotting and other opportunities.
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