How to choose the right Alaska cruise 

I've done two Alaskan cruises in my life. I think that if you have the time and the money to do it, booking an open jaw out of Anchorage is the best option - especially if you think that you might only do this once. We did a land tour prior to the cruise, and that really worked out well for us - very busy five days before the cruise, then a lot more relaxation on the cruise back to Vancouver. The only "wrong" answer really though, is to choose NOT to do an Alaskan cruise! It really is a must-do if you ever have the chance to do it!!

One of the main reasons I like the smaller (older) ships more is the fact that the ship offers so many more areas to view the outside from a warm (inside) area. LOTS more windows in public areas. One more reason, VIKING CROWN!! 12 stories up and a pretty darned good view of the areas with quick access to get outside for unobstructed photos. Ideal for whale watching if you ask me. If all else fails, head out back of the Windjammer as there is an open area out back to sit in a protected, yet outdoor area, and sip on a some coffee while watching the wildlife. I am a HUGE fan of going in May when everything is migrating into the area, mostly for viewing humpback whales. I have several photos of newborn calves on their first trip to Alaska after being born in Hawaii the year before. Having done cruises in May as well as a few months later, I will say that I saw way more wildlife in May. And much closer to the ship too. Just an FYI, Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) has much better whale watching and often times right near the ship while it is in port. Before the dock was added, we had to wait a lot for the whales to get away from the ship so the tenders could take us to shore. lol And in case you are wondering, I have done 11 Alaskan cruise, all but one were back to backs.

Since I live in Alaska, I would go for a cruise to places I haven’t been to or have not been to in awhile. Or I would go on a cruise that goes to my hometown and just chill at my hide all day. (Do laundry, walk the dog, eat food😂). Alaska is so beautiful no matter time of the year you are visiting.

I you are cruising the inside passage (highly recommended) the smaller ships can get MUCH closer to the glaciers. Amazing experience, totally worth the less amount of stuff on board. Smaller ship means fewer people too. Lol.

I went in August of '19 and it was my first Alaska cruise. I am 100% on team open jaw sailing! Loved every port and loved the Radiance class ship design (so many windows!). We were so busy with the amazing excursions each day that we had very little time for any ship activities. Vancouver is a gorgeous city and we enjoyed our time there before boarding the ship after our Air Canada flight. An added bonus of the open jaw sailing is the train or bus ride from Seward down to Anchorage after the cruise. Gorgeous scenery!

I sailed on Serenade in Norway in 2019 and loved the ship so much we booked an Alaska specifically on the serenade. It’s not overwhelming and I never felt bored looking outside.

Great info, thank you so much. I was struggling with choosing a ship and this makes it so much easier.

I sailed to Alaska from Vancouver on the Holland America there and back again, it was tons of fun! We did excursions at every port and this time I'm bringing my new family on Quantum of the Seas in 2022!! Ooooo can't wait!

Thanks for this one!!! Detailed & Informative!!

I absolutely agree.. Caribbean cruises you have great weather and on sea days want things to do.. destination cruises, the destination is the things to do. Great info here about Alaska too.. really good info and great video.

3 years ago we did a Land , Sea on the Star Princess , almost 2 full weeks and just waiting for this C-19 to ease up and we will do it again...What a Cruise of a Life Time... J&R Nags Head

I recommend the open jaw sailings with a land tour either on your own or with the cruise line. We did a week in an RV prior to our cruise so we got to see even more than most people.

We did a 12 night soithbound cruise tour on the Radiance. Seeing Fairbanks, Denali, and Anchorage not to mention the beautiful country along the way added so much more than just the cruise.

In 2021 I have planned my 4th Alaskan cruise. There is no cruise equal to an Alaskan cruise. My grandchildren want to go in 2022, gosh I'm ready.

Thanks so much for the explanation of size of ships and how and where they go. First time Alaska cruise researcher, so many options to look at. Wow.

Great info. Thank you!

And this video was SUPER helpful thank you!!

Went to AK for the 1st time a few years ago on Radiance and had a blast. For 1st timers, would recommend Radiance class to save money and frankly didn't need all the amenities as I was off the ship at every port stop for the entire duration. Even on sea days, there was more than enough to do. Maybe splurge on Quantum class if you've been there before.

I cruise for the SHIP. If I wanted to see the interior of Alaska I would just fly there and find a tour company.

Planning a trip to Alaska in Aug 23 for my husband birthday... so excited.

Just booked an Alaskan cruise on Ovation for July 21, enjoyed the video

Seward is a must see. That's why we booked the Radiance out of Seward. Planning to do a land trip that goes there if our cruise is cancelled.

Starting to plan a cruise to Alaska This really helped I’m am from Washington state so leaving from Seattle would be perfect.

WE love Sitka but it's only available if you cruise out of Vancouver or Anchorage. But Matt is right all of them are special!

My wife and I are on the quantum off the sea in August 21. First time to do Alaska cruise.

We are booked on the Radiance starting May 23 beginning with a land tour in Anchorage. We have a 5 day land tour, cruise beginning in Seward ending in Vancouver. I hope it doesn't get canceled because we were booked for May of 2020 for our 45th wedding anniversary & rescheduled for 2021. Word is it will be canceled again☹️

Great info... I've never cruised before.. would like to do an Alaskan cruise as my first sometime in near future, round-trip from Seattle.

We just rebooked our 14nt B2B cruise this morning for 2022. Fingers crossed.

Planning a cruise to Alaska in 2022

Interior or balcony room for Alaska? Save money on the room and look at the scenery on deck or have the option to enjoy the views from your own balcony...What say you all?

But really, is there such a thing as a “wrong” Alaska cruise? So beautiful... I’m booked on Quantum for this summer’s visit and really hope it sails!

Great video! We did the round trip Seattle 7 day inside cruise on the Radiance a few years ago. So much fun! How safe is Seattle right now ? We have stayed in Seattle before and had alot of fun in the past. I was looking at a 9 day Alaska Intensive round trip Vancouver, but that one isn't on the site anymore! Is there any particular month that is best? My TA said that you'll see more wildlife in May, but it's colder. We went in Aug before. Are any of the ships going into Glacier Bay? I can't wait to go again!

My family is planning on cruising to Alaska in June 2022. This will be several of them their 1st time ever cruising. What is the weather like around that time of the year?

Hey everyone, I am getting married this summer and my fiance wants to book and alaskan cruise. She loved seeing the outdoors and being able to hike and see nature. Do you have any cruise you would personally choose from? I've never been on a cruise in my life. Would going in 2021 be a good idea?

Great video. Totally agree. I’ve done 4 Alaska cruises. Think it applies for most anywhere. Port intensive does not warrant a balcony. We had a nice midship balcony for Asia. It was too hot and humid to enjoy the balcony. 😳😟🔥 Thank you! lots to consider. ⚓️🌴

We are going to Alaska on Ovation of the Seas in May 2022. Are there any special nights where we can dress up? For example, disco nights, white nights, etc. Thanks.

Viking river cruises

Viking river cruise

Yes! Thank you!!! I'm so confused as to which itinerary is best for us.

For first timers on a cruise and to Alaska, what ports do you recommend? What month? I have in mind the month of May 2025 (we want to see wildlife and glaciers and SNOW, ICE!!!) Ports: Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Endicott & Dawes Glacier, Victoria... But I am not sure if instead do Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier, or Glacier Bay National park?? Please help!!!

Haven't gone on an Alaskan cruise but really want to see the aurora borealis (the Northern Lights) are you able to see that from the cruise ship more than likely because it's our first time we would do to Seattle round trip

Hey ive never been on a cruise. On port days are you pretty much on your own to figure out what to do until the ship leaves?

Hi I like go there in allure of the seas

I only want to stay on the ship and I don't want to do anything but stay in room. I want a nice spacious room, comfort and a view.

Great video...Just wondering what time of the year is the best time to do an Alaska Cruise....This Cruise is on my bucket List 😁

Will have Alaska cruise in May 2021 ?

What do you mean “open jaw cruising “ I’m thinking about booking our first Alaskan cruise and need all the help I can get !

I was told Glacier Bay National Park was a must if going on a cruise. Does Royal go there? In the itinerary is it called something different? THANKS!

Hey there, Are you allowed t fly drone in alaska or on the ship? Thank you 🙏🏻

First Alaska cruise first quantum class - Ovation Sept/22. Begins Seattle ends Vancouver. Which i found interesting.

Are cruises sailing?

do you have to dress for dinner

its all fun and games till the ship hits an iceberg..

If you want to experience "authentic Alaska" don't come on a cruise.

You talk so fast it isn't even enjoyable to listen!!! slow down!!