Cruises from Seattle to Alaska Cruises from Seattle, WA

When booking entertainment reservations, we recommend sticking to shows earlier in the week. If, for instance, a show is offered on the second, fifth, and last evening of the cruise, try to book the first day available. Watching a ship tour will help make your first few days onboard stress-free, as you will already have a general understanding of what is offered onboard, as well as the location of popular venues. While you can purchase packages once onboard, the cost may be significantly higher than what you could have booked ahead of time. Plus, because you can cancel add-ons for a full refund up to 48 hours before your sailing, you have flexibility in case you change your mind on these purchases later on.

Northern Lights

One of my favorite aspects of cruising to Alaska is the pre-cruise stay in Seattle or Vancouver. Not only do both of these cities offer breathtaking natural scenery, but they boast an impressive amount of things to do within the city, too. Although your cruise itinerary might say you arrive at 6AM on disembarkation day, this does not mean you can get off your ship at 6AM. It takes time for your ship to dock, get cleared by local authorities, and prepare for disembarkation. If all goes to plan, you could start disembarking by 7AM, but unexpected delays could cause a later disembarkation time.

Alaska Cruise Onboard Experience

If your cruise is a one-way itinerary that starts or ends in Seward, Alaska, transportation logistics require more pre-planning. The closest major airport to Seward is Anchorage, which is over two hours away by car. Due to this, you might want to consider taking a Royal Caribbean shuttle or the train from Seward to Anchorage, which must be scheduled in advance.

I tried a Holland America cruise to Alaska. Here's what it's like to sail on this cruise line - Cruise Blog

I tried a Holland America cruise to Alaska. Here's what it's like to sail on this cruise line.

Posted: Sat, 10 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Day 5: Juneau

While Vancouver still offers many direct flights to and from the United States, most cruisers find it easier to travel to Seattle. Sip hot chocolate on the Magic Carpet, cantilevered over the side of the ship with uninterrupted views of forests, glaciers, and mountains. Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world, and you’ll have multiple opportunities to experience why that’s true. Shore excursions will take you to the best things to do in Ketchikan, ranging from fishing expeditions to hatchery tours and the popular all-you-can-eat salmon bakes. Sailing north along the lower Inside Passage, you’ll reach Ketchikan, your first port of call on a round-trip Alaska cruise from Seattle. Here, you’ll be introduced to the culture of the Tlingit, native Alaskans whose expressive totem carvings tell stories of their history and traditions.

The best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for retirees, in our view, are the sailings offered by Holland America on both the 1,964-passenger Westerdam and 2,104-passenger Eurodam. When sailing to Alaska, these ships also offer other kid-friendly events, such as Puppies on Princess, when dog mushers and their newest sled dogs come on board for meet-and-greets (and photos!). Our pick for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers may come as a surprise to many cruise aficionados. That's because it's not the Alaska voyages from Seattle offered by the North American cruise line best known for budget sailings — Carnival Cruise Line.

Plus, by arriving in Seattle a day early, you’ll have more time to enjoy the city’s attractions. Whether admiring skyline views from the Space Needle or eating your way through Pike Place Market, there are plenty of ways to keep busy in Seattle before your cruise begins. Seattle is a gateway to Alaska cruises, and you’ll have the opportunity to visit remarkable, stunning ports on a weeklong cruise. You’ll typically find between 3-4 ports and a scenic glacier viewing day on a 7-night Alaska cruise from Seattle.

Embark on an Unforgettable Alaska Cruise from Seattle

Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. You can choose to book an Alaska shore excursion directly through the cruise line or through an independent tour company. Both come with their own pros and cons; a tour booked through Royal Caribbean may offer added protection, although it usually comes at a higher price. Sailing the Inside Passage is a serenely beautiful experience as your ship glides between forested islands against a backdrop of craggy mountains and distant glaciers. Experiencing this pristine environment gives you a real sense of just how remote Alaska is; for miles, you’ll see just wilderness, with no sign of human intervention. And when you’re indoors, you can still expect great views and lots of natural light — the ship was built with plenty of windows.

Read about Glacier Bay’s seven tidewater glaciers, Denali’s 6-million acres of undisturbed wilderness, Kenai Fjords' astonishing Exit Glacier and other national parks. There’s heaps of fun on offer and something for everyone; little ones, big ones and the whole family. The largest waterpark at sea in Australia, mini-golf, two-deck fitness center, jogging track and sports court, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™, day spa and pools and spas. Keep the kids entertained with three different age-appropriate youth programs, giving them plenty of choice on activities and the opportunity to make new friends. The top decks of Holland America vessels, notably, lack many of the kid-focused attractions found on the top decks of more family-focused ships operated by the likes of Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian.

There were very few Carnival sailings available for under $750 per person, with most Carnival sailings starting around $800 per person or more for seven nights. Of particular note, given Alaska's weather, is that one of the two main pool areas on each of these Quantum-class ships is enclosed. The two-level complex also has upstairs nooks for playing Xbox, ping pong and foosball. It's like one big play zone for families that will keep your kids busy for hours. Let us create the perfect event while you relax and have the time of your life. Please visit our most frequently asked questions page on cruise preparation, transportation, safety and security, and more.

Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.

Travel experts and cruise critics rate Holland America Line as the best cruise line for Alaska. If you’re looking for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle, Holland America Line has won Best Alaska Itineraries, Best in Alaska, Best Alaska Cruise, and many more awards. Passengers get a more enriching experience as the cruise line has been taking guests to Alaska for nearly 75 years, and knows the area.

As you plan your Alaska cruise from Seattle, you’ll see lots of towns and scenic cruising areas. Shore excursions are a good place to start if you’re wondering what you to do in port. Juneau is a pleasant, nature-surrounded city in proximity to hiking trails, wildlife, and the impressive Mendenhall Glacier. Icy Strait Point is a historical town that’s filled with culture and only opens when a cruise ship is in port.

Brunch is the main attraction at this café, which serves generous portions of global staples like huevos rancheros, Swedish pancakes, and crab cake benedicts throughout the day. Alaska cruises from Seattle depart from Port of Seattle, Terminal 91, located on Seattle's downtown waterfront. Taxis, buses, rideshares, and car rentals are available outside the terminal.

This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska. Follow in the footsteps of the Yukon Gold Rush on an Alaska cruise from Seattle to some of the world’s most scenic wonders. With convenient weekend departures and proximity to the Great Land, a cruise to Alaska from Seattle allows you to leave when you want, and spend less time getting there.