Best cruise ship departing Seattle for an Alaskan Cruise

Question

My husband and I are seniors and want to take our first cruise to Alaska next year and are looking for suggestions on which Cruise Line and ship to book. Since we have never been any information you can give us would be greatly appreciated. Ex. what months are best to travel, which ports do we want to make sure we see, which activities to do and avoid. We are thinking of a stateroom with a balcony but have no idea which area on the ship is best.

Thank you for your advice.

Answer

Alaskan cruises departing from Seattle are a wonderful way to experience the state’s stunning scenery, wildlife, and unique ports of call. For first-time cruisers, especially seniors, it’s helpful to consider the cruise line, ship, timing, ports, and onboard options carefully.

Best Time to Travel:

The prime season for Alaska cruises is late May through early September. This period offers the best weather and the longest days for sightseeing and shore excursions. For slightly quieter experiences with fewer crowds, consider early June or late August to early September.

Cruise Lines and Ships:

Several cruise lines offer Alaska itineraries from Seattle, each with different strengths:

Holland America: Known for Alaska expertise, relaxed atmosphere, and excellent shore excursions. Popular ships include MS Koningsdam and MS Eurodam.
Princess Cruises: Very popular for Alaska with a wide range of itineraries. Ships like Ruby Princess or Golden Princess offer good balcony staterooms and enrichment programs.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Offers flexible dining and casual atmosphere. Consider Norwegian Bliss or Norwegian Joy for Alaska itineraries.
Celebrity Cruises: Premium experience with good dining and service. Ships like Celebrity Millennium are commonly used for Alaska cruises.

Ports to Visit:

Most cruises from Seattle head north through the Inside Passage with several key stops. Make sure your itinerary includes these:

Ketchikan: Known for salmon fishing, Totem Bight State Park, and charming downtown.
Juneau: Alaska’s capital, glaciers, whale watching, and Mount Roberts Tramway.
Sitka: Smaller port with Russian heritage, scenic hikes, and wildlife viewing.
Skagway: Historic Gold Rush town with scenic train rides (White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad).
Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm Fjord: Scenic cruising to see glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife. Not all itineraries include this, but it is highly recommended.

Activities Onboard:

Attend naturalist talks and Alaska-specific presentations to learn about wildlife, glaciers, and history.
Use binoculars for wildlife spotting from decks, especially during scenic cruising days.
Photography: Bring a good camera for glaciers, wildlife, and sunset/sunrise over the Inside Passage.
Relaxation: Enjoy onboard amenities like spas, lounges, and pools, particularly if you want a slower pace.

Activities to Avoid or Be Cautious About:

Strenuous excursions if mobility is limited or weather conditions are unpredictable (like long glacier hikes or kayaking in cold waters).
Booking last-minute shore excursions at popular ports, as they may sell out.

Stateroom Advice:

A balcony stateroom is highly recommended for scenic cruising days. For the best experience:

Choose a midship or forward-facing balcony for stable views and less motion.
A higher deck can provide better panoramic views but may be more expensive.
Midship cabins tend to have less motion compared to forward or aft cabins, which can be helpful for seniors.

In summary, for a first-time Alaska cruise from Seattle, consider Holland America or Princess Cruises for a balance of comfort, scenic views, and organized excursions. Travel between late May and early September, focus on key ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, and book a midship balcony stateroom to fully enjoy the stunning vistas. With moderate activity choices and time to relax onboard, this will make your first Alaskan cruise memorable and comfortable.

Best cruise ship departing Seattle for an Alaskan Cruise

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