Advice on Route please

Question

First off, thanks to everyone who posts and gives advice here- it's really helpful to many of us!

We are a family of 4 (ages 50-21) who have finally got the opportunity to do an Alaskan cruise. We are very confused as to what options are best for us considering we will only probably do this once in a lifetime. We would love to see the Northern lights if possible and the best glaciers.

Can anyone advise what is the best journey to do in terms of itinerary (Northbound, Southbound or return journey to Seattle). The return trip to Seattle seems to be the best option for us in terms of flights from South Africa but if the other options (and their ports) are much better in seeing the highlights of Alaska, we would do those.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks again

Answer

When planning an Alaskan cruise for a first-time, once-in-a-lifetime experience, choosing the right route and ports is key to maximizing your wildlife, glacier, and scenic experiences. Since your family is traveling from South Africa, flight logistics favor a cruise that returns to Seattle, but the overall highlights and timing may influence your decision.

Here’s a breakdown of cruise options and what each offers:

Northbound (Seattle to Alaska, ending in either Anchorage/Whittier or Seward): – Typically sails from Seattle or Vancouver north through the Inside Passage to Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay (if included), ending in Anchorage/Whittier. Pros include:

Glacier Bay National Park (if included on your itinerary) is usually seen on northbound cruises in the morning light.
Less backtracking – you see the coastal highlights as you move north.
Potentially calmer waters early in the season.

Southbound (Alaska to Seattle): – Begins in Anchorage/Whittier or Seward and heads south to the Inside Passage, ending in Seattle. Pros include:

Better morning light for viewing glaciers and wildlife along the Inside Passage.
Some travelers prefer the timing for whale sightings in late summer.
Southbound itineraries often include Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm/Fords Terror Fjord if the cruise line chooses to do scenic cruising early in the day.

Roundtrip Seattle/Vancouver: – Starts and ends in Seattle or Vancouver, with Alaska ports in between. Pros include:

Great flexibility with flights from South Africa and simpler logistics for your family.
Access to the full Inside Passage experience without needing separate travel to Anchorage.
Possibility of seeing similar highlights as northbound or southbound, though Glacier Bay may be included only on specific sailings.

Additional Considerations:

Glacier Viewing: Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier are the most dramatic. Check whether the itinerary includes them and at what time of day for best lighting.
Wildlife: Whale watching is generally best in the Inside Passage near Juneau and Haines. Bears and moose are more likely seen inland, requiring land tours after the cruise if you want to maximize wildlife viewing.
Northern Lights: The aurora is typically visible further north, and cruises during the summer months (May–August) do not offer much chance due to long daylight hours. For northern lights, a separate fall or winter trip to Fairbanks or Denali region is better.
Port Activities: Skagway offers historic gold rush tours and scenic railways; Ketchikan features rainforests and cultural centers; Juneau has Mendenhall Glacier and optional helicopter tours to nearby glaciers.

Recommendation: For your situation—first-time visitors, coming from South Africa, wanting the best Alaskan highlights and manageable logistics—the roundtrip Seattle cruise is highly recommended. It gives flexibility for flights, covers key Inside Passage ports, and often includes at least one major glacier and wildlife viewing options. If your priority is glaciers and fewer transfers, confirm the itinerary includes Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm scenic cruising.

Ultimately, check the exact ports, timing, and scenic cruising days for the specific sailings. The choice between northbound, southbound, or roundtrip should weigh flight convenience, which your family prefers, and the inclusion of scenic glacier viewing.

Advice on Route please

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