Which is the best cruise liners to travel to alaska

Question

I’m planning a trip to Alaska but I realised most of the cruise operator does not have voyage from Seattle to Alaska disembarkation . It’s usually round trip from Seattle and back to Seattle.

I plan to spend some time in Alaska but it not possible as the cruise fr Seattle is a round trip unless I take the Canada route to Alaska.

Since I don want to take the Canada route which is embarking from Canada and disembarking at Alaska:

Any other options or suggestion?

Also pls let me know which cruise operator is consider the best?

Thank you

Dee

Answer

Traveling to Alaska by cruise is a popular choice, but as you’ve noted, most itineraries from Seattle are round-trip. One-way cruises that start in Seattle and end in Alaska (or vice versa) are very rare. If you want to maximize your time in Alaska without taking the Canada route, you’ll need to combine a round-trip cruise with land travel or fly into Alaska separately.

Here are your main options:

Round-trip from Seattle: This is the most common choice. You can enjoy the scenic Inside Passage both ways, stop in Alaskan ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, and then disembark in Seattle. To extend your Alaska stay, consider flying or taking the Alaska Marine Highway ferry to explore more inland locations like Denali, Anchorage, or Fairbanks.
Fly to Alaska and take a cruise from there: Some cruises operate one-way segments starting in Alaska and returning to other ports, but they usually require flying back to Seattle or Anchorage. For example, small-ship cruises in Prince William Sound or the Kenai Peninsula can give a more intimate experience, though they often depart from Alaska rather than Seattle.
Land plus cruise combination: Fly into Anchorage or Juneau, do a land tour or Alaska Rail road trip, then take a shorter coastal cruise that allows you to see the glaciers and fjords. This avoids the need to do a round-trip from Seattle.

Regarding the best cruise operators for Alaska:

Princess Cruises: Often considered the standard for Alaska, with a variety of itineraries, good service, and opportunities for land + cruise packages.
Holland America: Known for excellent food, mid-size ships ideal for scenic cruising, and long-standing expertise in Alaska itineraries.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Offers flexible dining and entertainment options, good for families or travelers wanting a less formal cruise experience.
Celebrity Cruises: Focuses on higher-end experiences, modern ships, and a more luxurious ambiance for scenic and active travelers.
Royal Caribbean: Known for big ships with lots of onboard activities, though may feel less intimate for Alaska’s natural scenery.

Tips:

If you’re keen on exploring inland Alaska, consider booking a cruise that includes an optional land tour extension, often called “Cruise + Land” packages by Princess and Holland America.
Booking early is crucial for popular Alaska sailings in May–September.
Smaller ships often provide more personalized experiences, better wildlife viewing, and access to less crowded ports, though prices are higher.

In summary, there isn’t a Seattle-to-Alaska one-way cruise readily available, so the most practical approach is a round-trip from Seattle and then extending your Alaska adventure independently. Princess and Holland America are generally considered top choices for classic Alaska itineraries, while Celebrity and NCL are excellent alternatives depending on your preferences for luxury and onboard experience.

Which is the best cruise liners to travel to alaska

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