Already did a road trip to Alaska. Should I do a cruise?

Question

We are a family of four. We did a road trip from Fairbanks to Denali to anchorage to Seward just last year. We have only been on a cruise once and want to get more such experiences. Will it be worth going on a cruise to Alaska Inside Passage given that we did take the day cruise from Seward to look at glaciers/ fjords when we went there? We did all the typical suggested sightseeing in Denali and Seward so nothing new to view there. But if the Inside passage views are similar, we can skip it. But I see folks going to Alaska 4- 5 times even! Worth going again?

Answer

Even though you’ve already done a road trip through Alaska and a day cruise from Seward, an Alaska Inside Passage cruise offers a very different experience compared to driving or a short fjord tour. The scenery, wildlife opportunities, and destinations can make a repeat visit worthwhile, especially for families looking to combine relaxation with adventure.

Here’s what to consider:

Extended Glacier and Fjord Viewing: Unlike the day cruise from Seward, Inside Passage cruises usually last several days and travel through numerous fjords, inlets, and passages that you likely didn’t see before. You’ll encounter more massive tidewater glaciers, some accessible only by boat, and get extended opportunities for scenic photography.
Wildlife Watching: Cruises often provide a better chance to see marine wildlife such as humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, seals, and bald eagles. These sightings are often less accessible from a car-based road trip.
New Ports of Call: Inside Passage cruises visit coastal towns like Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Skagway, offering cultural experiences, local food, and unique excursions that you may have missed on your prior land trip. Each port has its own character, history, and activities, from dog sled demonstrations to totem pole tours and rainforest hikes.

Some additional considerations when deciding:

Cruises offer a relaxing pace—you can enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving or planning routes.
Family-friendly activities onboard can add entertainment and comfort, such as pools, shows, and kid programs.
The timing of your visit matters—late spring and summer offer longer daylight, better wildlife viewing, and more glacier accessibility.
Even seasoned Alaska travelers often return multiple times because each cruise route provides different scenery, glaciers, and wildlife opportunities, and coastal towns offer a unique perspective compared to interior Alaska.

In summary, if your family enjoyed cruises and wants a different perspective of Alaska, an Inside Passage cruise is definitely worth it. While the mountains and glaciers might look similar to parts of your previous road trip, the combination of marine wildlife, coastal towns, and extended glacier viewing makes it a fresh experience. Many travelers, even those familiar with Alaska, find new surprises on each trip, which explains why repeat visits are common.

If you prefer variety, consider a cruise that includes ports or excursions you didn’t see on your last trip, perhaps focusing on Southeast Alaska rather than retracing your road trip routes.

Already did a road trip to Alaska. Should I do a cruise?

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