Alaska is one of those destinations that sounds incredible in theory but somehow still manages to exceed every expectation. I sailed the Inside Passage, and I can tell you without hesitation: if you've been on the fence about an Alaska cruise, get off the fence. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Alaska by Cruise Ship?
Alaska is massive — the largest state in the US by a wide margin. Trying to see it by car or even by air means spending most of your time in transit. A cruise solves this beautifully. You sleep while the ship moves, and you wake up in an entirely new port with new scenery, new wildlife, and new adventures waiting. Your floating hotel moves with you.
The Inside Passage — the waterway that runs along the coast of British Columbia and southeastern Alaska — is one of the most scenic stretches of water on the planet. Forested mountains rise straight from the water. Glaciers pour down toward the sea. Whales breach alongside the ship. Eagles circle overhead. It genuinely looks like a nature documentary, except you're in it.
"You sleep while the ship moves, and you wake up in an entirely new port. Your floating hotel moves with you."
The Glacier Experience
Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unforgettable stops on any Alaska cruise itinerary. When the ship enters the bay and slowly navigates toward the tidewater glaciers, time kind of stops. The water is filled with floating ice chunks in every size. The glacier itself is enormous — you can't fully comprehend the scale until you're standing there.
If you hear a deep crack followed by a thunderous splash, that's calving — a chunk of glacier breaking off into the water. It's one of those sounds you feel in your chest. I stood on that deck for hours.
Glacier Bay, Alaska — one of the most surreal views I've ever seen from a ship deck.
Top Ports on an Alaska Cruise
Juneau
Alaska's capital city is only accessible by sea or air — no roads connect it to the rest of the state. That alone makes it fascinating. From Juneau you can visit the Mendenhall Glacier (a short ride from downtown), go whale watching, take a floatplane tour over the ice fields, or simply wander the small but charming downtown. Don't skip the salmon chowder.
Skagway
A gold rush boomtown frozen in time. Skagway's historic downtown looks like a movie set, with wooden boardwalks and colorful storefronts that date back to the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush. The White Pass & Yukon Route railway is a bucket-list excursion — a narrow-gauge train that climbs through dramatic mountain scenery to the Canadian border.
Ketchikan
Known as the "salmon capital of the world," Ketchikan is colorful, rainy, and full of character. It has the largest collection of standing totem poles anywhere, and Creek Street — a historic boardwalk built over a waterway — is one of the most photogenic spots in Alaska. If you can, book a floatplane excursion to the Misty Fjords National Monument.
Victoria, BC (Bonus Port)
Many Alaska itineraries include an overnight stop in Victoria, British Columbia — and it's a lovely way to end the voyage. The city is walkable, elegant, and distinctly British, with afternoon tea, beautiful harbor views, and world-class gardens. A perfect wind-down before the journey home.
When booking an Alaska cruise, I always recommend choosing your cabin side carefully. Southbound itineraries typically offer better glacier views on the port (left) side of the ship. Northbound itineraries favor the starboard (right) side. Ask me when we book and I'll make sure you're on the right side of the ship for the scenery.
When to Go
Alaska cruise season runs from roughly May through September, with the sweet spot being late June through August. July offers the warmest temperatures (think 60s–70s°F in most ports) and the longest daylight hours — you'll experience nearly 18 hours of light in midsummer, which is absolutely wild. May and September offer fewer crowds and sometimes better wildlife sightings, though weather can be more unpredictable.
What to Pack
Alaska weather is notoriously layered. Even in July, mornings and evenings on deck can be genuinely cold. Here's what I'd recommend packing:
Layers are everything. A waterproof outer shell, a mid-layer fleece or puffer jacket, and base layers will serve you well in any conditions. Don't forget gloves and a warm hat — glacier bays are chilly regardless of the season. Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes are a must for port days, especially if you're planning excursions that involve uneven terrain.
I sailed Alaska on Carnival, but when it comes to recommending cruise lines, I work with all of them — and the best one for you really depends on your travel style, budget, and what you want from the experience. Princess Cruises and Holland America are longtime Alaska specialists with naturalist programs and glacier commentary. Norwegian offers more flexibility with its freestyle approach. Royal Caribbean brings the amenities and entertainment. I'll help you find your perfect fit — just ask.
Is It Worth It?
Yes. Without hesitation, yes. Alaska is one of those places that genuinely changes you a little. The scale of the wilderness, the quality of the light, the feeling of being very small in front of a very old glacier — it's hard to put into words until you're there. A cruise is the single best way to see it, and when you book through me, I'll make sure you have the right ship, the right cabin, the right excursions, and all the perks I can get you along the way.