alaska cruise from seattle march 2023

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Alaska cruise from Seattle in March 2023

Embark on an unforgettable Alaskan cruise adventure departing from Seattle in March 2023. Seattle is a vibrant city nestled in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and a bustling cultural scene. As a major port city, Seattle is a popular starting point for cruises to Alaska and beyond. March marks the start of spring in Alaska, with longer days and a gradual increase in temperatures. While it may not be the warmest time to visit, March can offer unique experiences and a chance to witness the seasonal changes. With an average temperature ranging from 15-35°F (-9-2°C), visitors can expect chilly weather conditions and occasional snowfall. Choose from a range of popular cruise lines, such as American Cruise Lines , and explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Alaska on a cruise from Seattle in March 2023.

Explore Alaska's Wilderness on a March 2023 Cruise from Seattle

One of the main highlights of an Alaskan cruise in March is the opportunity to witness the transition from winter to spring. Visitors can see the snow starting to melt and the landscapes slowly transforming into a lush and green environment. They can also witness the northern lights, which can still be visible during the earlier parts of the month. March is also an excellent time to spot wildlife, as many animals are starting to come out of hibernation or preparing for migration. Visitors can go on a guided tour to see bald eagles, harbor seals, and other animals in their natural habitat.

While outdoor activities may still be limited during this time, visitors can enjoy the charming small towns and learn about the local history and culture. They can also indulge in warm and comforting cuisine, such as fresh seafood and hearty stews. It is important to note that some attractions and activities may be closed or limited during this time, and weather conditions can still be unpredictable. Visitors should come prepared with warm clothing, waterproof boots, and be flexible with their itinerary.

Seattle port Alaska Cruise Schedule March 2023

Embark on a breathtaking adventure with an Alaskan cruise departing from Seattle in March 2023. Journey through pristine wilderness filled with glimmering glaciers, towering mountains, lush forests, rare wildlife, and charming waterfront communities. Discover a range of available cruises departing from Seattle in March 2023, and easily compare options to find your perfect itinerary.

7-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

American spirit, american cruise lines.

Date: March 11, 2023

Ports of Call: Seattle, Anacortes, San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor, Victoria, Port Townsend, Poulsbo, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: March 18, 2023

Date: March 25, 2023

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The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler

What are the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle ? It depends on what kind of traveler you are.

If you're a parent traveling with teens and tweens, you'll probably want to pick a voyage on one of the big, family activity-filled cruise ships operated by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line that sail out of Seattle each summer.

If you're looking to get away from families with young children — maybe you're a retiree looking to travel with people your own age — you'd want to check out the itineraries operated by cruise lines that cater more to couples without kids, most notably Holland America and Princess Cruises.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Other cruises might be best for solo travelers or travelers on a tight budget.

Here we list our top picks for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for six different types of travelers.

Best for families: Ovation of the Seas

It isn't easy picking the best Alaska cruise out of Seattle for families. There are four world-class family-focused cruise ships in the market, each of which is a contender for the best for families title: Royal Caribbean 's Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.

All four ships are loaded with all sorts of gee-whiz family attractions, from bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators on the Royal Caribbean vessels to go-kart tracks and laser tag courses on the Norwegian ships.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean ships, the Norwegian ships also have epic waterslides on their top decks, which in theory, might put them over the top in any listing of the best cruise ships for families based in Seattle.

However, keep in mind that Alaska can be chilly, even at the height of summer, and rainy, too. For that reason, we discount the value of some of the family-friendly attractions on the Norwegian ships, which are open to the elements, and consider the Royal Caribbean ships the best of the bunch for Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Both of the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska from Seattle are loaded with attractions that are protected from the elements, including those bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators. In fact, both Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas were specifically built to operate in areas of inclement weather.

Of the two ships, which are nearly identical and part of the relatively new Quantum class of vessels, we give the 4,180-passenger Ovation of the Seas the nod for best Alaska family cruise ship sailing from Seattle only because it's a couple of years newer. Newer is almost always better in the cruise world.

Related: The 6 types of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

A cavernous indoor activity area on each of the two Quantum-class ships called the SeaPlex is home to the aforementioned bumper cars, as well as such family-friendly activities as roller skating, basketball and even trapeze lessons. The two-level complex also has upstairs nooks for playing Xbox, ping pong and foosball. It's like one big play zone for families that will keep your kids busy for hours.

Each of the ships also offers one of the most unusual attractions you'll find at sea: A glass-enclosed capsule mounted on a mechanical arm that will take you and your family soaring into the sky for bird's-eye views. It's called the North Star ride.

All the above come in addition to many of the core Royal Caribbean attractions you'll find on most of the brand's ships, including pools, rock climbing walls, casinos, spas and Broadway-style shows, plus lots of eateries and bars.

Related: The 9 craziest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Of particular note, given Alaska's weather, is that one of the two main pool areas on each of these Quantum-class ships is enclosed.

Best for budget travelers: Eurodam

Our pick for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers may come as a surprise to many cruise aficionados. That's because it's not the Alaska voyages from Seattle offered by the North American cruise line best known for budget sailings — Carnival Cruise Line .

Carnival does offer cruises to Alaska from Seattle regularly with two ships: Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa. However, while Carnival is the low-cost leader in many cruise destinations, that's not always the case in the market for Alaska cruises from Seattle. Often, the lowest starting prices you'll find on cruises to Alaska from Seattle, on both an absolute and per-day basis, are the cruises offered by Holland America .

For the coming year, for instance, as of this guide's posting, there were lots of Holland America sailings to Alaska from Seattle available for under $750 per person for seven nights — some as low as $429 per person for seven nights.

There were very few Carnival sailings available for under $750 per person, with most Carnival sailings starting around $800 per person or more for seven nights.

We suspect the lower starting prices for Holland America ships as compared to Carnival ships on Alaska sailings out of Seattle is because Alaska cruises from Seattle are round-trip voyages. Many Holland America fans who cruise to Alaska choose a one-way voyage to or from the state that lets them add extra days for touring in Alaska at the start or end of the voyage. Such one-way voyages only are available out of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Holland America — the longtime leader in Alaska cruises, along with its sister company Princess Cruises — is particularly known for "cruisetours" to Alaska that combine a one-way cruise to or from the state with multiple days touring Alaska by motorcoach and train.

Holland America bases two ships in Seattle for cruises to Alaska: the 2,104-passenger Eurodam and 1,964-passenger Westerdam. Starting prices for both are relatively similar, but we give the nod for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers to Eurodam as it's a somewhat newer vessel.

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Encore

No luxury-focused cruise ships sail to Alaska out of Seattle. Still, you can get a variation on a luxury cruise experience on a voyage to Alaska from Seattle on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Encore.

Yes, the 3,998-passenger Norwegian Encore is a cruise ship that generally caters to the masses, not the luxury crowd. However, it has its own "ship-within-a-ship" luxury zone that offers a much more swanky experience for those willing to pay.

At the top front of the vessel, this private enclave, called The Haven, is home to dozens of upscale suites; a sprawling, two-deck-high pool area; a private lounge and bar; and a private restaurant. Only the deep-pocketed swells who can afford one of the suites get exclusive access to these areas.

The pool area, a true stunner, comes with comfortable padded loungers, a pool and whirlpools. Its retractable glass roof is perfect for cruises to Alaska when the weather is iffy. Guests can enjoy the deck, rain or shine.

If living large is your goal, you're not going to find anything better than this — other than with a cruise on a similar Norwegian vessel that also cruises to Alaska from Seattle. Norwegian Bliss, also based in Washington during the summer, is part of the same Norwegian Breakaway-Plus class of vessels and has a similar Haven enclave.

Related: How to turn a mass-market cruise into a luxury experience

Why did we pick Norwegian Encore over Norwegian Bliss as the ship offering the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for luxury lovers? Built a year after Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore offers one big improvement for the upscale crowd as compared to Norwegian Bliss.

On Norwegian Encore, there's a much bigger version of the exclusive, extra-charge Vibe Beach Club sunning area that's on Norwegian Bliss. Home to a full-service bar, cabanas and two hot tubs, the version of the Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Encore sprawls across both sides of the ship (instead of just one side on Norwegian Bliss) and extends upward to a partial deck above. It's just $99 or more per day to get in.

It's yet one more stylish and upscale area for cruisers looking for an upgraded experience to retreat.

Note that there is one other option for upscale Alaska cruises out of Seattle: A voyage on Oceania Cruises ' 684-passenger Regatta. While Oceania isn't considered a luxury line on the level of Silversea Cruises or Seabourn Cruise Line , it has an elegant feel. That said, given the ship's age (it dates to 1998) and limited venues, we're still in the camp that favors a Haven stay on a Norwegian ship.

Best for solo travelers: Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss are also our top picks for ships operating the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for solo travelers. Between these two, it's a tossup, though we put Norwegian Bliss in the headline above since, well, we already gave Norwegian Encore a turn in the limelight with the best-for-luxury category.

Notably, both Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore boast large private zones for solo travelers — something you won't find on any other cruise ship sailing out of Seattle. It's a hallmark of Norwegian's newest and biggest ships.

On each of the ships, the "studio" zones, as Norwegian calls them, are made up of 82 special solo cabins and a private Studio Lounge where solos can gather for happy hours and other events. Only the studio zone on Norwegian's 2010-built Norwegian Epic is bigger.

Passengers staying in solo cabins get exclusive access to the Studio Lounge (using their keycards), meaning a maximum of 82 people will share the space.

A special zone for solo travelers is a rare concept in the cruise world, where almost all rooms for vacationers are designed for two people and sold with per-person fares that are based on two people occupying the room.

The solo cabins in the studio zones are small (measuring 100 square feet) but are superbly designed to maximize storage space (something I learned firsthand staying in one on Norwegian Epic).

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

Solo passengers on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss will also find a sometimes rollicking bar scene, with plenty of counter-style seating in bars that are a great place to meet other solo travelers and friendly guests. We recommend the Sugarcane Mojito Bar on Norwegian Bliss. There, the bartender will muddle your mojitos with raspberry, guava, passion fruit or even jalapeno pepper to spice things up when you're sitting with your new solo friends.

One warning if you're considering booking one of the solo cabins: They've become so popular that they often sell out far in advance and at prices that aren't much better than booking a cabin for two.

Best for multigenerational travel: Discovery Princess

Looking for the best Alaska cruise from Seattle if you're bringing three generations of your family along for the ride? We can think of nothing better than a voyage on one of the two Princess Cruises ships that sail out of the city, the 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess and 3,560-passenger Royal Princess.

Both ships are almost identical, but we give Discovery Princess the edge only because it's newer than Royal Princess. The two vessels were built in 2022 and 2013, respectively.

Princess has long been heralded as one of the best cruise lines for multigenerational travel, in part because its ships offer a little something for travelers of all ages.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships mentioned above, the two Princess ships sailing from Seattle don't have top decks heavily skewed to family fun. Instead, their top decks offer lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas where you can enjoy the experience of being at sea without much hustle and bustle.

That makes these ships more appealing to an older demographic that doesn't necessarily want to be on a vessel that's loaded to the gills with children's fun zones and the younger family travelers drawn to that. Notably, the average age of Princess passengers is around 57, and you'll usually see many couples on board in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

Still, unlike some lines that cater to an older crowd, Princess doesn't ignore the children's market. Both Discovery Princess and Royal Princess offer an extensive children's program that gets high marks from parents, with dedicated Discovery Channel-themed Camp Discovery areas where counselors supervise free activities daily for children ages 3 to 17.

When sailing to Alaska, these ships also offer other kid-friendly events, such as Puppies on Princess, when dog mushers and their newest sled dogs come on board for meet-and-greets (and photos!). In partnership with the Discovery Channel and Glacier Bay National Park, the line also adds such kid-friendly fun during Alaska sailings as a Junior Ranger Program, totem pole decorating and a "Deadliest Catch-"themed crab sorting challenge.

In addition, an onboard Klondike Festival brings added family entertainment, including gold nugget arts and crafts projects, a naturalist exhibition, harmonica music classes and North to Alaska dance performances.

In short, Princess provides an Alaska product specifically designed to appeal to a wide age range. It's the line you take if you want an affordable ship that'll appeal to your 70-year-old parents as much as your 12-year-old kid.

Best for retirees: Westerdam

The best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for retirees, in our view, are the sailings offered by Holland America on both the 1,964-passenger Westerdam and 2,104-passenger Eurodam. We give Westerdam the slight edge for reasons we will explain below.

While Holland America draws some families with younger children, the passengers on its ships skew heavily toward middle-aged and older travelers, including many retirees. If you're nearing or already have hit retirement age and prefer to travel mostly with people who are at a similar stage in life as you, you'll feel right at home on a Holland America ship.

The top decks of Holland America vessels, notably, lack many of the kid-focused attractions found on the top decks of more family-focused ships operated by the likes of Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. That often keeps families with younger kids from booking the ships.

What you will find on the top decks of both Eurodam and Westerdam are more serene sunning areas with pools and whirlpools. Depending on your travel style, that might be all you need.

Related: The best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Both Eurodam and Westerdam mostly sail seven-night trips to Alaska out of Seattle. However, for 2024, Westerdam has added an epic new 28-night Alaska itinerary out of Seattle that will include calls in remote areas that most cruise ships never visit. The new itinerary is one reason we give Westerdam the edge among ships when rating the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for seniors.

It's the sort of itinerary that specifically appeals to retirees with the time (and money) to book such a long trip.

Westerdam is also a slightly smaller ship than Eurodam, and as a result, its demographics on any given sailing are more likely to skew toward a retired crowd. To the extent that families with younger kids book Holland America ships, they are more likely to book one of its larger vessels.

In addition to Eurodam and Rotterdam, two other good choices for retirees considering Alaska cruises out of Seattle are the two Princess ships that sail on such itineraries: Royal Princess and Discovery Princess. Like the Holland America ships, they aren't loaded with kid-focused attractions that draw families.

Bottom line

Nearly a dozen major cruise ships operate Alaska cruises out of Seattle during the summer months, giving cruisers plenty of choice.

What is the best Alaska cruise from Seattle for you? That'll depend on your personal interests and travel style because there are cruises from Seattle that appeal to everyone, including family travelers, budget travelers and retirees.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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An Expert's Guide to Booking the Perfect Alaska Cruise in 2023

By Scott Laird

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Alaska has been a popular cruise destination for decades, and the industry has continued a trajectory of growth. Each summer season there seems to be another cruise line sailing Alaskan waters, while the longtime incumbents are relentless in their addition of new itineraries, amenities, and excursions. 

What looks like an endless buffet of choice can lead to analysis paralysis for many first-time Alaska visitors—even if they’re veteran cruisers who have already figured out big questions like their preferred cruise line or favorite ship class. 

Here are five questions to consider in order to find the best Alaska cruise for you.

When is The Best Time to Book?

Alaska is a popular destination for multi-generational groups . Any large group booking multiple cabins or needing more than a pair of spots on shore excursions should start thinking about booking Alaska cruises about a year in advance to secure the best availability for their group size. So too should travelers who have specific non-negotiables on things like stateroom category, ship, or itinerary. 

However, that doesn’t mean that last-minute bookers are out of luck. While popular itineraries and cabin categories have a tendency to sell out early (balcony accommodations are particularly sought after for scenic Inside Passage cruising), there’s still often enough inventory left for cruise lines to offer enticing deals for the summer during the “wave” booking season from January through March. They’ll even offer last-minute specials right up until the time of sailing, but selection will be limited and the most popular shore excursions will have long wait lists. 

Cruise lines offer enticing deals for the summer during “wave" season from January through March. 

Is it better to cruise one-way or roundtrip? 

Like almost any choice one makes when booking a cruise, it all comes down to personal taste. Roundtrip cruises offer the convenience of embarking and disembarking at the same port (typically Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco), but itineraries are generally limited to Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage. 

Visitors wanting to see Alaska’s Interior, Fairbanks, and Denali National Park , should book a one-way cruise to or from Anchorage (which is served by the cruise ports at Whittier and Seward) for land-based touring either before or after their Inside Passage cruise. Many cruise lines, including Holland America Line , Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity offer fully packaged “Cruisetours” that combine a one-way Inside Passage cruise with a rail or motor coach itinerary mainly focused on Denali, but also offering journeys to other parts of Southcentral Alaska.

Is Seward or Whittier a better port for Anchorage? 

Each cruise line has their preferred port—Holland America Line and Princess Cruises berth at Whittier. Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas—currently berthing at Seward—will move operations to Whittier upon completion of berths currently under construction. Most other one-way cruises berth in Seward.

Whittier is closer to Anchorage, and some itineraries even take disembarking passengers directly to Denali or Talkeetna the same day. Whittier is also a convenient port for cruising College Fjord, which most northbound sailings do on the final day before arriving in Whittier. Whittier is, however, a tiny community that is little more than a deep-water port, while Seward is a larger community and regional base for a more diverse collection of tours and activities.

Seward is farther from Anchorage, but the train or coach ride is roughly an extra hour of travel through a spectacular mountain pass on the Kenai Peninsula, then the lines merge near Whittier and the last hour of the journey is the same, hugging the Chugach Mountains alongside Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage. 

It’s worth noting that shoreside transportation outside of cruise line-operated transfers can be more limited in Whittier, so passengers embarking there may wish to ensure they include transfers from Anchorage in their cruise package. From Seward, travelers wanting to spend a few days exploring Kenai Fjords National Park or one of the wilderness lodges can book Alaska Railroad transfers on their regular scheduled service.

I've been to Alaska before—how can I cruise differently? 

Cruisers who are veterans at Inside Passage itineraries on the big ships have really only seen a preview of the nooks and crannies of the region. Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises operates small-ship sailings from Sitka, getting into the straits and narrows that the big ships won’t fit, and oftentimes determining itineraries by reports of sea life migrations and weather conditions.

Return visitors who still want that big ship experience might try a different category of cruise line. The major operators—Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, are all premium-tier cruise lines, but the luxury cruise lines have also deployed ships to Alaskan waters. 

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is operating roundtrip Vancouver sailings, bringing onboard topflight lecturers ranging from adventure traveler Bear Grylls to undersea archaeologist Mensun Bound on select voyages. On every voyage, guests will find guides from Alaska Native Voices, sharing the cultural history and lore of the local Huna people to  Sit’ Eeti Gheeyi  (Glacier Bay National Park), and guest speakers from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

Jessica Puckett

Caitlin Morton

Olivia Morelli

Silversea has “Door-to-Door” pricing on many of its Alaska cruises , meaning the cruise fare includes airfare, hotels, and all transfers—including transfers from home to the departure airport. Onboard the all-suite ships, there’s butler service in every suite, fine dining, and select shore excursions included. The largest Silversea ship sailing to Alaska also carries just under 600 guests, allowing for port calls at lesser-visited stops like Wrangell, Haines, and Valdez.

Are there less-crowded alternatives?

Hurtigruten, the Norwegian expedition cruise line, offers sailings between Vancouver and Nome , hitting not only the lesser-visited spots on the Inside Passage, but also the virtually untouristed and volcano-dotted Alaska Peninsula, where guests can spot Brown Bears in Katmai National Park, go bird-watching in St. Paul Island and uninhabited St. Matthew Island in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, and explore the eerie ghost town of Unga.

Closer afield, but no less secluded is the Prince William Sound Explorer from Uncruise, where guests will depart Whittier and wake up among the glaciers of little-visited Icy Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. Much of the itinerary is “Captain’s choice” based on conditions and sealife movements, but the massive Columbia and Meares glaciers and the Sound communities of Cordova and Valdez—also off the big ship routes—hold prized spots on the itinerary. 

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Home » Ports of Call » Alaska » Our Top Picks for the Best Alaska Cruises From Seattle

Our Top Picks for the Best Alaska Cruises From Seattle

If you are looking to take an Alaska cruise from Seattle, we have you covered with our picks for top cruise ships and other FAQs.

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You don’t have to venture far from home for the journey of a lifetime. In fact, some of the very best Alaska cruises depart from the Emerald City of Seattle.

This guide will answer all your questions about an Alaska cruise from Seattle, including your docking location, where the ship visits, which cruise lines are available to book, and how much they might cost.

Browse the top cruise ships sailing Alaska ranked by categories like “best for kids” and “best for couples.” This will help narrow down which Alaska cruise sailing from the Pacific Northwest is the best fit for you and your family.

EXCLUSIVE RATES: Score Savings on Alaska Cruises from Seattle Now!

Want to Take an Alaska Cruise From Seattle? Here are the Top Cruise Picks

Which cruise lines sail from seattle to alaska.

Every summer, several cruise lines reposition to Seattle for the Alaska cruise season (April through October). These include ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises, as well as Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Royal Caribbean, among others. 

How long is a cruise from Seattle to Alaska?

It takes about a day and a half to reach ports in Alaska from Seattle, Washington. So, if you depart on a Sunday evening, you will arrive in Juneau or Ketchikan by Tuesday morning.

Most Alaska cruises sailing the Inside Passage from Seattle are a week long and sail round trip, meaning they also disembark back in Seattle. However, you can also find and book cruises from Seattle that spend nine to 11 nights traversing the Last Frontier. Short on time? Princess Cruises even offers a four-night Alaska sampler from Seattle to Vancouver.

Where does an Alaska cruise from Seattle go?

Ports of call vary based on itinerary but expect a weeklong Alaska cruise from Seattle to visit at least three ports along the Inside Passage of Alaska, as well as a port of call in Canada. The most common Alaskan cruise ports are Juneau , Ketchikan , and Skagway , followed by Sitka . Most cruise lines also call on the charming city of Victoria , British Columbia before returning to Seattle.

Alaska cruises also include scenic sailing days, which almost always feature glacier viewing as part of your cruise program. Common locations include Glacier Bay, the Hubbard Glacier , Endicott Arm, Tracy Arm Fjord, or the Dawes Glacier.

Where do cruise ships dock in Seattle for Alaska cruises?

The Port of Seattle is in an ideal location along the Elliot Bay and nearby major attractions like Pike Place Market and the Seattle Great Wheel. There are two main cruise terminals at the port, located just a few miles from one another.

The Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 (2225 Alaskan Way South) is the dedicated terminal for Norwegian Cruise Line as well as sister brand Oceania Cruises. Most other cruise lines will dock at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (2001 West Garfield Street).

How much does an Alaska cruise from Seattle cost?

There are many factors that affect pricing for an Alaska cruise . These include but are not limited to the type of room you book, the dates of the sailing , and the age of the ship.

You can find an Alaska cruise on a newer vessel for less than $75 per person, per night, but you will be booked in an inside cabin without windows and at the very end of the season when the weather might not be as pleasant.

Or, maybe you’ll find a last-minute deal on an upcoming Alaska cruise in May for less than $100 per person, per night, though these are rare as many Alaska cruises fully book in advance.

Alaska is not the time to be thrifty. Booking a balcony cabin allows for better nature viewing during scenic sailing days. While weather can be unpredictable in Alaska year-round, the warmer months of summer (June, July, and August) do typically fare better for salmon fishing and bear viewing.

Expect to pay a few thousand dollars for two people in a balcony cabin onboard a newer ship on a weeklong sailing in late May. As an example, there is a balcony stateroom for sale on a seven-night sailing aboard Discovery Princess (built 2021) departing May 21, 2023 for $1,362 per person including taxes and fees.

Who should take an Alaska cruise From Seattle?

Sailing from the West Coast is of course the most convenient for residents of Washington, Oregon, and California (even Idaho and Nevada aren’t too far). But roundtrip sailings from the U.S. are very beneficial to anyone without a passport .

While a passport is always an incredible tool to have at your disposal (and don’t get left behind in Canada), it’s not required for “closed loop” sailings that begin and end in a U.S. port. If a cruise were to begin or end in Vancouver, for example, passengers would then need a passport to travel. Luckily for any U.S. citizens sailing from and back to Seattle, this is not required.

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Best Cruise Ships from Seattle to Alaska

Best for kids: norwegian encore.

Zoom around the Speedway high above Alaska’s glacial blue waters, play a game of laser tag, or duck into Galaxy Pavilion, the ultimate VR arcade. Norwegian’s final Breakaway Plus Class vessel is literally a children’s playground.

Beyond the impressive kid and teens clubs, the 3,998-passenger Encore has plenty of family-friendly spaces that make it accommodating and welcoming. Hop down Ocean Loops, the waterslide with your kids, then celebrate with milkshakes in a Cadillac-style booth at the indoor/outdoor American Diner.

Best for couples: Celebrity Solstice

Not too small to be boring but not too oversized to be overwhelming, Celebrity has nailed what it feels like to unwind at a resort atop the sea.

The 2,800-passenger Solstice is no exception, with romantic tables for two at Tuscan Grille or an afternoon of bonding at a mixology class. The Canyon Ranch Spa is where you can book your couple’s massage before heading up to the real grass lawn on the top sun deck for a jazz ensemble under the stars.

Best for multi-gen families: Royal Princess

Princess Cruises is an expert in Alaska, and it shows with onboard programming that appeals to young and old. Enrichment is enhanced by a winning partnership with Discovery, which extends from themed shore excursions to kids’ programs learning about Alaska’s wildlife.

The 3,560-passenger ship seamlessly blends relaxing spaces like the International Café in the Piazza with new technology called OceanMedallion that allows your little ones to have their own onboard avatars. The line’s newest ship, Discovery Princess , also sails to Alaska from Seattle.

Best on a budget: Carnival Luminosa

Carnival sails a more limited run of itineraries through Alaska, but its recently acquired 2,826-passenger ship will sail families to the 49 th State from Seattle.

Carnival is known for providing tons of value, and its weeklong cruises onboard Luminosa as well as Carnival Spirit are available from less than $1,000 per person, including all taxes and fees. Additionally, there are tons of included dining options, from a deli and pizza to sushi and barbecue.

Best enrichment: Holland America’s Eurodam

Long masters of the Alaskan cruisetour, Holland America knows its way around this great state. Onboard the midsize 2,104-passenger Eurodam, guests can enjoy an ambiance that nods to traditional Dutch roots and take part in cooking demos at America’s Test Kitchen or classical music concerts at Lincoln Center Stage.

HAL’s shore excursion offerings are robust, while back onboard expect special menus in the main dining room to reflect Alaskan fare. You can even order a beer from local brewer Denali Brewing in select bars.

Best small ship: Oceania’s Regatta

The 694-passenger Regatta plies the waters of Alaska in class and style with a country club atmosphere and a majority of balcony staterooms. Inclusions of this premium line span specialty dining and espresso drinks.

Regatta was completely refurbished bow to stern in 2019, with new teak decks, plush furnishing, and reinvented suites. Oceania has the ability to call on smaller ports, like Wrangell, Alaska.

A weeklong experience onboard in Alaska —round trip from Seattle — carries a price tag of just $1,699 per person for one of its few inside cabins.

Best large ship: Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas

The bells and whistles have landed in Alaska with Royal Caribbean’s behemoth Ovation of the Seas . This 4,905-passenger cruise ship boasts a skydiving experience, robotic bar, and a two-deck theater for Broadway-style production shows.

Climb a rock wall, dive into a pool, or ascend over the side of the ship in a panoramic glass capsule called the North Star, which raises 300 feet above sea level for 360-degree views of your Alaska cruise. There is so much to do — indoors and outdoors — that you can take full advantage of the fresh air or hide out in the casino, shops, or one of the ship’s many bars and lounges.

Score Discounted Alaska Cruises from Seattle!

Have you taken an Alaska cruise from Seattle? What’s your favorite ship sailing to Alaska from this U.S. homeport? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences cruising from Seattle to Alaska.

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DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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2023 Alaska Cruises

Our 2023 season in Alaska continues to excite world travelers with iconic experiences found only in The Last Frontier. The rugged beauty of this untouched wilderness sets the stage for every unforgettable moment. From up-close, breathtaking views of glaciers—you just can’t imagine how majestic they are until you’re right beside one—to the native wildlife, including whales, bears, bald eagles, and moose (just to name a few). This corner of the world not only offers stunning natural beauty, but there’s so much to learn about the history and cultures of Alaska—from the native people who’ve lived here for centuries to the more recent gold rush days that brought adventurers and fortune seekers to the wilds of Alaska.

Returning to Alaska for our 2023 season is the revolutionized ship Celebrity Millennium®, and two of our Solstice Series® ships, Celebrity Solstice® and Celebrity Eclipse®. These award-winning ships set sail from Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward and offer a wide variety of 7-night itineraries that visit incredible places, including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka. No matter which sailing you choose, you’ll sail the ever-popular Inside Passage—one of the most popular experiences on any Alaska vacation—as well as visiting Hubbard Glacier or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Want an even more in-depth exploration of Alaska? Choose an immersive Cruisetour that combines the best of the coastline on a 7-night cruise along with an exciting land tour that takes you deep into the heart of the wilderness. Ride trains, boats, deluxe motorcoaches, and possibly even planes to get deeper into the wilderness. Stay in the finest lodges and savor local flavors along the way. These land and sea vacations introduce you to everything this region has to offer for exciting and unforgettable adventures. Our 2023 Alaska sailings are open for booking now. No matter which cruise or Cruisetour you choose, you’ll discover the majesty of The Last Frontier is more impressive than you ever imagined.

Departure Ports

Seward, Alaska

Vancouver, British Colombia

Seattle, Washington

Itineraries

Ships visiting alaska.

Celebrity Eclipse

Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Millennium

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Victoria, British Columbia

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

Hubbard Glacier

Alaska Cruisetours

On an Alaska Cruisetour, you’ll make your way through the breathtaking wilderness to Denali National Park aboard our glass-domed train that offers incredible views along the way. On your journey, you and your dedicated Tour Director may visit some of the most popular towns in Alaska, including Talkeetna, Alyeska, and the city of Fairbanks—with plenty of time to discover the distinctive history and personality of each place. As you make your way through the wilderness, you’ll stay in cozy lodges and savor the authentic flavors of Alaska. On both your cruise and land tour, you’ll have the opportunity to experience excursions that will have you watching for whales, hiking Denali National Park, mushing sled dogs, and even trekking a glacier

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The Alaska Cruise & Travel Show

Seattle, wa: march 16, 2024, vancouver, bc: march 23, 2024.

Discover an unparalleled Alaska experience with more sailings to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, and more access to Alaska wildlife than with any other cruise line.

Plus, enjoy complimentary Alaska recipes and pan for gold. Learn about our Professional Pickleball Association partnership, meet local Alaskans and see an axe-throwing demo like you can on our exclusive Yukon and Denali itineraries.

Join Us in Seattle, Washington

Registration Closed

Join us in Vancouver, BC

Date:  Saturday, March 23, 2024 Time:  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Location:  Vancouver Convention Centre, East Ballroom 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3T4 Cost:  FREE

Register For a Chance to Win & A Special Event Promotion

You could win 1 of 6 $500 Holland America Line Gift Cards, or the grand prize: an Alaska Cruise for Two!

Things to Do at the Alaska Travel Show

The Great Land comes to life at the Alaska Cruise & Travel Show. Play the video below to learn more about our free event.

Highlights of Previous Alaska Travel Shows

Alaska Summer Job Fair

Calendar of events, seattle travel show, scheduled presenters.

List of Alaska Travel Show exhibitors throughout the day.

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ALASKA CRUISE & TRAVEL SHOW SWEEPSTAKES ABBREVIATED RULES

MARCH 16, 2024

SEATTLE, WA

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THE SWEEPSTAKES. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States (excluding FL & NY) and D.C., age 21 or over. Void where prohibited. Entry period begins at 12:01 a.m. PT on 01/12/24 and ends the earlier of 3:30 p.m. PT on 03/16/24 or when the Holland America Line Alaska Cruise and Travel Show event capacity is reached, whichever occurs first. Entry method requires two steps in connection with the event (registration and verified attendance, via check in, at the event). Prizes (7 total) – Six first place prizes each receiving a $500 USD Holland America Line gift card and one grand prize consisting of a Holland America Line 7-Day Alaska cruise, departing from either Seattle, WA, or Vancouver, B.C. for winner and one guest, sailing in May, June, August or September 2024 (approx. retail value of cruise prize (“ARV”): $3,732 USD/ $ 4983 CAD inclusive of taxes, fees & port expenses). Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received at the time of drawing. Employees of Sponsor or its subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, advertising and promotion agencies, and such employees’ relatives and household members, are not eligible to enter or win. Personal information collected in connection with this Sweepstakes will be processed under the terms of the privacy policy at https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/legal-privacy/privacy-policy . For complete official rules: Alaska Travel Show Offical Rules - Seattle, March 16, 2024 (PDF) . Sponsor: Holland America Line N.V., Seattle, WA, USA.

MARCH 23, 2024

VANCOUVER, BC

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THE SWEEPSTAKES. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States (excluding FL & NY) and D.C., and Canada (excluding Quebec), age 21 or over. Void where prohibited. Entry period begins at 12:01 a.m. PT on 01/12/24 and ends the earlier of 4:00 p.m. PT on 3/23/24 or when the Holland America Line Alaska Cruise and Travel Show event capacity is reached, whichever occurs first. Entry method requires two steps in connection with the event (registration and verified attendance, via check in, at the event). Prizes (7 total) – Six first place prizes each receiving a $500 USD Holland America Line gift card and one grand prize consisting of a Holland America Line 7-Day Alaska cruise, departing from either Seattle, WA, or Vancouver, B.C. for winner and one guest, sailing in May, June, August or September 2024 (approx. retail value of cruise prize (“ARV”): $3,732 USD/ $ 4983 CAD inclusive of taxes, fees & port expenses). Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received at the time of the drawing. Employees of Sponsor or its subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, advertising and promotion agencies, and such employees’ relatives and household members, are not eligible to enter or win. Personal information collected in connection with this Sweepstakes will be processed under the terms of the privacy policy at https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/legal-privacy/privacy-policy . For complete official rules: Alaska Travel Show Offical Rules - Vancouver, March 23, 2024 (PDF) . Sponsor: Holland America Line N.V., Seattle, WA, USA.

Alaska Cruises

The great land awaits – set sail with princess, the #1 alaska cruise line.

Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries and connect with loved ones, locals and Alaska's wilderness with Princess®.

Learn more about excursions that match your interests with this curated list!

*More guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line

Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours

Alaska Cruisetours

See denali on an alaska cruisetour.

Alaska cruisetours combine our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to ten nights on land exploring Denali National Park. Travel aboard our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® train and unwind at Princess Wilderness Lodges®. Every year Princess introduces more people to Denali National Park than any other cruise line.

Find Cruisetours

Learn more about Alaska Cruisetours

Voyage of the Glaciers

Twice the glaciers.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Find Cruises

Learn more about Voyage of the Glaciers

Inside Passage Roundtrip Seattle

7-day alaska cruises.

Sail the Inside Passage, a series of channels and waterways formed by the march of glaciers, on your 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. With an abundance of landmarks and wildlife, take in the sights and sounds of the Inside Passage from the comfort of your ship or on a thrilling excursion ashore. Explore fjords, glaciers and Gold Rush-era towns on weekend voyages out of Seattle.

Learn more about cruises from Seattle

Inside Passage Roundtrip San Francisco

10 or 11-day alaska cruises.

Travel the Inside Passage on 10 or 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures. Begin by sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast. As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people.

Learn more about cruises from San Francisco

Inside Passage Roundtrip Vancouver

Alaska cruises that inspire.

Feed your hunger for adventure on a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver, B.C. Wind your way through fjords, by bright-green forests and through quaint Gold Rush-era towns on your way to the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park. Then experience age-old traditions with the locals.

Learn more about cruises from Vancouver

Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure

14-day alaska cruises.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our back-to-back Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend 14 days roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy three glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord.

NEW Alaska Long Voyages

New for 2025, we have crafted longer adventures at sea with a 22-day roundtrip voyage sailing from San Francisco that coincides with Summer Solstice and a 17-day roundtrip cruise from Seattle, featuring three days of scenic glacier viewing as well as charming ports like Wrangell and Valdez. For those voyagers seeking to sail from Southern California all the way up the Pacific coast to Alaska, try a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles.

View Cruises

2025 Alaska New Cruise & Cruisetour Itineraries. Learn more

With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska Cruise Experience

Alaska Glaciers

One of the biggest reasons people visit.

Glaciers feel alive. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Learn more about Alaska Glaciers

Alaska Wildlife

Untamed, just like alaska.

Alaska is home to a rich array of wildlife, from the famous Big Five animals that live in Denali National Park — grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou — to bald eagles and humpback whales that migrate through the Inside Passage. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.

Learn more about Alaska Wildlife

Alaska Mountains & National Parks

National treasures.

With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Along with Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

Learn more about Alaska Mountains & National Parks

Alaska Excursions

Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.

Learn more about Alaska Excursions

Alaska Cruise Ports of Call

College Fjord

The Harriman Expedition discovered College Fjord in 1899 and named the towering glaciers after the great East Coast universities of the United States, like the Harvard Glacier. With the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in the world, your scenic Alaska cruise through the fjord will make a lasting memory.

View cruises with College Fjord

Endicott Arm

Endicott Arm is a jewel in Alaska’s crown. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska.

View cruises with Endicott Arm | View Endicott Arm shore excursions

Glacier Bay National Park

When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park.

View cruises with Glacier Bay National Park | Learn more about Glacier Bay National Park

Hubbard Glacier

The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. See it for yourself on an Alaska cruise with Princess.

View cruises with Hubbard Glacier | View Hubbard Glacier shore excursions

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is home to the remote Tlingit village of Hoonah, home to fewer than 800 people and a deep Native history. The nearby Spasski River Valley holds one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears, who are often found hunting for salmon in the rivers. Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation.

View cruises with Icy Strait Point | View Icy Strait Point shore excursions

Juneau is unlike any other city in the United States. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.

View cruises with Juneau | View Juneau shore excursions | Watch video: Juneau port overview

Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska.

View cruises with Ketchikan | View Ketchikan shore excursions | Watch video: Ketchikan port overview

On an Alaska cruise, take your pick of attractions in the port of Sitka. See how bald eagles and local bird populations receive first-class treatment at the Alaska Raptor Center. Encounter wildlife in their natural habitat at the Fortress of the Bear. Or experience the culture of Russian Alaska on a visit to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, and relive Native history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

View cruises with Sitka | View Sitka shore excursions

Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.

View cruises with Skagway | View Skagway shore excursions | Watch video: Skagway port overview

Valdez is situated in Prince William Sound and serves as the gateway to the interior of Alaska. Often referred to as the "Little Switzerland", Valdez is known for its breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. It is also well-known for its role in the transportation of crude oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which ends in Valdez. Explore the charming waterfront area and take in the flavors of Valdez through culinary experiences at restaurants such as the Valdez Brewery and the Fat Mermaid.

View cruises with Valdez

Victoria, B.C.

At first glance many mistake Victoria for an English coastal city or northern European town. Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure.

View cruises with Victoria, B.C. | View Victoria, B.C. shore excursions

Wrangell is a charming and scenic harbor known for its local fishing industry. It is not as bustling as larger ports in Alaska and maintains its historic charm and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Explore its historic downtown and learn about the local culture and Native heritage while in Wrangell.

View cruises with Wrangell

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

Alaska cruise onboard experience.

Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land.

Learn more about our North to Alaska Program

Alaska Seafood

Fresh and bountiful, like alaska itself.

Alaska's seafood is famous, and we bring the best to you with locally inspired dishes from the state’s best eateries. With Cook My Catch excursions, catch your own salmon or halibut with the help of a local expert, and in the evening our talented chefs will prepare your haul for your dinner — a Princess exclusive. From ship to shore, the best is at your fingertips on our Alaska cruises.

Meet Local Alaskans

Real alaska from local alaskans.

Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise.

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Great experiences from the great land.

Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium. At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Or savor tree-inspired bites at our very own Sappy Hour. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine, and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2023-2024

The best cruise line in Alaska just keeps getting better! From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess.

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise.

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Alaska Ports of Call

From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Check out our helpful checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise with Princess.

See all Alaska cruise articles and videos

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go.

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Learn more about transfers

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your Alaska cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

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Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience.

Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on our top-rated 7-day cruise.

North to Alaska

Immerse yourself in all things Alaska with our onboard program.

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* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours

Enjoy magnificent scenery and unique experiences sailing the Inside Passage

Cruises from Seattle March 2024

Seattle is a popular embarkation location for both one-way as well as round-trip cruises to Alaska in March 2024. As one of the main ports, Seattle is an excellent starting point for an Alaska or Pacific Northwest cruise. Take an Alaska cruise from Seattle in March 2024 and explore one of the world’s most beautiful locations. Wonderful nature, wilderness, glaciers, forests, rivers, and mountains, as well as whales, bears, wolves, and eagles, all combine to create a stunning experience for those on an Alaskan cruise from Seattle.

March 2024 in Alaska

Generally, Alaska’s cruise season is relatively brief. It is important to be prepared for any kind of condition if you planing your cruise out of Seattle to Alaska in March 2024. Because of the unpredictability of the weather in Alaska, which may quickly change from clear skies to raging storms and back again.

In March, Alaska is still cold and icy, with an average temperature of 28°F to 40°F. There are just a few cruises in March 2024 departing from Seattle for Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. The Northern Lights are best seen in Alaska around March, and Fairbanks is the best place to watch them.

Seattle, Washington

Located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, Seattle is a natural gateway to Alaska. It has one of the world’s most impressive seaports, with numerous port facilities. Seattle makes traveling entertaining and thrilling both before and after your voyage, with downtown cruise ports and excellent air travel links. You can board your preferred cruise at Smith Cove Cruise Terminal Pier 91 or the Bell Street Pier 66 Cruise Terminal and travel to breathtaking destinations in Alaska or along the Pacific coast. Explore cruises from Seattle to Alaska in March 2024.

March 2024 Seattle Cruise Schedule

Enjoy magnificent scenery and unique experiences on an Alaska cruise from Seattle in March 2024. The Port of Seattle welcomes only a few cruise ships throughout March 2024. American Cruise Line offers cruises to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands from Seattle in March 2024.

American Spirit, Puget Sound & San Juan Islands from Seattle, March 30, 2024

7-day cruise to Anacortes, Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, Victoria, Port Townsend and Poulsbo on board American Cruise Line Cruising from: Seattle, WA; Departure Date: March 30, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: American Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: American Spirit; Ports of Call: Seattle, Anacortes, Friday Harbor,[…]

American Constellation, Puget Sound & San Juan Islands from Seattle, March 25, 2024

7-day cruise to Anacortes, Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, Victoria, Port Townsend and Poulsbo on board American Cruise Line Cruising from: Seattle, WA; Departure Date: March 25, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: American Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: American Constellation; Ports of Call: Seattle, Anacortes, Friday Harbor,[…]

American Spirit, Puget Sound & San Juan Islands from Seattle, March 23, 2024

7-day cruise to Anacortes, Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, Victoria, Port Townsend and Poulsbo on board American Cruise Line Cruising from: Seattle, WA; Departure Date: March 23, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: American Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: American Spirit; Ports of Call: Seattle, Anacortes, Friday Harbor,[…]

American Constellation, Puget Sound & San Juan Islands from Seattle, March 18, 2024

7-day cruise to Anacortes, Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, Victoria, Port Townsend and Poulsbo on board American Cruise Line Cruising from: Seattle, WA; Departure Date: March 18, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: American Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: American Constellation; Ports of Call: Seattle, Anacortes, Friday Harbor,[…]

American Spirit, Puget Sound & San Juan Islands from Seattle, March 16, 2024

7-day cruise to Anacortes, Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, Victoria, Port Townsend and Poulsbo on board American Cruise Line Cruising from: Seattle, WA; Departure Date: March 16, 2024; Duration: 7-day cruise; Cruise Line: American Cruise Line; Cruise Ship: American Spirit; Ports of Call: Seattle, Anacortes, Friday Harbor,[…]

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Cruise from Seattle, Washington

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Where Adventure Meets Urban Charm 

There’s so much to do in the Emerald City. Embark on an unforgettable whale-watching adventure in the waters of Puget Sound. On your Alaska cruise from Seattle, discover the vibrant marine life at the Seattle Aquarium. If you’re a foodie, savor mouthwatering flavors at award-winning restaurants. And don't forget to try the city's famous clam chowder or indulge in Seattle's own Starbucks coffee. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills, cultural experiences, or encounters with fascinating wildlife, Seattle promises an incredible vacation for everyone.

No vacation in the world delivers once-in-a-lifetime adventure like Alaska. Discover the beauty of Alaska on a cruise departing from the vibrant city of Seattle

All paths lead from Seattle to new experiences onboard returning frontier favorite Ovation of the Seas®. Gaze at glaciers as you cruise along the Inside Passage and get up close to majestic mountains at Endicott Arm onboard one of the most adventure packed ships to sail region.

Explore Ovation of the Seas

Sail Alaska’s emerald fjords and glacier-dotted bays on seven-night adventures from Seattle on Quantum of the Seas ®. Get ready to marvel at enormous glaciers and majestic wildlife. Explore Juneau, Sitka, and plenty of spectacular shores in between.

Explore Quantum of the Seas

Seattle Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in seattle.

Seek Out the Center

View of the Space Needle from below in Seattle, Washington

The Seattle Center was home of the 1962 World's Fair, which portrayed a mid-century view of the Land of Tomorrow. Since the fair, this 74-acre park has remained a cultural hub within the city. Get a good look at Seattle with a 360-degree view from the observation deck of the Space Needle, or check out the Museum of Pop Culture, which has exhibits on popular music as well as science fiction and fantasy in film and television.

Waterfront Wonders

The Needle City Views , Seattle, Washington

The Seattle Center complex encompasses an assortment of impressive attractions. View colorful masterpieces by glassblower Dale Chihuly at the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum. Explore the Pacific Science Center or the Museum of Pop Culture. Then take in sweeping city views from the top of the 605-foot-tall Space Needle.

Relive the Gold Rush

The Seattle Underground tour takes you under the city to the Gold Rush-era streets of Seattle, before the city was rebuilt on top of itself. Then, head to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Pioneer Square, where you can get even more info on the Gold Rush and how it shaped the city.

Local Cuisine

Seafood is king in Seattle. Geoduck clams, Penn Cove mussels and Dungeness crab are some of the most sought-after local specialties. At Pike Place, pick up curried beef bao, a Chinese-style dumpling best eaten by hand. For a snack or breakfast, head to Coyle's Bakeshop and pick up a cretzel, a pretzel-croissant combo that's all the rage among locals.

Shopping in Seattle means a visit to Pike Place Market — first opened in 1907, the historic marketplace is the go-to spot not only for fresh produce but also for artisan crafts ranging from handmade jewelry to ceramics and beauty products. During your Seattle cruise vacation, head to Ballard Avenue NW for hip boutiques, and shop for big brands downtown.

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Frugal Traveler

Standby Cruising: A New Option for Bargain Seekers

Are you a flexible traveler? Holland America’s standby cruises may be for you. The cost: $49 a day, excluding fees, taxes and extras. The catch: It might be a hair-raising, last-minute scramble.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

In February, Barb McGowan took a seven-day cruise on Holland America Line, visiting the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic for just $343, or $49 a day, excluding taxes, port fees and extras. By comparison, Holland America currently lists a seven-day Caribbean itinerary in October from about $700.

The catch: She had just 48 hours’ notice.

Ms. McGown, a 64-year-old from Naples, Fla., who runs a restaurant franchise, took one of the line’s new standby cruises , which are aimed at travelers who live near departure ports and intended to fill ship vacancies.

“I look for deals, and this was an especially good experience,” Ms. McGowan said, praising the food and entertainment. “I was impressed enough to put down a deposit on a future cruise.”

A way to keep ships full

Holland America introduced its standby program last August to maximize ship occupancy, knowing that cancellations are inevitable. So far, the rest of the cruise industry has not followed its lead.

“If cancellations are within a week or two of sailing, it’s difficult to resell that space in the open market,” said Dan Rough, the vice president of revenue management at Holland America.

In the same way that airlines oversell seats, cruise lines may compensate for cancellations by overselling staterooms. Filling in with standbys, however, reduces Holland America’s reliance on overselling, which runs the risk of bumping passengers to distant departures or potentially offering generous cash incentives to coax volunteers to cancel.

Though the company does not heavily promote the new practice, it has attracted a following among the thrifty by dangling a bargain rate — $49 a person, whether sharing a cabin or traveling solo, before taxes and fees — on a web page that lists available departure dates to attract flexible travelers. Standbys should expect an inside cabin, according to the company, though ocean-view and veranda cabins have been assigned. (The company declined to say how many standby cabins it has offered.)

“Forty-nine dollars per person, per day is pretty exceptional,” said Colleen McDaniel, the editor of CruiseCritic.com , a website that reviews cruises, noting that the price covers all meals and entertainment. “You can’t find a cheaper rate at a land resort for what’s included.” (In 2023, the average nightly rate for a hotel room in the United States was nearly $156, according to STR, a data analytics firm that monitors the hospitality industry.)

To participate, travelers choose an itinerary from the standby list on the website — current embarkation ports include Boston; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Montreal; Quebec City; San Diego; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Whittier, Alaska — and pay for the trip in advance by calling Holland America or booking through a travel adviser.

There are no refunds for standby cruisers who want to back out. However, if the gamble fails to pay off, and the cruise line cannot offer a cabin to someone on the standby list, it issues a refund.

The company says standby offerings are added on a rolling basis and usually lists itineraries within two to three months of departure. Current offerings include seven-day sailings in Alaska’s Inside Passage from April through September and seven-to-11-day trips cruising the coast of New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces between May and October.

Proximity is a bonus

Standby cruisers don’t learn of their acceptance or denial until a week to two days before departure, complicating transportation arrangements.

“Last-minute airfare could offset the savings on a cruise,” wrote Crystal Seaton, the owner of Road to Relaxation Travel , a travel agency based in Raleigh, N.C., in an email. Though she has not booked a client on a standby sailing yet, she surmised that it is intended for travelers who can drive to a port.

“We were lucky; we found out Tuesday we were going on a Friday 3 p.m. sailing,” said Sheila Valloney, 66, of Clermont, Fla., who with her husband spent nine days aboard a Holland America ship in the southern Caribbean in February by going standby.

Before being cleared, she reserved a parking spot near the ship dock in Fort Lauderdale, which would have set her back about $6 if she canceled. She also kept their vacation clothes ready to go at the last minute for the three-and-a-half-hour drive to port.

Booking a refundable airline ticket — or at least one that guarantees a credit in loyalty points or cash in the event of cancellation — is one way travelers who must fly can take advantage of the deal.

For her standby sailing, Ms. McGowan drove 90 minutes from her home to the ship in Fort Lauderdale. But her travel companion was coming from Indiana, so when she joined the standby list a few months before the departure date, she booked her friend a Southwest Airlines flight using frequent flier points that would be refunded if the last-minute cruise didn’t come through.

Avoiding extra charges

Once on board, charges for extras like cabin upgrades, Wi-Fi, alcohol and shore excursions can inflate the bill, though the thriftiest travelers try to avoid them.

Ms. McGowan sprang for the $17.50-a-day charge for an upgraded drink package (basic nonalcoholic drinks are included in the cruise) and took one shore excursion, focused on coffee growing, which she deemed a good value at $89.

On their Caribbean cruise, the Valloneys asked around for recommendations for good beaches, where they went to relax on port days, and waited until they were on land to check emails, in order to avoid paying for Wi-Fi on the ship.

“We didn’t miss it at all,” Ms. Valloney said. “For beverages, we would wait until happy hour, when it was buy one, get one free.”

Will other companies follow suit?

To date, no other cruise lines have adopted standby programs.

Princess Cruises said it did not plan to offer cabins on a standby basis, but noted that it already offers last-minute deals , which tend to run about $50 to $60 per passenger per day. For example, a seven-day Alaska sailing from Vancouver to Anchorage departing on May 8 is listed at $399 a person in a double-occupancy cabin.

Several other major cruise lines did not respond to inquiries about potentially adopting standby programs, though operators like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also offer last-minute deals on their websites.

“We would be surprised to see many mainstream cruise lines begin to adopt a similar model” to the standby system, wrote Kimberly Coyne, the head of sales and content strategy for Cruiseline.com , a cruise review site, in an email. She said the standby fares might be financially unsustainable for cruise lines and cited the potential that travelers might become too accustomed to late-booking deals.

More ways to save

With the recent surge in cruise bookings, companies are discounting less, said Ms. McDaniel of CruiseCritic.com.

She identified more reliable ways to get a deal compared with going standby, such as booking during “ wave season ,” a sales period that generally runs January through March, or taking a repositioning cruise, in which a ship relocates from one region to another seasonally. A repositioning itinerary might sail in the fall from Alaska to the Caribbean via the Panama Canal.

“It’s not unusual to see a repositioning cruise at less than $75 per night,” Ms. McDaniel, said, noting that other expenses such as an airline itinerary into one city and returning from another may cost more than a standard round-trip ticket.

Repositioning cruises tend to stop at fewer ports and add more shipboard enrichment programs, such as lectures and activities like cake decorating classes and craft spirits tastings.

“For a lot of people the ship is the destination and this is the perfect activity for people who like to be on the ship,” she said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

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Holland America Line Announces Free Immersive Travel Expo In Seattle

Yesterday, Holland America Line announced the return of the brand’s free all-day Alaska Cruise and Travel show on March 18, 2023, at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center at Pier 66. in Seattle. This is the third time Holland America Line is offering the travel expo, giving attendees access to live presentations, demonstrations, and other fun activities throughout the day. 

“We’re excited to be in our hometown of  Seattle  with our Alaska Cruise and Travel Show, showing why Holland America Line is the number-one choice for a cruise or overland tour to  Alaska ,” said  Bill Fletcher , senior director, destination marketing, Holland America Line. “Many of our  Alaska  cruises are roundtrip from  Seattle , which is ideal for locals who don’t want to fly to their vacation. This event allows us to engage with people who are thinking about an  Alaska  cruise but want to learn more from our team and our partners.”

MORE ABOUT THE EXPO

• The expo runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Locals interested in learning more about an Alaska cruise vacation can come and learn, engage, and see the best ways to experience the destination.
• Show attendees can participate in a “Passport to Adventure” drawing, a raffle that offers two roundtrips Alaska Airlines tickets to anywhere the airline flies.
• Attendees who book a Holland America Line Alaska cruise or Cruisetour at the show will receive a special promotional offer valued at up to $350 per stateroom.
• Sponsors of the expo include Alaska Airlines, Allen Marine Tours, Denali Brewing Company, Icy Strait Point, Port of Seattle and Riverboat Discovery, and Gold Dredge 8.

Alaska Cruise and Travel Show Schedule

Lumberjack Rob “Silver Fox” Scheer

• Founder and star of the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan, Alaska, and the first man to win the title of IRONJACK World Champion.
• He will demonstrate and show attendees how to axe-throw.
• Attendees can pan for real gold at the Gold Dredge 8 booth.

Denali Brewing Company

• The brewing company will be serving craft beers.
• Guests can enjoy their drinks, roast marshmallows, and make s’mores around a faux fire pit with live music nearby.

Holland America Line’s Executive Chef 

• Showcase cooking demonstrations with authentic Alaskan sustainable seafood dishes served on board.

 Icy Strait Point

• Guests can fly down the world’s largest ZipRider, whale-watch in the nearby waters and soar high above in a helicopter.

Gastineau Guiding

• Watch wildlife and learn the top reasons travelers choose to visit Alaska.

“ Alaska Up Close ” enrichment and entertainment programming 

• Learn more about Holland America Line’s program that brings Alaska aboard and focuses on culture, cuisine, and adventures ashore.

RELATED: HOLLAND AMERICA LINE’S ‘KIDS CRUISE FREE’ MAKES EXPLORING THE WORLD AFFORDABLE

Cruise with Holland America Line to Alaska  in 2023

• Six Holland America Line ships will explore Alaska, offering roundtrips from Seattle, Washington, roundtrips from Vancouver, Canada, or between Whittier, Alaska, and Vancouver.
• Visit one or more of Alaska’s glacier destinations.
•  Explore the Glacier Bay National Park.

Exclusive Cruisetours trip to the Denali and the Yukon

Holland America Line’s  Cruisetours  offers guests 16 options that showcase remote and off-the-beaten-path regions, such as Denali National Park and Canada’s Yukon Territory.

Will you be attending the Alaska Cruise and Travel Expo? Let us know in the comments!

Julie Bouchner

Julie Bouchner is the Digital Editorial Manager for Porthole Cruise and Travel. She has a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Syracuse University. When she is not writing, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, baking, and playing with her Siberian Husky named Ellie.

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