Alaska Cruises
Known as the Last Frontier, Alaska cruises are as exciting as they are unique. On an Alaska Inside Passage cruise, you’ll marvel at magnificent glaciers, explore rugged wilderness, enjoy stunning seafood, watch whales, and so much more. With Alaska cruises from Vancouver a popular option, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy Canada.
Alaska Cruise Deals
Cruise lines Sailing to Alaska
Whether you’re embarking on an Alaska cruise from Vancouver or the selection of Alaskan cruises available from the UK, you’ll find a wonderful selection of cruise lines offering sailings to this remarkable region of North America. From extravagant entertainment-rich cruise experiences aboard larger ships to a small-ship Alaska cruise offering more unique ports of call, there’s an option to suit everyone’s preferences and needs.
Cruise ships sailing to Alaska
A cruise to Alaska is always an adventure, and you’ll find a wonderful selection of cruise ships ready to whisk you away on that adventure when it comes to booking a sensational sailing in North America – thanks to a wide variety of cruise lines offering Alaska cruises, from Vancouver, the UK, and more. From ultra-modern giants with entertainment aplenty to small luxury ships offering a more traditional cruising experience, you’ll find something to suit your holiday preferences and needs.
Types of cruises to Alaska
The best Alaska cruise is the one you enjoy, and you’ll find plenty of cruise types to choose from when it comes to booking a cruise through Alaska and the Inside Passage – making enjoying your adventure all that much easier. As you can see below, you’ll find all-inclusive offerings and family-friendly cruises alongside luxury sailings and last-minute deals. Whatever you’re after, Iglu Cruise has you covered.
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An incredible destination for those of you who want to discover a completely new world, an Alaska cruise is ideal for adventurers, thrill-seekers, and nature-lovers alike. From stunning scenery to incredible wildlife, action-packed shore excursions to tranquil waters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in America’s largest state. Whether you’re looking to discover hidden wonders like the intrepid explorers and prospectors of old, or go whale watching and enjoy the natural wonders of the world, everyone will end an Alaskan cruise with an endless amount of memories. With endless possibilities on how to spend your time on this unique part of the planet, it’s no surprise that cruising through Alaska has become so popular.
What to do on an Alaska Cruise
During an Alaska cruise the things you can experience are as varied as they are exciting, with some of the highlights including:
- Whale watching
- The Northern Lights
- 11 National Parks and Nature Preserves
- Native American culture and heritage
- Dog sledding across frozen tundra
- Climbing the Rocky Mountains
If you'd like to make your Alaska cruise even more special, why not see what more it has to offer by train. With the Rocky Mountaineer you’ll see all the extremes of North America’s vast nature and the iconic Rocky Mountains from the comfortable luxury of these charming train carriages. As you gaze out of the dome roofed window, you’ll be waited on by fantastic staff, who are as informative as they are attentive, to ensure you have a smooth ride and can take in all the dramatic beauty of the forests, lakes, rivers and ravines.
If you'd like to find out more about what you can do ashore during your cruise, read our guide to the top Alaska shore excursions. Alternatively, see our blog - Chelsea's Rocky Mountain Adventure - showcasing one of our own employee's adventures in the Rocky Mountains.
Inside Passage Alaska Cruise
For some of the best Alaska cruises, choose an inside passage cruise. This is the most popular way to take in the wonders of this part of the world as the deeper waters makes it more accessible for large cruise ships. Along the way you'll be able to visit historical destinations, Alaska's capital city, Juneau, and even Ketchikan, the Salmon Capital of the World.
Want to know more? Check out our blog on the best time to cruise Alaska here, if you’re planning your next getaway, and a guide to packing for different climates right here; it’s never a bad idea to prepare for what you’re going to wear.
Accessibility in Alaska
If you’re planning a cruise, but you’re worried about the accessibility of port cities in Alaska as someone with mobility issues – be that a wheelchair user, a traveller who relies on a motorised scooter, or otherwise – you’ll be pleased to know that Alaska is actually one of the most accessible cruise destinations out there.
With most major venues and popular attractions complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you should find yourself able to enjoy everything this wonderful region has to offer; you’ll even find yourself able to check out things like the Mendenhall Glacier!
For more on what to expect, check out the top 5 accessible Alaskan cruise ports right here.
Top Alaska Cruise Destinations and Shore Excursions
Alaska cruise to San Francisco
While San Francisco may be a long way away from the first port of call in Alaska, it is a popular point of departure for Alaska cruises, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore one of America's most iconic cities. There’s no shortage of renowned sights in San Francisco as you head up the city’s iconic slopes in a retro tram from the movies. To cap it all off, the infamous island prison of Alcatraz will captivate you, while the awe-inspiring Golden Gate Bridge gives the perfect photo opportunity to show your loved ones back home.
Alaska cruise to Vancouver
Just over the border from US territory in Canada, you can make a trip ashore to discover the big city attractions and brilliant outdoor pursuits of Vancouver, such as the glittering views of the Puget Sound and the magnificent Cascade Mountains. Explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the cobbled streets of Gastown, Vancouver's historic district, which features restored heritage buildings, antique shops, boutiques and restaurants. For more travel inspiration, view our article - The Top 5 Things to do in Vancouver.
Alternatively, we also offer a wide range of Alaska Cruises from Vancouver, if you wish to start your cruising adventure from there
Alaska cruise to Juneau
A few days sailing from Vancouver lies Alaska’s capital city, the awe-inspiring port of Juneau. Here you can hike or take a cable car ride over the stunning landscape as you marvel at the mighty Mendenhall Glacier set against the imposing backdrop of Mt. Juneau.
Alaska cruise to Sitka
Sitka gives you a real taste of Alaska’s history and scenery. The town’s orthodox cathedral sports a Russian onion dome, and the nearby battle ground - marked by a path of totem poles - was the scene of Alaska’s first colonial rulers’ victory over the native tribes. Meanwhile, the backdrop of the Sitka National Park boasts some of the most iconic views in all the Inland Passage.
Alaska cruise to Anchorage
Anchorage serves as a fantastic gateway to the surrounding wilderness of mountains, fjords, forests and tundra that make up Alaska’s nature reserves. Having said this, the fascinating city has many sights to see on your way through. Whizz on a ride on the world’s longest zip wire from Icy Point for amazing views over the bay or learn about the local history and culture at the Native Heritage Centre.
Alaska cruise to Ketchikan
On an Alaska cruise, see the Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan which boasts the world’s largest collection of traditional Native American totem poles, with thirty three unique and original totems on display at the exhibit. Here, you can take a guided tour around the fascinating exhibitions to learn the story of the local people’s history and culture through their most famous art creations. For any thrill seekers, there's also the chance to take a zip line journey across the rainforest canopy.
Alaska cruise to Tracy Arm
While there's no shortage of amazing scenery on your Alaska cruise, Tracy Arm offers some of the most incredible sights. Included on many itineraries, or accessible by a small-boat excursion, this huge fjord provides unbeatable up close views of the natural beauty of this part of the world.
Alaska cruise to Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park and Preserve is a must on an Alaska cruise for anyone wanting to see the wonders of inland Alaska. The landscape offers a breath-taking panorama from the various peaks of the hills onto the tundra below. Whether you strap on your hiking boots or take a tour bus, you’re sure to see a host of critters on your way, from grizzly bears and caribou to bison and wolves.
Alaska cruise to Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay is a vast and impressive sight to take in from your ship. As you journey up the fjords and stare up at the sheer glacial cliffs you’ll feel like your ship is really no bigger than a canoe. For the more intrepid travellers, other smaller watercraft are also available during your Alaska cruise to help you get up close and maybe even spot the local wildlife including humpback whales blowing spray and slapping the surface with their giant tails.
Alaska Cruises to Seattle
One of the most popular cities to visit in the US, Seattle is a bustling metropolis located in the Pacific Northwest. Not only does Seattle feature an array of incredible attractions, including the futuristic Space Needle and the Museum of Pop Culture, but it’s surrounded by acres of forests and parkland; making it a very picturesque city with a combination of natural and manmade sights. For those wanting to enjoy an unforgettable cruise holiday, there are Alaska Cruises from Seattle on offer, sailing from the vibrant port and giving you the chance to experience all the extraordinary state has to offer.
