I've cruised Alaska twice, and I've planned a lot of Alaska cruises for clients. The biggest thing I've learned: the ship you pick shapes the whole trip.
The same week in Alaska feels completely different on a big ship, a luxury ship or an expedition ship. Pick the right one and you'll talk about it for years. Pick the wrong one and you'll wish you'd asked more questions.
Start with what's important to you
Some travelers want lots going on: restaurants, activities, kids' programs. Others want a quieter ship with an older crowd, where the focus is the scenery, the wildlife and great service.
Some love a big ship with entertainment every night. Others want a small ship that can slip into narrow inlets and get closer to the glaciers.
Once I know which one you are, I can match you to the right cruise line. That beats reading online reviews from people who want a completely different trip than you do.
Ship size changes everything
Big ships have more restaurants, more entertainment and kids' programs. They can work really well for families and multi-gen trips where everyone wants something different. Princess knows Alaska well.
Small ships can get into narrow fjords, closer to the glaciers and into quieter bays where wildlife sightings are common. The mood is more relaxed, and with fewer guests the service is more personal.
The right size depends on the trip you want.
Luxury, expedition or classic
If you picture yourself on your balcony with a glass of wine watching a glacier calve, look at a luxury line like Seabourn or Silversea. Bigger suites, better food and a higher level of service on board and on shore.
If you want to get outside and learn, look at an expedition ship like HX. Guided hikes, kayaking, naturalists, wildlife lectures and Zodiacs that take you right up close. You trade the big production shows for time outdoors.
And if you want easygoing, classic cruising with familiar comforts, several mainstream lines cover the big Alaska sights well.
Whichever you choose, remember that rooms matter. You're in your room more than you think. On some routes, even which side of the ship your stateroom faces makes a difference.
Round trip or one way?
This is one of the biggest decisions you'll make.
Round trip (usually from Seattle or Vancouver) is the simpler option. Flights are easier and so are the logistics. You'll still see glaciers, whales and the classic port towns. It's a great fit for families.
One way (usually between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier) goes deeper into Alaska. Since the ship doesn't have to turn around, it reaches more remote areas and often includes Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier. It also lets you add land time before or after the cruise: Denali National Park, the Alaska Railroad or a few days in Fairbanks.
If you want to see as much of Alaska as you can, I usually point people to one way.
One way also means flying into one city and home from another. If you're flying out of Sky Harbor like I do, I'll look for the routing with the fewest connections. The vacation starts the moment you leave home.
Why an advisor matters for Alaska
Cruise lines offer all kinds of perks through the season, and I know which ones actually matter.
Timing matters too. Some weeks are better for weather, some for wildlife and some for smaller crowds. I'll tell you which.
And if something goes wrong while you're traveling, I'm the one calling our partners for you. We take care of you ON the trip and when you get back.
Where to start
Glaciers, wildlife, a small ship, a big ship… tell me what you're picturing and I'll find the ship and route that fit.
What's the one thing you'd most want to see in Alaska?