alaska cruises
An Alaska cruise is the best way to explore the wilderness of this northernmost U.S. state. Sail through the breathtaking Inside Passage, a 500-mile stretch of waterways carved by glaciers millions of years ago. Along the way, take in sweeping views of picturesque fjords, the expansive Tongass National Forest, and over 1,000 islands.
On an Alaska cruise from Seattle, you’ll discover these natural wonders both from the ship and on planned excursions. Sail past Tracy Arm Fjord, where you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery– towering green cliffs, snow-covered mountains, and icebergs gently floating by.
Book an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier from the state capital Juneau to see waterfalls, ice caves, and salmon-filled creeks, or go whale watching to see majestic humpbacks. No matter where your adventure takes you on one of our Alaska cruises, you’re bound to come across the region’s renowned wildlife including moose, bears, Dall sheep, caribou, and wolves.
But Alaska vacations offer more than just natural beauty. Dive into the fascinating history of the Gold Rush and explore the cultural heritage of Alaska Native peoples. As you sail the Inside Passage, stop in towns like Ketchikan for a glimpse into their rich and storied past.
DISCOVER ALASKA: YOUR GUIDE TO MUST-DO ADVENTURES
Uncover the natural and cultural wonders of this wild, rugged land on one of our cruises to Alaska. Whether you’re interested in learning about the heritage of Alaska Natives through the totem poles of Ketchikan, going whale watching in Juneau or getting to know some grizzlies, experience it all on an MSC Cruise.Get Up Close: Majestic Brown Bears
This vast state is home to the largest populations of Brown Bears in North America, with an estimated 30,000 roaming the land. Luckily, Alaska offers plenty of opportunities to spot this iconic bear species, particularly along the state’s scenic coastal areas.
Icy Strait Point on Chichagof Island, for example, is a prime location for Brown Bear sightings, as is the beautiful Tracy Arm Fjord. With so many of these majestic creatures calling Alaska home, your chances of encountering one during an Alaskan vacation are impressively high.
Get Up Close: Majestic Brown Bears
Cultural Carving: Exploring Alaska Native Totems
As you journey through the Alaska’s coastal regions, you’ll encounter towering totem poles, intricately carved from western red cedar by the indigenous Haida, Tsimshian, and Tlingit tribes to honor the stories of the Alaska Native peoples.
Ketchikan’s Totem Bight State Park is a must-visit on your Alaska cruise, where you can admire these stunning monuments in their full grandeur. Be sure to leave time for a visit to the Totem Heritage Center for a deeper dive into their significance and to witness the incredible craftmanship of the Indigenous peoples of this land.
Cultural Carving: Exploring Alaska Native Totems
Juneau, Alaska: Whale Watching, Gold Mines and Glaciers
As Alaska’s capital city, Juneau offers a variety of activities both in town and beyond. Stroll through its historic streets on foot, uncover its rich past at the Alaska State Museum, or enjoy a delicious meal with stunning views at one of the many waterfront restaurants. Be sure to visit local favorite Red Dog Saloon during one of our Alaska cruises to experience its Gold Rush history, complete with quirky memorabilia covering the walls.
But what truly sets Juneau apart is its breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife. Watch for humpback whales, hike up Mount Roberts or Mount Juneau, or discover the awe-inspiring glaciers of the 3,000-year-old Juneau Icefield –Mendenhall Glacier being the most popular. You can even combine history and nature by heading into the lush rainforest on a Gold Rush tour.
Juneau, Alaska: Whale Watching, Gold Mines and Glaciers
ALASKA CRUISES FROM SEATTLE
Start your Alaska Cruise from Seattle, the perfect gateway to Alaska thanks to its prime coastal location. By booking an Alaska cruise from Seattle, you’ll not only explore this vibrant city in Washington State but also experience other destinations in Alaska.
All MSC Cruises Alaska cruises depart from Seattle, a city known for its coffee culture, grunge music, thriving tech industry, and the iconic Space Needle. With so much to discover, it’s a great place to start your trip.
Our Alaska cruises from Seattle stop at five remarkable ports. Juneau, a lively hub for tourists with restaurants, breweries, and access to wildlife via whale-watching tours and the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. Tracy Arm Fjord and Icy Strait Point offer breathtaking scenery, while Ketchikan is known for its rich nature and Native Alaskan totem poles. In Sitka, you’ll explore historic architecture steeped in culture and charm.
Alaska cruises FAQs
When is the best time to cruise Alaska?
Our Alaska cruises set sail between May and September, which are the best months to visit this northernmost US state. June, July and August will appeal to many thanks to their warmer temperatures. However, May and September are also fantastic months for Alaska vacations, as these times can result in quieter visits.
May is one of the driest months, so there’s less chance of rain, and – happily – the chance of seeing wildlife is also increased. It’s considered the best time to spot walrus, seals, whales, migratory songbirds, and much more. September is mating season for many animals such as caribou, moose and muskoxen, while longer nights can increase the chances (without a guarantee, it should be said) of catching a rare glimpse of the glorious Northern Lights.
How is the weather in Alaska for travelers?
It’s always important to consider the weather when booking an Alaska cruise. The sunniest and warmest time is from June to August. It’s never overly hot, though, with highs between 60°F and 70°F. May temperatures are also pleasant – plus, this is often the month with the least rainfall. September is fairly dry as well, but also starts getting a little cooler, with an average high of 55°F.
The rest of the year brings shorter days and extreme cold in some months, which suggests that that the best time for your Alaska cruise is from May to September.
Which ports do MSC Cruises visit in Alaska?
Our Alaska cruises from Seattle call at five different but equally enticing ports in Alaska. Ketchikan is known for its rich Alaska Native culture, including more than 80 totem poles, while Icy Strait Point in Hoonah is great for spotting wildlife and zooming down huge zip-lines.
Gaze out at awe-inspiring glaciers and icebergs in Tracy Arm fjord, go hiking or discover local heritage in Sitka, or try whale watching in Alaska’s capital, Juneau. All five places are enlightening, must-visit destinations on a vacation to Alaska.
How much is a cruise to Alaska?
Any Alaska cruise packing list ideas?
Packing for vacations to Alaska can be a breeze – sometimes quite literally. Even though temperatures in spring and summer are thoroughly pleasant, there can also be some wind and rainfall, so you’ll need to pack light layers, long-sleeve jumpers and a jacket or two – ideally including a waterproof jacket, just in case. Don't forget to bring a sunhat and high-SPF sun cream, too.
Good walking shoes or hiking shoes are essential, so that you can get out into the wilderness in comfort. It’s also recommended to pack some more formal clothes and shoes for evenings, particularly Gala Night, where passengers love looking their best.
However, your most important item to pack for cruises in Alaska will always be a camera, allowing you to capture the breathtaking scenery and the once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters that surround you.
Where do Alaska cruises leave from?
Seattle is the only embarkation port for our Alaska cruises. As Washington State’s largest city, it’s got plenty to explore before you leave on your voyage. Take a ride to the top of the Space Needle –the iconic observation tower that dominates the city’s skyline –or hop aboard the Seattle Center Monorail.
Downtown, spend some time browsing the stalls at the centuries-old Pike Place Market, get cultural at the Seattle Art Museum or cheer on the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Seattle is also the home of Starbucks, and coffee-lovers should absolutely seek out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery for an awakening experience.
How long are Alaska cruises?
What other countries are included in a cruise that goes to Alaska?
What is there to do in Alaska?
More than anything, though, vacations to Alaska are all about the outdoors. Hiking trails are abundant, though Nugget Falls Trail is an easy and popular route near Juneau that stops at a huge waterfall. There are also thousands of stunning glaciers to visit, with Mendenhall Glacier being both one of the most accessible and most beautiful.
It’s also very likely that your trip will involve at least a handful of exciting wildlife encounters. Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Juneau all offer whale-watching tours and chances to see all kinds of bears. It’s also entirely possible that you’ll spot sea lions, caribou, salmon, otters, and bald eagles during your vacation.
What is Alaska famous for?
Alaska is best known for its unspoiled nature and extraordinary wildlife. Think snow-capped mountains, fjords, and otherworldly glaciers, plus grizzlies skulking around forests and channels filled with humpback whales. There are few places in the world like it –it has the biggest concentration of glaciers in North America (nearly 100,000), as well as the highest population of grizzly bears.
The state is also widely known for its Indigenous culture dating back thousands of years –discovering Alaskan Native heritage is a must during any cruise in Alaska, whether that’s by visiting museums, watching traditional cultural performances, or admiring intricate totem poles.
