alaska cruises from anchorage

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Alaska Cruises from Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, serves as an exciting starting point for your Alaskan cruise adventure. Nestled between majestic mountains and sparkling waters, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and access to breathtaking natural wonders, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey through the Last Frontier. Explore a variety of Alaska cruises in 2024 departing from Anchorage , including itineraries from and Hurtigruten , among the most well-known cruise lines. Ships usually depart from the Anchorage Cruise Terminal in the late afternoon, allowing ample time for passengers to check-in and settle aboard their cruise ship.

The best time to take cruises from Anchorage

The best time to visit Anchorage and experience both cruises and the city is during the summer months, from May to September. This period offers the warmest weather, longer daylight hours, and a higher chance of clear skies, providing ideal conditions for both cruising and exploring the city. The summer months also coincide with the peak cruise season, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere in the ports and a wide range of cruise options to choose from. Additionally, this time of year offers numerous outdoor activities, cultural events, and festivals, allowing you to immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Anchorage. Explore cruises from that depart in the months of

Duration of cruises from Anchorage

Cruise Lines offer itineraries from Anchorage that range from to days. You can choose cruises lasting from depending on the length of your holiday.

Cruise to Alaska from Anchorage Schedule 2024

The ship schedule for the year 2024 includes numerous exciting voyages from Anchorage, the picturesque capital city of Alaska, to various enchanting destinations across the beautiful state. Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard luxurious cruise ships, and experience the breathtaking natural wonders, rich wildlife, and charming coastal towns that Alaska has to offer. Explore magnificent glaciers, witness majestic humpback whales, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of this remarkable region. Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures, serene landscapes, or cultural encounters, the ship schedule for 2024 from Anchorage to Alaska promises an extraordinary travel experience filled with unforgettable memories.

Anchorage serves as an excellent starting point for your Alaskan cruise, offering a harmonious blend of urban amenities and access to breathtaking natural wonders. Explore the city's vibrant downtown, partake in exciting outdoor adventures, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. Immerse yourself in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Anchorage, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the spectacular landscapes of Alaska.

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Cruises connect the Pacific Northwest with Alaska. One-way cruises depart Vancouver, British Columbia, travel the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska, and into Southcentral Alaska and the Anchorage area.

Weigh anchor and embark on an adventure you won't soon forget. Cruise serene passages disturbed only by the rumble of tidewater glaciers calving to the sea. Even offshore, Alaska's residents may come out to greet you; so keep a sharp eye for whales, sea lions, eagles and shorebirds.

Travel Deals

There are some eye-opening deals on Alaska vacations; check out the latest web deals before you book.

Glacier & Wildlife Cruises

Get up close to a towering glacier and listen to the thunderous roar as a brilliant blue shard of ice crashes into the waters below.

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Anchorage AK (Alaska, Denali NP)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Alaska

Local Time 2024-09-20 17:25

Port Anchorage AK cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Anchorage AK, Alaska, Denali NP. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Anchorage AK is Alaska's largest port city, located in Southern Alaska, between Turnagain and Knik arms of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. To the south is Kenai Peninsula, to the north is Denali National Park (aka Mount McKinley).

Most cruise ship tourists visit Anchorage through Seward or Whittier .

Anchorage AK serves as Alaska's hub for communications, transportation, and finance. The city has a population of around 300,000, ranking it Alaska's largest, containing over 40% of the state's total population. The city was founded in 1914 as the headquarters of the Alaska Railroad (Seward and Whittier) and via Anchorage to Fairbanks (north). With a population of around 32,000 (metro over 100,000), Fairbanks is ranked Alaska's 2nd most populous (after Anchorage).

The local economy is based on tourism and air freight. In 1964 the city was devastated by an earthquake (aka Good Friday earthquake) and much of the downtown area had to be rebuilt. In 1968 was discovered the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field resulting in a boom in construction and oil companies setting up offices in the city.

Anchorage is the cruise port to Fairbanks. The distance between both cities is around 580 km (360 mi). Travel time is 7-8 hours (by car and bus), 12 hours (by train) and 1 hour (by air). Train travel is the longest on Alaska Railroad. Being the most expensive, this is also the best way to enjoy the region's spectacular scenery as there are special glass-domed rail cars. From Anchorage are offered (as shore excursions) plane tours to Fairbanks.

The most popular tourist attractions in Anchorage include Resolution Park, Museum of History and Art, Elderberry Park, Native Heritage Center, Earthquake Park, Eklutna Historical Park, Eagle River Nature Center, Portage Glacier. Also very popular are boat tours (via Seward ) to Prince William Sound's glaciers or Kenai Fjords Park. Bus and plane tours are offered to Denali National Park.

Port Anchorage handles around 95% of all goods shipped to Alaska. Cargo ships from the US container shipping companies Horizon Lines and TOTE Maritime arrive twice per week from Port Tacoma (Washington). Along with handling cargoes, the port also serves as a jet fuel storage facility delivered from Alaskan refineries and used by the local US military base JBER (Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson) and TSAIA (Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport).

Cruisetours starting in Anchorage AK often include bus travel to Talkeetna (Chugach Mountains), scenic train travel to Denali NP (Denali Education Center), an overnight stay in the Park, return bus travel to Anchorage (via Willow AK - popular for its dogsled- and ATV rides). The Wilderness Express Train links to Talkeetna AK, from where (via bus) is accessed Denali NP.

Following the 2-year cruise shipping pause due to the COVID crisis, in 2022 Port Anchorage AK had scheduled only one ship call - by MS Nieuw Amsterdam (on Sept 15) as part of the 14-day "Great Alaskan Explorer" itinerary (roundtrip from Vancouver BC Canada ).

Actually, many cruise ships to Anchorage actually dock in Whittier AK (visited on 7-day itineraries from Vancouver) and transport their passengers to Anchorage on bus excursions. Whittier is approx 100 km (60 mi) from Anchorage, accessible by road and train.

At Port Anchorage, passengers can use bus shuttle service (usually complimentary), taxis and rental cars downtown. Shore excursions (by train and bus) also leave from the cruise terminal.

Following the Coronavirus crisis, in 2022 Port Anchorage was visited by just one cruise ship - Holland America Line 's ms Nieuw Amsterdam .

Anchorage AK tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

• Fairbanks City tour

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• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Vancouver, British Columbia to Seward, Alaska
• Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia

Alaska & the Inside Passage

• From $5,499
• 7 Guided Tours
• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Vancouver, British Columbia to Seward, Alaska Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia

Alaska & the Inside Passage Map

See the wilds of a great frontier

Immerse yourself in Tlingit culture and experience the outpost atmosphere that prevails in charming, mountain-ringed seaside towns. Sail a pristine wilderness of misty fjords, lush forests and gleaming walls of ice, pan for gold like prospectors of old, and hear tales of a region where a Wild West spirit still feels very much alive. Ports and order of ports are subject to change. Refer to the Dates & Pricing itinerary for specific details by departure date.

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Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Vancouver

From $1,099 | 2 Nights

Pre: Rocky Mountaineer Journey—6 Nights

From $6,999 | 6 Nights

Post: Anchorage

Post: Denali Explorer

From $3,599 | 5 Nights

Post: Pristine Alaska

From $3,999 | 6 Nights

Post: Natural Alaska

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - The Pacific Northwest – Exploration & Development
• - Indigenous People of the Pacific Northwest
• - Glaciers - Rivers of Ice

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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2024-2026 OCEAN CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from September 1-30, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all itineraries except World Cruise products. Special fares plus up to FREE roundtrip airfare valid on select departures of Canada & New England Scenic Shores; Eastern Seaboard Discovery; Grand Hawaii & Polynesia; Hawaiian Islands Sojourn; Panama Canal & Central America; Panama Canal & the Pacific Coast . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by September 30, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by October 31, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by April 30, 2025. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Offers Expires September 30, 2024.

*$25 DEPOSIT:  For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to February 2025 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to April 2025 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $999 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Premium upgrades may not be available on all departures. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the  Viking Air Plus

NOTE:  International flights depart the U.S. one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights.

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Alaska Voyage of the Glaciers Cruise

A one-way, 7-day alaska glacier cruise between vancouver, b.c. and anchorage (whittier).

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

Itinerary Ports

On our Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, encounter unique ports of call that are rich in history, culture and natural beauty.

• Anchorage (Whittier)
• College Fjord

Glacier Bay National Park

• Hubbard Glacier
• Icy Strait Point
• Vancouver, B.C.

Just an hour and a half from the cruise port of Whittier lies Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. Wander in the Chugach National Forest, the second-largest national forest in the U.S. Spend the day absorbing history at the Anchorage Museum. Or visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see brown bears, moose and bison living in a protected habitat that perfectly emulates the wild.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Canada's third largest city feels like a North American metropolis mixed with a small European town. Explore the rainforest within Vancouver, B.C. — Stanley Park — and visit the continent's second largest Chinatown during your Alaska cruise vacation. Soar above the city's lush natural environment in a sky gondola for panoramic views, or get up close to the local sea life at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Why Choose This Itinerary?

Discover the top reasons to sail on a Voyage of the Glaciers cruise.

• Two Incredible Glacier Viewing Experiences Get up close to not one, but two of Mother Nature’s masterpieces on our Voyage of the Glaciers cruise.
• A Visit to Prince William Sound During your Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, travel 500 miles farther north across the Gulf of Alaska to see Prince William Sound, prized for its abundance of marine and coastal life.
• Three Historic Ports of Call Unpack once and visit three of Alaska’s best cities — gold-laden Skagway, salmon-rich Ketchikan and the capital city of Juneau.
• Many Voyages With multiple Voyage of the Glaciers sailings on three ships throughout the summer, choose your preferred date and ship.
• Access to Alaska’s Interior Add extra nights to your Voyage of the Glaciers vacation with a cruisetour that takes you to Denali National Park.
• Additional time in Vancouver, B.C. From Gastown to Grouse Mountain, dive deeper into the ever-evolving city of Vancouver before or after your Voyage of the Glaciers cruise.

Ships on this itinerary

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from our smaller vessels to large ships. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at the glaciers passing by before enjoying local seafood in one of our many eateries during your Voyage of the Glaciers cruise.

Caribbean Princess®

Coral Princess®

Grand Princess®

Royal Princess®

Sapphire Princess®

Alaska Cruise Experience

We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

The best cruise line in Alaska 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 that 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.

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

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

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.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your 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 representative’s services.

Cruise deals & promotions

Start planning the vacation of your dreams with a cruise you'll love at a price you can't beat. Explore our latest featured deals, snag some last-minute savings and see how our all-inclusive packages can make your getaway even better.

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

See Alaska through our guests' eyes.

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Alaska cruises.

See the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife, and national parks.

Alaska Cruisetours

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

UNESCO World Heritage Site and Cruise wonder of the world.

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Alaska Cruises

Embark On The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise

Find the Best Alaska Cruise for You

Explore the dynamic glaciers, soaring peaks and captivating history of the 49th state on our award-winning itineraries. Sail Alaska’s serene seas to Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier for a chance to witness ice calving, known as “white thunder.” Extend your Alaska vacation with a cruisetour, a combination of ocean cruise and land tour deep into Alaska’s rugged interior.

Cross Alaska’s massive ice shelves, crystal fjords, and fascinating marine wildlife off your bucket list with itineraries that conveniently depart from Seattle and Vancouver. Enjoy perks such as privileged access to Glacier Bay National Park and prime docking locations that give you a head start on sightseeing.

Our cruisetours combine an ocean cruise with a land tour into Alaska’s interior. Watch northern wilderness views unfold from aboard our glass-domed train, the McKinley Explorer®. Stay up to 3 nights at the Holland America Denali Lodge near Denali National Park. Go into the Yukon with a guide.

Find Your Perfect Cruisetour

On this page, why cruise alaska with holland america.

With us, Alaska travel is personal. We’ve been sharing the wonders of Alaska longer than any other cruise line. See the best of the Great Land’s glaciers, coastal towns and wildlife on board perfectly sized ships offering superior service and exclusive programming.

Alaska Wildlife

Few places can compete with Alaska’s wildlife diversity. With more than 20 animal sanctuaries and sightseeing excursions, we bring you closer to creatures great and small. Learn about the Big Five and other amazing animals you might spot.

White Pass & Yukon Railroad

Hop a train back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush. Built during peak gold fever, this 120-year-old iron trail traverses tunnels, trestles and misty valleys to the White Pass Summit at 2,865 feet.

Alaska National Parks

Like everything else in Alaska, the Great Land’s national parks far exceed expectations. Read about Glacier Bay’s seven tidewater glaciers, Denali’s 6-million acres of undisturbed wilderness, Kenai Fjords' astonishing Exit Glacier and other national parks.

Alaska's Glaciers

Glaciers are more than breathtaking rivers of ice. They are living laboratories that show what the Earth was like thousands of years ago and how it is changing today. Get ready for the ultimate glacier experience.

Northern Lights

Many flock to Alaska every year for a chance to witness the aurora borealis. Did you know they are more likely to display during high solar activity cycles? Find out how to pick the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Sneak Preview

Meet Alaska's Giants, Face-To-Face

With 75 years in Alaska, we know every nook, cranny and crevasse. We have more Alaska cruise port departures featuring Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. All Alaska cruises include one or more glacier-viewing days, and you’ll get closer to ‘the giants’ on ships perfectly sized for the Great Land.

Alaska Glacier Day

Glacier Bay National Park

Cruise To Hubbard Glacier

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Cruises To Tracy Arm, Alaska

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Alaska cruise itineraries, weekly alaska cruises may to september.

Stretch out your Alaska cruise vacation with convenient weekend departures. Enjoy a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle on Alaskan Explorer itineraries or from Vancouver on Alaskan Inside Passage itineraries.

Alaskan Explorer

Alaskan inside passage, featured alaska cruise itineraries.

Roundtrip Alaska Cruise from Seattle

A 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle.

Roundtrip Alaska Cruise from Vancouver

A 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver.

Alaska Cruisetours

Cruise to Alaska, explore Denali or Denali and the Yukon.

We Bring Alaska On Board

Experts on board your cruise to alaska, an unrivaled culinary journey, alaska immersion with explorations central™.

Alaska Up Close

Our Alaska Seafood Is Certified Sustainable

Why cruise our mid-sized ships.

Choose from seven refreshingly uncrowded ships for a front-row seat to Alaska's splendor.

Fluid lines, light-filled spaces and a blend of modern elegance and nautical tradition make Koningsdam a sublime ship for Alaska cruises.

Eurodam was named “Best for Great Dining & Diverse Destinations” and features a vast selection of entertainment venues and restaurants.

Nieuw Amsterdam

Cruise to Alaska in high style. Nieuw Amsterdam's exceptional onboard experience earned "Best Cruise Ship Overall" at the Travvy Awards.

Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam is fitting for a cruise to Alaska. Museum-quality art outfits this ship, from oils to photographs of music legends. 

An elegant and spacious Alaska cruise ship with fresh floral arrangements and garden-inspired décor. Master frontier flavor with regional cooking demonstrations on board.

Sink into refreshed suites and a new lounge, plus dining and entertainment venues. Take in Alaska’s evergreen fjords and thunderous glaciers on this Vista-class Alaska cruise ship.

Classic nautical finishes and a spectacular art collection make the Zuiderdam the ideal sanctuary for your cruise to Alaska.

Best Shore Excursions On An Alaska Cruise

Top 10 alaska shore excursions, great for families, ideal for adventurers, iconic alaska cruise ports & destinations.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska is one of the best spots along Alaska's Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. Amble historic Creek Street, a boardwalk over a wide creek that fills with salmon during certain times of year.

Skagway, Alaska

Go back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush on cruises to Skagway, Alaska , once the primary gateway to the goldfields. Take a trip on the scenic railroad and still have time to dine and shop.

Convenient Alaska Cruise Departure Ports

Our Alaska cruise departure ports have big personalities and loads of attractions.

Best Alaska Cruises from Seattle

Set out on your Alaska cruise from Seattle’s serene waterfront. Visit its most popular attractions, such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Do as locals do and fuel up at one of the numerous cafes.

Alaska Cruises from Vancouver

Sightsee in this bustling metropolis before gliding the Inside Passage en route to Alaska. Historic neighborhoods and a thriving food scene await.

Alaska Cruises from Whittier

Conveniently located an hour and a half from Anchorage, Whittier is a small town on the shore of the glacier-filled Prince William Sound.

Cruise To Alaska Travel Tips & Articles

• What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
• Planning an Alaska Cruise Itinerary with Kids

• How to Pick the Best Month For Your Alaska Cruise
• The Complete Guide to Alaska Glacier Viewing
• Top Things to Do in Alaska
• Best Places to Visit in Alaska
• Whale Watching on Alaska Cruises

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OPINION: Ranked choice voting and open primaries diminish political party control. That’s great for Alaska.

Poll worker Grace Pierce checks the booths at the Alaska Division of Elections early voting location at 2525 Gambell Street in Anchorage on November 2, 2022. (Marc Lester / ADN)

What Alaska has, it has a lot of. The Last Frontier has a lot of land, natural beauty, natural resources, mosquitoes, and bright, independent people. Living in the Last Frontier is not for the faint of heart nor for the weak. We have never been a fearful people. Tough winters demand tougher people. Glorious summers beckon us to soak in every moment.

Here, we must grasp every opportunity in order to make the best of circumstances, to make it better for our children and our communities. In the election this November, we have an opportunity to do just that.

Four years ago, Alaskans who wanted to improve our election process passed the open primary and ranked choice voting election reform. A majority of Alaska voters approved this measure as a way to increase competition and improve representation by expanding the field of candidates. It ended the domination of candidate selection by the two parties, and it placed the authority of candidate selection where it belongs: with Alaska’s people. Gone are artificial barriers. Gone are gatekeepers.

It’s like going from a one-dog sled to a full team, or graduating from a .22 caliber rifle to a full hunting rifle. Or advancing from a spin rod to a fly rod (a little slack, please; I once was a grayling guide). Or taking the training wheels off your election bicycle. Fewer than 40% of Alaskans are registered as either Republicans or Democrats, and this important election reform ensures that independent-minded Alaskans have a voice as well. Remember, we the people – not they the parties – get to decide who we want to represent us.

Will it take some personal investment to research each candidate? You betcha. But Alaskans are not sheep blindly following what the parties tell them. I am awestruck by the number of amazing people who have the courage to step forward for voter consideration. The undecided, unaffiliated, undeclared and others now have candidates listed who share their love of Alaska. As a bonus, traditional party voters have a field with their party champions while being able to explore other options. Why would any Alaskan want to disenfranchise another fellow Alaskan?

I believe the possibility that the parties might no longer have the ability to control who is on the ballot scares the two biggest private political party organizations. California’s Democrat governor, Gavin Newsom , and Colorado’s Democrat governor, Jared Polis , have both opposed RCV in their respective states. It doesn’t take a political science graduate to see who fears the open primary and RCV here in Alaska. Whoever would have thought Democrat governors Polis and Newsom would have something in common with these fearful Alaskans?

The fact that both private political organizations are opposed to open primaries and RCV should be a red flag for us all. Using predictable plays from their worn-out playbook, they use fear to shape emotions toward a more party-favorable outcome. Resist this fear. Be encouraged that, for the first time in many decades, we the voters have options beyond what is spoon-fed to us from the two parties. With RCV, we have the opportunity to bravely vote our conscience first and, afterward, vote pragmatically if we so choose. Now, our votes really can make a difference. The training wheels have come off!

Remember that glorious moment when you sped off on a bicycle for the first time — wind blowing in your hair, dogs barking as you flew by, mosquitoes smashing into your grinning face. This is your moment of control, your moment of decision. Embrace it. I encourage you to vote no on this ballot measure that would replace you, the Alaska voter, with a party gatekeeper. Keep your electoral independence alive. Tell the two parties and their gatekeepers who promote the ‘lesser of two evils’ that their time is over. Please be brave and vote no on Ballot Measure 2.

Chris Bye is a U.S. Army veteran who served for 20 years, deploying multiple times and spending much of his career at Fort Wainwright. In 2022, he ran for Congress in Alaska as a Libertarian and advanced to the final-four RCV general election. He and his wife Samantha have four wonderful children. He is an avid fly fisherman and loves to share his fishing addiction with others.

The views expressed here are the writer’s and are not necessarily endorsed by the Anchorage Daily News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary(at)adn.com . Send submissions shorter than 200 words to [email protected] or click here to submit via any web browser . Read our full guidelines for letters and commentaries here .

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Bottled water companies and Anchorage’s water utility engage in feud

An intense, year-long feud between Anchorage’s public water utility and private bottled glacier water businesses came to a head this week, with a multiday public hearing before state utility regulators.

The city-owned Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility  in January asked  the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, or RCA, for permission to cut off the bottlers’ access to the utility’s main treatment plant, near Eklutna Lake and downstream of the Eklutna Glacier. 

That’s where the bottling companies can currently fill their tanker trucks with water that’s been disinfected but not yet chlorinated and fluorinated.

AWWU cites risks to safety and security from allowing bottlers to access its treatment facility,  saying  that its infrastructure could be the site of a possible “physical attack” and that bottlers’ truck drivers aren’t “thoroughly vetted.”

The utility says that bottled water businesses could still use glacier water from city hydrants — after the utility has fluorinated and chlorinated it. But the businesses — including one existing bottler and multiple companies hoping to bottle in the future — have  vehemently objected , saying that the addition of the chemicals would change the water’s taste and damage their sales.

“A fire hydrant with chemically treated water is a business killing alternative,” David Gottstein, the president of a startup called Pristine Alaskan Water Co.,  wrote in public comments  in February.

At the hearing Wednesday, Gottstein attacked the utility’s leaders and said they had taken a “scorched earth, take no prisoners, Sherman’s march to the sea” decision-making approach.

In an email, Mark Corsentino, the utility’s general manager, said the proposal is “about the need to protect Anchorage’s long-term water supply.”

“Putting a community of nearly 300,000 at risk for the benefit of seven customers does not make sense, especially when those few customers can get all the glacier sourced water elsewhere in our water distribution system,” he said.

Editor’s note: This story previously referred to the Anchorage Waste and Wastewater Utility as the Alaska Waste and Wastewater Utility. It has been corrected.

Nathaniel Herz welcomes tips at  [email protected] or (907) 793-0312 .  This article was originally  published  in Northern Journal, a newsletter from Herz. Subscribe at this  link .

Nathaniel Herz, Northern Journal

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