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Seattle (Washington)

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Seattle cruise port

Region Alaska

Local Time 2024-09-07 02:42

Port Seattle 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 Seattle, Washington. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Seattle's cruise passenger shipping business started in 1999 and is currently ranked first among all West Coast USA homeports (departure seaports). Each homeported ship's visit generates USD 4+ million for Washington State's economy, with annual regional revenue USD 0,9+ billion. The city's best-known landmark is The Space Needle observation tower in downtown (height 184 m / 604 ft), having 6 floors (top floor heigth 158 m / 518 ft) and 3 lifts.

Currently, Port's cruise business generates 5500+ jobs and annually ~USD 450 million in revenue (~USD 900M total economic activities) plus ~USD 15M in local and state taxes. Each Seattle-homeported cruise liner call generates USD 2,5+ million for the local economy. Seattle is the homeport of the Coast Guard icebreaker USCGC Healy .

In August 2015 was formed the Northwest Seaport Alliance via a merger of Port Tacoma 's and Port Seattle's cargo shipping operations. By annual cargo volumes, the Tacoma-Seattle port terminal operations are ranked USA's 4th-largest (after Port Los Angeles, Port Long Beach and Port New York-New Jersey NYC ) and among North America's top-10-largest.

In June 2024, Port Seattle signed a 10-year agreement (through 2033, plus an optional 5-year extension/until 2038) with Carnival Corporation for preferential berthing. The contract guarantees a minimum of U$186 million in revenue (US$273M if extended to 15 years) and annually a minimum of 550,000 cruisers.

Seattle cruise port

During the Port's inaugural cruise season (1999) were handled only 6 ship calls and 6615 passengers. 

Port Seattle (locode USSEA) currently has two cruise facilities - Smith Cove Terminal (at Pier 91) and Bell Street Terminal (at Pier 66).

  • Pier 91's terminal serves Carnival Corporation-owned ships (Holland America, Princess) and Celebrity and RCG/Royal Caribbean Group-owned ships (Celebrity and RCI).
  • Pier 66's terminal serves NCLH/Norwegian-owned ships (NCL and Oceania).

Statistical data shows that an average turnaround cruise tourist spends USD 1547 in the city (on hotels/lodging, dining/drinking, transportation, shopping). Each vessel call generates USD 4,2 million for the region. Cruise companies ' spending includes in-port marine services and also purchasing supplies from local suppliers, including seafood, fresh produce (fruits, vegetables, flowers, eggs), butter, wines.

Since 2017, passengers disembarking in Seattle check their luggage through port's new "Cruise Luggage Valet Program" (cooperation with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport) and receive their airline boarding passes prior to debarkation.

On August 12, 2015, the seaport signed a 15-year lease deal with NCLH (Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings). The deal secured all NCLH ships ( NCL , Oceania and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas ) in Port Seattle for the full term of the lease of Bell Street Terminal (Pier 66). The guaranteed passenger volume was estimated to bring ~USD 73 million of revenue to the cruise port. According to official statistics, Alaskan cruises from Seattle generate ~USD 440 million in economic impact annually. Additionally, NCLH agreed to make improvements to Terminal 66 that were estimated at USD 30 million to expand its facilities. Under the new lease, NCLH manages all terminal operations and has priority berthing rights during the season.

Port Seattle operates Terminal 66's facilities outside the Alaskan season. The 15-year lease deal was estimated to generate USD 2+ billion in business revenue, ~900 new jobs, USD 65+ million in local and state taxes. In 2015, the cruise port handled 192 ship calls and 895,055 passengers. in 2016, passengers number reached 960,000.

In early-April 2016, Port Seattle announced plans to ease flight-cruise passengers at Sea-Tac Airport by temporarily replacing TSA security staff with contractors. This made the security checking faster. Starting May 2016, TSA staff was trained locally to increase the number of processed cruisers at the airport. Also, more checkpoint lanes were opened.

  • On May 16, 2016, Explorer of the Seas (West Coast USA's largest passenger ship) arrived in Seattle. Liner's inaugural Alaskan season had scheduled 7-night roundtrips to Alaska and Canada (Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord, Victoria BC).
  • On July 30, 2016, at "Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade" (annual event) in downtown was presented a replica cruise ship - Holland America's Koningsdam . The replica was a helium balloon - one of parade's over 100 floats. The balloon ship had length of 45 ft (14 m) and height of 11 ft (3,3 m) and was guided by 30x HAL employees through the streets. HAL is a sponsor and participant of the parade. In previous parades, HAL employees carried an orca-whale replica balloon.
  • In October 2016, Port Seattle announced its plans to invest USD 20 million in improvements to Bell Harbor Conference Center (adjacent to Pier 66).

In May 2017 was opened the renovated Pier 66 cruise terminal facility (see in the "terminal" section below) where are homeported NCL ships. The 15-year lease to NCL (until 2032) is estimated to generate over USD 2,3 billion in total revenue, nearly 900 jobs and over USD 65 million in taxes. 2017 was a record year for the cruise port - with handled 218 ship calls and nearly 1,072 million passengers (9% increase over 2016's 983,539 pax) and total revenue USD 501 million.

In 2017, Holland America Line started an ad campaign on 3 commuter trains running on Seattle's Sound Transit Light Rail System. The trains were operated between January and April 2017, when the Alaskan cruising season begins. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on January 10 at University of Washington (train station). On September 23, 2017, Port Seattle welcomed its 1 millionth cruise tourist in a single Alaskan season (2 passengers on HAL's Eurodam ). Industry's regional economic impact in 2017 surpassed USD 500 million.

In early-March 2018, the schedules for ferries leaving from Seattle were changed due to the demolition of the old Washington State Ferries terminal to make space for a new (smaller-sized) facility. Half of Colman Dock (ferry terminal) building was closed off to the public. The wood-piling supported terminal building was considered seismically vulnerable, with many pilings riddled with marine termites. The demolition and construction works were scheduled for completion in 2023. The new/expanded building connects all the 4 ferry slips. Colman Dock serves ferries crossing daily to Bremerton WA and Bainbridge Island.

On May 30, 2018, arrived the largest so far Seattle-homeported Alaskan cruise liner - Norwegian Bliss (gross tonnage 164600 tons, max passengers 5200, crew 1730). The vessel was homeported at Pier 66, operating on weekly roundtrips during summer. NCL Bliss is world's first specifically constructed for Alaska mega-liner. In 2018, the cruise port handled a total of 216 ship calls and nearly 1,072 million passengers (4% increase over 2017).

In late-November 2018, Port Seattle's Terminal 18 (operated by SSA Marine Inc) surpassed the 1 million TEU-container volume. This was Washington state's first time when a single cargo terminal handled 1 million containers in a year. Container Terminal 18 is in North Harbor (Northwest Seaport). In April 2018, CT 18 became the first in Puget Sound with moved 5500 TEUs on and off a single boxship (container carrier) , which averaged 30 gantry-crane moves per hour. In 2018, CT 18 was upgraded with new RTGs (rubber-tired gantry cranes), resulting in added two new shipping routes - AL5 (Transatlantic by THE Alliance) and PNS (Pacific Northwest Service by SM Lines).

In early-December 2018, Port's Commission approved budget 2019 and future budget 2019-2023 (capital investment plan). The 5-year plan included USD 348 million for investments in Seattle's waterfront area. Of this budget, USD 100 million were for a new berth (4th cruise terminal / Pier 46), USD 39 million for Terminal 91 developments and USD 35 million for Terminal 91's berth replacement. Budget 2019 (USD 935 million) spent 51% of seaport's USD 1,94 billion capital expenditures, and 23% of all operating expenses. Budget 2019 also included developments for Sea-Tac Airport - North Satellite Expansion and Modernisation Project (started in February 2017), International Arrivals Terminal, high-speed baggage handling system. Works on the new cruise terminal at Pier 46 (Terminal 46) were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID crisis.

During season 2019 (April-October), the cruise port handled 211 ship calls and ~1,2 million passengers (1,114 million were handled in 2018). For 2020 was forecasted a record year with scheduled 225 ship calls and estimated ~1,4 million passengers.

In 2022 was completed NWSA Terminal 5. The new facility (abbrev Northwest Seaport Alliance) is a container ship terminal fitted with 5x super-large STS cranes (ship-to-shore/rail-mounted gantry cranes).

  • The 5x STS were constructed in China (by ZPMC-Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co) and were delivered in June 2021 via ZHEN HUA 36 (2003-built Heavy Load Carrier/IMO 9254903).
  • By height ( 316 ft / 96,3 m) and outreach boom (240 ft / 73,2 m), the Chinese cranes are among the largest on the US West Coast, with capacity to handle even the world's biggest boxships .
  • The ZPMC cranes' owner and operator is SSA Marine Inc (1949-founded, currently subsidiary of Carrix Inc/1994-founded company specializing in transportation and logistics services).

Following the Coronavirus crisis, in 2021 (July 19 thru Oct 23) Port Seattle handled 83 cruise ship calls and ~230,000 passengers. In 2022 were handled 296 cruise ship calls and ~1,28 million passengers (+6% over 2019). Homeporting operations were conducted by 7x major companies operating 14x ships.

In 2023 (April-October) the Port received 291 ship calls and 1,778 million passengers.

In August 2023, the Port's Commission approved US$32,6M budget for transforming (renovation and modernization) the historic Ship Supply Building at Fishermen’s Terminal (Port's oldest) into a Maritime Innovation Center (Living Building Challenge/LBC-certified facility). The construction started with the groundbreaking ceremony on May 21, 2024.For the project was contracted Miller Hull Partnership (Seattle-based architectural firm).

In 2024, the cruise port reported a total of 275 booked berthings with estimated 800,000+ passengers.

Since 2024, Pier 66's dock provides shore power connectivity/cold ironing . Shore-to-ship power capability allows berthed ships to shut down their engines and plug into the city's electrical grid for all shipboard equipment and hotel services, thus reducing in-port noise and air pollution. On June 11th (2024), the Port Commission approved mandate shore-power usage for all Seattle-homeported cruise ships, effective from 2027.

Cruise itineraries to and from Seattle WA

Follows a list of destinations visited by cruise ships leaving out of Seattle:

  • 7-day round-trip Inside Passage Alaska cruises out of Seattle visit the Alaskan ports Ketchikan, Tracy Arm, Glacier Bay, Juneau, Skagway. These itineraries often include a day stop at call port Victoria (BC Canada) .
  • Itineraries on small ships or luxury cruises visit also the Alaskan ports Wrangell , Hubbard Glacier , Sitka (Baranof Island) .
  • One-way Alaska repositioning cruises from Seattle to Vancouver BC (Canada) - and the reverse Vancouver to Seattle, are special 1-day cruise deals. Those are offered, respectively, in late Fall / Spring when cruise ships relocate out of Alaska. Seattle to Vancouver deals on longer itineraries (up to 17 days) may include visiting Hawaii before returning back to Vancouver.
  • Other repositioning cruise deals to and from Seattle include ports in California (departures from Los Angeles , San Diego , San Francisco ), even in Caribbean (with Panama Canal transition ), to Hawaii and Australia, and rarely to South America.
  • Among the passenger shipping companies leaving from Seattle are CCL-Carnival, Celebrity, HAL-Holland America, NCL-Norwegian, Princess, RCI-Royal Caribbean, Oceania, Lindblad-National Geographic.

In 2019, the US company Vigor Industrial opened a new drydock facility in Port Seattle, with capacity to handle mega-yachts and mid-sized cruise liners. The company's other (larger) drydock is in Portland Oregon . New drydock's operations started with the 3-week long refurbishment of Oceania Regatta .

Seattle cruise terminal

The cruise port of Seattle was established on September 5, 1911, with the votes of King County, WA, confirmed by Port District Act and run by an elected 5-member commission. This port district runs both the airport and the seaport of Seattle.

The seaport of Washington State is nicknamed ”The Emerald City“. It currently has 2 passenger terminals - "Terminal 91" and "Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal" (aka "Pier 66"), plus 1 new/planned (Pier 46). Fishermen's Terminal (on Salmon Bay) is the homeport (dock) for Washington state's North Pacific Fishing Fleet (commercial fishing vessels).

(NEW) Pier 46 Cruise Terminal

In mid-November 2018, Port Seattle Commission unveiled plans for a USD 348 million project for infrastructure developments, waterfront upgrades and building a new cruise terminal.

  • City's new seaport levy growth brings in USD 74,2 million per year and helped paying for the new projects. It also funded environmental programs. It is expected to be approved a 3% property tax increase, which means the owner of USD 590,000 property (currently paying USD 69 annually to the port) would pay around $70 in 2019, and $79 in 2023.

The Port's capital improvement plan includes upgrading the Fishermen's Terminal, new light industrial space in Interbay (close to Terminal 91), modernization of Bell Harbor's conference center, new cruise terminal (at Pier 46).

Of the total US$348M, US$100M were for the new berth/4th cruise terminal) at Pier 46.

Construction works on Pier 46's "Terminal 5" started on March 13, 2019. The new facility can handle ULCV (ultra-large container vessels/boxships) , supports ~6600 direct jobs and generates USD 2+ billion in annual business activities. From the US$ 340M, the private company SSA Terminals (subsidiary of SSA Marine Inc) contributed US$ 160M. The 185-acre (75-hectares) terminal will be open in 2 phases - one berth in 2021-Q1, and the other in 2023. Terminal 5 can handle 2 large boxships (max capacity 18,000 TEU-containers) simultaneously.

Port Seattle's North and South harbor container terminals can handle ships with max capacity 14,000 TEUs.

The new "Cruise Terminal 46" as a project is currently suspended. When restarted, the new facility will be operated by a private company (TBA) which is due to be responsible for 50% of all development costs (~USD 100 million). Terminal 46 is located south of downtown and has 3100 ft (945 m) berthing, 50 ft (15 m) water depth / max draught, combined land area 86 acres (350,000 m2) and a cruise terminal building with capacity 5,000 passengers. Berth's northern portion serves as cruise dock (land area 29 acres / 117,360 m2), while its south end is for docking of breakbulk cargo ships.

Since 2019, Terminal 46 is no longer used for international container shipping. Cruise terminal's completion was scheduled for 2020. The new facility will also have shoreside power capabilities .

Bell Street Pier 66 cruise terminal

Terminal 66 was inaugurated in May 2000. In 2017 was completed the USD  30 million terminal expansion project.

  • address: "Port of SeattleSeattle, Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal (Pier #66), 2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington 98121"
  • location - at the north end of city's waterfront, ~10 min drive distance from the city's shopping centre and the Space Needle tower
  • Driving directions to Pier 66 Terminal: from Interstate 5 Northbound take Mercer Street westbound (exit 167). Turn left on 5th Ave N. Turn right on Broad St. Turn left on Alaskan Way. Follow the signs to Pier 66.
  • 1 berth (length 1600 ft / 489 m) or 2 berths with in-transit ships
  • Pier 66 is an 479160 ft2 / 44515 m2 sized passenger terminal complex along downtown's waterfront. Pier 66 terminal serves the ships of NCL-Norwegian ,  Oceania  and  RSSC-Regent . Pier 66 is at close walking distance to Pike Place Market (public market) and Seattle Aquarium (public aquarium on Pier 59). City's landmark Space Needle (observation tower) is also nearby.
  • Among the amenities offered are concierge service (luggage storage before/after voyages, information), wheelchair, mobility scooter and oxygen rentals (equipment delivered directly to the cabin), restaurants, mini-mart (deli, ATM).
  • There is a free of charge shuttle service to the terminal.
  • A mechanized gangway serves the embarkation/disembarkation process (from building's floor 2/ticketing level). A second gangway was installed in May 2018.
  • Bell Street Cruise Terminal is close to Seattle-Tacoma Airport (~15-20 min drive distance) and to downtown (~5 min drive distance). The terminal is located on a 10-acre area, sited on Pier #66. The dock had served as a refrigerated storage, railway station and warehousing. The terminal building is 2-floor, with a system which allows direct transfer to the ship from the upper one. A covered parking garage (capacity 1700 cars, including 25 handicap lots, daily parking fee $23) is located across the street. The terminal offers restaurant, cafe, luggage handling, concierge, rental car kiosk and shops. It has only one cruise ship mooring access.
  • In August 2015, NCL signed a 15-year lease deal with the port for the Bell Street Cruise Terminal. The contract secured NCL cruise ships in Seattle and provided passenger volume guarantees with a total revenue for the port estimated at USD 73 million. Under the new lease, NCL Holdings manages all operations at Pier 66. The line also has priority rights to the berth during the Alaskan cruise season. The facilities outside the Alaskan season are operated by port authorities. The 15-year lease will generate over USD 2 billion in total revenue for the region, plus over 900 local jobs and over USD 65 million in state/local taxes.

NCL's USD 30 million investment into Pier 66 allowed in Seattle to be homeported the ever-largest Alaskan ship - Norwegian Bliss . The liner started turnaround (roundtrip itinerary) operations in June 2018 with 7-day Inside Passage cruises. To handle new ship's capacity (5200 passengers, 1730 crew), Terminal 66 was expanded from 44,000 ft2 (4090 m2) to 151,000 ft2 (14030 m2). On May 23, 2017, representatives from Port Seattle and NCLH-Norwegian celebrated the opening of the newly renovated Pier 66 Terminal. Upgrades included a mobile gangway (passenger boarding bridge), renovated check-in area and VIP lounge.

Smith Cove Pier 91 cruise terminal (Magnolia)

  • address - "Cruise Terminal 91 (Smith Cove Cruise Terminal), 2001 West Garfield St., Seattle, Washington 98119 "
  • GPS coordinates - pending
  • 2 berths (length 1200 ft / 366 m each)
  • Pier 91 terminal serves the ships of Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Disney and Royal Caribbean.
  • Pier 91 cruise terminal was opened in 2009. It has mechanized gangway for embarkation/disembarkation from floor 2 (the ticketing level).

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal is close to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (~20-25 min drive) and to downtown (~10 min drive). The terminal is located on Pier #90 and Pier #91, at approx 2 mi (3 km)  from downtown in northwestern direction. This port used to serve as an industrial port and a resupply base and still looks a kind of industrial. The Smith Cove terminal offers car rental desk, concierge, luggage handling, retail kiosks, check-in and customs. Close there is a parking and shuttle minibus service which is free. The passengers can pick up a cell phone car lot. It has two cruise ship moorings.

Cruise ship terminal directions and parking

(route 1) From Interstate 5 Southbound - use Mercer Street Exit from I-5 (exit 167). Continue on westbound onto Elliott Ave. Follow the signs to Pier 91.

(route 2) From Interstate 5 Southbound - exit on Union St (exit 165B), continue to 4th Ave. Turn right on 4th Ave. Turn left onto Wall St. Turn right on Western Ave. Follow the signs to Pier 91.

(route 3) From Interstate 5 Northbound - use Mercer Street Exit from I-5 (exit 167), continue westbound onto Elliott Ave. Follow the signs to Pier 91.

(Bell Street Pier) There is a 1700-cars secure parking garage (Republic Parking) located across the street (on 9 Wall Street) including 25 handicap lots (phone number (206) 783-

(Smith Cove) There is a 1000-cars secure parking garage and free of charge shuttle service to the terminal.

Cruise parking prices are:

  • At Seattle Cruise Park (~10 min away from the seaport), parking costs USD 157 USD (7-night voyage) or USD 2000 (14-night).
  • (cheaper alternatives/24-hour security parking) HomeTowne Studios (by Red Roof Inn) costs USD 5/day, Quality Inn Seatac Airport Parking costs USD 4,50/day.

Port Seattle, along with its 2 cruise terminals also has cargo terminals and drydock facilities for marine vessel refurbishments and repairs .

  • UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - USSEA
  • two dedicated cruise terminals
  • capability to accommodate 4 vessels at a time
  • 3 deepwater berths with shore-to-ship power (shore-side electricity supply)
  • supported by excellent road and air infrastructure

The Port is accessible only during late spring (April), summer months and early fall (late September, early October). Cruise ships usually arrive in Seattle in the early morning (at 6, 7 or 8 am) and depart from Seattle in the late afternoon (4 or 5 pm).

Seattle tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

Space Needle: enjoy beautiful city center views, buy souvenirs or dine at the rotating SkyCity restaurant.

Pioneer Square: situated a mile away from Bell Street Pier, the original center of the pioneer town and the place of the first timber mill in Seattle.

Seattle Aquarium: located by Pier #59, offers interesting sea creatures like the Pacific coral world, brightly colored fish, Puget sound fish and tentacled octopus. You can also visit the shop of the aquarium.

Museum of Flight: aviation devoted museum where you can see superb full WWII fighter planes collection, Shuttle space plane, flight attendants fashion and International Space Station mockup.

Pike Place Market: great farmers’ city market, a place where you can walk and watch plenty goods. It is located right to Bell Street Pier.

Seattle Art Museum Downtown: the biggest museum of art in the region, enjoy artworks from all over the world while touring in the galleries.

Olympic Sculpture Park: free park with thought provoking and abstract sculptures, located a mile away from Bell Street Pier in northwest direction.

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Seattle, Washington

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Seattle sits on the slip of land between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the Olympic and Cascade Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop for this oh-so cosmopolitan city. Soar up the futuristic Space Needle and experience the views atop this stunning landmark created for the 1962 World's Fair.

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  • Alluring Seattle Waterfront
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Visit Seattle's Discovery Park Lighthouse on your cruise

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Featured Seattle CRUISE ITINERARIES

Visit Juneau Alaska with Carnival Cruise Line

7 - Day Alaska from Seattle, WA

Cruise itinerary.

Visit Seattle Washington with Carnival Cruise Line

Day 1: Seattle

Guest enjoying a punchliner show onboard a carnival cruise

Day 2: Fun Day at Sea

Day 3: juneau, day 4: skagway, day 5: cruise tracy arm fjord, day 6: ketchikan, day 7: victoria, day 8: seattle.

carnival luminosa sets sail at sea

Get to Know Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Luminosa ® is new to the Carnival fleet… and we’d say this ship is all set to make a first impression. Guests setting sail on Carnival Luminosa can expect hospitality and fun that's pure, unmistakable Carnival, with so many fan-favorite onboard features like the flavors of Alchemy Bar ® , Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse ™ and RedFrog ® Rum Bar; the entertainment of Playlist Productions ™ , Piano Bar 88 and The Punchliner ™ Comedy Club; plus the relaxation of Cloud 9 Spa ™ and Serenity ™ . And when you’re indoors, you can still expect great views and lots of natural light — the ship was built with plenty of windows. So when you choose to sail on Carnival Luminosa, can we just say… great choice! There’s just one more decision to make: is Australia or Alaska more your cruising style? We ask because this world-traveling ship will kick things off sailings from Australia in the summer months with plenty of itinerary options… before heading to Seattle for a summer of Alaska cruises. And when the ship’s heading from one region to the other, we take the opportunity to sail unique Transpacific itineraries that stop in spots like Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, Japan and more. So, what we’re saying is… with scenery like this, you’re gonna put those windows to good use!

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guests enjoying live music and drinks at the red frog rum bar on carnival cruise lines

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assorted sushi rolls

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Alaska Cruises

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Alaska Cruises from Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington

Seattle, known as the Emerald City, serves as an ideal departure port for your Alaska cruise, offering a vibrant blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a bustling urban atmosphere. Situated on the picturesque shores of the Puget Sound, Seattle seamlessly combines its maritime heritage with a cosmopolitan cityscape. As you embark on your Alaskan voyage, Seattle sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Last Frontier. Explore a variety of Alaska cruises in 2024 departing from Seattle , including itineraries from American Cruise Lines , Carnival Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line , Lindblad-National Geographic Expedition , Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) , Oceania Cruises , Princess Cruises , Royal Caribbean , and Un-Cruise Adventures , among the most well-known cruise lines. Ships usually depart from the Seattle 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 Seattle

The best time to visit Seattle and embark on your Alaska cruise is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is generally mild and pleasant. This period offers a perfect combination of comfortable temperatures, longer daylight hours, and a vibrant atmosphere in the city. Additionally, it aligns with the peak season for Alaskan cruises, allowing you to enjoy optimal weather conditions during your voyage. Explore cruises from that depart in the months of September 2024 , October 2024 , November 2024 , April 2025 , May 2025 , June 2025 , July 2025 , August 2025 , and September 2025 .

Duration of cruises from Seattle

Cruise Lines offer itineraries from Seattle that range from 4 to 14 days. You can choose cruises lasting from 4-day cruise , 7-day cruise , 9-day cruise , 10-day cruise , and 14-day cruise , depending on the length of your holiday.

Cruise to Alaska from Seattle Schedule 2024

The ship schedule for the year 2024 includes numerous exciting voyages from Seattle, 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 Seattle to Alaska promises an extraordinary travel experience filled with unforgettable memories.

Seattle, as the departure port for your Alaska cruise, provides the perfect gateway to a captivating adventure through the pristine wilderness of the Last Frontier. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere, explore its iconic attractions, and savor its diverse culinary offerings. From the bustling streets of downtown to the serene waters of the Puget Sound, Seattle sets the stage for a truly unforgettable Alaskan cruise experience.

Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska 9-day route

9-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

Norwegian jewel, norwegian cruise line.

Date: October 1, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Sitka, Icy Strait, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska 7-day route

7-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

Norwegian bliss, norwegian cruise line.

Date: May 30, 2025

Ports of Call: Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

American Cruise Lines Puget Sound & San Juan Islands 7-day route

American Spirit, American Cruise Lines

Date: October 26, 2024

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

Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Cruise Line

Date: April 23, 2025

Ports of Call: Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait, Glacier Bay, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: August 13, 2025

Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska 7-day route

Date: June 14, 2025

Ports of Call: Seattle, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: September 14, 2024

Un-Cruise Adventures Alaska 7-day route

Safari Quest, Un-Cruise Adventures

Date: October 11, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Salish Sea, San Juan Islands, Stuart Island Park, Orcas Island, Sucia Island, Olympic National Park, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: August 9, 2025

Princess Cruises Alaska 4-day route

4-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

Majestic princess, princess cruises.

Date: September 22, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Ketchikan, Vancouver; View Itinerary

Royal Caribbean Alaska 7-day route

Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Date: September 13, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: August 16, 2025

Date: June 9, 2025

Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Cruise Line

Date: June 8, 2025

Date: August 4, 2025

Date: July 19, 2025

Date: October 4, 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska 10-day route

10-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

Date: July 25, 2025

Ports of Call: Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Icy Strait, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: August 2, 2025

Date: April 20, 2025

Date: May 24, 2025

Date: October 5, 2024

Date: September 21, 2024

Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Date: September 16, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: September 20, 2024

Date: October 25, 2024

Date: October 19, 2024

Date: August 17, 2025

Date: April 12, 2025

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

Gene Sloan

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

alaskan cruise departing seattle today

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

alaskan cruise departing seattle today

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

alaskan cruise departing seattle today

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

alaskan cruise departing seattle today

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

alaskan cruise departing seattle today

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

alaskan cruise departing seattle today

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:

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Round-Trip Alaska Cruises From Seattle: Everything You Need to Know

Last updated: June 4th, 2024

Round trip Alaska cruise from Seattle

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A round-trip Alaska cruise from Seattle is an extraordinary treat for mind, body, and spirit.

Not only are you able to see and explore some of the most incredible and visually appealing natural sights on the planet, but you’re also able to relax and re-energize while aboard a cruise ship featuring first-class amenities and attentive crew.

Here are some things you should know before you book one of our round-trip cruises from Seattle to Alaska.

What ports does a round-trip Alaska cruise from Seattle visit?

On round-trip cruises from Seattle to Alaska, you’ll spend seven days visiting ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway and sailing through the stunning Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier and the Inside Passage in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, before returning to Seattle.

Read: Best Alaska Cruise Itineraries

People on boat excursion in Ketchikan, Alaska

Sailing north along the lower Inside Passage, you’ll reach Ketchikan , your first port of call on a round-trip Alaska cruise from Seattle. Here, you’ll be introduced to the culture of the Tlingit, native Alaskans whose expressive totem carvings tell stories of their history and traditions.

Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world, and you’ll have multiple opportunities to experience why that’s true. Shore excursions will take you to the best things to do in Ketchikan , ranging from fishing expeditions to hatchery tours and the popular all-you-can-eat salmon bakes.

See blue and sperm whales, humpbacks, and orca on an Alaskan whale-watching cruise .

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

Beautiful landscape view of Endicott Arm, Alaska

Cruise through Endicott Arm Fjord, where you’ll be awestruck by the ice-blue and stark-white beauty of floating icebergs, with waterfalls and wildlife all around.

Keep your eyes peeled for brown bears on the shore, harbor seals in the water, and bald eagles soaring overhead. When your ship sails close to the 600-foot tall Dawes Glacier, one of the best glaciers in Alaska , you’ll get eye-popping views of active calving (ice chunks shearing away from the glacier) as your ship makes a complete turn for optimum viewing.

View of Mendenhall Glacier from a helicopter tour

Arriving in Juneau , Alaska’s capital, the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier dominates the landscape. See it up close on the ground at the superb visitor center, in the air on a helicopter tour, or explore its crevasses from atop the glacier.

See how dogsled pups are trained and ride a dogsled through a wilderness forest. Foodies will enjoy a culinary tour that showcases Alaska’s delicious food and those who catch it, grow it, and sell it, led by one of our onboard chefs.

Train passing along the woods in Alaska

When you stop in Skagway , Alaska’s Klondike Gold Rush history is front and center. Learn all about the gold rush and its cultural and historical significance by riding the restored White Pass & Yukon Railroad that traces the steep, mountainous White Pass trail of the 1896 gold rush.

See the beauty and wonder of the Tongass National Forest, the nation’s largest national forest, on wildlife tours, wilderness hikes, and bike tours through the Tongass temperate rainforest.

Inside Passage

Beautiful landscape of Inside passage

Sailing the Inside Passage is a serenely beautiful experience as your ship glides between forested islands against a backdrop of craggy mountains and distant glaciers. Experiencing this pristine environment gives you a real sense of just how remote Alaska is; for miles, you’ll see just wilderness, with no sign of human intervention.

The Inside Passage is prime whale-watching territory, so keep your eyes peeled for pods of orca and the blow of humpbacks.

You can also spot bears here, foraging on the stony beaches. Keep an eye out for bald eagles , too. They’re relatively easy to see because of the white plumage on their heads.

Victoria, British Columbia

Green landscape of Butchart Gardens in British Columbia

Victoria , British Columbia’s capital and your final port of call, is a charming and lively place to visit with lots to see and do. Explore Butchart Gardens, a jewel box of vivid floral displays and themed gardens.

One of the top things to do in Victoria is to tour the oldest Chinatown in Canada, stopping for dim sum and shopping for herbal remedies. For a historical and cultural perspective of Victoria and Western Canada, tour the Royal British Columbia Museum. While you’re in a British state of mind, stop for afternoon tea at the iconic Fairmont Hotel.

What cruise ship sails roundtrip from Alaska to Seattle?

Ship exterior of Celebrity Edge

You’ll sail roundtrip from Alaska to Seattle on the award-winning Celebrity Edge, a ship that’s made for taking in all those spectacular views.

Sip hot chocolate on the Magic Carpet, cantilevered over the side of the ship with uninterrupted views of forests, glaciers, and mountains.

Round trip Alaska cruise from Seattle - Celebrity Edge Rooftop Garden

On warm days, enjoy lunch al fresco at the Rooftop Garden, breathing in the fresh air. Head for the Sunset Bar as you leave port and sip cocktails as you watch for whales and dolphins.

There are wonderful places from which to take in Alaska’s beauty on cooler days, too. Leafy Eden has floor-to-ceiling glass, while the Solarium is the place to lounge in tropical warmth as you glide between forested islands.

Round trip Alaska cruise from Seattle

Choose an Edge stateroom with an Infinite Veranda and enjoy the sensation of being right at the water’s edge at the touch of a button.

Elevate your experience with The Retreat and you’ll enjoy a beautiful suite, an exclusive sun deck and pool, a luxurious lounge, and dining in the exquisite Luminae at The Retreat.

When do round-trip Alaska cruises from Seattle sail?

Scenic Seattle skyline

Celebrity offers round-trip cruises to Alaska from Seattle May through September. June through August are peak cruise times, and if you’re tied to a school schedule, this may be the best time to visit Alaska on a cruise . Cruising to Alaska during May or September offers fewer crowds and cooler weather.

Browse Cruises in May

Book Your Round-Trip Alaska Cruise From Seattle

Iconic Suite of Celebrity Edge

Watch: Alaska Cruise: Experience The Last Frontier

Experience the ultimate vacation on a cruise to Alaska. Browse Alaska cruise itineraries online or call one of our vacation specialists to get started.

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7-Day Alaskan Explorer Cruise

Our 7-day Alaska cruise from Seattle balances natural beauty with historic intrigue. Glide steel-gray waters past rugged cliffs and forested isles. Discover Victoria’s countless charms. Take thrilling excursions ashore in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. Linger at the face of frozen giants in Glacier Bay National Park. Or sidle up to Hubbard Glacier and watch house-sized icebergs cannon into the sea. Glaciers, wildlife and frontier towns are yours on these voyages.

Maps of Alaskan Explorer Cruise

Stop into iconic destinations and cruise Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier.

Ports of Call on These Cruises

  • Puget Sound
  • Scenic Cruising Stephens Passage
  • Glacier Bay (on select cruises)
  • Icy Strait Point (on select cruises)
  • Hubbard Glacier (on select cruises)
  • Victoria, BC

Ships Sailing This Cruise

maps of Alaskan Explorer cruises

Why Take This Cruise?

Spend more time sightseeing and less time getting there with our prime Alaska docking locations. Air travel is a breeze with roundtrip 7-day Alaska cruises. Weekend departures give you the option to stretch your vacation and explore the Emerald City.

Glacier Bay Cruise Itineraries

Hubbard glacier cruise itineraries, alaskan explorer cruise ships, understated elegance on eurodam.

Discover Great Land splendors from an award-winning ship that impresses with understated elegance. Named "Best for Great Dining & Diverse Destinations," you will enjoy a vast entertainment selection on board.

The Sumptuous Westerdam

Have a front-row seat to thunderous glaciers and crystalline fjords on this superb Vista-class ship. Sink into a refreshed suite as Alaska scenery slips by.

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Ocean Waters and Snow Mountains Part of the Alaska Experience

ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

Alaska cruises.

Adventure comes first on the last frontier.

Endless breathtaking tundra, four gamechanging ships, one epic summer adventure — this is the boldest Alaska season ever. Experience once-in-a-lifetime moments every single day.  Like whale watching in Juneau. Grizzly spotting in Haines. And totem touring in Sitka. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 21 years running.

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Mother and Daughter Enjoying a Kayak Tour in Alaska

OF ICE AND MOUNTAINS

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes,  imposing glaciers  and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness. 

Seals in Alaska Inside Passage

JOURNEY INWARD

Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective.

Majestic Glacier in Alaska

GLACIERS WILL MOVE YOU

In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve  massive icebergs . Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders.

Magnificent Denali National Park Alaska

JOURNEY TO "THE GREAT ONE"

In the center of the state,  Denali National Park  is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your vacation.

Beautiful Mountain View in the National Park, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

FEEL THE RUSH

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories you couldn't have made anywhere else during your cruise to Alaska. 

Alaska Dog Sledding Excursion

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the  Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour . The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill.

Whale Watching Activity in Alaska

WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?

Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a  whale watching tour . There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water.

Alaska Charter Helicopter Tour

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape.

Juneau, Alaska Blue Glacier Ice Cave

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Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 21 years running.

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QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Quantum of the Seas® heads to the Last Frontier from Seattle . This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather. Edge of your seat entertainment, all weather activities like the fan-favorite Flowrider®* and unparalleled views from every room.

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ANTHEM OF THE SEAS

Making its Alaska debut, Anthem of the Seas ® is full of family-favorite thrills and chill. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm . Whether you’re challenging friends to bumper cars at the SeaPlex® or catching record-setting views from North Star®, make unforgettable memories on these 7-night cruises.

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SERENADE OF THE SEAS

Bring your adventure crew to the Last Frontier for a 7-night sailing to can’t-miss glaciers and quaint seaside cities brimming with rugged charm. Go peak seaking in Sitka or and take-on rugged adventures in Haines . Once onboard, snag some adults-only time at the Solarium or treat your tastebuds to plated perfection at Izumi Japanese Cuisine. Getting to your coolest getaway yet is easy for the whole family with sails roundtrip from Vancouver .

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RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling.

The best time to travel to Alaska depends on your priorities. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

No two days will be the same, and you'll need to pack your clothing to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day. Think layers: zip-up sweaters, boots, rain jackets.

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Alaska is not a formal place; people even wear jeans to the opera. Focus more on comfort when deciding what clothing to pack.

Cameras, binoculars, rain ponchos and jackets are useful, but add these to the souvenirs you'll be picking up and soon your bag will be too heavy to tote around. Bring along a quality day pack to make it easier to hold your necessities.

Learn a few words in Alaska's local lingo: The "Alcan" is the Alaska-Canada Highway, for example, and "fish stories" are the local version of tall tales — unreliable yarns of mythological proportions, often told by fisherman.

ALASKAN CUISINE WILD IS THE WAY 

Alaskan food focuses on locally sourced ingredients that reflect the state's rugged terrain and the vast oceans surrounding it. These nutrient-rich waters serve up some gorgeous fish and shellfish, from super-fresh salmon to huge Alaskan King Crabs that can feed a crowd, while game meats and berries from the wilderness form a perfect marriage of flavor.

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SALMON IS CENTRAL

Fresh-caught wild salmon is served up at backyard BBQs and the finest restaurants. For something different, try the sweet and savory treat Indian Candy, salmon that is sweetened and smoked till hard.

Typical Alaskan Sourdough Bread

SOURDOUGH WON'T LET YOU GO

Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch.

Alaskan Wild Berries Pie Dessert

GO WILD FOR BERRIES

Alaskan wild berries are sweet and pack a powerful punch of flavor. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.

 National Park Mountains Snow, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Flowers Nature Mountains , Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Misty Fjords National Monument, Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Coastal Town Seascape Views, Sitka, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

National Park Forest, Inside Passage, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Iceberg Snow Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Vancouver Island Mountains, Inside Passage, British Columbia

Inside Passage, Canada

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Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

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Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Chilkat Peninsula, Skagway, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Alaska Glacier Bay Mountains

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Chilkoot Lake Haines Alaska

Haines, Alaska

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Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

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Seward, Alaska

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Cruise Discover

Maximizing Alaska Cruise Views: Choosing the Best Ship Side Departing from Seattle

Richard Hughes

Ever wondered which side of the ship offers the best views on an Alaska cruise departing from Seattle? Picture this: You’re standing on the deck, surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and majestic wildlife. But the big question remains – which side should you choose for the ultimate experience?

Key Takeaways

  • Understanding the specific routes and highlights of Alaska cruises departing from Seattle can significantly enhance your overall experience.
  • Opting for the starboard side can offer uninterrupted views of the picturesque coastline during northbound voyages along the Inside Passage or Glacier Bay route.
  • Choosing the port side presents excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and witnessing breathtaking sunsets over the southern fjords during an Alaska cruise.
  • Cabin location and deck level should be considered when selecting the best side of the ship to align with your preferences for sunrise or sunset views.
  • Personal preferences, movement on the ship, and activities onboard play a crucial role in determining the optimal side of the ship for your Alaska cruise experience.
  • Aligning your cabin choice with shore excursions, land tours, and onboard amenities can enhance your overall Alaska cruise adventure with captivating views both onboard and ashore.

Understanding the Routes for Alaska Cruises from Seattle

When embarking on an Alaska cruise from Seattle, it’s essential to grasp the various routes available to make the most of your journey. Understanding the specific routes and their highlights can significantly enhance your overall experience. Let’s delve into two prominent routes that you may encounter on your adventure:

Inside Passage and Its Scenery

The Inside Passage is a renowned route for Alaska cruises departing from Seattle, cherished for its breathtaking scenery and serene waters. Sailing through this passage offers you a chance to witness majestic fjords, lush forests, and charming coastal towns.

  • Example: Picture yourself standing on the deck, surrounded by towering mountains covered in emerald forests as you navigate the calm waters of the Inside Passage.

If you opt for a cabin on the port side of the ship, you can relish stunning views of the coastline as you sail northwards. On the starboard side, you’ll have the chance to catch mesmerizing sunsets over the vast Pacific Ocean.

Glacier Bay and Viewing Opportunities

Glacier Bay presents a unique opportunity to witness nature’s grandeur with its impressive glaciers and diverse wildlife. This route is dotted with massive tidewater glaciers that calve into the sea, creating a spectacle unlike any other.

  • Example: Imagine the thrill of spotting a humpback whale breaching near your ship as you glide past icy blue glaciers in Glacier Bay.

For the best viewing experience, consider booking a stateroom on the forward section of the ship. This location offers unobstructed panoramas of the glaciers and ample opportunities to observe marine life from the comfort of your cabin or the outer decks.

By familiarizing yourself with these routes and the potential sights they offer, you can optimize your Alaska cruise experience and ensure you don’t miss out on the wonders that await you on your journey from Seattle.

Starboard Side Advantages

Maximizing views of the coastline.

To make the most of your Alaska cruise from Seattle, opting for the starboard side has its perks. Picture yourself on deck, gazing out at the breathtaking coastline as the ship glides through the waters. On the starboard side, you’re likely to catch stunning views of the coastline as you sail northbound.

When the ship travels in a northbound direction, the starboard side often faces land, offering you uninterrupted views of the picturesque coastline. This vantage point allows you to witness the rugged cliffs, lush forests, and charming coastal towns that line the Alaskan shores. It’s like having a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur.

Experience During Northbound Voyages

During northbound voyages along the Inside Passage or the Glacier Bay route, choosing the starboard side can enhance your overall experience. Imagine waking up to the sun rising over the horizon, casting a golden hue on the rugged terrain visible from your cabin window on the starboard side.

As the ship navigates through the intricate waterways of the Inside Passage or Glacier Bay, the starboard side offers excellent opportunities to observe glaciers, wildlife, and stunning coastal landscapes. You might catch a glimpse of playful whales breaching the surface or bald eagles soaring overhead – all from the comfort of your preferred side of the ship.

By selecting the starboard side for your Alaskan cruise adventure, you’re setting yourself up for a journey filled with awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable sights. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness Alaska’s wonders in all their glory from this advantageous viewpoint.

Port Side Advantages

When selecting the best side of the ship for your Alaska cruise from Seattle, weighing the advantages of the port side is essential to enhance your experience. Opting for the port side offers unique benefits that can significantly enrich your journey through Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes and coastal wonders.

Opportunities for Wildlife Spotting

Choosing the port side of the ship presents excellent opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts. You’re more likely to spot marine animals, such as whales, dolphins, and sea otters, as the port side often faces the land or closer proximity to wildlife habitats. Keep your binoculars handy as you cruise along; you might catch a glimpse of majestic bald eagles soaring overhead or playful seals basking on rocky outcrops. By selecting the port side, you increase your chances of encountering Alaska’s diverse wildlife up close, creating unforgettable moments during your voyage.

Sunsets and the Southern Fjords

One of the remarkable advantages of opting for the port side during your Alaska cruise is the opportunity to witness breathtaking sunsets over the southern fjords. As the sun begins its descent, casting vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple across the sky, the port side provides an ideal vantage point to admire this natural spectacle. The southern fjords, with their rugged cliffs and serene waters, create a picturesque backdrop for the mesmerizing sunset views. By choosing the port side, you position yourself to capture stunning photographs of the sun setting behind the dramatic fjords, creating lasting memories of your Alaskan adventure.

Selecting the port side of the ship for your Alaska cruise from Seattle ensures that you’ll have front-row seats to captivating wildlife sightings and stunning sunset vistas. Make the most of your journey by strategically choosing the port side, where every moment promises awe-inspiring beauty and unforgettable experiences.

Considerations Beyond Ship Position

Cabin location and deck level.

When selecting the best side of the ship for your Alaska cruise departing from Seattle, another essential consideration is your cabin location and deck level. Opt for a cabin that aligns with your preferences. If you enjoy the convenience of quick access to onboard amenities and dining options, choose a cabin on a lower deck. Alternatively, if you prefer breathtaking panoramic views from higher vantage points, opt for a cabin on an upper deck.

Ensure your cabin choice complements your desired experience. For instance, if you’re an early riser who loves watching sunrise views over the Alaskan landscapes, a cabin on the east side of the ship might be ideal. Conversely, if you revel in majestic sunset vistas, a cabin on the west side could offer spectacular evening scenes. Tailoring your cabin selection to match your preferences enhances your overall cruise enjoyment.

Itinerary-Specific Scenic Highlights

Beyond the considerations of port or starboard side, delve into the itinerary-specific scenic highlights along the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay routes. Depending on the direction of your journey, each side of the ship offers unique vantage points for experiencing Alaskan wonders.

For northbound cruises along the Inside Passage, the starboard side typically provides unobstructed views of the coastline, allowing you to marvel at the rugged beauty of the land and catch glimpses of wildlife frolicking near the shore. On the other hand, southbound voyages may offer equally captivating scenery on the port side, with opportunities to witness stunning sunsets over the pristine fjords.

During your voyage through Glacier Bay, the choice of the ship’s side can impact your encounters with calving glaciers and marine wildlife. Be prepared to witness nature’s grandeur up close, whether you opt for the starboard side to view glaciers in their splendor or the port side for potential wildlife sightings such as breaching whales and playful sea otters.

Considering the specific highlights of your itinerary ensures you make the most of your Alaskan cruise experience, capturing the essence of each destination from the best vantage point on your chosen side of the ship.

Weighing the Importance of Cabin Orientation

Personal preferences and priorities.

When selecting the best side of the ship for your Alaska cruise from Seattle, consider your personal preferences and priorities. If you value breathtaking sunrise views to start your day, cabins on the east side are ideal. On the other hand, if you prefer to unwind while witnessing stunning sunsets over the horizon, opt for cabins on the west side. Your choice of cabin orientation can significantly enhance your cruise experience by aligning with what you value most during your journey.

Movement and Options on the Ship

Factor in the movement and options available on the ship when deciding on the best side for your Alaska cruise. Depending on whether you’re more interested in observing coastal landscapes or glacier views, you may want to select a side that offers the best vantage points for the sights you most want to see. Additionally, consider the amenities and facilities you plan to access frequently during your cruise and choose a cabin orientation that makes it convenient to reach these areas. By carefully considering movement and onboard options in conjunction with your desired views, you can make an informed decision on the optimal side of the ship for your Alaska adventure.

Other Factors to Enhance Your Alaska Cruise Experience

Shore excursions and land tours.

To make the most of your Alaska cruise experience, Shore Excursions and Land Tours play a vital role. When choosing the best side of the ship, consider the itinerary’s ports of call and the excursions available. If you’re interested in activities like whale watching, bear spotting, or visiting glaciers, research which side of the ship offers better views during these excursions. Opting for the side that aligns with the key attractions can significantly enhance your on-land adventure experiences.

For example, if your itinerary includes a visit to Hubbard Glacier, a starboard cabin might offer unobstructed views of the glacier during your sail-by, giving you a front-row seat to this impressive natural wonder. On the other hand, if your shore excursions involve scenic coastal towns or fjords, the port side could provide panoramic views of these picturesque settings. By aligning your cabin choice with the on-land activities you’re most excited about, you’ll ensure a well-rounded Alaska cruise adventure with captivating views both onboard and ashore.

Onboard Amenities and Activities

When deciding on the ideal side of the ship for your Alaska cruise, it’s essential to consider the onboard amenities and activities that matter most to you. Different cruise lines offer varied onboard experiences, from spa treatments and gourmet dining to entertainment shows and educational programs.

If you value relaxing in the sun and enjoying sunset views from your cabin, choosing the west side of the ship could be perfect for you to catch the evening hues over the Alaskan landscape. Conversely, if you prefer starting your day with sunrise vistas and early morning light, cabins on the east side might be more suitable.

Moreover, the location of onboard facilities like restaurants, pools, and lounges can influence your decision. By selecting a cabin close to your favorite onboard spots, you can make the most of your time at sea and easily access the amenities you enjoy. Consider how the side of the ship you choose aligns with your preferred onboard activities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable cruise journey tailored to your preferences.

Choosing the best side of the ship for your Alaska cruise from Seattle can significantly enhance your experience. Opting for the starboard side offers unparalleled views of the coastline, wildlife, and glaciers during your voyage. Cabin location and deck level preferences play a crucial role in maximizing your scenic enjoyment. Whether you prefer sunrise or sunset views, selecting the right cabin orientation is key. Remember to align your cabin choice with planned activities to make the most of your Alaskan adventure. By considering these factors, you’ll ensure a memorable and picturesque journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side of the ship is best for viewing on an alaska cruise.

For the best views on an Alaska cruise departing from Seattle, choose the starboard side during northbound voyages for optimal coastline views, wildlife sightings, and glacier vistas.

How should I select my cabin location for the best views?

Choose an east side cabin for sunrise views and a west side cabin for sunset vistas. Consider deck level preferences and proximity to amenities based on your desired scenery and onboard experience.

Are there specific scenic highlights based on the ship’s direction?

Yes, each side of the ship offers unique vantage points for experiencing Alaskan wonders. Consider itinerary-specific sights during northbound, southbound, and Glacier Bay cruises for the best views.

How can I enhance my Alaska cruise experience beyond cabin selection?

Align cabin choices with shore excursions and onboard amenities to tailor your journey. Opt for cabins suited to on-land activities like whale watching or glacier visits and explore onboard facilities for a personalized cruise experience.

richard hughes

Hi, I'm Richard, a passionate traveler and cruise enthusiast. With over a decade of experience exploring the world's oceans, I've developed a deep love for all things related to cruising. Whether it's luxury liners or intimate river cruises, I enjoy sharing my insights and tips to help others plan their perfect getaway. When I'm not sailing the seas, you can find me writing about my adventures or planning my next voyage

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7 Night Alaska Cruise

Best known for the Pacific Princess on the Love Boat, Princess Cruises has been a leading name in cruising and visits a wide range of destinations.

Choose an Alaska cruise, where you can explore the tundra or view the natural beauty, take a dog sled ride or kick back in some hot springs!

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Royal Princess - Passenger Capacity: 3,560 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2013 Last Refurbished:  2018

Cruise Web

Take advantage of limited-time offers and special deals

Princess Cruises

Cruise Line

Royal Princess

Cruise Ship

Royal Princess

Seattle, Washington

Departing From

Alaska

Destination

Ports of call.

Seattle, Washington , Juneau, Alaska , Skagway, Alaska , Glacier Bay, Alaska , Ketchikan, Alaska , Victoria, British Columbia

Special Promotions*

Princess Cruises: up to 40% OFF*

NEW! Choose from 3 Cruise Packages for Princess

Princess MedallionClass Vacation

Up to $500 FREE Onboard Credit* - TCW Exclusive

Princess: up to $250 Onboard Credit for Military

Princess Alaska Cruisetour Packages

  • Itinerary & Pricing

7 Night Alaska Cruise sailing on the Royal Princess

Departure dates: may 2025 - sep 2026.

From $1,308

From $1,238

From $1,328

From $1,497

From $1,357

From $1,447

From $1,407

From $1,537

From $1,457

From $1,417

From $1,427

From $1,397

From $1,377

From $1,337

From $1,297

From $1,358

From $1,378

From $1,108

From $1,288

From $1,318

From $1,438

From $1,428

From $1,477

From $1,577

From $1,327

From $1,277

Stateroom prices for May. 17, 2025

Royal Princess Inside Stateroom

Published prices from

Based on cabin prices

Taxes & Fees Included

Royal Princess Balcony Stateroom

Based on Balcony cabin prices

Royal Princess Suite Stateroom

Based on Suite cabin prices

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*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include government taxes & fees. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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Alaska Cruises from Vancouver

Take in the scenic inside passage on a roundtrip alaska cruise from vancouver.

Uncover treasures in the Great Land on an Alaska cruise from Vancouver. Relive Gold Rush history, experience Native Alaskan culture and come face-to-face with some of Mother Nature’s greatest masterpieces. On a roundtrip Inside Passage cruise, enjoy quicker access to Alaska while also exploring the friendly ports of British Columbia.

Itinerary Ports

When you cruise to Alaska from Vancouver, encounter unique ports of call that are rich in history, culture and natural beauty.

  • Endicott Arm
  • Glacier Bay National Park
  • Hubbard Glacier
  • Icy Strait Point

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.

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.

Located between the Chilkat River and the Lynn Canal, Haines is the home of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, where as many as 4,000 bald eagles gather each fall to feast on spawning salmon along the river. As many as 80 have been seen perched in a single tree and more than a hundred may be captured within the frame of a single photograph.

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.

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.

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 cruise to Alaska from Vancouver.

  • Glacier Viewing  — Alaska’s glaciers were meant to be admired. That’s why every Alaska cruise from Vancouver includes at least one glacier viewing experience to either Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier.
  • Three Historic Ports of Call  — Fish for salmon in Ketchikan, pan for gold in Skagway or fly over snow-capped mountains in Juneau. Relive Alaska’s greatest tales in these spirited ports of call on an Inside Passage cruise.
  • Convenient Roundtrip Air Travel  — On a roundtrip cruise to Alaska from Vancouver, enjoy easier travels to and from your cruise vacation with the opportunity for even more adventure before you set sail or after your trip ends.
  • A Visit to Vancouver  — From Chinatown to Stanley Park, uncover old-world history amidst new-age living in Vancouver before or after your Alaska 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 Alaska cruise.

Caribbean Princess®

Coral Princess®

Grand Princess®

Ruby 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 in 2024-2025

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.

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.

You May Also Like

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.

North to Alaska

Immerse yourself in all things Alaska with our onboard program.

IMAGES

  1. Norwegian Jewel Alaska Cruise ship departing from Pier 66 at the Seattle Cruise Ship Terminal

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  2. Alaska Cruises From Seattle 2024

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  3. The Seattle Cruise Season Restarts

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  4. 7 Night Alaska Cruises round-trip from Seattle!

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  5. Alaska Cruises from Seattle

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  6. Roundtrip Alaska Cruise from Seattle 2020

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VIDEO

  1. I took an NCL Alaskan Cruise!! (Trip to Seattle) (Day 1 Cruise Day)!!

  2. Alaskan Cruise 2024

  3. Alaskan cruises #cruise #alaska

  4. Alaskan Cruise details coming shortly

  5. Alaskan Cruise Sept 5-12 2023 Part 1

  6. Exploring Seattle Day 1 Alaskan Cruise

COMMENTS

  1. Seattle (Washington) cruise port schedule

    The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Seattle, Washington. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates - just follow the corresponding ship-link. Day. Ship. Arrival. Departure. 1 September, 2024. Sunday.

  2. Alaska Cruises From Seattle

    Embark on a 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle with a convenient weekend departure from the Emerald City's spectacular waterfront. Experience majestic glaciers with itineraries featuring Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier. Visit attractions in Alaska's most-beloved ports: Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka. F….

  3. Seattle to Alaska: 7-Day Inside Passage Cruise

    Experience the Great Land on a 7-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise from Seattle. Follow in the footsteps of the Yukon Gold Rush on an Alaska cruise from Seattle to some of the world's most scenic wonders. With convenient weekend departures and proximity to the Great Land, a cruise to Alaska from Seattle allows you to leave when you want, and ...

  4. Cruises From Seattle to Alaska

    2024-2026 Alaska cruises. Glaciers, mountains, bears (and other wildlife), oh my. So much adventure awaits on a cruise from Seattle to Alaska. You'll love our roundtrip voyages, bringing you up close to untouched landmarks, including Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier. Fish for salmon in Ketchikan, meet sled dogs in ...

  5. Cruises from Seattle: Best Alaska Cruises from Seattle

    Book your award-winning cruise from Seattle today! Visiting from {country-flag} {country-name}? Go to site. Favorites. 1-888-751-7804 CONTACT 1-888-751-7804. Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751 ... Alaska cruises from Seattle depart from Port of Seattle, Terminal 91, located on Seattle's downtown waterfront. Taxis, buses, rideshares, and car ...

  6. Cruises from Seattle to Alaska

    2024 Alaska cruises. Glaciers, wildlife and mountains await you on a cruise from Seattle to Alaska. Our roundtrip voyages bring you up close to untouched landmarks, including Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier. Fish for salmon in Ketchikan, meet sled dogs in Juneau and pan for gold in Skagway.

  7. Cruises From Seattle, Washington

    Seattle sits on the slip of land between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the Olympic and Cascade Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop for this oh-so cosmopolitan city. Soar up the futuristic Space Needle and experience the views atop this stunning landmark created for the 1962 World's Fair. Up To $1,000 Off. All Cruises.

  8. 7-Day Alaska Cruise from Seattle

    7-Day Alaska from Seattle, WA. Carnival Spirit. Start: Seattle > Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord > Skagway > Juneau > Ketchikan > Victoria > End: Seattle. From $0*. average per person, 0 person room. START BOOKING.

  9. Cruises from Seattle

    Cruises departing from Seattle are your ticket to some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth — they'll take you straight to Alaska! But there is plenty to see before or after your cruise, too. Carnival cruises from Seattle dock at the gates of the "Emerald City.". Set on Puget Sound in the shadow of Mt. Rainer, Seattle's stunning ...

  10. Your ship

    Alaska Cruises; European Cruises ... The from , visits Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. Start planning your next cruise vacation by selecting a destination and departure port. ... Seattle, Washington; Rome, Italy; Plan A Cruise Update Guest Information; Make a Payment; Redeem ...

  11. 7-Day Alaska Cruise from Seattle

    Day 1: Seattle. Departs at 4:00 PM. Cruises departing from Seattle are your ticket to some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth — they'll take you straight to Alaska! But there is plenty to see before or after your cruise, too.

  12. 7 Night Alaska Adventure Cruise

    The 7 Night Alaska Adventure Cruise visits Seattle, Washington; Sitka, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia; Seattle, Washington. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. Start planning your next cruise vacation by selecting a destination and departure port.

  13. Alaska cruise from Seattle 2024 schedule

    Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Cruise Line. Date: July 6, 2025. Ports of Call: Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary. Embark on Alaska cruise vacation from Seattle to discover spectacular places and wild beauty. Easily find and compare Alaska cruises from Seattle.

  14. 7 Night Alaska Cruise sailing on the Discovery Princess

    Choose an Alaska cruise, where you can explore the tundra or view the natural beauty, take a dog sled ride or kick back in some hot springs! Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

  15. Cruises from Seattle, Washington

    Sail on Quantum 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.

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

    Ovation of the Seas. ROYAL CARIBBEAN. 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.

  17. Seattle Cruise Departures

    Cruises that depart from Seattle | Cruise ship itineraries sailing out of Seattle. Travel Agents Competing To Offer The Best Cruise Deals. 1. Find your cruise & request quotes. 2. ... 7 Night - Alaska Experience Cruise Starting in Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Victoria, Seattle

  18. Round-Trip Alaska Cruises From Seattle: Everything You Need to Know

    On round-trip cruises from Seattle to Alaska, you'll spend seven days visiting ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway and sailing through the stunning Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier and the Inside Passage in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, before returning to Seattle. Read: Best Alaska Cruise Itineraries.

  19. 7-Day Alaskan Explorer Cruise

    7-Day Alaskan Explorer Cruise. Our 7-day Alaska cruise from Seattle balances natural beauty with historic intrigue. Glide steel-gray waters past rugged cliffs and forested isles. Discover Victoria's countless charms. Take thrilling excursions ashore in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. Linger at the face of frozen giants in Glacier Bay National Park.

  20. Alaska Cruises: Cruise to Alaska

    Endless breathtaking tundra, four gamechanging ships, one epic summer adventure — this is the boldest Alaska season ever. Experience once-in-a-lifetime moments every single day. Like whale watching in Juneau. Grizzly spotting in Haines. And totem touring in Sitka.

  21. Maximizing Alaska Cruise Views: Choosing the Best Ship Side Departing

    Embark on an Alaskan adventure with insights on choosing the best side of the ship for your cruise from Seattle. Discover the advantages of the starboard side for optimal views of coastlines, wildlife, and glaciers. Delve into cabin location tips for sunrise or sunset panoramas and enhance your experience with tailored shore excursions and onboard amenities.

  22. Alaska Cruises from Seattle

    Alaska Inside Passage Cruise Ports. When you cruise to Alaska from Seattle, encounter unique ports of call that are rich in history, culture and natural beauty. 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 ...

  23. Alaska Explorer (7 nights)

    Book the Alaska Explorer, departing from Seattle, Washington on 20 Jun 2026 for 7 nights aboard Eurodam with ROL Cruise today. | 2181694. Enjoy a FREE M&S Gift Card worth up to £500 when you book by 8pm 9th September 2024 T&C's Apply. Request a call back . Call 08082394989.

  24. 7 Night Alaska Cruise sailing on the Royal Princess

    Choose an Alaska cruise, where you can explore the tundra or view the natural beauty, take a dog sled ride or kick back in some hot springs! Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

  25. Solar eclipse cruise new in Carnival's summer 2026 Europe, Alaska

    The ship's final cruise from Europe will be a 14-day 'Carnival Journeys' voyage departing Nov. 1, 2026, from Civitavecchia to Tampa, with calls at Cartagena and Málaga, Spain; Gibraltar and Bermuda. Alaska on Carnival Miracle and Spirit. Carnival Miracle will join Carnival Spirit sailing from Seattle to Alaska in summer 2026.

  26. Port of Seattle cruise operations director Mike McLaughlin is retiring

    McLaughlin has led Seattle's cruise business during a time of tremendous growth and development. He's proud of milestones like the port leading the West Coast in cruise volumes, handling more than a million revenue passengers in 2018 and 2019. ... And although the typical Alaska cruise season lasts just a little more than five months, it brings ...

  27. Vancouver to Alaska: 7-Day Passage Cruise

    Find Cruises. Uncover treasures in the Great Land on an Alaska cruise from Vancouver. Relive Gold Rush history, experience Native Alaskan culture and come face-to-face with some of Mother Nature's greatest masterpieces. On a roundtrip Inside Passage cruise, enjoy quicker access to Alaska while also exploring the friendly ports of British ...