Best Alaska cruise routes 2026-2027

From the natural wonders of Glacier Bay National Park — one of the most sought-after Alaska cruise experiences — to the historic charm of each port, our best Alaska cruises have a lot to offer. Every turn awards unparalleled views of Alaska’s monumental glaciers, majestic wildlife and picturesque scenery  — one of the main highlights travelers look for when choosing the best Alaska cruises. That’s why we carefully crafted our roundtrip and one-way cruise itineraries so you can experience just that. Roundtrip voyages include one glacier viewing with four ports of call. One-way itineraries offer two glacier viewings and three ports of call. With more balconies than any other Alaska cruise line, all of our ships allow you to relish in the beauty of the great land from almost anywhere on board. Between exclusive shore excursions and plentiful onboard activities, your time spent cruising Alaska will be nothing short of memorable. Alaska cruise season typically runs from May through September, and Princess Cruises is widely considered one of the top cruise lines for glacier-focused Alaska itineraries.

Here are our best Alaska cruise routes. Alaska cruises can vary by itinerary length, departure port and glacier destinations, giving travelers several ways to explore the region.

As you wave goodbye to the modern city of Seattle, settle into the timeless comforts of a Princess ship on a 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise. The first day of your journey begins at sea where you can explore all that Princess has to offer with the award-winning North to Alaska program. Feast on fresh Alaska seafood or immerse yourself in Gold Rush history when you visit the Princess Prospector. Regardless of your preferences, there are endless ways to enjoy your time on board. After a full day sailing the open waters, set out on one of many Alaska shore excursions. Soar over the ice-capped mountains in Juneau or admire the natural beauty of the Misty Fjords National Monument in Ketchikan. Cloaked in sheer granite cliffs, vast waterfalls and reflective lakes, you’ll leave feeling inspired and ready to continue your exploration. Your journey doesn’t end there. Depending on your itinerary, you’ll come face-to-face with one of Alaska’s most beloved jewels – Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. There, delight in Mother Nature’s most breathtaking compositions from your stateroom balcony or virtually anywhere on board. Before you know it, you’ll strike gold as you cruise into Skagway. Cozy up to the newest generation of sled dogs and learn how they are trained. Visit historical sites like the Red Onion Saloon or embark on a 41-mile train ride aboard the “Scenic Railway of the World.” Before returning to Seattle, you’ll also make a port in Victoria, B.C., where colorful gardens, walkable streets and a touch of Old World charm create a memorable final port call.

Our 10-day Alaska cruise route will have you trading in the rolling hills of San Francisco for majestic mountains along the Inside Passage. Spend the first two days diving into Alaskan culture long before you arrive at the first port. Sit front row at an authentic axe-throwing competition hosted by Alaskan lumberjacks or experience the thrill of the gold rush with an authentic Klondike Festival full of animated dancers and live guitar performances. You might even feel like a true local by the time you arrive at your first destination. After a full day in the city of Juneau, you’ll head one of two directions. One itinerary will sail you to Glacier Bay National Park. As one of the only cruise lines with access to Glacier Bay, enjoy untouched waters and snow-capped mountains from the comfort of your ship. The alternate cruise itinerary will take you past Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier and make an additional stop in Haines. From there, be whisked away into Prince Rupert, B.C., where Cow Bay’s colorful waterfront and the Museum of Northern British Columbia add an easygoing Canadian port call to the route. Wrap up your adventure by stopping in Skagway and Ketchikan for the best Alaska cruise experience.

Take your Alaska adventure to new heights with our 164-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Los Angeles. Escape the pandemonium of the city and cruise into the welcoming waters of the Pacific. Ease into the week with fourthree relaxing days at sea. Ease into the week with relaxing days at sea. Take a dip in freshwater pools, enjoy a unique cinematic experience with Movies Under the Stars® or sip specially crafted cocktails as you sail toward Juneau. Upon arriving, soar over ice-capped mountains or set out on an Alaska shore excursion that brings the capital city’s wild surroundings closer. Then, cruise into Skagway, and then continue to Glacier Bay National Park for scenic cruising, where views of glacier-carved waters and towering mountains can be enjoyed from your stateroom balcony. From there, stop at Icy Strait Point and get up close and personal with killer whales, sea lions and brown grizzly bears. Or, test your inner thrill-seeker and soar down a 5,330-foot-long descent on the world’s highest ZipRider cable – which sits 1,300 feet above sea level. Then, travel to Sitka and Ketchikan. Between your final days at sea, stop by Victoria B.C. before returning to Los Angeles. No matter where you choose to explore, your 164 days aboard an Alaska cruise will be filled with endless discovery and a newfound sense of wonder.

Among the best Alaska cruises is our top-rated 7-day, one-way Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary. Every journey features two glacier-viewing experiences, which can include Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. Compared to our roundtrip itineraries, our Voyage of the Glaciers cruises sail 500 miles farther north across the Gulf of Alaska into Prince William Sound. In addition to Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway or Icy Strait Point, you will begin or end your journey in Whittier (the port of Anchorage). There, you’ll have extra time to soak up expansive views of rich greenery and striking mountains. Or, discover authentic Native Alaskan culture as you stroll through this four-time All-American City.

Travelers can also extend their Alaska cruise with a cruisetour that combines the voyage with land experiences to destinations such as Denali National Park. There’s a reason why we’re a 22-time winner of “Best Cruise Line in Alaska” by Travel Weekly. With so many opportunities to choose from, any of our Alaska cruises will ignite your love of adventure and leave you coming back for more.