Which Alaskan Cruise Should You Go on?
Alaska is the largest state in the United States, and it’s filled to the brim with natural beauty. Alaska is home to idyllic waterways, snow-covered mountains, and untouched nature — all these come together to offer an experience unlike anywhere else. To truly experience Alaska’s great expanse, an Alaskan Cruise might just be the best way to do it!
There are many cruise formats and lengths to choose from, so we’ve taken our travel experience and made a quick guide for you to browse through!
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What Types Of Alaskan Cruises Are There?
There’s definitely a lot of Alaskan cruise formats to choose from, but they all fall into the same main categories: round-trip cruises, one-way cruises, and other alternatives. The round-trip Alaskan cruises are by far the most popular.
All these cruises typically start from either Seattle or Vancouver before heading north along the coast. Although, the cruises that start in Vancouver provide an opportunity for a scenic rail trip for those landing in Seattle and then traveling north.
Round trips are typically complete packages that come with a lot of activities packed in. This is probably more for when you’re looking to do and see much more on your trip — the option to either relax or join the activities is there, making it the more flexible yet prepped option.
If you want to have more control over the trip, take a one-way cruise. It’s less pre-prepared than a round trip one, but you can technically do what you want- on your time.
From there, you can search through the incredible list of activities covered at Alaska.org. These trips can also be less expensive since you’re booking a lot of the adventures yourself. It does, however, require more planning on your end.
Other alternatives may also be cruises that begin at the end of the peak season. These trips usually divert from the standard route- meaning a “road-less-traveled” for you to explore.
Which Cruise Company Should I Go With?
Alaskan Cruises are generally more of a scenic cruise and less of a pleasure trip. Ships will have fewer amenities on board, but they are more comfortable. Think of it as more of a zen moment as opposed to a huge, busy trip.
When choosing a company to go with — we highly suggest checking Cruise Critic. They offer several suggestions and information that you may want to consider for Alaskan cruises. Coral Princess, Island Princess, Celebrity Solstice, and many smaller operations all provide cruises in the area.
Be aware that much like all trips, Alaskan Cruise rates fluctuate depending on the season and the demand. But since most operators in the area are generally great, going with a smaller company that costs less is a pretty sound option.