Discover the best Alaska cruise routes
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There’s no place quite like Alaska. Jagged coastlines and sightings of bears or whales in the wild make it one of the most captivating cruise destinations on Earth. But where you sail matters just as much as what you see.
Each Alaska cruise route reveals a different side of the state. The right Alaska cruise map can take you beyond the surface, carving a path through dramatic landscapes and tucked-away places most travelers never reach.
Princess Cruises has been sailing these waters for decades, refining itineraries to help guests experience Alaska’s raw beauty in unforgettable ways. No matter the route, you’ll see why we’ve been named the #1 Alaska Cruise Line
Key takeaways
- There are three standout Alaska cruise routes — the Inside Passage, Voyage of the Glaciers and Alaska Peninsula — each offering its own blend of wildlife, glaciers and off-the-beaten-path discoveries
- Get ready to spot whales, bears, bald eagles and seals as you sail past glacier-carved coastlines, snowcapped peaks and historic ports
- Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord are must-see stops for fans of jaw-dropping ice and scenery you just can’t find elsewhere
- Cruise season typically runs May through September, with peak wildlife sightings and the best weather served up in the summer months
Overview of Alaska cruise routes
No two Alaska cruises are alike. Some wind through narrow, glacier-carved channels. Others push farther north into wilder, less-traveled terrain. The route you choose shapes everything you’ll see and do.
Princess Cruises offers several ways to experience this legendary region, each carefully designed to showcase a different facet of Alaska — coastal culture, dramatic icefields or wide-open wilderness. An Alaska cruise map is the key to unlocking the landscapes and moments that stay with you long after you’ve disembarked.
This Alaska cruise guide breaks down the main routes we’ll explore ahead: the serene waters of the Inside Passage, the glacier-packed journey of the Voyage of the Glaciers and the far-flung, less-traveled Alaska Peninsula. Each delivers its own kind of unforgettable.
Inside Passage cruise route
What is the Inside Passage?
The Inside Passage is a protected coastal route that stretches from Washington state through British Columbia and into southeast Alaska. Fringed by islands and flanked by towering mountains, it offers some of the calmest waters and most scenic cruising in the region.
This route is a favorite for glacier viewing and wildlife spotting — bald eagles, harbor seals and orcas are often seen from the ship. With fewer open-sea days and more time near shore, an Alaska Inside Passage cruise is especially well-suited to guests who want to stay close to Alaska’s rugged edge without venturing too far inland.
Ports and highlights of the Inside Passage
Each stop along the Inside Passage reveals a different layer of Alaska’s story.
- Ketchikan: Known as the salmon capital of the world, this port is rich in Native heritage. Guests on cruises to Ketchikan can stroll historic Creek Street, explore the Totem Heritage Center or cast a line in nearby streams during the annual salmon runs.
- Juneau: Alaska’s capital, only reachable by boat or plane, offers incredible access to the outdoors. Popular experiences on a cruise to Juneau include visiting the Mendenhall Glacier, taking a small-boat whale watching tour or riding the Goldbelt Tram to panoramic alpine views.
- Skagway: Once a booming Gold Rush town, Skagway still echoes with frontier energy. Guests on cruises to Skagway can explore historic saloons or board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for a scenic climb through mountain passes and past dramatic waterfalls.
- グレーシャーベイ国立公園: A highlight of many Inside Passage itineraries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features active tidewater glaciers, deep fjords and some of the best wildlife viewing in Alaska. Keep an eye out for puffins, sea otters and even brown bears along the shoreline.
Why choose the Inside Passage?
The Inside Passage is one of the most accessible ways to explore Alaska by sea. Its round-trip sailings — often departing from Seattle or Vancouver — make air travel simpler, especially for U.S. guests. And with more time near shore, there’s a stronger focus on ports, culture and wildlife viewing.
This route delivers what many guests picture when they think of Alaska: fishing towns surrounded by spruce forest, glaciers calving into narrow fjords and whales surfacing just off the bow. For those planning their first Alaskan cruise route, it’s a natural starting point — less remote, but rich in scenery and history.
Voyage of the Glaciers cruise route
What is the Voyage of the Glaciers route?
This one-way itinerary travels between Vancouver, B.C. and Whittier, the port for Anchorage. It offers a deeper look at Alaska, sailing across the Gulf of Alaska and into Prince William Sound. Along the way, guests experience two full days of glacier viewing and visit a mix of coastal ports and remote wilderness.
Unlike round-trip Inside Passage cruises, this route opens the door to land-based adventures in places like Denali National Park or Fairbanks where they ride the Alaska Railroad. Many guests pair the sailing with a cruisetour for the full land-and-sea experience.
Key destinations on a Voyage of the Glaciers cruise
- Hubbard Glacier: As North America’s largest tidewater glacier, Hubbard stretches nearly 76 miles and regularly calves massive chunks of ice into Disenchantment Bay. On calm days, the sound of ice cracking echoes for miles.
- College Fjord: Tucked into the northern corner of Prince William Sound, this fjord is home to a dozen glaciers named after Ivy League colleges. Many sailings offer 360-degree views of glacier walls, floating bergs and snow-covered peaks.
- Seward: A working fishing port and launch point for the Kenai Fjords, Seward offers guests a chance to spot sea otters, puffins and humpback whales on small-boat tours or visit the Alaska SeaLife Center right in town.
- Whittier: A former military outpost surrounded by towering mountains and waterfalls, Whittier marks the start of many Princess land itineraries. Guests can continue north by rail or motorcoach toward Denali and interior Alaska.
Why choose the Voyage of the Glaciers route?
This route is ideal for guests who want to see more of Alaska than the coastline alone. You’ll travel roughly 500 miles farther than an Inside Passage cruise, with expanded glacier access and options to explore the interior by train or guided land tour.
With fewer sea days and more glacier time, it’s a favorite for photographers, wildlife lovers and anyone looking for a more immersive journey. For many, it’s the best way to experience the full scale of Alaska, both by ship and beyond.
Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands cruise route
Exploring Alaska’s remote coastline
Few travelers reach the far-flung shores of the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. This route covers a dramatically different stretch of the state — volcanic, windswept and largely untouched. With fewer ports and limited infrastructure, it offers a sense of isolation that even seasoned cruisers rarely experience.
Remote parks like Katmai National Park & Preserve are among the highlights. Accessible only by boat or small plane, Katmai is one of the best places in the world to view brown bears, especially at Brooks Falls, where they gather by the dozens during the summer salmon run.
Key destinations on an Alaska Peninsula cruise
- Kodiak Island: Alaska’s second-largest island is known for its population of massive Kodiak brown bears and a long Russian-influenced history. Visitors often explore the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge or join sportfishing charters in the island’s pristine waters.
- Dutch Harbor: Located in the Aleutian chain, Dutch Harbor played a key role in World War II and remains one of the most important fishing ports in the U.S. Today, guests can visit the Museum of the Aleutians or hike along dramatic, wind-blasted ridges with views stretching to the Bering Sea.
Why choose the Alaska Peninsula route?
This itinerary appeals to travelers who’ve already experienced Alaska’s more classic routes and are seeking something quieter and less predictable. Fewer crowds, smaller ports and longer stretches at sea make it feel more like an expedition than a traditional cruise.
For those looking to trade souvenir shops for bear sightings and volcanic peaks, this route delivers an entirely different side of Alaska.
Comparing Alaska cruise routes
Each Alaska cruise route offers something distinct, from chasing glacier views or cultural stops. Here’s how they stack up at a glance:
| Route | Best For | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| インサイド・パッセージ | First-time cruisers, round-trip travel | Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Glacier Bay |
| グレーシャー・ハイライト | Guests adding land tours or Denali | Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, Whittier, access to Alaska Railroad |
| Alaska Peninsula | Return visitors, off-the-beaten-path experiences | Kodiak Island, Dutch Harbor, Katmai bear viewing |