A guide to cruising Alaska

But whether you’ve cruised before, or this is your first time aboard ship, an Alaskan cruise is rather different than your average itinerary. So we’ve created this guide to cruising Alaska, with tips on everything from when to go, what to pack, and some of the best things to see, as well as information about what you can expect on board.

How do you get to an Alaska cruise?

Most Alaska cruises depart from Seattle on the west coast of the USA or Vancouver in Canada, with the majority of cruise passengers flying direct to one of those cities from the UK to board the ship. It’s also possible to join cruises in Alaska itself with international flights to Anchorage. Some longer cruises also depart from San Francisco, travelling up the west coast of the US before continuing on to Alaska.

It is not currently possible to cruise from Southampton to Alaska; the journey involved in the round trip would take several months. The only alternative if you don’t want to fly is a transatlantic cruise to New York, then travel across the USA to Seattle (a journey which takes three to four days by train non-stop) and join a cruise there. In total, you’d need to allow just under a month’s travel for a seven-night cruise in Alaska without flying.

What is the Inside Passage?

Stretching for around 500 miles, the Inside Passage is one of most scenic stretches of coast in the world. One of the few places on the planet where the water is deep enough for larger ships to sail close to steep mountain walls, the Inside Passage is commonly used to refer to the land as well as the water, including more than 1,000 islands dotted between Puget Sound in Washington state, along the British Columbia coast and into the Gulf of Alaska.

The stretch of the Inside Passage along the Alaska coast is also home to some of the highlights of an Alaska cruise, including stops at Ketchikan and Sitka, along with whale-spotting and spectacular landscapes, with snow-capped peaks towering above the fjords and lush forest.

Margerie Glacier, Glacier Bay

Do I need an ESTA for an Alaska cruise?

Yes, UK citizens need an ESTA for all visits to the USA arriving by land or sea, including cruises departing from Canada which stop in Alaska. If you’d like to find out the latest and most up-to-date visa rules we suggest you visit our partners CIBT. They have an accurate tool where you can check the correct information for the USA at cibtvisas.com/health-requirements.

Do I need a Canadian visa for a cruise to Alaska?

If your cruise departs from Canada en route to Alaska, UK citizens need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to fly to Canada. If your itinerary departs from a US port and visits Canada en route to Alaska, you do not need an eTA for arrivals by sea, including cruise ships. However regulations can change, so you should always doublecheck the latest requirements.

When is the best time to cruise the Alaskan coast?

The best time for an Alaska cruise is during the summer months, from May to September, when temperatures rise to around 15-20C. The start and end of the season are usually quieter, with a higher chance of cooler and unsettled weather, although September is also a great month to see the Northern Lights on your Alaska cruise.

June to mid-August is peak season, with the best weather but also the biggest crowds. June has the longest days, although you’ll want insect repellent as it’s also a busy month for mosquitoes, while August can be slightly rainier. Many excursions stop towards the end of September as the days get shorter and animals begin to hibernate for the winter.

What should you wear on a cruise in Alaska?

Even if you’re visiting Alaska during the summer, you’ll need to be prepared for cooler temperatures as well as sun, so packing layers is essential. The weather can vary a surprising amount during the day, and even on the warmest days, you can expect to feel chillier in the early mornings and late evenings.

Don’t travel without a fleece jacket or rain jacket, and bring warmer layers if you’re visiting at the start of end of the season too; consider lightweight thermal base layers along with long-sleeved T-shirts to wear under warmer top layers, such as a windbreaker or hoody. Zip-off walking trousers which convert into shorts are also a good option, as is activewear.

Alaska cruises tend to be less formal than elsewhere, so you won’t need to dress up as much in the evenings, although you may want to pack a few smart casual outfits. Rather than calling them ‘formal nights’, Holland America uses the term ‘dressy nights’ as you needn’t worry about packing black tie or cocktail dresses (unless you want to). Guests are encouraged to dress up a little, but it isn’t mandatory.

You’ll also need comfortable walking shoes for day excursions. Sturdy trainers are fine for less active trips, although for any more active or adventurous excursions, hiking boots or water-resistant footwear is a good plan. Even in mid-summer, a scarf can come in handy during the evenings, along with gloves and hat in the cooler months. Many cruise ships will have a pool, so if you’d like to swim, make sure to bring swimwear too.

Sawyer Glacier, Tracy Arm Fjord

How cold is an Alaskan cruise?

Most Alaska cruises run between May and September, as the weather is too cold and rainy outside those months. If you’re visiting at the very start or end of the season, you can expect some chilly temperatures, with average lows of 5C and highs of around 14C, although by late September it will drop close to freezing at night.

In June-August, temperatures often reach close to 20C during the day with pleasantly warm sun. However, in June and August, you can still expect temperatures to fall below 10C overnight, so expect to feel cooler first thing in the morning and in the evenings, including on deck of the ship.

What is there to do on an Alaska cruise?

There’s plenty to tempt you to book an Alaska cruise, from the chance to see some of the state’s fantastic wildlife, exploring unspoiled landscapes including glaciers and national parks, plus history and culture in Alaska’s cities, from native American art to Russian heritage.

But in between excursions, you’ll also find lots of keep you entertained on board ship. Holland America’s Zaandam is inspired by music and there are talks and shows taking place on the ship’s World Stage. Or you could relax in in the spa, head to the Lido deck pool, play a game of pickleball or indulge at one of the six restaurants, including sushi, Italian dishes and steak.

The larger Koningsdam has the same facilities and more, including several other spaces for evening entertainment, from BB King’s Blues Club and the Rolling Stone Lounge to Billboard Onboard. You’ll also find almost twice as many places to eat, including Tamarind’s Asian cuisine which has won a string of accolades.

What should you pack for a cruise to Alaska?

Life on board an Alaska cruise tends to be casual, so your packing should focus more on having the right clothes for the weather and activities – check out our tips above on what you’ll need in terms of clothing and footwear.

But there are also a few other items which can help you get the most from your Alaska cruise.

Sunglasses and sun protection are essential, with glare from the ice and snow on the glaciers as well as sparkle off the water. Make sure to save space for mosquito repellent, particularly if you’re taking an Alaska cruise in June or July, while an eye mask can be useful during the long summer nights if you’re a light sleeper.

Although some Alaska cruises provide binoculars, you may want to bring your own, especially if you have a quality pair, in order to get the best views of the wildlife as you cruise. Don’t forget plenty of spare memory cards for your camera or portable batteries for your phone too.

A waterproof bag or waterproof pouch for your phone can also come in handy if you’re planning a few active adventures out on the water.

Whales in Juneau

Can you see whales on Alaska cruises?

Yes, one of the highlights of an Alaska cruise is the wildlife that you’ll see along the way, particularly the marine life. Various species of whale can be spotted, particularly humpback whales and orcas around Stephens Passage, while Juneau and Icy Strait Point are two other great places to see both. Kenai Fjords National Park and the area around Seward is another good area for whale-watching, with some excursions focused specifically on spotting the marine life.

Highlights of an Alaskan cruise

No Alaska cruise is complete without a few stops to get ashore and discover more about the state’s history and culture, as well as to experience the spectacular landscapes and glaciers first-hand.

Ketchikan

The southernmost town on Alaska’s Inside Passage, it’s one of the best places to learn more about the state’s Native American heritage, including some eye-catching totem poles and art inspired by native culture in the galleries dotted throughout the harbour town. Ketchikan is also home to the Totem Heritage Centre and Totem Bight State Park, where you can find more native arts and learn out more about Tlingit culture at Saxman village.

Glacier Bay

While you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to jaw-dropping scenery throughout Alaska, Glacier Bay is one of the stand-out stops on an Alaska cruise, with a chance to see one of the huge icy glaciers ‘calve’. Glacier Bay National Park has more actively calving tidewater glaciers than anywhere else in the world, so you have a good chance of seeing the birth of huge icebergs, as chunks crack off the glacier and crash into the water.

Juneau

Alaska’s state capital, Juneau is also one of its oldest cities and you’ll find a string of government and historic buildings as well as many of the state’s cultural attractions here. Stroll around the compact downtown area to discover some of the museums, the state capitol building and historic South Franklin Street. The Alaska State Museum is the perfect introduction to Alaska history, including the area’s native populations, Russian heritage and even the chance to climb aboard a replica sailing ship.

Skagway

If you’re fascinated by the Gold Rush, you can’t miss a visit to Skagway. It was here that prospectors stopped before heading north in search of riches or returned to celebrate their new-found wealth, and you can still spot late 19th century buildings, preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

Don’t miss a visit to the Red Onion Saloon, once the haunt of more than a few larger-than-life characters, and wander the boardwalk to transport yourself back to the town’s boom time.

Can you combine a cruise of Alaska with a holiday in Canada?

Absolutely. Many Alaska cruises depart from Vancouver on Canada’s west coast, so it’s easy to add a few days in British Columbia and Alberta before or after your trip, visiting the Rocky Mountains including, Banff and Lake Louise, Jasper, plus laid-back Vancouver itself. To enjoy some of Canada’s best scenery in style, you can even board the Rocky Mountaineer train on your way to your Alaska cruise.

Explore our range of Alaska escorted tours, or browse our cruise and tour holidays