An Unforgettable Journey
Imagine cruising through the pristine waters of the North Pacific, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests, and magnificent glaciers. Welcome to the Alaskan Inside Passage, one of the world's most scenic sea-lanes. This blog post provides comprehensive Alaska cruise reviews and highlights the unique experiences, from the departure ports to onboard amenities and shore excursions, that make this journey a must on any traveller's bucket list.
Setting Sail: The Departure Ports
Your Alaska trip begins from vibrant departure ports, typically Seattle, Vancouver in British Columbia, or San Francisco. Each city provides a unique starting point for your journey. Seattle, with its iconic Space Needle and bustling Pike Place Market, is a fusion of natural beauty and urban sophistication. The city also boasts a vibrant music scene, offering live music events that cater to every taste.
Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, Canada, is known for its picturesque landscapes, diverse population, and culinary delights. It serves as a fantastic gateway to the Alaskan Inside Passage, providing a chance to experience the vibrancy of city life before embarking on your cruise.
San Francisco, the city by the bay, offers its Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, Alcatraz Island, and a wealth of cultural activities. As a departure port, San Francisco allows passengers to experience the unique allure of this vibrant city before they set sail.
Cruise Lines & Their Ships That Sail The Inside Passage
Holland America Line
Holland America Line is renowned for its commitment to timeless cruising traditions coupled with modern updates for comfort. Its mid-sized ships offer a more intimate feel without skimping on amenities. Their Alaska fleet includes:
- Koningsdam: As the first of Holland America's Pinnacle-class ships, Koningsdam combines 21st-century elegance with nautical tradition. It features a stunning central atrium, multiple dining options, including the main dining room and specialty restaurants, and an immersive music walk entertainment experience.
- Noordam: This Vista-class ship offers an artfully balanced cruise experience with luxury suites, a variety of dining options, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Its Explorations Central (EXC) program provides in-depth knowledge of Alaska's culture and history through workshops and lectures.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is often recognized for its immersive Alaskan experiences. Their "North to Alaska" program brings local personalities, culture, and Alaskan seafood on board to enrich your journey. Their notable ships include:
- Ruby Princess: This Crown-class ship offers a variety of accommodations from interior rooms to suites with balconies. Onboard amenities include the Lotus Spa, Movies Under the Stars, multiple dining venues, and a variety of live entertainment options.
- Coral Princess: Known for its cozy atmosphere, Coral Princess offers the best of both worlds: big-ship amenities with a small-ship vibe. It boasts a four-story atrium, a lavish casino, and a variety of entertainment and dining options.
Alaskan Dream Cruises
Alaskan Dream Cruises, a Native-owned small ship company, offers a more intimate and cultural Alaskan experience. Their smaller vessels allow for exploration in areas that larger ships cannot reach:
- Kruzof Explorer: This expedition vessel is designed to navigate narrow waterways and access remote locations. It offers spacious viewing decks, a comfortable lounge area, and well-appointed cabins.
- Chichagof Dream: Named after the Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska, this ship features expansive viewing decks, a dining room serving locally sourced cuisine, and comfortable staterooms. Its small size fosters a familial atmosphere on board.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is known for its innovative and adventure-filled ships. Their Alaska cruises offer a combination of thrilling onboard experiences and immersive excursions:
- Quantum of the Seas: This Quantum-class ship is a marvel of maritime engineering packed with a plethora of activities like the North Star observation capsule, a skydiving simulator, and the SeaPlex sports complex. It offers a variety of dining options and accommodation types, including the unique "virtual balcony" rooms.
- Radiance of the Seas: Nowhere else in Alaska can you experiecence the beauty of the Alaskan landscape like this - with nine stories of glass walls encasing a central atrium, elevators that look out to vista of the sea, and windows along each floor. Enjoy activities like mini golf and rock climbing, and, of course beautiful dining venues.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers a modern luxury experience with a commitment to delivering excellent service and culinary excellence. Their Alaska fleet includes:
- Celebrity Eclipse: This Solstice-class ship offers a range of accommodations, from cozy interior staterooms to extravagant suites with a personal butler service. The ship's Lawn Club, a half-acre of real grass on the top deck, is perfect for picnicking while enjoying the Alaskan landscapes. For food lovers, the ship boasts multiple specialty restaurants and a grand main dining room.
- Celebrity Millennium: Fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation, the Millennium offers reimagined staterooms, new dining options, and enhanced public spaces. The ship features a Rooftop Terrace that offers a chic, cozy new way to experience the great outdoors and a variety of entertainment options, including Broadway-style theatre performances and a casino.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its 'Freestyle Cruising' concept, which means no fixed dining times, relaxed attire, several lounges, bars, theatres, and dining options. Their Alaska cruises provide the freedom and flexibility to design your vacation as you desire.
- Norwegian Bliss: Specifically custom-built for viewing the Alaskan scenery, the Bliss features a revolutionary Observation Lounge for you to soak in every stunning moment. It also boasts a variety of accommodations, a large casino, an aqua park, and a diverse selection of more than a dozen dining options.
- Norwegian Encore: The Encore offers an unrivaled cruising experience. Apart from the luxurious staterooms and a variety of dining options, the ship features the world's longest race track at sea, an outdoor laser tag experience, and award-winning entertainment.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line provides a unique, family-oriented cruising experience. Disney's attention to detail is evident in every aspect of their cruises, from the themed dining rooms and Broadway-style productions to the deck parties and fireworks at sea.
- Disney Wonder: The Disney Wonder offers something for everyone. Kids can enjoy Disney-themed activities in the Oceaneer Club, while adults can relax in the Quiet Cove Pool. The ship's dining options include a rotational dining system, where guests can experience three uniquely themed restaurants with the same wait staff following them to provide personalized service.
These cruise lines ensure a diverse range of offerings, catering to different preferences. Whether you desire a relaxed, intimate journey or a large, activity-filled ship, these cruise lines provide a variety of options for your unforgettable journey through Alaska's Inside Passage.
Immersive Shore Excursions
One of the many highlights of cruising the Inside Passage are the diverse shore excursions. Whale watching is an absolute must-do. Watch in awe as humpback whales breach the water in a stunning display of the region's marine life. Additionally, you might spot sea otters playfully frolicking in the water, bald eagles soaring high above, and even bears on the shoreline.
In Juneau, a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier allows you to witness the majesty of this river of ice up close. A shuttle bus usually transports passengers from the port to the glacier, providing an opportunity to absorb the stunning Alaskan landscapes.
Ketchikan, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World", offers a rich cultural experience. Here, you can explore the Totem Heritage Center to learn about the indigenous people of the region and their totem pole artistry.
Cruising to Skagway transports you back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush. Stroll through the well-preserved downtown area and engage in historical reenactments that bring the past to life.
The Majesty of Glaciers
The Inside Passage is renowned for its glacial landscapes. Visiting Glacier Bay National Park and the Hubbard Glacier are among the most awe-inspiring experiences on an Alaska cruise. The sight of these colossal rivers of ice, especially from the top deck of your cruise ship, is truly spectacular.
In Glacier Bay National Park, a park ranger usually comes onboard to provide commentary about the park's natural history, a unique opportunity to learn about these natural wonders.
The Hubbard Glacier, located in Disenchantment Bay, is a highlight of any Alaska cruise. As you sail towards it, you'll be enchanted by the deep blue of the ice and the thunderous sound of calving glaciers.
Exploring Denali National Park
Many Alaska cruises offer an extension to visit Denali National Park. This vast wilderness is home to North America's highest peak, Denali, and a diverse range of wildlife. Visitors can take a shuttle bus through the park, spotting grizzly bears, caribou, and moose, among other wildlife.
The Prince William Sound: An Unmissable Stop
A stop at Prince William Sound offers a chance to witness the sheer beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. The sound is home to an array of marine life, including humpback whales, sea otters, and harbor seals. Its stunning landscapes, filled with glaciers and fjords, are breathtaking.
Dining Onboard: A Taste of Alaska
Food on an Alaska cruise is more than just sustenance; it's a culinary journey that showcases local flavors and global cuisine. The main dining room on most cruise lines offers a varied menu that changes daily, with options to suit every palate.
For a truly Alaskan experience, try the locally sourced seafood, such as Alaskan king crab, salmon, or halibut. Some cruise lines even offer "Cook My Catch" programs where you can enjoy your own freshly caught fish prepared by onboard chefs.
For a more casual dining experience, most ships offer buffet-style dining. Here, you can indulge in everything from pasta and pizzas to sushi and salads.
Entertainment and Activities Onboard
Cruise ships are known for their wide range of entertainment and activities. Live music is a staple on many ships, with performances ranging from classical quartets to rock bands. Many cruises also offer Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, and themed parties.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during sea days. You might take a dip in the hot tub, enjoy a workout in the gym, or relax with a book in the library. Many cruise lines also offer enrichment programs, such as lectures on local history and wildlife, cooking demonstrations, or art and craft classes.
For a quieter experience, consider a balcony room. Here, you can enjoy the spectacular Alaskan scenery from the comfort of your own private space. Whether watching a glacier calve while sipping on hot cocoa, or spotting a pod of humpback whales from your balcony, these rooms offer a truly immersive Alaskan experience.
The Alaska Inside Passage Cruise Review Last Word
Cruising the Alaska Inside Passage offers a blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion that is hard to match. With careful planning and selection of the right cruise line, you can ensure an unforgettable journey through this unique part of the world. Whether you're spotting bald eagles from the deck, exploring the Mendenhall Glacier, or immersing yourself in native culture, the Alaska Inside Passage offers a cruise experience like no other.
Wrapping Up Your Journey
As your cruise comes to an end, take the time to reflect on your journey. The memories you've made, the people you've met, and the stunning landscapes you've seen all contribute to the magic of an Alaskan cruise.
Upon disembarkation, you might want to extend your Alaska trip by exploring your port of arrival. If you disembark in Vancouver, for example, consider visiting Stanley Park or the Granville Island Public Market. If you disembark in Seattle, check out the famous Chihuly Garden and Glass or take a tour of the historic Pike Place Market.
Conclusion
An Alaskan Inside Passage cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. From the moment you step onboard, to the diverse ports of call, and the immersive shore excursions, every aspect of the cruise offers an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, an Alaskan cruise offers something for everyone.

Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.
Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.
Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.
Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.
Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.