| From the serene Inside Passage to colossal glaciers and magnificent mountain ranges, Alaska cruises provide a vacation filled with adventure, beauty, and excitement. This year, the Great Land is celebrating its golden anniversary of statehood, and cruise lines are offering a choice of more than 40 ships, as well as over 200 shore excursions ranging from active adventure to traditional sightseeing.
Although more numerous and diverse than ever before, Alaska itineraries fall into three main categories. Inside Passage cruises typically sail from Vancouver or Seattle and stop at three or four port towns, such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria, British Columbia. Gulf of Alaska cruises, which travel either a northbound or southbound itinerary, add the Southcentral part of the state. Alaska cruise tours include a land package along with a cruise and feature activities such as hiking through Denali National Park and viewing wildlife. |
In addition to itineraries, there are plenty of choices when it comes to ships. Princess Cruises has eight ships, offering a wide variety of Alaska-bound vessels. Four ships cross the Gulf of Alaska between Vancouver and Whittier—the Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess. And sailing roundtrip from Seattle on seven-day Inside Passage roundtrips are the Golden Princess and Star Princess. The Pacific Princess also departs from Seattle for 14-day Connoisseur Voyages, while the Sea Princess offers ten-day roundtrips from San Francisco.
Holland America Line returns this year with eight ships. New on all Holland ships is a resident Alaskan travel guide, who gives presentations on art, culture, flora and fauna, and geography. The travel guide is also available on deck to interact with passengers. Carnival Cruise Lines ’ Carnival Spirit sails all summer ong between long between Vancouver and Whittier, and roundtrip Glacier Bay itineraries depart from Vancouver in the spring and fall. |
Norwegian Cruise Line has three ships in Alaska this year. The Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Star sail seven-day roundtrips from Seattle, while the Norwegian Sun offers seven-day cruises roundtrip from Vancouver.
Passengers sailing with Royal Caribbean International can choose from ten distinct itineraries ranging from seven to fifteen days, and Celebrity Cruises’ Mercury sails roundtrip from Vancouver, while the Millennium operates one-way between Vancouver and Seward. In addition, Celebrity also offers a variety of shorter and longer itineraries before and after its Alaska sailings.
Because of the numerous Alaska cruises available this year, it can be difficult to choose which option is best for you. So we encourage you to contact Nancy, travel@ncc.net at Sunset Travel for all your travel questions and concerns
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