Choosing your Alaskan Cruise -- and which one I'm doing!

Curious about Alaskan cruises + the pros and cons of each? Overwhelmed by how to pick which cruise line is right for you? I'm going on my first Alaskan cruise in just two months and I'm beyond excited to see some amazing scenery, do excursions, and spend time with my husband + family. But, I won't lie -- searching through the endless options of cruise lines and ships did seem a little daunting at first. Fortunately, I've gone through several supplier trainings and have gotten familiar with offerings, so that made things a little easier (and that's the benefit of working with a travel advisor!). Most major cruise lines sail in Alaska including Disney, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, Holland, Viking and Norwegian.

Here are some things for you to consider:

1. Destinations and Itinerary: The first step in choosing an Alaskan cruise line is deciding on your desired destination and itinerary. Many Alaskan cruises start in Seattle or Vancouver -- but not all! Some Alaskan cruises are round trip, while others may start in Seattle and end elsewhere, like Anchorage. Make sure to research the ports of call, the length of the cruise, and the activities and excursions offered at each stop.

2. Budget: Of course, budget must be a factor! Different cruise lines have different price points and offer varying levels of amenities and services. Keep in mind that while a lower-priced cruise may seem like a better deal upfront, it may not include drinks or certain amenities (like spas, restaurants, etc), and you'll also be paying for excursions.

3. National Parks: If cruising through Glacier Bay National Park is important to you, then options will be more limited. The park only allows very few cruise ships each day, and these cruise ships are also smaller..

4. Land Tours: Many of the cruise lines also offer land tours (for a separate cost) -- extra days that you can add on before our after your cruise that take you to other parts of Alaska. Many go to Denali National Park and offer train tours. This is a great way to see more of Alaska -- especially since you're likely already paying for an expensive flight to get there!

5. Ship Size + Activities: Think about if you want a large ship with extra amenities, or something smaller/low-key. If you're looking for a wide variety of onboard activities and amenities (think shows, water slides, restaurants, etc.), a larger ship (like Royal or Disney) may be more your style.

6. Demographics: Each cruise line has its own atmosphere and demographic. While Disney + Royal Caribbean tend to be more popular for families with young children, Princess + Viking are geared more toward couples or older adults.

7. Reputation and Reviews: Look for feedback from past passengers on travel websites, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. This can help paint a better picture of what you could anticipate for service, food, excursions, and overall experience.

8. Use a TA: Using a TA means you don't need to spend time stressing and hours researching your options! A travel advisor will work with you to learn more about what you're looking for, to provide you with options that align with your budget + what type of Alaskan cruise you're hoping to do!

So, what cruise line did I pick? We wanted a week-long Alaskan cruise that was round trip, and cruising through Glacier Bay National Park was a top-priority for us. We aren't going with any kids, so that also narrowed it down. Our Alaskan Cruise will be a 7-day Inside Passage (w/ Glacier Bay) on Princess! Princess has a reputation for being one of the best for Alaskan cruises, and I can't wait to experience it. I am beyond excited to experience Alaska in just a few short weeks time!

This will be multiple post series on all things Alaskan cruises -- if you have any questions or are interested in booking your own cruise, please send me a message!

Reach out!