Sunday, March 31, 2024

THE 25 BEST Cruises from Seattle to Alaska with Prices on Cruise Critic

seattle cruise alaska

Fortunately, after nearly a dozen Alaska cruises, our staff are well versed in the ins and outs of cruising to Alaska. From booking your pre-cruise hotel to utilizing Seattle’s stress-free luggage service, here are our top 24 tips for an Alaska cruise this year. The Port also continues to work in partnership with cruise ports in Alaska, Victoria. And Vancouver BC and the cruise industry to explore the world’s first cruise-focused Green Corridor from Seattle to Alaska through innovative decarbonization strategies. One of the most popular excursions in Ketchikan is to see the Misty Fjords, where you can watch for bald eagles, learn about the fjords, and see a volcanic spire rising up from the sea.

Leave plenty of time to make it to the airport on disembarkation day

Our pick for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers may come as a surprise to many cruise aficionados. That's because it's not the Alaska voyages from Seattle offered by the North American cruise line best known for budget sailings — Carnival Cruise Line. Holland America Line Flight Ease® offers specially negotiated low prices, a convenient and worry-free way to book air travel, late-arrival protection, and the freedom to change your flights with no change fees. For booked guests, please see our travel planning details on how to book an airport transfer.

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise Ports

Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium. At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. With modernized cityscapes, gorgeous parks, and breathtaking waterfront views, Seattle remains high on the list of must-see destinations in the United States.

Research low-cost things to do in port if you’re on a budget

Book a kayaking tour, go halibut fishing, go off-roading in an ATV, or head out for a relaxing whale watching tour. Cruises departing from Seattle are your ticket to some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth — they’ll take you straight to Alaska! One of the best parts of cruising from Seattle is the opportunity to explore the iconic city, famous for its hip coffee culture and musical tastemaking. From its burgeoning foodie scene to its cultural treasures, this sparkling Pacific Northwest jewel is yours for the taking when you book a cruise from Seattle, Washington.

Top Reasons To Cruise Out of Seattle Before Your Alaska Cruise - Porthole Cruise and Travel

Top Reasons To Cruise Out of Seattle Before Your Alaska Cruise.

Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Visit its most popular attractions, such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Fluid lines, light-filled spaces and a blend of modern elegance and nautical tradition make Koningsdam a sublime ship for Alaska cruises. Choose from seven refreshingly uncrowded ships for a front-row seat to Alaska's splendor. They are living laboratories that show what the Earth was like thousands of years ago and how it is changing today. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices.

That'll depend on your personal interests and travel style because there are cruises from Seattle that appeal to everyone, including family travelers, budget travelers and retirees. While Holland America draws some families with younger children, the passengers on its ships skew heavily toward middle-aged and older travelers, including many retirees. If you're nearing or already have hit retirement age and prefer to travel mostly with people who are at a similar stage in life as you, you'll feel right at home on a Holland America ship.

Glacier Bay National Park

Explore Pike Place Market and drink coffee at the original Starbucks before or after sailing to Alaska. Whether on a short cruise or one-week itinerary, discover unique cultures, cuisines and adventures on a cruise from Seattle with Princess®. Elevate your experience with The Retreat and you’ll enjoy a beautiful suite, an exclusive sun deck and pool, a luxurious lounge, and dining in the exquisite Luminae at The Retreat. When you stop in Skagway, Alaska’s Klondike Gold Rush history is front and center.

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you. Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise. Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land. When you cruise to Alaska from Seattle, encounter unique ports of call that are rich in history, culture and natural beauty.

Skagway, Alaska

seattle cruise alaska

For those arriving earlier in the day, though, it’s worth it to find a hotel downtown for easy access to tourist sites. Search for shore excursions on websites like GetYourGuide.com and ShoreExcursionsGroup.com, and compare them to what you see on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner. If prices are lower, or if there’s availability on a tour that’s sold out on the Cruise Planner, there’s no harm in booking through a third party. In addition to the upcoming launch of shore power at Pier 66, the Port forecasts that 123 sailings will connect at Pier 91. You can choose a cruise from Seattle or Vancouver for most of the five-, seven-, and nine-day Alaska cruises. If you want a longer itinerary, you could book a repositioning cruise that starts and ends in a different port.

Take a day or two to see the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, or make your own glass experience at the Chihuly Glass Museum before taking a journey to the Great Land. That said, the cruise season for Alaska is relatively short—May to September—so, your options are narrow. To bathe in the rays of the midnight sun and maybe spot a baby moose, June is your month to cruise from Seattle to Alaska. Holland America Line is one of the privileged few to cruise the pristine waters of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, a 23-million-acre ever-changing biosphere with glaciers, inlets, rivers, and wildlife galore. Experts are brought onboard to uncover the stories and science behind every sight.

Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Still, unlike some lines that cater to an older crowd, Princess doesn't ignore the children's market. Both ships are almost identical, but we give Discovery Princess the edge only because it's newer than Royal Princess. It's yet one more stylish and upscale area for cruisers looking for an upgraded experience to retreat. If living large is your goal, you're not going to find anything better than this — other than with a cruise on a similar Norwegian vessel that also cruises to Alaska from Seattle.

seattle cruise alaska

With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative. Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. If you're looking for a vacation that offers the benefits of an on-land experience, Norwegian offers Alaska Cruisetours ranging from 11 days to 14 days.

Notably, the average age of Princess passengers is around 57, and you'll usually see many couples on board in their 50s, 60s and 70s. Looking for the best Alaska cruise from Seattle if you're bringing three generations of your family along for the ride? We can think of nothing better than a voyage on one of the two Princess Cruises ships that sail out of the city, the 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess and 3,560-passenger Royal Princess.

Holland America Line Set to Debut New 'Glacier Day' and Enhanced Alaska-Focused Experiences on Every Alaska ... - InvestorsObserver

Holland America Line Set to Debut New 'Glacier Day' and Enhanced Alaska-Focused Experiences on Every Alaska ....

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:15:00 GMT [source]

On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights. Doing research will help you pack correctly, plan your travel logistics without any issues, and book that once-in-a-lifetime excursion you’ve dreamed about for years. It’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared, so there’s no harm in reading articles and watching YouTube videos to help you prepare for your Alaska cruise.

Due to the popularity of excursions on an Alaska cruise, they can fill up quickly, so it’s important to book excursions well ahead of time. If you have not yet booked excursions for your 2024 Alaska cruise, book them as soon as possible. Whether you’re confused about what to pack or overwhelmed with the dozens of shore excursion offerings, the planning process can quickly seem more stressful than enjoyable.

The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler

seattle cruise alaska

For a more physically intense experience, considering hiking Seward Exit Glacier or the Harding Icefield Trail. Go back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush on cruises to Skagway, Alaska, once the primary gateway to the goldfields. Take a trip on the scenic railroad and still have time to dine and shop. An elegant and spacious Alaska cruise ship with fresh floral arrangements and garden-inspired décor. Master frontier flavor with regional cooking demonstrations on board. Stop in Skagway, a small town where over 100,000 prospectors once panned for gold during the great Gold Rush of the 1890s.

Whale Watching on Alaska Cruises

No one enjoys navigating crowds, but it’s almost inevitable when cruising to Alaska. If you want to avoid the highest crowds, we recommend disembarking your ship early on each port day. Although the service comes with a small fee in addition to any airline baggage fees, it offers unparalleled convenience for travelers. Dreading transporting your luggage from the cruise terminal to the airport check-in desk? Royal Caribbean and the Port of Seattle offer a luggage valet service, which allows you to bypass standard airport check-in.

When do round-trip Alaska cruises from Seattle sail?

seattle cruise alaska

Taxis, buses, rideshares, and car rentals are available outside the terminal. One of the top things to do in Victoria is to tour the oldest Chinatown in Canada, stopping for dim sum and shopping for herbal remedies. For a historical and cultural perspective of Victoria and Western Canada, tour the Royal British Columbia Museum. While you’re in a British state of mind, stop for afternoon tea at the iconic Fairmont Hotel. Victoria, British Columbia’s capital and your final port of call, is a charming and lively place to visit with lots to see and do. Explore Butchart Gardens, a jewel box of vivid floral displays and themed gardens.

Maps of Alaskan Explorer Cruise

Museum-quality art outfits this ship, from oils to photographs of music legends. Nieuw Amsterdam's exceptional onboard experience earned "Best Cruise Ship Overall" at the Travvy Awards. Many flock to Alaska every year for a chance to witness the aurora borealis. Did you know they are more likely to display during high solar activity cycles?

seattle cruise alaska

Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska. Follow in the footsteps of the Yukon Gold Rush on an Alaska cruise from Seattle to some of the world’s most scenic wonders. With convenient weekend departures and proximity to the Great Land, a cruise to Alaska from Seattle allows you to leave when you want, and spend less time getting there.

Therefore, booking a flight too early in the day could cause you to miss the flight if you encounter delays. Stressing over making it to the airport in time is not worth it; instead, the general rule of thumb is to avoid booking flights before noon. Hopefully, if you have an Alaska cruise booked this summer, you’ve already booked your airfare to and from the cruise port. If you have not done so yet, we recommend booking flights as soon as possible.

Reserve entertainment ahead of time, and stick to shows early in the week

6 best Alaska cruises for families - The Points Guy

6 best Alaska cruises for families.

Posted: Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The top decks of Holland America vessels, notably, lack many of the kid-focused attractions found on the top decks of more family-focused ships operated by the likes of Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. Princess has long been heralded as one of the best cruise lines for multigenerational travel, in part because its ships offer a little something for travelers of all ages. Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss are also our top picks for ships operating the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for solo travelers. Between these two, it's a tossup, though we put Norwegian Bliss in the headline above since, well, we already gave Norwegian Encore a turn in the limelight with the best-for-luxury category. Yes, the 3,998-passenger Norwegian Encore is a cruise ship that generally caters to the masses, not the luxury crowd. However, it has its own "ship-within-a-ship" luxury zone that offers a much more swanky experience for those willing to pay.

June through August are peak cruise times, and if you’re tied to a school schedule, this may be the best time to visit Alaska on a cruise. Cruising to Alaska during May or September offers fewer crowds and cooler weather. Keep your eyes peeled for brown bears on the shore, harbor seals in the water, and bald eagles soaring overhead. Unlike the Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships mentioned above, the two Princess ships sailing from Seattle don't have top decks heavily skewed to family fun. Instead, their top decks offer lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas where you can enjoy the experience of being at sea without much hustle and bustle.

Day 1: Seattle

The last thing you want to happen is have your dream excursion sell out, leaving you scrambling to find other plans. Plus, excursions tend to only get more expensive over time, so booking early helps you lock in a lower price. To narrow down which Alaska cruise is right for you, we've compiled a quick introduction to what you can see in each port. The following destinations are the main ports you could visit on a Norwegian Alaska cruise. Our Alaska cruise departure ports have big personalities and loads of attractions.

What's New for the 2024 Alaska Cruise Season - Cruise Critic

What's New for the 2024 Alaska Cruise Season.

Posted: Mon, 11 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour. Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from our smaller vessels to large ships. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at the glaciers passing by before enjoying local seafood in one of our many eateries during your seven-day Alaska cruise. In Seattle, for instance, you’ll want to research the best way to get from the airport to your hotel, and from your hotel to the cruise port. In most instances, a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft is the most convenient option. However, your hotel may also provide a shuttle, or you could even take the light rail from the airport to downtown.

Enjoy a freshly-caught salmon bake for lunch or embark on a crab fishing excursion and see what you can haul in. Ketchikan boasts the largest collection of Northwest totem poles, which are fascinating works of art that depict Tlingit history and culture. Discover the magic of the Last Frontier during a Dawes Glacier cruise from Seattle, where you’ll sail through Alaska’s Inside Passage, stop in quaint fishing towns, and witness the beauty of nature’s wonders. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or are hoping to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during a cruise to Alaska. There’s heaps of fun on offer and something for everyone; little ones, big ones and the whole family.

When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park. If you made it to the end of this article, chances are you’re already following our final tip on this list, and that is to read as many tips as you can about Alaska cruises before you set sail.

You’ll be on a ship that’s nearly the length of three footy fields and 12 decks tall of things to do, see, taste and try. Whether you’re after an action-packed holiday or just want to relax and unwind, you can create the type of cruise holiday you want. Our 7-day Alaska cruise from Seattle balances natural beauty with historic intrigue. Or sidle up to Hubbard Glacier and watch house-sized icebergs cannon into the sea. On a cruise from Seattle, relive history at Pioneer Square, the city’s oldest neighborhood dating back to 1852. Ascend the Space Needle, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the 520-foot high skydeck.

Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training. Seattle is known as "The Emerald City" thanks to its green forests and lush surroundings. Pike Place Market buzzes with merchants while coffee shops house locals drinking espresso in America's coffee capital. Climb the Space Needle and enjoy the Seattle skyline, or explore the history of Pioneer Square, the city's oldest neighborhood — only when you cruise to Alaska from Seattle.

Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and learn more about this important era of American history. Board a vintage train on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route, grab a window seat, and admire Alaska’s breathtaking scenery. If it’s night-time fun that you’re looking for then you won’t be disappointed. Carnival Spirit has more than 6 bars and lounges to choose from featuring all kinds of games, shows and entertainment. Quite simply, you can pick and choose to create your own memorable holiday whilst onboard. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships.

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