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Once you’ve docked at Pier 91 in Smith Cove Cruise Terminal—an old naval base about 2 miles north of downtown Seattle—you’ll be a short walk from several local boutiques in what’s known as the Magnolia neighborhood. In Alaska’s capital of Juneau, you’ll find yourself surrounded by mountain vistas and scenic waterfronts. A favorite spot for adventure seekers, Juneau boasts more hiking trails than roads, and is home to the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, which is easily accessible on a hike through Tongass National Forest. Please visit our most frequently asked questions page on cruise preparation, transportation, safety and security, and more.
Alaska National Parks

Nearly a dozen major cruise ships operate Alaska cruises out of Seattle during the summer months, giving cruisers plenty of choice. 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. 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. Notably, both Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore boast large private zones for solo travelers — something you won't find on any other cruise ship sailing out of Seattle. Still, you can get a variation on a luxury cruise experience on a voyage to Alaska from Seattle on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore.
Why Cruise Our Mid-Sized Ships
Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 20 years running. Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape. Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a whale watching tour.
Cheap 7-Night Alaska Cruises - TravelPirates
Cheap 7-Night Alaska Cruises.
Posted: Sun, 17 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Alaska Cruises
You can learn about their history and culture at the Sitka National Historical Park and Sheldon Jackson Museum of Native Alaskan art. Wildlife enthusiasts might want to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, or go bird- and bear-watching. Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife.
WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?
If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder. From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you. With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.
We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. 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. The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found.

For a view of the city and cruise port, take a ride in the sky on the Mount Roberts Tramway. Various wildlife-viewing trips (whale, bears and more) and visits to dog-sled camps and salmon bakes leave from Juneau. Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dog-sledding or hiking adventure on the ice.
The Best Alaska Cruises
Everyone can come back together for dinner and evening entertainment or onboard activities suitable for all ages. On a cruise from Seattle, make ever-lasting memories aboard Crown Princess® with international fare in our specialty restaurants as well as hot music and cool cocktails at the Skywalkers Nightclub. 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. On Norwegian Encore, there's a much bigger version of the exclusive, extra-charge Vibe Beach Club sunning area that's on Norwegian Bliss.
Travel Tips for Seattle
You can also visit the former Russian capital city, Alaska Raptor Center, and Sitka National Historical Park. The Alaska Raptor Center is home to owls, hawks, bald eagles, and other birds of prey. Sitka also has a long history with fine arts and was once known as the "Paris of the Pacific." You can book an excursion to visit several art galleries and learn how to pull a Venetian-style glass cane. Alaska's impressive southern coastlines contain hordes of island archipelagos, deep fjords and ancient glaciers. Nearly all of the area is roadless, so seafaring vessels, including cruise ships, are a popular way for visitors to experience these pristine areas.
Both combine a look at the rugged, raw coastlines with time spent on shore in towns with few frills. Weather can often be cold, rainy and windy, but if you want a unique adventure in Alaska, check out the itineraries from Hurtigruten. The Aleutian Island city of Unalaska is also on some boutique cruise line itineraries, so check carefully that the region that sparks your interest.
The best time to cruise Alaska - The Points Guy
The best time to cruise Alaska.
Posted: Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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. For more information, visit our hotel packages and pre- or post-travel arrangements. 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. Learn how commercial jets are assembled at Boeing’s Future of Flight Aviation Center. Or sample crab cakes, chowder and cheese at Pike Place Market, or shop the artisan handicrafts and curio markets within.
Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all Native Alaskan-owned. Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. The port is set on Chichagof Island, which is known for its large bear population. Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines. Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens.
For those looking for a couples retreat, Viking Cruises cater exclusively to adults. The minimum age is 18, and the ship is designed for a luxurious and tranquil experience, so you can truly get away from it all. Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine-tasting class.
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. That often keeps families with younger kids from booking the ships. 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.
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