Is an Alaskan Cruise Worth It? Pros and Cons

Are you wondering if an Alaskan Cruise is worth it? You’ve come to the right place!

Are you considering taking an Alaskan Cruise but unsure if it is worth it? As a travel advisor who has booked numerous clients on Alaskan Cruises, and with my own experience of having been on several myself I can give you all the pros and cons of an Alaskan Cruise.

As a cruise specialist, you can trust that I will provide honest advice to help you decide whether or not an Alaskan Cruise is the right choice for you.

Let’s dive in and explore what makes this trip so special, and by the end of this post, you’ll know exactly if booking an Alaskan cruise is worth it!

Is an Alaskan Cruise Worth it?

If you’re looking for a vacation that offers stunning views, exciting excursions, and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, an Alaska cruise might just be the perfect choice for you.

Let’s start with the Benefits of taking an Alaskan Cruise:

1. Captivating Scenery

One of the key reasons travelers choose Alaskan cruises is the breathtaking landscape that surrounds you throughout the journey.

You’ll be met with soaring mountains, crystal-clear glacial waterways, and lush forests, all unfolding right before your eyes.

Alaska’s waters, bordered by natural beauty and history, flaunt stunning vistas that will leave you in awe.

Get ready to have your breath taken away by the magnificence of glacier-carved fjords, walls of ice in Glacier Bay National Park, or the grandeur of the Hubbard Glacier.

And let’s not forget the mesmerizing sights of massive glaciers calving into the ocean – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

2. Alaska’s Unique Wildlife

The array of wildlife that thrives in Alaska’s diverse ecosystems will make your heart skip a beat. Marvel at soaring bald eagles, black and brown bears, humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, and mountain goats.

Cruise lines often arrange wildlife excursions, such as whale-watching tours or bear-spotting treks, ensuring that you’re up close and personal with these fabled creatures.

From humpback whales gracing the icy waters to bald eagles soaring in the skies, the opportunities to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat are truly unparalleled.

3. Diverse Cultures and Rich History

If you have a passion for history or wish to explore Alaska’s vibrant heritage, then an Alaskan cruise is a perfect choice! Enjoy incredible sights and sounds as your journey takes you through this historical land.

You’ll have the chance to explore charming coastal towns, like Ketchikan and Juneau, where you can wander through quaint streets replete with timber-clad houses and storied totem poles.

Or, visit the historic towns of Skagway or Sitka, and witness the Gold Rush era’s remnants.

You might also get the opportunity to visit indigenous communities, where you can engage with the local Tlingit and Haida tribes to learn about their unique artistry and cultural practices.

4. Relaxation

Not only do Alaskan cruises offer a myriad of experiences that immerse you in the spectacular wilds of the Last Frontier, but they also give you a chance to unwind and indulge in some pampering.

You can choose from a range of luxurious cruise ships offering outstanding amenities like elegant cabins, spa services, fine dining, and even onboard entertainment.

In Alaska, there are many places without cell phone service or the internet. This can be a fun time to relax and spend time with your friends who are traveling with you.

5. Meet like-minded travelers

Embarking on an Alaskan cruise also provides you with the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for wildlife, nature, and adventure.

During your journey, you’ll develop heartfelt, lifelong connections that can transcend geographical boundaries or even inspire future trips together.

After all, it is often the people we meet during our travels that transform a wonderful vacation into an unforgettable human experience.

6.Unique Shore Excursions

From thrilling adventures to peaceful escapes, Alaskan cruises offer a myriad of activities that are sure to excite and delight everyone.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, culture connoisseur, or outdoor enthusiast, there’s something for everyone.

For those who crave exhilarating adventures, consider kayaking through ice-filled bays, zip-lining above vast forests, dog sledding atop epic glaciers, or helicoptering to remote mountain peaks.

For the culturally inclined, visit museums, theatres, and galleries, join a local fishing expedition, or savor the flavors of regional delicacies.

7. Ease and Convenience of Cruising:

Alaska is HUGE!

“Alaska is about one-fifth the size of the entire Lower 48. If you combined the area of Texas, California, and Montana, it would still be less than the size of Alaska. East to west, Alaska measures 2,500 miles, which is just about the distance from Savannah, Georgia, to Santa Barbara, California” – Royal Alaskan Movers

Planning for, paying for, and executing a trip of this magnitude can be overwhelming. Cruising makes it easy!

An Alaskan cruise offers convenience and comfort in one package. Your ship serves as transportation, accommodation, and a dining hub, making travel arrangements relatively seamless.

Most cruises provide gourmet meals, plush accommodations, and excellent guest services catering to your every need. This extensive range of onboard amenities makes cruising a popular choice, particularly for those who value hassle-free vacations.

Furthermore, the cruise route is preplanned, giving you ample time to research and plan your shore excursions. Travel is often arranged by the cruise line, minimizing preparations and ensuring that disembarking and returning to the ship is a breeze.

If you want to get deeper into Alaska, consider a cruise tour, where the cruise is one way, leaving you time to explore further in areas such as Denali National Park.

The Downside of an Alaskan Cruise

Of course, every rose has its thorn right? (Did I just show my age?)

There is a downside to everything in this life.

Fortunately, in the case of an Alaskan Cruise the plus sides greatly outweigh the negatives, but lets discuss them anyway.

Environmental Impact Considerations:

While the advantages of an Alaskan cruise are plenty, it’s essential also to consider the environmental footprint of such travel options.

Improper waste disposal and air pollution from large cruise ships have been detrimental to Alaska’s fragile ecosystem.

In response, some cruise lines have implemented stringent environmental policies and advocate responsible tourism.

Be mindful of your choices and opt for a cruise that adheres to eco-friendly practices and actively supports environmental conservation efforts.

Only a select few cruise lines are given permits to explore protected areas such as Glacier Bay National Park. This limits access to these areas and helps keep them pristine.

I also believe that exploring these areas and seeing them firsthand, helps travelers to understand why conservation is so important and makes them feel inspired to do their part.

Alaskan Cruises arent available year round

Due to the extreme winter weather Alaska experiences, cruising is not possible year round.

Whereas in warmer destinations, you have hundreds of sailings to choose from, on Alaska cruises, you have a very short sailing window.

Alaska Cruise season is May – September with July and August being the most popular times.

Alaskan Cruises can be expensive

This is the biggest downside to Alaskan Cruises. Due to the remote nature of the cruises, the short window for travel, and the popularity of the itineraries, Alaskan cruises are much more expensive than the Caribbean, or even European cruises.

Additionally, I always highly recommend my clients get a balcony stateroom when cruising to Alaska, which cost a bit more than interior rooms. The wildlife viewing opportunities and spectacular scenery make having a balcony room 100% worth it!

Nothing compares to the excitement I felt each morning, on my balcony sipping coffee and watching whales or cute little sea otters drifting past!

You can keep costs down slightly by booking at less popular times. Sailing in early May or into September are cheaper options than mid-summer. You may have to deal with not-so-ideal weather, but it can still be fun!

So, is an Alaskan Cruise Worth it?

Ultimately, an Alaskan cruise is as memorable as you make it. If the idea of sailing amidst glacier-carved fjords, witnessing the wonders of wildlife, and embarking on shore excursions that challenge your senses and inspire your soul resonates with you, then an Alaskan cruise is a journey unquestionably worth exploring.

Personally, my Alaskan cruise vacations are some of my best memories, and I will never tire of the beauty and magic I experience in the last frontier.

So, is an Alaska cruise worth it?

Absolutely.

With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and onboard amenities, an Alaska cruise offers a one-of-a-kind vacation experience that is sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, an Alaska cruise is an adventure that should not be missed.

Skipped to the end? No Worries, here’s the summary!

Alaska Cruise Port Information
⚓︎ Sitka
⚓︎ Juneau
⚓︎ Ketchikan
⚓︎ Icy Strait Point
⚓︎ Tracy Arm Fjord

🧳 Alaska Cruise Packing List