Alaska Cruises 2026

May-June: longer daylight (20+ hours), bears emerging from hibernation, wildflowers, lower prices. July-August: peak warm weather (15-22°C), whale watching, salmon runs, highest prices + crowds. September: northern lights starting, fall colours, fewer crowds, 25-35% cheaper. Avoid: October-April (cruises don't operate).

Both are the Alaska specialists. Princess has the most ships in Alaska (7+ in peak summer), exclusive North to Alaska lecturer program, and the only one with their own Mt McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Holland America offers slightly more upscale dining + the Denali Square at McKinley Chalet Resort. Royal Caribbean + Norwegian offer larger ships with more onboard activities but less Alaska-specific programming.

A cruisetour combines a 7-night Alaska cruise with a 3-7 day land tour to Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Anchorage, and sometimes Yukon. You take the cruise one-way (Vancouver → Whittier or Seward), then board the McKinley Explorer train or motorcoach to wilderness lodges. Total 10-14 nights, $2,299-4,500/person. Best for: first-time Alaska visitors wanting to see inland + coastal.

Layers — temperatures range 5-22°C with rapid changes. Pack waterproof jacket + waterproof pants for excursions, fleece + thermal base layer for glacier viewing, sturdy walking shoes (Skagway hikes can be muddy), binoculars for wildlife viewing, swimsuit (ship has heated pools), and dressy clothes for formal nights (most lines have 2 per 7-night cruise).