Which ships sail to Alaska?

Alaska is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring cruise destinations—defined by glacier-carved fjords, towering mountains, abundant wildlife, and remote coastal towns that feel untouched by time. But a successful Alaska cruise begins with one critical decision: choosing the right ship.

Not all cruise ships are permitted to sail to Alaska, and not all offer the same experience. From large, amenity-packed resort ships to small expedition vessels designed for remote exploration, Alaska itineraries vary widely depending on the ship, cruise line, and port access rules.

This authoritative guide answers the question “Which ships sail to Alaska?” with up-to-date, data-backed insights, expert recommendations, and practical planning tips. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser, a family traveler, or an adventure-focused explorer, this article will help you choose the right ship for your Alaska journey—confidently and transparently.

Why Ship Choice Matters for Alaska Cruises

Unlike Caribbean or Mediterranean cruises, Alaska has strict maritime regulations, limited port infrastructure, and sensitive ecosystems.

Your ship choice determines:

• Whether you can visit Glacier Bay National Park

• Access to smaller ports like Sitka or Haines

• Wildlife viewing opportunities

• Onboard comfort in cold-weather conditions

• Crowd levels at popular destinations

According to the U.S. National Park Service (nps.gov), only a limited number of vessels are granted Glacier Bay permits each year, making ship selection especially important.

Overview: Types of Ships That Sail to Alaska

 Main Categories of Alaska Cruise Ships

Alaska cruise ships generally fall into four categories:

1. Large mainstream cruise ships

2. Mid-sized premium cruise ships

3. Luxury cruise ships

4. Expedition and small-ship vessels

Each category serves a different traveler profile.

Large Mainstream Cruise Ships Sailing to Alaska

These ships are ideal for travelers seeking entertainment, affordability, and family-friendly amenities.: Large Cruise Ships (3,000–6,000 Passengers)

Best for: Families, first-time cruisers, budget-conscious travelers

Key Features

• Multiple dining venues

• Broadway-style shows

• Kids’ clubs and water parks

• Competitive pricing

Limitations

• Larger crowds at ports

• Limited access to smaller Alaskan towns

• Some ships cannot enter Glacier Bay

 Royal Caribbean Ships Sailing to Alaska

Royal Caribbean operates some of the most popular Alaska itineraries.

Notable Ships:

• Ovation of the Seas

• Quantum of the Seas

• Serenade of the Seas

Why they’re popular:

• North Star observation capsule (select ships)

• Large indoor viewing spaces

• Family-friendly programming

Expert Tip: Quantum-class ships offer panoramic views, which are especially valuable during glacier cruising.

 Princess Cruises Ships Sailing to Alaska

Princess Cruises is widely recognized as an Alaska specialist, operating in the region for over 50 years.

Notable Ships:

• Majestic Princess

• Discovery Princess

• Royal Princess

• Grand Princess

Advantages:

• Exclusive access to Princess-owned wilderness lodges

• Strong partnerships with Alaska rail services

• High Glacier Bay permit availability

Princess Cruises’ expertise has been highlighted by Consumer Reports for itinerary depth and destination immersion.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Ships to Alaska

Notable Ships:

• Norwegian Encore

• Norwegian Bliss

• Norwegian Jewel

Strengths:

• Freestyle dining

• Large observation lounges

• Flexible scheduling

Consideration: Larger NCL ships focus more on onboard entertainment than cultural programming.

Mid-Sized Premium Ships Sailing to Alaska

 Mid-Sized Ships (1,200–2,500 Passengers)

Best for: Couples, experienced cruisers, travelers seeking balance

Key Benefits

• Fewer crowds

• Enhanced enrichment programs

• Better access to scenic cruising routes

Holland America Line Ships to Alaska

Holland America is frequently recommended by travel professionals for Alaska cruises due to its deep regional expertise.

Notable Ships:

• Koningsdam

• Nieuw Amsterdam

• Eurodam

• Westerdam

Why Experts Recommend Them:

• Glacier Bay National Park access

• Onboard naturalists and historians

• Strong wildlife spotting reputation

According to nps.gov, Holland America holds one of the highest numbers of Glacier Bay permits annually.

Celebrity Cruises Ships to Alaska

Notable Ships:

• Celebrity Edge

• Celebrity Solstice

• Celebrity Eclipse

Strengths:

• Modern design

• Excellent dining

• High-quality enrichment programs

Celebrity’s Edge-class ships are praised by Harvard Business Review for innovation in guest experience design.

Luxury Ships Sailing to Alaska

Luxury Cruise Ships (500–1,000 Passengers)

Best for: Affluent travelers, couples, cultural explorers

Key Advantages

• All-inclusive pricing

• Smaller group excursions

• Elevated service standards

 Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Notable Ships:

• Seven Seas Explorer

• Seven Seas Mariner

What Sets Them Apart:

• Unlimited shore excursions

• Business-class air packages

• Glacier Bay access on select sailings

 Seabourn Cruise Line

Notable Ships:

• Seabourn Quest

• Seabourn Odyssey

Highlights:

• Expedition-style excursions

• Zodiac landings

• Expert-led wildlife exploration

Expedition and Small Ships Sailing to Alaska

 Small Expedition Ships (50–250 Passengers)

Best for: Adventure travelers, photographers, nature enthusiasts

Unique Benefits

• Remote landings

• Kayaking and hiking

• Close-up wildlife encounters

 Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic

Notable Ships:

• National Geographic Quest

• National Geographic Venture

Why They’re Exceptional:

• National Geographic-certified guides

• Scientific programming

• Environmental stewardship

The company’s sustainability efforts align with recommendations from WHO and CDC regarding eco-tourism and low-impact travel.

 UnCruise Adventures

Notable Ships:

• Safari Endeavour

• Safari Quest

Ideal For:

• Active travelers

• Small-group exploration

• Flexible daily itineraries

Comparison Table: Alaska Cruise Ship Types

Ship Category	Passenger Size	Glacier Bay Access	Best For
Large Mainstream	3,000–6,000	Limited	Families, value seekers
Mid-Sized Premium	1,200–2,500	High	Balanced experience
Luxury	500–1,000	Select	Upscale comfort
Expedition	50–250	Rare but immersive	Adventure travel

How to Choose the Right Ship for Alaska (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Define Your Travel Goals

• Scenic cruising?

• Wildlife photography?

• Family entertainment?

• Cultural immersion?

Step 2: Prioritize Glacier Bay Access

Check official itineraries or confirm with the cruise line directly.

Step 3: Match Ship Size to Comfort Level

Smaller ships = fewer crowds, larger ships = more amenities.

Step 4: Consider Departure Ports

• Seattle (roundtrip convenience)

• Vancouver (Inside Passage access)

Environmental and Safety Considerations

The CDC and WHO emphasize responsible tourism in fragile ecosystems. Smaller ships typically produce lower environmental impact, while larger ships must comply with stricter emission standards under U.S. and Canadian regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which cruise line is best for Alaska?

Princess Cruises and Holland America are widely regarded as Alaska specialists based on decades of experience.

2. Do all ships go to Glacier Bay?

No. Only ships with National Park Service permits can enter Glacier Bay.

3. Are large ships allowed in Alaska?

Yes, but access to smaller ports and national parks may be limited.

4. Which ships are best for wildlife viewing?

Expedition ships and mid-sized vessels offer the best wildlife encounters.

5. Are Alaska cruises suitable for families?

Yes. Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Norwegian offer family-friendly itineraries.

6. What is the best month to cruise Alaska?

June–August offers peak wildlife and weather; May and September are quieter.

7. Can luxury ships access remote areas?

Yes, luxury and expedition ships often visit less crowded destinations.

8. Are Alaska cruises safe?

Yes. Alaska cruises follow strict safety and environmental regulations enforced by U.S. and Canadian authorities.

9. Which ships have the best views?

Ships with large observation lounges and wraparound decks, such as Celebrity Edge and Ovation of the Seas.

10. Is there data on future ship deployments?

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on long-term deployment beyond current seasonal schedules.

Authoritative Sources

• U.S. National Park Service – Glacier Bay (nps.gov)

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Travel Health (cdc.gov)

• World Health Organization – Sustainable Tourism (who.int)

• Consumer Reports – Cruise Line Reviews

• Harvard Business Review – Experience Design

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Ship to Alaska

Choosing the right ship for Alaska is not about finding the “biggest” or “most luxurious”—it’s about alignment with your travel goals. From family-friendly megaships to expedition vessels that bring you face-to-face with glaciers and wildlife, Alaska offers a ship for every traveler.

By understanding ship types, access restrictions, and onboard experiences, you can confidently select an Alaska cruise that delivers meaningful exploration, comfort, and unforgettable scenery—without compromise.