10/30/2026
One thing I’ve learned about cruising Alaska is that not all itineraries are created equal. And just because two cruises are sailing to Alaska doesn’t mean you’re getting the same experience.
Having experienced Alaska myself, there are a few things I pay particular attention to when helping clients find the right cruise.
🏔️ First, the itinerary. ALWAYS the itinerary.
Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, Endicott Arm… they’re not all the same experience! And neither are the ports you’ll visit. For me, where you’re going and what you’ll have the opportunity to see matters more than how many bells and whistles are on the ship.
⚓ The ports AND how much time you have in them.
Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point… each offers something different. Maybe you’re dreaming of whale watching, riding the White Pass Railway, seeing bears in the wild, or getting up close to a glacier. I want to know what experiences are important to YOU before recommending an itinerary.
And those port times? They matter more than you might think!
🚢 The ship and cruise line.
Bigger isn’t necessarily better, and newer doesn’t automatically mean it’s the right fit. Some travelers love all the entertainment and dining choices of a larger ship. Others would prefer a smaller, more intimate experience where the scenery takes center stage.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
🌲 Are you REALLY going to Alaska and skipping the interior?
Okay, this one is personal! After experiencing Alaska, I can tell you there’s so much more to this destination than what you’ll see along the coastline.
If your schedule and budget allow, I would absolutely encourage you to consider adding a land portion. Denali, the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and the opportunity to experience a completely different side of Alaska are worth exploring.
🌎 Where does your cruise begin and end?
Seattle? Vancouver? Whittier? Seward?
Round-trip cruises can be convenient, but one-way itineraries can open the door to different glacier experiences and the opportunity to explore Alaska’s interior. There are advantages to both, depending on your priorities.
💰 And yes, the overall investment matters.
A lower cruise fare doesn’t always mean a less expensive vacation. Once you factor in airfare, pre-cruise hotels, excursions, transfers, gratuities, and other extras, that bargain sailing may not look quite so attractive.
And Alaska is one destination where I wouldn’t want you to miss an incredible experience simply because you didn’t know it was an option!
One more thing? I’d seriously consider a balcony. 😉
Alaska is one of those destinations where the scenery IS the experience. There’s something pretty special about stepping outside with your morning coffee and watching the mountains, glaciers, and coastline go by.
At the end of the day, I’m not interested in finding you just any Alaska cruise. I want to help you find the experience that’s right for YOU.
Because Alaska is pretty incredible, and chances are, you won’t see or do everything in one visit. I certainly didn’t!
So tell me… if Alaska is on your bucket list, what are you most excited to experience? Glaciers? Wildlife? The scenery? Or a little bit of everything? 🐋🏔️
