The 11 Most Popular Alaska Cruise Ships in Alaska: A Comprehensive Comparison
Alaska is a dream destination for travelers seeking stunning natural beauty, unique wildlife, and breathtaking glaciers. The best way to explore this rugged state is undoubtedly by cruise ship. But with so many options, how do you choose the best Alaska Cruise ship for your Alaskan adventure? To help make that decision easier, we’ve compiled a detailed comparison of the 11 most popular cruise ships that sail through Alaska’s waters. Whether you’re traveling with family, as a couple, or going solo, there’s a perfect option for everyone. Let’s dive in!
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1. Celebrity Solstice
Best for: Couples and families
Pros:
– Fantastic dining options, including the exclusive Blu and Luminae for Aqua and suite guests.
– Spacious rooms, including family cabins and premium Sunset Verandahs perfect for scenic viewing.
– The Lawn Club offers a unique outdoor experience with real grass.
Cons:
– May attract more families during summer, leading to a busier, noisier experience.
– The ship is large, which can make it feel a bit overwhelming for those who prefer smaller vessels.
Celebrity Solstice is a premium cruise ship known for its luxurious amenities and exceptional guest experience. Part of the Celebrity Cruises fleet, this ship combines modern design with elegant comfort, offering a range of stateroom options, including spacious suites with private balconies. With a capacity of around 2,850 guests, it maintains an intimate atmosphere while providing a wealth of activities and entertainment.
Onboard, guests can enjoy diverse dining venues featuring international cuisine, including a signature restaurant by renowned chef Murano. The Solstice also boasts a stunning Lawn Club, a unique outdoor space with real grass, perfect for relaxation or games.
Celebrity Solstice provides a variety of entertainment options, from Broadway-style shows to live music performances. Wellness facilities include a luxurious spa and fitness center, while enriching activities, such as culinary classes and wine tastings, ensure a well-rounded cruise experience. With its blend of luxury, comfort, and innovation, Celebrity Solstice is a top choice for discerning travelers.
2. Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruises
Best for: Active families and solo travelers
Pros:
– Incredible onboard entertainment like go-kart tracks, laser tag, and waterslides.
– Ideal for solo travelers with its 82 studio cabins.
– The Haven offers an exclusive luxury experience for suite guests.
Cons:
– The large number of passengers (4,000+) can make the ship feel crowded.
– Some premium activities come with additional costs.
Norwegian Encore offers an unforgettable Alaskan cruise experience, blending adventure and luxury. This state-of-the-art ship features a variety of accommodations, from cozy cabins to spacious suites with stunning ocean views. Passengers can explore breathtaking destinations like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay National Park, with ample opportunities for excursions such as dog sledding, whale watching, and glacier hiking.
Onboard, guests enjoy diverse dining options, vibrant entertainment, and amenities like the thrilling race track and a virtual reality gaming center. Norwegian Encore’s Freestyle Cruising concept allows for flexibility in dining and activities, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an immersive Alaskan adventure.
3. Holland America Koningsdam
Best for: Mature travelers and couples seeking a quieter experience
Pros:
– Focuses on relaxation and gourmet dining, perfect for quiet Alaskan evenings.
– Excellent enrichment programs, including park rangers and local experts onboard.
– Neptune Suites come with perks like binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Cons:
– Lacks some of the entertainment features found on larger ships (no bumper cars or water parks).
– Appeals more to older adults, so it might not be as family-friendly during certain trips.
Holland America’s Koningsdam is a sophisticated cruise ship known for its elegant design and diverse amenities. Launched in 2016, it features a mix of classic and modern touches, including a stunning atrium and spacious public areas. The ship offers a variety of dining options, from upscale restaurants to casual eateries, showcasing both local and international cuisine.
Guests can enjoy live music, Broadway-style performances, and enriching activities such as cooking demonstrations and art classes. With itineraries covering popular destinations in Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean, Koningsdam provides a refined cruise experience that balances relaxation with adventure.
4. Radiance of the Seas Alaska Cruise
Best for: Families and active travelers
Pros:
– Packed with outdoor activities like rock climbing, mini-golf, and bike excursions.
– Large Oceanview balconies are perfect for scenic cruising.
– A nursery for babies and toddlers provides family-friendly services
. Cons:
– Smaller than other Royal Caribbean ships, so it may lack some of the grander features.
– Some of the dining venues charge extra fees.
Radiance of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean, offers an exceptional cruise experience through Alaska’s stunning landscapes. Known for its panoramic views, the ship features large windows and an expansive open-air deck, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery.
Onboard, travelers can enjoy diverse dining options, live entertainment, and activities ranging from rock climbing to mini-golf. The itineraries include popular Alaskan ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, with opportunities for excursions such as glacier tours and wildlife viewing. Radiance of the Seas combines adventure and comfort, making it a popular choice for Alaskan exploration.
5. Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas
Best for: Families and large groups
Pros:
– North Star gondola offers panoramic views that are unique to this ship.
– Spacious Oceanview rooms and multi-deck suites accommodate larger groups.
– The SeaPlex offers bumper cars, laser tag, and indoor sports.
Cons:
– The ship’s size (4,900 passengers) can make it feel crowded.
– The larger layout can be overwhelming for some travelers.
Quantum of the Seas stands out with its extensive family-oriented activities, including bumper cars and a two-story music hall for evening entertainment.Onboard, passengers can enjoy a wide selection of dining options, including Café @ TWO70, an indoor skydiving simulator and a surf simulator keep everyone well-fed throughout the journey. For families, this ship checks all the boxes for a well-rounded Alaskan cruise experience. Launched in 2014, it features unique attractions such as the North Star, a glass capsule that elevates guests high above the ship for stunning ocean views.
6. Carnival Luminosa
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers and families
Pros:
– One of the best-value cruises for Alaska with extensive activities included.
– Offers unique experiences like pasta-making lessons and a Seuss-A-Palooza parade for kids.
– Comfortable size, accommodating around 2,200 passengers.
Cons:
– Fewer luxury dining options compared to other ships on this list.
– Limited selection of suites, so not ideal for luxury-seeking travelers.
Carnival Luminosa brings a bit of Italian flair to Alaskan waters. While it doesn’t boast the flashiest amenities, it excels in offering a well-rounded, budget-friendly experience for families. The ship is known for having the best pizza at sea and its fun-filled kids’ programs like Seuss-A-Palooza make it a top choice for families with younger children. Carnival Luminosa is a vibrant cruise ship that brings fun and excitement to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. Recently refurbished and launched in 2022, Luminosa features a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to specialty restaurants, offering diverse culinary experiences.
Guests can enjoy an array of entertainment, including Broadway-style shows, live music, and themed parties. The ship also boasts a variety of amenities, such as pools, water slides, and a wellness center. With itineraries that explore popular destinations in the Caribbean and Alaska, Carnival Luminosa provides an engaging and family-friendly cruise experience for all ages.
7. Discovery Princess Alaska Cruise
Best for: Luxury travelers and adults seeking variety
Pros:
– One of the newest ships with modern amenities and innovative pricing plans.
– Excellent food options, including Alaska seafood bowls and the Crown Grill steakhouse.
– Local experiences like Puppies in the Piazza and Alaskan cuisine elevate the experience.
Cons:
– Fewer Oceanview cabins; many are forward-facing balconies that can be windy in Alaska.
– The ship can be more expensive than other options on this list.
Discovery Princess, part of Princess Cruises, offers an unforgettable Alaskan cruise experience that showcases the region’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Launched in 2022, the ship features modern amenities, spacious staterooms, and luxurious suites, many with private balconies for stunning views of the Alaskan wilderness.
Onboard, guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, entertainment, and enriching activities, including cooking demonstrations and educational talks about the region’s history and ecology. The itineraries include popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, providing opportunities for exciting excursions like glacier tours and wildlife encounters, making it an ideal choice for adventure seekers.
8. Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Alaska Cruise
Best for: Couples and mature travelers seeking elegance
Pros:
– Offers a premium, uncrowded experience with a touch of old-world charm.
– Enrichment programs feature Native Alaskan guides and traditional food.
– Elegant activities like ballroom dancing and classical concerts are a highlight.
Cons:
– Sails for a shorter season, making it less accessible than other options.
– Less family-oriented, though kids’ clubs are available.
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth offers a luxurious Alaskan cruise experience that combines elegance with breathtaking scenery. This iconic ocean liner features classic design, spacious staterooms, and exquisite dining options, including specialty restaurants and afternoon tea.
Guests can enjoy a variety of onboard activities, such as art classes, live entertainment, and enrichment lectures on Alaskan culture and wildlife. The itineraries include stops at stunning ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay, allowing for immersive excursions such as whale watching and glacier hiking. Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth provides a refined and sophisticated way to explore the majestic landscapes of Alaska.
9. Silver Nova Alaska Cruise
Best for: Luxury travelers and couples
Pros:
– Butler service and all-suite accommodations elevate the luxury experience.
– Shore excursions and premium dining are included in the cruise fare.
Cons:
– The ship is smaller, which may not appeal to those seeking a more lively Alaska cruise.
– Higher price point due to its luxury focus.
Silver Nova, part of Silversea Cruises, offers an ultra-luxury experience for travelers exploring the stunning landscapes of Alaska. Launched in 2023, this state-of-the-art expedition ship features spacious, all-suite accommodations with ocean views and personalized service.
Onboard, guests can indulge in gourmet dining, a world-class spa, and enriching activities such as lectures on Alaskan wildlife and culture. The itineraries include visits to breathtaking destinations like Juneau, Sitka, and Glacier Bay, with opportunities for excursions like kayaking, wildlife viewing, and guided hikes. Silver Nova promises an intimate and immersive Alaskan adventure, combining adventure with unparalleled luxury.
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10. Regent Seven Seas Explorer
Best for: All-inclusive luxury travelers
Pros:
– All-suite ship with balconies and plenty of space for scenic viewing.
– An all-inclusive experience with no hidden fees, including shore excursions.
Cons:
– Smaller ship size limits the variety of activities available onboard.
– Higher price range.
Regent Seven Seas Explorer is a luxurious cruise ship renowned for its all-inclusive experience and elegant design. Launched in 2016, it features spacious suites, many with private balconies, and an exquisite selection of dining options, including specialty restaurants and an acclaimed chef’s table.
Onboard amenities include a world-class spa, fitness center, and enriching cultural programs. The ship offers itineraries that explore some of the most beautiful destinations worldwide, including Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. With personalized service and attention to detail, Regent Seven Seas Explorer provides an unparalleled cruising experience for discerning travelers seeking luxury and adventure.
11. Disney Wonder
Best for: Families with children
Pros:
– Tailored to families with young children, offering unique Disney-themed experiences.
– Rotational dining with themed restaurants that cater to both kids and adults.
Cons:
– Limited appeal for adults traveling without children.
– Higher cost due to Disney branding.
Disney Wonder is the ultimate Alaska cruise for families with young children, featuring Disney characters and family-friendly entertainment. Its unique dining setup rotates guests between themed restaurants, keeping things fresh and exciting for everyone onboard.
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Conclusion Choosing the right Alaska cruise ship for your Alaskan adventure depends on your travel preferences and who you’re traveling with. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly ship packed with activities, a luxury vessel with premium dining, or a quiet escape with stunning views, there’s a perfect ship for you. From the elegant Queen Elizabeth to the fun-filled Norwegian Encore, Alaska’s cruise offerings provide something for everyone. Take your pick and get ready to embark on a journey through one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations!
