On the best Alaska cruise routes, you’ll visit some of the most spectacular and scenic locations on the planet. From awe-inspiring glaciers and snow-capped mountains to remarkable wildlife and fascinating cultural sites, a cruise to the Last Frontier is a vacation you’ll never forget.
Discover which of our main Alaska cruise routes is best for your next cruise vacation.
Dawes Glacier
On a Dawes Glacier itinerary, you’ll cruise from Seattle to Ketchikan, nicknamed the “first city,” due to its location at Alaska’s southern tip.
Totem poles in Alaska
As you disembark in the center of Ketchikan, catch your first glimpse of the richly carved and colored totem poles that are a symbol of Alaskan culture. Discover Alaskan Native traditions, see a master pole carver at work, and walk among the largest collection of authentic totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Experience the state’s natural beauty and native wildlife up close on this Alaska cruise route. See majestic bald eagles flying overhead on a sightseeing cruise through Rudyerd Bay, get a bird’s-eye view of the lush rainforest, snow-capped mountains, granite cliffs, and cascading falls of Misty Fjords on a breathtaking flightseeing tour, or go on a bear-watching expedition with an experienced naturalist.
While you’re in the “salmon capital of the world,” go on a fishing expedition for your chance to catch salmon and halibut, or sample the area’s fresh seafood.
Dawes Glacier, Alaska
Sail through Endicott Arm Fjord’s deep blue glacial waters while watching icebergs drift by, sea lions splash and cavort, and harbor seal pups follow their mom in search of food. At the 600-foot-tall Dawes Glacier, see and hear the spectacular calving, as huge chunks of the glacier shear off and land in the water with a thundering thud.
Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau, Alaska
In Juneau, Alaska’s capital, board the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway located just across from the cruise ship pier. At the top, take a rainforest hike as an introduction to the Tongass National Forest, and glimpse native wildlife, including bears and raptors.
Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
Get up close to the magnificent 13-mile-long Mendenhall Glacier by soaring overhead on a helicopter, paddle across Mendenhall Lake on a canoe to see the glacier’s face, or hike in the rainforest surrounding it. Enjoy a floatplane ride to an all-you-can-eat salmon bake at a rustic lodge and see Juneau’s other incredible glaciers, Norris and Sawyer.
Take in Juneau’s vibrant Alaskan food scene at local seafood restaurants serving smoked salmon dip, Alaskan cod tacos, and fresh-caught crab, halibut, and salmon accompanied by local produce. Tour one of the city’s craft breweries for a taste of local beer.
Read: Best Craft Beer Cruise Experiences
Lawn Club
Indulge in the luxurious amenities and spaces onboard Celebrity Solstice as you sail through the Inside Passage. Schedule a relaxing spa visit and play bocce or lawn bowling on the real green grass of The Lawn. Unwind on the pool deck, enjoy a world-class dining experience at one of the ship’s specialty restaurants, and dance under the stars to live music or DJ-spun tunes.
In Victoria, British Columbia, explore the city’s picturesque streets and gardens, board a zodiac and embark on a whale-watching excursion, or visit one of the area’s award-winning wineries.
Your cruise will disembark in Seattle, a Pacific Northwest gem boasting stunning skylines, plentiful hiking opportunities, and a food scene worth exploring.
Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
Cruise from Vancouver to Hubbard Glacier aboard Celebrity Eclipse, an Alaska cruise route that introduces you to the Last Frontier’s boundless beauty as you sail through the Inside Passage to destinations such as Sitka and Icy Strait Point.
In Icy Strait Point, you’ll enjoy local hospitality and learn about Native Alaskan culture.
Whale-watching in Alaska
If you want to cruise to Alaska to see whales, Icy Strait Point is a dream destination, which serves as the summer home for several species. Brown bears and sea lions are almost as abundant as whales, and whether you explore the unspoiled wilderness by ATV land cruiser, on a kayaking adventure, or a speedy ocean raft, you’re sure to come away with lifetime memories and Instagram-worthy photos.
Glide through the treetops on the world’s largest ZipRider, sighting eagles, native birds, deer, and bears, along with unrivaled views of the island, sea, and even the peaks of Glacier Bay National Park on clear days.
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
On this Alaska cruise route, you’ll sail through narrow Disenchantment Bay and watch in awe as the imposing Hubbard Glacier comes into view. Listen as your onboard naturalist gives fascinating commentary.
At seven miles wide and about 30 stories tall, Hubbard is unique in that it continues to advance in size in spite of its regular and spectacular calving, which you’ll witness as the captain steers the ship 360 degrees to give every passenger the best view.
A port of call in Juneau is an opportunity to explore Alaska city life, visiting the State Capitol, Juneau-Douglas Museum, Alaskan Brewing Company for craft beer, and the Gold Room, one of Juneau’s oldest restaurants.
Gold Creek in Juneau, Alaska
Pan for gold at Gold Creek and the Last Chance Basin, and enjoy an all-you-can-eat salmon bake alongside a waterfall. You can also take a panoramic helicopter flight to land on Norris Glacier and mush with a dog sled team. Each experience is guaranteed to be a long-cherished family cruise adventure.
Tongass National Forest in Ketchikan, Alaska
In Ketchikan, hike the trails of Tongass National Forest or fly through a canopy of trees on a series of ziplines, sky bridges, and rappels. Experience kayaking in Alaska on Ketchikan Creek to spot wildlife and enjoy beautiful coastline views.
Take a trolley ride to historic Creek Street to shop at boutiques and savor freshly steamed crab legs. Watch schools of salmon make their way upstream from Ketchikan Creek.
Celebrity Eclipse
Savor the incomparable views of the Inside Passage (which you’ll be able to sail through twice during your journey) from your comfortable chaise on the Eclipse pool deck. Toast new friends and shared adventures at the Martini Bar. Pay a visit to our onboard shopping gallery for a knockout Evening Chic outfit or a fine jewelry reminder of your unforgettable Alaska cruise on Celebrity before disembarking in Vancouver.
At the end of your sailing, add on a Canadian Rockies cruisetour, where you’ll come face to face with the imposing Athabasca Glacier, ride a gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff, and explore the stunning city of Calgary.
Watch: Experience an Alaska Cruise with Celebrity Cruises
Northbound Glacier
Discover Alaska’s glaciers on a cruise from Vancouver aboard Celebrity Millennium. This one-way Alaska cruise route is ideal for embarking on an extended vacation with one of our Cruisetours.
Celebrity Millennium
As your ship sails north into the Inside Passage, the tranquil waterway full of glaciers, icebergs, and migrating humpback whales in the summer, enjoy your first night admiring the views from your stateroom veranda aboard the revolutionized Celebrity Millennium.
Make friends of fellow passengers as you sip a classic cocktail at the popular Martini Bar, and savor contemporary world-class cuisine at Metropolitan, Millennium’s sophisticated main dining room.
Before calling it a night, tempt lady luck at table games or slot machines at our Vegas-style casino, dance to live music, or kick back at one of the late-night onboard lounges.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan is the perfect introduction to Alaska’s Native people and culture. Experience the area’s pristine beauty on land, water, or flightseeing excursions to Misty Fjords National Monument, on zipline adventures over lush green forests, or on hikes through Tongass National Forest.
Humpback and killer whales are a sight to see on Icy Strait Point excursions by day or on an evening cruise that includes a seafood feast. Fish for salmon or halibut on half-day charters, or enjoy a hands-on seafood class hosted by an Alaskan fisherwoman and chef.
Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
On a Juneau port of call, the Mendenhall Glacier dominates, but it’s just one of the icy behemoths to capture your attention. Take a helicopter flight over 36 different glaciers, landing on one for an unforgettable guided glacier-top walk.
Glide through the Tracy Arm Wilderness on a jet-powered catamaran to come face to face with the South Sawyer Glacier, or fly over Tongass National Forest to land on Taku Glacier, the thickest and deepest of the world’s glaciers, for a walk-about experience guided by a glacier naturalist.
At Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike, be captivated by the rugged beauty of Glacier Point as you travel by boat, then team-paddle a canoe to get up close to the magnificent icy blue Davidson Glacier. Watch for porpoises and whales along the way.
White Pass & Yukon Railroad in Skagway, Alaska
For a one-of-a-kind Alaskan adventure, board the historic White Pass Railroad to witness spectacular jagged mountain peaks, waterfalls, and rushing rivers below high railroad bridges. Breathe in the clean, crisp air as you hike with a guide to Laughton Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views of exposed crevasses atop one of the most accessible of Alaska’s glaciers.
Exit Glacier in Seward, Alaska
Whether Seward is your point of final debarkation or the gateway to a fabulous Alaska Cruisetour, you’ll want to explore it to the max. Excursions to Kenai Fjords National Park let you experience the magnificent glaciers within its borders, including Bear, the largest, Holgate, Aialik, Grewingk, and Exit, just to name a few.
Southbound Glacier
Kick off your vacation by signing up for a Cruisetour and combine an unforgettable cruise with a small group tour into the state’s spectacular inland destinations.
Once you’re done exploring cities and towns such as Talkeetna, Denali, and Anchorage, finish your Cruisetour in Seward, where you’ll embark on the Southbound Glacier Alaska cruise route aboard the revolutionized Celebrity Millennium.
Read: Best Things to Do in Downtown Anchorage
Celebrity Millennium
One of the best things to do in Seward is admire adorable sea otters, harbor seals, and whales at the SeaLife Center, Alaska’s rehabilitation center for sea animals. Ride, cruise, or hike through Kenai Fjords National Park to witness a host of spectacular glaciers. Stop by the Yukon Bar to have a drink, write your name on a dollar bill, and pin it to the wall, as is the tradition.
Tuscan Grille
On your first night aboard the ship, sip champagne at the Sunset Bar as the evening sun casts a golden glow. Savor world-class cuisine at Tuscan Grille, one of our specialty restaurants serving Southern Italian favorites and prime steaks. Take in a Broadway-worthy live performance in The Theater.
Dance to live music in the Rendezvous Lounge. Stop in at Cellar Masters or The Martini Bar for a nightcap, or order a midnight snack from the 24-hour room service menu to enjoy while relaxing on your veranda. Depending on your cruise dates, you could be having a midnight snack while the sun is still shining.
Watch for otters and harbor seals sailing on ice floes and whales at play as the ship makes its way into the narrow icy waters of Disenchantment Bay. Experience picture-perfect views of Hubbard Glacier, the longest tidewater glacier in the world at seven miles wide, 70 miles long, and about 30 stories tall.
Calving of Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
Stand at the top deck or enjoy viewing this incredible ice-blue wonder from your stateroom veranda as your onboard naturalist shares fascinating details (broadcast throughout the ship).
The captain will steer the ship close, then turn 360 degrees to allow for the very best views. Have your camera ready and watch with amazement as calving happens, where chunks of the glacier sheer off and fall into the sea with a thundering roar.
On a port stop in Juneau, there’s plenty of time to take in the beauty of Alaska’s capital city. Tour historic sites, sample fresh fish at local seafood eateries, and enjoy excursions to the majestic Mendenhall Glacier that dominates the landscape.
White Pass & Yukon Railroad in Skagway, Alaska
At Skagway, the Klondike Goldrush days live on with excursions on the historic White Pass Scenic Railway that take you to pan for gold and meet dog sled owners and their adorable pups as they train to become part of a sled team.
Take a dramatic helicopter ride over the low-slung Laughton Glacier or view the dense Davidson Glacier after an ATV ride through Tongass Forest’s trails.
In Icy Strait Point, learn about the lives and culture of the Tlingit tribe who own and operate the cruise destination, and experience their warm hospitality at shops, restaurants, and on excursions.
Point Adolphus, Alaska
Board a whale-watching tour to nearby Point Adolphus, the summer home of humpback whales, where orcas can also be spotted. Eagles circle overhead and sea lions, seals, and porpoises play without a thought to onlookers. Even brown bears have been known to linger on the shore.
One of the best things to do in Ketchikan, known as the “salmon capital of the world,” is to sample salmon in many forms. Explore the city’s wild terrain by visiting Misty Fjords National Monument, visible by land, sea and air excursions, and Tongass National Forest, which covers two-thirds of Alaska.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan is the ideal place to discover Alaska’s wildlife like seabirds, black-tailed deer, bears, wolves, and mountain goats.
When your ship docks in Vancouver, explore the city’s Chinatown and Gastown districts, walk along a 450-foot suspension bridge, and visit the stunning Shannon Falls.
Or go the extra mile and embark on a Canadian Rockies cruisetour, where you’ll visit some of Canada’s most beautiful destinations including the exciting city of Calgary, the sparkling turquoise Lake Louise, and the town of Banff, where you’ll see the towering mountains of Alberta’s Rockies.
Celebrity Millennium
See all of the best Alaska cruise routes on CelebrityCruises.com and book your next luxury cruise vacation to the Last Frontier.
