3 Alaska Cruises to Consider for 2020 & 2021
Journey to Alaska to experience the wonder and awe of being up close with some of the most impressive glaciers in North America. Explore the natural wonder of the rainforest. Look out for the many varieties of Alaskan wildlife, including wolves, harbor seals, humpback whales, and more.
Set out on an unforgettable adventure to some of the most rugged beauty in the world. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of enriching Alaska cruise options for 2020 and 2021. Here are some of the best Alaskan cruises to book right now.
1. 7-Day Alaska Cruise from Seattle
This seven-day Alaskan cruise sets sail from Seattle on one of the newest ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet — Norwegian Joy, which started sailing to Alaska in 2019. Enjoy spacious and well-appointed accommodations. Norwegian Joy features brand new Concierge staterooms that feature some of the most luxurious touches on any of Norwegian Cruise Line's ships. Among the included amenities are private dining, concierge services, and priority embarkation throughout the duration of your cruise.
While aboard Norwegian Joy, check out the virtual world of the Galaxy Pavilion, where you can immerse yourself in interactive video walls and thrilling simulator rides. The Galaxy Pavilion is perfect for everyone in the family. Other highlights of the Norwegian Joy include a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade, the most thrilling race course at sea, and awe-inspiring acrobatics.
After spending a whole day discovering everything that the Norwegian Joy has to offer, you'll arrive at Ketchikan, Alaska. This town is the gateway to the Misty Fjords National Monument, which offers postcard views of cascading waterfalls, icy blue lakes, and snow-capped mountain peaks. These dramatic sights can only be reached via boat or plane, which is why you'll want to take the Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer tour.
After leaving Ketchikan, you'll visit Juneau, one of the most famous towns in Alaska and the most scenic state capital in the United States. Next, you'll cruise overnight through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, followed by a day at Icy Strait Point. This is a truly special place, as this region has more wildlife than people.
2. 7-Day Alaska Cruise with Inside Passage from Seward
This Alaska cruise on Norwegian Jewel takes you through the Inside Passage of Alaska. You'll discover some of the most scenic destinations in North America along the way. You'll embark the ship in Seward, Alaska, which is home to a variety of sea mammals and marine life. Seward offers plenty of chances to enjoy fun outdoor activities, from sea kayaking to dog-sledding.
The next sight to see on this itinerary is Hubbard Glacier, a giant tidewater glacier that is more than 6 miles wide where it meets the ocean. This glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in the world.
After viewing the beauty and wonder of Hubbard Glacier, you'll visit Icy Strait Point, Alaska. Icy Strait Point offers a true Alaskan experience for anyone who wants it, including wildlife encounters. Take a small ship cruise to Point Adolphus, which is one of Alaska's best destinations for viewing humpback whales. You'll also want to keep your eyes open for bald eagles, seals, and sea lions.
As you sail into Juneau, you'll be surrounded by beautiful mountains and glaciers galore, including the Mendenhall glacier, which is 12 miles outside of town. Book a glacier trek, dog sled, or even a helicopter tour to experience this glacial gem. Next, you will sail through the 31-mile Endicott Arm fjord and Dawes Glacier, one of Alaska's most majestic fjords with abundant waterfalls, towering granite walls, and beautiful hemlock and spruce trees. Once you reach Dawes Glacier, get your camera ready as this active glacier is often "calving," so you'll have the chance to photograph some impressive icebergs.
As you sail into Juneau, you'll be surrounded by beautiful mountains and glaciers galore, including the Mendenhall glacier, which is 12 miles outside of town. Book a glacier trek, dog sled, or even a helicopter tour to experience this glacial gem. Next, you will sail through the 31-mile Endicott Arm fjord and Dawes Glacier, one of Alaska's most majestic fjords with abundant waterfalls, towering granite walls, and beautiful hemlock and spruce trees. Once you reach Dawes Glacier, get your camera ready as this active glacier is often "calving," so you'll have the chance to photograph some impressive icebergs.
3. 15-Day Alaska Cruise from Vancouver
This 15-day Alaska cruise starts in Vancouver, British Columbia offers the most authentic experience of Alaska. All Norwegian Cruisetours are completely escorted by experienced local Alaskan guides. This cruise features a visit with an Iditarod Sled Dog Musher and guaranteed animal sightings. It also features travel on an authentic Alaskan railroad, as well as a riverboat cruise and tour of Fairbanks.
After a day at sea, the first of your five Alaskan ports is Juneau. Kayak one of the state's many protected waterways, cruise along Tracy Arm Fjord, trek Mendenhall Glacier, and more. Next, spend a day sailing through Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of Alaska's most beautiful scenery can be found here. You'll be surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountains, mesmerizing glaciers, and plenty of wildlife.
After departing Glacier Bay, you will head to Icy Strait Point, one of the most pristine places left on earth. The last two Alaska ports on this itinerary are Sitka and Ketchikan. Sitka is a charming town with no shortage of historical sites and countless wildlife sighting opportunities. Be sure to visit the Raptor Centre, where you can see various birds of prey, including bald eagles.
After departing Glacier Bay, you will head to Icy Strait Point, one of the most pristine places left on earth. The last two Alaska ports on this itinerary are Sitka and Ketchikan. Sitka is a charming town with no shortage of historical sites and countless wildlife sighting opportunities. Be sure to visit the Raptor Centre, where you can see various birds of prey, including bald eagles.
Ketchikan is known for its lush wilderness, tasty salmon, and rich culture, giving you plenty of options for excursions. Aside from noted attractions like Misty Fjords, you can visit an oyster farm, learn about totem culture, fish for salmon or halibut, depending on the time of year, or attend a lumberjack show.
Trying to decide which Alaska cruise is right for you? Be sure to visit Norwegian's Cruise Deals and sign up to get the latest specials and deals delivered right to your inbox.