Norwegian's Official Travel Blog

If you're taking your first cruise to Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line, chances are you have two critical questions: Will you be able to see the Aurora Borealis(possibly!), and what in the world should you pack for a trip to The Last Frontier? The short answer: Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime and bring lots of layers for every occasion! We'll show you how to keep things simple and pack the most essential, weather-sensible outfits without tipping the airport baggage scales.

First, a few general ground rules: Norwegian'sAlaskan cruises are designed to give guests the optimal experience of majestic scenery. But remember: Temperatures can vary as much as 30 degrees Fahrenheit in a given day. Cruising early or late in the season (such as during May or September) will call for warmer clothing, while summer months may invite rainy weather.

If the weather is getting you down, no worries - as they say, wait five minutes and it's likely to change! And finally, you can leave the fleece and flannel behind at night. For those who appreciate the nighttime entertainment and sumptuous dining onboard, there are plenty of opportunities to dress up in your favorite eveningwear. Now, let's get down to the details.

Alaska has long been a dream destination for many cruisers. 2025 promises to be a spectacular year to explore the Last Frontier with Norwegian Cruise Line. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, here's everything you need to know to start planning your unforgettable cruise to Alaska in 2025.

If you’re thinking about planning a summer cruise, Alaska may be the perfect destination for you. The Alaskan cruise season lasts from May to October, and the warmest months for travel are typically June, July, and August. Alaskan cruises may seem suited only for people who like extreme weather, but the truth is that the weather in Alaska varies widely based on the region.

Here’s what you can expect each month on your upcoming Alaska cruise along with what you really need to pack.  

Are you trying to decide where to plan your next summer vacation? Why not book a cruise with Norwegian? Choose from numerous itineraries this summer, including The Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Greek Isles. However, not all summer cruise itineraries are headed to the warmer parts of the world. If you need some travel planning inspiration, here's a look at some of the destinations you can visit next summer.

As sister ships, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy proudly offer the same expansive Observation Lounge and many other twin features, including a waterfront promenade lined with bars, lounges, and dining options. In fact, there was one majorly fun difference Norwegian Joy could boast over its sibling ship — it sported the first ever race track at sea.

Before you decide, let's take a look at a few things you should know about a few of Norwegian Cruise Line's race tracks at sea.

Celebrated artist and conservationist, Wyland cites Alaska as one of his favorite places on earth, so we asked him to chat with us about the majesty of America's largest state, the importance of conservation, exploring the wilderness (with an emphasis on whales), and why he feels you should experience your journey on a Norwegian cruise ship.

There's something about cruising Alaska that fills travelers with awe and exhilaration. Perhaps it's sailing past expansive glaciers glistening in the sunlight. Maybe it's witnessing The Last Frontier's dramatic terrain that transforms from wildflower-studded fields to immense old-growth forests that bow before snowcapped mountains stretching up toward the glow of the Northern Lights, all from the deck of your cruise ship. Or perhaps it's the opportunity to come closer to the diverse range of wildlife claiming the surrounding waterways and storied landscapes as their home. No matter what aspect of Alaska you connect with, one thing is certain — you'll want to soak in as much of the natural beauty and stunning vistas as possible during your cruise vacation.

In September 2024, we hosted the extraordinary 2nd Annual Latitudes Rewards Members Cruise, which sailed from Seattle to Alaska. To say the experience was a success would be a serious understatement. 1,700 Latitudes Rewards members joined us for the vacation of a lifetime aboard Norwegian Bliss, where they enjoyed an unforgettable week filled with special events, guest speakers, exclusive tours and more.

Have you ever wanted to see the raw, untouched beauty of Alaska? Go beyond the typical tourist attractions by signing up for one of our exciting Cruisetours. Experience an exhilarating blend of luxury and adventure while exploring Alaska's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities. Whether you're marveling at the majestic Denali or wandering the historic streets of Skagway, a Norwegian Cruise Line Cruisetour lets you experience Alaska by land and sea. Discover how you can extend your cruise vacation and make the most of your time in the Last Frontier with our Cruisetours.

If seeing a glacier up close and personal is on your bucket list, you are in the right place since Alaska is home to the most glaciers in the United States. With over 27,000 glaciers, The Last Frontier is one of the best places to see these majestic pieces of nature up close on an Alaska cruise.

Seattle, Washington, has much to be famous for. It's the birthplace of grunge, the base of operations for some of the world's biggest companies, and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and that's just scratching the surface. To truly appreciate what Seattle has to offer, you must see it for yourself.

With Norwegian Cruise Line, you have the opportunity to do so. Seattle is a port of call in 24 cruise vacations from 2023 to 2025, providing ample opportunity to see the city among numerous other destinations stretching from Alaska to South America. To help you plan your exploration of this great seaside city, consider our recommendations for the top things to do in Seattle, Washington.

Ready to take some well-deserved time off, traveling to places you've only dreamed of visiting? With retirement on the horizon, you'll have more time to explore incredible cruise destinations from the comfort of a premium cruise ship. Wherever you're longing to be, Norwegian can take you there. Take a look at our best cruise vacations for seniors and start planning today.

We’ve just unveiled our first itineraries for Summer 2026 — a group of sailings based on guest feedback and global travel trends. One major point of growth across the world of travel is the desire to see new destinations while remaining close to home. Our gorgeous fall New England & Canada cruises offer the unique opportunity to do just that. Guests can discover new regions, landscapes, and cities they’ve never seen before, but do so from a close-to-home port.

Aurora Borealis is the kind of scientific phenomenon that most people seem to either know everything about or nothing at all. I must admit – until I became interested in global cruising, I don’t think I’d ever heard of this natural wonder with the weirdest of names. But if you are thinking of cruising to Alaska in this lifetime, I am practically begging you to learn just a little bit about the Borealis, because you may want to plan any entire life-changing Norwegian cruise vacation around it.  

Whether you want to sail to Alaska, cruise the Hawaiian islands, or explore California's wine country, you can plan your ideal cruise vacation from Vancouver, British Columbia. This diverse city in western Canada is a gateway to some of the world's top destinations, which you can experience on a five-day trip along the Pacific Coast, an 18-day adventure to Alaska and Japan, and various other cruises in between.

Discover all the places you can go on a Vancouver cruise in 2024 and start planning your trip with Norwegian Cruise Line.

When most people think of cruising, more often than not they picture a white sand beach in The Caribbean. The people are hot, the waters are warm, and the rum is always cold. Sounds great right? While these cruises are some of the most popular, there’s a different type of vacation that occupies a special place in my heart: an Alaskan cruise. While Alaska may not be the first place you think of crossing off your list, don’t make the mistake of overlooking this destination. Alaska offers some of the most scenic views and captivating wildlife, sending those who try it racing back for more. Here’s just a few of the many reasons why you will want to consider cruising The Inside Passage.

With the year just beginning it's time to start thinking about booking a cruise vacation for 2024. This can be the perfect way to unwind and explore new places, all while traveling in style and comfort with Norwegian Cruise Line. One of Norwegian's ports that offers a variety of exciting cruise options is Seattle, Washington, located in America's Pacific Northwest. Here's some awesome stuff to know about cruises you can take with Norwegian from Seattle in 2024.

Are you planning for a 2024 Alaska cruise? You'll be pleased to find that Norwegian Cruise Line offers a selection of Alaska cruise holiday options.

For 2024, Norwegian has five ships in Alaska, including Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore. Here's everything you need to know about planning your 2024 Alaska cruise.

If you're planning a cruise to Alaska – and who isn't? – bring a good camera and be prepared for the photo session of your life. Barrett Hedges, National Geographic Photographer, recommends a traditional camera with a zoom lens. Hedges has additional tips for those looking to capture the beauty of Alaska.

From bald eagles and falcons soaring overhead to humpback whales, seals, and puffins, a cruise to Alaska is the best option if you want to see majestic wildlife without losing out on luxury and delicious food.