Alaska Cruise Vacations: Glacier & Wildlife Adventures

Each month has pros and cons, but here’s a quick cheat sheet:

May: Fewer crowds, lower pricing, snow still on mountaintops
June: Longest daylight hours, peak wildlife spotting
July: Warmest temps, school breaks = more families
August: Still summer weather, but rain starts to increase
September: Fall colors, fewer kids, cooler temps

Want help choosing the best month for your travel priorities? That’s what we’re here for.

Inside Passage cruises (like those from Seattle or Vancouver) stay within protected waterways and visit classic ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.

Other itineraries—like Gulf of Alaska or one-way northbound cruises—reach deeper into Alaska, sometimes including Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. Some even link to land tours in Denali.

We’ll help you pick the route that fits your wish list—and your timeframe.

It’s rare. Cruise itineraries are usually too far south and run during the summer, when it stays light late into the night.

If seeing the Northern Lights is a must-do, we’ll help you plan a land-based trip in fall or winter—or even a cruise to Iceland or Norway, which offers better odds. 

Not a need, but it’s really nice. You’ll want that private glacier view when you’re wrapped in a blanket sipping coffee… or when the kids are napping and the whales show up. We also check for covered balconies (some aren’t!) so you can enjoy the view rain or shine.

Nope. With Mom Approved Travel, you never pay more than booking direct with the cruise line—and we’ll often unlock better value through exclusive promotions or group perks. Best of all? We handle the headaches, deadlines, and decisions so you don’t have to.

The best Alaska cruise route depends on what you want to see, how much time you have, and whether you want to add a land tour.

Top Alaska Cruise Routes:

1. Inside Passage (Roundtrip – Seattle or Vancouver):
The most popular choice for first-timers and families.

• Calm waters, scenic fjords, and frequent wildlife sightings.

• Ports may include Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Glacier Bay (or another glacier-viewing day).

• No passport needed for Seattle departures (for U.S. citizens).

• Great for 7-night roundtrip convenience.

2. Northbound or Southbound (One-Way between Vancouver & Anchorage/Whittier/Seward):
Ideal for those adding a land tour (Denali, Fairbanks, etc.).

• See more of Alaska’s coastline without repeating ports.

• Access to deeper mainland experiences with cruise tours.

• Flights are often more complex (open-jaw), but worth it for deeper immersion.

3. Glacier-Intensive Cruises:
Some itineraries focus heavily on glacier viewing with fewer port stops.

• Often includes Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, or Tracy Arm in addition to Glacier Bay.

• Ideal for photography lovers and those prioritizing natural wonders.

Cruise Tour Options (Sea + Land Combo):

Available with Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, and others.

• Add 3–7 days exploring Denali National Park, the Alaska Railroad, or lodges in remote wilderness.

• Best for travelers wanting a full Alaska immersion beyond the coast.

💡 Pro Tip: If seeing Glacier Bay National Park is a priority, make sure it’s specifically included—access is limited and only certain cruise lines have permits.

The best cruise line for Alaska depends on your travel style, group dynamics, and what you want to experience.

Here’s a quick breakdown of top choices:

• Princess Cruises: Known for their deep Alaska expertise, exclusive Glacier Bay access, and seamless cruise tour extensions to Denali. Great for first-timers and multigenerational trips.

• Royal Caribbean: Ideal for families and thrill-seekers. Offers large ships with entertainment like rock climbing walls, ice rinks, and North Star viewing capsules.

• Norwegian Cruise Line: Flexible “freestyle” dining, casual atmosphere, and family-friendly ships with solid Alaska itineraries.

• Disney Cruise Line: Perfect for families with kids. Exceptional service, themed youth clubs, and immersive storytelling experiences tailored to Alaska.

• Holland America Line: Offers a quieter, culturally rich experience. Mid-sized ships, enrichment programming, and long-standing Alaska partnerships.

• Lindblad Expeditions and UnCruise: Small-ship, expedition-style cruises with Zodiac landings, wildlife experts, and glacier hikes for those wanting adventure off the beaten path.

💡 Pro Tip: Some cruise lines sail different-sized ships in Alaska. We help match you to the ship that fits your group size, priorities, and what you want out of your Alaska cruise.

You might hear “port side” (left) is best heading north and “starboard” (right) for southbound—but the reality is, Alaska cruises are scenic on both sides.

Here’s why:

• Many itineraries loop through fjords and sail past glaciers, so the ship rotates to give both sides great views.

• For roundtrip sailings from Seattle or Vancouver, your scenery changes daily—and many key sights are viewed from the front (bow) or top decks anyway.

💡 Pro Tip: The best views come from picking the right itinerary and season—not just the side of the ship. We’ll help with both.

There’s no one perfect deck—but here’s what matters:

• Mid to upper decks often provide better glacier and wildlife viewing directly from your balcony.

• Lower decks are more stable if you’re concerned about motion, especially in choppier open-water sections.

• Cabin placement (forward, midship, aft) can also impact your comfort and view.

Balcony cabins are especially valuable in Alaska, so we help clients choose based on both viewing opportunities and convenience to dining, elevators, or kids’ clubs—because a “great view” shouldn’t come with unnecessary uphill battles in the hallway.

For the best selection, especially if you want a balcony cabin, family stateroom, or popular cruisetour, you should plan to book your trip with MAT 9 to 18 months in advance. Alaska cruises are seasonal and fill quickly, especially during school breaks.

Some cruise lines release Alaska itineraries up to two years ahead, and early booking often means better pricing, more perks, and peace of mind.
Late planning is still possible (and we can help with that too!), but flexibility on cabin type or sailing date will help.

Yes, though the pools are not warm like the Caribbean. Most larger ships have heated, indoor, or covered pools, and the hot tubs are always a hit. Bring extra swimsuits (and a warm robe or hoodie) if your kids are water lovers.

Not if you book the right ship and excursions. We steer families to cruises with strong youth programs, heated pools, and excursions that keep kids engaged. Think dog sledding, wildlife boats, and scavenger hunts, not 3-hour museum tours.

Both are great options. Cruise line “Cruisetours” are easy and seamless, think Denali train rides, lodge stays, and included transportation. Independent tours give you more control and can cost less; but if you do not make it back to the ship on time, the ship will NOT wait for you. 

Yes, especially family-friendly itineraries during summer. Balcony cabins, Disney Cruise Line sailings, and Cruisetours to Denali book up a year or more in advance. We always recommend planning early if your travel dates are limited or getting on our waitlist if sold out.