Which Cruise Line is Right for Your Alaska Cruise?
Written by: Michelle on October 13, 2019
Cruising to Alaska is one of the most popular ways for travelers to experience the scenery, wildlife, and culture of the 49th state. The popularity of sailing to the Alaskan frontier has motivated cruise lines to increase their number of ships and the number of sailings to the state. With that, there are more options than ever for an Alaskan cruise adventure. Below we break down the highlights and selling points for each of the major cruise lines sailing to Alaska.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises celebrated 50 years of sailing to Alaska in 2019. With their years of experience and firm place in Alaska’s cruising tradition, Princess offers your clients enriching activities both on and off the ship with their North to Alaska program as well as their five Princess Lodges. The five lodges (Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, and Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge) provide breathtaking accommodations to complement a Princess sailing.
Guests will find it more convenient than ever to add a cruisetour to their Alaska experience with Princess’s Direct to Alaska Rail journeys, featuring glass top railcars that allow travelers to take in Alaska’s beauty every second along the way.
Looking forward, Princess Cruises is in the process of upgrading their onboard Wi-Fi to MedallionNet Wi-Fi, the fastest at sea. This paired with the personalized technology of their MedallionClass ships creates a high level of service for every cruiser on board.
Norwegian Cruise Line
The latest and greatest of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet will be sailing the Alaskan coastline in 2020 when the Norwegian Encore joins the Bliss and the Joy. These three ships are the only cruise ships in the world to offer go-cart tracks on their top deck, a testament to all the family-friendly fun that awaits their guests.
In addition to the Encore, Bliss, and Joy, the Norwegian Sun, which was refurbished in 2018, and the Norwegian Jewel, also revamped in 2018, will sail Alaska in 2020. With five ships, Norwegian Cruise Line’s variety of departure dates, cabin types, and ship sizes will appeal to many travelers. Paired with the incredible onboard experience of Norwegian Cruise Line, travelers can also Feel Free to explore on land with NCL’s cruisetour itineraries.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line’s celebrated presence in Alaska started over 70 years ago. It continues in 2020, with eight ships scheduled to sail to the Great Land. Holland America Line also offers more glacier viewings, ensuring that every cruise includes at least one chance to see these incredible ice features.
Holland America Line is also the only cruise line offering cruisetours through the Yukon Territory. This off-the-beaten-path region is ideal for those looking to experience more of Alaska’s natural beauty and remote destinations within the state. By pairing a cruise with a land tour, guests can spend 18 days or more exploring the beauty of Alaska.
Royal Caribbean
Despite its tropical name, Royal Caribbean is making Alaska accessible to many travelers. With Alaska cruise itineraries that are as short as 5 days, travelers that find it hard to take extended time off can still have the chance to visit Alaska in 2020.
These shorter trips are also more likely to appeal to price-conscious travelers who may be hesitant about working Alaska into budget and to larger groups who want to experience the Great Land together. With something on board for all ages, Royal Caribbean Alaskan cruises are ideal for large groups who are excited to see what awaits them up north.
Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Wonder presents a uniquely Disney experience in Alaska. With all of the magic of Disney characters, stories, and shows, this cruise experience allows guests to sail to one of the world’s most memorable locations with their favorite characters. Travelers can also pair their Disney Cruise with an Adventures by Disney land package.
Disney Cruise Line offers adventurous activities for families, like zipline adventures, wildlife expeditions, and whale-watching. However, with only one ship sailing to Alaska, the availability and departure dates are limited. It’s best to book this trip well in advance because it is sure to sell out.
Ready to start planning your Alaska cruise? Your local travel agent can help you learn more about each cruise line and work with you to craft the perfect Alaskan experience for you. Travel agents have the inside scoop on itineraries, excursions, and cruisetours to ensure you enjoy every minute of your vacation.
If you’re interested in becoming a travel agent to plan Alaskan cruise vacations and trips around the world, fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 1-888-611-1220.