Alaska cruises: routes, glaciers and the best time to go

Round trip or one way?

Alaska cruises come in two main shapes:

• Inside Passage round trips from Seattle or Vancouver, usually 7 nights. Easy to book with a round-trip flight, and they sail the sheltered channels past forests, fjords and small ports.
• One-way Gulf of Alaska cruises between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, the ports for Anchorage. They reach farther north and often see more glaciers, and they pair well with a land tour to Denali National Park, sold as a cruisetour. You'll need open-jaw flights.

Glaciers and scenic cruising

Most itineraries include at least one day of scenic cruising, when the ship slows near a glacier or through a fjord. Common highlights are Glacier Bay National Park, where only a limited number of ships are allowed each day, Hubbard Glacier, and the Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm fjords.

Because so much of the trip is the view from the ship, many travelers think a balcony cabin is worth it on this route more than any other.

When to go

The season runs from May to September. June to August brings the warmest weather and the longest days, and is the busiest and most expensive time, especially during school holidays.

May and September are quieter and often better value, with cooler weather. Wildlife is around all season; whales are commonly seen throughout the summer.

What to pack

Pack layers rather than heavy winter clothing: temperatures are usually mild, but it's cooler on deck near the ice, and rain is common in the southeast. A waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes and binoculars make a big difference.

Documents

Round trips from Seattle on most ships stop in Canada, usually Victoria, British Columbia, because US law requires foreign-flagged ships to call at a foreign port. Sailings from Vancouver start in Canada. A passport makes both simple, and Canadians should carry one. Check current requirements with your cruise line.

Frequently asked questions