The Best Alaska Cruise Tips You Need to Know + A Top Itinerary

From the coastal oasis of Glacier Bay National Park to the enigmatic beauty of Denali National Park, it’s safe to say Alaska is a destination worth visiting. You don’t need to take a long, arduous road trip to reach these pockets of untouched wilderness, as Alaskan cruises are here to save the day. 

With the luxuries of a bustling metropolis and the peace of mind that everything is taken care of, hopping aboard a cruise ship has its perks. But knowing which cruise line to join and which package to book is far from straightforward.

Fortunately, I recently did all the research necessary before booking my 7-day Alaska cruise from Seattle. So stick around as I fill you in on all the top Alaska cruise tips, from when to go, what to book, and what to do while aboard one of these floating cities.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you. Thank you to Norweigan Cruise Line for collaborating on this blog post. As always, all opinions are my own. 

Alaska Cruise Tips and Tricks | Essentials to Keep in Mind

This Alaska cruise guide will tick all the boxes. I had to navigate all of these aspects when booking my trip, so I know how daunting it can be.

What Is the Best Cruise Line for Alaska?

I spent quite a bit of time scouring the different Alaska cruise lines in search of the perfect option. While there are loads of big names, I opted to go with Norwegian Cruise Line. 

They offer an extensive selection of Alaskan trips, with three cruise ships wandering the North Pacific Ocean. From finding your ideal trip length to booking your shore excursion, Norwegian Cruise Line makes the entire process seamless and easy to follow.

So, if you had to ask me which of these luxury cruise lines to pick, I’d say Norwegian Cruise Line a thousand times over.

Book My 7-Day Cruise Here

Packing for an Alaska Cruise

While each season brings its own challenges weather-wise, here are some staples — barring the usual essentials like toiletries — you’ll want to pack for any time of the year:

• Water-resistant jacket —  Rain in the Ketchekin region is fairly consistent all year round, so a waterproof jacket is a must. >>>Buy Your Jacket Here
• Swimsuit — From hot tubs to splashing around at the Spa, you’ll definitely need a swimming costume. >>>Get Your Swimsuit Here
• Warm Puffy Jacket – I made sure to pack my cozy Fuego Hooded Down Jacket for the trip, and it was perfect for staying warm on those chilly Alaskan days! >>>Buy Jacket Here
• Smart-casual clothes — Dressing up and enjoying a romantic dinner under the stars is a staple of any luxury cruise. So, be sure to pack some smart-casual clothes for the occasion, and check out the dresses I am currently obsessed with here.
• Blundstone High Tops – I made sure to pack my durable Blundstone High-Top Boots, and they were perfect for exploring the rugged Alaskan terrain! >>>Buy It Here
• Hats and gloves — it still gets chilly — even in summer — so some warming gloves and beanies are sure to come in handy. >>>Buy Your Hat Here & Get Your Gloves Here
• Jumpers and sweaters — For those windy days exploring the Alaskan coastline, jumpers and sweaters are all you’ll need. >>>Get Your Warm Layers Here
• Long and short sleeve shirts — As the weather can turn at any point, having a variety of long and short sleeves is the best way to come prepared. >>>Buy Your Shirts Here
• Sunglasses — Trust me when I say the glare from the sun beating against the ocean and snow can be pretty intense, so some stylish sunglasses are a must. >>>Get Your Sunglasses Here
• Camera — You’ll need your quality camera gear to capture the memorable moments, from family photo ops to a humpback whale breaching.
• Waterproof hiking boots — From hiking around Mendenhall Glacier to exploring Juneau, you’ll need some quality hiking boots for your shore excursions.
• Binoculars — While much of your trip will be onboard, you’ll have plenty of sightseeing opportunities, and this is where binoculars can be helpful. >>>Buy Your Binoculars Here
• Daypack — During your adventures inland, you’ll want to keep all your stuff clean and dry. With this in mind, check out my top recommended daypack.
• Sunscreen — From tanning on the cruise deck to venturing through Victoria, you’ll need a high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the harsh sun. >>>Get Your Sunscreen Here
• Insect repellent — While many joke that mosquitoes are Alaska’s State bird, there’s no denying these pesky insects are rampant — especially in summer. >>>Buy Insect Repellent Here
• Jeans – I made sure to pack my comfy jeans from Abercrombie, and they were perfect for casual days and exploring Alaskan towns! >Click Here
• Base Layers – My essential base layers were perfect for dog sledding, keeping me warm and comfortable during the thrilling adventure on the glacier! >Bottom Layers >Top Layers
• Fleece Lined Leggings – My fleece-lined leggings were perfect for staying warm and cozy during the chilly Alaskan adventures. >>>Buy Some Here
• Snow Jacket – My REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Jacket kept me perfectly warm and comfortable during the chilly excursions. >>>Click Here

Selecting a Cabin Type

Picking the right cabin for your trip is a crucial part of planning your cruise to perfection. If you’re a solo traveler, you can grab a Studio room, but everyone else has to pick from the five other cabin types.

These include Inside Staterooms, the Oceanview, Balcony cabins, a Club Balcony Suite, and The Haven Staterooms. While Inside cabins are the cheapest, they don’t offer those magnificent seaside views. Oceanview rooms are a good alternative, but I’d recommend booking a Balcony cabin, as there isn’t a major difference in their pricing.

I booked the Cruise + Balcony Stateroom valued at ~$3,800 (post-tax) for two travelers.

Here are the average starting prices for each Stateroom before the inclusion of taxes:

• Studio (solo guests only): From ~$1,050 per person
• Inside: From ~$630 per person
• Oceanview: From ~$950 per person
• Balcony: From ~$1,050 per person
• Club Balcony Suite: From ~$1,200 per person
• The Haven: From ~$3,590 per person

Selecting a Food Package

There are loads of complimentary dining options included in your initial ticket. These include a range of restaurants at the Main Dining Room, buffets, and their 24-hour eateries.

That said, there are plenty of specialty restaurants onboard that aren’t included in the initial cruise price. This is where choosing a food package can allow you to experience your restaurant of choice without needing to pay for each individual meal. 

If you want to add more bespoke dining opportunities to your itinerary, I’d recommend having a look at the options available here. 

I booked the Premium Dining Package, which was valued at $210 per person for 7 specialty meals. So, for the two of us, the total cost of the premium dining package was $420. I really enjoyed it, and I felt like the package was well worth it. The restaurants were incredible. Our favorite restaurant was Teppanyaki.

Selecting a Drink Package

The Free At Sea package included in your original cruise fare offers an Unlimited Open Bar Package. 

Now, don’t be deceived by this, as only certain drinks are included. You will get select premium cocktails, spirits, beers, and wines for under $15. This includes 20% off all bottles of wine and champagne. You’ll also have unlimited soft drinks and juices with the package.  

I included the Premium Plus Beverage Package on my trip, and it was worth every penny. While it is an additional $165 per person per day (post-tax), the benefits are truly worth the extra money. For the two of us, it cost me $2,310, which covered drinks for the entire trip.

This package includes: 

• All top-shelf spirits and cocktails.
• All red wine, beer, white wine, or their exclusive brand of rosé by the glass.
• Select premium bottles of wine with dinner and 40% off all other bottles.
• Unlimited still or sparkling water.
• Unlimited soft drinks and juices.
• Energy drinks, and all Starbucks coffee and specialty drinks.

Selecting a WiFi Package

With Norwegian Cruise Line now using Starlink, you can expect only the fastest internet around. But if you don’t upgrade your package, your access to this super-fast WiFi will be limited. 

On the standard Free At Sea package, you’ll only have access to the WiFi for 150 minutes when joining a 7-day cruise like I did.

This is why I opted for the Unlimited Premium WiFi Package, which allowed us to stream to our heart’s content. It costs $39.99 per device per day and an additional $25.99 for a second device.

The Best Time of Year to Go on an Alaskan Cruise

The Alaska cruise season is only five months long, lasting from May to the end of September. As such, the winter months are completely cut out of the equation — which is largely due to the intense weather conditions and rough seas.

The best time to join a cruise depends on your preferences, but the peak season is July and August. These months offer the hottest temperatures, with average highs of around 64°F and lows of 51°F.

If you’re hoping to avoid crazy numbers of people with relatively warm temperatures and the lowest rainfall possible, I’d recommend joining a cruise between May and June (I went in May). These are also great months for wildlife spotting, as thousands of humpback whales, orcas, and beluga whales frequent Alaska’s Southeast coast.

10 Tips for Boarding Your Cruise

• Check-in online — To avoid causing backlogs at your boarding station, check-in online. You can complete your check-in up to 21 days in advance.
• Make your reservations in advance — Ensure you’re able to join all the onboard activities and restaurants you have planned by reserving a spot in advance. You can make dining reservations up to 120 days in advance and entertainment bookings 21 days prior to sailing.
• Have all travel documents in hand — Be sure to have your passport or ID and all the eDocs for your trip available when boarding. It’s best to print a copy of all your eDocs, which will become available 21 days before.
• Have your luggage labeled with bag tags — You’ll find your luggage tags on the last page of your eDocs, which I recommend printing and placing on your bags before arriving for boarding.
• Arrive on time — There is no benefit to arriving too early. You will be designated a boarding time, which I would recommend arriving no more than an hour before.
• Drop off your luggage — Upon arrival, you’ll need to hand over your luggage to the porters. Just be aware you won’t have these bags for a couple of hours. 
• Bring a carry-on — Don’t overpack your carry-on. Just make sure it has all the essentials you need for a couple of hours, such as your wallet/purse, travel documents, a change of clothes, a swimsuit, and a kid’s toy. 
• Find your cabin first — After boarding and before you explore the ship, go find your cabin.
• Get the Spa Package—The Spa includes a steam room, salt room, snow room, sauna, and hot tub. The area was quiet and an exclusive place to relax. It is limited, so it is best to tour and buy the spa package right when you arrive on the cruise.
• Connect to the WiFi — Before the ship departs, double check you are connected to the WiFi. 
• Store your valuables — Once you’ve found your cabin, store all your valuables in the safe of your Stateroom. This will help you have peace of mind while you explore the cruise ship.

10 Tips Once Onboard

• Explore the cruise ship — Spend some time exploring the cruise ship and getting acquainted with what is where. I traveled on the Norwegian Encore, which has 20 decks, so there’s a lot to discover.

• Turn airplane mode on — Before the ship sails, make sure your phone is on airplane mode and connected to the cruise WiFi. The last thing you want is a huge bill when you get home from international roaming fees.

• Check the daily planner — The daily planner is your best friend when onboard. It shows you all the activities of the day, so you don’t miss out on any activities you may have enjoyed.

• Don’t double-book your activities — Going off the last point, make sure you don’t double-book your activities. Be selective, and make sure you have enough time to reach the activity — the ships are generally pretty big, after all.

• What to do when seasick — Head to the middle of the ship (least affected by motion) and get fresh air. Also, focus on the horizon, as this can help ease your seasickness. You can also get some Dramamine dissolvables or Bonine chewable tablets to help with motion sickness.

• Don’t just order — If you don’t get a premium drinks package, then be sure to follow up on which drinks are included in your package. Just ordering can quickly result in a hefty bill.

• Keep your camera handy — You never know when a memorable moment is about to happen, so keep your camera nearby. I had my camera with me at all times.

• Head to the pool early — To ensure you snag a sunlounger and get the chance to enjoy the pool before it gets super busy, aim to visit in the mornings between 8:00 am and 10:00 am.

• Avoid the first seating times — When dining, the first seating times are generally very rushed. As such, aim to book later seating times, and if you have children, look to visit between lunch and dinner slots.

• What to do if shopping onboard — Shopping onboard can be very expensive. So try to bring everything you need before boarding, such as sunscreen and toiletries. If you do want to get a memento, browse the various shops before making a purchase.

Tips for Seeing the Wildlife During Alaska Cruises

Whale-watching is arguably the best wildlife-spotting opportunity when onboard a cruise. From humpback whales and orcas to beluga whales and local sea otters, the opportunities are endless, and this is where your camera and binoculars will come in handy.

You’ll also have the opportunity to spot other types of Alaskan wildlife during your shore excursions. Some of these include guided hikes and helicopter tours at Glacier Bay National Park and Juneau. If hiking through the area, be sure to read my tips on wildlife safety.

Picking Your Cruise Activities & Shore Excursions 

While onboard, you’ll have countless activities to enjoy, from swimming in the Aqua Park to go-carting and much more. However, some of the most memorable moments of my trip were during the excursions at each port. 

It’s important you pick a land tour that suits your interests. I booked my shore excursions with Norwegian Cruise Line, and while there were loads of great options, here were the ones that stood out for me the most:

Dogsledding on Mendenhall Glacier via Helicopter at Juneau

Usually lasting around three hours, it all starts with a scenic helicopter flight over Mendenhall Glacier. They then drop you off at the dogsledding camp on the glacier, where you’ll spend an hour mushing along the picturesque glacier. 

After an exhilarating dogsledding experience, the helicopter will take you on one last scenic route around the glacier before you head back to the cruise ship.

White Pass Scenic Railway at Skagway

For a more relaxing experience, I highly recommend joining the scenic train ride to White Pass Summit via the Yukon Route. You’ll pass the Klondike Gold Fields and lush forested regions near Skagway. All-in-all, this five-hour-long scenic trip is the perfect way to see the sights and sounds of this gleaming Pacific coastline.

The Empress Experience at Victoria, BC, Canada

For the perfect way to spend the last night of your cruise, consider indulging in the Empress Experience. Getting the chance to admire the Royal China Collection of the Fairmont Empress while sipping on classic tea and tucking into their delectable culinary offerings is an experience like no other.

The Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary: My 7-Day Cruise From Seattle

There are quite a few Alaska cruise itineraries you can pick from, ranging from 7 to 20 days. The itinerary you pick depends on what you want to see, but as a local Seattleite, I opted for the 7-day cruise from my home city.

Personally, I think scenic cruising for 7 days is more than enough time to enjoy the boat, book some land tours, and truly relax.

A Break Down of the Best 7-Day Alaska Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Leave Seattle — Cruises usually set sail at 5:00 pm, offering stunning sunset opportunities as you head for Alaska (pictured above).

Day 2: At Sea — The entirety of day two will be spent at sea, so take some time to explore the ship, take part in some activities, and don’t forget to relax.

Day 3: Arrive at Juneau — You’ll arrive roughly at 2:00 pm, giving you enough time to enjoy the ship during the day and join a land tour in the afternoon. The ship sets sail again at around 10:00 pm.

Day 4: Visit Skagway — The cruise arrives at Skagway roughly at 6:00 am, so you’ll have the entire day to explore the town and potentially join the scenic train ride. The cruise departs Skagway at around 8:15 pm.

Day 5: Glacier Bay Cruising — The entirety of day five will be spent at sea as you cruise through the Glacier Bay region. Keep an eye out for whales while exploring the area.

Day 6: Cruise to Ketchikan — You’ll arrive in Ketchikan close to 7:00 am, giving you the entire morning to explore the town before the ship departs at 1:15 pm. 

Day 7: Sail to Victoria — You’ll spend most of the day onboard the ship as you sail to Victoria, where you’ll arrive at around 8:00 pm. You’ll have the night to admire the city, potentially join a tour, and enjoy a dinner on land.

Day 8: Arrive in Seattle — On the final day, you’ll arrive back in Seattle by 6:00 am. You’ll be expected to leave your cabins by 8:30 am and be off the ship by 10:00 am at the latest.

Book This 7-Day Cruise Here

FAQs About Alaskan Cruise Tips

Before sending you off on an amazing Alaskan adventure, here are some FAQs to keep in mind.

Are There Rough Seas on Alaska Cruises?

The Gulf of Alaska usually has much rougher seas than the protected waters of the Inside Passage. So, if sailing from Seattle, you’re more likely to encounter rough seas.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for an Alaska Cruise?

It’s not a necessity to have travel insurance during your cruise, but it is recommended.

Do You Dress Up for Dinner on an Alaskan Cruise?

Generally speaking, when traveling with Norwegian, you can wear whatever you like. That said, some of the signature restaurants do have a smart-casual dress code.

What Are the Most Popular Alaska Cruise Ports to Visit?

The most popular ports of call in Alaska are Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Petersburg, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Haines.

What Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights on an Alaska Cruise?

Your best chance to see the Northern Lights during your cruise is in September.

Final Thoughts on the Top Tips for Alaskan Cruises

And just like that, you have all the tips and tricks you need to cruise Alaska without a worry in the world. When aboard your ship, don’t forget to make friends with your fellow cruise passengers, as they are the people who will make this adventure all worthwhile. 

With that said, it’s time to set sail and begin cruising Alaska in style!

PS: If you’re a fellow Washington local looking to dive into the state’s magical hiking scene, grab a copy of my Washington eBook! 

Pin For Later: Alaska Cruise Tips