April and May
It’s also a less expensive and crowded time of year to cruise. It is also the dryest time of year in Alaska.
Smaller ships, such as the ones that comprise Alaska Dream Cruises” and UnCruise AdventuresFleets can move closer to the coast for better views of the bears walking along the beach and on-land adventures without anyone else around. Alaska Dream Cruises launched two new 8-day itinerary this season. Both focus on remote wilderness and include hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. UnCruise has also added a new itinerary for this year. It is a 10-night Aleutian Islands Adventure itinerary with Dutch Harbor and Kodiak.
From June to August
Alaska cruises are popular in June July and August because of the warm temperatures and average 17 hours of daylight. There will be more boats on the water and crowded ports, but it is still a great time to cruise. Bears, whales, and birds are all active.
Oceania Cruises‘ 1,250-guest Riviera The first voyage to Alaska will be set sail this season. Itineraries range from 7-12 days, and include a roundtrip of 10 days from Seattle. American Cruise Lines This year, Alaskan Cruises doubles the number of itineraries available with five new cruises. These include two 16- and a 19-day Alaska National Parks. Check out the 9 Day Southeast Alaska Cruise roundtrip from Juneau for a shorter cruise.
September
In September, not only are schools back in session, so there will be fewer people in the ports. But you may also see the Northern Lights, especially if you combine your cruise with an Alaskan land tour. Expect to see a lot of frisky wildlife as fall is the season when animals mate.
Lindblad Expeditions is a partner of ours. National Geographic ExpeditionsThe new 11-day Voyage through the Great Bear Rainforest takes you from Ketchikan, Alaska to Seattle. There’s plenty of adventure between. You can even search for the spirit bear. Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge The ship is currently in its second season of Alaska, sailing seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier tours in September. These can be taken either roundtrip or one-way, starting from Seattle. If you’re looking for a longer cruise tour, check out one of Princess Cruise LineNew offerings from highlighting National Parks like the National Parks Expedition, which visits five parks in 15 days.
October
Alaska’s cruise season ends in October with just a few ships sailing. As in April or May, the cruise ships will be fewer and the port visits even smaller. As the weather cools, so will your fares. Holland America Line and Princess Cruises all offer cruises in Alaska until the fall. Norwegian Cruise Line will be the last ship to sail roundtrips from Seattle on seven-day itineraries.
2026 and beyond
There are even more options available for planning ahead. We’re currently in the middle of the sailing season 2025, but if you want to look at 2026 or even 2027 there are even more choices. You can choose to sail in May 2026. Princess CruisesThe newest ship Star PrincessAnd for the first time, family favorite will be sailing roundtrip from Seattle up to the Inside Passage. Family favorite will be sailing roundtrip from Seattle to the Inside Passage for the very first time. Disney Cruise Line In 2026, Alaska will have two ships. Disney Magic joins Disney Wonder Over the summer, we offer 35 itineraries of seven nights. Holland America LineThe Great Alaska Explorer, a 14-day cruise that will be launched in 2026 by, a company which has been sailing in Alaska for over 75 years. Highlights of the itinerary include Anchorage and Juneau as well as Ketchikan Kodiak Valdez and Prince Rupert.
In 2026 a handful of cruise ships will be sailing to Alaska, while another is making a comeback to the Far North. MSC Cruises embarks The first Alaskan cruise will be in May 2026. MSC Poesia Set sail on roundtrip itineraries of seven nights from Seattle. Another newcomer to the market is The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection You can also find out more about Luminara You can also take a seven-night round-trip cruise from Vancouver. And Virgin Voyages The cruise ships will offer seven to twelve-night itineraries. Brilliant Lady, like the Alaskan Glacier Blues & Coastal Views sailing. Azamara Cruises Alaska is a great place to visit. Azamara Pursuit Sets out on its 10- or 11-night cruises with new immersive tours for those who are able to linger longer.
The year 2027 is a further look ahead. Explora Journeys Vancouver, Canada embarks on first Alaskan cruises from on board Explora III. Her inaugural voyage will be an 11-night “Journey Through Untamed Landscapes & Coastal Treasures” in May.
