There’s no place quite like Alaska. Jagged coastlines and sightings of bears or whales in the wild make it one of the most captivating cruise destinations on Earth. But where you sail matters just as much as what you see.
Each Alaska cruise route reveals a different side of the state. The right Alaska cruise map can take you beyond the surface, carving a path through dramatic landscapes and tucked-away places most travelers never reach.
Princess Cruises has been sailing these waters for decades, refining itineraries to help guests experience Alaska’s raw beauty in unforgettable ways. No matter the route, you’ll see why we’ve been named the #1 Alaska Cruise Line.
Princess Cruises offers several ways to experience the Great Land, each highlighting a different facet of Alaska — coastal culture, dramatic icefields or wide-open wilderness. This guide breaks down the main routes: the serene waters of the Inside Passage, the glacier-packed Voyage of the Glaciers and the farther-flung Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands.
The Inside Passage is a protected coastal route from Washington through British Columbia into Southeast Alaska. Fringed by islands and flanked by towering mountains, it offers calm waters and some of the region’s most scenic cruising. With fewer open-sea days and more time close to shore, an Alaska Inside Passage cruise is ideal for travelers who want classic Alaska scenery, wildlife viewing and rich coastal culture.
Explore Alaska cruises
This one-way itinerary sails between Vancouver, B.C. and Whittier (gateway to Anchorage), crossing the Gulf of Alaska into Prince William Sound. It features two full glacier-viewing days and a mix of coastal ports and wilderness. Many guests pair this route with a land-based cruisetour to reach Denali National Park, Fairbanks and the interior — often traveling by the storied Alaska Railroad.
This route ventures to the volcanic, windswept reaches of the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian chain — quieter, less developed and strikingly wild. Highlights can include remote parks like Katmai National Park & Preserve, famed for brown bear viewing at Brooks Falls during summer salmon runs.
| Route | Best for | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Passage | First-time cruisers, round-trip convenience | Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Glacier Bay (select sailings) |
| Voyage of the Glaciers | Travelers adding land tours/Denali | Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, Whittier, Alaska Railroad access |
| Alaska Peninsula & Aleutians | Return visitors, remote exploration | Kodiak Island, Dutch Harbor, Katmai bear viewing (access varies) |
Whether you want a shorter sailing close to classic ports or a farther-reaching itinerary with extensive glacier time, the right route helps you build an Alaska journey that matches your style.
The Alaska season runs May–September, with distinct advantages: - May–June: Blooming wildflowers; wildlife emerging from hibernation. - July–August: Peak season with warmer weather and some of the best whale watching when you visit Alaska in the summer. - Late August–September: Thinner crowds and chances to spot the northern lights. For timing guidance, see when to book a cruise to Alaska.
Some of Alaska’s best moments happen off the ship. With Alaska cruise excursions, get closer to the Great Land: - Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway. - Helicopter to a glacier and walk on the ice. - Small-boat into fjords for calving ice and wildlife. - Fish Ketchikan’s salmon-filled streams with local guides.
Explore more unique things to do in Alaska.
Inside Passage (often round-trip), Voyage of the Glaciers (one-way between Vancouver and Whittier) and the farther-flung Alaska Peninsula & Aleutian Islands.
What’s the difference between the Inside Passage and Voyage of the Glaciers?
Inside Passage focuses on Southeast Alaska’s protected waterways and classic ports, often round-trip. Voyage of the Glaciers adds Gulf of Alaska crossing, two glacier-viewing days and easy access to inland cruisetours.
Do Princess itineraries visit Glacier Bay?
Glacier Bay is a highlight of many Inside Passage itineraries on select sailings. Availability varies by date and ship.
Which glaciers can I see on a Voyage of the Glaciers cruise?
Signature glacier days typically include Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord, conditions permitting.
What’s the best time to see whales in Alaska?
Summer (July–August) often provides some of the best whale watching, with sightings possible throughout the season.
Are Inside Passage cruises usually round-trip?
Yes, they typically sail round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver, making flight planning straightforward.
Can I add Denali National Park to my cruise?
Yes. Many guests pair a one-way Voyage of the Glaciers sailing with a land-based cruisetour to Denali and interior Alaska.
What should I pack?
Ready to explore Alaska? Browse routes, dates and ships on the Alaska cruises hub, or pair your sailing with a Denali cruisetour for the full land-and-sea experience.