Alaska Cruising 101: What to Expect + My Personal Adventures in The Last Frontier
Ketchikan, Alaska
When I first visited Alaska in 2022, I thought it would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip—one of those places you see, appreciate, and move on from. But I was so wrong. I fell completely in love with the raw beauty, wildlife, and charm of The Last Frontier. I can't imagine not going back—and I am! I'll be heading there again in September 2025, and I can't wait.
If you've ever dreamed of seeing whales breach in icy blue waters, walking near majestic glaciers, and exploring rustic towns rich with history, then an Alaska cruise is calling your name. Here’s everything you need to know to decide what kind of Alaskan adventure is right for you.
Cruising Season: When to Go
Alaska cruise season runs from late April through early September, with most sailings happening in the peak summer months of June, July, and August.
May & early June: Fewer crowds, better wildlife viewing, and snow still on the mountain peaks.
July & August: Warmest temps, more daylight, ideal for shore excursions.
September: Cooler weather, potential for Northern Lights, and great end-of-season deals (plus fewer crowds).
Roundtrip Cruises vs. CruiseTours: What's the Difference?
You have two main options when cruising Alaska:
Roundtrip Alaska Cruise: Most commonly from Seattle, though some sail from Vancouver or San Francisco. These typically visit a few key ports in Southeast Alaska and return to the starting port. Great for first-timers or those who want a shorter trip.
CruiseTours: These combine a one-way cruise (usually from Vancouver, BC or Whittier and Seward, Alaska) with multi-day land tours before or after the cruise. You'll explore inland destinations like:
Anchorage
Talkeetna (charming small town with views of Denali)
Denali National Park
Fairbanks (great for history, culture, and Northern Lights in late season)
CruiseTours can be either Northbound or Southbound, beginning or ending in Vancouver, Whittier, or Seward. If you want the full Alaska experience—mountains, wildlife, rail travel, and rustic lodges—a CruiseTour is the way to go.
Alaska Cruise Ports & What Makes Each Special
Juneau: Alaska’s capital is only accessible by air or sea. Don’t miss whale watching, Mendenhall Glacier, and the unforgettable photo op at the Whale Statue Fountain. One of my favorite stops here is Tracy’s King Crab Shack for fresh, buttery crab legs. And if you're feeling a bit adventurous (and thirsty), stop by the Red Dog Saloon for their infamous "Duck Fart" shot—a local favorite. The saloon itself dates back to the mining days and oozes old Alaska charm.
Ketchikan: Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," this town is famous for its totem poles, lumberjack shows, and historic Creek Street, once the red-light district during the gold rush. Wandering through the wooden boardwalks and learning about the town’s history is a must. One of my favorite memories here? A crab boat excursion that ended with a feast of Dungeness crab right on the dock. Unforgettable!
Skagway: Step back in time to the days of the Gold Rush. Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway through mountains and past glaciers—it's scenic, historic, and stunning. And whatever you do, grab a Doughboy (fried bread with powdered sugar) for a sweet treat!
Sitka: With its Russian influence and rich native history, Sitka offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Great hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing here. You might spot sea otters, bald eagles, and even bears!
Icy Strait Point: A native-owned port where you can go ziplining, whale watching, or just enjoy the peaceful, undeveloped landscape. It’s one of the best places to get a more authentic glimpse into Alaskan life.
It was probably the most authentic-feeling port we visited. We went kayaking with a local man named Cody who knew the best places to spot wildlife and made the experience unforgettable. We even came upon a mama bear and her cub on the shoreline. Cody taught us about bear safety—like how you should make your presence known by saying things like "Hey Bear" or "We see you, Bear." He also shared that sometimes mama bears bring their cubs closer to where people are, as the presence of humans can help deter the more dangerous papa bears. It was an incredible learning moment and one of those truly special Alaska memories.
CruiseTour Highlights: Our Unforgettable Journey
When we did our CruiseTour, we disembarked our ship in Seward and took a motorcoach directly to Anchorage, where we spent the day exploring the local museum and sampling some amazing food. The next morning, we were up early and headed to Talkeetna—and the drive itself was breathtaking.
In Talkeetna, we stayed at a cozy lodge with a back porch offering unobstructed views of Denali. Did you know only 30% of visitors get a clear view of the mountain? Thanks to rare good weather, we became members of the "30% Club" and were able to see the entire mountain. After a delicious breakfast the following morning and a little time exploring the charming town, we crossed off a true bucket list item: taking a small plane ride over the glaciers and landing on one! Walking on that glacier is something I’ll never forget.
Following the glacier landing, we headed to the Wilderness Express Dome Train—our luggage had already been delivered. The train ride all the way to Fairbanks took about eight hours, and it was absolutely spectacular. With 360-degree views, onboard lunch and dinner, drinks, and a nature guide narrating what we were seeing (including the Cheehna River and all sorts of wilderness trivia), the experience was just magical.
In Fairbanks, we stayed at the most quaint and unique hotel where, in the winter, the frozen river behind it becomes part of the Iditarod route! That’s definitely something I’d love to witness one day. After two nights and a memorable Riverboat Discovery excursion, we took the train back to Denali National Park for a couple more nights.
Pike’s Waterfront Lodge | Fairbanks, Alaska
We had planned to go white water rafting, but the river conditions were too rough—so we pivoted and rented a jeep for the day. Driving up the Old Denali Parkway with no cell service, no gas stations, nothing but mountains and moose was yet another unforgettable chapter in the adventure. It just goes to show: sometimes the unexpected moments turn out to be the very best ones.
My Personal Take
Alaska surprised me in every possible way. It’s wild and majestic, but also incredibly warm and welcoming. Every port had a story, and every shore excursion felt like something out of National Geographic. Whether it was watching a pod of humpback whales breach the surface or cracking into fresh crab with my family, it’s the kind of trip that stays with you.
If Alaska is even remotely on your radar, let's talk. I can help you decide between cruise lines, find the best itinerary for your travel style, and even match you with a CruiseTour that gives you the best of land and sea.
You don’t have to be an adventure junkie to fall in love with Alaska—just someone who wants to see one of the most breathtaking corners of our world.
Ready when you are.
— Melissa
