Finding the Perfect Ship
When sailing to Alaska, you have a variety of cruise lines to choose from.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly experience, luxury vessel, expedition ship or something else, we can find the ideal cruise ship for you and your traveling companions.
The following are general guidelines to begin with, but remember, we're just a phone call away and ready to help you find that perfect combination of ship and itinerary.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Many family-friendly cruise lines sail to Alaska, offering parents an opportunity to experience Alaska with their children and still ensure they’ll all enjoy their time onboard the ship during days at sea. Even excursions have become family oriented with many options for multi-generational families.
Royal Caribbean is a mass market cruise option that offer activities on board to entertain both children and adults.
They have an expanded kids’ programs, dividing children into smaller age groupings with designated areas on the ship designed with age-targeted activities.
Sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s new Ovation of the Seas, designed with families in mind! Take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall to enjoy an unparalleled view from 40 feet above deck, grab a board and get ready for 30,000 gallons of rushing awesome headed your way on the 40-foot-long FlowRider® surf simulator, and marvel inside the North Star®, a jewel-shaped capsule that reveals breathtaking 360-degree views as you gently ascend 300 feet above sea level.
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Those traveling with teenagers or as a couple may enjoy the premium cruise lines that offer a slightly more “grown-up” ambiance on board, as well as a variety of entertainment options. Princess Cruises, Holland America and Celebrity
Cruises are recommended mass market premium lines offering excellent itineraries to Alaska. They also include
programs for those younger than 13 but not with the depth and variety, characters or special events that
Royal Caribbean offers.
LUXURY
Luxury lovers will enjoy sailing on the Alaska itineraries offered by Silversea Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Windstar Cruises. Normally, these cruise lines have considerably smaller ships, larger staterooms, higher staff to passenger ratios, and often many extra inclusions and amenities. Some include all shore excursions, liquor and more. When not in port, relax in your well-appointed stateroom and enjoy gourmet meals in the five-star restaurants onboard.
ADVENTURE SEEKERS
Looking for a bit more adventure on your luxury cruise?
An expedition cruise is the way to go. Expedition ships offer luxury experiences, fine cuisine, and accommodations from elegant to practical. While large cruise ship itineraries are designed to give you a taste of a variety of ports – sort of like getting your feet wet or dipping your toes in the culture, on an expedition cruise, the smaller ship ensures you get closer than you ever thought you could and that your journey includes hidden treasures and experiences you can only get with these small-group, one-of-a-kind explorations.
Though there isn't as much entertainment onboard, you'll enjoy lectures with naturalists, historians or photographers. In addition, many expedition cruises take passengers even further into the wild away from the cruise ship using Zodiacs, skiffs, kayaks and more. Check out itineraries from Lindblad Expeditions in conjunction with National Geographic. Expedition cruises are a higher price point, but they offer unique one-of-a-kind experiences at every turn.
Whichever cruise ship and itinerary you decide is right for you, remember to keep your
camera with you at all times -- you never know when you may wander out on deck and catch a family of bears roaming the mountainside, eagles flying high above, or a whale as it sprays a rainbow on the side of your ship.
Whichever cruise option you choose, all ensure the perfect landscape for memorable photo opportunities and an amazing vacation!