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It's hard not to revert to hyperbole with Alaska. Here lie more than enough towering snow-capped mountains, breathtaking calving glaciers, extraordinary wild animals and quirky (if overtrafficked) frontier towns to wow hundreds of thousands of cruisers annually. With more than two dozen mainstream ships plying Alaska's island-filled southeast region from May to September, passengers certainly have options.
This chart features a representative from every major line in the mainstream and luxury markets, from the intimate and upscale Silver Muse to mega-ships like Norwegian Bliss. (For those who'd prefer to cruise with no more than 100 passengers, see our rundown of small-ship cruise lines in Alaska.)
Each of the 12 ships, which were hand-picked based on their popularity among all cruise options in Alaska, caters to a different type of traveler. Families on a budget might find the most "bang for their buck" onboard Carnival Spirit, while couples looking to splurge can pamper themselves with Seven Seas Mariner's lavish suites and all-inclusive fine dining.
Familiarize yourself with the biggest contenders' itineraries, exclusive regional offerings and more to determine which is the best Alaska cruise option for you.
Note: Click on a ship name to get more info and read hundreds of cruise reviews.

- Homeports: Seattle, Fairbanks, Whittier, Anchorage and Vancouver.
- Ports: Juneau; College Fjord; Ketchikan; Victoria, BC; Skagway; Hubbard Glacier; Glacier Bay National Park and Tracy Arm Fjord (scenic cruising).
- Park rangers and native Huna interpreters on Glacier Bay sailings.
- Junior Rangers program teaches kids about local wildlife.
- Alaskan salmon dishes available every night.
- Live music abounds at the Queen's Lounge, Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard.
- Culinary Arts Center offers cooking classes by Food & Wine Magazine.
- Main pool has a retractable roof for inclement weather.

- Homeports: Whittier and Vancouver.
- Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Victoria, BC; and Glacier Bay National Park and/or College Fjord and Hubbard Glacier, or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier (scenic cruising).
- Local cuisine from land-based restaurants served onboard.
- Top-deck party with live music, dancing under the midnight sun and more.
- Puppies in the Piazza (sled dog puppies come onboard for a day).
- Equipped with Princess Cruises' new OceanMedallion technology.
- Chocolate-lovers can enjoy special desserts, wine tastings and spa treatments.
- Hidden gem: Terrace Pool offers breathtaking wake views.
Photo Tour of Royal Princess

- Homeport: Seattle.
- Ports: Juneau; Skagway; Ketchikan; Icy Strait Point; Victoria, BC; and Glacier Bay National Park and Tracy Arm Fjord (scenic cruising).
- Educational guides teach little ones about the state's nature and culture in the kids' club.
- Alaskan craft beers served in bars throughout the ship.
- Park ranger-led narration in Glacier Bay.
- "Jersey Boys" Broadway-style show headlines main theater.
- Activities include go-kart racetrack, laser tag and waterslides.
- Select solo cabins feature virtual ocean views.

- Homeports: Seward and Vancouver.
- Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Icy Strait Point; the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier (scenic cruising).
- Bike and Brew: biking, drinking and glacier viewing excursion.
- Onboard naturalist offers insight into the region's flora and fauna.
- Crew doles out flannel blankets and hot cocoa on deck.
- All-weather, indoor, adults-only pool.
- Activities include a rock climbing wall and mini-golf.
- Exterior glass elevators have great views.
Photo Tour of Radiance of the Seas

- Homeports: Seattle and Vancouver.
- Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Endicott Arm (Dawes Glacier); Tracy Arm Fjord; Victoria, BC; and the Inside Passage (scenic cruising).
- Naturalists onboard for high-interest areas.
- Local performers bring Alaskan culture aboard.
- Blankets and hot chocolate for nature viewing.
- Award-winning bars specialize in crafted cocktails.
- Boutique dining options, from crepes to spa cuisine.
- Entertainment options combine singing, dancing and aerial acrobatics.
Photo Tour of Celebrity Solstice

- Homeports: Vancouver.
- Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Endicott Arm (Dawes Glacier); Icy Strait Point; Tracy Arm Fjord and Hubbard Glacier (scenic cruising).
- "Frozen" deck party includes themed dining, dancing and games.
- Educational Junior Ranger program for kids.
- Fun photo op: characters dress up in outdoor gear.
- Most cabins feature split bath setup.
- Unique dining scheme: rotate among three venues with the same waiters.
- Multiple adults-only spaces for daytime and after-hours fun.

- Homeports: Seattle and Vancouver.
- Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Victoria, BC; and Glacier Bay National Park and Tracy Arm Fjord (scenic cruising).
- Onboard naturalist alerts passengers to wildlife sightings.
- Special menu with local delicacies.
- Educational games and crafts teach kids about Alaskan culture.
- Adults-only Serenity hot tub is perfect to soak up views.
- Seuss at Sea program for kids with parade, story time.
- Dine at Bonsai Sushi, one of our favorite sushi restaurants at sea.

- Homeports: Seward and Vancouver.
- Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Sitka; Wrangell; Nanaimo, Prince Rupert and Victoria, BC; the Inside Passage; Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord (scenic cruising).
- Complimentary backpacks, water bottles and parkas for excursions.
- Speakers include noted historians and conservationists.
- Local Alaskan seafood is incorporated into evening menus.
- La Dame is the only Relais & Chateaux restaurant at sea.
- All accommodations are suites, most of which have balconies.
- Butler service included in every suite category.

- Homeports: Seward, Juneau and Vancouver.
- Ports: Ketchikan; Sitka; Wrangell; Glacier Bay; Hubbard Glacier; Haines; Inian Islands; Rudyerd Bay (Misty Fjords); Icy Strait Point; Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm (scenic cruising); Prince Rupert, Klemtu and Alert Bay, BC.
- Ventures by Seabourn naturalists lead guided kayak and Zodiac tours.
- "Caviar on Ice" deck party (twist on Caviar in the Surf).
- Passengers receive complimentary all-weather jackets.
- Restaurants offer dishes by Michelin-star chef Thomas Keller.
- Six outdoor whirlpools are perfect for soaking up the views.
- Intuitive service and all-inclusive fares.

- Homeports: Seward and Vancouver.
- Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Sitka; Skagway; Icy Strait Point; Wrangell; Astoria (Oregon); Prince Rupert; Victoria, BC; Hubbard Glacier; Tracy Arm Fjord; Sawyer Glacier; the Inside Passage and Outside Passage (scenic cruising).
- Award-winning lecturer Terry Breen onboard most Alaska sailings.
- Enriching kids' program for ages 5 to 17.
- Alaskan menu items include halibut and king crab legs.
- 1:1.6 passenger-to-crew ratio means more personalized service.
- Dining options include steakhouse and French restaurant.
- All bathrooms have bathtub/shower combos and L'Occitane bath products.

- Homeports: Seattle, Seward, Vancouver and San Francisco.
- Ports: Juneau; Ketchikan; Skagway; Sitka; Icy Strait Point; Wrangell; Haines; Astoria; Prince Rupert; Victoria, BC; Hubbard Glacier; the Inside Passage and Outside Passage (scenic cruising); Nanaimo, BC.
- Unique itineraries with "off the beaten path" ports.
- Main dining room serves fresh Alaskan salmon and halibut.
- Guest speakers give lectures on history, culture and nature.
- Spa run by award-winning Canyon Ranch.
- Range of cabins, from cozy insides to opulent Owner's Suites.
- Afternoon tea with a string quartet is a real treat.

- Homeports: Vancouver.
- Ports: Juneau; Seward; Kodiak; Hubbard Glacier; Dutch Harbor; Ketchikan; Skagway; Sitka; Valdez; Icy Strait Point; and the Inside Passage and Yakutat Bay (scenic cruising).
- Naturalists and expert residents come onboard to lead enrichment lectures.
- Opportunity to talk to survivors of the 1964 Alaska Earthquake, the second-largest earthquake ever recorded.
- Infinity-edge pool and hot tub on the back of the ship.
- Spa's high-end thermal suite is complimentary to all passengers.
- Cabins among the most spacious and well-appointed in the industry.
Updated March 25, 2020