Alaska Cruise Guide: How to Plan, Pack, and Explore

For U.S. citizens, the answer depends on your itinerary. Many Alaska cruises from Seattle are “closed-loop” sailings that begin and end in the same U.S. port. On these, some cruise lines may allow you to travel with a government-issued photo ID and an original or certified birth certificate instead of a passport.

However, most itineraries include at least one stop in Canada, such as Victoria, and that means documentation rules can vary. Some cruise lines require a passport regardless, and even if they don’t, having one is strongly recommended. If you needed to leave the cruise unexpectedly and fly home, you would not be able to do so without a passport.

👉 The safest choice is to travel with a valid passport so you are covered for every possible situation.

Every Alaska cruise has a slightly different route. Look closely at the ports and scenic cruising days before you book. Many itineraries include Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, but some add Sitka, Icy Strait Point, or Victoria, BC. Scenic days might feature Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, or Tracy Arm. Think about what matters most to you, whether it’s wildlife, history, or glacier viewing, and choose an itinerary that matches.

There is no single best month, it depends on your priorities. June and July bring the longest days and the most wildlife, but also the highest prices and biggest crowds. May is drier with fewer travelers, and September offers fall colors and lower fares. April and October are quiet and inexpensive but have limited excursions and more unpredictable weather.

Layers are the secret. Bring a waterproof jacket, warm sweater or fleece, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat and gloves for glacier viewing days. You will also want lighter layers for warmer afternoons, plus casual outfits for the ship and a nicer outfit or two for dinner. Do not forget binoculars for wildlife spotting and a day bag for excursions. For a detailed list, see my full Alaska cruise packing guide.

Most travelers find Alaska cruises surprisingly comfortable. The ships are very large, so you do not feel the motion the way you would on a smaller boat. Many routes travel through the Inside Passage, which is sheltered and calm, and modern ships also have stabilizers that reduce movement.

If you are prone to motion sickness (like I am), it helps to come prepared. Over-the-counter options like Dramamine, ginger chews, and Sea-Bands work well for many people. I personally found herbal motion sickness patches placed behind my ear to be especially effective without causing drowsiness. For stronger protection, you can talk with your doctor before your trip about prescription medications. Choosing a cabin mid-ship and on a lower deck will also minimize any motion you might feel.

Food is a big part of the cruise experience. Most ships have a main dining room with rotating menus and a buffet on the lido deck, which is cruise slang for the pool deck area. The buffet usually offers a wide variety, with daily changing options alongside staples like salads, hot entrees, and desserts. Many travelers appreciate the flexibility of eating on their own schedule here.

Many also offer specialty restaurants at an extra cost, from steakhouses to sushi to Italian. While it is not always fine dining, most passengers are pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety. Fresh seafood is often a highlight on Alaska cruises.

The larger the ship, the more entertainment options you will usually find. Some big ships even feature go-kart tracks, virtual reality games, or climbing walls. Most offer live music, comedians, stage shows, trivia, and movies. Smaller ships keep things simpler, often focusing on naturalist talks and the scenery. Quantity does not always mean quality, so it helps to look closely at what your ship actually offers before you book.

Water slides and outdoor attractions that are popular on warm-weather cruises are less used in Alaska, especially in cooler months like May. Some families may still enjoy them in July or August when the weather is warmer, but the real draw in Alaska is what happens outside the ship. One of the entertainment highlights of our cruise was a Beatles cover band that played through the band’s full discography. It was not world-class entertainment, but it was genuinely fun and a little joy at the end of each day.

Most large cruise ships have dedicated kids’ clubs with age-appropriate activities such as crafts, games, and teen lounges. Family-friendly shows, movie nights, and wildlife watching from the deck can also be fun for all ages.

That said, the experience varies by cruise line. Some lines, like Disney and Royal Caribbean, focus heavily on families, while others, like Holland America, tend to attract an older crowd and may offer fewer activities for children. If you are traveling with kids, check what your ship provides before booking to make sure it matches your family’s needs.

Alaska cruises usually have mild temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from the 40s in April and October to the 60s or low 70s in July. Rain is common throughout the season, especially in Southeast Alaska, so a waterproof jacket is essential. Even in summer, mornings and evenings near glaciers can feel chilly, so plan to dress in layers.

Weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, and storms can occasionally affect the itinerary. In rare cases, a port stop may be shortened or missed, especially during the shoulder season. Cruise lines build flexibility into their schedules and safety is always the top priority. Most travelers find the occasional change is a small trade-off for the beauty of cruising in Alaska.

Not every Alaska cruise includes Glacier Bay National Park, but if you have the chance, it is absolutely worth it. Only two ships per day are allowed to enter, and rangers often come on board to give commentary. The scenery is breathtaking, with massive tidewater glaciers and the chance to see ice calving into the water. Some cruise lines, such as Holland America, Princess and Norwegian, include Glacier Bay more often than others. If this is important to you, check your itinerary carefully.

Alaska is one of the best places in the world for wildlife viewing during the warmer months. From the ship, it is common to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles. Bears are more often seen on excursions, especially near salmon streams in midsummer and early fall.

The timing of your cruise makes a difference. Whales begin returning in May, salmon runs peak in July and August, and bears are most active along rivers from late summer into September. If you go especially early or late in the shoulder season (April or October), you may have less opportunity to see wildlife. Bring binoculars and a camera, since wildlife sightings can happen at any time, both from the ship and on shore.

Both options can be great, and the best choice depends on your comfort level and priorities. Booking through the cruise line is the easiest option. It guarantees the ship will wait if your tour runs late, and all the logistics are handled for you.

Independent tours can often be less expensive and may offer smaller groups or unique experiences. In many ports, it is easy to find reputable operators who work with cruise passengers regularly. Some travelers prefer a mix, reserving a “must do” activity like whale watching or dog sledding through the ship, and then booking smaller or more casual outings independently.

It depends on what you want from the trip. Independent travel gives you more flexibility and a deeper local feel, but it also requires a lot of planning, flights or ferries between towns, and higher costs for lodging and transportation. It typically requires travel during daylight hours, which reduces your time to relax or explore.

A cruise lets you cover more ground with less effort. You wake up in a new port without losing precious daytime, and your lodging, meals, and transportation are bundled together. It may not be as immersive as staying in one town, but if your goal is to combine relaxation with sightseeing and wildlife, an Alaska cruise can be a wonderful and memorable way to experience some of the wonder of Alaska.