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

Key takeaways

The three main Alaska cruise routes are the Inside Passage, Voyage of the Glaciers.

Inside Passage cruises are the most common and usually sail roundtrip from San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver, B.C. through calm coastal waters.

Voyage of the Glaciers sailings are one-way between Vancouver, B.C. and Anchorage (Whittier) and allow inland land tour extensions.

Major ports often include Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, with glacier viewing at places like Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier and College Fjord.

Most Alaska cruises last about 7 days, with longer itineraries available for deeper exploration.

Overview of Alaska cruise routes

Most Alaska cruise routes fall into two main itinerary styles: roundtrip sailings, which return to the same departure port, and one-way sailings, which travel between different cities. Common departure ports include Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage (Whittier) and San Francisco, and each route varies in scenery, glacier access and travel logistics.

No two Alaska cruises are alike. Some wind through narrow, glacier-carved channels. Others push farther north into wilder, less-traveled terrain. The route you choose shapes everything you’ll see and do.

Princess Cruises offers several ways to experience this legendary region, each carefully designed to showcase a different facet of Alaska — coastal culture, dramatic icefields or wide-open wilderness. An Alaska cruise map is the key to unlocking the landscapes and moments that stay with you long after you’ve disembarked.

This Alaska cruise guide breaks down the main routes we’ll explore ahead: the serene waters of the Inside Passage, the glacier-packed journey of the Voyage of the Glaciers. Each delivers its own kind of unforgettable. The Inside Passage is the most popular Alaska cruise route.

Across routes, some of the most famous glacier viewing locations include Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord.

Inside Passage cruise route

What is the Inside Passage?

The Inside Passage is a protected coastal route that stretches from Washington state through British Columbia and into southeast Alaska. Fringed by islands and flanked by towering mountains, it offers some of the calmest waters and most scenic cruising in the region.

This route is a favorite for glacier viewing and wildlife spotting — bald eagles, harbor seals and orcas are often seen from the ship. With fewer open-sea days and more time near shore, an Alaska Inside Passage cruise is especially well-suited to guests who want to stay close to Alaska’s rugged edge without venturing too far inland.

Because it follows protected coastal waterways, the Inside Passage usually has calmer seas than Voyage of the Glaciers routes, which cross open ocean and may experience rougher conditions.

Snow-capped mountains and a massive glacier flowing into a fjord with floating ice and a cruise ship below.
Sail through the legendary Inside Passage, where towering glaciers meet rugged Alaskan cliffs.

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Ports and highlights of the Inside Passage

Each stop along the Inside Passage reveals a different layer of Alaska’s story.

  • Ketchikan: Known as the salmon capital of the world, this port is rich in Native heritage. Guests on cruises to Ketchikan can stroll historic Creek Street, explore the Totem Heritage Center or cast a line in nearby streams during the annual salmon runs.
  • Juneau: Alaska’s capital, only reachable by boat or plane, offers incredible access to the outdoors. Popular experiences on a cruise to Juneau include visiting the Mendenhall Glacier, taking a small-boat whale watching tour or riding the Goldbelt Tram to panoramic alpine views.
  • Skagway: Once a booming Gold Rush town, Skagway still echoes with frontier energy. Guests on cruises to Skagway can explore historic saloons or board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for a scenic climb through mountain passes and past dramatic waterfalls.
  • Glacier Bay National Park: A highlight of many Inside Passage itineraries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features active tidewater glaciers, deep fjords and some of the best wildlife viewing in Alaska. Keep an eye out for puffins, sea otters and even brown bears along the shoreline.

Why choose the Inside Passage?

The Inside Passage is one of the most accessible ways to explore Alaska by sea. Its roundtrip sailings — often departing from Seattle or Vancouver — make air travel simpler, especially for U.S. guests. And with more time near shore, there’s a stronger focus on ports, culture and wildlife viewing.

This route delivers what many guests picture when they think of Alaska: fishing towns surrounded by spruce forest, glaciers calving into narrow fjords and whales surfacing just off the bow. For those planning their first Alaska cruise route, it’s a natural starting point — less remote, but rich in scenery and history.

Voyage of the Glaciers cruise route

What is the Voyage of the Glaciers (Gulf of Alaska) route?

This one-way itinerary travels between Vancouver, B.C. and Whittier, the port for Anchorage. It offers a deeper look at Alaska, sailing across the Gulf of Alaska and into Prince William Sound. Along the way, guests experience two full days of glacier viewing and visit a mix of coastal ports and remote wilderness.

Unlike round-trip Inside Passage cruises, this route opens the door to land-based adventures in places like Denali National Park or Fairbanks where they ride the Alaska Railroad. Many guests pair the sailing with a cruisetour for the full land-and-sea experience.

A serene alpine landscape features snowcapped mountains rising above a calm blue lake. The still water reflects the rugged peaks and clear sky, creating a mirror-like effect. Dense evergreen forest covers the shoreline and foreground peninsula, emphasizing the wilderness setting. The scene suggests a remote, pristine environment ideal for nature, travel, and outdoor themes.
Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska

Key destinations on a Voyage of the Glaciers cruise

  • Hubbard Glacier: As North America’s largest tidewater glacier, Hubbard stretches nearly 76 miles and regularly calves massive chunks of ice into Disenchantment Bay. On calm days, the sound of ice cracking echoes for miles.
  • College Fjord: Tucked into the northern corner of Prince William Sound, this fjord is home to a dozen glaciers named after Ivy League colleges. Many sailings offer 360-degree views of glacier walls, floating bergs and snow-covered peaks.
  • Glacier Bay National Park: A pristine wilderness park featuring tidewater glaciers, abundant wildlife and stunning mountain scenery. Visitors can witness calving glaciers and spot whales, sea otters and other marine life in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Ketchikan: Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikan offers rich Native Alaskan culture, historic totem poles and excellent fishing opportunities. The town blends vibrant arts and outdoor adventures.
  • Juneau: Alaska's capital city is a gateway to outdoor exploration, featuring the nearby Mendenhall Glacier, abundant wildlife viewing and charming downtown shops and restaurants. Seaplanes and mountain views define this scenic port.
  • Skagway: A historic Gold Rush town with well-preserved 19th-century architecture, Skagway offers visitors a step back in time. The scenic White Pass & Yukon Route railway provides breathtaking mountain views and access to interior Alaska.
  • Anchorage (Whittier): A former military outpost surrounded by towering mountains and waterfalls, Whittier marks the start of many Princess land itineraries. Guests can continue north by rail or motorcoach toward Denali and interior Alaska.

Why choose the Voyage of the Glaciers route?

This route is ideal for guests who want to see more of Alaska than the coastline alone. You’ll travel roughly 500 miles farther than an Inside Passage cruise, with expanded glacier access and options to explore the interior by train or guided land tour.

With fewer sea days and more glacier time, it’s a favorite for photographers, wildlife lovers and anyone looking for a more immersive journey. For many, it’s the best way to experience the full scale of Alaska, both by ship and beyond.

Comparing Alaska cruise routes

Each Alaska cruise route offers something distinct, from chasing glacier views or cultural stops. Here’s how they stack up at a glance:

Route Best For Key Highlights
Inside Passage First-time cruisers, round-trip travel Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Glacier Bay
Voyage of the Glaciers Guests adding land tours or Denali Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, Anchorage (Whittier), access to Alaska Railroad

Whether you’re planning a shorter sailing close to port towns or aiming for a route that reaches farther north, the right Alaska cruise map helps you build the journey that fits your style best.

Choosing the right Alaska cruise route for you

Most Alaska cruise itineraries last about 7 days, though longer sailings of 10–14 days are available for travelers who want more ports or extended scenic cruising.

With a few key decisions — like how far you want to go and when you want to travel — you can zero in on the Alaska cruise route that fits you best.

Roundtrip vs. one-way cruises

Your starting point can shape your entire experience. Inside Passage cruises typically sail roundtrip from San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver, making flights easier to book and often more affordable. These routes are great for guests looking for convenience and a smooth entry into Alaska’s highlights.

Voyage of the Glaciers cruises are one-way, sailing between Vancouver, B.C. and Anchorage (Whittier). While this requires a bit more planning for flights, it opens the door to inland travel like exploring Denali National Park or continuing on to Fairbanks. Many guests pair these cruises with a cruisetour to extend the adventure.

Best time for an Alaska cruise

If you’re trying to decide when to book a cruise to Alaska, the Alaska cruise season runs from May through September, with different advantages depending on when you sail.

  • May and June offer blooming wildflowers and active wildlife just emerging from hibernation.

  • July and August are peak season, with warmer weather and the best whale watching when you visit Alaska in the summer.

  • Late August into September brings fewer crowds, plus chances to spot the northern lights.
Four hikers walking in single file across tundra landscape with Mount Denali visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
Hikers traverse a scenic trail with Mount Denali's snow-capped peak rising majestically in the background under golden evening light.

Planning your Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises

Once your route is locked in, a few smart decisions can help you get the most out of your time in Alaska — on land and at sea.

Excursions and experiences

Some of Alaska’s best moments happen off the ship, and Princess gives you front-row access. Step onto the deck of a small boat in Glacier Bay and feel the thunder of ice breaking into the sea. Touch down on a remote glacier by helicopter. Watch a brown bear swipe salmon from a riverbank just feet away. With dozens of unique things to do in Alaska, you will never be left wanting.

Our Alaska cruise excursions are built to bring you closer: Ride the rails through mountain passes in Skagway, fish in Ketchikan’s salmon-filled streams or join local guides who know the land better than any map. Whether you’re chasing wildlife, history or high-altitude views, every experience is designed to show you the Alaska most travelers never reach.

Booking tips and travel essentials

If you're eyeing a balcony for glacier viewing (and you should), it's worth planning ahead. For the best choice of itineraries and staterooms, book early, especially if you’re sailing during peak season. And don’t forget the extras: binoculars for spotting wildlife from your balcony, layered clothing for changing weather and rain gear you’ll be glad you packed.

To streamline your embarkation, Princess offers OceanReady®, a simple way to upload travel documents and complete check-in steps before you arrive at the terminal. It makes day-one logistics faster, so you can focus on the journey ahead. No matter if it’s your first trip to Alaska or your fifth — we make the journey painless.

Red and white single-engine aircraft parked on snow-covered ground with snow-capped mountains in the background and one person standing beside the plane.
A red and white small aircraft sits on a snowy glacier landing strip in Denali National Park as a person stands nearby.

Book Today with Princess Cruises

With expertly designed sailings, immersive excursions and more than 55 years of experience in the region, Princess Cruises is the clear choice for exploring the best of the Great Land. Use your Alaska cruise map as a starting point — then let us take you the rest of the way.