What’s the Best Cruise Ship to Alaska?

Alaska is the wildest and most remote state in the U.S. Known as the “Last Frontier,” it is blessed with giant glaciers, Arctic tundras and secluded islands. And the best way to see them all is on a cruise ship. 

There are several small and large cruise lines that operate in Alaska, but not all of them are equal. Choosing the right cruise line will guarantee that your money is put to good use — and you’ll definitely need to cash out a significant amount for the privilege of exploring the state’s cold waters.

Ready for a grand adventure? Here are all the 13 cruise lines that go to Alaska, ranked from “meh” to “book right now.”

Disney cruises make for a fun family trip where the kids are entertained enough to let parents have three seconds of rest. Ships have fun activities for the whole family and, most importantly, spas where you can actually relax. 

The problem is that we don’t see why anyone would choose a Disney cruise for Alaska of all places. Will your kids appreciate the majesty of fjords? Probably, but on this cruise line, they’ll be too distracted by Mickey and friends to even care. If your heart is set on Alaska, choose another cruise. If it’s set on a Disney cruise, choose another destination.

Living up to its name, Carnival Cruise line is, well, a carnival. You can count on over-the-top entertainment, large rowdy crowds and chaotic energy. But, is this what you want from a cruise ship to Alaska?

The loud party seems better fitted to Miami, Florida, (where Carnival is headquartered) than to the tranquil shores of Alaskan islands. Though the casino is fun and the shows are flashy, both seem like a waste of time when compared to the power of the Last Frontier’s untamed wilderness.

As with Disney, we have nothing against Carnival Cruise itself. We just don’t think it fits Alaska too well. That said, it does offer a good value, so if price is more important than quality, this could be a good option.

Another carnivalesque cruise line, Royal Caribbean pulls out the fireworks for their Alaskan adventures. You’ll sail aboard the Ovation of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships on the entire planet! Onboard, you’ll find water parks, climbing walls, cocktail-serving robots and shows that include impressive aerial performances. 

That’s amazing for the two entire days you spend at sea as you make your way from Seattle, Washington to the north. For the rest of the trip, it mostly just means you’ll have to make gigantic lines just to get offshore. This often translates to limited time actually enjoying the beauty of your destination.

If you want a Vegas-style show, go to Vegas. It’ll actually be cheaper than a cruise to Alaska. 

Like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, Norwegian’s biggest selling point is its casual atmosphere and extravagant amenities. You can enjoy laser tag, a race track and large waterslides. Kids definitely love it, which is always a good thing.

Our advice? Take them to a local laser tag place rather than spending multiple thousands of dollars for this. 

Long lines are, again, the bane of your existence and will significantly cut your onshore time. If Norwegian ranks higher than its competitor cruise lines it’s because of a single thing: the Chocoholic buffet.