alaska cruises from seattle in july 2023

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Alaska cruise from Seattle in July 2023

Embark on an unforgettable Alaskan cruise adventure departing from Seattle in July 2023. Seattle is a vibrant city nestled in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and a bustling cultural scene. As a major port city, Seattle is a popular starting point for cruises to Alaska and beyond. July is peak season for Alaskan cruises, with warm and sunny weather, and an abundance of wildlife and outdoor activities to enjoy. With an average temperature ranging from 55-70°F (13-21°C), visitors can expect comfortable weather conditions with long daylight hours, providing ample time to explore the natural wonders of Alaska. Choose from a range of popular cruise lines, such as American Cruise Lines , Carnival Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line , Norwegian Cruise Line , Oceania Cruises , Princess Cruises , and Royal Caribbean , and explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Alaska on a cruise from Seattle in July 2023.

Explore Alaska's Wilderness on a July 2023 Cruise from Seattle

The main highlights of an Alaskan cruise in July is the opportunity to witness the breathtaking scenery of the glaciers and fjords. Visitors can witness the stunning sight of glaciers calving, go on a glacier trek, or explore the ice caves. July also offers the chance to witness the midnight sun, where the sun never fully sets below the horizon, providing endless daylight hours for exploration. Visitors can also expect to see an abundance of wildlife during their Alaskan cruise in July, with humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, and otters frequently spotted in the waters. Bald eagles and other bird species are also commonly seen, making it a great time for birdwatching.

July is also an excellent time to try out outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking, as the warmer weather provides the perfect conditions for these activities. Visitors can explore the scenic coastal rainforests and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In addition to outdoor activities, visitors can also learn about the local culture and heritage of Alaska. July hosts various events and festivals, including the Sitka Summer Music Festival and the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where visitors can learn about the traditions and culture of the indigenous people of Alaska.

Seattle port Alaska Cruise Schedule July 2023

Embark on a breathtaking adventure with an Alaskan cruise departing from Seattle in July 2023. Journey through pristine wilderness filled with glimmering glaciers, towering mountains, lush forests, rare wildlife, and charming waterfront communities. Discover a range of available cruises departing from Seattle in July 2023, and easily compare options to find your perfect itinerary.

7-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

American spirit, american cruise lines.

Date: July 1, 2023

Ports of Call: Seattle, Anacortes, San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor, Victoria, Port Townsend, Poulsbo, Seattle; View Itinerary

ms Eurodam, Holland America Line

Ports of Call: Seattle, Juneau, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Crown Princess, Princess Cruises

Ports of Call: Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Cruise Line

Ports of Call: Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

ms Westerdam, Holland America Line

Date: July 2, 2023

Ports of Call: Seattle, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Cruise Line

Discovery Princess, Princess Cruises

Ports of Call: Seattle, Ketchikan, Endicott Arm, Skagway, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

11-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

Regatta, oceania cruises.

Date: July 3, 2023

Ports of Call: Seattle, Outside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait, Sitka, Prince Rupert, Inside Passage, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Ports of Call: Seattle, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

9-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

Norwegian sun, norwegian cruise line.

Date: July 4, 2023

Ports of Call: Seattle, Sitka, Icy Strait, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Carnival Freedom, Carnival Cruise Line

Ports of Call: Seattle, Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Cruises

Date: July 7, 2023

Ports of Call: Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

Ports of Call: Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Victoria, Vancouver; View Itinerary

Date: July 8, 2023

Date: July 9, 2023

Date: July 10, 2023

Ports of Call: Seattle, Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: July 11, 2023

Date: July 13, 2023

Ports of Call: Seattle, Icy Strait, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Date: July 14, 2023

Ports of Call: Seattle, Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary

Ports of Call: Seattle, Inside Passage, Wrangell, Sitka, Ketchikan, Outside Passage, Victoria, Vancouver; View Itinerary

Date: July 15, 2023

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Alaska Cruises

The great land awaits – set sail with princess, the #1 alaska cruise line.

Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries and connect with loved ones, locals and Alaska's wilderness with Princess®.

Learn more about excursions that match your interests with this curated list!

*More guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line

Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours

Alaska Cruisetours

See denali on an alaska cruisetour.

Alaska cruisetours combine our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to ten nights on land exploring Denali National Park. Travel aboard our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® train and unwind at Princess Wilderness Lodges®. Every year Princess introduces more people to Denali National Park than any other cruise line.

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Voyage of the Glaciers

Twice the glaciers.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

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Inside Passage Roundtrip Seattle

7-day alaska cruises.

Sail the Inside Passage, a series of channels and waterways formed by the march of glaciers, on your 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. With an abundance of landmarks and wildlife, take in the sights and sounds of the Inside Passage from the comfort of your ship or on a thrilling excursion ashore. Explore fjords, glaciers and Gold Rush-era towns on weekend voyages out of Seattle.

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Inside Passage Roundtrip San Francisco

10 or 11-day alaska cruises.

Travel the Inside Passage on 10 or 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures. Begin by sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast. As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people.

Learn more about cruises from San Francisco

Inside Passage Roundtrip Vancouver

Alaska cruises that inspire.

Feed your hunger for adventure on a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver, B.C. Wind your way through fjords, by bright-green forests and through quaint Gold Rush-era towns on your way to the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park. Then experience age-old traditions with the locals.

Learn more about cruises from Vancouver

Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure

14-day alaska cruises.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our back-to-back Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend 14 days roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy three glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord.

NEW Alaska Long Voyages

New for 2025, we have crafted longer adventures at sea with a 22-day roundtrip voyage sailing from San Francisco that coincides with Summer Solstice and a 17-day roundtrip cruise from Seattle, featuring three days of scenic glacier viewing as well as charming ports like Wrangell and Valdez. For those voyagers seeking to sail from Southern California all the way up the Pacific coast to Alaska, try a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles.

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2025 Alaska New Cruise & Cruisetour Itineraries. Learn more

With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska Cruise Experience

Alaska Glaciers

One of the biggest reasons people visit.

Glaciers feel alive. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Learn more about Alaska Glaciers

Alaska Wildlife

Untamed, just like alaska.

Alaska is home to a rich array of wildlife, from the famous Big Five animals that live in Denali National Park — grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou — to bald eagles and humpback whales that migrate through the Inside Passage. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.

Learn more about Alaska Wildlife

Alaska Mountains & National Parks

National treasures.

With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Along with Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

Learn more about Alaska Mountains & National Parks

Alaska Excursions

Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.

Learn more about Alaska Excursions

Alaska Cruise Ports of Call

College Fjord

The Harriman Expedition discovered College Fjord in 1899 and named the towering glaciers after the great East Coast universities of the United States, like the Harvard Glacier. With the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in the world, your scenic Alaska cruise through the fjord will make a lasting memory.

View cruises with College Fjord

Endicott Arm

Endicott Arm is a jewel in Alaska’s crown. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska.

View cruises with Endicott Arm | View Endicott Arm shore excursions

Glacier Bay National Park

When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park.

View cruises with Glacier Bay National Park | Learn more about Glacier Bay National Park

Hubbard Glacier

The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. See it for yourself on an Alaska cruise with Princess.

View cruises with Hubbard Glacier | View Hubbard Glacier shore excursions

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is home to the remote Tlingit village of Hoonah, home to fewer than 800 people and a deep Native history. The nearby Spasski River Valley holds one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears, who are often found hunting for salmon in the rivers. Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation.

View cruises with Icy Strait Point | View Icy Strait Point shore excursions

Juneau is unlike any other city in the United States. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.

View cruises with Juneau | View Juneau shore excursions | Watch video: Juneau port overview

Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska.

View cruises with Ketchikan | View Ketchikan shore excursions | Watch video: Ketchikan port overview

On an Alaska cruise, take your pick of attractions in the port of Sitka. See how bald eagles and local bird populations receive first-class treatment at the Alaska Raptor Center. Encounter wildlife in their natural habitat at the Fortress of the Bear. Or experience the culture of Russian Alaska on a visit to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, and relive Native history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

View cruises with Sitka | View Sitka shore excursions

Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.

View cruises with Skagway | View Skagway shore excursions | Watch video: Skagway port overview

Valdez is situated in Prince William Sound and serves as the gateway to the interior of Alaska. Often referred to as the "Little Switzerland", Valdez is known for its breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. It is also well-known for its role in the transportation of crude oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which ends in Valdez. Explore the charming waterfront area and take in the flavors of Valdez through culinary experiences at restaurants such as the Valdez Brewery and the Fat Mermaid.

View cruises with Valdez

Victoria, B.C.

At first glance many mistake Victoria for an English coastal city or northern European town. Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure.

View cruises with Victoria, B.C. | View Victoria, B.C. shore excursions

Wrangell is a charming and scenic harbor known for its local fishing industry. It is not as bustling as larger ports in Alaska and maintains its historic charm and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Explore its historic downtown and learn about the local culture and Native heritage while in Wrangell.

View cruises with Wrangell

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

Alaska cruise onboard experience.

Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land.

Learn more about our North to Alaska Program

Alaska Seafood

Fresh and bountiful, like alaska itself.

Alaska's seafood is famous, and we bring the best to you with locally inspired dishes from the state’s best eateries. With Cook My Catch excursions, catch your own salmon or halibut with the help of a local expert, and in the evening our talented chefs will prepare your haul for your dinner — a Princess exclusive. From ship to shore, the best is at your fingertips on our Alaska cruises.

Meet Local Alaskans

Real alaska from local alaskans.

Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise.

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Great experiences from the great land.

Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium. At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Or savor tree-inspired bites at our very own Sappy Hour. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine, and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2023-2024

The best cruise line in Alaska just keeps getting better! From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess.

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise.

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Alaska Ports of Call

From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Check out our helpful checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise with Princess.

See all Alaska cruise articles and videos

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go.

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Learn more about transfers

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your Alaska cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

You May Also Like

Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience.

Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on our top-rated 7-day cruise.

North to Alaska

Immerse yourself in all things Alaska with our onboard program.

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Cruises from Seattle, Washington

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Seattle Washington Cruise Port Guide

With modernized cityscapes, gorgeous parks, and breathtaking waterfront views, Seattle remains high on the list of must-see destinations in the United States. Sample the Emerald City’s famous espresso (it is the birthplace of Starbucks, after all), visit its fresh, local markets, and tour the thriving art, tech, and foodie scenes that are scattered throughout its diverse neighborhoods. Located between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle is also a fantastic city for those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking and kayaking. 

The city is perfectly situated to embark on an Alaska cruise from Seattle. After spending a few days in this vibrant metropolitan city, you’ll experience the towering glaciers, rugged landscapes, and unique wildlife of the Last Frontier.

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Embark on an unforgettable alaska cruise from seattle.

Discover the magic of the Last Frontier during a Dawes Glacier cruise from Seattle, where you’ll sail through Alaska’s Inside Passage, stop in quaint fishing towns, and witness the beauty of nature’s wonders. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or are hoping to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during a cruise to Alaska.

Featured Ports on Alaska Cruises from Seattle

Allow the colorful wooden buildings of Ketchikan to welcome you to this seaside town, known as the salmon capital of the world. Enjoy a freshly-caught salmon bake for lunch or embark on a crab fishing excursion and see what you can haul in. Ketchikan boasts the largest collection of Northwest totem poles, which are fascinating works of art that depict Tlingit history and culture.

In Alaska’s capital of Juneau, you’ll find yourself surrounded by mountain vistas and scenic waterfronts. A favorite spot for adventure seekers, Juneau boasts more hiking trails than roads, and is home to the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, which is easily accessible on a hike through Tongass National Forest.

Stop in Skagway, a small town where over 100,000 prospectors once panned for gold during the great Gold Rush of the 1890s. Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and learn more about this important era of American history. Board a vintage train on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route, grab a window seat, and admire Alaska’s breathtaking scenery.

Our Ship Sailing Out of Seattle

Celebrity Edge

Why Embark on an Alaska Cruise from Seattle with Celebrity Cruises

Experience the adventure of a lifetime when you cruise to Alaska from Seattle with Celebrity Cruises®. Sail past magnificent glaciers and admire the view from your private veranda or cruise ship deck. Stop in the unforgettable ports of Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, then unwind in your luxurious stateroom before setting off on the next day’s adventure. Marvel at the incredible calving displays of Dawes Glacier while an onboard naturalist describes every detail of the captivating sight. 

On Celebrity Edge®, you’ll travel aboard a luxury ship where every one of your needs is taken care of. Enjoy world-class dining at our wide array of restaurants featuring global cuisine, fresh seafood, and grilled favorites. Grab a drink on the Magic Carpet while you take in spectacular views, watch an outdoor movie on the Rooftop Garden, or spend the evening watching an entertaining show at The Theatre. Throughout your journey, you’ll find endless opportunities to make memories you’ll cherish forever.

Seattle Port Facilities & Location

Alaska cruises from Seattle depart from Port of Seattle, Bell Street Cruise Terminal – Pier 66, located on Seattle's downtown waterfront. Taxis, buses, rideshares, and car rentals are available outside the terminal.

Top Sights & Attractions for Cruises from Seattle

Chihuly garden and glass.

Centrally located in the heart of Seattle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit features some of the stunning glassworks of world-renowned artist, Dale Chihuly. Blending in perfectly with the lush, green garden theme of the Emerald City, the glassworks are on display in an open-air museum.

Space Needle

Seattle’s most famous attraction, the Space Needle, is also the most easily recognizable structure in the city’s stunning skyline. Towering over the neighboring buildings, the Space Needle features an observation deck approximately 520 feet in the air, which offers breathtaking 360-degree views. Just underneath the observation deck, you’ll find a restaurant where you can dine in style overlooking the spectacular city of Seattle.

Pike Place Market

One of the oldest farmers’ markets in the US, and certainly one of the oldest attractions in Seattle, Pike Place Market has been open for over a hundred years. At the fish market, watch as local fishermen and vendors toss fresh-caught fish in the air, passing each fish through the market until it reaches the customer. 

Puget Sound

If stunning landscapes and breathtaking views are what make your vacation special, look no further than Puget Sound. The Sound provides postcard-like views of snow-capped mountains behind evergreen forests stretching for miles until they meet the sea right in front of your eyes.

Learn More About Seattle Shore Excursions

Top things to do in seattle, ride a ferry.

Riding one of Seattle’s many ferries is a unique way to see the best views of the city. From the rugged evergreen forests to the sharp, stunning skyscrapers of the city, you can see all aspects of Seattle from your waterside vantage point. Plus, you may just get a chance to meet some of the local marine wildlife that come out to play while you enjoy a peaceful and smooth ferry ride.

Ascend to the Highest Viewpoint

The Space Needle may be the most easily recognizable structure in the Seattle skyline, but it is not the tallest. The Columbia Tower reaches heights of nearly 1,000 feet and boasts 75 floors. Go to the observation deck on the 73rd floor and take in the spectacular and awe-inspiring views of Seattle and the surrounding area. 

Tour the Starbucks HQ

Love coffee? Then a tour of the Starbucks Headquarters in Seattle is a must. Discover how the world’s largest coffee chain got its start and how it runs today. Tour the facility and see its tasting rooms and laboratories, where coffee testing is performed daily. Sip Starbucks’ famous blends, learn the history of different coffee types and where they come from, and get tips and tricks for making your own special brew at home.

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Where can i eat near the seattle cruise port.

Portage Bay Cafe

Brunch is the main attraction at this café, which serves generous portions of global staples like huevos rancheros, Swedish pancakes, and crab cake benedicts throughout the day.

Metropolitan Grill

Love a good steak dinner? This is the place for you. The Metropolitan Grill serves the very best meat out there, hand selecting each of the USDA Prime steaks on the menu. Pair your main with a glass from their award-winning wine list.

Not just a fish-tossing market, Pike Place Market also features a myriad of local restaurants, from casual bar and grill atmospheres to fine dining and upscale cuisine. Many of the ingredients in the market’s restaurants are fresh.

What is Seattle’s history and culture like?

Dubbed “The Emerald City,” Seattle perfectly balances the bliss of nature and the modernization of urban living. Heavily influenced by a variety of cultures over the decades, Seattle is a multi-cultural melting pot, drawing from ancient Duwamish roots and early European settlers, as well as more recent Latin, Asian American, African American, and Nordic cultural influence. The city is known for its outdoor events, shows, and festivals, as well as its lively art and music scene.

How do I get around Seattle?

During the busy peak cruising season, both the port area and downtown Seattle are well served with ample options for local transportation. From the ship terminal, most visitors on Seattle cruises prefer to take the shuttle offered through the cruise line to the pier. For more private or direct transportation, plenty of taxis are typically found in the area, and rideshares are available as well.

Where can I go shopping near the Seattle cruise port?

Once you’ve docked at Pier 91 in Smith Cove Cruise Terminal—an old naval base about 2 miles north of downtown Seattle—you’ll be a short walk from several local boutiques in what’s known as the Magnolia neighborhood.

What are the local tipping customs?

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary in Seattle, just as it is throughout the U.S. Tips are not only greatly appreciated, but they are quite often a crucial part of the wages in the tourism industry.

Here are some handy tipping customs to keep in mind:

Restaurants: 15% for standard service and 20% or higher for excellent service.

Bars: An appropriate tip in a bar is 10% to 15% of the bar tab total. However, if you're ordering complicated drinks or require additional services, such as bottle-opening service or food service, a tip of at least 20% or higher is appropriate.

Taxis: It is customary to provide a tip of between 10% and 18% of your fare to your taxi driver.

Tour guides: If you are happy with your tour guide, a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost of the tour (including all members of your party) is appropriate.

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The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler

What are the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle ? It depends on what kind of traveler you are.

If you're a parent traveling with teens and tweens, you'll probably want to pick a voyage on one of the big, family activity-filled cruise ships operated by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line that sail out of Seattle each summer.

If you're looking to get away from families with young children — maybe you're a retiree looking to travel with people your own age — you'd want to check out the itineraries operated by cruise lines that cater more to couples without kids, most notably Holland America and Princess Cruises.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Other cruises might be best for solo travelers or travelers on a tight budget.

Here we list our top picks for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for six different types of travelers.

Best for families: Ovation of the Seas

It isn't easy picking the best Alaska cruise out of Seattle for families. There are four world-class family-focused cruise ships in the market, each of which is a contender for the best for families title: Royal Caribbean 's Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.

All four ships are loaded with all sorts of gee-whiz family attractions, from bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators on the Royal Caribbean vessels to go-kart tracks and laser tag courses on the Norwegian ships.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean ships, the Norwegian ships also have epic waterslides on their top decks, which in theory, might put them over the top in any listing of the best cruise ships for families based in Seattle.

However, keep in mind that Alaska can be chilly, even at the height of summer, and rainy, too. For that reason, we discount the value of some of the family-friendly attractions on the Norwegian ships, which are open to the elements, and consider the Royal Caribbean ships the best of the bunch for Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Both of the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska from Seattle are loaded with attractions that are protected from the elements, including those bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators. In fact, both Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas were specifically built to operate in areas of inclement weather.

Of the two ships, which are nearly identical and part of the relatively new Quantum class of vessels, we give the 4,180-passenger Ovation of the Seas the nod for best Alaska family cruise ship sailing from Seattle only because it's a couple of years newer. Newer is almost always better in the cruise world.

Related: The 6 types of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

A cavernous indoor activity area on each of the two Quantum-class ships called the SeaPlex is home to the aforementioned bumper cars, as well as such family-friendly activities as roller skating, basketball and even trapeze lessons. The two-level complex also has upstairs nooks for playing Xbox, ping pong and foosball. It's like one big play zone for families that will keep your kids busy for hours.

Each of the ships also offers one of the most unusual attractions you'll find at sea: A glass-enclosed capsule mounted on a mechanical arm that will take you and your family soaring into the sky for bird's-eye views. It's called the North Star ride.

All the above come in addition to many of the core Royal Caribbean attractions you'll find on most of the brand's ships, including pools, rock climbing walls, casinos, spas and Broadway-style shows, plus lots of eateries and bars.

Related: The 9 craziest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Of particular note, given Alaska's weather, is that one of the two main pool areas on each of these Quantum-class ships is enclosed.

Best for budget travelers: Eurodam

Our pick for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers may come as a surprise to many cruise aficionados. That's because it's not the Alaska voyages from Seattle offered by the North American cruise line best known for budget sailings — Carnival Cruise Line .

Carnival does offer cruises to Alaska from Seattle regularly with two ships: Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa. However, while Carnival is the low-cost leader in many cruise destinations, that's not always the case in the market for Alaska cruises from Seattle. Often, the lowest starting prices you'll find on cruises to Alaska from Seattle, on both an absolute and per-day basis, are the cruises offered by Holland America .

For the coming year, for instance, as of this guide's posting, there were lots of Holland America sailings to Alaska from Seattle available for under $750 per person for seven nights — some as low as $429 per person for seven nights.

There were very few Carnival sailings available for under $750 per person, with most Carnival sailings starting around $800 per person or more for seven nights.

We suspect the lower starting prices for Holland America ships as compared to Carnival ships on Alaska sailings out of Seattle is because Alaska cruises from Seattle are round-trip voyages. Many Holland America fans who cruise to Alaska choose a one-way voyage to or from the state that lets them add extra days for touring in Alaska at the start or end of the voyage. Such one-way voyages only are available out of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Holland America — the longtime leader in Alaska cruises, along with its sister company Princess Cruises — is particularly known for "cruisetours" to Alaska that combine a one-way cruise to or from the state with multiple days touring Alaska by motorcoach and train.

Holland America bases two ships in Seattle for cruises to Alaska: the 2,104-passenger Eurodam and 1,964-passenger Westerdam. Starting prices for both are relatively similar, but we give the nod for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers to Eurodam as it's a somewhat newer vessel.

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Encore

No luxury-focused cruise ships sail to Alaska out of Seattle. Still, you can get a variation on a luxury cruise experience on a voyage to Alaska from Seattle on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Encore.

Yes, the 3,998-passenger Norwegian Encore is a cruise ship that generally caters to the masses, not the luxury crowd. However, it has its own "ship-within-a-ship" luxury zone that offers a much more swanky experience for those willing to pay.

At the top front of the vessel, this private enclave, called The Haven, is home to dozens of upscale suites; a sprawling, two-deck-high pool area; a private lounge and bar; and a private restaurant. Only the deep-pocketed swells who can afford one of the suites get exclusive access to these areas.

The pool area, a true stunner, comes with comfortable padded loungers, a pool and whirlpools. Its retractable glass roof is perfect for cruises to Alaska when the weather is iffy. Guests can enjoy the deck, rain or shine.

If living large is your goal, you're not going to find anything better than this — other than with a cruise on a similar Norwegian vessel that also cruises to Alaska from Seattle. Norwegian Bliss, also based in Washington during the summer, is part of the same Norwegian Breakaway-Plus class of vessels and has a similar Haven enclave.

Related: How to turn a mass-market cruise into a luxury experience

Why did we pick Norwegian Encore over Norwegian Bliss as the ship offering the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for luxury lovers? Built a year after Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore offers one big improvement for the upscale crowd as compared to Norwegian Bliss.

On Norwegian Encore, there's a much bigger version of the exclusive, extra-charge Vibe Beach Club sunning area that's on Norwegian Bliss. Home to a full-service bar, cabanas and two hot tubs, the version of the Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Encore sprawls across both sides of the ship (instead of just one side on Norwegian Bliss) and extends upward to a partial deck above. It's just $99 or more per day to get in.

It's yet one more stylish and upscale area for cruisers looking for an upgraded experience to retreat.

Note that there is one other option for upscale Alaska cruises out of Seattle: A voyage on Oceania Cruises ' 684-passenger Regatta. While Oceania isn't considered a luxury line on the level of Silversea Cruises or Seabourn Cruise Line , it has an elegant feel. That said, given the ship's age (it dates to 1998) and limited venues, we're still in the camp that favors a Haven stay on a Norwegian ship.

Best for solo travelers: Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss are also our top picks for ships operating the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for solo travelers. Between these two, it's a tossup, though we put Norwegian Bliss in the headline above since, well, we already gave Norwegian Encore a turn in the limelight with the best-for-luxury category.

Notably, both Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore boast large private zones for solo travelers — something you won't find on any other cruise ship sailing out of Seattle. It's a hallmark of Norwegian's newest and biggest ships.

On each of the ships, the "studio" zones, as Norwegian calls them, are made up of 82 special solo cabins and a private Studio Lounge where solos can gather for happy hours and other events. Only the studio zone on Norwegian's 2010-built Norwegian Epic is bigger.

Passengers staying in solo cabins get exclusive access to the Studio Lounge (using their keycards), meaning a maximum of 82 people will share the space.

A special zone for solo travelers is a rare concept in the cruise world, where almost all rooms for vacationers are designed for two people and sold with per-person fares that are based on two people occupying the room.

The solo cabins in the studio zones are small (measuring 100 square feet) but are superbly designed to maximize storage space (something I learned firsthand staying in one on Norwegian Epic).

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

Solo passengers on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss will also find a sometimes rollicking bar scene, with plenty of counter-style seating in bars that are a great place to meet other solo travelers and friendly guests. We recommend the Sugarcane Mojito Bar on Norwegian Bliss. There, the bartender will muddle your mojitos with raspberry, guava, passion fruit or even jalapeno pepper to spice things up when you're sitting with your new solo friends.

One warning if you're considering booking one of the solo cabins: They've become so popular that they often sell out far in advance and at prices that aren't much better than booking a cabin for two.

Best for multigenerational travel: Discovery Princess

Looking for the best Alaska cruise from Seattle if you're bringing three generations of your family along for the ride? We can think of nothing better than a voyage on one of the two Princess Cruises ships that sail out of the city, the 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess and 3,560-passenger Royal Princess.

Both ships are almost identical, but we give Discovery Princess the edge only because it's newer than Royal Princess. The two vessels were built in 2022 and 2013, respectively.

Princess has long been heralded as one of the best cruise lines for multigenerational travel, in part because its ships offer a little something for travelers of all ages.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships mentioned above, the two Princess ships sailing from Seattle don't have top decks heavily skewed to family fun. Instead, their top decks offer lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas where you can enjoy the experience of being at sea without much hustle and bustle.

That makes these ships more appealing to an older demographic that doesn't necessarily want to be on a vessel that's loaded to the gills with children's fun zones and the younger family travelers drawn to that. Notably, the average age of Princess passengers is around 57, and you'll usually see many couples on board in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

Still, unlike some lines that cater to an older crowd, Princess doesn't ignore the children's market. Both Discovery Princess and Royal Princess offer an extensive children's program that gets high marks from parents, with dedicated Discovery Channel-themed Camp Discovery areas where counselors supervise free activities daily for children ages 3 to 17.

When sailing to Alaska, these ships also offer other kid-friendly events, such as Puppies on Princess, when dog mushers and their newest sled dogs come on board for meet-and-greets (and photos!). In partnership with the Discovery Channel and Glacier Bay National Park, the line also adds such kid-friendly fun during Alaska sailings as a Junior Ranger Program, totem pole decorating and a "Deadliest Catch-"themed crab sorting challenge.

In addition, an onboard Klondike Festival brings added family entertainment, including gold nugget arts and crafts projects, a naturalist exhibition, harmonica music classes and North to Alaska dance performances.

In short, Princess provides an Alaska product specifically designed to appeal to a wide age range. It's the line you take if you want an affordable ship that'll appeal to your 70-year-old parents as much as your 12-year-old kid.

Best for retirees: Westerdam

The best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for retirees, in our view, are the sailings offered by Holland America on both the 1,964-passenger Westerdam and 2,104-passenger Eurodam. We give Westerdam the slight edge for reasons we will explain below.

While Holland America draws some families with younger children, the passengers on its ships skew heavily toward middle-aged and older travelers, including many retirees. If you're nearing or already have hit retirement age and prefer to travel mostly with people who are at a similar stage in life as you, you'll feel right at home on a Holland America ship.

The top decks of Holland America vessels, notably, lack many of the kid-focused attractions found on the top decks of more family-focused ships operated by the likes of Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. That often keeps families with younger kids from booking the ships.

What you will find on the top decks of both Eurodam and Westerdam are more serene sunning areas with pools and whirlpools. Depending on your travel style, that might be all you need.

Related: The best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Both Eurodam and Westerdam mostly sail seven-night trips to Alaska out of Seattle. However, for 2024, Westerdam has added an epic new 28-night Alaska itinerary out of Seattle that will include calls in remote areas that most cruise ships never visit. The new itinerary is one reason we give Westerdam the edge among ships when rating the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for seniors.

It's the sort of itinerary that specifically appeals to retirees with the time (and money) to book such a long trip.

Westerdam is also a slightly smaller ship than Eurodam, and as a result, its demographics on any given sailing are more likely to skew toward a retired crowd. To the extent that families with younger kids book Holland America ships, they are more likely to book one of its larger vessels.

In addition to Eurodam and Rotterdam, two other good choices for retirees considering Alaska cruises out of Seattle are the two Princess ships that sail on such itineraries: Royal Princess and Discovery Princess. Like the Holland America ships, they aren't loaded with kid-focused attractions that draw families.

Bottom line

Nearly a dozen major cruise ships operate Alaska cruises out of Seattle during the summer months, giving cruisers plenty of choice.

What is the best Alaska cruise from Seattle for you? That'll depend on your personal interests and travel style because there are cruises from Seattle that appeal to everyone, including family travelers, budget travelers and retirees.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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7 - Day Alaska from Seattle, WA

Cruise itinerary.

Day 1: Seattle

Day 2: Fun Day at Sea

Day 3: cruise tracy arm fjord, day 4: skagway, day 5: juneau, day 6: ketchikan, day 7: victoria, day 8: seattle.

Get to Know Carnival Spirit

Cruising aboard Carnival Spirit will elevate your holiday at sea, to that unforgettable trip you will be longing to relive. You’ll be on a ship that’s nearly the length of three footy fields and 12 decks tall of things to do, see, taste and try. Whether you’re after an action-packed holiday or just want to relax and unwind, you can create the type of cruise holiday you want. There’s heaps of fun on offer and something for everyone; little ones, big ones and the whole family. The largest waterpark at sea in Australia, mini-golf, two-deck fitness center, jogging track and sports court, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ , day spa and pools and spas. Keep the kids entertained with three different age-appropriate youth programs, giving them plenty of choice on activities and the opportunity to make new friends. You’ll be spoilt for choice no matter what your passion. If you're a foodie, Carnival Spirit has tons of dining options - with Guy's Burger Joint ™ , Empire Restaurant, Lido Marketplace, Nouveau, where for a small cover charge you can dine in style, late night Pizza and Ice-Cream and much, much more. If it’s night-time fun that you’re looking for then you won’t be disappointed. Carnival Spirit has more than 6 bars and lounges to choose from featuring all kinds of games, shows and entertainment. If you like a flutter on the pokies there's also a casino. Quite simply, you can pick and choose to create your own memorable holiday whilst onboard.

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Home » Ports of Call » Alaska » Our Top Picks for the Best Alaska Cruises From Seattle

Our Top Picks for the Best Alaska Cruises From Seattle

If you are looking to take an Alaska cruise from Seattle, we have you covered with our picks for top cruise ships and other FAQs.

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You don’t have to venture far from home for the journey of a lifetime. In fact, some of the very best Alaska cruises depart from the Emerald City of Seattle.

This guide will answer all your questions about an Alaska cruise from Seattle, including your docking location, where the ship visits, which cruise lines are available to book, and how much they might cost.

Browse the top cruise ships sailing Alaska ranked by categories like “best for kids” and “best for couples.” This will help narrow down which Alaska cruise sailing from the Pacific Northwest is the best fit for you and your family.

EXCLUSIVE RATES: Score Savings on Alaska Cruises from Seattle Now!

Want to Take an Alaska Cruise From Seattle? Here are the Top Cruise Picks

Which cruise lines sail from seattle to alaska.

Every summer, several cruise lines reposition to Seattle for the Alaska cruise season (April through October). These include ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises, as well as Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Royal Caribbean, among others. 

How long is a cruise from Seattle to Alaska?

It takes about a day and a half to reach ports in Alaska from Seattle, Washington. So, if you depart on a Sunday evening, you will arrive in Juneau or Ketchikan by Tuesday morning.

Most Alaska cruises sailing the Inside Passage from Seattle are a week long and sail round trip, meaning they also disembark back in Seattle. However, you can also find and book cruises from Seattle that spend nine to 11 nights traversing the Last Frontier. Short on time? Princess Cruises even offers a four-night Alaska sampler from Seattle to Vancouver.

Where does an Alaska cruise from Seattle go?

Ports of call vary based on itinerary but expect a weeklong Alaska cruise from Seattle to visit at least three ports along the Inside Passage of Alaska, as well as a port of call in Canada. The most common Alaskan cruise ports are Juneau , Ketchikan , and Skagway , followed by Sitka . Most cruise lines also call on the charming city of Victoria , British Columbia before returning to Seattle.

Alaska cruises also include scenic sailing days, which almost always feature glacier viewing as part of your cruise program. Common locations include Glacier Bay, the Hubbard Glacier , Endicott Arm, Tracy Arm Fjord, or the Dawes Glacier.

Where do cruise ships dock in Seattle for Alaska cruises?

The Port of Seattle is in an ideal location along the Elliot Bay and nearby major attractions like Pike Place Market and the Seattle Great Wheel. There are two main cruise terminals at the port, located just a few miles from one another.

The Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 (2225 Alaskan Way South) is the dedicated terminal for Norwegian Cruise Line as well as sister brand Oceania Cruises. Most other cruise lines will dock at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (2001 West Garfield Street).

How much does an Alaska cruise from Seattle cost?

There are many factors that affect pricing for an Alaska cruise . These include but are not limited to the type of room you book, the dates of the sailing , and the age of the ship.

You can find an Alaska cruise on a newer vessel for less than $75 per person, per night, but you will be booked in an inside cabin without windows and at the very end of the season when the weather might not be as pleasant.

Or, maybe you’ll find a last-minute deal on an upcoming Alaska cruise in May for less than $100 per person, per night, though these are rare as many Alaska cruises fully book in advance.

Alaska is not the time to be thrifty. Booking a balcony cabin allows for better nature viewing during scenic sailing days. While weather can be unpredictable in Alaska year-round, the warmer months of summer (June, July, and August) do typically fare better for salmon fishing and bear viewing.

Expect to pay a few thousand dollars for two people in a balcony cabin onboard a newer ship on a weeklong sailing in late May. As an example, there is a balcony stateroom for sale on a seven-night sailing aboard Discovery Princess (built 2021) departing May 21, 2023 for $1,362 per person including taxes and fees.

Who should take an Alaska cruise From Seattle?

Sailing from the West Coast is of course the most convenient for residents of Washington, Oregon, and California (even Idaho and Nevada aren’t too far). But roundtrip sailings from the U.S. are very beneficial to anyone without a passport .

While a passport is always an incredible tool to have at your disposal (and don’t get left behind in Canada), it’s not required for “closed loop” sailings that begin and end in a U.S. port. If a cruise were to begin or end in Vancouver, for example, passengers would then need a passport to travel. Luckily for any U.S. citizens sailing from and back to Seattle, this is not required.

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Best Cruise Ships from Seattle to Alaska

Best for kids: norwegian encore.

Zoom around the Speedway high above Alaska’s glacial blue waters, play a game of laser tag, or duck into Galaxy Pavilion, the ultimate VR arcade. Norwegian’s final Breakaway Plus Class vessel is literally a children’s playground.

Beyond the impressive kid and teens clubs, the 3,998-passenger Encore has plenty of family-friendly spaces that make it accommodating and welcoming. Hop down Ocean Loops, the waterslide with your kids, then celebrate with milkshakes in a Cadillac-style booth at the indoor/outdoor American Diner.

Best for couples: Celebrity Solstice

Not too small to be boring but not too oversized to be overwhelming, Celebrity has nailed what it feels like to unwind at a resort atop the sea.

The 2,800-passenger Solstice is no exception, with romantic tables for two at Tuscan Grille or an afternoon of bonding at a mixology class. The Canyon Ranch Spa is where you can book your couple’s massage before heading up to the real grass lawn on the top sun deck for a jazz ensemble under the stars.

Best for multi-gen families: Royal Princess

Princess Cruises is an expert in Alaska, and it shows with onboard programming that appeals to young and old. Enrichment is enhanced by a winning partnership with Discovery, which extends from themed shore excursions to kids’ programs learning about Alaska’s wildlife.

The 3,560-passenger ship seamlessly blends relaxing spaces like the International Café in the Piazza with new technology called OceanMedallion that allows your little ones to have their own onboard avatars. The line’s newest ship, Discovery Princess , also sails to Alaska from Seattle.

Best on a budget: Carnival Luminosa

Carnival sails a more limited run of itineraries through Alaska, but its recently acquired 2,826-passenger ship will sail families to the 49 th State from Seattle.

Carnival is known for providing tons of value, and its weeklong cruises onboard Luminosa as well as Carnival Spirit are available from less than $1,000 per person, including all taxes and fees. Additionally, there are tons of included dining options, from a deli and pizza to sushi and barbecue.

Best enrichment: Holland America’s Eurodam

Long masters of the Alaskan cruisetour, Holland America knows its way around this great state. Onboard the midsize 2,104-passenger Eurodam, guests can enjoy an ambiance that nods to traditional Dutch roots and take part in cooking demos at America’s Test Kitchen or classical music concerts at Lincoln Center Stage.

HAL’s shore excursion offerings are robust, while back onboard expect special menus in the main dining room to reflect Alaskan fare. You can even order a beer from local brewer Denali Brewing in select bars.

Best small ship: Oceania’s Regatta

The 694-passenger Regatta plies the waters of Alaska in class and style with a country club atmosphere and a majority of balcony staterooms. Inclusions of this premium line span specialty dining and espresso drinks.

Regatta was completely refurbished bow to stern in 2019, with new teak decks, plush furnishing, and reinvented suites. Oceania has the ability to call on smaller ports, like Wrangell, Alaska.

A weeklong experience onboard in Alaska —round trip from Seattle — carries a price tag of just $1,699 per person for one of its few inside cabins.

Best large ship: Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas

The bells and whistles have landed in Alaska with Royal Caribbean’s behemoth Ovation of the Seas . This 4,905-passenger cruise ship boasts a skydiving experience, robotic bar, and a two-deck theater for Broadway-style production shows.

Climb a rock wall, dive into a pool, or ascend over the side of the ship in a panoramic glass capsule called the North Star, which raises 300 feet above sea level for 360-degree views of your Alaska cruise. There is so much to do — indoors and outdoors — that you can take full advantage of the fresh air or hide out in the casino, shops, or one of the ship’s many bars and lounges.

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Have you taken an Alaska cruise from Seattle? What’s your favorite ship sailing to Alaska from this U.S. homeport? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences cruising from Seattle to Alaska.

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Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Explore the dynamic glaciers, soaring peaks and captivating history of the 49th state on our award-winning itineraries. Sail Alaska’s serene seas to Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier for a chance to witness ice calving, known as “white thunder.” Extend your Alaska vacation with a cruisetour, a combination of ocean cruise and land tour deep into Alaska’s rugged interior.

Cross Alaska’s massive ice shelves, crystal fjords, and fascinating marine wildlife off your bucket list with itineraries that conveniently depart from Seattle and Vancouver. Enjoy perks such as privileged access to Glacier Bay National Park and prime docking locations that give you a head start on sightseeing.

Our cruisetours combine an ocean cruise with a land tour into Alaska’s interior. Watch northern wilderness views unfold from aboard our glass-domed train, the McKinley Explorer®. Stay up to 3 nights at the McKinley Chalet Resort near Denali National Park. Go into the Yukon with a guide.

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Choose from seven refreshingly uncrowded ships for a front-row seat to Alaska's splendor.

Fluid lines, light-filled spaces and a blend of modern elegance and nautical tradition make Koningsdam a sublime ship for Alaska cruises.

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Cruise to Alaska in high style. Nieuw Amsterdam's exceptional onboard experience earned "Best Cruise Ship Overall" at the Travvy Awards.

Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam is fitting for a cruise to Alaska. Museum-quality art outfits this ship, from oils to photographs of music legends. 

An elegant and spacious Alaska cruise ship with fresh floral arrangements and garden-inspired décor. Master frontier flavor with regional cooking demonstrations on board.

Sink into refreshed suites and a new lounge, plus dining and entertainment venues. Take in Alaska’s evergreen fjords and thunderous glaciers on this Vista-class Alaska cruise ship.

Classic nautical finishes and a spectacular art collection make the Zuiderdam the ideal sanctuary for your cruise to Alaska.

Best Shore Excursions On An Alaska Cruise

Top 10 alaska shore excursions, great for families, ideal for adventurers, iconic alaska cruise ports & destinations.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska is one of the best spots along Alaska's Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. Amble historic Creek Street, a boardwalk over a wide creek that fills with salmon during certain times of year.

Skagway, Alaska

Go back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush on cruises to Skagway, Alaska , once the primary gateway to the goldfields. Take a trip on the scenic railroad and still have time to dine and shop.

Convenient Alaska Cruise Departure Ports

Our Alaska cruise departure ports have big personalities and loads of attractions.

Best Alaska Cruises from Seattle

Set out on your Alaska cruise from Seattle’s serene waterfront. Visit its most popular attractions, such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Do as locals do and fuel up at one of the numerous cafes.

Alaska Cruises from Vancouver

Sightsee in this bustling metropolis before gliding the Inside Passage en route to Alaska. Historic neighborhoods and a thriving food scene await.

Alaska Cruises from Whittier

Conveniently located an hour and a half from Anchorage, Whittier is a small town on the shore of the glacier-filled Prince William Sound.

Cruise To Alaska Travel Tips & Articles

• What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
• Planning an Alaska Cruise Itinerary with Kids

• How to Pick the Best Month For Your Alaska Cruise
• The Complete Guide to Alaska Glacier Viewing
• Top Things to Do in Alaska
• Best Places to Visit in Alaska
• Whale Watching on Alaska Cruises

Get Free Planning Help

Best cruise in alaska, recommended for you.

Cruise season in Seattle to start this weekend

Elliot bay waterfront revitalization project.

The city and the Port of Seattle have announced a new partnership to revitalize parks along the Elliot Bay waterfront.

SEATTLE - The 2024 cruise season in Seattle begins this month and the first sailing is this weekend. 

On Saturday, the Port of Seattle's Pier 66 will be welcoming its first cruise: Norwegian Bliss – a Norwegian Cruise Line.

From April to October, Seattle will see 275 ships with over 800,000 passengers traveling to Alaska and back. 

If you're a passenger who is planning to embark on an adventure this season or just want to plan ahead for crowds along the waterfront and downtown Seattle, here's what to expect. 

How long is the 2024 Seattle cruise season?

The season goes from Saturday, April 6 through Monday, October 28. 

What are the cruise ships that'll be in Seattle?

There will be several cruise ships in Seattle during the season and the city will be serving eight major cruise lines.

The trips can range between a 5-day cruise. 7 days and 10 days. 

Here's a list of the cruises:

• Carnival Lumnosa 7-Day Alaska
• Carnival Spirit 7-Day Alaska
• Celebrity Edge 7-day Alaska
• Crown Princess 7-Day Alaska
• Discovery Princess 7-Day Alaska
• Holland America Eurodam 7-Day Alaska
• Holland America Westerdam 7-Day Alaska
• Majestic Princess 7-Day Alaska
• Norwegian Bliss 7-Day Alaska
• Norwegian Encore 7-Day Alaska
• Norwegian Jewel 9-Day Alaska
• Oceania Regatta 7 and 10-day Alaska
• Ovation of the seas 7-Day Alaska
• Quantum of the Seas 7-Day Alaska
• Seabourn Odyssey

Where are the Seattle cruise ship terminals?

There are two cruise ship terminals – Bell Street Cruise Terminal and Smith Cove Cruise Terminal. 

Bell Street Cruise Terminal is located along Seattle's downtown waterfront at Pier 66, which is the home to Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises.

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal is located at the north end of Seattle's waterfront at Pier 91 on Smith Cove, which is in the Interbay neighborhood. Pier 91 serves as a home port for Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. 

2024 Seattle cruise season schedule

Here's the 2024 cruise season and the schedule may be subject to change. 

• Saturday, April 6: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, April 13: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, April 19: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 91 *Port of call
• Saturday, April 20: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Tuesday, April 23: Carnival Spirit -- Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Saturday, April 27: Norwegian Bliss -- Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, April 28: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Tuesday, April 30: Zaandam -- Holland-America at Pier 66
• Tuesday, April 30: Crown Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91 *Port of call
• Wednesday, May 1: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Wednesday, May 1: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Saturday, May 4: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, May 4: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, May 5: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, May 6: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, May 7: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, May 9: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, May 10: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, May 11: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, May 11: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Saturday, May 11: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, May 12: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, May 12: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, May 12: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Monday, May 13: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, May 14: Carnival Spirit -- Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, May 16: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, May 17: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, May 17: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, May 18: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, May 18: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, May 18: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, May 19: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, May 19: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, May 19: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, May 20: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, May 20: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, May 21: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, May 23: : Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, May 24: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, May 24: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, May 25: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, May 25: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, May 25: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, May 26: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, May 26: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Monday, May 27: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, May 28: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Wednesday, May 29: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Thursday, May 30: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, May 31: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, May 31: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 1: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, June 1: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 1: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 2: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, June 2: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 2: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, June 3: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, June 4: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, June 6: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, June 7: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, June 7: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, June 7: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 8: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, June 8: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 8: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 9: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, June 9: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 9: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, June 10: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, June 10: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, June 11: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, June 13: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, June 14: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, June 14: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 15: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, June 15: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 15: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 16: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, June 16: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Monday, June 17: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, June 17: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, June 18: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, June 20: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, June 21: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, June 21: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, June 21: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 22: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, June 22: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 22: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 23: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 23: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, June 24: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, June 25: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Wednesday, June 26: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Thursday, June 27: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, June 28: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, June 28: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Friday, June 28: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, June 29: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 29: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, June 29: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, June 30: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, June 30: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Monday, July 1: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, July 2: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, July 4: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, July 5: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, July 5: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, July 5: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 6: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, July 6: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 6: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 7: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, July 7: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 7: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, July 8: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, July 9: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Tuesday, July 9: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, July 11: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, July 12: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, July 12: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 13: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, July 13: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 13: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 14: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, July 14: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 14: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, July 15: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, July 15: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, July 16: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, July 18: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, July 19: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, July 19: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, July 19: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 20: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, July 20: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 20: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 21: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, July 21: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 21: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, July 22: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, July 23: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Wednesday, July 24: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Thursday, July 25: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, July 26: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, July 26: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, July 26: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 27: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, July 27: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, July 27: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 28: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, July 28: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, July 28: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, July 29: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, July 30: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, Aug. 1: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 2: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, Aug. 2: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 2: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 3: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Aug. 3: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 3: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 4: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Aug. 4: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 4: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, Aug. 5: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Aug. 6: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Tuesday, Aug. 6: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, Aug. 8: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 9: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 9: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 10: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Aug. 10: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 10: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 11: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Aug. 11: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 11: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, Aug. 12: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, Aug. 12: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Aug. 13: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, Aug. 15: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 16: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, Aug. 16: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 16: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 17: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Aug. 17: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 17: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 18: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Aug. 18: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 18: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, Aug. 19: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Aug. 20: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Wednesday, Aug. 21: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Thursday, Aug. 22: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 23: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 23: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 24: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Aug. 24: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 24: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 25: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Aug. 25: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, Aug. 25: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, Aug. 26: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Aug. 27: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Wednesday, Aug. 28: Regatta – Oceania Cruise Line at Pier 66 *Port of call
• Thursday, Aug. 29: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 30: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, Aug. 30: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, Aug. 30: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 31: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Aug. 31: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Aug. 31: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Sept. 1: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Sept. 1: Majestic Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, Sept. 1: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Monday, Sept. 2: Seabourn Odyssey – Seabourm at Pier 91
• Monday, Sept. 2: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Sept. 3: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, Sept. 5: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Sept. 6: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, Sept. 6: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Sept. 7: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Sept. 7: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Saturday, Sept. 7: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, Sept. 8: Majestic Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Sunday, Sept. 8: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, Sept. 9: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, Sept. 9: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Sept. 10: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, Sept. 12: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Sept. 13: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Friday, Sept. 13: Celebrity Edge – Celebrity Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Sept 14: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Sept 14: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Sept 14: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Sept. 15: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Sept. 15: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Monday, Sept. 16: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Wednesday, Sept. 18: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Thursday, Sept. 19: Carnival Luminosa – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Sept. 20: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Saturday, Sept. 21: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Sept. 21: Discovery Princess – Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Sept. 21: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Sept. 22: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Sept. 22: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Monday, Sept. 23: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Sept. 24: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Friday, Sept. 27: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Friday, Sept. 27: Ovation Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Saturday, Sept. 28: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Sept. 28: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Sept. 29: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Sept. 29: Radiance Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean *Port of call
• Sunday, Sept. 29: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91 *Port of call
• Monday, Sept. 30: Quantum Of The Seas – Royal Caribbean at Pier 91
• Tuesday, Oct. 1: Norwegian Jewel – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Oct. 5: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Oct. 5: Eurodam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Oct. 6: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, Oct. 7: Norwegian Sun – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Wednesday, Oct. 9: Carnival Spirit – Carnival Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Thursday, Oct. 10: Norwegian Jewel – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Thursday, Oct. 10: Majestic Princess -- Princess Cruises at Pier 91
• Saturday, Oct. 12: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Sunday, Oct. 13: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Oct 19: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Saturday, Oct 19: Norwegian Jewel – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 91
• Sunday, Oct. 20: Norwegian Encore – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Thursday, Oct. 24: Westerdam – Holland America Line at Pier 91
• Saturday, Oct. 26: Norwegian Bliss – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66
• Monday, Oct. 28: Norwegian Jewel – Norwegian Cruise Line at Pier 66 *Port of call

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Spring travel season is in full bloom for Alaskans looking to travel in state

A pod of orcas swim in Agnes Cove on the Aialik Peninsula in Kenai Fjords National Park on Sunday, May 16, 2021. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

Although the summertime cruise season officially started last week in Southeast Alaska, it’s a little early here on the Railbelt between Seward and Fairbanks. There’s still plenty of snow, and the tripod on the Nenana River is still standing tall.

Even so, spring specials are popping up all over for Alaskans who cannot wait to go exploring. Just be sure to bring your hat, some gloves and an extra jacket. Or two.

The sightseeing cruises in Seward started up last month. It’s always fun to sail in Resurrection Bay when the snow comes right down to the water. Watch for the critters on the shore and in the water, including the big gray whales and an occasional orca. Bring binoculars so you can see the otters and porpoises up close.

Kenai Fjords Tours offers cruises Thursday-Sunday, departing at noon. The four-hour Resurrection Bay cruises are available through May 16 for as little as $116 per adult. Kids under 12 years old sail free when accompanied by a paying adult (one free child per adult). Lunch is included (chicken burrito).

Major Marine Tours cruises seven days a week during the spring — and offers 25% off a hotel/cruise package through the end of April.

The cruise, which departs at 12:30 p.m. each day, costs $109 per adult. Hotel accommodations at the Harbor 360 are $169 per night, before the discount, port charges, fuel surcharge and local sales tax.

After everything is added on and the discount is applied, the cost for two adults to go on the cruise and stay overnight is $328.64, or $164.32 per person. I didn’t add up the cost for the kids, which is $54.50 per child (ages 2-11).

If you plan your cruise in May or early June (through June 15), Major Marine offers 20% off a hotel/cruise combo at the Gateway Hotel.

FILE - In this May 2, 1998 file photo, people attend the official opening of the Alaska SeaLife Center, a wildlife hospital and research center on the shores of Resurrection Bay in Seward. (AP Photo/Al Grillo, File)

Overnight visitors have more time to see the Alaska SeaLife Center. Alaska residents typically can save about $5 off the cost of admission, from $25 to $30 per adult. Admission for kids who live here costs about $15. It’s important to book your tickets online, since the SeaLife Center offers staggered admission.

Alaska residents can trim 30% off the nightly rate at Alyeska Resort. Whether you’re going to ski or soak at the new Nordic Spa, the resort is well-situated. I plugged in some midweek dates to get the best rate: about $228 per room with the discount applied.

[ Here’s what I learned as a frequent flyer on my most recent trip ]

Up in Talkeetna, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge sits on a bluff overlooking the runway and downtown Talkeetna. It’s got the best view of Denali for miles around. For a couple of years now, the lodge started opening in March for springtime travelers.

Between now and May 5, the lodge offers a 30% discount. Use the promo code “SPRING” when making reservations online at talkeetnalodge.com .

Tourists walk in the rain during a visit to Tallkeetna on Saturday, July 16, 2022. (Bill Roth / ADN)

If you love the idea of cruising on the big ships, even when it’s a little chilly outside, there are some great spring rates departing Seward.

Nate Vallier with the Alaska Travel Desk in Juneau is a big cruise fan. He found some particularly good early-season specials, including:

1. Sail on the Norwegian Jewel on April 22 to Vancouver, B.C., in an inside cabin for $199 per person (based on double occupancy). In this case, the port taxes and fees cost more than the cruise: $301 per person. Still, $500 for a seven-day cruise through the Inside Passage is a good deal.

2. Get an outside cabin on the Jewel sailing on May 6 from Seward. The cost is a little more: $309 per person, plus $301 per person for taxes and fees, or $610 total per person, based on two people sharing a cabin.

3. If you want a balcony, Vallier recommends the Celebrity Summit, sailing from Seward on May 17. The cost is $399 per person, plus $383 in taxes and fees, or $782 per person, all in. Vallier picked this particular date because it’s much less than the other sailing dates on the Summit.

All of these cruises end in Vancouver, B.C. Travelers must have a passport. Travelers in May can fly back on Air Canada’s nonstop flight to Anchorage, starting on May 14. Early birds in April can fly via Seattle.

For a more intimate experience on a smaller ship, consider Alaskan Dream Cruises, which sails from Juneau and Sitka on seven- or eight-day itineraries through the Inside Passage.

Cruises between May 12 and June 14 are 49% off for Alaska residents, using the discount code “49FOR49″. You have to call for reservations, since the special prices are not listed on the website: 855-747-8100.

Still, you can check out the itineraries online at alaskandreamcruises.com .

The northern end of Wrangell is shown on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

Setting sail with between 40 and 80 passengers, these vessels go where the big ships can’t. One of the earliest cruises on the Alaskan Dream sails into Glacier Bay and calls in Kake, Wrangell, Petersburg and Pelican. With the discount applied, rates start at $2,497 per person, double.

The “Last Frontier Adventure” on either the Admiralty Dream or the Chichagof Dream is a seven-night itinerary that’s a little different, including a visit to the Fords Terror Wilderness area near Tracy Arm. There are four departures between May 18 and June 14, starting at $2,038 per person, double.

There are several itineraries from which to choose, but the Alaska resident pricing details are not available on the website.

Whether you want to hang out in a lodge or cruise on a boat, the spring travel season is in full bloom.

[ What to know as Alaska Airlines unveils new initiatives and changes to rewards programs ]

Scott McMurren

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at [email protected]. Subscribe to his e-newsletter at alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.

Require cruise ships to plug into shore power while docked in Seattle

Reducing a cruise ship’s greenhouse gas emissions is a herculean undertaking, among the toughest nuts to crack in the quest for a decarbonized economy. With this in mind, the Port of Seattle invested tens of millions of dollars to install cables, conduit and other infrastructure at its piers so these gargantuan ships can run on shoreside electricity rather than their gas-and-particulate-belching engines.

As the 2024 cruise season begins Saturday, it’s time for the port to require cruise ships to plug in on Seattle’s waterfront. So far not all have made that commitment.

The world’s biggest cruise lines have agreed to ambitious climate goals within the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization, advocating for carbon neutrality by 2050. Getting there will be a daunting task. Converting cruise ships to hybrid or electric power is not possible “because the battery would be bigger than the ship,” points out Robert Morgenstern, senior vice president for Holland America and Princess Cruises’ Alaska operations. The industry is focused on finding a source of green power but it’s likely still years from being ready for use.

“The fuels of the future will take time, but shore power is here now,” Morgenstern said.  

The Port of Seattle has made that power possible at both Pier 91 and Pier 66, spending $44 million at the latter to do so.

Disappointingly, cruise ships plugged in at Seattle piers only about one-third of the time in 2023. That percentage should rise dramatically. The port’s commissioners should have a simple rule: cruise ships that won’t plug in can’t dock here.   

Holland America and Princess Cruises have been using shoreside power in Seattle since 2005. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have not.

Morgenstern notes it actually costs the lines more money to plug in than to run their engines in port. But the commitment is to the environment and neighboring residents, he said.

Norwegian, meanwhile, has prime parking at Pier 66, sandwiched between Seattle’s Great Wheel to the south and the Olympic Sculpture Park to the north. The company’s ship, the Norwegian Bliss, will make its first cruise to Alaska on Saturday.

While the ship was away, the port in January laid a mile-long cable along the Elliott Bay seafloor — the most viable way port staff felt they could bring power to the pier. The cable will connect a substation at Terminal 46 south of Colman Dock with the Bliss’ Pier 66, which Norwegian has leased through 2030. By July, the port expects to have installed a large transformer that will make shore power possible there for the first time.

The port and the company are currently negotiating Norwegian’s contribution to the project — a welcome gesture given previous years of emitting carbon and sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide and other harmful particulate matter on Seattle’s waterfront.

Once the electricity is flowing in July, Norwegian should hook up the Bliss to shore power at the soonest possible moment, fulfilling promises that David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said of his company’s desire to decarbonize. It’s “not lip service,” he said at a recent Seattle conference of the Cruise Lines International Association, a trade group, adding of his own children in an era of climate change: “I want them to enjoy what I enjoy.”

A shore-powered Bliss is a start. The company estimates it will save 18 metric tons of traditional marine fuel from burning each year, while reducing 57 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per season.  

The Port of Seattle’s current goal is a 100% connection rate between ships and electricity by 2030. Its commissioners should require ships to plug into shore power now or document their plans to convert their ships so they can plug in.

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See the list of notable total solar eclipses in the U.S. since 1778

A   rare total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the United States today . Those in the path of totality will have the opportunity to see the sun be fully covered by the moon for several minutes.

Total solar eclipses are rare , and aren't often visible from the U.S. The last time one occurred here  was in 2017 , and the U.S. won't see another until 2044 .

Here's a list of all the times a total solar eclipse has been recorded in the United States. 

Total solar eclipse in the U.S. during the 18th century

The first recorded total solar eclipse was in 1778, according to NASA , just a few short years after the United States became an independent country. The eclipse was visible from the Carolinas to New England, and was noted by historical figures like Thomas Jefferson, according to Mount Vernon , the museum established in former President George Washington's estate. Troops in Washington's army also noted the event. 

List of total solar eclipses in the U.S. during the 19th century

1806: The first total solar eclipse of the 1800s occurred in 1806, according to the National Parks Service . The path of that eclipse would have crossed from Arizona, through the Midwest and into New England, according to NASA . 

1869: The next total solar eclipse was recorded in 1869. The path of totality stretched from Alaska to the Carolinas, according to NASA . Photos of the event were published in Harper's Magazine, the service said, the first mass publication to do so. 

1878: The next total solar eclipse occurred in 1878, and the path of totality arced from Alaska through Louisiana, according to NASA . It was studied by an all-woman team of astronomers, according to the parks service, and Thomas Edison himself traveled to see the event, bringing scientific equipment to study the sun's corona during the eclipse. 

List of total solar eclipses in the U.S. during the 20th century

1900: The first eclipse of the 20th century was in 1900, according to the parks service. The path of totality of that eclipse brought it over Wadesboro, North Carolina.

1918: In June 1918, a total solar eclipse was visible from Washington to Florida, according to the parks service. It was the last time a total solar eclipse would be visible across the entire continent for nearly 100 years. 

1925: This was followed by another total solar eclipse in January 1925, which was visible from Minnesota through New England, according to NASA . 

1932: In August 1932, another total solar eclipse was visible in North America. The path of totality for this eclipse was mostly in Canada, according to NASA , but was visible in northern New England including parts of Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. 

1963: The next total solar eclipse in the U.S. wasn't until July 1963. This eclipse was visible in Alaska and parts of northern New England, according to NASA . 

1970: In March 1970, another total solar eclipse was visible from the coast of the Southwest United States. Watch CBS News coverage of that event in the video below:

1979: The last eclipse that NASA recorded in the 20th century took place in 1979. This eclipse was visible in the Pacific Northwest and parts of Idaho and the Dakotas, but the path of totality mostly arced through Canada. 

Total solar eclipses in the U.S. during the 21st century so far

Only two total solar eclipses have been visible from the United States during the 21st century. The first was the total solar eclipse of 2017 , which was visible across the country . This was the first time such an event had occurred since 1918, and millions gathered to watch . 

The April 8, 2024, eclipse will be the next total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. The path of totality for this eclipse will stretch from Texas to the Northeast. The eclipse will start on Mexico's Pacific coast at just after 11 a.m. PDT before traveling across the U.S. and into Canada. The eclipse will leave North America around 5:19 p.m. EDT. 

The eclipse is expected to attract millions of spectators. Some areas where the event will be most visible have already declared local states of emergency to account for the number of expected visitors. 

When will the next total solar eclipse be visible in the U.S.?

After the April 8 eclipse, the U.S. won't see another total solar eclipse for decades. The next total solar eclipse visible from the United States will occur in August 2044. 

Total solar eclipses typically happen every one to three years somewhere around the globe, but the events are often only visible from Earth's poles or from the middle of the ocean. 

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Cruise from Seattle, Washington

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Where Adventure Meets Urban Charm 

There’s so much to do in the Emerald City. Embark on an unforgettable whale-watching adventure in the waters of Puget Sound. On your Alaska cruise from Seattle, discover the vibrant marine life at the Seattle Aquarium. If you’re a foodie, savor mouthwatering flavors at award-winning restaurants. And don't forget to try the city's famous clam chowder or indulge in Seattle's own Starbucks coffee. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills, cultural experiences, or encounters with fascinating wildlife, Seattle promises an incredible vacation for everyone.

No vacation in the world delivers once-in-a-lifetime adventure like Alaska. Discover the beauty of Alaska on a cruise departing from the vibrant city of Seattle

All paths lead from Seattle to new experiences onboard returning frontier favorite Ovation of the Seas®. Gaze at glaciers as you cruise along the Inside Passage and get up close to majestic mountains at Endicott Arm onboard one of the most adventure packed ships to sail region.

Explore Ovation of the Seas

Sail Alaska’s emerald fjords and glacier-dotted bays on seven-night adventures from Seattle on Quantum of the Seas ®. Get ready to marvel at enormous glaciers and majestic wildlife. Explore Juneau, Sitka, and plenty of spectacular shores in between.

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Seattle Shore Excursions

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Seek Out the Center

View of the Space Needle from below in Seattle, Washington

The Seattle Center was home of the 1962 World's Fair, which portrayed a mid-century view of the Land of Tomorrow. Since the fair, this 74-acre park has remained a cultural hub within the city. Get a good look at Seattle with a 360-degree view from the observation deck of the Space Needle, or check out the Museum of Pop Culture, which has exhibits on popular music as well as science fiction and fantasy in film and television.

Waterfront Wonders

The Needle City Views , Seattle, Washington

The Seattle Center complex encompasses an assortment of impressive attractions. View colorful masterpieces by glassblower Dale Chihuly at the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum. Explore the Pacific Science Center or the Museum of Pop Culture. Then take in sweeping city views from the top of the 605-foot-tall Space Needle.

Relive the Gold Rush

The Seattle Underground tour takes you under the city to the Gold Rush-era streets of Seattle, before the city was rebuilt on top of itself. Then, head to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Pioneer Square, where you can get even more info on the Gold Rush and how it shaped the city.

Local Cuisine

Seafood is king in Seattle. Geoduck clams, Penn Cove mussels and Dungeness crab are some of the most sought-after local specialties. At Pike Place, pick up curried beef bao, a Chinese-style dumpling best eaten by hand. For a snack or breakfast, head to Coyle's Bakeshop and pick up a cretzel, a pretzel-croissant combo that's all the rage among locals.

Shopping in Seattle means a visit to Pike Place Market — first opened in 1907, the historic marketplace is the go-to spot not only for fresh produce but also for artisan crafts ranging from handmade jewelry to ceramics and beauty products. During your Seattle cruise vacation, head to Ballard Avenue NW for hip boutiques, and shop for big brands downtown.

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