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Celebrity Cruises Announces 2023 Alaska Summer Sailings

MIAMI (Oct.  12, 2021) – Globally renowned for pioneering new-luxury travel at sea, Celebrity Cruises announced today plans for three award-winning ships to return to Alaska for the 2023 Summer season.

Sailings will begin on May 3, 2023, and run through mid-September, visiting some of the most unforgettable destinations, including visits to the majestic glaciers of the Inside Passage on every itinerary. Additionally, every journey will give guests the chance to learn more about the culture and history of the Last Frontier, from the native Tinglit people to the gold rush days that brought adventurers and fortune seekers to the wilds of Alaska.

The new 2023 Alaska sailings open for sale to the general public on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, and more information is available at www.CelebrityCruises.com/2023-2024-cruises .

Highlights of Celebrity’s 2023 Alaska season include:

• Sailing roundtrip from Vancouver and passing through the Inside Passage not once but twice,  Celebrity Eclipse  will offer seven-night itineraries to Hubbard Glacier, one of the most phenomenal natural sites on any coast. The itinerary also includes visits to Juneau, Ketchikan and either Sitka or Icy Strait Point.
• With seven-night itineraries sailing roundtrip from Seattle and one nine-night Ultimate Alaska voyage,  Celebrity Solstice  is the only Celebrity ship to visit the pristine Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier, complete with breathtaking views and gushing waterfalls. Additional stops include visits to Victoria, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
• Celebrity Millennium , recently “revolutionized” as part of the brand’s $500 million dollar project to reimagine many ships within the fleet, offers the opportunity to see a little more of Alaska by sea with seven-night, open-ended itineraries between Vancouver and Seward, one of the region’s oldest and most scenic communities at the gateway to northern Alaska.  An exciting multi-night Cruisetour can be added to these sailings to journey deeper into the heart of Alaska giving guests the chance to get up close to Denali, North America’s tallest peak.  

Adding a Cruisetour before or after a Celebrity cruise provides guests the chance to explore more of Alaska. Offering nine- to 13-night Cruisetours in 2023, Celebrity’s guests stay in first class lodging, ride the Wilderness Express and visit incredible destinations such as Homer, Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Every Luxury Covered

Simplifying the luxury holiday experience, Wi-Fi, drinks, and service charges are now ‘ Always Included SM ’ on every Celebrity cruise.

Media Contact:

Robyn Fink [email protected] Susan Lomax [email protected]

Editor’s Note : Media can stay up-to-date on all Celebrity Cruises news at celebritycruisespresscenter.com

About Celebrity Cruises:

Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of a fleet of 14 award-winning ships redefining luxury cruise travel with cool, contemporary design and accommodation; dining, spa, and entertainment experiences for modern tastes; and culturally rich and diverse destination experiences, all complemented by warm, personalized service. Celebrity has pioneered many industry firsts at sea, including the first use of solar panels on a cruise ship; the first to eliminate the use of plastic water bottles; the first American female captain of a cruise ship; the first-ever all-female bridge and officer team sailing; the first West African woman to work on the bridge of a cruise ship; and one of the first legal same-sex weddings performed at sea. Driven by wanderlust and a passion for opening the world, Celebrity journeys to all seven continents, visiting nearly 300 destinations in more than 70 countries. Celebrity Cruises is one of five cruise brands operated by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group. (NYSE: RCL).

Celebrity Cruises is applying the recommendations of the  Healthy Sail Panel  of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements.

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Everyone saves 40% on every sailing and receives an added savings bonus of up to $200 per stateroom. Plus, on select sailings, 3rd and 4th guests sail for free.

Alaska Cruises in May

As spring blossoms over the Alaskan wilderness, life opens up with new energy, splendor, and wonderful experiences to enjoy on your Alaska cruise in May. This month offers many natural wonders to explore, as well as pleasant temperatures, a wide range of activities, and great seasonal food. You’ll find incredible vistas as the snows thaw and the trees turn a soft green, as well as towering glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and invigorating tours and excursions designed to show off the best of Alaska’s wild beauty.

Cruises to Alaska in May embark from either Seattle, Seward, or Vancouver, depending on your itinerary, and last for seven nights. You’ll find mainly dry, cool, and pleasant weather which will allow you to spend time outside enjoying activities from zip-lining at Icy Strait Point to hiking and kayaking. You’ll see hand-painted indigenous totems and old-fashioned pioneer mills in Ketchikan. May is also a great time to spot wild animals such as mountain goats, dall sheep, and bears, as the fresh foliage is still too young to provide complete coverage for wild game. Embark on a luxurious spring getaway on a cruise to Alaska with Celebrity.

Itineraries

Highlights of an alaska cruise in may, snowy peaks.

Though snow in Alaska tends to be a year-round staple at high altitude, May offers some of the best weather to appreciate the contrast between white peaks, the dark green of the forest and the deep blue of the sea. Mountain ranges from the Chugach to the Kenai will still be snowy white but at sea level, temperatures are warm enough to allow visitors to enjoy the views while exploring the outdoors. You’ll see snow-capped vistas from any of the ports, and as you sail along the serene Inside Passage.

Early Spring Season

As the thaw commences, Alaska passes through a magical transformation out of winter and into spring. Alaska cruises in May are the perfect time to see this re-birth of flora and fauna up close, with dry, cool air and emerging spring sunlight. Bears have emerged from hibernation and seals are giving birth. There’s an energy in the air as Alaskans get back outdoors, get active, and prepare for the short but busy summer season. Make sure to bring warm clothing, of course, but you’ll find that simple layers, good shoes, and long sleeves will allow you to experience most of the best outdoor activities offered in May on an Alaska cruise.

Delicious Fresh Food

Foodies and lovers of fresh fish and game find May to be an excellent time for an Alaskan cruise. Delicious king crab is always available and May sees the beginning of king salmon season, too. Delicate, flaky Pacific Halibut is coming into season—and for something more hearty, you could always sample a reindeer sausage. Try birch syrup, which is harvested in April and has a sweet, nutty taste, perfect when poured on pancakes. Stay warm with fresh, hand-roasted coffee, an Alaskan specialty, or reward your hiking efforts with an ice-cold craft beer.

View All Alaska Cruises in May

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Celebrity Cruises Announces 2023 Alaska Schedule

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• October 12, 2021

Celebrity Cruises has announced plans for three of its ships to return to Alaska for the 2023 summer season. Cruises will begin on May 3, 2023 and run through mid-September.

Every voyage will include scenic cruising through the Inside Passage, as well as the opportunity to learn more about the culture and history of the state — from the native Tlingit people to the gold rush days that brought adventurers and fortune seekers to Alaska.

Highlights of Celebrity’s 2023 Alaska season include:

• Sailing roundtrip from Vancouver and passing through the Inside Passage twice,  Celebrity Eclipse  will offer seven-night itineraries to Hubbard Glacier, as well as visits to Juneau, Ketchikan, and either Sitka or Icy Strait Point.
• Celebrity Solstice  will offer seven-night itineraries from Seattle and one nine-night voyage, and will be the only Celebrity vessel to visit Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier. Other stops include Victoria, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.
• The recently-renovated  Celebrity Millennium will offer the opportunity to see more of Alaska with seven-night, open-ended cruises between Vancouver and Seward — the gateway to northern Alaska. A multi-night Cruisetour can be added to these sailings to head deeper into the heart of Alaska, giving guests the change to get up close to the state’s tallest peak: Denali.

Adding a Cruisetour before or after a cruise provides passengers the chance to explore more of Alaska. Celebrity will be offering nine to 13-night Cruisetours in 2023, where guests will stay in first-class lodging, ride the Wilderness Express, and visit destinations such as Homer, Anchorage, and Fairbanks.

As is the case with every Celebrity ship now (except the Galápagos Islands ones), wifi, beverages, and gratuities are now included in the cruise fare.

Bookings for these 2023 Alaska sailings open to the general public on Thursday, October 14, 2021.

READ NEXT:  Third Carnival Ship Cruises From Port Canaveral

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An Expert's Guide to Booking the Perfect Alaska Cruise in 2023

By Scott Laird

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Alaska has been a popular cruise destination for decades, and the industry has continued a trajectory of growth. Each summer season there seems to be another cruise line sailing Alaskan waters, while the longtime incumbents are relentless in their addition of new itineraries, amenities, and excursions. 

What looks like an endless buffet of choice can lead to analysis paralysis for many first-time Alaska visitors—even if they’re veteran cruisers who have already figured out big questions like their preferred cruise line or favorite ship class. 

Here are five questions to consider in order to find the best Alaska cruise for you.

When is The Best Time to Book?

Alaska is a popular destination for multi-generational groups . Any large group booking multiple cabins or needing more than a pair of spots on shore excursions should start thinking about booking Alaska cruises about a year in advance to secure the best availability for their group size. So too should travelers who have specific non-negotiables on things like stateroom category, ship, or itinerary. 

However, that doesn’t mean that last-minute bookers are out of luck. While popular itineraries and cabin categories have a tendency to sell out early (balcony accommodations are particularly sought after for scenic Inside Passage cruising), there’s still often enough inventory left for cruise lines to offer enticing deals for the summer during the “wave” booking season from January through March. They’ll even offer last-minute specials right up until the time of sailing, but selection will be limited and the most popular shore excursions will have long wait lists. 

Cruise lines offer enticing deals for the summer during “wave" season from January through March. 

Is it better to cruise one-way or roundtrip? 

Like almost any choice one makes when booking a cruise, it all comes down to personal taste. Roundtrip cruises offer the convenience of embarking and disembarking at the same port (typically Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco), but itineraries are generally limited to Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage. 

Visitors wanting to see Alaska’s Interior, Fairbanks, and Denali National Park , should book a one-way cruise to or from Anchorage (which is served by the cruise ports at Whittier and Seward) for land-based touring either before or after their Inside Passage cruise. Many cruise lines, including Holland America Line , Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity offer fully packaged “Cruisetours” that combine a one-way Inside Passage cruise with a rail or motor coach itinerary mainly focused on Denali, but also offering journeys to other parts of Southcentral Alaska.

Is Seward or Whittier a better port for Anchorage? 

Each cruise line has their preferred port—Holland America Line and Princess Cruises berth at Whittier. Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas—currently berthing at Seward—will move operations to Whittier upon completion of berths currently under construction. Most other one-way cruises berth in Seward.

Whittier is closer to Anchorage, and some itineraries even take disembarking passengers directly to Denali or Talkeetna the same day. Whittier is also a convenient port for cruising College Fjord, which most northbound sailings do on the final day before arriving in Whittier. Whittier is, however, a tiny community that is little more than a deep-water port, while Seward is a larger community and regional base for a more diverse collection of tours and activities.

Seward is farther from Anchorage, but the train or coach ride is roughly an extra hour of travel through a spectacular mountain pass on the Kenai Peninsula, then the lines merge near Whittier and the last hour of the journey is the same, hugging the Chugach Mountains alongside Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage. 

It’s worth noting that shoreside transportation outside of cruise line-operated transfers can be more limited in Whittier, so passengers embarking there may wish to ensure they include transfers from Anchorage in their cruise package. From Seward, travelers wanting to spend a few days exploring Kenai Fjords National Park or one of the wilderness lodges can book Alaska Railroad transfers on their regular scheduled service.

I've been to Alaska before—how can I cruise differently? 

Cruisers who are veterans at Inside Passage itineraries on the big ships have really only seen a preview of the nooks and crannies of the region. Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises operates small-ship sailings from Sitka, getting into the straits and narrows that the big ships won’t fit, and oftentimes determining itineraries by reports of sea life migrations and weather conditions.

Return visitors who still want that big ship experience might try a different category of cruise line. The major operators—Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, are all premium-tier cruise lines, but the luxury cruise lines have also deployed ships to Alaskan waters. 

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is operating roundtrip Vancouver sailings, bringing onboard topflight lecturers ranging from adventure traveler Bear Grylls to undersea archaeologist Mensun Bound on select voyages. On every voyage, guests will find guides from Alaska Native Voices, sharing the cultural history and lore of the local Huna people to  Sit’ Eeti Gheeyi  (Glacier Bay National Park), and guest speakers from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

Steph Koyfman

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Silversea has “Door-to-Door” pricing on many of its Alaska cruises , meaning the cruise fare includes airfare, hotels, and all transfers—including transfers from home to the departure airport. Onboard the all-suite ships, there’s butler service in every suite, fine dining, and select shore excursions included. The largest Silversea ship sailing to Alaska also carries just under 600 guests, allowing for port calls at lesser-visited stops like Wrangell, Haines, and Valdez.

Are there less-crowded alternatives?

Hurtigruten, the Norwegian expedition cruise line, offers sailings between Vancouver and Nome , hitting not only the lesser-visited spots on the Inside Passage, but also the virtually untouristed and volcano-dotted Alaska Peninsula, where guests can spot Brown Bears in Katmai National Park, go bird-watching in St. Paul Island and uninhabited St. Matthew Island in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, and explore the eerie ghost town of Unga.

Closer afield, but no less secluded is the Prince William Sound Explorer from Uncruise, where guests will depart Whittier and wake up among the glaciers of little-visited Icy Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. Much of the itinerary is “Captain’s choice” based on conditions and sealife movements, but the massive Columbia and Meares glaciers and the Sound communities of Cordova and Valdez—also off the big ship routes—hold prized spots on the itinerary. 

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Embark On an Alaska Cruise with Celebrity Cruises, and Set Sail On the Adventure of a Lifetime

• Author: Ariel Johns
• June 13, 2023

In celebration of the Alaska season opening, Celebrity Cruises, voted best premium cruise line 15 years running, welcomes you to embark on an Alaska cruise , and set sail on the adventure of a lifetime. Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking beauty and awe-inspiring landscapes that Alaska has to offer while navigating through the icy waters, from the comfort of the award-winning luxury cruise ship, Celebrity Millennium ® . Bask in the magic of the region as you indulge in world-class cuisine, enjoy top-notch amenities, and immerse yourself in the wonders of Alaska while exploring the ports on your enchanting shore excursions.

Set sail on a 7-Night Southbound Glacier Cruise onboard the Celebrity Millennium ® . This floating ‘resort at sea’ is a stunning 2200-passenger ship that was completely revolutionized in 2019 after a multi-million dollar transformation, and recently became one of the first-ever cruise ships to receive the highly coveted Forbes Travel Guide 4-Star Rating.

7-Night Southbound Glacier Cruise Itinerary (Seward, Alaska – Vancouver, British Columbia)

Celebrity Cruises caters each cruise itinerary to allow for extraordinary shore excursions tailored to “Ignite your sense of wonder, inspiration, and adventure. “

Day 1 – Seward , Alaska

Located on the stunning Kenai Peninsula, Seward, Alaska, is a picturesque coastal town known for its breathtaking scenery, charming harbor, and abundant wildlife. Here you will board the Millennium and meet the staff. You’re welcome to get settled in and explore the ship before its departure.

Day 2 – Hubbard Glacier (Cruising)

The largest river of ice in North America, Hubbard Glacier is a magnificent icy wonder, measuring 7 miles wide, 76 miles long, and as tall as a 30-story building above the waterline. For the best view, stand on the helideck where the crew will be waiting with hot cocoa to keep you warm. The remainder of the day and evening are for cruising and enjoying all the activities the ship has to offer.

Day 3 – Juneau, Alaska

With roughly 12 hours of docking time, Alaska’s capital is yours to explore. Journey through the rainforest and soar above the ground at 1800 ft. on the Goldbelt Tram. After ascending to the top, take in the stunning scenery while sipping an ice-cold Alaskan beer at the Timberline Bar & Grill. From here, go outside and hike the trails. Breathe in the fresh air as you spot totem poles, bald eagles soaring above, icy waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. After a quick round of shopping in the gift shop, return to sea level where downtown Juneau awaits you, with its artisan shops and restaurants like Tracy’s King Crab Shack and Hangar on the Wharf.

Day 4 – Skagway, Alaska

Travel back in time to the days of the Alaska gold rush in historic Skagway. Step into the shoes of the Klondike gold rushers, and learn the art of gold-panning. Dog lovers have an opportunity to learn about the Iditarod and watch a team of sled dogs in action as they run around the track during a demonstration. Then get ready for wet kisses and snuggles as you get up close and personal with the newest addition to the team, the new puppies. If relaxation and beauty are what you desire, the best way to see Skagway is aboard the White Pass Train. Sit back and relax as the vintage train winds its way through lush greens, rugged mountains, dramatic canyons, cascading waterfalls, and tunnels. You can opt for the long train ride, or follow my plan and do the sled dog excursion first, and then hop on the train for the remainder of its journey.

Day 5 – Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Icy Strait Point offers an authentic and immersive experience, allowing visitors to connect with the rich history of Alaska and explore the pristine wilderness of the region. For those who love spotting wildlife, book a whale-watching tour and witness humpback whales, orcas, seals, and otters playing in the water, as bald eagles circle overhead. Foodies will be in their element with a hands-on tasting session in Alaska’s Wildest Kitchen. And for the thrill ride seekers like myself, the Icy Strait Point ZipRider® is for you! The world’s longest zip line ride is a one-of-a-kind thrilling experience that you won’t want to miss. Take in the views as you journey to the top of Hoonah Mountain on a gondola ride. Then you’re off on a race to the bottom dropping 1330 ft., and soaring above the rainforest below at speeds exceeding 60 mph!

Day 6 – Ketchikan, Alaska

Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan entices visitors with its charming waterfront, vibrant arts scene, and captivating outdoor adventures. The Best of Ketchikan by Land and Sea offers a tour of the coastline by boat, before stepping on land to explore an old cannery and native village. The Tongass Rainforest trail expedition takes tourists on a journey through the nation’s largest   national forest, Tongass Rainforest. Water lovers will love the Tatoosh Islands Wilderness Kayak Adventure. Spend two hours in a kayak paddling around the Tatoosh Islands while spotting bald eagles, harbor seals, and starfish.

Day 7 – Inside Passage (Cruising)

Get lost in the beauty of this coastal route. Relax on the ship while you take in the tapestry of snow-capped mountains, fjords, glaciers, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. This day is perfect for ship activities like wine tasting, treating yourself to a spa day, relaxing in the Persian Garden, taking a dip in the hot tub, or cozying up with a book and cocktail in one of the ship’s many lounges.

Day 8 – Vancouver, British Columbia

The cruise has come to an end with a morning arrival in British Columbia. Enjoy a last breakfast before departing.

Onboard Experience

Luxury accommodations.

The ship houses an array of luxury accommodations from inside staterooms, to the elevated Concierge Class (stateroom with a private veranda, access to exclusive events, and your own personal concierge), AquaClass (stateroom with private veranda, complimentary fitness classes, unlimited access to the Persian Garden, complimentary dining at Blu, and personal spa concierge), and The Retreat® (Sky Suite with a private butler, exclusive access to Luminae, and other exclusive spaces like The Retreat Lounge).

The allure of an Alaska cruise is to soak up Alaska’s unparalleled beauty and explore its stunning landscapes, but Millennium’s onboard experience is equally as remarkable. Every moment onboard is designed to exceed your expectations and create unforgettable memories. The ship’s activities range from live comedy and magic acts to Broadway-inspired shows, visually stunning aerial performances, daily events like trivia, gambling in the casino, visiting the art gallery, and shopping at the many boutiques. If wellness is what you seek, the fitness center has top-of-the-line equipment and offers classes for cardio, sculpt, and yoga. While the adults-only solarium and spa offer relaxation for your mind and body.

Culinary Delights

And then there is the highlight of all Celebrity Cruises, the culinary delights crafted by world-class chefs, and inspired by and sourced from the regions the ship visits. Guests can choose from dining in the “airy and contemporary” Metropolitan Restaurant, to global dining destination Oceanview Café (buffet), grabbing something lighter at the healthy Spa Café, or satisfying a sweet tooth at Café al Bacio & Gelateria. Millennium also has three specialty restaurants, modern Italian Tuscan Grille, sushi bistro Sushi on Five, and a visual spectacle unlike any other, Le Petit Chef. AquaClass guests can also experience the bold and elegant Blu, and cutting-edge Luminae is exclusively reserved for guests of The Retreat®. All menus are posted daily on Celebrity’s app, making it helpful in deciding where to dine.

Beverage Program

The Millennium also caters to the cocktail and wine enthusiast, with menus offering a “diverse selection of classics, the latest trends, craft beers, and a wine selection that is unsurpassed.” Oenophiles will appreciate the ship’s robust wine program having won 100 Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence and 9 Best of Awards of Excellence – the most ever awarded in the cruise industry. Guests can partake in wine tastings and workshops, and can even craft their own wine with Blendtique Custom Crafted Wines. And for those who crave a good martini, visit the Martini Bar and order the martini flight. The ship’s flair bartenders will put on an eye-popping performance before serving you six miniature martinis.

Whether enjoying one of the ship’s activities, dining at one of the restaurants, or simply relaxing, expect nothing but the best onboard Celebrity Millennium ® .

Alaska Awaits

There is no better way to experience the raw beauty and untamed majesty of Alaska than with Celebrity Cruises, especially on the Celebrity Millennium ® . From the luxurious onboard experience to the lively shore excursions, every aspect of the journey is designed to create enduring moments to be cherished for a lifetime .

This season, Celebrity Cruises currently has three ships offering Alaska Cruises, Celebrity Solstice ® , Celebrity Eclipse ® , and the Celebrity Millennium ® . Take the stress out of planning, and let Celebrity Cruises help you select which ship and itinerary are best for your Alaska adventure.

• Alaska , Alaska cruise , Alaskan Cruise , Celebrity Cruises , Celebrity Millennium , Cruise , luxury vacation , Travel , trip idea , Vacation , vacation ideas

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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

2024 Alaska Cruises

In 2024, you can explore Alaska your way with the most revolutionary vacation in Alaska ever, because for the first time Celebrity Edge® will be sailing the rugged coast of Alaska. This ship’s outward-facing design takes experiencing the great outdoors to exciting new levels. Marvel at majestic glaciers from the Magic Carpet 12 decks above sea-level. Watch for whales from the luxurious comfort of the Rooftop Garden. See the mountainous landscape drift while relaxing in a martini shaped hot tub high above the pool deck.

Two more of our award-winning ships, Celebrity Solstice® and Celebrity Summit®, also offer unique opportunities to experience the wonders of Alaska. Together, these three ships represent the breadth of our vacation offerings, with a wide range of 7-night itineraries sailing from Seattle, Vancouver, or Seward for an unforgettable journey. So, you’ll have all the options you need to discover the great outdoors exactly the way you want to.

Choose any of these dynamic journeys and experience the flavors, culture, and beauty of this region of the world. 

Itineraries

Departure ports.

Seward, Alaska

Vancouver, British Colombia

Seattle, Washington

Our Ships Sailing to Alaska in 2024 and 2025

Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Solstice

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Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

Hubbard Glacier

Icy Strait Point

Alaska Cruisetours

Take your journey into the heart of Alaska to the next level with our Premium Cruisetour program. You’ll experience all the wonders of the land tour with heightened services and amenities, including upgraded rooms or rooms with breathtaking views of the area—or both where they’re available. When lodging overnight, you’ll enjoy breakfasts before continuing your journey. You’ll be able to sip your favorite beverages, including cocktails, with unlimited drinks while aboard the glass-domed Wilderness Express train. Plus, your tips are covered for your tour guide and driver. There’s no better way to spoil yourself in the unspoiled wilderness.

Learn More About Our New Season of 2024 Alaska Cruises

In Alaska, you’ll discover some of the most unique towns and cities in the world. Some of the incredible cities you can discover include Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka. No matter which sailing you choose, you’ll sail the Inside Passage (a must-see for everyone), and you’ll visit one of the majestic glaciers of the region—Hubbard Glacier or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.

The rugged beauty of this unspoiled wilderness is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable journey.From up-close, breathtaking views of majestic glaciers and snow-capped mountains to the local wildlife, including whales, bears, bald eagles, and moose (just to name a few), you’ll experience the great outdoors like never before.

Get an even more immersive exploration of Alaska on a 9- to 13-night Cruisetour that combines a 7-night cruise with an exciting pre- or post-cruise land tour that takes you deep into the heart of the wilderness. Ride trains, boats, deluxe motorcoaches, and possibly even planes to go farther into the wilderness. Stay in the finest lodges and savor local flavors along the way. These land and sea vacations introduce you to everything Alaska has to offer for exciting, in-depth adventure.

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Reader's Digest

Best Alaska Cruise for Every Type of Vacationer

Posted: May 5, 2023 | Last updated: July 10, 2023

Best time to cruise to Alaska

An Alaska cruise is such a popular bucket-list item because it's one of the best ways to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Not only will you get to see breathtaking glaciers closer than you ever dreamed, but you're also likely to see eagles soaring and whales spouting—often from the deck of your ship. The best Alaska cruises give you an opportunity to explore the Far North from both land and sea, and we've got cruise tips to help you optimize your time and your budget.

The state's long, cold winters are not conducive to cruising, so the Alaska cruise season is relatively short. The best time to travel to Alaska is from late spring to early fall, with peak cruising happening during July and August. Those are also the most crowded and expensive months, so don't rule out September, which is actually the best time to see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise. But with dozens of ships sailing to Alaska, how do you decide which are the best cruise lines for you?

Luckily, when it comes to Alaska cruises, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you're traveling solo or with kids, whether you're looking for total luxury or a bargain and whether you love giant ships or something more intimate, we've found the best Alaska cruises to fit your needs. See which one sounds right for you, and once you're booked, get a head start by checking out these hidden cruise features, cruise ship code words and things you can't do on cruises .

How we chose the best Alaska cruises

To find the best Alaska cruises, we followed expert recommendations and read hundreds of user reviews and ratings. Because I've been on several Alaska cruises alone, with my family and with my husband, I also based my choices on my own personal experiences. After combining all that information, we came up with this guide to the best Alaska cruises.

Best overall

Princess cruises.

Princess has been cruising to Alaska for more than half a century, and they continue to lead the industry by bringing more guests to the state than any other cruise line. In fact, they introduced a generation to the idea of cruising via the hit TV show The Love Boat , which was set on a Princess ship and featured many episodes in Alaska! Because of their deep ties to the state, the cruise line is able to offer a variety of itineraries and shore excursions, and they even own a number of Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks , so you can add a land extension to your trip.

Onboard, there are plenty of activities for both adults and kids, including the North to Alaska enrichment program, which brings the state's culture to you so you can sample fresh Alaska seafood and hear from local celebs like Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race.

• Guests can meet Alaskan Huskies on the ship through Puppies in the Piazza!
• So many options for cruise length, extensions and land and sea packages
• Price is not all-inclusive

Best for families

Disney cruise line.

With lots of outdoor activities and great wildlife sightings, an Alaska cruise is ideal for kids, and not surprisingly, no one does it better for them than Disney . Kids will love whale watching, panning for gold, searching for black bears and going dog sledding—and they'll equally love everything Disney has planned for them on the Disney Wonder, from live shows ("Frozen" takes on a whole new meaning in Alaska) and character greetings to kids clubs they won't want to leave to themed pools and restaurants. Little ones will be just as happy to see Goofy as they are to see a glacier, making this the best cruise for kids . Before you go, check out these Disney cruise tips .

• Disney is beloved by kids of all ages
• The focus is on families
• On the pricier side

Best adults-only

If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska without the distraction of little kids, you'll be in good company on Viking . Their gorgeous ocean ships sail with a maximum of 930 passengers, all over the age of 18, so you can indulge in adult conversation over a bottle of wine or a cocktail or two. One of the many features that makes Viking the best adult-only cruise is that every single room comes with a private veranda, so you can take in the views and feel that fresh Alaska air with no one else around—and without paying extra. You can also get away without paying additional fees for shore excursions, because one is included in every port, giving you an opportunity to see the highlights of destinations including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka and Valdez.

• Every stateroom has a veranda
• A shore excursion is included in every port
• Optional cruise extensions let you explore Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage on land
• The shortest Alaska cruise is 11 days

Best for solo travelers

Norwegian cruise line.

Cruising has traditionally been a bit of a challenge for solo travelers because of the single supplement that basically makes them pay the same price for a room as two people sharing a room would pay in total. Not with Norwegian , the best singles cruise ! The first cruise line to build staterooms and common areas specifically for solo travelers, they've made it easy for singles to cruise to Alaska comfortably and affordably. The Studio Lounge is a welcoming spot to meet other solo travelers so you can join up for meals or shore excursions to places like Dawes Glacier and Icy Strait Point.

• No single supplement
• A dedicated lounge just for solo travelers
• Lots of families and kids, which may not appeal to solo travelers

Best for couples

Celebrity cruises.

The best cruise for couples , both straight and gay, Celebrity offers lots of opportunities for romantic experiences in Alaska, from hiking through a rainforest in Juneau to cuddling up during a ride back in time on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. On the ship itself, there are lots of spots where you can take some Instagrammable selfies with the majestic Alaska scenery behind you. What a backdrop for a wedding, honeymoon or vow renewal! Consider upgrading to The Retreat, Celebrity's exclusive ship within a ship, for a more private and intimate cruise.

• Many options for cruise length
• Offers land tour extensions
• Families with kids may disrupt the romantic atmosphere

Best budget

Carnival cruise line.

Yes, you can visit Alaska without spending a fortune, thanks to Carnival . You may not get all the bells and whistles that you would on more expensive cruises, but the views don't cost anything, and they're all around you as you chill by the pool or take advantage of one of the many activities and dining venues included in your fare. Save money to use for shore excursions by opting for an interior room, since you won't be spending much time in your cabin anyway.

• Affordable way to see Alaska
• Lots of cruise length options
• The party atmosphere may not be for everyone

Best luxury

Regent seven seas.

Regent's Seven Seas Explorer is all about luxury, from its all-suite design to its all-inclusive fares , which cover airfare, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants, gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry and unlimited shore excursions. With only 750 passengers, service is exceptional and personal. Itineraries can be customized to fit your specific interests, whether you want to take a glacier hike, immerse yourself in Alaska's history or eat your way through the state.

• Truly an all-inclusive cruise
• All-suite accommodations are roomy and plush
• Only one Regent Seven Seas ship sails to Alaska

Best small ship

Seabourn cruise line.

A great choice for fans of smaller, more intimate ships, Seabourn's Odyssey holds 450 passengers and treats them to a personal, all-inclusive luxury experience. Smaller ships can take you to spots where the bigger ones just can't fit, and the Ventures by Seabourn program offers optional excursions where you can get up close and personal with some of Alaska's most awe-inspiring sights via kayak and Zodiac. You'll be sailing with a world-class expedition team, including a marine biologist, ornithologist, geologist, historian, photographer and natural experts who share their knowledge through lectures and casual conversations during scenic cruisings.

• All-inclusive
• Offers 7- to 14-day cruises
• Gets you closer to Alaska's natural beauty

Best large ship

Royal caribbean cruises.

Built for cruisers who believe the bigger, the better, Royal Caribbean's megaship, Quantum of the Sea, is the biggest ship in the region, with the capacity to hold 4,905 passengers. It also boasts the tallest viewing deck on any cruise ship—perfect for enjoying the stunning Alaska scenery. Three other Royal Caribbean ships sail to the state, as well—all big and beautiful and filled with enough activities to keep travelers of every age busy, including their signature Rock Climbing Wall, simulated skydiving and surf sessions on the Flowrider. Yes, you can "surf" in Alaska!

• There's literally something for everyone
• Studio staterooms are designed for solo travelers
• It can get crowded

Best for land and sea

Holland america line.

With more than 75 years of experience in Alaska—the longest of any cruise line— Holland America knows the state inside and out and presents you with lots of ways to enjoy it, from both the sea and land. Not only do they feature the most Glacier Bay itineraries, but they're also the only way to see the Yukon in combination with a cruise. You'll get to stay at Holland America's Westmark Hotels and their beautiful McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park, enabling you to get closer to wildlife and explore more of Alaska on land.

The cruise line has also expanded its onboard programming, so guests can engage with an Alaska naturalist, dig deeper into topics like Alaska's bush pilots and learn from a National Park Ranger and local Huna Tlingit guides.

• Every cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska's iconic glacier destinations
• Only cruise line to offer an Alaska cruise combined with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon
• Land and sea Cruisetours range from 9 to 18 days
• Caters to an older crowd

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Alaska Cruisetours

Alaska cruisetours overview.

View the charts below to help you select the Cruisetour that best fits your individual interests and vacation plans. Each chart shows the duration of each Cruisetour, the activities included, and the cities visited. Cruisetours are numbered and lettered with “A” for tours that occur after the cruise, or “B” for tours that occur before the cruise.

Alaska Cruisetour Overview

• 2025 Cruisetours
• 2024 Cruisetours

Denali Express Cruisetour 11A

Included Experiences — Denali Natural History Tour, Railway Talkeetna to Anchorage

2025 Departures — May 9, May 23, Jun 6, Jun 20, Jul 4, Jul 18, Aug 1, Aug 15, Aug 29

Talkeetna Treasures Cruisetour 1A

Included Experiences — Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Rail Anchorage to Talkeetna

Talkeetna Treasures Cruisetour 1B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 1A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

2025 Departures — May 27, Jun 10, Jun 24, Jul 8, Jul 22, Aug 5, Aug 19, Sep 2

Alaska Gold Rush Adventure Cruisetour 2A

Included Experiences — Denali Natural History Tour, Rail Denali to Fairbanks, Fairbanks City Tour, Gold Dr

Alaska Gold Rush Adventure Cruisetour 2B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 2A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

Alaska Wildlife Encounter Cruisetour 3A

Included Experiences — Alaska Sealife Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Wildlife Conservation Center

Alaska Wildlife Encounter Cruisetour 3B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 3A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

2025 Departures — May 26, Jun 9, Jun 23, Jul 7, Jul 21, Aug 4, Aug 18, Sep 1

Majestic Tundra Explorer Cruisetour 4A

Included Experiences — Tundra Wilderness Tour, Fairbanks City Tour, Riverboat Discovery Cruise

Majestic Tundra Explorer Cruisetour 4B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 4A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

Alaska Mountain Medley Cruisetour 5A

Included Experiences — Alaska Sealife Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Rail Anchorage to Talkeetna

Alaska Mountain Medley Cruisetour 5B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 5A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

2025 Departures — May 25, Jun 8, Jun 22, Jul 6, Jul 20, Aug 3, Aug 17, Aug 31

Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour 6A

Included Experiences — Kenai Fjords National Parks Cruise, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Riverboat Discovery Cruise, and more

Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour 6B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 6A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

Grand Heartland Adventure Cruisetour 7A

Included Experiences — Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise, Anchorage City Tour, Anchorage Museum, and more.

Grand Heartland Adventure Cruisetour 7B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 7A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

2025 Departures — May 24, Jun 7, Jun 21, Jul 5, Jul 19, Aug 2, Aug 16, Aug 30

Great Frontier Expedition Cruisetour 8A

Included Experiences — Alaska Native Heritage Center, Tundra Wilderness Tour, Fairbanks City Tour, and more.

Great Frontier Expedition Cruisetour 8B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 8A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

Tastes Of Alaska Cruisetour 9A

Included Experiences — Seward Dock Walk & Salmon Tasting, Alaska Native Heritage Center & Eskimo Ice Cream, more.

Tastes Of Alaska Cruisetour 9B

This itinerary is conducted in reverse order of Tour 9A and offered as a pre-cruise option.

Homer Discovery And Heartland Wildlife Cruisetour 10A

Included Experiences — Homer Dock WalkIslands & Oceans Center, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Tundra Wilderness Tour and more.

Homer Discovery And Heartland Wildlife Cruisetour 10B

Denali express 11a.

2024 Departures — May 10, May 24, Jun 7, Jun 21, Jul 5, Jul 19, Aug 2, Aug 16, Aug 30

2024 Departures — May 28, Jun 11, Jun 25, Jul 9, Jul 23, Aug 6, Aug 20, Sep 3

2024 Departures — May 27, Jun 10, Jun 24, Jul 8, Jul 22, Aug 5, Aug 19, Sep 2

2024 Departures — May 10*, May 24, Jun 7, Jun 21, Jul 5, Jul 19, Aug 2, Aug 16, Aug 30 *May 10 includes Denali Natural History Tour in place of Tundra Wilderness Tour

2024 Departures — May 26, Jun 9, Jun 23, Jul 7, Jul 21, Aug 4, Aug 18, Sep 1

The Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour 6A

The great national parks expedition cruisetour 6b.

2024 Departures — May 25, Jun 8, Jun 22, Jul 6, Jul 20, Aug 3, Aug 17, Aug 31

The Great Frontier Expedition 8A

The great frontier expedition 8b, authentic tastes of alaska 9a, authentic tastes of alaska 9b.

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2023 Alaska Cruises

Our 2023 season in Alaska continues to excite world travelers with iconic experiences found only in The Last Frontier. The rugged beauty of this untouched wilderness sets the stage for every unforgettable moment. From up-close, breathtaking views of glaciers—you just can’t imagine how majestic they are until you’re right beside one—to the native wildlife, including whales, bears, bald eagles, and moose (just to name a few). This corner of the world not only offers stunning natural beauty, but there’s so much to learn about the history and cultures of Alaska—from the native people who’ve lived here for centuries to the more recent gold rush days that brought adventurers and fortune seekers to the wilds of Alaska.

Returning to Alaska for our 2023 season is the revolutionized ship Celebrity Millennium®, and two of our Solstice Series® ships, Celebrity Solstice® and Celebrity Eclipse®. These award-winning ships set sail from Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward and offer a wide variety of 7-night itineraries that visit incredible places, including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka. No matter which sailing you choose, you’ll sail the ever-popular Inside Passage—one of the most popular experiences on any Alaska vacation—as well as visiting Hubbard Glacier or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Want an even more in-depth exploration of Alaska? Choose an immersive Cruisetour that combines the best of the coastline on a 7-night cruise along with an exciting land tour that takes you deep into the heart of the wilderness. Ride trains, boats, deluxe motorcoaches, and possibly even planes to get deeper into the wilderness. Stay in the finest lodges and savor local flavors along the way. These land and sea vacations introduce you to everything this region has to offer for exciting and unforgettable adventures. Our 2023 Alaska sailings are open for booking now. No matter which cruise or Cruisetour you choose, you’ll discover the majesty of The Last Frontier is more impressive than you ever imagined.

Departure Ports

Seward, Alaska

Vancouver, British Colombia

Seattle, Washington

Itineraries

Ships visiting alaska.

Celebrity Eclipse

Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Millennium

Destination Highlights

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Victoria, British Columbia

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

Hubbard Glacier

Alaska Cruisetours

On an Alaska Cruisetour, you’ll make your way through the breathtaking wilderness to Denali National Park aboard our glass-domed train that offers incredible views along the way. On your journey, you and your dedicated Tour Director may visit some of the most popular towns in Alaska, including Talkeetna, Alyeska, and the city of Fairbanks—with plenty of time to discover the distinctive history and personality of each place. As you make your way through the wilderness, you’ll stay in cozy lodges and savor the authentic flavors of Alaska. On both your cruise and land tour, you’ll have the opportunity to experience excursions that will have you watching for whales, hiking Denali National Park, mushing sled dogs, and even trekking a glacier

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ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

Alaska cruises.

Adventure comes first on the last frontier.

No vacation in the world delivers once-in-a-lifetime adventure like Alaska. Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all. Take off by dogsled across thousand-year-old ice as you soak in otherworldly sights. Trek across the majestic Mendenhall Glacier for breathtaking views of the wildest country. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. And do it all from onboard one of four thrill-filled ships. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals

Want more time to plan the adventure of a lifetime? Our 2024 Alaska sailings are now open.

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OF ICE AND MOUNTAINS

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes,  imposing glaciers  and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness. 

JOURNEY INWARD

Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective.

GLACIERS WILL MOVE YOU

In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve  massive icebergs . Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders.

JOURNEY TO "THE GREAT ONE"

In the center of the state,  Denali National Park  is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your vacation.

FEEL THE RUSH

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories you couldn't have made anywhere else during your cruise to Alaska. 

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the  Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour . The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill.

WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?

Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a  whale watching tour . There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water.

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape.

RELEASE YOUR WILD SIDE ON THE BEST ALASKA CRUISE

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 20 years running.

QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Quantum of the Seas® heads to the Last Frontier from Seattle . This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather. Edge of your seat entertainment, all weather activities like the fan-favorite Flowrider®* and unparalleled views from every room.

EXPLORE MORE

OVATION OF THE SEAS

Pioneer America’s Last Frontier onboard Ovation of the Seas®, one of the world's most groundbreaking ships and among the boldest ships to ever sail Alaska. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm . Scan the surrounding waters on your way to Juneau for glimpses of wildlife from the North Star®, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. 

BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS

Brilliance of the Seas® gets you up close to the glacial giants of The Last Frontier — from the expansive Hubbard to the calving Dawes. You can add once-in-a-lifetime to the itinerary for your wildest week ever. Go wildlife spotting in Juneau, peak-seeking in Sitka , and take-on rugged adventure in Haines. Getting to your coolest getaway yet is easy for the whole family with sails roundtrip from Vancouver

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling.

The best time to travel to Alaska depends on your priorities. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

No two days will be the same, and you'll need to pack your clothing to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day. Think layers: zip-up sweaters, boots, rain jackets.

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Alaska is not a formal place; people even wear jeans to the opera. Focus more on comfort when deciding what clothing to pack.

Cameras, binoculars, rain ponchos and jackets are useful, but add these to the souvenirs you'll be picking up and soon your bag will be too heavy to tote around. Bring along a quality day pack to make it easier to hold your necessities.

Learn a few words in Alaska's local lingo: The "Alcan" is the Alaska-Canada Highway, for example, and "fish stories" are the local version of tall tales — unreliable yarns of mythological proportions, often told by fisherman.

ALASKAN CUISINE WILD IS THE WAY 

Alaskan food focuses on locally sourced ingredients that reflect the state's rugged terrain and the vast oceans surrounding it. These nutrient-rich waters serve up some gorgeous fish and shellfish, from super-fresh salmon to huge Alaskan King Crabs that can feed a crowd, while game meats and berries from the wilderness form a perfect marriage of flavor.

SALMON IS CENTRAL

Fresh-caught wild salmon is served up at backyard BBQs and the finest restaurants. For something different, try the sweet and savory treat Indian Candy, salmon that is sweetened and smoked till hard.

SOURDOUGH WON'T LET YOU GO

Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch.

GO WILD FOR BERRIES

Alaskan wild berries are sweet and pack a powerful punch of flavor. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Inside Passage, Canada

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Seward, Alaska

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The 13 best solo cruises for 2024 (no supplement fare).

Set sail for a solo adventure at sea.

The Best Solo Cruises

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Relax by the pool, attend shows, dine with new friends and more on your next solo cruise.

Whether you're embarking on your first cruise alone or you've been on solo cruises before, single travelers will find more options than ever when it comes to cruising solo. Many cruise lines offer single staterooms with the same amenities as other cabins, at a price similar to what you'd pay with double occupancy fares. You'll also find special promotions where the single supplement fee is reduced or waived, making it more affordable to reserve a spacious stateroom or luxurious suite with even more amenities – including personalized butler service, an added perk of booking with many luxury lines .

If you're ready for a maritime adventure, an extended vacation or simply a quick getaway from home, these top cruise lines offer some of the best options for solo travelers on waterways around the world.

Lines with solo accommodations and waived fees

Norwegian cruise line.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Launched in 2010, Norwegian Epic was the first cruise ship in the industry to feature studio accommodations for solo travelers. Norwegian Cruise Line offers this category on nine of the 19 ships in its fleet, including the newest ship, Norwegian Viva. These cabins, at an average size of 100 square feet, are designed and priced with the solo traveler in mind. They have no single supplements – and studio rooms on board Norwegian Bliss even boast virtual windows.

Guests of the studios get access to the private Studio Lounge. In this exclusive space, you can socialize with other solo travelers and enjoy complimentary refreshments. There are also singles meetups throughout the voyage and plenty of fun-filled onboard activities to mingle with like-minded cruisers. Solo travelers can check out all the fun for singles on Norwegian Viva this winter on a cruise to the Caribbean , or in spring 2024 as the ship sets sail for the Mediterranean .

Book a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

MSC Cruises

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers interior and balcony solo cabins for single cruisers on its Meraviglia-class ships: the MSC Meraviglia, Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa and the newest vessel in the fleet, MSC Euribia. The second-newest ship, MSC World Europa, has 28 cabins – 10 Studio Interior and 18 Studio Ocean View staterooms – designed specifically for solo travelers. MSC World America, set to debut in 2025, will also feature the solo studio staterooms.

During voyages with MSC Cruises , single cruisers are invited to a complimentary, hosted cocktail party to mix and mingle with other solo travelers. The daily program is also an excellent source to discover additional activities, entertainment and opportunities to meet other cruisers. You'll have onboard special events like the themed 70s-inspired Flower Party and the White Party, where the ship is decked out in festive white decor and guests don their best white attire. In addition, there are various sports tournaments, or you can show off your culinary expertise during a MasterChef competition.

MSC's Caribbean and Bahamas cruises departing from Miami and New York City feature an overnight visit to Ocean Cay, the line's private island and marine reserve. While there, singles can participate in fun-filled evening activities like a Champagne Sunset Cruise or a glow paddleboarding excursion in the lagoon, then attend the lively Luna Libre Party and the lighthouse show.

Find an MSC Cruises itinerary on GoToSea.

Holland America Line

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Holland America Line

Three of Holland America Line's newest ships each offer 12 solo cabins to accommodate single travelers: the Pinnacle-class Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Konigsdam. These ocean view staterooms range in size from 127 to 172 square feet and feature the same amenities as the double occupancy cabins but with a double bed. The cruise line's Single Staterooms are priced for one person. If a guest chooses to book a different stateroom, single supplements for double occupancy cabins are as much as 100% over the standard fare, depending on the voyage and the cabin category.

Long committed to solo travelers, the line offers many activities where guests can meet other singles such as wine tastings, cocktail mixers, exercise classes, daily quizzes, sports challenges and more. If you're a solo traveler and a member of AARP, Holland America is now the exclusive cruise benefit provider to AARP's members. Solo cruisers will have access to an AARP member-only onboard credit that ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the itinerary and stateroom category.

For itineraries, Holland America's Alaska cruises and cruisetours are perfect for solo travelers, offering many opportunities to connect with fellow cruisers. Another favorite for singles is the line's fall voyages sailing from Boston to Québec City or Montreal.

Explore Holland America Line deals on GoToSea.

Royal Caribbean International

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International features studio staterooms on select ships that range in size from 101 to 199 square feet. These solo accommodations include interior rooms, virtual balcony staterooms and a super studio ocean view stateroom with a balcony. The cabins do not carry the single supplement fee singles encounter when booking other types of staterooms, making them an attractive option when traveling alone.

Once on board the ship, solo cruisers will have countless options to engage and socialize with other travelers. When it comes to dining with Royal Caribbean , make a reservation at the Japanese restaurant Teppanyaki for an entertaining meal with new friends, or join fellow foodies for the intimate Chef's Table experience (the dining venues vary by ship). Singles can also participate in onboard activities like trivia contests, drink seminars, escape rooms, dance classes and pool parties.

If you need more thrills to stay busy and to meet people, Royal Caribbean's ships feature world-class shows and entertainment alongside adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions. If you're sailing in the Caribbean, there are plenty of opportunities to meet and chat with other passengers at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Luxury line Atlas Ocean Voyages offers single cruisers 183 square feet of beautifully appointed space in solo accommodations that come without single supplement fees. These ocean view staterooms feature a queen bed, a panoramic picture window, a private spa bathroom with a rain shower and body jets, a stocked minifridge replenished daily with personal favorites, and other luxurious amenities. Single guests can also book other stateroom or suite categories with single supplements starting at 50% of the double occupancy price.

The line's three intimate yacht-style cruise ships – World Navigator, World Traveller and the new World Voyager, whose inaugural season begins in Antarctica in November 2023 – are all-inclusive . Meals at all the dining venues, premium beverages and wines, gratuities, culturally immersive excursions, and more are included in the fare. With fewer than 200 guests on board, there's an atmosphere of conviviality on these ships – especially when exploring remote destinations with like-minded and adventurous travelers during expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

Celebrity Cruises

Tim Aylen | Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises' new Edge-class ships offer some of the best options for solo cruisers. The line's two newest vessels, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent (set to debut in late 2023), each boast 32 single staterooms with an Infinite Veranda. In addition, Celebrity Apex has 24 solo cabins, and Celebrity Edge features 16 staterooms for individual guests. These one-person accommodations offer a minimum of 131 square feet of space and the same upscale amenities you'll find in other category staterooms on their ships. Solo guests can look for special promotions where the single supplement is waived on select Celebrity voyages throughout the year.

Once on board the vessel, check out the daily program for activities conducive to meeting others – like wine tastings, cocktail-making classes and more. You'll also enjoy thrilling top-notch entertainment around the ship in The Theatre, The Club and Eden. A few popular cruises for singles are the line's Caribbean and Mexico itineraries on Celebrity Beyond.

Book a Celebrity Cruise on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The hip vibe on board the adults-only Virgin Voyages ships is ideal for solo cruisers looking to meet other travelers. Its superyacht-style ships – Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady – offer 40 interior cabins ranging in size from 105 to 177 square feet. There are also six Sea View staterooms with portholes boasting between 130 to 190 square feet of space. These Insider and Sea View cabins are designed and priced for single travelers, with amenities like high-tech mood lighting and roomy rain showers. The line also runs promotions where solo cruisers can book double occupancy staterooms without paying a single supplement.

Activities and festival-like entertainment around the ships foster fast friendships. Diners will enjoy the interactive experience at Gunbae, the lively Korean barbecue venue. The "grog walk" is a fun pub stroll where solo sailors can join fellow mates while sipping and snacking their way through all the signature bars. For even more fun, check out the evening shipwide events such as the themed Scarlet Party, which features live music and immersive experiences. The line also hosts meetups for singles throughout each voyage.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Avalon Waterways

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways' river and small-ship cruises traverse waterways around the world, including in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The company waives the single supplement on a selection of staterooms, including its Panorama Suites, on select European and Asia departures. The company recommends booking early as the specially priced cabins do sell out. Solo travelers make up about 10% of the passengers on this river cruise line .

Avalon's fleet of Suite Ships operates in Europe and Southeast Asia and features cabins with a minimum of 172 square feet. About 80% of the staterooms are Panorama Suites, which have 200 feet of living space, beds with a view and the river cruise industry's only open-air balcony. With Avalon excursions, solo cruisers have opportunities to meet like-minded guests during immersive tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, yoga or fitness classes, biking or hiking trips, and more. Single guests can choose to dine at tables for just two people or ones that can accommodate up to eight passengers.

Read: Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Next Cruise

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AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

Two single occupancy staterooms are available on four of AmaWaterways' river cruise ships: AmaDolce, AmaDante, AmaLyra and AmaCello. These accommodations do not have single supplement fees. Solo cruisers can also book staterooms with a 20% single supplement on select sailings in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that this pricing does not apply to certain stateroom categories and suites.)

With the friendly, small-ship atmosphere, solo cruisers will find it comfortable to socialize with other passengers and the crew. Onboard activities and immersive excursions also create opportunities for fostering friendships, especially among like-minded travelers. Excellent options for solo cruises include themed sailings centered around music and wine or the magical Christmas markets itineraries along the Danube, Rhone and Rhine rivers.

Explore AmaWaterways deals on GoToSea.

Lines with discounted supplement fares

Courtesy of Azamara

Azamara's special offers for solo travelers include reduced single supplements of 25% to 50% of the double occupancy rate on select sailings. The line's four midsized sister ships – carrying no more than 700 passengers – are mostly all-inclusive. Amenities included in the cruise fare include most meals; standard spirits, wines and beers; bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty teas and coffees; shuttle service in port; gratuities; and complimentary AzAmazing Evenings ashore or Destination Celebration experiences on the ship. Dining at the two specialty restaurants is an additional cost unless guests have accommodations in the Club World Owner's Suites, Club Ocean Suite or Club Continent Suite.

Single guests on Azamara cruises will find events during the sailing and venues around the ship where you can mix and mingle with other solo travelers and chat with the friendly crew. Intimate and culturally immersive excursions also create opportunities to meet passengers with similar interests. Azamara Onward, the latest ship, boasts the new Atlas Bar, a great spot to meet other travelers.

For itineraries, Azamara's signature "Country-Intensive Voyages" are a favorite of solo cruisers, including the 10- or 11-night Greece Intensive Voyage. For an extended sailing, check out the festive 12-night Carnival in Rio Voyage, which features a stop in Rio de Janeiro during the city's famed Carnival.

Compare Azamara cruises on GoToSea.

Cunard Line

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Cunard Line features dedicated solo staterooms on its three ships, priced at approximately 166% to 174% of the equivalent double occupancy cruise fare. Guests can choose between a spacious Britannia Inside or Britannia Oceanview cabin, or opt for a larger stateroom with a single supplement. For a little "me time" pampering while on board, solos will appreciate 24-hour room service, complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries and a chilled bottle of sparkling wine. Single guests will also be invited to get-togethers. You can either dine alone at venues around the ship such as the main dining room or choose to share a table with other passengers.

With an international mix of travelers, single cruisers will find many opportunities to meet and chat with others, especially during a Transatlantic Crossing. During the sailing, you'll find many enriching and relaxing activities that encourage socializing. According to Cunard , there's a sense of camaraderie and a passion around the voyage – and the unique travel experience of crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Find a Cunard Line cruise on GoToSea.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Luxury line Silversea Cruises offers 25% single supplements on various voyages throughout the year, including expedition cruises to destinations like the Galápagos Islands , Antarctica and the Arctic, and Greenland. The line's all-inclusive fares include luxurious ocean view suites, gourmet dining, complimentary wines and spirits, gratuities, onboard enrichment and entertainment, shore excursions, and more. Solo travelers will even have personalized butler service to indulge their every whim.

The line's fleet of a dozen intimate ships, carrying no more than 728 guests, offers a clubby atmosphere perfect for meeting solo and like-minded travelers. Single guests will also have the opportunity to engage with other solo passengers during a welcome reception with Champagne at the beginning of each voyage. Popular itineraries for Silversea's single cruisers include its Transoceanic journeys, a bucket list trip for many cruisers .

Explore Silversea Cruises deals on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn has special offers throughout the year where solo cruisers can take advantage of reduced pricing equal to double occupancy fares or discounts on the single supplement starting at 25% above the double occupancy fares. These rates are available on select voyages, including expedition cruises. Frequent solo cruisers and members of the luxury line's Seabourn Club Diamond Elite will also find reduced single supplements on Diamond Elite Single Supplement Sailings. In addition, club members receive invitations to exclusive events, where they can meet and mingle with fellow cruisers. Solo passengers are also invited to sit with the ship's officers, crew and entertainers at dinner – and there are hosted get-togethers for single travelers.

Solo cruisers will enjoy beautifully designed oceanfront suites and all-inclusive amenities on board Seabourn 's intimate ships. These perks include world-class dining; complimentary premium wine and spirits; a spa and wellness program in partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil; included gratuities; and the line's enrichment series, Seabourn Conversations. Single cruisers looking for an extended holiday will enjoy longer voyages on the line's newest purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit.

Compare Seabourn cruises on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. She used extensive research and experience as a solo cruiser to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

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• The Top Transatlantic Cruises
• The Top 3-Day Cruise Itineraries
• Solo Travel for Women: The Best Places and Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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Award-Winning Actress Hannah Waddingham Officially Christens Sun Princess in Awe-Inspiring Ceremony

Michael carbonara, tyra banks, britto, randy fenoli, original “love boat” cast members, celebrity chefs and tv personalities on hand to celebrate plus musical performance by natasha bedingfield.

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BARCELONA, Spain, (April 23, 2024) – In a spectacular celebration today at the Port of Barcelona, award-winning actress and performer Hannah Waddingham officially welcomed the newest and most innovative Princess Cruises ship – Sun Princess – serving as godmother during a star-studded naming ceremony.

The time-honored maritime tradition took place onboard Sun Princess in the all-new Princess Arena and Waddingham, alongside the ship’s Captain Craig Street, joyously pronounced, “I name this ship Sun Princess. May God bless her and all who sail on her.” She then released the celebratory bottle of Champagne to smash against the ship wishing good fortune to all of the ship’s guests and crew sailing to incredible destinations all over the world.

“Hannah is globally admired and adored for her immense talent and determination. Those qualities coupled with her family’s deep connection and love for the sea make her the perfect godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “We are honored that she has joined us for this pinnacle moment, and that she will remain a treasured part of the ship’s legacy forever.” 

Known for her adored role as Rebecca Welton in “Ted Lasso,” Waddingham said being named Sun Princess godmother is a “pinch me” moment as she joins an esteemed group of women, including members of the Royal Family, who have also served as godmothers to Princess ships: Diana, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess, 1984); Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess 2013); Audrey Hepburn (Star Princess, 1989); Sophia Loren (Crown Princess, 1990); Martha Stewart (Crown Princess, 2006); among many notable celebrities and dignitaries. 

Waddingham grew up boating and has fond memories of weekends in Dunkirk. In addition, her grandfather served in the Royal Navy during World War II.

“As much as theatre has always rippled through my bloodstream so too has a strong, historic familial connection with the Royal Navy and all things nautical,” said Waddingham. “I have of course seen over the years the iconic godmothers who have been asked to represent these magnificent ships and looked on in awe. It is therefore such a great privilege to have been asked to act as Godmother to the Sun Princess, first of her class. I can’t quite believe it.” 

Actor and magician Michael Carbonaro served as master of ceremonies for the event, and joined by a host of celebrities and TV personalities including Tyra Banks, Romero Britto, Randy Fenoli, Jeff Corwin, Rob Floyd, along with celebrated chefs Dario Cecchini, Makoto Okuwa, and beloved original “Love Boat” cast members Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing), Ted Lange (Isaac) and Bernie Kopell (Doc).

In addition, Natasha Bedingfield was on hand to fittingly perform her smash hit “Pocket Full of Sunshine,” along with other award-winning hits including “Unwritten.”

What’s New, What’s Next Princess to Add Ship-within-a-Ship Concept to Sun Princess, Star Princess  Sanctuary Collection Debuts in September Prior to the Sun Princess naming ceremony, Princess President John Padgett shared a few details on what’s ahead for the world’s most iconic cruise brand. Notable news included introducing the exclusive, next-level Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess, as the ship prepares to debut this select, all-inclusive oasis in October 2024. Guests reserving in the Sanctuary Collection will enjoy exclusive access to the ship’s top-deck retreat area, along with many additional bespoke events and high-end amenities designed to enhance their voyage. 

Star Princess to Sail Alaska Voyages in Summer 2026 Also announced, the next Sphere-Class ship, Star Princess, will sail her first full summer in 2026 in Alaska, making it the first of its class to ever sail to the Great Land. Star Princess is currently under construction and scheduled to debut in the Mediterranean in September 2025.

Princess Collaborates with Celebrities to Launch Love Line Premium Liquors Princess also revealed its newest indulgence - the "Love Line Premium Liquors" collection. Crafted in collaboration with renowned celebrities Pitbull, Jason Aldean and Romero Britto, this exclusive line of wines and spirits promises an unparalleled experience for guests sailing aboard ships from the Love Boat. The new premium collection features meticulously selected wines and spirits, each bearing the unique touch of its celebrity partner including Voli Vodka by Pitbull, Love Prosecco by Britto, and Melorosa Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon from Jason Aldean. The Love Line collection is currently available aboard Sun Princess, and will roll out to all the ships in the Princess fleets throughout the summer.  

Love by Britto Officially Debuts Aboard Sun Princess During the day’s festivities, Love by Britto, an artistic-inspired dining experience from world-renowned artist Romero Britto, made its debut. Known for his bold, colorful, and joyful style, and a global advocate for happiness, Britto has created a dining concept that serves as an exquisite showcase of the artist’s iconic and joyful designs against the backdrop of a boutique restaurant designed to immerse couples in a world of vivid colors, bold patterns, and heartfelt emotions. Unlike anything else in cruising, the venue also highlights the talents of Princess Cruises’ Head of Culinary Arts Rudi Sodamin who has created an array of tantalizing choices that embody profound passion, exquisite flavor, and boundless creativity with a seven-course, prix fixe menu ($149 per person) that begins with a flute of Champagne upon arrival and features luxury ingredients including lobster, caviar and truffles, and dessert options that always include chocolate fondue.

More About Sun Princess Godmother Hannah Waddingham British actress and singer, Waddingham is beloved for her role as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso,” in which her performance garnered a Primetime Emmy, Critics Choice Television Award and Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as two individual Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations. She will next be seen in the highly anticipated Universal film “The Fall Guy” opposite Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in theaters on May 3, 2024. Earlier this year, Waddingham earned a BAFTA TV Award nomination for her own Apple TV+ holiday special “Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas.” Waddingham made her worldwide hosting debut in April 2023 at The Olivier Awards (she returned as host for the 2024 ceremony) followed swiftly by the BBC Eurovision Song Contest 2023, for which she has gained her second BAFTA TV nomination and won The Royal Television Society award for “Best Entertainment Performance” in 2024. Her upcoming films include Sony Animation film “Garfield” out May 24, 2024 and in 2025 “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two.”

More About Sun Princess The new 177,882-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess introduces an innovative new ship platform designed exclusively for the world’s most iconic cruise brand. A true engineering marvel, Sun Princess officially started its inaugural cruise season on February 28, 2024, and currently is sailing a series of Mediterranean voyages before debuting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in October for the ship’s first Caribbean season. 

Princess ships are renowned for offering spacious venues and Sun Princess takes that to the next level. Sun Princess debuts new eye-catching experience venues including The Dome, a groundbreaking geodesic, glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship inspired by the terraces of Santorini. The outward and suspended Sphere Atrium, the namesake of this new class of ship, takes the central Piazza hub of the ship into a new dimension. Here guests are enveloped with expansive ocean views and an open concept, inspired to deliver the desired lifestyle of relaxed indoor and outdoor living.

Sun Princess offers an extraordinary cruise experience with not-to-be-missed culinary, entertainment and luxury accommodations, including: 

The Greatest Foodie Destination at Sea Sun Princess serves up 30 inviting restaurant and bar venues with an unprecedented collection of celebrity collaborators, high-end ingredients and culinary experiences from: 

• Spellbound by Magic Castle : Blending the captivating world of magic with the art of culinary and mixology to create an extraordinary, innovative and immersive dining experience, steeped in magic and adventure. 
• Makoto Ocean : Reshaping traditional sushi with a creative approach, the Master of Edomae-style sushi, Chef Makoto Okuwa brings his 25 years of experience with a new concept crafting playful, exquisitely presented dishes paying tribute to Japanese traditions. 
• Love by Britto : A high-end boutique restaurant with the most romantic view from the ship celebrating love and art from world-renowned artist Romero Britto. 
• The Butcher’s Block by Dario : A new specialty pop-up restaurant from the world’s most famous butcher Dario Cecchini, guests enjoy perfectly prepared beef and steak, including Cecchini’s signature cuts. 
• The Catch by Rudi : An exceptional dinner concept from renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin showcasing delectable treasures from the sea. 
• Good Spirits at Sea with Rob Floyd : Destination-inspired, one-of-a-kind cocktail creations from celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd.

Debuting a three-story dining room with endless aft views, inaugural menus have been created in collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America. While retaining what guests love about Princess, the ship also features favorites like Crown Grill, Sabatini’s and Crooners with new design elements to impress.

Showstopping Entertainment in Technically Advanced Spaces The Princess Arena is the most technologically advanced theater at sea, offering showstopping and original productions including performances in the round. At night, The Dome astonishes audiences with acrobatic Cirque Éloize performances while the Piazza dazzles with a retractable stage and immersive Champagne Waterfall. 

Elevated & Welcoming Areas & Accommodations Sun Princess also features the cruise line’s largest casino, two-story Lotus Spa, and an expanded retail environment with more than 200 premium brands. The retail space also includes several firsts a sea including an upscale showroom dedicated to luxury horology showcasing TAG Heuer and Breitling and more than 25 new brands available to cruise guests like Italian handbag brand, Pinko and athleisure favorites Beyond Yoga and Varley. 

With diverse accommodations to suit every preference and more than 1,500 cabins with balcony views, Sun Princess’ re-imagined staterooms include exceptional suites and new Cabana Mini-Suites with extra space for secluded outdoor relaxation.

Rooted in sustainability, Sun Princess is the first LNG (liquefied natural gas) vessel for the cruise line, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and features ingenious energy recovery systems for eco-conscious cruising.

Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean are on sale now. More ship details can be found at www.princess.com/sunprincess . 

More information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com . 

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

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News & Insights

Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) Q1 2024 Earnings Call Transcript

April 25, 2024 — 05:30 pm EDT

Written by Motley Fool Transcribing for The Motley Fool  ->

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE: RCL) Q1 2024 Earnings Call Apr 25, 2024 , 10:00 a.m. ET

• Prepared Remarks
• Questions and Answers
• Call Participants

Prepared Remarks:

Good morning, my name is Regina, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Royal Caribbean Group first-quarter 2024 earnings call [Operator instructions] I would now like to introduce Michael McCarthy, vice president of investor relations. Mr.

McCarthy, the floor is yours.

Michael McCarthy -- Vice President, Investor Relations

Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today for our first-quarter 2024 earnings call Joining me here in Miami are Jason Liberty, our chief executive officer, Naftali Holtz, our chief financial officer, and Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. Before we get started, I would like to note that we will be making forward-looking statements during this call. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties.

A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Please refer to our earnings release issued this morning, as well as our filings with the SEC for a description of these factors. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements as circumstances change. Also, we will be discussing certain non-GAAP financial measures, which are adjusted as defined in a reconciliation of all non-GAAP items can be found on our Investor Relations website and in our earnings release.

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Unless we state otherwise, all metrics are on a constant currency-adjusted basis. Jason will begin the call by providing a strategic overview and update on the business. Naftali will follow with a recap of our first quarter, the current booking environment, and our updated outlook for 2024. We will then open the call for your questions.

With that, I'm pleased to turn the call over to Jason.

Jason Liberty -- Chief Executive Officer

Thank you, Michael, and good morning, everyone. I am proud to share our robust first-quarter results and the continued upward trajectory of our business. When we turn the page from an incredible 2023 with a record-booked position for 2024 and numerous tailwinds related to the consumer's desire to vacation with us, we expected this would be another great year. Well, as you saw in the press release this morning, what transpired over the past three months was even better than our already elevated expectations.

Our brands are stronger than ever, and demand for our vacation experiences continues to accelerate. We are leading the way in delivering a lifetime of incredible vacations for our guests with our exceptional and leading portfolio of brands, innovative and differentiated ships, exciting and exclusive destination experiences, and leading commercial capabilities. The opportunity is very large and very exciting as we seek to take share from the rapidly growing $1.9 trillion vacation market. Our formula for success remains unchanged.

Moderate capacity growth, moderate yield growth, and strong cost controls lead to robust financial performance and long-term shareholder value. Before getting into the details, I want to recognize our incredible teams that are working together day in and day out, delivering the best vacation experiences to our guests and doing so while driving exceptional results. Our business is propelled by our people, and they are the driving force behind our strategic vision for success. I am so grateful for their commitment and passion.

Now, moving on to our results. As highlighted on Slide 4, the first quarter was tremendous, sending us well on our path to a year that is significantly better than we expected just a few months back. Wave season combined with a record-breaking introduction of the revolutionary Icon of the Seas resulted in consistently robust bookings at much higher prices than 2023. This strong booking and pricing environment across all key itineraries coupled with continued strength in onboard spend led to higher revenue in the first quarter and a further improvement in full-year yield expectations.

In the first quarter, we delivered 2 million memorable vacations and achieved 107% load factor at exceptional guest satisfaction scores. Yields grew 19.3% compared to the first quarter of 2023, almost 400 basis points above our initial guidance. Adjusted earnings per share in the first quarter was considerably higher than our guidance. Strong ticket and onboard revenue and favorable timing of expenses contributed to the better-than-expected earnings performance.

The acceleration of demand is also translating into higher revenue and earnings expectations for the balance of the year. As you can see on Page 5, we are increasing full-year yield growth expectations by 50% compared to our initial guidance in early February, and we now expect adjusted earnings per share to grow 60% year over year. The increased outlook for the year is expected to further accelerate our trajectory toward our trifecta goals as we continue to expect to achieve all three goals in 2024, one year earlier than initially expected. Now I'll provide some insight into the robust demand environment and our incredible wave season.

Booking is consistently outpaced last year throughout the entire first quarter and through April, even though we have significantly fewer staterooms left to sell, leading to higher pricing for all of our key products. Booking strength has been prevalent on both our existing hardware as well as on our industry-leading new chips. We see strong demand across all products and markets. North America continues to be extremely robust where approximately 80% of this year's guests are sourced.

This strength, in combination with the incredible perfect day at CocoCay, has resulted in strong yield growth for our Caribbean sailings. European bookings are outpacing last year's levels at higher prices and Alaska has been performing particularly well with year-over-year yield growth. We are also pleased to return to the high-yielding China market this month with Spectrum of the Seas and to add Ovation of the Seas to Tianjin in 2025 as we rebuild our China business. With our return to China, we are now finally back in all of our key markets, which enables us to capture quality global demand and source from new consumer bases.

Customer sentiment remains very positive, bolstered by resilient labor markets, wage growth, stabilizing inflation, and record-high household net worth. Consumer preferences continue to shift toward spend on experiences, particularly priority for travel. This is evident as the year-over-year growth in spend on experience is double that of spend on goods. Despite our ability to narrow the gap to land-based vacations in the last 12 months, cruising still remains an exceptional value proposition.

We continue to see excellent engagement from customers who are booking their dream vacations with us across all our products. Guests are buying 10% more onboard experiences per booking than in the first quarter of last year, and they continue to book these onboard activities earlier and at meaningfully higher APDs, translating into higher onboard spend. Looking to the rest of 2024, the year is shaping up to be exceptional with strong yield and earnings growth. We expect to achieve all Trifecta targets in 2024, allowing us to focus on a new era of growth to drive long-term shareholder returns.

As I mentioned previously, Trifecta creates the pathway back to what we internally describe as base camp, but our ambitions go well beyond it. As highlighted on Slide 7, we now expect to deliver net yields that are 9% to 10% higher than 2023. Our yield outlook is driven by the performance of new and existing ships, combined with our leading private destinations, a strong pricing environment, continued growth from onboard revenue, and our accelerating commercial apparatus. In the second half of 2024, we expect to deliver mid-single-digit yield growth above our typical moderate yield growth expectations, and on top of an approximately 17% yield increase in the back half of 2023.

We also continue to expect the business to deliver higher margins and earnings in 2024, with adjusted earnings per share expected to grow 60% year over year. As we look ahead, we remain focused on executing our proven targets formula for success, moderate capacity growth, moderate yield growth, and strong cost controls that lead to enhanced margins, profitability, and superior financial performance. Our operating platform remains a key differentiator and is bigger and stronger than ever. We remain intensely focused on attracting and keeping guests within our unique portfolio of brands and providing experiences for all of life's moments while delivering long-term value for our shareholders.

Our addressable market is expanding, and New to Cruise continues to grow, increasing 16% year over year. These guests are discovering our differentiated vacation experiences and are increasingly returning to us as we see repeat rates over 30% higher compared to 2019. Our brands also continue to attract new and younger customers. Millennials and younger generations have gained 11 percentage points share compared to 2019, and today almost one in two guests are millennials or younger.

New hardware has been a great differentiator for us. Since Icon of the Seas joined the fleet a few months ago, it is already exceeding our lofty expectations in both guest satisfaction and financial performance. We are also excited for the arrival later this year of Utopia of the Seas, a ship that is positioned to be another game changer for our short Caribbean product, and Silver Ray, which continues to reimagine the ultra luxury and expedition segments. Demand and pricing for those new ships has been incredibly strong.

Also this quarter, we announced an order for a seventh ship and our hugely successful Oasis class that will join the fleet in 2028. Our brands continue to lead their segments and generate quality demand, and we see a very large opportunity to take greater share of the rapidly growing $1.9 trillion vacation market as we continue to grow our fleet and vacation experiences. We are leading the vacation industry in creating exciting new products and experiences, which include private destinations. The newest addition to our growing portfolio of private destinations is the Royal Beach Club in Cozumel, Mexico, that is set to welcome guests in 2026.

With a combination of activities for every type of vacationer, Royal Beach Club Cozumel will further enhance our guests' experience, giving guests the ultimate beach day. Earlier this week, we also celebrated another important milestone when we officially broke ground on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, which is scheduled to open next year. Our journey to deepen the relationship with the customers continues this year. We are further enhancing our commerce platform through new technology and AI to continue improving the experience for our different distribution channels, build even more customer loyalty, and lowering our costs to acquire the guests.

We are removing friction and unlocking travel planning by investing in a modern digital travel platform, making it easier than ever for guests to book their dream vacations while allowing us to expand wallet share. Our digital experiences delight guests. Our mobile app is consistently adopted by 94% of our guests on board and we continue to enhance its capabilities. Among other features, we introduced cruise booking capabilities in the app last year and recently added the ability to book flights.

We also created a loyalty hub so customers can quickly enroll and track their loyalty tiers and benefits. We will continue to enhance those capabilities in 2024 and beyond. Our sustainability ambitions help support our mission to deliver the best vacation experiences responsibly. We recently released our 16th annual sustainability report, which outlines the progress we are making on See the Future, our vision to sustain the planet, energize communities, and accelerate innovation.

We are actively making progress toward our journey to net zero emissions, including double-digit carbon intensity reductions, and we are now beyond the halfway mark. Alongside the sustainability report, we published our first community impact report, which delves into how we energize the communities we visit. It highlights long-term projects that inspire future generations and our dedication to empowering local entrepreneurs through business development and micro-grant programs like the Royal Caribbean Kickstarter in the Bahamas. As we make progress, we also know achieving net zero can't be done alone.

We'll need strong collaboration across the full marine ecosystem, including operators, suppliers, ports, and technology providers. Our business continues to perform exceptionally well. I'm incredibly thankful and proud of the teams at the Royal Caribbean Group for showing up each and every day to dream and create the best vacation experiences for our guests, allowing us to perform while we transform. The future of the Royal Caribbean Group is exceptionally bright, and I couldn't be more excited about what's ahead.

And with that, I'm happy to turn the call over to Naftali. Naf?

Naftali Holtz -- Chief Financial Officer

Thank you, Jason, and good morning, everyone. I will start by reviewing first-quarter results, which were significantly above our expectations. Adjusted earnings per share were $1.77, 36% higher than the midpoint of our most recent guidance of $1.30. 45% of the outperformance, or $0.21, was driven by better pricing for our vacation experiences, with the remainder driven by federal timing of operating expenses.

We finished the quarter with a net yield increase of 19.3% compared to the first quarter of 2023. 385 basis points higher than the midpoint of our initial guidance in early February. While a load factor recovery was a contributor, most of our yield growth was driven by rates that were up by 14% versus 2023. 55% of the outperformance compared to our initial guidance was driven by ticket pricing, with the remainder driven by shipboard revenue strength.

Net cruise costs, excluding fuel, increased 4.1% in constant currency, 315 basis points lower than our initial guidance. Favorable timing was a driver that contributed to the better-than-expected results. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 31%, and operating cash flow was $1.3 billion. On our last earnings call we discussed the record-breaking start-to-wave season and widespread strength in booking, pricing, and onboard revenue.

The consistent strength in demand for our brands has led to a further amplification in pricing well beyond the levels we were expecting. Bookings have been outpacing last year by a wide margin on a weekly basis, despite having less inventory remaining for sale. As a result, we continue to be in a record book volume position and our booked per DMs are now even further ahead of 2023 than they were as we entered the year. The Caribbean is our largest product group, representing just over 55% of our deployment this year.

Overall, the Caribbean products remain in an extremely strong book position with new hardware and much higher pricing on existing ships, contributing to strong yield growth for the product. Europe accounts for around 15% of our capacity for the full year and close to 25% during the summer. Despite the fact that we had to modify some of our Eastern Mediterranean sailings that were previously expected to call in Israel or sail through the Red Sea, our European itineraries have been performing very well and we are currently booked nicely ahead of last year in both rate and volume. Regarding the situation in the Red Sea, we have rerouted a handful of spring repositioning cruises and we also have contingency plans for a few other sailings that may be impacted in the fall.

All these are included in our revised guidance this morning, including the reduction in APCDs. We are all close to the start of our summer Alaska season. This product represents 6% of full-year capacity and 15% in the summer season. We have upgraded our Alaska capacity this year for two of our brands.

For the first time, Celebrity will offer incredible Alaska vacations on the Edge class ship, Celebrity Edge, and Silver Sea's new ship, Silver Nova, will also sail in Alaska. Alaska has been one of our strongest-performing itineraries this year and remains in a record-booked position. Asia Pacific itineraries will account for 10% of our capacity this year. Overall, our Asia and Australia itineraries continues to perform well, and we're in a strong booked position for the upcoming winter season.

Now let's turn to Slide 7 to talk about our increased guidance expectations for 2024. Our results remain ahead of expectations, and we now expect to meet all our trifecta goals in 2024. Net yields are expected to be up 9% to 10% for the full year, 225 basis point increase from the midpoint of our prior guidance in mid-February. 40 basis points of the increase is due to exceptional first quarter results.

The remainder is due to a significantly better business outlook for the rest of the year due to robust demand driving higher pricing and continued strength in onboard revenue. Now moving to costs. Full-year net cruise costs excluding fuel are expected to be up approximately 5.5% and that includes 310 basis points impact from the increased dry dock days and the operations of Hideaway Beach. Our cost metric is up 150 basis points compared to our prior guidance with a quarter of the increase predominantly due to lower APCDs on canceled Red Sea sailings that skewed the metric.

The remainder is driven by higher non-cash stock-based compensation. Excluding those items our costs are in line where initial expectation and guidance. We anticipate a fuel expense of $1.18 billion for the year and we are 61% hedged at below-market rates. So based on current fuel prices, currency exchange rates, and interest expense, we expect adjusted earnings per share between $10.70 and $10.90.

I want to provide a little more color on the progress of our earnings guidance. As you can see on Page five, we are increasing our earnings guidance by $0.80 for the year. That includes $0.10 headwind from fuel prices and currency exchange rates as well as $0.17 benefit from the refinancing we completed in the first quarter. After accounting for those changes, approximately one-third of the increase in earnings is attributable to first-quarter business outperformance.

That excludes $0.26 benefits from favorable timing with the remainder two-thirds driven by better business outlook for the rest of the year. Now turning to Slide 8, I will discuss our second-quarter guidance. We plan to operate 12.2 million APCDs during the second quarter. Net yields are expected to be up 10.2% to 10.7% compared to 2023.

Two-thirds of the yield increase are driven by new hardware and load factor catch up with the remainder one-third related to like-for-like pricing. Net cruise costs excluding fuel are expected to be up 7.4% to 7.9% and includes costs related to increased dry dock days and the operations of Hideaway Beach as well as timing of costs shifted from the first quarter. During the second quarter, we will have 8.5x more dry dock days compared to the second quarter of last year, which is weighing on our cost metrics this quarter. Taking all this into account, we expect adjusted earnings per share for the quarter to be $2.65 to $2.75.

Turning to our balance sheet, we ended the quarter with $3.7 billion in liquidity. We continue to make significant progress in strengthening the balance sheet and reaching our trifecta goals of investment grade metrics. During the first quarter, we refinanced $1.25 billion of our most expensive bonds with a new unsecured note at six and a quarter that allowed us to save over 500 basis points or $56 million of annual interest expense while also realizing some savings in 2024. We will continue to proactively pay down debt and pursue opportunistic refinancing and expect to further reduce leverage to just below mid three times by the end of 2024.

Also in the first quarter, S&P upgraded our credit rating to BB+ with a stable outlook, and Moody's upgraded the company's credit rating to BA2 with a positive outlook. We are very pleased with the rating agency's acknowledgement of the strong trajectory of the business and our commitment to strengthening the balance sheet. Our priorities to address debt remain unchanged, managing debt maturities, reducing interest expense, and removing remaining restrictions on capital allocation and toward a fully unsecured balance sheet. In closing, we remain committed and focused on executing our strategy and delivering our mission while achieving our trifecta goals.

Our strong book position and an accelerating demand environment position us for another strong year of yield growth and a step change in earnings growth. With that, I will ask our operator to open the call for a question-and-answer session.

Questions & Answers:

[Operator instructions] Our first question will come from the line of Steven Wieczynski with Stifel. Please go ahead.

Steve Wieczynski -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst

Yeah, guys. Good morning. Congratulations on the solid results and outlook. So, Jason and Naf, you obviously gave a lot of color around how bookings are shaping up for the rest of this year.

But look, if we think about bookings for next year, I'm sure that's where a lot of investor interest levels are going to go to pretty surely. So you're just wondering what kind of color you can give us for 2025 at this point and wondering if the booking and pricing strength that you're seeing today is being transferred so far into 2025.

Well, good morning, Steve. Thanks for the question. So one, I mean, all of our commentary around our bookings, the strength that we're seeing, but not only relates to 2024, but also to 2025. And we're getting close to the point where we'll soon be taking more bookings for '25 than we are for 2024.

And so when we look into the booking behavior, one, the booking window continues to extend. So guests are making their decisions much further out. When we look at the repeat rates that are going on and the dreaming that our guests are doing to make sure that they're getting the vacation experience that they want is really all leading to very, very strong demand trends for 2024 as well as 2025. And by the way, we're also taking bookings into 2026.

We're also seeing very strong booking behavior pre-cruise. And again, making sure that our guests are, have the ability to get their first day of their vacation back by planning their onboard activities and shore excursion activities well in advance. And that's also not only helping our ability to yield manage on the onboard experience, but it's also improving our customer deposits, which is also rising due to that. So all-in-all, things just continue to accelerate and the thirst or hunger for our brands and their experiences just continues to grow.

And you see that not in just the booking behavior, but also all of our survey data around one propensity to cruise, but also propensity to cruise with us.

OK. Gotcha. Thanks for that, Jason. And then second question, probably a bigger picture question, but look, if I remember correctly before the pandemic, you guys were always targeting, I think it was $20 a share in earnings by 2025.

And look, obviously, you aren't prepared to give another long-term set of financial targets today. But I mean, look, if we start to think about your capacity yield cost algorithm, are we crazy to think that getting back to $20, even with the dilution and the higher interest costs that you guys took on during COVID? I mean, it seems like that's probably back on the horizon again. Are we kind of crazy to think that way?

Well, I won't get into how crazy you are, Steve, because that could take the balance of the call. But I think as you pointed out, which I think is an important component is, we have a business that has really strong operating leverage. And what we have talked about is our formula for success, which is moderate yield growth, which clearly we haven't seen this year. We didn't see that last year.

We've seen elevated yield growth. Moderate yield growth, good cost control, moderately grow your business, bring on new destinations, drives really very tremendous earnings power. You think about a 1% change in our yields is $120 million this year. A 1% change in our cost is about half of that.

So grow your yields faster than your costs, bring in really strong, high yielding capacity that has great inventory mix. You bring in new destinations like more like, we did this year with Hideaway, bringing in the Beach Club and Nassau, bringing in the Beach Club in Mexico, etc. These are all things that are driving very high margins for us and is improving our return profile as well as our earning profile. And of course, none of that, takes into account, I mean, Naf and team have done an exceptional job already on the balance sheet.

There'll be more opportunity to continue to lower the negative carry. And of course, none of this contemplates capital returns, which is one thing that we were doing pre-COVID. So it's something that we think as we look at how do we continue to improve your shareholder return? Those are things that could also improve our earnings outlook is by considering the dilution that occurred and return capital to shareholders. All of this are things in which we will begin to address once we get to our trifecta goals, which as you know, we described as base camp.

That's great color. Thank you, guys. Appreciate it.

Your next question comes from the line of Ben Chaiken with Mizuho. Please go ahead.

Ben Chaiken -- Mizuho Securities -- Analyst

Hey. Good morning. Sounds like demand accelerating. Would be great to hear any color on demand for Paradise Island and then I guess related.

Can you talk to us how you're differentiating the destinations from a marketing perspective of CocoCay and Paradise Island and Cozumel or maybe my ship class? Just any nuances you would call out. Like is this a CocoCay returning customer or a different person? That'd be great. Thanks.

Michael Bayley -- President and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Caribbean International

Hi, Ben. It's Michael. I mean, when we think of the Beach Club portfolio that we're planning on developing, along with Perfect Day, they're incredibly complementary destination experiences and they fit really in the sweet spot of our demographics and really in terms of what our guests are seeking, looking for when they go on a Caribbean cruise, they really knock it out of the park in terms of satisfying that demand, that need. So very similar type of product, different vibe.

Perfect Day is the full day for thrill and chill and the Beach Club is, as you imagine, just an incredible day at the beach, which is what most guests are seeking in the Caribbean. And it's curated by Royal Caribbean. It's a stunning experience. And of course, it's very authentically connected to the culture, for example, in the Bahamas or Mexico.

And it really is a huge demand driver. When we look at the demand that we've seen for Perfect Day, this year we'll take 3.2 million guests to Perfect Day. Last year it was 2.6 million. And it really is a demand driver.

People want to sail on the ships that go to Perfect Day and they want to sail on the ships that go to the Beach Club. And I think it's proven to be incredibly successful. When you wrap that up with the kind of hardware we've introduced, for example, Icon, which has been an unbelievable success. I mean, beyond our wildest dreams success.

And you add on Utopia, which is a brand new Oasis class ship, which was going straight into the short product market out of Port Canaveral. The demand we've seen for, for example, Utopia sailing to Perfect Day has been extraordinary. So we think we've got the formula figured out. And our plan is to continue to evolve and develop that formula over the coming years.

Yes. And Ben, I just want to add and I had it in my remarks. I think one of the incredible things that we're seeing out of destinations like Perfect Day, and we'll see this in the World Beach Club and Nassau, is how it's drawing in new to cruise and millennials. So my comment that one and two of our guests, one out of two of our guests are millennial or younger, to me is a very powerful statement.

The increase, we have an 11-point increase in new to cruise. And so, and what we know is when they sail with us, they're five times more likely to sail with us again. And the repeat rates that we're seeing are exceptional. And it's a lot because not only are we bringing that full incredible experience that our crew delivers on our ships, but we're enhancing the experience in the destinations.

And I think that combination with where Michael and his team have really the dreaming and innovating and delivery on Perfect Day and how there's 25,000 guests a day that come into Nassau. And we're going to take some of those guests and we're going to bring them over to the Beach Club, which is great economically for us as well as it is for the Bahamas, and deliver an incredible experience that's going to drive probably 90 plus NPS scores. And that's what people are seeking. They want those experiences that they can walk away from and it's attracting a high level of demand.

And Ben, not to continue on this, but to add to Jason's comments, Utopia is not by accident, Utopia is sailing out of Port Canaveral. It'll be going to Perfect Day. It really is another product that's squarely in this competitive space of land-based vacations and we're seeing huge demand coming for this product. And you think about the combination of a three, four-day product like Utopia going to Perfect Day, and then in 25, it'll go to Perfect Day and the Beach Club.

That's really a phenomenal game changer. And it really is drawing in a huge amount of new to crews and it's beautifully positioned in Canaveral, right fundamentally in Orlando.

Gotcha. Just a very quick follow-up on Paradise. I think, Jason, you mentioned 25,000 guests to Nassau. Am I interpreting that correct, that this could be a kind of like a revenue generator for not just your cruise guests, but also other people who are going to Nassau? Or is that the wrong reason?

No. It's primarily for the Royal Caribbean brand. Our other brands will have access to it, but the broader cruise market would not have access to the Beach Club.

But the beautiful thing is, is that the Royal Beach Club in Paradise Island is positioned pretty much at the entrance to Nassau. I think the point is, is that on a given day, there's 25,000 to 30,000 cruise guests coming in on multiple different cruise brands. And of course, when they sail into Nassau, the only thing they're going to see is the Royal Caribbean Royal Beach Club, which is going to be absolutely stunning. And they will be unbelievably jealous knowing that they can't go there.

That's a great point. Thanks.

Your next question comes from the line of Matthew Boss with J.P. Morgan. Please go ahead.

Matt Boss -- JPMorgan Chase and Company -- Analyst

Great. Thanks. And congrats on another nice quarter. So Jason, coming off strongest wave season in history, could you elaborate on the continued near-term strength cited in April, both from demand and pricing, maybe, if anything, by region? And to your comments earlier, how best to think about your market share opportunity in this 1.9 trillion growing global vacation market? And then just for Naftali, just as we think about the underlying guidance rate, where are you more confident today as we think about the back half, maybe relative to three months ago?

Sure. Well, thanks for the question, Matt. First off, I think just -- I mean wave was absolutely exceptional. It's kind of mid-teens better than what we saw on the previous year.

Interesting enough, though, April was almost double that in terms of the level of demand that we were seeing. So that's why when I talk about demand is accelerating, it's not just what we saw when we last spoke to everybody in early February. It's not just when we updated at the end of February. But that acceleration has picked up speed.

And of course, at this point, we only have about 12% load factors left to build for the year. And so that will provide opportunity for us to a degree this year. But what that I think means in terms of the opportunity into 2025 and beyond is very appealing. I think when you frame that the $1.9 trillion of travel space, and of course, that's a growing number, cruises $65 billion of that $1.9 trillion.

So we're a very, very small fraction. And I think something we've talked about before is a 1% shift is worth 11 Oasis-class ships to us. And so for us, when you look at things like Perfect Day, when you look at things like the Royal Beach Club, when you look at things like Utopia, you look at things like what we're doing on Edge and Nova, it's very purposeful, less about what's happening with other cruise operators. It's more, how do we take further share? How do we compete with Orlando? How do we compete with Las Vegas? How do we compete with other land-based alternatives to grab that share, where as we know today, currently trades at least at a 25% or 30% premium to what we're getting.

So that value, we want to close that gap to land-based vacation, and we want to take share. And we believe by waking up and being just obsessed at delivering the best vacation experiences in the world puts us in a position to win.

Hey, Matt. It's Naf. Just to add one other thing to Jason. Also, if you kind of look at 19 versus where we are today, we have been taking share.

Again, you don't have to believe much. And as Jason said, 1% is 11 Oasis-class ships. That's a pretty significant rise. But we've continued to focus on it and make progress there.

I think just in terms of the strength, as you kind of heard in our prepared remarks, the strength is across all our key itineraries. And, of course, the Caribbean continues to be performing very well. But as much as others, Alaska, Europe, and obviously we're coming back to China. So we feel pretty good of where we are standing today.

When our book position, where the pricing is for the rest of the year.

Great. Congrats. Best of luck.

Your next question comes from the line of Sharon Zackfia with William Blair. Please go ahead.

Sharon Zackfia -- William Blair and Company -- Analyst

Hi. Good morning. I think on the last call, you had talked about 80% of passengers being North American this year. I'm just wondering if there's any update on that, if there's any change.

And then as we think about next year, kind of where would you expect, North America to go? It's kind of been unusually large the last few years. And if we see kind of China or Europe ramp up in the passenger base, how do we think about that impact on onboard revenue?

Yes. Well, thanks for the question, Sharon. I hope you're doing well. So I think just starting off, we need to just frame that, we have global brands, not nationalistic brands.

And these global brands are supported by a very significant commercial apparatus, with leading yield management tools and teams around the world. And so the sourcing is really a reflection of the demand patterns that we see to optimize our ultimate revenue. More China next year, as we add that second ship into China, can move this number a little bit to be less North American centric. But we're going to follow the demand patterns.

And that is how we've done it for a very, very long period of time. And of course, that could potentially shift the mix of onboard and ticket. I don't think it's going to materially shift it because I do think that we'll probably be relatively close to the sourcing that we saw this year. Maybe it moves a little bit, but it's not going to move a lot.

But we're focused on optimizing our revenue. And so if we're getting more in ticket from a customer and a little bit less on onboard, we're perfectly OK with that. As long as the answer is higher yield profile and higher margin profile for us. And that's how we've run the business for a very long time.

And I think we're very fortunate to have thought long time ago to make sure that our brands are positioned to be globally desirable in sourcing from many different markets.

Jason, can I ask a follow-up? The one or two passengers being millennials at this point, do you find that that customer is more inclined to pre-book onboard versus kind of their elders like me? Or, is it, are you seeing pre-booking success kind of across the demographic gamut?

Yes. I mean, it skews a little bit younger, but I think, Sharon, one, if we can pick any, positiveness out of COVID, was that the consumer, a young or middle-aged, etc., got very used to booking or buying things online. We also really improved our ability to take friction out of the booking experience for a ticket price, as well as the booking experience for onboard, by curating, taking a lot of steps out of the process, etc. And that's really what is driving that better behavior.

The installation of a proper commerce system that we can yield manage, that we can curate, which we're still very in the early innings on, is really what's benefiting that. And you just think about just shopping behavior. In the first quarter, we had 100 million visits to our websites, 100 million. That's twice what we had pre-COVID.

And so, we have really upped our game, not just on a marketing basis, but also to make that our websites helped our customers dream about what they want to do and help them get to the experience that they're looking for. And then making sure that they have all the onboard experiences that they want to have and being able to resolve all that well in advance of them getting on the ship.

Thank you so much.

Thanks, Sharon. Your next question comes from the line of Brandt Montour with Barclays. Please go ahead.

Brandt Montour -- Barclays -- Analyst

Hey, everybody. Thanks for taking my question. So maybe for Michael, China restarted this month. Wondering if you could give us maybe even qualitatively a sense of sort of initial load factors, initial pricing or initial expected onboard spend.

Obviously, you can't give us that specifically, but just sort of better or worse than you were forecasting. And clearly, the follow-up is, you decided to take Ovation there next year. That's obviously a good sign. But why Ovation? I think that comes out of Alaska and Australia.

Why that ship? And why not a ship necessarily out of the Caribbean or somewhere else? Thank you.

Brandt, yes, good question. I think, the fact that we've already deployed a second ship into the China market gives you an indication of how well the first ship is doing in the China market. So we're pleased with the spectrum bookings. Our comparison, of course, is back in 2019, which we've used a lot over the last couple of years.

Overall volume and rate for the China product in '24 is significantly higher in both volume and rate from '19, which is a great indicator of the kind of demand that we're seeing for the product. And we feel good about '24 going into '25. That's why we've got the second ship. Both quantum class, both have done very well in the China market.

They seem to be really well suited for that market. And of course, Ovation, both in Alaska and Australia, is perfectly suited for the China market in terms of its geographical positioning. One will be in Tianjin, which we've operated out of many years before the pandemic. And of course, Shanghai, both great markets for us.

The onboard spend, obviously, it's only the couple of days into the season, but it's looking really positive. We have high expectations and I think they're going to be realized. The other thing that's changed quite a lot in terms of the market dynamics in China is the change in our direct business versus the traditional trade business. There was quite a transformation during the pandemic in terms of a lot of the retailers that dropped out of business.

Fortunately, pre-pandemic, we started to invest significantly in resources, technology, people to develop that direct business. And we continued through the pandemic and we accelerated when we came out of the pandemic. And it's proving to be very productive for us. So overall, our distribution strategy is proving to be successful.

Demand seems very, very strong. Of course, Korea opened up, which is great. So that gives us a better itinerary product to offer to our guests. And we're feeling good about how this will play out.

Of course, we've been in China for a decade before. So we've all been through the ups and downs, but currently it's looking pretty positive.

OK. That's really helpful. And then maybe one for Naf. The higher guidance for the year helps bring credit metrics, at least in our model, perhaps a little closer to IG, perhaps a little earlier than we had before.

And so I guess, maybe it's worth you refreshing us on what you think the board needs to see to reestablish capital returns. And if today's report maybe helped that picture at all. And that's it for me.

Yes. So just on the balance sheet. So you're right, obviously, with the acceleration of performance, we're focused on basically three things, right? We're focused on reducing leverage. And I said in my prepared remarks, we will -- we expect to get to below the three and a half times leverage by the end of the year.

So that's very positive. Obviously, we continue to pay down debt. EBITDA, increases are helping with that leverage. So we're feeling pretty good about that.

And then reducing cost of capital, you saw us take an action this quarter reducing on one bond more than 500 basis points or almost $60 million of annual interest expense. And we'll continue to find those opportunities to lower the cost of capital and use both cash and opportunistic refinancing. I think there's much more to do there. And lastly, it's just an unsecured balance sheet.

We want to get back that capacity on the balance sheet like we had pre-COVID. And we basically have three bonds left that if we pay them back or we refinance them, the whole structure collapses and we're back to unsecured balance sheet. So that's our focus. We'll continue to execute on that.

Our focus is on metrics, not ratings. We were very pleased with the upgrades that we got from the rating agencies, but our focus in our getting to the balance sheet.

Thanks, everyone. Congrats on the quarter.

No, no. I was just going to say obviously you're getting to base camp and getting to those metrics is an important line for us and as well as for our board in terms of consideration of capital returns. But I would just point to that pre-COVID. We certainly, that was very much part of our formula was having a competitive dividend and also buying back shares opportunistically.

Thanks, everyone.

Your next question will come from the line of Robin Farley with UBS. Please go ahead.

Robin Farley -- UBS -- Analyst

Great. Thanks. One clarification on your really excellent guidance. It sounded like you were suggesting that there were some fall Red Sea cruises that are still on your schedule, but did I understand your comment to mean that if they were to change, that's already factored into your guidance? So if we see that, see any changes in those, it wouldn't change your guidance.

I just want to make sure I understood that part of your commentary, right?

Yes, Robin. That's correct.

OK. Great. Thank you. And then just my other question is on capacity and capacity growth.

And you mentioned that moderate capacity growth has been your goal. Others out there, some have been more aggressive lately with ordering ships out into the future. And I wonder if you could just give us your thoughts on whether you feel that that changes anything with availability of slotted shipyards or if that changes in any way what you have been thinking about capacity or would think about needing to do in the future. Thanks.

Sure. Hi, Robin. So first, I think it's important that when we talk about our order book, these are ships that are actually on order. We're not talking about options.

We're not talking about slot reservations. We're talking about things on order. And of course, we don't have any orders going out to I think 2035 or 2036, at this point in time. What we do subscribe to is that we believe that we are in segments that have a lot of growth potential to them.

We believe we have the right brands in those segments. And we believe that we should be moderately growing our brands over time. And so that's kind of what we're committed to. And I think we feel very good not only about our current order book and about the potential of that order book to grow moderately, but also our access to build those ships over an extended period of time.

So I think we feel very good about it all around. And I think we're showing that the investments we're making in our brands, what the investments we're making in the destinations are yielding very high returns for our shareholders and continuing to expand our margins.

I guess maybe to clarify, do you feel that you would need to order ships more than five years in advance in the current environment? Or is that sort of five to six years out, I would say something five?

Yes. I think it depends on the circumstances. We've ordered, Icon was being designed and dreamt of obviously COVID delayed some of those orders, but somewhere typically in that kind of five-to-six-year range is where you make those orders. But keep in mind, and that's what I think my comment is, that doesn't mean you don't have options and you don't have slot reservations and so forth that you could also, which is why we typically order in that kind of five-to-six-year type of range.

We don't announce things unless they are fully contracted and we know the price and we have the financing in place.

OK. Great. Thank you.

We have time for one more question.

Our final question will come from the line of Vince Ciepiel with Cleveland Research. Please go ahead.

Vince Ciepiel -- Cleveland Research Company -- Analyst

Great. Thanks. Earlier in the call, there was some commentary on loyalty and I just wanted to get your sense for what you're seeing within that across your brands and varying products, what you see in terms of overlap of customers and then maybe finally within that, have you ever thought about getting into river cruising, thoughts on that segment of the market and is there much overlap with your current customer base?

Yes. Well, first just to kind of build off of what I had said earlier is, we have been very thoughtful about having the right brands and the right segments. And we have done such an incredible job at delivering a vacation of a lifetime and we're focused on making sure we're set up to deliver a lifetime of vacations. And our guests, there is overlap between Royal and Celebrity and Royal and Silversea and vice versa because you could have a set of grandparents on Silversea that next month are going on a cruise with their kids and grandkids on the Royal Caribbean brand.

That happens all the time. And one of our ultimate goals here is to make sure that we keep our customer in our ecosystem. And so we do that whether that's through awareness of our brands, whether that's through loyalty programs, whether that's through cross-selling, etc. And those are things that we have an opportunity to get better and better at, especially as our travel platform technology-wise is more flexible.

The comment on river or other experiences, we're always evaluating opportunities. River is an area where we do see some overlap, not a lot of overlap, but we do see some overlap occurring and that could be something that we would consider at some point in the future. But at this point in time, we're very focused on excelling in our core, growing our core and also further building out our destination platform. All of that, as we're clearly seeing, is working to deliver a very high ROIC profile and producing strong shareholder returns.

Great. Thank you.

I will now turn the conference back over to Naftali Holtz, CFO, for closing remarks.

We thank you all for your participation and interest. Michael will be available for any follow-up. We wish you all a great day.

[Operator signoff]

Duration: 0 minutes

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