alaska cruise season 2022

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Princess Cruises Announces 2022 Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours

2022 season includes princess cruises' newest ship – discovery princess – marking the youngest ship sailing in alaska.

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With more than 50 years sailing in the “Great Land,” exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges, it’s no wonder more guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line. On sale Dec. 16, 2020, the newly announced 2022 Alaska cruise and cruisetour program offers six ships, including the line’s newest ship, Discovery Princess. Guests can choose from 12 cruise itineraries, plus 25 seamless cruisetour options, combining an unforgettable cruise and land tour visiting the extraordinary Denali National Park.

For the May through September 2022 season, four convenient west coast home ports – Seattle, Vancouver, B.C., Anchorage (Whittier) and San Francisco – make traveling to Alaska seamless and hassle-free. The 143,700-ton, 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess, marks her inaugural season as the youngest ship in Alaska departing from Seattle on the popular seven-day Inside Passage itinerary, alongside Emerald Princess . Majestic Princess debuts along with Sapphire Princess and Grand Princess sailing the top-rated seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary, which features two glacier viewing experiences on every cruise including Glacier Bay National Park (Vancouver, B.C. to Anchorage [Whittier] or vice versa). Ruby Princess offers 10-day Inside Passage cruises out of San Francisco, featuring the added bonus of the awe-inspiring sailaway under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

All six ships sailing to Alaska in 2022 are MedallionClass-enabled so guests enjoy an effortless guest experience, delivering highly personalized service and enabling touchless interactive experiences and entertainment. Among enhancements, guests enjoy expedited boarding; on-demand food, beverage, retail and service delivery; keyless stateroom entry; contactless payment; friends and family locator; anywhere wagering; interactive games; and movies/live TV on the go along with the best Wi-FI at sea with MedallionNet.   

Cruisetour guests see even more of Alaska by combining a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with multiple nights on land in the heart of Alaska. With dozens of options ranging from 10 to 17 nights, every cruisetour includes a visit to Denali National Park. Princess owns and operates five wilderness lodges, located on the doorsteps of legendary national parks. The cruise line also offers their exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service that takes guests from the cruise ship to the Denali area and custom-built wilderness lodges in the same day, for more time to explore and less time in transit.

Additional 2022 Alaska program highlights include:

• 17 destinations – including five glacier-viewing experiences – on 12 unique itineraries and 140 departures. Most cruise itineraries include visits to the quaint Southeast Alaska towns of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
• 82 calls to Glacier Bay National Park on seven unique itineraries. That means, 74 percent of Princess Alaska cruises include calls to magnificent Glacier Bay National Park.
• All cruisetours combine a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with extended stays at exclusive Princess wilderness lodge. Every cruisetour includes a visit to Alaska’s top-two attractions, Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park.
• Back by popular demand, the 17-day Ultimate Princess Connoisseur cruisetour features two nights at each one of the five Princess Wilderness Lodges for the ultimate Alaska vacation.
• In 2022, Princess celebrates the 20 th anniversary of the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, located just outside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, America’s largest national park.
• Princess continues to enhance the award-winning North to Alaska program, bringing local Alaskans, culture and fresh seafood onboard and ashore to immerse guests in all things Alaska. From Cook My Catch, to Puppies in the Piazza, to mountain climbers, to Libby Riddles – the first female Iditarod Champion.

Princess past guests are eligible for a special promotion when they book early. The special promotion consists of a Captain’s Circle launch discount of up to $100 per person. Offer expires April 30, 2021.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com .

Princess Cruises is currently enhancing health and safety protocols with input from global health leaders in response to COVID-19 and assessing how they may impact future itineraries. Actual offerings may vary from what is displayed in marketing materials. Click on the following links to stay updated on current Cruise Updates , Health & Safety protocols , and CDC Travel Advisories .

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Media Relations Department, Princess Cruises 24305 Town Center Drive Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Phone : 1 661 753 1530 Email :  [email protected]

Not a member of the media? 

Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

More contact information is available on our Contact Us page

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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 Food: Where to Find the Best Food in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

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Fun Activities for kids in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

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What Is the Best Way to See Alaska? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

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Alaska in the summer is a must for adventure travelers looking for wilderness hiking, epic glaciers, dog sledding, and sea kayaking

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Visiting Scenic Restaurants in Alaska

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Honeymoon Cruise in Alaska

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The Best Craft Breweries in Alaska

For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska.

Must-Sees for Your Once in a Lifetime Alaska Cruise Vacation

Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation.

Conquer the World's Longest Zip Line in Alaska

Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure.

Dog Sledding Tours

There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.

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Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more.

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There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. Take your breath away as you travel above its amazing glaciers.

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Your Guide to the Best Cruises From Alaska. Learn more about the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver.

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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• Alaskan Cruises

10 Best Alaska Cruises to Take This Summer, According to Experts

We spoke to cruise experts to find the best Alaska itineraries to book this year.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

With its majestic wildlife, otherworldly glacial scenery, and endless outdoor adventure, a trip to Alaska is one for the books — and the best way to experience it, in our opinion, is by cruise. An Alaska sailing offers travelers the chance to get up close and personal to some of the destination’s most stunning natural wonders (think: Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, the Tracy Arm Fjord, and so much more). Fortunately, when it comes to the best Alaska cruises, options abound, from small-ship luxury sailings and expedition voyages to mega-ships that feel like a floating resort and theme park all in one. Ultimately, explains Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor Eric Goldring , “The question of which are the ‘best’ cruise lines for Alaska really depends on the guest’s desires as there is a balance between how in-depth they wish to delve into Alaska’s nature and Indigenous culture, what type of onboard experience they desire, and, of course, whether the cruise is family-focused.” To determine which Alaska cruise is best for you, Goldring recommends using a travel advisor “who has actually been to Alaska more than once and on different ships” so that you have “access to important first-hand knowledge.” 

According to T+L A-List travel advisor Ashton Palmer , the Alaska cruise season is short (typically from May to September) and availability is limited, which is why travelers should plan their sailings six to eight months ahead of time. While the travel advisor notes that “most trips average a week in length,” he also recommends cruisers allow time to “visit the northern part of the state, including Denali National Park, the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, and Fairbanks,” either before or after the cruise. Several cruise lines also offer land extensions (sometimes called “cruisetours”) to make the experience as seamless as possible. 

While the Alaska cruise season takes place in the warmer months, be sure to pack a few sweaters — and consider dressing in layers. When I cruised Alaska in summer 2022, the weather was (mostly) warm and sunny; however, when we sailed through Glacier Bay, it was chilly, and I was especially glad to have brought a scarf, hat, and light jacket to help brace the chill. Rob Clabbers , another T+L A-List travel advisor , agrees. What’s more, he says, “Weather can change quickly in Alaska, so one moment you may need a sweater, and the next you’re better off in shorts.” 

Meet the Expert

Eric Goldring is a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in expedition, small-ship, and medium-ship cruises. 

Ashton Palmer is a Seattle-based T+L A-List travel advisor who specializes in expedition cruises.

Rob Clabbers is a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in cruises, and he’s the founder of Q Cruise + Travel. 

Dawn Gabree is a travel advisor who specializes in Alaska cruises at Travels by Danielle.

Mary Curry is another T+L A-List advisor who specializes in small-ship cruises to Polar regions and the Galapagos. 

Now that we’ve covered the basics of all things Alaska cruising, keep reading to discover the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, featuring expert insight and award-winning picks.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruisees

Dawn Gabree, a travel advisor at Travels by Danielle who specializes in Alaska cruising, deems Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) "excellent for multigenerational families" thanks to the abundance of onboard activities. "Their larger vessels used in the Alaska market ( Encore and Bliss ) feature must-do activities like go-karting, laser tag, and water slides." On the contrary, "Their smaller vessels ( Jewel and Sun ) provide a more intimate atmosphere over the large ships." Regardless of which ship you choose, expect an array of entertainment options, including Broadway-caliber shows, which Gabree describes as "excellent." What's more, she says, "We saw their production of 'Six' on an Alaskan sailing, and it was phenomenal." The travel pro also loves the World's Best Award-winning mega-ship ocean line for its Freestyle Dining program (read: no assigned seating or fixed reservation times) and plentiful dining options to appease even the pickiest of eaters. Lastly, says Gabree, "A huge selling point for NCL is always their Free at Sea promotion, which includes perks like specialty dining, an unlimited open bar, Wi-Fi, and more. "It's a great value, in my honest opinion." 

Itinerary: The 7-day Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau, and Ketchikan itinerary sails from Seattle on select dates between April and October. Ports of call include Sitka, Juneau, Ice Strait, and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria in Canada. Scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier is also included.

Holland America Line

Tim Rue/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Holland America Line (HAL) — which recently snapped up a 2023 World’s Best Award in the large-ship ocean cruise line category — has been cruising Alaska for over 75 years. HAL prides itself on having more permits for Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line. The cruise line also offers beloved live music programming, which I got to experience firsthand on a summer 2023 Alaska sailing. Most ships boast a “Music Walk,” a section home to venues like B.B. King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard (a dueling piano bar), Lincoln Center Stage, and Rolling Stone Rock Room. After our shore excursions, we’d hop back on board the ship for drinks, dinner, and a nightcap at the dueling piano bar to jam out to hits from Billy Joel and Elton John. All of the above make HAL a popular pick among middle-aged and mature couples traveling without kids; however, onboard our summer sailing, I did notice quite a few small children traveling with their parents and grandparents. 

The onboard culinary offerings are especially noteworthy. While pulling into port one day, I remember digging into a hearty lunch of fish and chips featuring fresh-caught Alaskan halibut. (HAL is the first cruise line to serve fresh, certified-sustainable Alaskan seafood.) As of September, acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto is the Fresh Fish Ambassador as part of the line’s Global Fresh Fish Program . Cruisers can try his flavorful seafood dishes during their sailing. 

Itinerary: As a first-time Alaska cruiser, I thoroughly enjoyed the Alaska Explorer itinerary , which cruises round-trip from Seattle between June and September. Enjoy scenic cruising along the Puget Sound and Stephen’s Passage before calling on Juneau, followed by more scenic cruising in Glacier Bay. From there, it’s off to Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Victoria.

Related: The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List

Royal Caribbean International

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International — or Royal Caribbean for short — offers great fun for families of all ages looking to experience Alaska. As such, it’s no wonder why the mega-ship ocean line is loved by T+L readers and travel advisors alike. What’s more, says Gabree, “Their larger ships (Quantum Class) have equally impressive amenities like skydiving simulators (RipCord by iFLY), the FlowRider surf simulator, and SeaPlex (an indoor recreation center with bumper cars),” says Gabree. The pro is also quick to highlight the North Star observation capsule, which is available on Ovation of the Seas , which cruises Alaska. The attraction whisks passengers over 300 feet above sea level, offering picture-perfect 360-degree views. Put simply, she says, “This is a one-of-a-kind experience when sailing scenic destinations like Alaska.”

The fun continues the minute cruisers disembark in each port, with excursions ranging from dogsledding to private helicopter tours. Back on board, Gabree recommends The Chef’s Table for a truly memorable meal — and I, too, can attest to this. While on board a Caribbean sailing with the cruise line, I had the chance to indulge in this chef- and sommelier-led multi-course food and wine pairing adventure. Four years later, I still find myself dreaming of the delicious circular-shaped dessert known as “The World” — the perfect combo of peanut butter ganache, chocolate mousse, and salted caramel gelato).

Itinerary: Set sail on the aforementioned Ovation of the Seas and embark on a journey through Alaska with Royal Caribbean’s 7-night Alaska Experience itinerary . Cruising round-trip from Seattle, the ship stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka before heading onto Canada, where it calls on Victoria and Vancouver.

Princess Cruises

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Princess Cruises is among T+L readers’ top five favorite mega-ship ocean lines , and its Alaska sailings are not to be missed. Unlike other mega-ship lines, says Gabree, Princess is not at all flashy. That said, she recommends it for “more mature cruisers or those looking for a quieter atmosphere.” So, while you won’t find go-karts or race tracks aboard Princess ships, you can expect incredible educational programming. Don’t miss Puppies on the Piazza, which offers passengers the chance to interact with sled dogs brought on board by local mushers in Skagway. The line also partners with the Glacier Bay National Park rangers and the Discovery Channel to offer unique onboard exhibits and interactive activities like the Jr. Ranger Program. Similarly, says Gabree, “The naturalists that come aboard are extremely knowledgeable.” Last but not least, the service is top-notch. According to the pro, the staff is best described as “attentive and very pleasant.” 

Itinerary: Book the 14-day Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure , which sets sail on select dates between May and September. Passengers will cruise round-trip from Vancouver and visit Juneau, Skagway, Anchorage, and Ketchikan. Bonus: Scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, and Hubbard Glacier is also built into the itinerary.

Related: All 16 Princess Cruises Ships, From Newest to Oldest

Seabourn Cruise Line

Courtesy of Seabourn

This World’s Best Award-winning cruise line combines the best of expedition-style and luxury cruising, making it a popular pick amongst well-heeled, adventure-seeking travelers. Highlights include bespoke service, all-suite oceanfront accommodations (most with private balconies), world-class dining (the cruise line has a partnership with Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller), and, last but not least, a swanky country club-esque atmosphere. According to Goldring, both Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Odyssey offer similar Alaska itineraries in 2024; however, it will be the latter’s final sailing since it was sold. 

Alaska sailings feature a team of academics, scientists, and naturalists, all of whom are on hand to provide expert insight and lead excursions (think: kayaking and Zodiac tours, hiking, bear viewing, and so on). Also, according to Goldring, Seabourn ships “travel no further north than Juneau” and offer a “more intensive and nature-focused experience.” On a similar note, says Clabbers, thanks to the vessels’ small size, cruisers can “spend more time sailing through places like Misty Fjords, where most ships can’t go.” Back onboard, says Clabbers, “enjoy Champagne and caviar when you like, or relax in your suite, the spa, or elsewhere.” 

Itinerary: The 7-day Alaska Fjords and Canadian Inside Passage cruise sails from Juneau to Vancouver, calling on Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, Wrangell, Rudyerd Bay (Misty Fjords), and, finally, Prince Rupert in British Columbia. Scenic cruising through Stephens Passage, Decision Passage, Stikine Strait, and the Behm Canal are also included in the itinerary.

Celebrity Cruises

jewhyte/Getty Images

Those who prefer a “younger atmosphere on a modern, larger ship with lots of bars and restaurants and entertainment” should consider cruising Alaska aboard the Celebrity Edge, explains Clabbers. (While Edge is the newest Celebrity ship to cruise Alaska, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit also sail here . ) Per the pro, the seven-night sailings on Edge “include key destinations like Ketchikan and Skagway,” along with a quick visit to Victoria in British Columbia and scenic cruising through the beautiful Endicott Arm Fjord. Additionally, the World’s Best Award-winning line offers round-trip sailings from both Vancouver and Seattle — as well as one-way itineraries between Vancouver and Seward, the latter of which offer more time to explore (read: fewer sea days).

Regardless of the ship, passengers can expect a wide range of entertainment offerings, an abundance of bars, restaurants, and lounges, and a handful of accommodation options. Speaking of the latter, wellness-seeking duos can reserve an AquaClass stateroom, which includes perks like complimentary dining at the exclusive Blu restaurant, their very own spa concierge, and unlimited access to the adults-only Sea Thermal Suite. Alternatively, for a worth-it splurge, opt for a suite in The Retreat, which includes a dedicated team of concierges and butlers, access to a private lounge and/or sundeck (note that the latter is not available on Celebrity Solstice ), premium drinks, Wi-Fi, and access to the private Luminae at The Retreat restaurant, helmed by chef Daniel Boulud. 

Itinerary : The aforementioned 7-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary on Celebrity Edge cruises round-trip from Seattle and visits Ketchikan, Endicott Arm Fjord (scenic cruising), Juneau, Skagway, the Inside Passage (scenic cruising), and Victoria.

Related: What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Viking Ocean Cruises

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises recently nabbed a 2023 World’s Best Award in the midsize-ship ocean cruise lines category, coming in at first place for the second year in a row. The line’s identical ocean ships offer a sleek Scandinavian design, which only enhances the tranquil atmosphere on board. The luxury adults-only line is also all-inclusive, covering meals, activities, most beverages, Wi-Fi, port taxes and fees, spa access, and one complimentary excursion in every port of call. Cruisers can bask in the mountain and glacier views from the comfort of their private balcony — and, if they’re lucky, they may even spot a whale or two. Finally, in addition to classic ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, Viking Ocean Cruises’ Alaska itinerary also calls on Valdez, which is chock-full of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. 

Itinerary : The 10-night Alaska and the Inside Passage itinerary , which sails between Vancouver and Seward, “is a great choice for curious travelers who have a bit more time and want to learn more about Alaska,” says Clabbers.

Courtesy of Silversea

Those craving a luxury Alaska cruise need not look further than Silversea, says Goldring. Additionally, “While primarily for adults ranging from contemplative to active, Silversea is also a good option for families with more mature children who are more engaged with the journey than onboard child-focused activities.” Silversea guests enjoy all-suite staterooms with butler service and an all-around tony atmosphere. The line’s Door-to-Door All-Inclusive fares cover private airport transfers, economy flights, business-class upgrades or air credits, and shore excursions. 

This luxury cruise line offers classic and expedition-style cruising, the latter of which takes aboard the 274-passenger Silver Wind . (Classic cruises, on the other hand, take place on board Silver Muse , Silver Nova , Silver Shadow , Silver Whisper , or Silver Moon ). Nova and Moon offer the Sea and Land Taste program (S.A.L.T), offering culinary connoisseurs the incredible opportunity to experience the local food scene and culture both on and off the ship. Last but not least, keep in mind that Silversea sails between Vancouver and Seward (with the exception of one September 2024 itinerary, which sails from Nome to Vancouver).

Itinerary : The 7-day Vancouver to Seward sailing on board Silver Nova features Inside Passage scenic cruising and stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka. Before disembarking in Seward, enjoy scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier.

Related: This Is the Cheapest Time to Cruise to Alaska

UnCruise Adventures

Courtesy of UnCruise

“If you are looking for a more casual and laid-back experience, Seattle-based UnCruise Adventures offers down-to-earth trips with enthusiastic naturalist guides, simple accommodations, and hearty local cuisine,” says Palmer. Mary Curry , another T+L A-List travel advisor, echoes these sentiments, explaining that “small ships are the absolute best way to see Alaska if your goal is to immerse yourself in nature and wildlife.” While the cabins are no-frills, Curry stresses that the main focus of the cruise is “getting off the ship and exploring everything Alaska's Inside Passage has to offer.” With that said, when it comes to activities, options abound. Per the pro, travelers can “choose between a menu of included excursions such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, zodiac cruises, whale watching, and more.” All in all, UnCruise really does offer something for everyone. 

Itinerary : For a truly unique Alaska itinerary, consider the Aleutian Islands Adventure with Kodiak, Katmai, and Kenai Wilderness . Cruisers embark in Whittier before making their way to Kenai Fjords National Park, Kodiak Island and Foul Bay, Katmai National Park, Ugashik National Wildlife Refuge, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, the Shumagin and Unga Islands, False Pass, and Unalaska (where they’ll dock overnight in Dutch Harbor before disembarking the next day).

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Courtesy of Nation Geographic

For a true expedition-style experience, Lindblad Expeditions is your best bet. The cruise line offers itineraries in partnership with National Geographic, which have come highly recommended by almost every travel advisor we spoke to. Just take it from Curry, who tells T+L, “If you want to learn about Alaska from a team of exceptional experts, there's no better choice than a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic itinerary. “Every night before dinner,” she says, “We would hear about what we had seen on our excursions that day from the perspective of the experts — naturalists, geologists, marine mammal researchers, and even a diver who would share magical and colorful images from underwater of the area we had explored via Zodiac during the day.” According to the pro, the vessels are “some of the nicest and most modern small ships in the area,” some of which have private balconies along with “little extras” like water bottle filling stations, a mudroom to store gear, and multiple disembarkation platforms to get travelers on and off the ship quickly. Meanwhile, Goldring notes the line’s National Geographic Global Explorers family program, “which focus[es] on interactive and hands-on education with a true naturalist during outings.” As a result, cruisers can expect “a far more enriching experience [than those] offered by most other lines.” 

Itinerary : The weeklong Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness itinerary is “perfect for couples and multi-generational families interested in an engaging and authentic experience exploring the fjords, islands, and small coastal communities,” says Palmer. The itinerary sails between Juneau and Sitka throughout May and September. Along the way, cruisers will visit Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, the tiny fishing town of Petersburg, Glacier Bay National Park, and more.

Related : 21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

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Royal Caribbean Announces 2022 Alaska Cruise Season Schedule

It's never too early to start planning for an Alaska cruise and Royal Caribbean International is gearing up for its most adventure-packed Alaska season in summer 2022. The cruise line will be introducing new itineraries that tout four ports of call and others that showcase twice the glaciers. With a variety of destinations and four unforgettable cruise ships to choose from, including two of the most innovative in the region – Ovation, Quantum, Radiance and Serenade of the Seas – thrill-seekers can experience the breadth of Alaskan nature and culture. The diverse beauty of America’s last frontier will come to life in the culturally rich towns of Haines and Sitka, Seward’s wild natural beauty, and the majestic vistas of the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier.

Informed by guest feedback, travel advisors and local partners, the robust vacation offering will be part of a longer summer program, offering 7-night cruise vacations departing from Seattle ; Seward, Alaska; and Vancouver , British Columbia. Royal Caribbean’s 2022 Alaska cruises open for bookings on Wednesday, Nov. 11; Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members are able to book today.

Quantum Class Goes Bolder & Bigger in Alaska

Ovation of the Seas – the first of the cruise line’s game-changing Quantum Class to sail the Last Frontier – will be joined by sister ship Quantum of the Seas to sail 7-night roundtrip itineraries from Seattle. The Quantum Class ships will bring guests to more scenic cities and towns along the Northwest coastline, including Victoria, British Columbia; Sitka, Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau, Alaska. Travelers will feel a warm welcome in picturesque towns, where native tradition and original Russian architecture are folded into daily Alaskan life, and the awe of the region’s lush landscape, wildlife-filled fjords and gigantic glaciers like the 30-mile-long Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier – best viewed from the North Star, a glass observation capsule unique to Quantum Class that rises 300 feet above sea level.

The adrenaline rush will continue with onboard activities, including a collection of indoor and outdoor pools, the FlowRider surf simulator, RipCord by iFly indoor skydiving experience, and SeaPlex, the largest and most revolutionary indoor active space at sea. When vacationers need a break, they can enjoy Two70, a cutting-edge and transformative venue that offers 270-degree views of the ocean by day and transforms into an unparalleled theater by night with the help of the cruise line’s signature Roboscreens – a troupe of six agile screens that fuse performance art and technology for immersive, live theatrical productions.

Radiance Class Dazzles with Views

A popular choice among vacationers for their ocean-facing glass elevators and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views, two Radiance Class ships will return to the region to round out the summer season. Radiance and Serenade of the Seas will further expand Royal Caribbean’s reach with a fresh take on 7-night itineraries anchored by visits to Haines, Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau and Seward, Alaska.

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Sailing alternating, open-jaw itineraries between Vancouver and Seward, Radiance will introduce a second northbound itinerary that includes a visit to Icy Strait Point – a port owned and operated by native Alaskans – celebrated for its genuine native Tlingit hospitality, diverse landscape and active wildlife. Southbound sailings will introduce an evening call to Haines, among the Inside Passage’s most scenic towns and home to a thriving arts community. Paired with a day spent in Skagway, guests can take advantage of the long, summer daylight hours in the state’s adventure capital that is located along the continent’s longest and deepest fjord.

Sister ship Serenade, departing roundtrip from Vancouver, will similarly hero Haines with a full-day visit to the destination known for whitewater rafting and spotting the North American brown bear. Guests can also enjoy twice the ice with an itinerary that features both the Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, and the Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America.

Guests on board Serenade can extend their stay with Royal Caribbean’s signature CruiseTours, a series of 2- to 6-night pre- or post-cruise land tours led by local experts. Travelers can witness the notorious American Brown Bear hunting as part of the Katmai Bear Trek, or learn more about “The Last Great Race” and the team of sled dogs on the Family Tundra Express experience. Royal Caribbean also offers 5- to 6-night Canada CruiseTour options with visits to Banff, Calgary and more.

Why Alaska cruises will be busy this summer — and how to avoid crowds on your sailing

Alaska's 2022 cruise season is about to begin in late April, and it's already shaping up to be one of the busiest ever.

Voyages to Alaska resumed last year , but with COVID-19 numbers down this year and more capacity in the region, passengers are more eager than ever to return this summer. With popular ports, such as Juneau , typically seeing as many as 14,000 cruise passengers on days when five or six ships call there, The Points Guy thought it would be helpful to outline a few ways cruisers can avoid the crowds.

Read on to find out what's going on in the Last Frontier, just how shoulder-to-shoulder the tourist situation might be this year and what you can do to steer clear of the masses on an Alaska cruise .

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

What are the experts predicting?

TPG is predicting a "sold-out summer," where it might be difficult to find availability for travel if you wait to book — and if you do, prices will likely be sky-high.

With regard to cruises specifically, discounts are likely to wane as wave season fizzles and demand increases. Plus, ships are rapidly expanding capacity due to relaxed government regulations, which means crowds will be larger in port, and the onboard experience will quickly go from "private yacht" back to "mass-market ship."

As for Alaska, in 2020, before the industry-wide pandemic shutdown, the Cruise Lines International Association , which represents most of the industry's major cruise lines, predicted 1.4 million cruisers would visit the state. Although CLIA hasn't released an economic report for 2022, if 2020's predictions are any indication of expected 2022 traffic, it's going to be crowded this year.

How to avoid the crowds on your Alaska cruise

Want to dodge the port-day pandemonium? Try these tips.

Book a shoulder-season sailing

Sailings during off-peak times — including the very beginning and very end of the Alaska season, which runs from late April to mid-September — are less popular, so you won't be as overwhelmed by fellow cruisers as you would be if traveling at the height of the season.

Shoulder-season voyages also tend to be less expensive, so you might even enjoy some savings.

Try a smaller ship

Not only do smaller ships carry fewer passengers, but they can also call on tinier ports and cruise to scenic glacier locations where many larger vessels can't fit. Smaller ships in smaller ports usually mean thinner crowds and a more personalized experience, but unfortunately, they can also mean high prices.

Try a line like UnCruise Adventures , Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn , Silversea Cruises , Oceania Cruises or Lindblad Expeditions.

Avoid big-ship excursions

Small ships generally offer more personalized excursions and smaller group sizes. If you're sailing on a larger ship, skip ship-sponsored shore tours in favor of venturing on your own or booking a private excursion through a third-party provider. It will ensure that you're not herded on a tour bus with a large group, where you'll have to muscle your way to the front for the best views.

If you do go it alone, be sure to map out a course ahead of time, and let someone know where you'll be — particularly if you'll be hiking or doing other strenuous activities. (Alaska is rugged, and its terrain can be dangerous.) If you book with a third-party vendor or tour guide, do your homework to verify that they're reputable and safe and that they will have you back to your ship on time.

Stay on board

Since the major draw for Alaska is the scenery and wildlife, staying on your ship in port isn't ideal. However, if you're on a smaller ship that visits both large and small destinations, you might choose to head out in places where the crowds aren't as overwhelming and remain on board in places like Juneau, which is often overrun.

If you're someone who likes to read or partake in spa treatments, port days are perfect, as you'll have the ship nearly to yourself.

Explore nature

Although Alaska is a more active destination than most, you're likely to find fewer of your fellow travelers on, say, a glacier trek or a strenuous hike than you are on a walking tour or a bus trip.

If you're able, pack your hiking boots and binoculars, and make your way to the nearest trail or overlook. Book a kayaking adventure or a 4x4 tour, or splurge on a helicopter or floatplane ride to view the sights from above.

The state of cruise tourism in Alaska

With 10% of Alaska residents working in the travel and tourism sector, communities there were hit hard during the pandemic.

A report prepared by the Alaska Department of Revenue notes that more than $1 billion was paid out in unemployment claims over a 14-month period, and in several communities, annual losses exceeded annual operating budgets. Skagway, which appears on many Alaska cruise schedules, saw a 48% decrease in its wage base during the cessation of sailings.

In 2021, ships resumed calls on Alaska for the first time in nearly two years. Because Canada was still closed to cruise ships, President Joe Biden signed legislation allowing ships to bypass foreign port calls required by the Passenger Vessel Services Act .

Canada's recent relaxation of cruise ship restrictions means most vessels must, once again, call on at least one foreign port during their itineraries.

This summer, seven of the industry's "big eight" cruise lines — Norwegian Cruise Line , Holland America , Royal Caribbean , Carnival Cruise Line , Disney Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises — are headed to the 49th State.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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2022 Alaska Cruise Ship Schedule for Alaska, Canada, & WA ports of call

Find out the details of the Cruise Ships that will be in port each day with the 2022 Alaska Cruise Ship Schedules for all ports in Alaska & Canada and even Seattle located below. The Cruise Ship Schedules show you how many ships are in port, the times they are in port, and where the Cruise Ships will be parked.  **Updated as of April, 2022**

2022 Alaska Cruise Ship Schedule - Alaska ports

What are those codes.

Find out what each of the codes stand for by clicking here .

Choose the Port of call or Glacier/Fiord you would like information on and click the link to the right to see the schedule. These are .PDF files and will open individually.

Most often visited and larger ports:

• Anchorage - 2022 Anchorage Cruise Ship Schedule
• Juneau - 2022 Juneau Cruise Ship Schedule
• Ketchikan - 2022 Ketchikan Cruise Ship Schedule
• Sitka - 2022 Sitka Cruise Ship Schedule
• Skagway - 2022 Skagway Cruise Ship Schedule
• Icy Strait Point/Hoonah - 2022 Point Sophia/Icy Strait Point Cruise Ship Schedule
• Glacier Bay - 2022 Glacier Bay Cruise Ship Schedule
• Tracy Arm - 2022 Tracy Arm Cruise Ship Schedule

Smaller Ports:

• Dutch Harbor - 2022 Dutch Harbor Cruise Ship Calendar
• Haines - 2022 Haines Alaska Cruise Ship Calendar
• Homer - 2022 Homer Alaska Cruise Ship Calendar
• Kodiak - 2022 Kodiak Alaska Cruise Ship Calendar
• Nome - 2022 Nome Alaska Cruise Ship Calenda r
• Petersburg - 2022 Petersburg Alaska Cruise Ship Calendar
• Seward - 2022 Seward Alaska Cruise Ship Calendar
• Whittier - 2022 Whittier Alaska Cruise Ship Calendar
• Wrangell - 2022 Wrangell Alaska Cruise Ship Calendar

Canada 2022 Cruise Ship Schedules

• Vancouver - 2022 Vancouver Cruise Ship Schedule
• Victoria - 2022 Victoria Cruise Ship Schedule

2022 Cruise Ship Schedules - Seattle, WA

• Seattle - 2022 Seattle Cruise Ship Schedule

**Please Note** These schedules are subject to change without notice. The information is considered reliable and accurate as of the last update, but is not guaranteed.

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Princess Reveals 2022 Alaska Cruise Season

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• December 8, 2020

Princess has announced its 2022 Alaska cruise season, which will involve six ships — including the upcoming Discovery Princess. There will be 12 different itineraries to choose from, along with 25 cruise tour options.

From May through September 2022, four west coast homeports will be the launching point for Princess’ Alaska cruises: Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage (Whittier) and San Francisco.

The new 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess will depart from Seattle on seven-night cruises, alongside Emerald Princess.

Majestic, Sapphire, and Grand Princess will sail the top-rated, seven-night Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary, which features two glacier viewing experience on each voyage. These sailings will depart from Vancouver and end in Anchorage, and vice versa.

READ: Princess Takes Delivery Of Fifth Royal-Class Cruise Ship

Ruby Princess will be operating 10-night Inside Passage cruises from San Francisco, featuring the added bonus of a sail away under the awe-inspiring Golden Gate Bridge.

All six ships that will be plying the Alaska waters are equipped with Princess Cruises’ Medallion technology. The technology allows services such as quicker embarkation, on-demand food and drinks, contactless payment, keyless stateroom entry, a friends and family locator, and fewer touchpoints.

Cruisetours

Land travelers will see even more of Alaska by combining a seven-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with multiple nights on land in the heart of Alaska. There are dozens of options available ranging from 10 to 17 nights, and every cruise tour includes a visit to Denali National Park.

Princess owns and operates five wilderness lodges, located near the entrances of stunning national parks. The line also offers their exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service that takes guests from the cruise ship to the Denali area and wilderness lodges in the same day.

2022 Alaska Program Highlights

• 17 destinations, including five glacier-viewing experiences, on 12 unique itineraries and 140 departures. Most voyages include visits to Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.
• 82 calls to Glacier Bay National Park on seven unique itineraries.
• The 17 day Ultimate Princess Connoisseur cruisetour is back by popular demand, featuring two nights at each one of the five Princess Wilderness Lodges.
• Princess continues to enhance its North to Alaska program, bringing local Alaskans, culture, and fresh seafood onboard and ashore to immerse travelers in all things Alaska — from Cook My Catch and Puppies in the Piazza to mountain climbers and Libby Riddles, the first female Iditarod Champion.

MORE: Celebrity Will Sail Three Ships in Alaska for 2022 Cruise Season

Those who have sailed Princess Cruises before are eligible for a special promotion when they book early. It consists of a Captain’s Circle launch discount of up to $100 per person. To take advantage of the offer, past guests must book their voyage by April 30, 2021.

The 2022 Alaska cruises and cruise tours will be open for booking on December 16, 2020.

Princess Cruises currently plans to resume operations in the United States on April 1, 2021.

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Norwegian Bliss Launches 2022 Alaskan Cruise Season

Award-winning vessel becomes the first ship to sail from seattle and first to visit alaska this summer.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, kicked off the 2022 Alaskan cruise season with  Norwegian Bliss from Port of Seattle. 

The ship is the first of any cruise ship to visit Alaska this season as well as the first of five Norwegian Cruise Line vessels to cruise The Last Frontier through October 2022. 

Guests on Norwegian Bliss' April 23, 2022 sailing are the first of the season to discover the epic sites of the destination. The vessel will provide travelers with immersive experiences through Southeast Alaska, visiting natural wonders including the passage through the 25-million-acre World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park. NCL was granted access to this natural wonder due to the Company's environmental commitments focused on air emissions, waste and wildlife protection. Other once-in-a-lifetime sites guests may visit include the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, which lies nearly 12 miles outside Juneau, Alaska and the Misty Fiords National Monument near Ketchikan, Alaska, a glacier-carved wilderness featuring snowcapped mountains and waterfalls.

Norwegian Cruise Line has a long history of cruising from Seattle to Alaska, having pioneered the route in 2001. The Company is deeply committed to the region working with destination partners in Seattle and Alaska to drive immersive and responsible tourism. In conjunction with Port of Seattle, Norwegian Cruise Line Holding's (NCLH), NCL's parent company, invested $30 million to upgrade Pier 66, the renowned site where Norwegian Bliss was christened in 2018. The dual investment expanded the check-in area by 300 percent to more than 150,000 square feet. It also expanded two new passenger boarding bridges to provide a more comfortable and efficient embarkation process.

We have nearly three decades of history cruising Alaska, pioneering voyages to The Last Frontier from Seattle more than 22 years ago and christened the largest cruise ship in Seattle in 2018 with the debut of Norwegian Bliss. We could not be any prouder to return to our ‘second home’ and jumpstart the 2022 Alaska season with one of our most innovative ships and provide unforgettable guest experiences with some of the world’s most bucket list destinations.

Driving economic support in Alaska, the Company partnered with and invested in Ward Cove Dock Group, LLC, transforming land, formerly designated as a superfund cleanup, or contaminated land, by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), into a sustainable, environmentally friendly and entertaining site for the community and cruise visitors.

Through a partnership with the Alaska Native-owned Huna Totem Corporation, The Company was able to complete a second cruise pier at Icy Strait Point, as well as expand the destination's Wilderness Landing. Enhancements featured upgraded retail, and restaurants, as well as shore excursion offerings, including the world's largest ZipRider zip line, and experiences highlighting the culture of the native Huna Tlingit people. 

In 2021, as part of NCL’s Great Cruise Comeback to celebrate the restart of its operations, The Brand restarted its U.S. voyages from Seattle to Alaska making its first call to Icy Strait Point and also officially welcoming the opening of the new Wilderness Landing pier and the first of two gondola systems to be completed as part of the joint investment between NCLH and Huna Totem.

"We have nearly three decades of history cruising Alaska, pioneering voyages to The Last Frontier from Seattle more than 22 years ago and christened the largest cruise ship in Seattle in 2018 with the debut of Norwegian Bliss," said Norwegian Cruise Line President and Chief  Executive Officer, Harry Sommer. "We could not be any prouder to return to our 'second home' and jumpstart the 2022 Alaska season with one of our most innovative ships and provide unforgettable guest experiences with some of the world's most bucket list destinations."

The Port of Seattle is excited to welcome cruise back to our region for the first full season since 2019.  As we provide vital support for Seattle's maritime, tourism, small business, and supplier sectors, we also are leading the industry in environmental excellence. 

Throughout the 2022 cruise season, NCL will have the youngest fleet sailing Alaska and offer the largest capacity ever with the most sailings offered by the Brand in Alaska, including a variety of cruises for guests to choose from with five, seven, nine, and 10-day itineraries on Norwegian Bliss, Encore, Sun, Spirit, and Jewel. 

"The Port of Seattle is excited to welcome cruise back to our region for the first full season since 2019," said Steve Metruck, Port of Seattle Executive Director.  "As we provide vital support for Seattle's maritime, tourism, small business, and supplier sectors, we also are leading the industry in environmental excellence."

Cruise in Seattle provides nearly $900 million in economic benefit supporting 5,500 jobs and is an important component of the Port of Seattle’s strategy to expand economic opportunity.

Rounding out this momentous industry and Brand kickoff and as part of NCL’s Great Cruise Comeback for Alaskan cruises,  Norwegian Sun  will also return to sail on May 5, 2022, marking the 16 th of our 17 ship fleet to return to operation, as she sets sail from Seattle and makes her way through Alaska and British Columbia. She will offer five, seven, nine and ten-day itineraries this year before setting sail from Hong Kong. 

For more information about the Company's award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call  888-NCL-CRUISE  ( 625-2784 ) or visit  www.ncl.com .  

Princess Cruises Confirms Full Alaska Season in 2022

• March 9, 2022

Princess Cruises is ready to sail a full Alaska season in 2022, the company said in a prepared statement.

With the recent announcement from the Federal Minister of Transport in Canada announcing the safe resumption of cruising in Canadian ports, Princess confirmed it will be able to operate all cruises and cruisetours to Alaska and to Canada & New England as originally published.

The company also announced it has now finalized programs and guest experiences for its programs in both destinations.

Six Princess ships will sail in the Alaska in 2022, including the line’s newest ship, the Discovery Princess.

Together, the vessels will offer 12 unique itineraries, totaling 140 departures and five glacier-viewing experiences, with visits to the Southeast Alaska towns of Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.

One of the Princess homeports in the region is Vancouver, who serves as a starting or ending point for the seven-night “Voyage of the Glaciers” open-jaw itinerary.

Alaska cruises sailing from Seattle and San Francisco visit Victoria, Canada, along with various ports in Alaska towns dependent upon itinerary. 

In 2022, the company is also offering several cruisetour options, with more than 20 featuring a land tour visiting the Denali National Park and the Princess Wilderness Lodges.

In addition to the Discovery Princess, other Princess ships sailing to Alaska and Canada include the Crown Princess, the Majestic Princess, the Royal Princess, the Ruby Princess and the Grand Princess .

“The reopening of Canadian ports to the cruise industry is a bold and important move that significantly expands the array of travel opportunities available to guests while boosting the economies of the Canadian and Alaska destinations we visit by generating important revenue and job opportunities,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president.

“We know firsthand how cherished these voyages are to both guests and those destinations following our shortened but successful return to Alaska in 2021 that was made possible with the passing of the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act,” he added.

Princess’ Alaska season also features the immersive North to Alaska program, bringing local Alaskans, culture, and fresh seafood on board and ashore.

In 2022, the initiative includes new offerings, such as a selection of Alaska Beers and Spirits and lectures with Professor Amy Butcher and Tom Kizzia – two authors with experience in Alaska.

The first Princess cruise ship to visit Canada is Caribbean Princess, sailing on a four-day Pacific Coastal voyage, with a scheduled port stop in Victoria on April 6, followed by Vancouver on April 7.

On Canada and New England voyages, Princess sails from Quebec and New York visiting popular Canadian ports, including Halifax, Saint John, Sydney and Charlottetown.

The 2022 season runs from July through October and features 16 departures and six unique itineraries on Enchanted Princess and Caribbean Princess.

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Cruise lines are preparing for a potential record Alaska season in 2022

The cruise ship Norweigan Encore leaves the Port of Juneau on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. The Encore was sailing through Southeast Alaska on an unusual late-season cruise. (James Brooks / ADN)

Cruise companies have scheduled their ships for a record-breaking summer in Alaska, but it’s a long way between here and there.

Royal Caribbean Vice President of Destination Development Joshua Carroll said the major cruise line is taking more bookings now than at the same time in 2019, adding that demand for Alaska cruises has been “a standout in our bookings,” even as the most recent wave of COVID-19 cases curbed passenger demand on other sailings.

“As Royal Caribbean and as an industry, we have more ships deployed to Alaska than ever before,” Carroll said during a Feb. 8 videoconference.

Industrywide, cruise operators have scheduled sailings with the capacity to carry 1.57 million passengers to Alaska in 2022, according to figures compiled by Juneau-based economics firm Rain Coast Data.

Most years, cruise companies use the long lead time between bookings and sailings to optimize their schedules; they rarely sail with ships that aren’t full or nearly so. That means 2022 could blow away Alaska’s previous cruise season record in 2019 of approximately 1.3 million visitors, just two years after no large ships visited the state.

Slightly more than 100,000 people cruised to Alaska in the latter half of last summer.

Alaska Railroad Corp. spokesman Tim Sullivan said by email that passenger bookings are “tracking well above 2019″ so far and railroad leaders are planning for a full schedule and full seating after significant reductions the past two summers. Much of the railroad’s passenger business is derived from the rail cars owned by cruise companies that the state-owned railroad pulls on a contractual basis.

[ The era of pandemic restrictions is fast coming to an end ]

However, Rain Coast director Meilani Schijvens and other industry observers noted the ongoing uncertainties of the pandemic mean the preseason capacity figure likely won’t be as reliable as in years past.

“We just don’t know if there’s going to be a new variant coming down the line,” said Schijvens.

Robert Venables, executive director of the regional development nonprofit Southeast Conference, said he’s approaching the 2022 cruise season with the view that “anything north of a million is a fantastic year.”

“Realistically, my personal thought is that we’ll still see a softer spring that will grow to a summer peak,” Venables said. “We don’t see a reverse, 100% on. It’s going to be a glide path and I think that’s what we’re seeing in other parts of the world.”

Potential complications also still could come from federal health officials and their counterparts in Canada, as the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still working to finalize its detailed sailing guidelines for the industry after the agency’s conditional sail order that the ships operated under last year expired in January.

[ Tiny Whittier debates an Alaska Native corporation’s proposal for a second cruise ship dock ]

The first Alaska-bound sailings are scheduled for late April.

The Canadian government officially ended its two-year ban on cruise ships in November, but COVID-19 mitigation and response protocols for voyages this year haven’t been set.

Additionally, the congressional waiver secured last year by Alaska’s congressional delegation to the Passenger Vessel Services Act — the 19th century law that requires foreign-flagged vessels to make a foreign stop when traveling between U.S. ports — has also expired. To that end, Alaska Republican leaders Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Don Young both have legislation in Congress to permanently exempt the state from the PVSA, and Murkowski is also working on a stopgap waiver for 2022.

The “cross-Gulf” sailings that carry upward of 400,000 passengers to Southcentral ports and often subsequent railroad and bus tours to Interior Alaska have historically started in British Columbia ports, as well, to make the longer voyages fit tight sailing schedules.

Cruise Lines International Association Alaska spokeswoman Renée Limoge Reeve wrote in an email that Alaska remains a “bucket-list” destination for many travelers, but also highlighted that there are still numerous variables that could dampen lofty expectations for the upcoming cruise season.

“In 2020, prior to COVID, we anticipated 1.4 million cruise visitors to the state. Unfortunately, the omicron surge and other factors have impacted our wave season and the entire travel sector, but we anticipate bookings for this year will continue to ramp up and expect to have a strong 2022 season here in Alaska,” Limoge Reeve wrote.

[ Anchorage’s international airport set another cargo record in 2021 ]

However, while acknowledging virus protocols will probably impact the season to some degree, Carroll said the demand is there. Royal Caribbean’s protocols call for some cabins on the ships to be kept vacant, but families and larger groups booked elsewhere on its ships currently put Royal Caribbean at 100% capacity for its Alaska sailings based on two people per cabin, according to Carroll.

“We can absolutely fill our ships,” he said. “Guests want to be (in Alaska).”

Rain Coast Data’s Schijvens said that she is bullish about the final visitor tally in spite of the unknowns, adding that she’s also slightly concerned about the ability of shoreside support service providers in Alaska port communities to handle a major influx of visitors after summers with few cruise ships, and amid worker shortages nationwide.

Regardless of how many people ultimately cruise to Alaska in 2022, Venables said he believes the communities are ready and eager for more visitors again.

“Everybody has upped their game and they’re as prepared as they can be, and they’re ready to welcome people back,” Venables said.

Elwood Brehmer can be reached [email protected] .

Elwood Brehmer, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Elwood Brehmer is a reporter for the Alaska Journal of Commerce. Email him: [email protected]

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With an unexpected ship, Thursday May 2 will be Sitka’s biggest day of the summer cruise season

Posted by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | May 1, 2024

The two governments in Sitka get together for a meal and an informal meeting a couple of times a year. Most recently, two days before the community will be swarmed by cruise passengers.

Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz apologized for what is likely to be a wild start to the visitor season.

“So the goal going forward is to not have 9,000,” said Eisenbeisz. “A week ago, it wasn’t. This port call was added very late in the agenda. So Thursday will be busy. What a way to kick off the season.”

There will be three ships in port on Thursday in Sitka – rather than two – with a total passenger capacity of 9,300. The late-comer is the Nieuw Amsterdam, which notified Sitka’s port director about a week ago that it was making an unscheduled call. Combined, the three ships have several thousand crew, many of whom catch a shuttle for the seven-mile ride into town, and can raise the actual number of visitors into five figures.

Sitka officials at the meeting were wary of a possible citizen initiative that would limit summertime cruise visitation to less than half of last year’s record season. The mayor cautioned the Tribal Council that recent efforts by city hall to establish a Parks & Recreation program, assume responsibility for maintenance of the schools and the Performing Arts Center, and to take over management of the school swimming pool, would all be jeopardized by limiting cruise ship calls.

Mayor Eisenbeisz described a simple trade-off: increased tourism or local amenities.

“I think that’s a choice that community can make,” he said. “The other side of not having buses on your streets, is not having a parks & rec program too.”

Tribal Council member Lillian Feldpausch, however, thought the argument was overstated.

“What is it going to take to be able to run at minimum some of these programs?” she asked. “Because that’s kind of like holding people hostage to say, ‘You don’t have these, you know, we don’t get the funding for these, say goodbye.’

Mayor Eisenbeisz said it was not his intention to hold anyone hostage, and that more work needed to be done on tourism. Rather than impose a season limit, he believed Sitka could better manage a daily limit, and one day a week with no ships at all.

Municipal administrator John Leach said the city was investigating a regional strategy to manage cruise traffic, because if Sitka enforced a day with no ships, the cruise lines would go to other towns, and possibly increase congestion there. He wanted a solution that didn’t involve the courts or a ballot initiative.

“Because when it goes to the ballot box, there’s, there’s legal implications on either side pro or against,” he said, ” and it’s going to affect another community.”

As for the cruise passengers, no one disputes that their arrival will be both an economic and culinary boost. A new food truck offering Hawaiian Doughnuts is parked downtown, along with another specializing in Cuban food. “Welcome back to all the food trucks as well,” the mayor said. “I’m pretty excited about that.”

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Cruise company backs Alaska Railroad’s plan to replace Seward dock

The Alaska Railroad Corp. is moving forward with plans to replace a nearly 60-year-old passenger dock in Seward. The $137 million project is for one of three docks in the city operated by the company and it handles all of Seward’s cruise ships.

Alaska Railroad Company external affairs director Meghan Clemens said putting in a new dock is overdue.

“We’re looking at this investment as a 50 year asset for Seward. And to that end, we want to be sure that this new dock is going to be able to accommodate growth into the future as that works for both the industry, and for Seward and the Kenai Peninsula,” she said.

The proposed project includes an almost 748-foot floating dock and 60,000-square-foot terminal building. While the planned dock is only slightly longer than the existing one, the new terminal would be more than double the size of the current building.

Local developer The Seward Company designed the space large enough to hold all cruise ships that sail the state now. Clemens said the terminal building — which also acts as a transition space for cruise passengers in the summer — will serve more than just tourists.

“We think it’s both going to serve customers as they’re embarking or disembarking on the cruise ship, as well as be a great asset for the community of Seward that holds a lot of community events at the terminal building during the offseason,” she said.

The project is being funded by revenue bonds, which must be approved by the state Legislature. The Legislature approved $60 million in bonds for the project in 2022, and the railroad company requested additional bonds worth $75 million this year.

House Bill 122 and Senate Bill 105 are currently in the House and Senate finance committees, respectively. Passing the bills will allow the company to take on the bonds to fund the project. No state funds will go towards the project.

To secure the debt from the bonds, the company signed a 30-year agreement with cruise ship company Royal Caribbean International. This commits the cruise line to using the dock throughout that time and guarantees the minimum amount of money needed each year to pay off the debt. Clemens says an agreement of this length is unprecedented in the state.

According to a port schedule from Cruise Lines International Association, a trade group for cruise lines that Royal Caribbean is a member of, Royal Caribbean cruise ship Radiance of the Seas is scheduled to stop in Seward 10 times this season. Last year, 87 cruise ships went through the docks, bringing nearly 200,000 people to the coastal community, according to a press release from the railroad company.

If the Legislature approves the additional bonds, construction is slated to begin in the fall of 2025, with the goal to open the following summer.

Jamie Diep, KBBI - Homer

Related articles more from author, homeschool ruling is on hold — but only through the end of june, judge rules, watch our anchorage mayoral runoff debate 2024, dunleavy says lawmakers shouldn’t pass bills to address homeschool decision. lawmakers say that’s risky..

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Southeast  | Tourism

With an unexpected ship, Thursday will be Sitka’s biggest day of the summer cruise season

May 2, 2024 by Robert Woolsey, KCAW - Sitka

There will be three ships in port on Thursday in Sitka — rather than two — with a total passenger capacity of 9,300.

The latecomer is the Nieuw Amsterdam, which notified Sitka’s port director about a week ago that it was making an unscheduled call. Combined, the three ships have several thousand crew, many of whom catch a shuttle for the seven-mile ride into town. That could raise the actual number of visitors into five figures.

Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz apologized for what is likely to be a wild start to the visitor season.

“So the goal going forward is to not have 9,000,” he said. “A week ago, it wasn’t. This port call was added very late in the agenda. So Thursday will be busy. What a way to kick off the season.”

Eisenbeisz made the announcement at an informal meeting between Sitka’s two governments, which happens a couple of times a year.

Sitka officials at the meeting were wary of a possible citizen initiative that would limit summertime cruise visitation to less than half of last year’s record season. The mayor cautioned the Tribal Council that recent efforts by city hall to establish a Parks & Recreation program, assume responsibility for maintenance of the schools and the Performing Arts Center, and to take over management of the school swimming pool, would all be jeopardized by limiting cruise ship calls.

Eisenbeisz described a simple trade-off: increased tourism or local amenities.

“I think that’s a choice that community can make,” he said. “The other side of not having buses on your streets, is not having a parks & rec program too.”

Tribal Council member Lillian Feldpausch, however, thought the argument was overstated.

“What is it going to take to be able to run at minimum some of these programs?” she asked. “Because that’s kind of like holding people hostage to say, ‘You don’t have these, you know, we don’t get the funding for these, say goodbye.’

Eisenbeisz said it was not his intention to hold anyone hostage, and that more work needed to be done on tourism. Rather than impose a season limit, he believed Sitka could better manage a daily limit, and one day a week with no ships at all.

Municipal administrator John Leach said the city was investigating a regional strategy to manage cruise traffic, because if Sitka enforced a day with no ships, the cruise lines would go to other towns, and possibly increase congestion there. He wanted a solution that didn’t involve the courts or a ballot initiative.

“Because when it goes to the ballot box, there’s, there’s legal implications on either side pro or against,” he said, ” and it’s going to affect another community.”

As for the cruise passengers, no one disputes that their arrival will be both an economic and culinary boost. A new food truck offering Hawaiian doughnuts is parked downtown, along with another specializing in Cuban food.

“Welcome back to all the food trucks as well,” the mayor said. “I’m pretty excited about that.”

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Ambitious 20-year plan for downtown Juneau heads to Assembly

April 29, 2024

Blueprint Downtown is an effort to lay the foundation for downtown Juneau's future.

Capital Transit temporarily suspends 2 routes amid worker shortage

April 15, 2024

Bus routes 5 and 6 will stop running on April 22.

Advocates want to ban large cruise ships from visiting Juneau on Saturdays, starting next season

April 10, 2024

A group has filed a proposed ballot initiative that would ban all cruise ships that carry 250 or more passengers from visiting Juneau on Saturdays and the Fourth of July. 

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Petersburg welcomes first tour boat of the 2024 cruise season

Posted by Shelby Herbert | Apr 30, 2024

It’s that time of year again – when wide-eyed strangers in matching jackets come wandering through town, asking for directions. 

Petersburg saw its first cruise ship of the year on Saturday, April 27, when the 150-foot Sea Lion tied up to the float at the local drive down dock and disembarked passengers for eight hours. The small National Geographic vessel will make one other stop in town this year, when they return down Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage on September 15th, near the end of the cruise season.

2023 was a record-breaking year for tourism in Alaska, and the Alaska Travel Industry Association forecasts another boom year for cruises. But the number of port calls in Petersburg is projected to drop a little bit from the last two years. The Harbor Department is anticipating 105 stops this year, compared to 118 in 2022 and 110 in 2022. They’re expecting fewer boats this year partly because one of the community’s former visitors has gone out of business. 

American Queen, the company that used to operate the 341-foot Ocean Victory, has folded — dropping six port calls from Petersburg’s list. The cruise line filed for bankruptcy in February and canceled all future voyages, citing its inability to rebound from the pandemic.

Steve Giesbrecht, Petersburg’s Borough Manager, says he’s confident that the Borough’s list of stopovers will fluctuate over the summer. He says the Borough’s yearly estimation is sometimes lower than what actually comes to pass. He says the number of ships doesn’t necessarily translate to the density of the passengers aboard them. Altogether, he says it’s difficult for the Borough to estimate the number of tourists who will actually leave the boat and spend money in town. 

Every year, the Borough collects moorage fees from cruise ships and a “head tax” from passengers who stop through. They go into accounts that pay for things that support the local tourism industry, like upkeep at the library and local harbors. Last year, the Borough collected $40,145 in head taxes and $80,483 in moorage fees. 

The next ship to arrive in port is the 236-foot Venture, which is scheduled to pull into Petersburg’s dock on May 6 and disembark passengers for 12 hours. The community will see regular cruise ship traffic after May 12.

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