When most people think of cruising, their minds go straight to the Caribbean—sunny beaches, tropical drinks, and island vibes. And while that’s an incredible experience, there’s a whole world of cruising beyond the beach.After sailing to the Caribbean several times, I was ready to branch out and explore something different. Alaska quickly rose to the top of my list as the perfect way to break out of the typical tropical cruise mold.

So, if you’re looking for a new kind of adventure at sea, here’s why an Alaska cruise deserves a spot on your travel list…

A More Intimate Experience

Given the nature of this style of cruising and the ports available, the mega ships cannot cruise to Alaska. That’s not to say these ships are tiny either. On my recent Alaska cruise, I sailed aboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas. This is one of if not the largest ships that can cruise this area. Compared to my last two cruises aboard Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, it’s a smaller experience. Quantum of the Seas can hold up to 4,180 guests and features some incredible things only found on this class of ships.

Choosing the right ship is a big part of planning your Alaska cruise—but it’s only half the equation. Before booking mine, I dove deep into research on cruise lines, cabin types, and itineraries. Unlike Caribbean sailings where the ship often is the destination, Alaska cruises are much more about the places you’ll visit. That said, sailing on a ship you enjoy still makes a big difference in your overall experience.

Not all cruise lines are created equal. Some lean toward luxury, while others are more geared toward families. I find Royal Caribbean strikes a nice balance between the two. If you’re looking for something more upscale and adult-focused, cruise lines like Holland America or Celebrity might be a better fit. And starting in 2026, adults-only Virgin Voyages will begin sailing to Alaska as well—something to keep an eye on!

One big reason I chose Quantum of the Seas, is the stateroom. Very few ships in any region offer studio or solo cabins. Quantum is one of them. So, instead of paying double occupancy when it was only going to be myself on this sailing, I only paid for myself but also got a bit of a smaller room. Norwegian Cruise Line is another option for the solo cruisers. Alaska does tend to be more expensive than those Caribbean sailings as well, another thing to keep in mind.

No matter which ship you choose, you’re bound to enjoy the immense beauty that is Alaska and the last frontier.

Do Your Research On Excursions

You’re likely going to want to get off an explore these stunning ports you visit on this cruise so excursions are the way to go. Another, expensive piece to an Alaska cruise is those excursions. For the first time in booking excursions, I went outside booking through the cruise line too. Can this be more risky? Certainly, but it can also save you big time money.

On my May 2025 Quantum of the Seas sailing, I booked three excursions. One in Sitka, Skagway and Juneau. The three Alaskan ports of the trip.

In Sitka, I discovered a snorkeling excursion through Selkie Snorkels. This was an off the beaten path type excursion as most don’t think of snorkeling in a cool weather place like Alaska. This excursion also cost $200 when all was said and done. They provide you with a wetsuit and all the gear though. You are picked up at the Centennial Hall which is where most excursions meet. One thing about Sitka is the port isn’t directly in the city so you will need to take a bus to the main part of the city which drops you off at Centennial Hall. This bus is free for cruise passengers.

In Skagway, I did one of the more special and coveted excursions. A helicopter to a glacier! The helicopter excursion is basically right next to the port/docks. It’s an easy walk to get to but also one of the most expensive excursions you can do. Another tip, I did not book through the cruise line and instead through Alaska Shore Excursions which saved me $200+. Depending on the type of helicopter excursion, you could be paying upwards of $700 per person through the cruise line for this. However, I will say this was the highlight of my visit to Alaska and well worth it. Another big one in Skagway is the Whitecaps Railroad, which can also run $200+ per person depending on the type of tour you choose.

Lastly, in Juneau, I booked Harv and Marv’s Original 6 Passenger Experience. This was another huge highlight of the trip. I was one of six people in addition to our guide on this three hour tour to see some whales. Many other whale watching tours are only two hours in length and are much larger boats and groups. I can’t recommend this more personal type experience enough. We saw so many whales, and even saw a special place with probably hundreds of sea lions. Again, not cheap either, just over $200 per person for this experience.

All that to say—do your research when it comes to excursions. Don’t feel like you have to stick only with what the cruise line offers. There are so many incredible independent tour operators out there, many of whom are deeply experienced, passionate about what they do, and fully committed to getting you back to the ship with time to spare. On my own trip, I never once felt rushed or worried about missing the ship.

This is also where working with a knowledgeable travel advisor (like me!) can make a huge difference—especially on a big adventure like an Alaska cruise. We can help you find reputable tours that align with your interests and add that extra layer of peace of mind.

Don’t Try To Do It All

From the ship to the ports and everything in between, there is so much to a trip like this. Unlike a beach or Caribbean cruise, you barely scratch the surface on an Alaska cruise. Immediately after returning from this trip, I knew I wanted to go back and explore more.

Even on the ship I didn’t see it all. With long adventurous port days, you can and will come back tired. You also have the time change aspect. I live in the central time zone. Going to Alaska, it was a three hour change. Depending on time of year, daylight can be drastically different too. Even in May, sun was up by 5 AM and didn’t set until well after 9 PM. In July you will have daylight much longer than that.

In the ports, you happen upon things as well. I was unaware of the expansive trail system in Skagway. I ended up hiking a portion of it to a lake but that wasn’t even half of it. I would love to go back and see more of just that trail. In Juneau, I was able to see Mendenhall glacier from a distance but not go near it because of time constraints. There is just so much to see and do in Alaska, the largest state in the US!

Alaska Is A Retirement Vacation

When I was planning my Alaska cruise and chatting with friends and family, I kept hearing the same thing: “Isn’t that more of a trip for older adults?” Let me tell you—that couldn’t be further from the truth! On my sailing alone, I saw everyone from infants under a year old to travelers well into their 90s. Alaska cruises truly offer something for every age and travel style.

That said, be prepared for a fair amount of walking. Even if you’re not climbing mountains like I did, just exploring the charming towns can involve quite a bit of distance on foot. Most ports are walkable, but taxis, Ubers, and excursion transportation are also available if needed. And don’t forget—cruise ships themselves, especially the larger ones, can require a lot of walking too!

Entertainment options vary by cruise line and ship, so choosing the right one matters—especially if you’re traveling with kids or a multigenerational group. I sailed on a Quantum-class ship, which offered a fantastic range of activities for all ages. Think: a two-story kids club, the SeaPlex with bumper cars, sports courts, arcade games, and the North Star—a 360-degree observation capsule offering breathtaking views.

Some cruise lines, like Holland America, tend to cater more toward adults and may not have as many kid-friendly options. Quantum of the Seas struck a great balance with entertainment for everyone, from high-energy shows and family-friendly performances to more mature productions aimed at older guests.

My biggest tip? Check the daily schedule—whether in the cruise line app or on paper—and pick the activities that sound the most fun to you. You don’t have to do everything. It’s your vacation, and it should feel just right for you.

Take In The Views

One of the biggest differences between a Caribbean cruise and an Alaska sailing is the scenery—it’s absolutely breathtaking. Whether you’re cruising through open waters, docked in port, or venturing into a fjord to see glaciers, the views are nothing short of awe-inspiring. My best advice? Layer up, step out onto your balcony or head to the top deck, and soak it all in. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced before.

One tip I’m so glad I listened to—and now always recommend—is to bring a good pair of binoculars. They don’t need to be top-of-the-line, just a reliable pair to help spot wildlife and take in the dramatic landscapes. You can usually purchase them onboard too (Royal Caribbean had some), but it’s nice to come prepared. If you own a camera that’s more advanced than your phone, bring that as well—you’ll have countless opportunities to capture stunning shots of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and possibly even marine life.

If there’s ever a time to splurge on a balcony cabin, this is it. While inside cabins are certainly more budget-friendly, having that private view of the ever-changing scenery makes the experience feel even more special. I never once closed my curtains—I didn’t want to miss a thing. From whales and sea lions to orcas and bald eagles, there’s no telling what you might see just by looking out the window.

Of course, if a balcony isn’t in the budget, don’t worry—you can still take full advantage of public decks and lounges to enjoy those spectacular views. What matters most is that you’re there to experience it.

One of the true highlights of an Alaska cruise is sailing into one of the scenic arms, like Endicott Arm, Glacier Bay, or Tracy Arm. Getting up close to a glacier is a moment you’ll never forget. Just keep in mind: weather is a huge factor. Heavy rain or dense fog can limit visibility, and sometimes conditions may prevent the ship from safely entering the arm. This also applies to excursions—many are weather-dependent and changes are out of the cruise line’s or tour operator’s control.

That said, no matter the conditions, Alaska will leave you in awe. The landscapes, wildlife, and natural beauty are worth the journey—and truly unforgettable.

And there you have it—just a glimpse into why an Alaska cruise should be on your travel bucket list! It’s a one-of-a-kind adventure filled with stunning views, unforgettable experiences, and moments you’ll talk about for years to come.

Whether you’re ready to book your first cruise or looking to try a new destination, the team at Crescent Lake Club (myself included!) would love to help you plan the perfect sailing—on any cruise line, to anywhere in the world.

Ready to start planning? Reach out today and let’s make your next adventure happen!