Brittany Chrusciel, Contributor 
Sarah Bretz, Contributor You don’t have to venture far from home for the journey of a lifetime. In fact, some of the very best Alaska cruises depart from the Emerald City of Seattle. This guide will answer all your questions about an Alaska cruise from Seattle, including your docking location, where the ship visits, which cruise lines are available to book, and how much they might cost.
Browse the top cruise ships sailing Alaska ranked by categories like “best for kids” and “best for couples.” This will help narrow down which Alaska cruise sailing from the Pacific Northwest is the best fit for you and your family.
Quick Guide: Alaska Cruises from Seattle (2025)
Key Takeaways:
- Perfect For: U.S. citizens without passports (on closed-loop sailings), West Coast residents (WA, OR, CA, ID, NV), and travelers wanting to explore Seattle
- Duration: Primarily 7 days roundtrip; some options for 4-11 nights
- Season: April through October (peak months: June, July, August)
- Cruise Lines: Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Holland America (most sailings); also Celebrity, Carnival, Oceania, and Cunard, among others (MSC and Virgin Voyages joining in 2026)
- Cost Range: From under $1,000 for budget inside cabins to $3,500+ per person for premium balcony staterooms
- Popular Ports: Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Victoria (Canada), with some itineraries including Sitka, Icy Strait Point, and Haines
- Scenic Viewing: Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm, Tracy Arm Fjord, or Dawes Glacier
- Balcony Recommendation: Highly recommended for optimal wildlife and scenic viewing
- Passport Status: Not required for U.S. citizens on roundtrip sailings (though recommended)
- Terminals: Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 (Norwegian, Oceania) and Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (most other cruise lines)
Who should take an Alaska cruise from Seattle?
Sailing from the West Coast is of course the most convenient for residents of Washington, Oregon, and California (even Idaho and northern Nevada aren’t too far). But roundtrip sailings from the U.S. are very beneficial to anyone without a passport.
While a passport is always an incredible tool to have at your disposal (and don’t get left behind in Canada), it’s not required for “closed loop” sailings that begin and end in a U.S. port on most cruise lines. If a cruise were to begin or end in Vancouver, for example, passengers would then need a passport to travel. Luckily for any U.S. citizens sailing from and back to Seattle, this is not required.
Which cruise lines sail from Seattle to Alaska?
Every summer, several cruise lines reposition to Seattle for the Alaska cruise season (April through October). Based on sailings that are currently available for booking, cruise lines offering the most sailings in Alaska include Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Holland America. Other lines with Alaska voyages to choose from in Seattle include Celebrity, Carnival, Oceania, and Cunard, among others.
Even MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages will soon be getting in on the Alaska action, debuting their first cruises in the 49th state in summer 2026.
Where does an Alaska cruise from Seattle go?
Ports of call vary based on itinerary but expect a weeklong Alaska cruise from Seattle to visit at least three ports along the Inside Passage of Alaska, as well as a port of call in Canada. The most common Alaskan cruise ports are Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, followed by Sitka. Most cruise lines also call on the charming city of Victoria, British Columbia before returning to Seattle. Other common Alaskan port calls on voyages from Seattle include Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) and Haines.
Alaska cruises also include scenic sailing days, which almost always feature glacier viewing as part of your cruise program. Common locations include Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm, Tracy Arm Fjord, or Dawes Glacier.
How long is a cruise from Seattle to Alaska?
It takes about a day and a half to reach ports in Alaska from Seattle, Washington. So, if you depart on a Sunday evening, you will arrive in Juneau or Ketchikan by Tuesday morning.
Most Alaska cruises sailing the Inside Passage from Seattle are one week long and sail roundtrip, meaning they also disembark back in Seattle. However, you can also find and book cruises from Seattle that spend nine to 11 nights traversing the Last Frontier. Short on time? Princess Cruises even offers a four-night Alaska sampler from Seattle to Vancouver (though there’s only one such itinerary operating in 2025).
How much does an Alaska cruise from Seattle cost?
There are many factors that affect pricing for an Alaska cruise. These include but are not limited to the type of room you book, the dates of the sailing, and the age of the ship.
You can find an Alaska cruise on a newer vessel for less than $100 per person, per night, but you will be booked in an inside cabin without windows and at the very beginning or end of the season when the weather might not be as pleasant.
Alaska is not the time to be thrifty. Booking a balcony cabin allows for better nature viewing during scenic sailing days. While weather can be unpredictable in Alaska year-round, the warmer months of summer (June, July, and August) do typically fare better for salmon fishing and bear viewing.
In terms of Alaska cruise prices from Seattle, expect to pay a few thousand dollars for two people in a balcony cabin onboard a newer ship on a weeklong sailing in late May. As an example, there is a balcony stateroom for sale on a seven-night sailing aboard Norwegian Encore (built 2019) departing May 17, 2026 for $2,125 per person.
Best Cruise Ships from Seattle to Alaska
| Cruise Line | Ship | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Encore (or Bliss, Joy) | Kids and families seeking activities (waterslides, racetracks, VR arcade) |
| Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Edge | Couples looking for romantic, resort-style cruising |
| Princess Cruises | Royal Princess (or Discovery) | Multi-generational families interested in enrichment |
| Carnival | Carnival Luminosa (or Spirit) | Budget-conscious travelers with value dining options |
| Holland America | Eurodam (or Westerdam) | Enrichment seekers (cooking demos, Alaska expertise) |
| Oceania | Riviera | Luxury small-ship experience with specialty dining inclusions |
| Royal Caribbean | Anthem of the Seas (or Quantum) | Adventure seekers wanting large-ship amenities (North Star, skydiving, rock climbing) |
Best for kids: Norwegian Encore
Zoom around the Speedway high above Alaska’s glacial blue waters, race down the Aqua Racer dueling waterslides, or duck into Galaxy Pavilion, the ultimate VR arcade. Norwegian’s final Breakaway Plus Class vessel is literally a children’s playground.
Beyond the impressive kid and teens clubs, the 4,010-passenger Encore has plenty of family-friendly spaces that make it accommodating and welcoming. Hop down Ocean Loops, the looping waterslide with your kids, then celebrate with milkshakes in a Cadillac-style booth at the indoor/outdoor American Diner.
Best for couples: Celebrity Edge
Not too small to be boring but not too oversized to be overwhelming, Celebrity has nailed what it feels like to unwind at a resort atop the sea.
The 2,908-passenger Edge is no exception, with romantic views at the expertly designed Sunset Bar, or an afternoon bonding at the serene, indoor Solarium. The SEA Thermal Suite is where you can unwind in a Turkish bath atmosphere before heading up to the Magic Carpet — a deck that floats over the “edge” of the ship — for dinner or drinks.
Best for multi-gen families: Royal Princess
Princess Cruises is an expert in Alaska, and it shows with onboard programming that appeals to young and old. Enrichment is enhanced by a winning partnership with Discovery, which extends from themed shore excursions to kids’ programs learning about Alaska’s wildlife.
The 3,560-passenger ship seamlessly blends relaxing spaces like the International Café in the Piazza with technology called OceanMedallion that allows your little ones to have their own onboard avatars. Discovery Princess, the line’s final Royal Class ship, also sails to Alaska from Seattle.
Best on a budget: Carnival Luminosa
Carnival sails a more limited run of itineraries through Alaska, but the 2,826-passenger Carnival Luminosa does offer voyages to the 49th State from Seattle.
Carnival is known for providing tons of value, and its weeklong cruises onboard Luminosa as well as Carnival Spirit are available from less than $1,000 per person, including all taxes and fees. Additionally, there are tons of included dining options, from a deli and pizza to sushi and barbecue.
Best enrichment: Holland America’s Eurodam
Long masters of the Alaskan cruisetour, Holland America knows its way around this great state. Onboard the midsize 2,104-passenger Eurodam, guests can enjoy an ambiance that nods to traditional Dutch roots and take part in cooking demos at America’s Test Kitchen or enjoy live rock music at Rolling Stone Lounge.
HAL’s shore excursion offerings are robust, while back onboard expect special menus in the main dining room to reflect Alaskan fare. You can even order a beer from local brewer Denali Brewing in select bars.
Best small ship: Oceania’s Riviera
The 1,250-passenger Riviera plies the waters of Alaska in class and style with a country club atmosphere and a nearly all balcony staterooms. Inclusions of this premium line span specialty dining and espresso drinks.
Regatta was completely refurbished bow to stern in 2022, with new plush furnishings, reinvented suites, and updated artwork. Oceania has the ability to call on smaller ports, like Wrangell, Alaska.
A nine-night experience onboard in Alaska —round trip from Seattle — carries a price tag of $3,499 per person for one of its few inside cabins.
Best large ship: Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas
The bells and whistles have landed in Alaska with Royal Caribbean’s behemoth Anthem of the Seas. This 4,905-passenger cruise ship boasts a skydiving experience, robotic bar, and a two-deck theater for Broadway-style production shows.
Climb a rock wall, dive into a pool, or ascend over the side of the ship in a panoramic glass capsule called the North Star, which raises 300 feet above sea level for 360-degree views of your Alaska cruise. There is so much to do — indoors and outdoors — that you can take full advantage of the fresh air or hide out in the casino, shops, or one of the ship’s many bars and lounges.
Taking an Alaska Cruise From Seattle: FAQs
When should I cruise to Alaska from Seattle?
There are two main ways to consider when to cruise to Alaska, and they’re based on whether you place higher value on keeping costs low or whether you want the best chance at the most ideal whether during your visit. For the best weather and chance at viewing wildlife, choose the peak season which is June, July, or August. For a vacation that’s a bit easier on your wallet, and less crowded, go for the shoulder season which is April to mid-May and mid-September through October. Thus, the best time for an Alaska cruise really depends on what you want from your vacation.
To find more in-depth information, we have a full guide on when to sail to Alaska.
What should I pack on a cruise from Seattle?
When packing for an Alaska cruise — no matter what port you’re starting in — layers are key. You’ll want everything from t-shirts for sunny, warm days to sweatshirts and even a coat and/or rain jacket for chillier days where it may be drizzly outside. You should also bring closed-toed shoes such as sneakers, and even consider hiking boots if you’ll be doing more active shore excursions. Also be sure to bring your camera and — unless they’re already provided in your cabin — some binoculars for wildlife viewing from the ship.
Is a balcony worth it on an Alaska cruise?
As we briefly mentioned above, if there’s any cruise region where you should splurge on a balcony it’s probably Alaska. Your ship will spend a lot of the cruise hugging the coast, making for lots of opportunities to watch the scenery go by as you sail and even catch glimpses of breaching whales or bears meandering along the shore. If you’re taking a roundtrip cruise, your balcony cabin should face the shore for at least half of the sailing. If you’re taking a one-way voyage, try to get a cabin on the side of the ship that will be facing the shore for more interesting views.
Where do cruise ships dock in Seattle for Alaska cruises?
The Port of Seattle is in an ideal location along the Elliot Bay and nearby major attractions like Pike Place Market and the Seattle Great Wheel. There are two main Seattle cruise terminals, located just a few miles from one another.
The Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 (2225 Alaskan Way South) is the dedicated terminal for Norwegian Cruise Line as well as sister brand Oceania Cruises. Most other cruise lines will dock at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (2001 West Garfield Street).
Getting to the Seattle Cruise Port from the Airport
How far is the Seattle airport to the cruise port?
The Bell Street Cruise Terminal is about a 14-mile drive from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, and takes about 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. Seattle–Tacoma International Airport to Smith Cove Cruise Terminal is about a 17-mile drive and takes around 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
How do I get from Seattle airport to the cruise port?
There are several options to get to your cruise port from the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. The most common options for most passengers are to take a rideshare, taxi, or cruise line transfer. Rideshares such as Uber or Lyft as well as taxis are plentiful and readily available. If you’re flying in on the day of your cruise (which we don’t recommend), you can also take a transfer via the cruise line directly to your ship.
Many hotels also offer shuttle services to and from the cruise port. If you’re staying at a hotel in Seattle for at least one night prior to or following your cruise, look into whether your hotel offers this service. Group transfer services and independent shuttle companies are also available.
Seattle’s public metro system, called Link Light Railway, has stops at the airport and downtown. However, there are no stations at either cruise port which means you’d still need to do some walking or get a rideshare once off the metro to get to your cruise terminal, so this option is not recommended.
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