Theresa Russell, ContributorAn Alaska cruise is a dream of many who wish to enjoy the wonders of Alaska. Everything in Alaska seems bigger than in real life. Scenery, wildlife, culture, history, and adventure beckon nature lovers to the Last Frontier. If you are considering a trip to the 49th state, don’t book your sailing without reading our top picks for the best Alaska cruises from San Francisco.
Seattle and Vancouver might be the two ports that come to mind when thinking about hopping on a cruise to Alaska. Though, another option is the port of San Francisco, which is quite a bit south of the other two ports.
For that reason, Alaska cruises departing from San Francisco will require more time. The advantages of cruising to Alaska from San Francisco include having time to explore San Francisco and enjoying sea days filled with plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine and ship.
A cruise to Alaska from San Francisco will sail the Pacific Ocean until reaching the Inside Passage in Alaska, where many ships sail along the state’s southeastern coast.
Quick Guide: Alaska Cruises from San Francisco (2025)
Key Takeaways:
- Perfect For: West Coast residents, travelers wanting more sea days, and those looking to explore San Francisco before or after their cruise
- Duration: 10-11 days (longer than Seattle/Vancouver departures due to distance)
- Season: May through September (peak months: June, July, August)
- Cruise Lines: Princess (Ruby Princess) and Carnival (Carnival Legend)
- Cost Range: $2,500-$5,000+ per person, typically higher than Seattle/Vancouver departures
- Popular Ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm
- Balcony Recommendation: Highly recommended for scenic coastal viewing
- No Passport Required: For U.S. citizens on roundtrip sailings (though recommended)
Who should cruise from San Francisco to Alaska?
Being on the west coast of the U.S., San Francisco is an easy homeport option for those living in states such as California, Oregon, and Nevada. An Alaska cruise from San Francisco can also appeal to those who want a longer voyage or wish for a sailing with more equal sea days to port days, as it takes longer to sail up the coast to reach Alaska.
Plus, San Francisco is a city filled with its own vibrant culture, unique landscape, and rich food scene. Those looking to add another type of destination to their vacation may also choose to sail from San Francisco, spending time exploring the city before or after the cruise.
A great benefit to taking a cruise roundtrip from San Francisco (or Seattle) is that Americans without a passport don’t need one to sail. While we highly recommend traveling with a passport anyway, it’s not required for sailings that begin and end in the same U.S. port on most cruise lines.
Be aware that since you will visit either Victoria or Prince Rupert (both ports in Canada) that you should review Canada’s entry requirements. Almost any conviction makes one ineligible for entry into Canada. For example, a DUI is considered a felony in Canada. Do your research in advance.
Which cruise lines sail from San Francisco to Alaska?
Currently, only two cruise lines, Carnival and Princess, set sail from San Francisco to Alaska each season. The Alaska cruise season generally starts in May and ends in September.
All cruises to Alaska from San Francisco are roundtrip. If you are seeking to do a land tour of Alaska before or after your cruise, you will need to leave from a port like Vancouver.
Where does an Alaska cruise from San Francisco go?
Cruises from San Francisco sail to a variety of places in Alaska. Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan are common ports. Some itineraries offer less-visited, but interesting ports, like Haines, Sitka, and Prince Rupert.
Princess offers scenic cruising options, including Glacier Bay National Park, Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm. Carnival does its scenic cruising in Tracy Arm. Check the itineraries for your preference. You won’t go wrong with any.
Cruising to see the glaciers is a highlight of any cruise to Alaska. Some ships cruise into Glacier Bay National Park. Only a few permits are offered on a daily basis to limit the number of large ships in the park. Cruise lines like Princess, which has been cruising Alaska for decades, get more permits than other cruise lines. The excursion into Glacier Bay is usually a full-day affair. Park rangers board the ships with displays, books and souvenirs of the experience. They are available to answer questions and also provide commentary.
Outside of Glacier Bay, cruise ships do sail to other areas where passengers are able to see glaciers. Once in viewing range, the captain often will rotate the ship so that everybody gets a chance to view the glacier. Should conditions not permit glacier viewing, don’t forget that there are shore excursions that include glacier viewings or even glacier landings. Mendenhall, outside of Juneau, is a great option.
How long are Alaska cruises from San Francisco?
Due to the greater distance to reach Alaska from San Francisco, cruises are longer than those from Seattle or Vancouver. With the extra sea days, cruisers should expect mostly 10 and 11-day itineraries.
How Much Do Alaska Cruises from San Francisco Cost?
There are so many variables to consider when trying to determine the cost of an Alaska cruise. Cabin type, cruise line, and time of year factor into the cost. Additionally, Alaska does tend to have higher taxes and fees than other destinations. Good values are often found during the shoulder seasons.
In our analysis, Alaska cruises from San Francisco seem to be a bit pricier than those departing Seattle or Vancouver — both per-night and, of course, in total. So, if you’re looking for budget Alaska cruises from San Francisco, you might be out of luck.
Typically, we recommend cruisers budget around $2,500 to $5,000+ per person for total Alaska cruise costs. Keep in mind, some ships might be more desirable than others, and cruises leaving at peak times of the year cost more money regardless of the departure point.
Best Cruise Ships Offering Alaska Cruises from San Francisco
For the 2025 season, there are two ships sailing from San Francisco to Alaska: Carnival Legend and Ruby Princess.
Ruby Princess
Princess has many years of experience sailing the waters of Alaska. Ruby Princess holds 3,080 guests and boasts a variety of amenities, entertainment, and both included and specialty dining options. Princess Cruises is a great all-around cruise line for pretty much anyone looking to visit Alaska.
The line has a big focus on immersing guests in the destination through its “North to Alaska” enrichment program. Through the program, guests can attend history, culture, and wildlife lectures hosted by local experts; enjoy live music from local musicians, participate in Alaska-themed activities, and enjoy local Alaskan seafood onboard. There are special “North to Alaska” activities geared towards kids and their families, too.
Carnival Legend
Carnival Legend is the other Alaska cruise ship option from San Francisco. This ship may work better for those who want more onboard bells and whistles, have young kids that are full of energy, or like a more casual and party-like atmosphere.
Features of the ship include the WaterWorks aqua park, adults-only Serenity Retreat sundeck, and the Cloud 9 Spa. The ship also offers the Camp Ocean kids’ club as well as dedicated spaces for tweens and teens.
Which Ship Is Right For You?
Choose Ruby Princess if you:
- Want a more immersive Alaska experience
- Prefer a slightly more upscale ambiance
- Are interested in educational programming
- Prioritize access to Glacier Bay National Park
Choose Carnival Legend if you:
- Are traveling with children
- Want a more lively atmosphere and more entertainment options
- Are on a tighter budget
- Prefer casual dining venues
Taking an Alaska Cruise From San Francisco: FAQs
When should I cruise to Alaska from San Francisco?
The window for cruising to Alaska from San Francisco is from May to September. Alaska is worth visiting anytime during the cruising season. Earlier in the season, there may be snow in the mountains and temperatures will likely be cooler.
Earlier and later in the season often results in lower cruise fares and fewer children onboard since school is still in session. So, if you’re looking for San Francisco to Alaska cruise deals, then you’ll want to visit during these shoulder seasons.
But for the warmest weather and best opportunity for viewing most wildlife, sailing during peak season in June, July, and August is the best option.
So, the best time for an Alaska cruise from San Francisco is truly an individual decision based on what you want out of the trip.
What should I pack for a cruise from San Francisco to Alaska?
Don’t forget that Southeast Alaska is a temperate rainforest. Be prepared for rain. Layering is a good solution for all types of temperatures. It’s also important to bring comfortable closed-toed walking shoes such as sneakers or hiking boots.
Don’t worry, we have you covered with our complete Alaska cruise packing list.
Is a balcony worth it on a cruise to Alaska?
In our opinion, Alaska is one of the best regions to splurge on a balcony cabin. Many sailing regions don’t usually offer much in the way of scenery between ports, such as the Caribbean or South Pacific. In Alaska, your ship will spend a lot of time sailing along the coastline, allowing for lots of opportunities to watch the scenery go by and even catch glimpses of breaching whales or bears on the shore. And on a roundtrip cruise from San Francisco, balcony cabins face the shore for at least part of the sailing.
Where Do Ships Dock in San Francisco for Alaska Cruises?
The James R. Herman Cruise Terminal, Pier 27, opened in 2014. Pier 27 is located on the northern waterfront of the Embarcadero. The terminal is accessible by transit, on foot, or in a vehicle. The terminal is approximately a 21-minute walk from the Embarcadero BART/Muni station.
Pier 35 is located on the northern waterfront of the Embarcadero, about a 6-8 minute walk north from Pier 27.
Getting to San Francisco for a Cruise to Alaska
There are several options for getting to San Francisco to start your cruise to Alaska. For those who don’t live nearby, the most popular option is to fly into either San Francisco International Airport or Oakland International Airport. Many airlines serve one or both airports, including major U.S., international, and budget airlines.
Travelers may also choose to take an Amtrak train, though there isn’t a station actually in San Francisco — just nearby. Those who live within driving distance may also choose to drive their own car and park at the port (or a third-party lot) or catch a taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
How Far are San Francisco Area Airports from the Cruise Port?
San Francisco International Airport is located 14 miles from the cruise port. Depending on the time of day and traffic, it will take approximately 30 minutes to reach the port.
From Oakland, it’s about 21 miles from the cruise terminal and takes 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Getting to the San Francisco Cruise Ports from the Airports
From both airports, taxis and rideshares such as Uber or Lyft are one of the most common ways to get from the airport to the cruise terminal. From San Francisco International Airport, cruise line transfers are another popular option. Car services and private transfers are also available.
The least expensive option is BART public transportation, which stands for the Bay Area Regional Transit. It offers a route from the airport to downtown, but you’ll have to then walk a bit to the cruise terminal from the closest stop.
No matter how you arrive in San Francisco, it’s always a good idea to arrive at least a day prior to your cruise departure. If you plan on taking public transportation or anything involving transfers, it’s a good idea to research your trip before arrival. Who wants to be futzing with figuring out the details after a long journey?
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