Best Alaska Cruises 2025: Our Expert Picks for Top Ships & Itineraries

There is no better time than now to start planning the ultimate Alaska cruise experience. If you’re looking to book that bucket list voyage in 2025, we’ve meticulously researched and compiled our comprehensive guide to the Best Alaska Cruises 2025.

Even if you’re not planning to book your trip of a lifetime this coming year, our curated selection provides an excellent starting point to begin researching your dream Alaska vacation.

Table of Contents

• Key Considerations for Selecting Your Ideal Alaska Cruise
• Top Alaska Cruises Departing from Seattle
• Best Alaska Cruises Sailing Roundtrip from Vancouver
• Recommended One-Way Alaska Cruises
• Alaska Cruises from San Francisco
• Unique Alaskan Cruise Experieces

Key Considerations for Selecting Your Ideal Alaska Cruise

When choosing your perfect Alaska cruise for 2025, several important factors should guide your decision:

Your Alaska Cruise Budget

Your budget will significantly influence which cruise option works best for you. Our recommendations span from family-friendly cruise lines to all-inclusive luxury experiences. Remember that prices can vary substantially based on travel season and cabin selection as well, among other factors.

We have more in-depth resources on Alaska cruise costs and the best time of year to visit Alaska to further guide you in the decision-making process.

Your Preferred Departure Location

Whether you prefer embarking from Seattle, Vancouver, or another port will impact your overall travel arrangements and itinerary possibilities. Most major cruise lines have a variety of ships sailing to Alaska, so there will be plenty of choices.

Your Ideal Cruise Itinerary

The specific ports, glaciers, and sailing routes you most want to experience should inform your cruise selection.

Are you looking for a roundtrip itinerary or a one-way itinerary? Most roundtrip itineraries depart from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia. One-way cruises are usually Northbound routes from Vancouver or Southbound routes from Seward or Whittier, Alaska.

Are there specific ports you want to visit? Popular ports of call include the southeastern Alaska towns of Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Some visit Icy Strait Point, Sitka, or Victoria, BC as well. You’ll also want to pay close attention to the time in port that each ship offers, as this can range from short 4-hour stops to full days to explore.

Further, not all cruise ships have the privilege to cruise through Glacier Bay National Park. Is this a must on your Alaska cruise? We think it should be! Hubbard Glacier is another “must-see” on many guests’ lists. So, familiarize yourself with the differences, so you pick the right one.

Finally, are you looking for a typical 7-day Alaska cruise or do you want something a bit longer? Would you consider booking a land and sea option which combines a cruise with an additional land tour?

Your Travel Party’s Needs and Preferences

The ages, interests, and activity levels of everyone in your group will help determine which ship and itinerary will provide the most satisfying experience for all.

The selections for best Alaska cruises 2025 vary in terms of ship size and amenities. If you are cruising with kids or a multi-generational family, you will want to ensure the ship has activities that will interest everyone. Yes, Alaska cruises are a great vacation for the whole family! However, if you are looking for less kids onboard, a more enriching experience, or a more all-inclusive vacation, you may want to avoid the more mainstream family cruise lines.

Now that you’re better equipped to decide which of these Alaska cruises is right for you, let’s dive into our picks for the 2025 cruise season.

Top Alaska Cruises Departing From Seattle in 2025

Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Edge ushered in a brand new style of cruising for Celebrity Cruises when she debuted in 2018. This 130K gross ton ship, with a capacity just over 2,900 guests at double occupancy, launched with several new amenities and features, as well as some “firsts at sea”. Among the stand-out features is the multi-purpose Magic Carpet.

Celebrity Edge is also home to the dynamic space Eden, four unique main dining rooms, a state-of-the-art main theater, a reimagined pool deck, the tranquil Rooftop Garden, and the lively Grand Plaza with the Martini Bar. This premium cruise ship offers the elegance, style, and service that you would expect to find on a luxury cruise line along with a variety of activities and events found on mainstream cruise ships.

In 2024, Celebrity Edge ushered in a new era of cruising for the brand once again, this time in Alaska. As the first Edge Class ship to cruise the region, Celebrity Edge returns to sail roundtrip from Seattle in 2025. This 7-day itinerary features stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, along with cruising Endicott Arm and the Dawes Glacier.

Norwegian Encore (Bliss or Joy)

Norwegian Cruise Line will have three Breakaway Plus Class ships sailing from Seattle this summer. Norwegian Encore is the newest of these vessels, but Norwegian Joy recently received some updates too.

At 169K gross tons and carrying close to 4,000 guests at double occupancy NCL Encore includes attractions like waterslides, a Waterfront promenade, a racetrack, the virtual reality complex Galaxy Pavilion, and a new adult-only Spice H20. We love that this class of ship has plenty to offer all types of travelers, making it a great option for multi-generational families.

Additionally, the ship boasts an indoor Observation Lounge, a wonderful thermal suite, and the up-charge Vibe Beach Club which are all perfect for glacier viewing. Norwegian Encore also features NCL favorite bars and restaurants, as well as the brand’s signature Freestyle approach to dining while cruising way up north.

Norwegian Encore is sailing the popular 7-day roundtrip itinerary from Seattle in 2025. The itinerary features stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria, BC, along with scenic cruising in the spectacular Glacier Bay National Park.

Sister ship Norwegian Bliss offers two different itineraries in 2025. One visits Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Victoria, and Glacier Bay. The other visits Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Victoria, and the Dawes Glacier. Norwegian Joy offers a bit more time in the area with 9- and 10-day itineraries, visiting either Glacier Bay, Dawes Glacier, or Hubbard Glacier.

Anthem or Quantum of the Seas

As another one of the largest ships to cruise in Alaska, Royal Caribbean‘s Anthem of the Seas will replace Ovation this summer, sailing alongside sister ship Quantum of the Seas. These ships feature some of the most innovative spaces and amenities at sea. Anthem of the Seas is nearly 169K gross tons and features several thrills for all ages, along with a variety of dining and entertainment options. This ship carries over 4,100 passengers at double occupancy.

Built for cold water cruising, the ship’s SeaPlex is a massive indoor complex featuring bumper cars and roller skating. There is also the innovative North Star. This aerial gondola extends 300 feet above sea level for one-of-a-kind views of the Alaskan landscape. The ship also has a sky diving simulator and distinct entertainment in several venues including Two70 and the Music Hall.

Loyal to Royal cruisers will find signature bars and restaurants on Anthem and Quantum of the Seas as well. Not to mention, there’s the indoor Solarium, plenty of whirlpools, and an outdoor pool to enjoy while soaking in the views.

Both Anthem and Quantum of the Seas are sailing roundtrip from Seattle in 2025. These ships offer a couple different itineraries with a combination of ports that include Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Victoria, BC. Many also include sailing through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Notably, Royal Caribbean ships do NOT sail in Glacier Bay National Park.

Discovery or Royal Princess

It is tough to pick the best Alaska cruise for 2025 among the 7 Princess Cruises’ ships sailing in the region this year. If you’re looking to sail from Seattle though, your choices are Discovery Princess or Royal Princess.

Discovery Princess is the sixth and final Royal Class ship. This 145K gross ton ship carries 3,660 guests and shares all of the style and luxury of her predecessors. This ship features a large inviting Piazza, a variety of dining options, and signature entertainment. There are also plenty of places to enjoy the scenery like the enhanced Sanctuary or maybe even the Wake View infinity pool.

And we have to say the cruise line offers some of the best enrichment in the region with its North to Alaska programming. From meeting Libby Riddles, an iditarod dog musher, to puppies in the Piazza, exclusive Alaska food and beverage offerings, and more.

Plus, with the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages, cruisers can enjoy a more all-inclusive experience with drinks, specialty dining, WiFi, and more.

The big difference between Discovery Princess and Royal Princess is the itinerary. Discovery Princess sails the Inside Passage visiting Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, Victoria, and Dawes Glacier. Royal Princess visits the same ports but Glacier Bay National Park instead of the Dawes Glacier. While we love Discovery Princess, we also love Glacier Bay, so it’s difficult to decide between these two options from Princess Cruises.

Eurodam

Much like Princess Cruises, Holland America Line has a large presence in Alaska. The cruise line has been sailing the region for over 75 years and has 6 ships there in 2025. Our pick for Holland America’s best ship sailing from Seattle is Eurodam. This Signature Class ship is the perfect mid-sized vessel at 86K gross tons and carrying just over 2,100 passengers at double occupancy.

Holland America is also well-known for its Alaska enrichment program. The cruise line promises that you’ll see more glaciers than with any other cruise line. In fact, with its Glacier Guarantee, you will receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15% of your cruise fare if you do not visit a glacier during your voyage.

As part of its We Love Alaska programming, Holland America features Alaska Up Close presentations where you can learn more about Alaska’s history, culture, and wildlife. There’s also new culinary and beverage experiences including its Fresh Fish program, serving 100% fresh Alaska seafood.

In between all the sightseeing and enrichment opportunities, Eurodam features nightly entertainment on the World Stage, live music in the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard, a pickleball court, and top-notch specialty dining.

Eurodam’s 7-day roundtrip itinerary from Seattle features visits to Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria, along with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay. If you’re looking for an alternative HAL ship from Seattle, there’s also Westerdam. This ship has a similar itinerary but visit Dawes Glacier instead.

Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Luminosa is a nearly 93K gross ton ship carrying just over 2,800 guests (double occupancy). This ship sailed as part of the Costa Cruises’ fleet since 2009. Combining elements of the Spirit Class and Vista Class ships, Luminosa transferred and began cruising as part of the Carnival fleet in November 2022.

Carnival Luminosa features many FUN ship favorites, with Carnival favorite bars, restaurants, Cloud 9 Spa, Serenity adult-only area, and several family-friendly activities. Some of these include the Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, RedFrog Rum Bar, Piano Bar 88, and The Punchliner Comedy Club. There’s also Camp Ocean for the little ones, making this ship another family-friendly option from Seattle.

Guests will also be treated to a few unique features on Carnival Luminosa, like a sliding sky dome over the pool deck and Italian-inspired decor. This makes the ship a unique choice for a Carnival cruise to Alaska.

While newer and slightly larger, Carnival Luminosa share a lot of similarities with Carnival Spirit also cruising to Alaska in 2025. One noteworthy difference is that Carnival Luminosa does not feature a Guy’s Burger or Blue Iguana Cantina.

Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Spirit both feature roundtrip itineraries with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria. Both also cruise Tracy Arm Fjord.

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth, one of four ships in the Cunard fleet, just received a major update ahead of her inaugural season of Alaska cruises from Seattle in 2025.

This luxurious 91K gross ton ship carries just over 2,000 passengers. Queen Elizabeth’s signature spaces, such as the Commodore Club, Queens Room, Garden Lounge, and The Pavilion, have been thoughtfully revitalized, with nods to the golden age of cruising still present. Further, the outdoor decks have been enhanced to give guests better viewing opportunities when sailing the region. The Pavilion Wellness Café, which debuted on Queen Anne, has also been added to the ship.

Between ports, guests can indulge in upscale dining, enjoy Afternoon Tea, throw back some British pub fare and brews at the Golden Lion, or enjoy cocktails at one of the various bars and lounges. The ship also features pools, a spa, casino, library, games deck, live music in the Queens Room, and nightly entertainment in the Royal Court Theatre.

For cruisers looking to test the waters with this British cruise line, Queen Elizabeth is a unique option in Alaska this season. This ship sails a variety of itineraries roundtrip from Seattle ranging from 7 to 11 nights. All the popular Southeastern Alaskan ports are highlighted along with various scenic cruising, including Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier on some sailings.

Top Alaska Cruises Roundtrip From Vancouver

Koningsdam

Holland America’s Koningsdam debuted in 2016 and weighs in at slightly under 100K gross tons. With 2,650 passengers, Koningsdam is the perfect mid-sized ship for your Alaska cruise from Vancouver. Koningsdam, along with all HAL ships sailing the region, feature a robust Alaska program with plenty of unique enrichment and culinary opportunities.

When you are not exploring the Last Frontier, Koningsdam offers top-notch amenities, entertainment, and dining. There’s theater performances on the World Stage, BB King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, and the Rolling Stone Lounge showcasing amazing musicians.

In addition to Pacific Northwest cuisine, cruisers can also indulge in specialty dining at Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, Rudi’s Sel de Mer, Canaletto, and even a Morimoto by Sea pop-up experience.

This Pinnacle Class ship’s itinerary visits Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, as well as cruising through Glacier Bay National Park.

Disney Wonder

If you’re looking for an Alaska cruise from Vancouver in 2025 with a little bit of extra magic, look no further than Disney Wonder. That’s right, even Disney Cruise Line cruises way up north to Alaska! Disney Wonder weighs in at 83K gross tons and carries 2,400 passengers at double occupancy.

Disney Wonder features plenty of Disney touches in its décor, dining, and entertainment. With character meet and greets and first-run Disney movies, there will be plenty to keep the whole family busy between ports of call. There’s also Disney staples like its rotational dining with three main dining rooms, including Triton’s, Animator’s Palate, and Tiana’s Place, as well as the adult-only Palo specialty restaurant.

As the only Disney cruise ship sailing the region, this is a must for all the Disney fans out there. However, Disney cruises do come with a higher price tag than some of the other contemporary cruise lines.

Disney Wonder is sailing 7-day itineraries visiting popular ports in southeast Alaska. These include Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, as well as cruising Stikine Icefield for glacier viewing.

Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Solstice is a 122K gross ton vessel that is part of Celebrity Cruises’ beloved Solstice Class of ships. This ship carries just over 2,850 passengers at double occupancy.

On Celebrity Solstice, you can play some bocce ball at the Lawn Club or partake in a Hot Glass Class. You can also enjoy some amazing views in the Sky Observation Lounge or sip a cocktail at the aft-located Sunset Bar if the weather permits.

After a long day exploring the Alaskan wilderness, you can relax in the Solarium or the Spa, join in on the fun at the Martini Bar, indulge in some fine dining at Murano or Tuscan Grille, or take in a show at the theater. Not to mention, there’s other favorites like Cafe al Bacio for morning coffee or afternoon snacks and the World Class Bar for one of a kind cocktails.

Cruising roundtrip from Vancouver, there are two different 7-day itineraries. One sails to ISP, Juneau, and Ketchikan along with cruising the Hubbard Glacier, the longest tidewater glacier in North America. The other visits Icy Strait Point, Skagway, and Ketchikan, along with the Dawes Glacier.

Serenade of the Seas

Serenade of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class of ships. At 90K gross tons, the Radiance Class ships do not feature the large indoor Royal Promenade found on newer megaships in the fleet but rather a more intimate Centrum. Serenade of the Seas also only holds just over 2,100 guests at double occupancy.

Still, multi-generational families will find plenty to keep themselves busy between ports of call. Serenade still has Royal Caribbean staples like a rock-climbing wall, mini-golf, a sports court, casino, spa, and Solarium. There’s also favorites like the Windjammer buffet, Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, and Izumi specialty restaurants, along with the Schooner Bar, English pub, and nightly productions in the main theater.

In 2025, Serenade of the Seas is sailing a few different 7-day itineraries. Most feature a combination of 3 stops including Sitka, Skagway, ISP, Ketchikan, Haines, and Prince Rupert. While most include scenic cruising in the Tracy Arm Fjord, a few cruises do feature Hubbard Glacier instead.

Grand Princess

If you’re a loyal Princess cruiser looking to sail from Vancouver, Grand Princess offers a perfect blend of traditional cruise charm and modern amenities for your Alaska adventure. At 107K gross tons and accommodating 2,600 passengers at double occupancy, this vessel is a comfortable mid-sized ship.

Guests can enjoy the ship’s signature Piazza, the vibrant central hub for entertainment and gatherings. Culinary highlights include the Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini’s Italian restaurant, and Alfredo’s Pizzeria. For entertainment, there’s Movies Under the Stars, performances in the Princess Theater, and live music around the ship. There’s also plenty of bars to enjoy some cocktails like Crooners Martini Bar, the Wheelhouse Bar, Good Spirits at Sea, and the One5 Lounge.

Grand Princess also features the adults-only Sanctuary retreat, alongside multiple pools, hot tubs, and the Lotus Spa for post-adventure relaxation. Not to mention, the ship has all the same Alaska programming as the other Princess ships sailing in the region.

The itinerary calls in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan with scenic cruising through Endicott Arm. Select sailings feature Glacier Bay National Park instead.

Recommended One-Way Itineraries

Sapphire Princess

Sapphire Princess is a 115K gross ton cruise ship with a capacity of just over 2,600 guests. Designed for scenic cruising, she is an excellent choice for an Alaska voyage. The ship features expansive open deck space and a wraparound Promenade Deck that is perfect for viewing glaciers and wildlife.

This mid-sized ship offers a blend of Princess cruise staples along with the line’s signature Alaska enrichment. With favorites like Sabatini’s, Alfredo’s Pizzeria, Crooner’s martini bar, the climate-controlled Conservatory with a pool and whirlpools, Skywalkers nightclub, and the Lotus Spa, guests can relax and have a good time between exciting ports of call.

Sapphire Princess is just one of three ships sailing the popular Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary in 2025. This itinerary cruises either Northbound from Vancouver to Whittier, Alaska or Southbound in the reverse direction. It visits Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, and Glacier Bay National Park. The Southbound route also includes Hubbard Glacier.

Caribbean Princess and Coral Princess are cruising the same routes this Alaska season for even more options. Caribbean Princess is the largest of the three ships, while Coral is the smallest.

Nieuw Amsterdam

If you are looking for other options to cruise Alaska with Holland America in 2025, Nieuw Nieuw Amsterdam is sailing a one-way itinerary from Vancouver to Whittier (and reverse) as well. Nieuw Amsterdam is a nearly 87K gross ton vessel with just over 2,100 passengers at double occupancy.

Nieuw Amsterdam boasts several complimentary dining venues. Among them are the poolside Dive-In Burger, a pizza window, the Lido Market buffet, and the main dining room. Not to mention, Holland America Line offers 24-hour room service and some of the best specialty restaurants at sea.

When it comes to onboard activities, the cruise line offers a traditional series of cruise activities and enrichment, nighttime entertainment, live music, and more. The ship also features the same Alaska programming as the other HAL ships in the region. With personal service and well-executed dining, Nieuw Amsterdam is an ideal backdrop to the amazing vistas of the Alaskan wilderness.

During the Northbound and Southbound Glacier Discovery itineraries, cruisers will enjoy stops at the usual ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. The ship will also cruise Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier for some amazing scenic vistas.

Celebrity Summit

If you are looking to cruise to Alaska with Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Summit is another great option for best Alaska cruises in 2025. This 91K gross ton ship, carrying just over 2,200 guests at double occupancy, received a complete revitalization in 2019 with more than $500 million of upgrades.

Celebrity Summit features over 50% verandah staterooms for enjoying the Alaska scenery, along with the exclusive Retreat for those in the most luxurious accommodations. The ship is also home to the popular Martini Bar and Sunset Bar, Cafe al Bacio for some coffee and sweet treats, and the popular specialty restaurants Tuscan Grill and Le Petit Chef at Qsine.

Of course, guests can enjoy nightly entertainment, a spa, casino, two pools, and pickleball at sea as wel. The Sky Lounge perched at the top of the ship provides great forward-facing views of the scenery, and there’s also the outdoor Rooftop Terrace at the aft of the ship for admiring the glaciers. Celebrity also offers its Beyond the Podium series which provides plenty of enrichment during an Alaskan cruise.

Celebrity Summit is sailing one-way routes from either Vancouver or Seward, Alaska. These itineraries visit Ketchikan, Juneau, ISP, Sitka (or Skagway), and the Hubbard Glacier.

Radiance of the Seas

As one of the top Alaska cruises year after year, Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas is sailing the region once again in 2025. Radiance of the Seas is a sister ship to Serenade of the Seas and features a very similar layout and list of amenities.

On Radiance of the Seas, you might not even need a balcony. This ship offers some of the greatest views of Alaska from the nine-story central atrium and outward facing elevators. While you cruise Alaska on this ship, you can also enjoy favorites like the Schooner Bar and Chops Grille, along with the nostalgic Viking Crown Lounge perched at the top of the ship. There’s also a Solarium and an indoor movie theater.

Radiance of the Seas is sailing 7-day, one-way routes from either Vancouver or Seward. These itineraries are more port intensive than some of the other Royal Caribbean offerings in the region. They feature stops in Juneau, ISP, Sitka (or Ketchikan), Skagway, and the Hubbard Glacier.

Norwegian Jade

NCL’s Norwegian Jade is also heading to Alaska for the 2025 season. Norwegian Jade is 93.5K GT and carries nearly 2,400 guests at double occupancy. The ship was reburbished in 2022 adding new venues, modern decor, and updated staterooms.

If you don’t need all the bells and whistles of the larger mega-ships, Norwegian Jade might be perfect for you. The ship still offers a classic Freestyle NCL experience but with less crowds and less up-charge experiences. Not to mention, the line’s new More at Sea gives guests a more premium experience with inclusions like drinks and specialty dining.

There are still plenty of nightly entertainment and dining options onboard as well to help you unwind after a long day ashore. You will find the specialty restaurants Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, La Cucina, and the hibachi style Teppanyaki. There is also the complimentary O’Sheehan’s Pub, plenty of bars like the popular Sugarcane Mojito Bar and Bliss Ultra Lounge, and unique production shows in the main theater.

Norwegian Jewel is sailing one-way itineraries from either Vancouver or Seward, Alaska. Again, these itineraries include classic Alaskan ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, ISP, and Skagway. They also feature scenic cruising at the Hubbard Glacier.

Viking Venus (or Orion)

Offering a small ship, more all-inclusive experience in Alaska, Viking features two ocean ships sailing in the region this season. Viking Venus and Orion are identical 930-passenger, 47.8K vessels that boasts all veranda staterooms and an elegant yet simplistic Scandinavian design.

On a Viking Ocean cruise, guests receive a free tour in each port of call, WiFi, no up-charges for specialty dining, and complimentary room service. Guests can also enjoy beer, wine, and soft drinks at meals, specialty coffees and bottled water anytime, access to the thermal suite, and more without any nickel and diming.

Additionally, the ship offers upscale dining that is all included in the cruise fare, bars and lounges with live music in the evenings, and enrichment opportunities to fill your time between ports. You can even warm up with afternoon tea in the Wintergarden after a long day ashore.

Viking Venus and Orion are sailing an 11-day Alaska and Inside Passage Cruise in 2025. This itinerary will sail from either Vancouver or Seward. It visits Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, ISP, and Valdez. It also includes scenic cruising of the Inside Passage and Yakutat Bay.

Oceania Riviera

Oceania Cruises also has a small ship in Alaska in 2025. New to the region, Oceania Riviera offers sailings ranging from 7 to 12 days throughout the season. Options include one-way sailings from Vancouver to Anchorage (and reverse), Vancouver to Seattle, and roundtrip Seattle. Ports include a combination of Ketchikan, Haines, Juneau, Sitka, Wrangell, Victoria, Icy Strait, Skagway, and Klawock, along with scenic cruising of either Hubbard Glacier or Tracy Arm. One featured sailing even includes stops in Kodiak and Homer, Alaska.

As a culinary and destination-focused cruise line, there are a variety of food-focused shore excursions too. These include an exclusive crabbing experience in Ketchikan, a Sitka culinary adventure, and a seafood sampling in Juneau, among others.

Oceania Riviera is 66K gross tons and carries 1250 passengers, making it the perfect size to explore some of the lesser visited areas in Alaska. Recently refreshed, the ship features spacious reimagined staterooms; gourmet restaurants including a complimentary steakhouse, Italian, Asian, and French restaurant; and new hands-on cooking classes. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea, partake in enrichment opportunities, rejuvenate at the Aquamar Spa, and sip cocktails while listening to live music in the evenings.

Silver Nova

Silver Nova is one of the newest ships in Silverea’s ultra-luxury fleet. This 55K gross ton vessel carrying only 728 guests returns to Alaska in 2025 for its second season. With more guest to space ratio, butler service for every suite, and exquisite dining, this ship certainly provides a unique Alaska cruise. Not to mention, it’s one of the most inclusive experiences you’ll get in the region.

Silver Nova houses a large array of restaurants, bars, and lounges, including Silversea’s S.A.L.T. culinary program that offers regionally-inspired cuisine and The Shelter, a brand-new intimate bar. This ship’s expansive outdoor spaces, Panorama Lounge, and the forward-facing Observation Lounge provide exceptional viewing opportunities.

Silver Nova sails either 7-day itineraries from Vancouver or Seward or 14-day roundtrip voyages from Vancouver. They visit popular ports such as Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan, plus some rarely visited stops like Valdez, Icy Bay, Wrangell, and Haines. 

Silver Moon will also cruise Alaska on 7-day voyages. This itinerary features a day spent cruising in Hubbard Bay, along with stops in Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan.

Seabourn Quest

For another ultra-luxury Alaska cruise option in 2025, there’s the recently revitalized Seabourn Quest. This roughly 32K gross ton vessel, carrying just 458 passengers, is sailing her maiden season in the region. Seabourn Quest features 7-day itineraries between Vancouver and Juneau, a unique embarkation/disembarkation point. The itineraries call in Haines, Icy Strait, Sitka, and Ketchikan, along with some lesser visited ports like Wrangell, Prince Rupert, and Alert Bay, as well as cruise through Glacier Bay National Park.

There’s also the unique opportunity to partake in Ventures by Seabourn thanks to the ship’s water-level marina platform. These adventures range from kayaking, to hiking, to glacier viewing by zodiac. This means you can set off on your explorations right from the ship while it is anchored.

Additionally, Seabourn Quest offers an intimate and elegant onboard atmosphere with all-suite accommodations, a variety of culinary experiences including The Grill by Thomas Keller, a spa with thermal suite, and more. Not to mention, premium spirits and fine wines are always complimentary, as are all dining venues.

Regent Seven Seas Explorer

For yet another ultra-premium experience in Alaska, Regent Seven Seas Explorer is sailing the region. This 55K gross ton ship carries 750 passengers and offers a truly all-inclusive cruise. Guests can enjoy included shore excursions, premium beverages, specialty dining, WiFi, and gratuities.

Regent Seven Seas Explorer also features all-suite accommodations, gourmet restaurants including Asian and French cuisine as well as a signature steakhouse, and exquisite design details. Between ports of call, guests can partake in hands-on cooking classes, take a dip in the infinity pool, relax at the spa, or enjoy cocktails in one of the onboard lounges.

RSS Explorer is sailing one-way itineraries from Vancouver to Whittier (and reverse). Stops include a combination of Icy Strait, Klawock, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria, BC, along with cruising Hubbard Glacier.

Alaska Cruises from San Francisco

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess is another one of Princess Cruises’ ships sailing Alaska in 2025. However, this ship offers a unique itinerary. This 113.5K gross ton ship, carrying just over 3,000 guests at double occupancy, is sailing an 11-day route roundtrip from San Francisco.

The itinerary features stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert or Victoria, BC along with scenic cruising in either Glacier Bay or Endicott Arm. There are also 5 sea days to enjoy all the ship has to offer.

As the final Grand Class ship, Ruby Princess features a similar layout and amenities to Grand Princess and Sapphire Princess already mentioned above. So, there’s plenty to keep you entertained during your time on the ship.

Carnival Legend

Carnival Legend is another ship sailing to Alaska from San Francisco in 2025. As part of Carnival’s very popular Spirit Class, this ship is 88.5K GT and carries just over 2,100 guests at double occupancy.

Carnival Legend is sailing a series of 10-day cruises roundtrip from CA. Ports of call include Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, Prince Rupert, and scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord, along with four additional sea days. Uniquely, Carnival alternates this itinerary with a 4-day option to Baja, Mexico from San Francisco.

Between scenic cruising and time ashore in Alaska, guests can also grab favorites from Guy’s Burger Joint or BlueIguana Cantina, along with some drinks at the RedFrog Rum Bar, Alchemy Bar, or Heroes Tribute Bar. There’s plenty of time for entertainment, relaxation, and upscale dining too. Past guests will find familiar favorites like comedy shows in Punchliner, Playlist Productions in the theater, a Cloud9 Spa, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, and Camp Ocean for the little ones.

Unique Alaskan Cruise Experieces

Of course, these are just some of the many choices for the best Alaska cruises in 2025. It all comes down to what you want out of your Alaskan adventure.

There are plenty of other sailings in the region that may appeal to different types of travelers. If you aren’t really “a cruiser”, a cruise is still one of the best ways to visit Alaska. So, there are sailings out there for you too. Lindblad Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, and HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), to name a few, provide a more off-the-beaten-path and experience.

These expedition ships carry much fewer passengers and are a more active way of exploring the region. The accommodations will likely be less luxurious, and there will be far fewer amenities onboard. But, you will venture to more remote locales for a very different Alaska cruise than the mainstream and luxury cruise lines offe.

Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed. There is so much natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and wildlife waiting for you in Alaska.

Comments

Have we convinced you to book a cruise to Alaska? Have you sailed on any of these great ships? Drop us an anchor below to share your picks for the best Alaska cruises 2025.