Cruising from Seattle to Alaska: Learn about your different options and what you can experience
If you want a cruise experience that involves seeing some of the most beautiful wilderness on Earth, head to Alaska. Spend 7 days or more taking either the Inside Passage or the Outer Passage, both of which have much to offer for sightseeing. The easiest and most affordable way to start this journey is to book a cruise from Seattle to Alaska.
There are two downtown cruise terminals making Seattle the best choice for any Alaskan or Pacific Northwest cruise. You can find packages from all the major cruise lines, including Norwegian, Carnival, Holland America, Celebrity, Oceania, and Princess Cruises. In addition to Juneau, Anchorage, Ketchikan, and Skagway, some of the other cities and places you’ll be able to experience include Victoria and the Glacial Bay area.
What is included on an Alaska cruise? The standard rate generally includes three meals a day, room service, regular drinks (tea, coffee, juice, lemonade, and water), entertainment, and accommodation. There are luxury packages that include much more, such as shore excursions and gratuities. What exactly is included on your Seattle to Alaska cruise can also vary from one ship line to another.
The best time to go is during the months of May, June and September. During these months, passengers are more likely to see whales directly from the ship. However, please note that there is no guarantee that it will. If you really want to see marine life, consider signing up for a whale watching tour, which is usually available around Juneau. Navigating through the glacier areas, you may be able to see other wildlife such as birds and seals.
Other activities to combine with a cruise from Seattle to Alaska
If you have a day or two to spare in Seattle before you hop on your ship, there are a variety of activities and shopping opportunities near the pier. Many top attractions, like the Space Needle and the Aquarium, are just a few blocks from the waterfront.
Do you want your cruise to Alaska to be a one-way trip or a round trip? Some itineraries will take you back to Seattle. Look into airfare options to decide if it’s in your best interest to end your trip in Juneau and fly back.
Another thing to consider on a Seattle to Alaska cruise is shore excursions, which are available at all ports of call. You can go snorkeling in Ketchikan, dog sledding in Juneau, whitewater rafting, glacier hiking, and more. However, it is often cheaper to organize your own excursions rather than follow what the cruise line offers.
Get discounts for a cruise from Seattle to Alaska online. There are many itineraries and packages to choose from. You can also compare airfare prices to Seattle. Always check and see if there are any promo codes online that will work for you before you book travel.