Best Alaska Cruises for 2027: How to Choose the Right Cruise Line and Itinerary

Alaska is one of the few cruise destinations where I believe the itinerary should come before the ship.

Two seven-night Alaska cruises can look similar at first glance and deliver very different vacations. One might spend a full day in Glacier Bay National Park. Another may visit Hubbard Glacier. One may sail round trip from Seattle, while another travels between Vancouver and Alaska and can be combined with several days in Denali.

Then there is the cruise line itself. Do you want a traditional Alaska experience? A sophisticated contemporary ship? A family vacation? Or would you rather see Alaska aboard an intimate luxury yacht with only a few hundred guests?

For 2027, travelers have more good options than ever. Here are the Alaska cruises I would put at the top of the list—and how I would choose between them. You can also explore my luxury cruise planning page for more ways I can help.

The Best Alaska Cruises for 2027 at a Glance

• Best Overall Alaska Cruise: Princess Cruises
• Best for Alaska Immersion & Denali: Holland America Line
• Best Premium Cruise for Couples: Celebrity Cruises
• Best for Families: Royal Caribbean
• Best Luxury Yacht Experience: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
• Best Luxury + Expedition Experience: Seabourn
• Best Contemporary Ultra-Luxury Experience: Explora Journeys
• Best All-Inclusive Ultra-Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

There is no cruise line that is best for every traveler. The key is matching the ship, itinerary and style of travel to what you actually want from Alaska.

1. Princess Cruises: Best Overall Alaska Cruise for 2027

If someone told me they were taking their first Alaska cruise and had no idea where to begin, Princess would be one of the first cruise lines I would examine.

Princess will operate eight ships in Alaska during 2027, including Star Princess, with more than 180 departures and options that range from round-trip Seattle cruises to one-way voyages and land-and-sea vacations using its network of Alaska wilderness lodges.

Princess has spent decades building an Alaska program that works particularly well for travelers who want strong glacier itineraries, comfortable ships, plenty of sailing dates, Denali extensions and a traditional cruise experience. Princess is also one of the cruise lines authorized to enter Glacier Bay National Park.

Who I would recommend Princess to

• First-time Alaska cruisers
• Travelers who want Glacier Bay
• Couples or multigenerational families
• Travelers considering Denali
• Guests wanting a good balance between destination and ship

2. Holland America Line: Best for Alaska Immersion, Glacier Bay & Denali

Holland America has one of the deepest Alaska programs in the cruise industry. In 2027, the line will celebrate 80 years of exploring Alaska and plans to operate six ships with more than 100 departures from Seattle, Vancouver and Whittier.

This is a cruise line I particularly like for travelers who say, “I am going to Alaska because I want to experience Alaska.”

Holland America places substantial emphasis on the destination itself—glaciers, wildlife, local culture and land extensions. Its 2027 program includes Glacier Bay itineraries, Hubbard Glacier, the Inside Passage and 19 different cruisetour options that can take travelers into Denali and, on select journeys, the Yukon.

Who I would recommend Holland America to

• Travelers prioritizing Glacier Bay and glacier viewing
• Couples who prefer a quieter onboard atmosphere
• Guests interested in Denali or the Yukon
• Travelers who care more about Alaska than onboard attractions
• Anyone wanting a deeper land-and-sea itinerary

3. Celebrity Cruises: Best Premium Alaska Cruise for Couples

Celebrity brings a different feel to Alaska. It is less traditional than Princess or Holland America and tends to appeal to travelers who appreciate contemporary design, strong dining, modern accommodations and a more sophisticated onboard atmosphere.

For 2027, Celebrity is operating Alaska itineraries aboard Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit, with destinations including Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Seward and the Inside Passage.

Celebrity Edge is particularly appealing in Alaska because of the ship’s strong connection to the outdoors and expansive viewing areas. One important consideration: Celebrity is not currently among the cruise lines authorized to enter Glacier Bay. If Glacier Bay is your absolute priority, I would compare Celebrity against Princess, Holland America or Seabourn before deciding.

Who I would recommend Celebrity to

• Couples
• Anniversary trips
• Travelers who enjoy contemporary ships
• Food-focused travelers
• Guests wanting a premium experience without moving into ultra-luxury

4. Royal Caribbean: Best Alaska Cruise for Families

Royal Caribbean would not be my first choice for every Alaska traveler. But for a family—especially one with children or teenagers—it can be an excellent match.

The difference is simple: on Royal Caribbean, the ship is part of the vacation, not simply transportation between Alaska ports. Its Alaska program includes major ports and scenic glacier cruising, while the ships give families considerably more to do on sea days.

For adults traveling primarily for scenery, wildlife and quiet exploration, I would generally look elsewhere first. For a multigenerational group with kids or teenagers, Royal Caribbean can make much more sense.

The Luxury Alaska Cruises I Would Consider First

Luxury Alaska is particularly interesting for 2027. Travelers no longer have to choose between seeing Alaska and having a sophisticated luxury experience at sea. Several cruise lines now offer very different interpretations of luxury.

5. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Best Luxury Yacht Experience

For travelers who want Alaska to feel like a luxury resort or private yacht experience rather than a conventional cruise, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is one of the most exciting choices for 2027.

Luminara will operate 15 Alaska journeys in 2027. The yacht has just 226 suites accommodating up to 452 guests, and every suite has its own private ocean-view terrace.

The itineraries include a mix of iconic destinations and smaller Alaska ports, with sailings between Vancouver and Whittier plus selected Vancouver round trips. Nearly all voyages of eight nights or longer include a glacier day, and select journeys feature scenic cruising through Tracy Arm Fjord.

Who I would recommend Ritz-Carlton to

• Couples and milestone celebrations
• Luxury travelers who dislike large cruise ships
• Ritz-Carlton loyalists
• Guests who value space, service and understated luxury
• Travelers interested in smaller Alaska ports

If your highest priority is luxury itself, Luminara would be near the top of my list.

6. Seabourn: Best Luxury Alaska Cruise for Exploration

Seabourn is probably the strongest choice for travelers who want to combine true ultra-luxury with a more exploratory Alaska experience.

In 2027, Seabourn Encore will make 18 Alaska and Inside Passage departures, generally ranging from seven to 15 days. Every voyage is designed to include at least one major scenic glacier experience such as Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm.

Seabourn also has something Ritz-Carlton and Explora currently do not: Glacier Bay access. Its onboard expedition team and optional Ventures by Seabourn experiences add another layer for travelers who want to get closer to Alaska’s landscape and wildlife.

For someone asking me for the best combination of luxury and Alaska exploration, Seabourn might be my first choice.

7. Explora Journeys: Best Contemporary Ultra-Luxury Alaska Experience

Explora Journeys is one of the most interesting new Alaska options for 2027.

EXPLORA III will make the brand’s Alaska debut from May through September 2027. The ship brings a very different approach to Alaska: an intimate, residential atmosphere with 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, all designed around the idea of a luxury ocean resort rather than a traditional cruise ship.

The Alaska collection combines glaciers, wildlife and iconic ports with smaller coastal communities and immersive experiences ashore. It is especially appealing for travelers who might otherwise say, “I don’t think I’m a cruise person.”

Who I would recommend Explora to

• Luxury travelers and couples
• Food-focused travelers
• Guests who prefer modern European design
• Travelers who want generous public space
• People who dislike traditional cruise culture
• Luxury resort guests trying cruising for the first time

8. Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Best All-Inclusive Ultra-Luxury Option

Regent takes a different approach to luxury. Rather than emphasizing yacht-style intimacy or expedition activity, Regent’s strength is how much of the experience is included.

Its Alaska sailings aboard Seven Seas Explorer include specialty dining, fine wines and beverages, Wi-Fi, prepaid gratuities, valet laundry, in-suite dining and numerous shore excursions. Selected 2027 Vancouver-to-Whittier itineraries include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and scenic cruising at Hubbard Glacier.

If you like the idea of arriving on vacation and having much of the trip already taken care of, Regent is compelling.

Glacier Bay vs. Hubbard Glacier vs. Tracy Arm

Glacier Bay National Park

For many travelers, Glacier Bay represents the classic Alaska cruise experience. Cruise-ship access is limited, and the National Park Service authorizes only certain operators. Among the current authorized lines are Princess, Holland America, Seabourn, Cunard and Viking.

I would never tell someone that they must visit Glacier Bay to have a good Alaska cruise. But for a first-time visitor who says glaciers are the highest priority, I give Glacier Bay itineraries serious consideration.

Hubbard Glacier

Hubbard Glacier is massive, dramatic and particularly common on one-way Gulf of Alaska itineraries. Celebrity, Regent, Royal Caribbean and several other cruise lines feature Hubbard Glacier on 2027 sailings. For some travelers, Hubbard Glacier can be every bit as memorable as Glacier Bay.

Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm

These narrow fjords provide a very different scenic experience. Steep mountains, waterfalls, floating ice and dramatic walls of rock surround the ship as it travels toward the glacier. On a smaller luxury vessel, this type of scenic cruising can be especially impressive.

Seattle or Vancouver?

Choose Seattle if convenience is the priority

Seattle is easy for most U.S. travelers. It offers excellent domestic air service, many round-trip itineraries and a simple seven-night vacation format. For families and travelers with limited vacation time, that convenience can matter.

Choose Vancouver if itinerary is the priority

For many of my preferred Alaska trips—particularly premium and luxury options—I would look closely at Vancouver. It is an excellent gateway to the Inside Passage, one-way Alaska cruises, Whittier or Seward itineraries, Denali extensions and smaller-ship luxury voyages. Vancouver itself is also worth a pre-cruise stay.

Round Trip or One Way?

Choose a round-trip itinerary if you have approximately one week, want simple airfare, do not intend to visit Denali and value convenience.

Choose a one-way itinerary if you have more time, want to visit Denali, want a deeper Alaska vacation and are comfortable arranging open-jaw airfare.

If this is a once-in-a-lifetime Alaska trip and you have the time, I generally prefer cruise plus land over cruise alone.

Should You Add Denali?

If you have the time, strongly consider it. The cruise shows you coastal Alaska—glaciers, fjords, fishing communities, coastal forests and marine wildlife. Interior Alaska is different. Denali adds mountain landscapes, interior wilderness, rail travel, wildlife and a sense of Alaska’s enormous scale.

Holland America and Princess are particularly strong choices if Denali is central to the trip. I would generally avoid trying to squeeze a meaningful land tour into only a day or two. If you are going to do it, give Alaska enough time.

When Is the Best Time to Cruise Alaska?

May

May often means lower fares, fewer families, snow still visible at lower elevations, cooler weather and long daylight hours. It can be a great choice for value.

June

June offers extraordinarily long days and is one of my favorite periods for Alaska, particularly if scenery is your priority.

July

July is peak season, with high demand, more families, generally warmer temperatures and higher pricing. If you need school-summer dates, book early.

August

August remains a strong month for wildlife-oriented travel and can offer excellent itineraries. Expect more variable weather as the month progresses.

September

September can offer compelling prices and fewer crowds, with the tradeoff of shorter days, cooler temperatures and greater weather variability.

Do You Need a Balcony Cabin in Alaska?

You don’t need one. But Alaska is one of the destinations where I think a balcony can genuinely improve the experience.

A balcony gives you a private place for glacier viewing, morning coffee through the Inside Passage, wildlife spotting, photography and simply enjoying the scenery without competing for rail space.

But I still follow one rule: I would rather have the right itinerary in an inside cabin than the wrong itinerary with a balcony.

When Should You Book an Alaska Cruise for 2027?

If Alaska is seriously on your list for 2027, I would start planning now rather than waiting until spring. The inventory that tends to matter most can become limited: popular Glacier Bay dates, suites, midship balconies, connecting cabins, luxury yacht inventory, Denali cruisetours and peak June and July departures.

You are not just shopping for a cruise fare. You are shopping for the right date + itinerary + ship + cabin. That combination can be much harder to replace later.

How I Would Choose Your Alaska Cruise

If you contacted me about Alaska, I would begin with five questions.

1. What kind of experience do you want? Traditional cruise, family vacation, contemporary premium, ultra-luxury, small yacht or expedition-style exploration?
2. Is Glacier Bay important to you? If yes, we should know that before comparing ships.
3. Do you want to add Denali? If so, a one-way itinerary usually becomes much more interesting.
4. Who is traveling? A couple celebrating an anniversary may be happier aboard Ritz-Carlton, Seabourn or Explora, while a family with teenagers may prefer Royal Caribbean.
5. What matters most? Glaciers, wildlife, luxury, food, ship experience, ports or photography?

My 2027 Alaska Recommendations

• Classic first Alaska cruise: Princess
• Deepest Alaska and Denali experience: Holland America
• Premium couples travel: Celebrity
• Families: Royal Caribbean
• Most intimate luxury yacht experience: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
• Luxury plus exploration: Seabourn
• Contemporary ultra-luxury: Explora Journeys
• Highly inclusive ultra-luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The most expensive cruise is not automatically the best cruise. And the newest ship is not automatically the best ship. For Alaska, I keep coming back to the same rule:

Choose the itinerary first. Then choose the ship that lets you experience that itinerary in the way you want to travel.