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There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. Plan your romantic Alaskan cruise with our adventurer’s guide to discovering the coziest vacation spots and most scenic restaurants for couples traveling in Alaska. As you plan your Alaska vacation, you might be torn between traveling by cruise ship, plane or even car. On our family Alaska cruise, we created lifetime memories by sharing glacier spotting, dog sledding, flightseeing and other adventures with our teens. These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many.
Princess Cruises
Alaskan-owned and -operated Alaskan Dream Cruises dates back to 1970 when its parent company, Allen Marine, founded by Bob and Betty Allen, launched with the St. Michael. In those days, Bob ran the boat while Betty and her children served treats and tea to their guests. Today, Allen Marine operates 30 vessels, including the five ships that make up the Alaska Dream Cruises fleet, all of which accommodate between 12 and 76 cruise passengers. Knowledgeable expedition leaders serve as personal guides on every voyage, sharing their expertise in biology, geography and ecology, as well as sharing about the lifestyles and legends of Southeast Alaska’s local cultures. Life aboard Alaskan Dream Cruises’ five ships is casual and relaxed, meals feature fresh Alaskan fare, and everyone strives to provide opportunities for guests to make personal connections to the region’s places and people.
QUANTUM OF THE SEAS
While the most popular cruise regions in the world will likely always remain the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, there are some amazing destinations beyond those regions, including Alaska. What’s particularly convenient about this sailing is that it ends in Seward, making it easy to continue your Alaska vacation (a visit to Denali National Park and Preserve, anyone?) by road or rail. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices.
Oceania Cruises
Those who'd prefer man-made experiences can check out honky-tonk at the raucous Red Dog Saloon or dip into any of the microbreweries and distilleries all over town. The advantage of small ships is that they're more nimble than big ships, putting destinations like the Alaska Native village of Kake, the Wrangell Narrows and other tiny inlets within reach. Cruises through Alaska's gulf also tend to pass through the Inside Passage, with typical stops including Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Some will also call on more off-the-beaten-path ports like Icy Strait Point and Haines.
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The line always stations one or two Quantum-class ships in Alaska for the season. Adults can linger in the glass-walled Solarium, relaxing in the indoor pools and whirlpools, while their kids zoom around the SeaPlex in bumper cars. The Queen Elizabeth captures the spirit of ocean liners of a bygone era, making it a special treat in Alaska waters. The ship is elegant and provides a premium and uncrowded experience for just over 2,000 guests.
WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?
Whether you’re traveling with kids or looking for an unforgettable couple’s adventure, a vacation like this delivers on every level. From Alaska’s incredible natural wonders and awe-inspiring landscapes, to its rich cultural heritage and history, nothing beats a cruise to this wild northern paradise. Alaska's impressive southern coastlines contain hordes of island archipelagos, deep fjords and ancient glaciers.
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Luxury Alaska cruises have a different vibe than posh sailings in balmy climes. Lounging poolside plays second fiddle to shore excursions showcasing the state's spectacular natural wonders. Onboard experiences are uniquely Alaskan; viewing glaciers and wildlife from your ship's spacious decks and listening to fascinating lectures from passionate expert guests overshadow trivia games and wine tastings. Nicknamed “The Love Boat,” Princess Cruises has been sailing to Alaska for more than 50 years, and is a terrific choice for couples looking to get away from it all.
There are several options for onboard dining (aside from complimentary in-suite dining), including a fine dining option, The Grill by world-renowned chef Thomas Keller, and an open-kitchen style option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. An Alaska cruise from Seattle will visit the Inside Passage but tends to favor the open (and frequently bumpier) Pacific Ocean. Sailings from Vancouver tend to traverse more of the Inside Passage and spend a full day sailing this scenic region. Luxury cruises to Alaska on smaller ships can be a great option for those looking to pair remote wilderness with a bit of pampering. Your best high-end bets are Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar. You're in luck if you're hoping to see whales on your Alaska cruise, as the majority of the cruise season coincides with whale season.
Guests can explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or search for orca and humpback whales in Frederick Sound. Lindblad has special permits to bring passengers into the wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the Tongass National Forest, beyond what the big ships can offer. A hike on Chichagof Island is the perfect opportunity to spot bald eagles in the wild. While the kids enjoy Discovery Princess' spacious children's and teens' clubs, the adults might linger over a craft cocktail or enjoy a massage in the onboard spa. The family can come together for meals in a variety of casual and fine dining restaurants, and enjoy original production shows as the ship sails between ports. The two-year-old Discovery Princess sails round trip to Alaska from Seattle, a convenient U.S. home port for families to fly or drive to.
What looks like an endless buffet of choice can lead to analysis paralysis for many first-time Alaska visitors—even if they’re veteran cruisers who have already figured out big questions like their preferred cruise line or favorite ship class. Don’t rush your decision – there’s an Alaska cruise ship that’s perfect for you, so take your time, read my guides on each cruise line, and you’ll find the one that’s right for your cruise getaway. Cruise lines are very different from each other, and there is no single “cruise passenger” type, so there is no single “Alaska cruise ship” type either. While this guide ranks the best ships for Alaska cruise holidays by real reviews, you can’t just accept that the number one ship is the one you should book.
Explore Alaska’s most remote coastal areasConsider a luxury midsize (or smaller) cruise to places like Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands or to the northwestern city of Nome. Both combine a look at the rugged, raw coastlines with time spent on shore in towns with few frills. Weather can often be cold, rainy and windy, but if you want a unique adventure in Alaska, check out the itineraries from Hurtigruten.
This 10-night round-trip Seattle voyage hits not just the usual stops of Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. You'll also visit Victoria, British Columbia, for whale-watching, a city walking tour or outings to cider farms and wineries. Stroll the iconic Butchart Gardens, its winding paths ablaze with colorful blooms.
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