Alaska draws people in for all kinds of reasons, breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and the almost otherworldly sight of the glaciers. If you've been dreaming about it, let me walk you through what you actually need to know before booking.  

Two Very Different Cruises  

Before you start browsing itineraries, it's really worth understanding that Alaska cruises aren't all the same. The two main types, Inside Passage or the Glacier route (one-way) offer different experiences with different scenery, different ports, different logistics, and a difference in cost. Choosing the wrong one for what you're hoping to see and do is one of the most common mistakes people make when booking an Alaska cruise, so let's break the options down.  

The Inside Passage  

This is the classic one-week Alaska cruise, roundtrip from Vancouver or Seattle. The ship winds up through the coast of British Columbia and into the island straits of southeastern Alaska.  

Ports like Ketchikan and Sitka are interesting for their history and culture, though they're not quite what most people picture when they imagine Alaska. Skagway is a tiny town of only about 500 people, but it punches well above its weight. Take a spectacular ride on the White Pass Railroad, running along the original 1898 Gold Rush trail into the Yukon; it’s widely considered one of the best excursions on any Alaska cruise. Juneau has something for everyone, with cycling, kayaking, fishing, whale watching, as well as helicopter or bus trips out to the Mendenhall Glacier. Don't miss a stop at the Red Dog Saloon for a fun taste of Alaskan history.  

When people picture Alaska, they often picture Glacier Bay. Watching glaciers "calve" (that's ice cracking and thunderously crashing into near-frozen water) is one of those experiences you simply won't forget but here's something worth noting: not every ship enters Glacier Bay. The National Park limits the number of permits issued, allowing only two large cruise ships per day. Princess and Holland America hold the lion's share because they've been sailing Alaska the longest. If you're eyeing Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, or Norwegian, check carefully whether your specific sailing goes into Glacier Bay, as many don't, they typically visit Hubbard Glacier or Endicott Arm instead.  

One practical note for when you're standing in front of those glaciers, it's cold — like gloves, scarf, hat, and winter coat cold. But only while you're right there; the rest of the time you'll be fine in lighter layers.   

The Glacier Route Cruise (One-Way)  

This itinerary tends to appeal to people who want to actually explore Alaska, not just see it from the water. It runs one-way between Vancouver and Seward (about three hours from Anchorage), sailing either northbound or southbound, which means flying in or out of Anchorage and that one-way flight can add to your final costs. It's manageable but go in with your eyes open on the budget.  

Most people choosing this route combine it with time on land in Alaska, either through a cruisetour (cruise plus a land tour package) or a separately arranged escorted tour. I'll be honest with you: independent travel in Alaska can be tricky. Car rentals aren't readily available, distances are vast, and getting around without a guide is harder than you'd expect. Denali National Park is the crown jewel for most visitors, and an escorted tour is really the best way to see it properly.  

This is one area where I'd strongly encourage you to talk to one of our agents directly rather than trying to piece it together online as the combinations of cruise, tour, and flights are complex, and getting it right really does make a difference.  

A popular add-on that pairs beautifully with an Alaska cruise is a trip through the Canadian Rockies, whether before or after your sailing. The Rocky Mountaineer glass-dome train offers stunning daytime scenery, with stops at Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, and the Okanagan Valley. Coach tours, car rentals, and rail options can all be coordinated. Just ask us.  

What to Expect On Board  

Alaska's season runs May through September, with some great deals at the shoulder ends. July and August are peak, but even then, the weather is famously unpredictable, rain and overcast skies are common, though plenty of our clients have lucked into sunshine and broken out the shorts.  

Here's something that surprises first-timers coming from Caribbean cruises: you won't be spending much time on deck. The open decks are often nearly empty on Alaska sailings as the cold wind has a way of keeping people inside. A brave few will still be in the hot tubs, but most guests find themselves reading more, catching up on movies, and using the indoor amenities they may walk past on warmer cruises. People who'd never dream of attending an ice-carving demo on a sunny sailing suddenly find themselves lining up just for something to do.  

Pack accordingly, think in layers: shorts for warmer port days, jeans, sweatshirts, sweaters, a raincoat or lightweight waterproof jacket, formal wear for dining nights, and comfortable footwear for all conditions. Bring more books or download more shows than you think you'll need. You'll thank yourself on the sea days.   

Alaska is one of those destinations that genuinely lives up to the hype if you go in knowing what to expect. Our agents are happy to help you work through the options and find the itinerary to make your Alaskan dreams come true.