The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will launch its first-ever Alaska season onboard Luminara in 2026.
14.01.2025 - 21:03 / travelpulse.com / Royal Caribbean / North America / Bruce Parkinson / Holland America Line
Alaska – The Great Land. The 49th state has long been on the travel lists for many travelers, and it's not difficult to understand why. Whether they come seeking the awesome majesty of Alaska's glacier fields, the stupefying array of wildlife ranging from humpback whales to bears, moose, and everything in between, fascinating Indigenous culture or simply the never-ending vistas of pristine wilderness, Alaska has something to intrigue even the most jaded of travelers.
Each summer, travelers come in throngs, boarding cruise ships or flying directly to the state for sport fishing, sightseeing, or relaxation. But as the country’s largest state (it’s over twice the size of Texas), figuring out logistics can be daunting. The state has few roads, and although cosmopolitan in many places, it’s still remote and wild in many others.
Read on for more detailed information about planning the perfect Alaska vacation in 2025.
The vast majority of Alaska travelers will visit the state onboard a cruise ship. How to choose a cruise could be the subject of its own story (and it is), but there are a few quick tips to consider:
Big or small ship? The itineraries are similar among vessels based on size. Smaller ship lines like UnCruise Adventures, National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions, Alaskan Dream Cruises, American Cruise Lines and H|X can visit smaller ports and more out-of-the-way destinations. Big ship cruise lines such as Princess, Holland America Line, Cunard, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Silversea, Norwegian, Viking, and Celebrity tend to stick to larger ports.
Once travelers have figured out the “personality” of the cruise line they want, then it’s time to pick an itinerary.
One-way or roundtrip? Fitting Alaska into a week? A roundtrip cruise from Seattle, San Francisco, or Vancouver can be most convenient. Going on a longer trip or extending travels to other parts of Alaska? A one-way trip berthing in Whittier or Seward is a better bet.
Cruise-only, or Cruisetour? Many cruise lines offer pre-fab “cruisetour" packages, combining the cruise with a package tour of Alaska's interior. They're great seamless products, with all the components like rail travel and accommodations included, but they're also regimented—think plenty of early morning coach or rail departures. Independent-minded travelers can easily cruise to Alaska and make their own onward arrangements.
Scenery on a whale watching excursion from Juneau's Auke Bay. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
With a state so vast, and a number of cities welcoming visitors, it can be hard to pick out one to focus on. The smaller communities in Southeast Alaska seem well-suited for cruising, while in Southcentral Alaska, Anchorage, the
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will launch its first-ever Alaska season onboard Luminara in 2026.
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