Most Alaska cruises depart from Vancouver, Seattle and Seward (accessed via Anchorage). With regular flights to Vancouver and Seattle, these are the most popular ports and you can easily add an Alaska cruise to an incredible Canada or USA holiday. From the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train and Niagara Falls to the California coast or Amtrak train journey between Chicago and Seattle, there’s plenty of options.

Cruises to Alaska depart May to September and within these months, there is no bad time to travel.  Migrating marine wildlife will start appearing in Alaska’s waters early in the season so keep your eyes peeled for Orca fins and grizzly bears can be spotted near the rivers to feast on spawning salmon.

Wherever you travel in Alaska you will not be disappointed. At each port you will be treated to incredible wildlife, scenery and food as well as welcoming hospitality. Here’s a quick rundown of the key ports in Alaska and what you can look forward to.

Anchorage: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Alaska’s largest city is an exciting cosmopolitan destination with all the natural wonders and quintessential hospitality you’d expect in the Last Frontier. Learn at the local heritage centre, wander through fragrant forests, get lost in awe-inspiring vistas and keep your fingers crossed for incredible wildlife spotting.  

Seward: Seward is situated on an inlet of the Kenai Peninsula, nestled up next to the southern coast of Alaska. Scenic and breathtaking, this coastal town has nearly an endless variety of outdoor activities to enjoy from hiking, mountain biking and climbing to rafting, sea kayaking, dog-sledding, and even skiing, fishing or white-water rafting.

Skagway: At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the port town of Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary goldfields and quickly grew into Alaska’s largest settlement. At every turn you’ll find yourself immersed in gold rush lore from the infamous Red Onion Saloon that still keeps Wyatt Earp's pistol to the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.

Icy Strait Point: Receive a traditional welcome on arrival into Icy Strait Point from the residents of Hoonah, Alaska's largest native Tlingit Village. Here the cannery on the water's edge provides the history of salmon fishing and canning in the area, alternatively take a guided walk through flower-covered Musgrove meadows and try your luck at brown bear spotting. Back at the shore, you may be lucky enough to witness a Humpback Whale gliding past.

Juneau: The capital of Alaska, there is lots to see and do here. There are whale-watching trips aplenty and one of its most impressive sights is the Mendenhall Glacier. Walk along a pretty nature trail to get close to the base of Mendenhall Glacier or take to the skies in a helicopter for an impressive bird's eye view. Looking to get your hands dirty? Juneau is the perfect place to try your luck panning for gold!

Sitka: A storied past mixed with jaw-dropping scenery sets Sitka apart from other ports. Surrounded by the Sitka Sound’s icy blue water, it not only boasts lush scenery and captivating wildlife but also unique glimpse into Alaska’s fascinating history.

Ketchikan: This beautiful, arty town is famously known as the salmon capital of the world! Take a walk along Killer Whale Avenue or delve into native history at the Saxman Native Village and Totem Park. Take a seaplane trip to witness the dramatic landscape of the Misty Fjords National Park known as the "Yosemite of the North".

Victoria: A charming British-influenced city plonked in the rugged Pacific Northwest. You can have high tea in an English garden and go whale watching the same day. Roam the peaceful paths of the vast Butchart Gardens and see vibrant blooms at every turn or venture to Fisherman’s Wharf for paddling harbour seals and bustling seafood restaurants.

Most Alaska cruises will visit either Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier for a day of scenic cruising. At both you will witness the majestic silence of a glacier, only broken by the creak of the glacial ice or the boom of ice calving off into the water. So what is the difference between them?

Glacier Bay National Park is a 3.3 million acre treasure of natural wonders. Perfect for glacier enthusiasts, at this UNESCO World Heritage site you‘ll have a full day (typically 9-10 hours) amongst many different glaciers including a stop at a major tidewater glacier. National Park Service park rangers board the ship to provide a narrative about important aspects of the visit and give special presentations about the park.

The largest tidal glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier is a rarity; an icy abyss, formed over centuries. Only by cruising alongside it can you appreciate the majesty of its colossal scale. Disarmingly beautiful, the gigantic wall of ice measures a staggering 5 miles wide and 40 stories high.  Known as the “the Galloping Glacier”, three-story icebergs cannon into crystal waters making Hubbard Glacier cruises incredibly popular. Grab your binoculars and search for sea lions lazing on the glacier’s surface, or keep a watchful eye for an orca fin rising from the mysterious depths.

Got more questions? Ready to book your dream Alaska cruise holiday? For more inspiration, take a look at our Alaska Cruises pages.