The 8 Best Cruise Lines for Alaska in 2025
By Janet Benoir | February 25, 2025
Venture on a journey to Alaska, where the whispers of the wilderness invite you into a world of breathtaking beauty. In 2025, the allure of Alaska’s untouched landscapes, towering glaciers, and vibrant wildlife continues to beckon travelers from around the globe.
Choosing the right cruise line for those ready to explore the Last Frontier by sea can elevate your adventure from memorable to truly spectacular. From luxury liners to family-friendly vessels and intimate expedition ships, here are the eight best cruise lines that promise an unrivaled Alaskan voyage in 2025.
Best Overall
Selecting the best cruise line for an exceptional Alaskan experience means balancing luxurious amenities with enriching itineraries that capture the region’s spirit and splendor. These top picks promise not only comfort and style but also deep connections to Alaska’s stunning landscapes and cultures.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line has perfected the art of Alaskan cruising, offering voyages that blend maritime luxury with enriching experiences. With over 75 years of navigating Alaska’s rugged coastlines, they promise an itinerary packed with panoramic glacier views and cultural depth.
Whether you’re sailing from Seattle or Vancouver, expect expertly curated excursions and an onboard experience steeped in comfort and class. Like the MS Westerdam, their ships are floating sanctuaries of fine dining and serene spaces, ensuring every moment at sea is as fulfilling as those spent ashore.
Princess Cruises
A stalwart on the Alaskan seas, Princess Cruises offers a royal treatment with its impressive fleet, including the majestic Royal Princess and Ruby Princess. Known for its “Direct to the Wilderness” rail service and exclusive wilderness lodges, Princess enriches your journey with seamless connections between sea and land. Their itineraries are thoughtfully designed to maximize your time in each destination, ensuring a comprehensive voyage through Alaska’s iconic passages and ports.
Best for Families
Regarding family adventures, these cruise lines go above and beyond to ensure that passengers of all ages experience the wonder of Alaska in ways that captivate and connect families. From thrilling on-board activities to kid-friendly excursions ashore, these are your best bets for a family getaway.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line offers an engaging escape aboard ships like the Norwegian Bliss for families sailing to the wilds of Alaska. Tailored to dynamic family fun, their cruises feature activities for all ages, from thrilling waterslides and laser tag to educational encounters with Alaska’s natural wonders. The line’s freestyle cruising philosophy means meals without fixed times or pre-assigned seating, perfect for families operating on different schedules and preferences.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean is a family favorite with innovative ships like the Ovation of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. These floating resorts pack every cruise with adventure, featuring rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and even surf simulators. Their Alaskan itineraries are designed to thrill, offering a blend of classic ports and unique coastal towns, ideal for families eager to explore together.
Best for Couples
Alaska’s natural romance and grandeur call for a cruise line that creates an atmosphere of intimacy and indulgence. These cruise lines cater to couples with luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining options, and activities that can make a trip to Alaska a romantic and unforgettable experience.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises transforms Alaska’s wild landscapes into a backdrop for romance and relaxation. Aboard ships like the Celebrity Solstice, couples can enjoy intimate dinners, luxurious spa treatments, and balconies that open to stunning fjord views. The line’s focus on modern luxury is evident in every detail, from the chic lounges to the activities tailored for adults, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a serene and sophisticated voyage.
Best Luxury
For those who seek the finest in luxury and exclusivity on their Alaskan journey, these cruise lines offer unparalleled service, exquisite dining, and access to some of Alaska’s most remote and breathtaking areas. Every aspect of the cruise is meticulously crafted to provide a sumptuous and memorable experience.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas offers an all-inclusive luxury cruise experience as expansive as the Alaskan wilderness. Sailing on the Seven Seas Mariner, passengers indulge in spacious suites, gourmet dining, and unparalleled service. Every excursion—whether a helicopter tour over towering glaciers or a quiet kayak trip through misty fjords—is included, ensuring a worry-free exploration of Alaska’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Silversea Cruises
With Silversea Cruises, luxury meets adventure in the heart of Alaska. Like the Silver Muse, their ships provide an intimate and elegant basecamp from which to discover the remote corners of the state. Exclusive excursions and personalized service are hallmarks of the Silversea experience, with fine dining and expert lectures enhancing your journey. Their all-suite accommodations offer private verandas with ocean views, enveloping guests in comfort as they sail through the pristine waters of the Last Frontier.
Best Small-Ship Expedition Line
Board on an expedition where the ship takes you to Alaska and through its very heart. These small-ship cruises focus on bringing you closer to the rugged beauty of Alaska, with itineraries that venture into less-traveled waters, offering more intimate and immersive experiences.
UnCruise Adventures
UnCruise Adventures distinguishes itself with small ships that navigate closer to Alaska’s wild heart than any other line. The Wilderness Explorer, carrying just 74 guests, offers an up-close look at secluded coves, hidden waterfalls, and unspoiled wilderness inaccessible to larger ships. Focusing on active exploration and cultural immersion, UnCruise provides a unique and personal encounter with Alaska’s natural wonders, guided by experts who share a deep love for the region.
Embarking on an Alaskan cruise in 2025 promises more than just a voyage; it offers a gateway to adventure, relaxation, and awe-inspiring beauty. Each of these top cruise lines has mastered the art of Alaskan exploration, ensuring every traveler finds their perfect match at sea. Whether you’re seeking luxury, adventure, family fun, or romantic escape, these cruises promise to deliver an unforgettable experience amidst some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.