4 Reasons a Cruise is the Best Way to See Alaska

Content Produced in Partnership with Celebrity Cruises

Alaska is remote, alluring, vast, and yes, even a bit intimidating. Home to 17 of the 20 tallest peaks in the country, Alaska a place that reminds you just how small you are in the grand spectrum. Raw, humbling nature envelops you with blue as far as the eye can see. The Pacific Ocean unfolds before you as images of wildlife, glaciers, and fjords dance through your head. If planning a trip to Alaska feels as daunting as being there, consider a cruise where everything is taken care of for you. Here are just a few of the reasons a cruise is the best way to explore the Last Frontier.

Alaska is HUGE

One fifth the size of the lower 48, Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined. It’s so big it could fit two Texas’s…or 425 Rhode Islands! Traveling by boat allows you to cover much more ground in a shorter period of time than you’d be able to on your own and hit multiple ports of call. For the ultimate Alaska adventure, you can actually pair a cruise with a ground or train trip to explore the interior too.

Parts of the State Are Only Accessible by Ship

Being so remote is both a blessing and a curse. Roads can be harrowing and it’s common for certain passages to close in winter if it gets too icy or snowy. As such, cruising is actually the most popular way to explore Alaska and one of the only ways to see Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau (the capital, which is only accessible by boat or air), the Gold Rush town of Skagway (accessible by boat or train), and the glaciers in the Interior Passage.

Excursions are Varied and Diverse

Isn’t it nice to have everything planned out for you so you can sit back and enjoy your vacation rather than stress over details and logistics? Whether you prefer an active or pampered trip, there are plenty of options for all travel styles. From epic fishing trips and seafood feasts to rainforest expeditions, lumberjack shows, wildlife safaris, whale watching, fjord cruises, kayaking, dog sledding, ATVing, ziplining, rock climbing, gem mining, and helicopter tours, pretty much any bucket list item you’ve ever dreamed of (and some you haven’t!) is possible.

White Glove Service

The best part about cruising is it’s like an all-inclusive vacation on the water. A floating hotel, your every whim and wish are taken care of from meals to activities. With multiple dining options, drink establishments, and nightly entertainment from Broadway renditions to Cirque-du-Soleil-esque performances, each day can be as action-packed or as relaxing as you desire. With onboard shopping, gaming, and health and wellness activities, you never even have to leave the boat if you don’t want to.

Why Choose Celebrity Cruises Alaska

As the leader in cruising to Alaska for more than 20 years, Celebrity makes your journey as turnkey as possible on one of the most modern ships in the fleet. The menus are curated by Michelin-starred chefs, they maintain a one-to-two guest to staff ratio, boast onboard naturalists, butler service in every suite, a team of concierges, and are focused on sustainability. Off the ship, the destination’s the star of the show with adventures to truly explore the Last Frontier.

When to Go to Alaska

Summer (June–August):

• Peak season with the warmest weather and nearly 24 hours of daylight in parts of the state.
• Best time for wildlife spotting, cruises, and hiking.
• Also peak tourist season—book early!

Shoulder season (May & September):

• Fewer crowds, cheaper prices, still decent weather.
• May has epic whale watching; September brings fall colors and maybe even northern lights.

Winter (October–April):

• Come for aurora borealis, dog sledding, and snowy magic.
• Not ideal for first-timers unless you’re cool with sub-zero temps and limited daylight.

Where to Go in Alaska

Anchorage:
Urban basecamp meets rugged wilderness. Explore nearby trails, fly out to glaciers, and see if you can spot a moose at a stoplight.

Denali National Park:
Home to North America’s tallest peak and big on wildlife—think bears, caribou, and solitude with a side of mountain majesty.

Juneau:
No roads in or out—Juneau is all about glaciers, whales, and floatplanes. Mendenhall Glacier is a must.

Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park:
Wild and watery, this is where you kayak next to glaciers and cruise past puffins, seals, and maybe a breaching orca.

Fairbanks:
Your northern lights HQ. It’s also near hot springs and the Arctic Circle if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

Homer:
Laidback artist town meets halibut capital of the world. The Homer Spit is quirky and worth the detour.

Should You Cruise?

Cruising is the most popular way to see coastal Alaska—and for good reason. It’s scenic, convenient, and you get to unpack once.
Opt for:

• Inside Passage cruises (popular for first-timers)
• Smaller expedition cruises for less crowd, more nature
• Land + sea packages to hit interior spots like Denali

Alaska Travel Tips You’ll Actually Use

• Layers are your friend. Think waterproof shell + fleece + base layer. Weather changes fast.
• Bug spray > regrets. Especially in interior Alaska during the summer.
• Binoculars = MVP. Don’t rely on your phone to spot that bear 400 yards away.
• Download offline maps. Wi-Fi and service are not guaranteed in the wilds.
• Book early. Especially during peak season, tours and lodging fill fast.

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