Royal Caribbean Cruises to Alaska

Culture, history, breathtaking landscapes, and wildlife sights all merge on an Alaska cruise, creating a picturesque, exciting experience for all onboard. Travelers looking to experience Alaska are in luck as round-trip or one-way Royal Caribbean cruises leave from Seattle and Vancouver in the spring, summer and fall. Before you say, “Yes! Buy me a ticket!” consider the following essential pieces of travel information:

Departure and Length

Royal Caribbean cruise ship in AlaskaRoyal Caribbean Alaska cruises typocally depart from Seattle, WA; Vancouver, BC or Seward, Alaska. Along with where you choose to start the cruise, consider how long you would like to be at sea. Nine possible cruise tours last up to seven nights at sea, with an additional three to six days on land a possibility, depending on package.

Ports and Attractions

Although itineraries vary, Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska typically stop at a combination of ports of call featuring several local attractions:

Rafting in AlaskaAlyeska: Explore or take in the scenery when stopping at Mt. Alyeska, a landscape characterized by seven glaciers.
Anchorage: The cruise’s sights frequently start once the ship pulls into Alaska’s major city. What’s there to do? Practically everything – explore the local culture, stop by a museum, go shopping, or schedule an excursion to Resolution Park.
• Banff National Park: With cruises passing by the Canadian Rockies, this stop places you right at the foot – and right at the start of a 5,200-mile park that’s ripe for exploration.
• Calgary, Alberta: This Canadian city sits right at the foot of the Canadian Rockies. If you’re looking for something a bit more urban, Calgary is Canada’s second-largest place of commerce.
• Denali National Park: Alaska’s most popular destination leaves few opportunities unturned. As you plan a cruise excursion – and with a potential two-night stay, this is a must – consider seeing wildlife or sightseeing tours of the landscape.
• Fairbanks: “Alaska’s Golden Heart” sits right near the Arctic Circle and is one of the cruise’s northernmost points.
• Hubband Glacier: A beautiful sight, this natural wonder is one of the state’s most active glaciers and extends over 1,350 square miles.
• Inside Passage: Another popular cruise request, this region presents the perfect opportunity for observing the wildlife, including whales, puffins, and bears. Or, bring your camera for plenty of landscape photography opportunities – the fjords are certainly a vision to behold!
• Icy Strait Point: Formerly a Tlingit settlement, this stop takes travelers close to Glacier Bay National Park – another great opportunity for wildlife watching!

Couple in Alaska• Juneau: This Alaskan city boasts a major role in Gold Rush History – but that’s not all. Its Alaskan panhandle location makes it perfect for taking in the scenery and exploring the Mendenhal Glacier.
• Ketchikan: Remnants of Native American and Gold Rush history abound over town, including many striking carved totem poles.
• Skagway: Another Gold Rush location, this city sits at the entry point to the Lynn Canal.
• Seward: Either for starting or passing through, this Alaskan town is one of the oldest communities in the state – as well as one of the most scenic. Depending upon your fancy, visit the downtown district, or schedule an excursion to Kenai National Park.

Interested in seeing Alaska onboard a magnificent Royal Caribbean ship? Start planning your trip, from scheduling to discounts, through Direct Line Cruises.