Best Places to Visit on Alaska Cruise
Published January 30, 2025
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Alaska remains a place that belongs on every traveler's bucket list and it's tough to surpass its stunning beauty and magnificent charm.
Boasting four times the coastline of other states, it is definitely an ideal maritime destination.
Let’s explore the best places to visit on an Alaska cruise.
Hubbard Glacier
This is one of Alaska's most breathtaking natural wonders.
It’s the longest North American tidal glacier, and while on your cruise, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the beautiful ice formation from all perspectives.
You could potentially witness the calving of the glacier since it occurs daily, with large pieces of ice falling inside Disenchantment Bay.
This largest tidewater glacier in North America measures 76 miles long and is as wide as seven miles.
It was named after National Geographic Society's inaugural president, Gardiner Hubbard, and is among the rare Alaskan glaciers that are advancing instead of retreating.
It’s traveling at approximately 80 feet annually.
Seward
Located just at Kenai Fjords’ east, the Seward town presents a stunning view along the coastline.
Named after William Seward, who was Secretary of State under the reign of Abraham Lincoln, this town with around 3000 residents is the beginning of the Iditarod Trail, which is a renowned trail.
From stunning natural landscapes to plentiful wildlife viewing chances, a cruise tour to Seward lets you enjoy the finest experiences that Alaska provides.
Located at the mouth of the scenic Resurrection Bay, it provides numerous outdoor activities.
Be sure to take a walk through the town's historic center, where you can discover upscale dining, charming art galleries, and unique shops.
Also, the main attraction of any visit to this place is a boat tour through the Kenai Fjords National Park.
Covering more than 600000 acres, this remarkable terrain features tidewater glaciers, striking fjords, towering peaks, and a vast ice field.
In the National Park, you will discover the dynamic Exit Glacier, the sole glacier in this park that is reachable by automobile.
Then also, when docked inside Seward, we suggest visiting Alaska's SeaLife Center.
The marine research and wildlife rehabilitation center offers assistance to various injured and stranded marine animals, such as sea lions, seals, otters, puffins, and others.
A trip to this location will allow you to see these amazing animals up close, as you discover a lot about wildlife preservation and conservation.
Denali National Park
Cruises usually feature a trip to this national park because it's definitely worth experiencing.
The park features North America's highest peak, Denali, reaching over 20000 feet, along with more than 6,000,000 acres of varied wilderness.
Inside Passage
This is among the most stunning regions in Alaska and globally as well.
Here, during the summer season, beautiful wildflowers flourish, whereas autumn introduces a vibrant display of colors to the leaves.
The Inside Passage is a genuine natural marvel, featuring indigenous culture and abundant wildlife such as migrating whales and bald eagles.
Mendenhall Glacier
During your cruise in Alaska, you have the option to take a trip to this Mendenhall Glacier.
There you will embark on the most comprehensive glacier tour, spending 2 hours discovering the breathtaking scenery of Mendenhall Glacier.
Petersburg
The Petersburg town is usually called “Alaska’s Little Norway”. It ranks among the state’s key fishing hubs.
The icebergs frequently found at the southern tip of Frederick Sound which is nearby create an almost otherworldly scene where many whales can frequently be seen.
Sitka
To experience Alaska away from the crowds, consider a cruise route that includes a stop in Sitka.
Situated on the Baranof Island, this place is enveloped by the lush forests and clear waters that make Alaska famous.
As the residence of the Tlingit people and the previous Russian America capital, Sitka is part of the finest places to delve into Alaska's fascinating history.
What distinguishes Sitka from other cruise destinations in Alaska is its intriguing Russian heritage.
Admire St. Michael Cathedral's onion-capped domes and golden crosses, the first New World Orthodox church.
Also, visit the House of the Russian Bishop to see what Sitka town was like in the American-Russian era.
Sitka is additionally a haven for those who adore animals.
Embark on whale-watching adventures across Sitka Sound in order to look for migratory humpback whales alongside sea lions, harbor seals, orcas, and sea otters.
Then, another essential stop in Sitka is the Bear Fortress, a sanctuary that offers shelter and support to abandoned and orphaned black and brown bears.
Icy Strait Point
At this point, only a single ship is permitted to dock no matter what and at any given moment, enabling visitors to fully experience the region's rich wildlife and culture.
This private port always welcomes the public and cruise ship passengers receive preferential treatment.
You are guaranteed to experience an unforgettable adventure.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan boasts the largest totem pole assortment globally.
Then, along with the plentiful salmon population, Ketchikan’s local wildlife consists of deer, mountain goats, whales, Black Bears, and Grizzly Bears.
Many Alaska cruises always make a stop in Ketchikan, as it is typically the initial stop port when traveling through the picturesque Inside Passage.
Ketchikan is also essential for fishing enthusiasts – you can savor different local fish specialties at the numerous eateries along the vibrant Creek Street or partake in a thrilling fishing cruise.
Then, close by is the biggest national forest in the United States, Tongass National Forest. It can be accessed by air, boat, or hiking.
Observe native animals such as bears, beavers, and moose while appreciating natural marvels like the National Monument, featuring crystal-clear lakes, snow-covered peaks, and flowing waterfalls.
You should also visit Saxman Native Village to explore these captivating artistic creations and gain insight into the Native culture of Alaska.
Whittier
This is an immensely popular port spot to explore, featuring pristine wilderness that encompasses glaciers, forests, and islands.
You can also enjoy superb water sports and hiking trails when you visit.
Glacier Bay National Park
This national park ranks among the top locations globally to experience the process of calving; when substantial glacial ice pieces detach and plunge into the water, creating icebergs.
The region is also home to multiple tidewater glaciers as well as part of the best whale watching globally.
Skagway
The quaint Skagway town is a favored destination for cruise tours and ships, letting tourists enjoy a genuine Alaskan mining community.
Skagway was founded amidst the Klondike's gold rush in the 19th century and now, this town has welcomed its unique history and also become a preferred destination for visitors.
So, if you are fascinated by the history of gold rush, seek out an Alaska cruise that includes a stop in the delightful Skagway town.
Also, along with its captivating past, Skagway boasts remarkable natural landscapes.
Experience the advantages of both realms by taking a trip on the Yukon Railway, constructed in 1898 for transporting prospectors amid the Gold Rush.
The mountain vistas presented on this train ride are truly extraordinary.
Then, for individuals looking for a bit more excitement, Skagway is renowned for its dog sledding experiences.
During a sledding excursion, you will discover the sports background and the training methods for the dogs prior to getting on a cart to feel the dog mushing excitement firsthand.
Contrary to what you might believe, dog sledding is not limited to winter and may be experienced throughout the year.
Prince William Sound
This encompasses 10000 miles of safeguarded waterways, fjords, islands, and approximately 150 glaciers.
The area also boasts a variety of marine creatures such as porpoises, humpback whales, seals, orca whales, and many others.
Juneau
Positioned between majestic mountain ranges and frigid blue waters, the Alaskan city of Juneau remains a must to experience on any cruise through Alaska.
With a vibrant city center and abundant natural beauty, Juneau offers something for everybody to appreciate.
Interestingly, it is the sole state capital that can only be reached by boat or airplane, as there aren't any roads connecting it to the other parts of Alaska.
Still, although Juneau is the capital city of Alaska, a trip there centers around the natural scenery.
While there, be sure to visit Mendenhall Glacier, part of the easiest North American glaciers to reach.
To experience this stunning natural marvel intimately, select from various hiking paths, or choose a kayak excursion or a scenic flight.
Then, for breathtaking vistas of the Gastineau Channel, Juneau, and Douglas Island, take the available tram to the summit of Mount Roberts.
For museum enthusiasts, the Alaska State Museum in Juneau provides a fascinating glimpse into Alaska's rich history.
In the museum, visitors can discover the indigenous Inuit culture during their time in the city.
Kenai Fjords
This is found within Kenai Fjords National Park, which is the sixth highest frequented national park inside of Alaska.
This park features the Harding Ice Field, which is the biggest ice field entirely located in the USA, along with 4 active volcanoes.
Activities to Carry Out During Your Alaska Cruise
Hiking
Numerous hiking adventures await you on your Alaska cruise and a favored trip offered on certain cruise ships is the hiking experience on the Tongass Rainforest.
It's the biggest temperate rainforest globally, featuring stunning islands, mountains, bays, fjords, and ancient forests.
Watching Wildlife
There are many wildlife observation excursions you can experience during your Alaska cruise, such as whale watching.
The area is rich in wildlife, and with a bit of luck, you might spot some from your cruise ship's deck.
Also, Denali National Park ranks among the top destinations for wildlife observation, allowing you to view the Big Five of Alaska: grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, and wolves.
Kayaking
Paddling a kayak will enable you to discover parts of Alaska that are inaccessible by ship, and with some luck, you may catch sight of the native marine wildlife.
Rafting
While in Skagway, you have the chance to take part in an excursion that allows you to hike 2 miles down Chilkoot’s Trail, followed by a rafting adventure on the Taiya River.
It is not an ordinary rafting adventure but a serene voyage along the river, allowing you to admire the fjords' stunning scenery, snowy mountain tops, glaciers, and vibrant flower fields.
