Quick answer
Alaska cruises sail only from May to September through the Inside Passage, visiting Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan and viewing glaciers. Choose 7-night round trips from Seattle or Vancouver, or one-way 'Gulf' cruises that pair with a Denali land tour.
- Cruise season
- May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- Best months
- Jun, Jul, Aug
- Typical length
- 7–14 nights
- Main departure ports
- Seattle, Vancouver, Seward, Whittier
- Popular ports
- Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Seward
- Cruise lines sailing here
- 14
Why cruise here
- Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier
- Whales, bears and eagles
- Cruise-tours to Denali National Park
Weather by month in Juneau
Long-term averages for planning — not a forecast. Cruise season Best months
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high °C | 0 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 13 | 8 | 3 | 1 |
| Avg low °C | -5 | -4 | -2 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 2 | -2 | -4 |
| Rain days | 18 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 20 | 20 |
Ports of call
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Ketchikan
- Sitka
- Glacier Bay
- Hubbard Glacier
- Icy Strait Point
- Seward
- Whittier
Sailings & fares
Loading sailings…
Cruise lines sailing Alaska
Mainstream ocean cruises
Premium ocean cruises
Luxury & ultra-luxury cruises
Expedition & polar cruises
Americas river & coastal cruises
Visas for Alaska cruises
Alaska is the USA, so a US visa (or ESTA) is needed; Vancouver departures also need a Canadian visa or eTA.
Guides: US visa (B1/B2), Canada visitor visa.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to cruise Alaska?
The cruise season is May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep; the best months are June, July, August.
Do I need a visa for a Alaska cruise?
Alaska is the USA, so a US visa (or ESTA) is needed; Vancouver departures also need a Canadian visa or eTA.
How long is a typical Alaska cruise?
Most are 7–14 nights, usually from Seattle, Vancouver, Seward.
Which cruise lines sail Alaska?
Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic, HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), UnCruise Adventures and 2 more.
What is the best month for an Alaska cruise?
June to August has the warmest weather and longest days. May and September are cheaper with fewer crowds; September has a better chance of Northern Lights.