ALASKA CRUISES
An Alaska cruise is the best way to explore the wilderness of this northernmost US state. Our ships travel the Inside Passage – a 500-mile network of waterways formed by glaciers millions of years ago – affording views of picturesque fjords, the vast Tongass National Forest and over 1,000 islands.
On an Alaska cruise from Seattle, you can glimpse these natural wonders from the ship or on planned excursions.
On a cruise to Alaska with MSC Cruises, you’ll sail past Tracy Arm fjord and bask in dramatic scenery: verdant cliffs, snow-covered mountains and floating icebergs.
Book an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier from state capital Juneau to see waterfalls, ice caves and salmon-filled creeks, or go whale watching to see majestic humpbacks. Wherever you visit on one of our Alaska cruises in 2026, you’re bound to see wildlife – Alaska is known for its Big 5: moose, bears, dall sheep, caribou and wolves.
But Alaska holidays aren’t just about nature, as there's fascinating history to explore, too, including the Gold Rush. Inside Passage is home to Alaska Native peoples and visitors can gain an insight into their past thanks to totem poles found in towns such as Ketchikan.
Adventure awaits on Alaska holidays
Uncover the natural and cultural wonders of this wild land on one of our cruises to Alaska. Whether you’re interested in learning about the heritage of Alaska Natives through the totem poles of Ketchikan, going whale watching in Juneau or getting to know some grizzlies, experience it all with us.Get ready to be awed by a Brown Bear
This immense state has one of the highest populations of Brown Bear in North America, estimated at around 30,000. As luck would have it, there are plenty of places to seek out this famous species of brown bear, especially as they love Alaska’s coastal areas .
Icy Strait Point on Chichagof Island, for example, is a popular place for Brown Bear sightings, as is the beautiful Tracy Arm fjord. The good news is that with so many of these mighty and magnificent creatures living around the state, your chances of seeing one during an Alaskan holiday are surprisingly high.
Get ready to be awed by a Brown Bear
Cultural carving: exploring Alaska Native totems
As you journey through the coastal areas of Alaska, you’ll likely notice the presence of towering totem poles. These colourful monuments, carved out of western red cedar logs, were created by the Indigenous Haida, Tsimshian and Tlingit tribes to commemorate the stories of the Alaska Native peoples.
The Mosquito Legend Pole in Sitka, for example, tells the Tlingit legend of Gooteekhl, which explains the origin of mosquitoes. Ketchikan’s Totem Bight State Park is a great place to see them in all their regal glory during your Alaska cruise. Certainly give yourself enough time to stop off at the Totem Heritage Center for an in-depth exploration of their significance and, not least, to see the incredible crafts of the Indigenous peoples of this land.
Cultural carving: exploring Alaska Native totems
Whale watching, gold mines and glaciers: exploring Juneau
As Alaska’s capital city, there are myriad things to do in and around Juneau. Explore its historic streets on foot, learn about its storied past at the Alaska State Museum, or enjoy a hearty meal with a view at one of the many waterfront restaurants. Make sure to visit locally famous Red Dog Saloon during one of our Alaska cruises and take in this storied venue’s Gold Rush history and eclectic memorabilia that lines its walls.
The best thing about Juneau, though, has to be its unrivalled natural beauty and wildlife. Spot humpback whales in its nutrient-rich channels, go hiking up Mount Roberts or Mount Juneau, or explore some of the many glaciers at the sprawling 3,000-year-old Juneau Icefield – the most popular of which is, without doubt, Mendenhall Glacier. You can even combine history and nature by heading into the lush rainforest on a Gold Rush tour.
Whale watching, gold mines and glaciers: exploring Juneau
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ALASKA ports
The embarkation port for our Alaskan cruises is Seattle – an ideal starting point given its coastal location close to Alaska. Booking on an Alaska cruise from Seattle means you get to explore this lively, thriving city in Washington State, as well as other destinations in Alaska.
Alaska cruises from Seattle in 2026
Alaska cruises in 2026 all depart from Seattle. The city is known for its coffee culture, grunge music, the tech industry and, of course, the iconic Space Needle. With so much to discover, it’s a great place to start your trip.
Our Alaska cruises from Seattle then head north, stopping at five ports along the way. Juneau is a buzzing tourist centre, with restaurants, breweries and access to wildlife via whale watching tours and the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. Tracy Arm fjord and Icy Strait Point offer breathtaking scenery, Ketchikan is known for nature and Native Alaskan totem poles, while Sitka is the spot to peruse historic architecture..
Alaska cruises FAQs
When is the best time to cruise Alaska?
Our Alaska cruises set sail between May and September, which are the best months to visit this northernmost US state. June, July and August will appeal to many thanks to their warmer temperatures. However, May and September are also fantastic months for Alaska holidays, as these times can result in quieter visits.
May is one of the driest months, so there’s less chance of rain, and – happily – the chance of seeing wildlife is also increased. It’s considered the best time to spot walrus, seals, whales, migratory songbirds and much more. September is mating season for many animals such as caribou, moose and muskoxen, while longer nights can increase the chances (without a guarantee, it should be said) of catching a rare glimpse of the glorious Northern Lights.
What is the weather like in Alaska?
It’s always important to consider the weather when booking an Alaska cruise. The sunniest and warmest time is from June to August. It’s never overly hot, though, with highs between 15°C and 19°C. May temperatures are also pleasant – plus, this is often the month with the least rainfall. September is fairly dry as well, but also starts getting a little cooler, with an average high of 13°C.
Outside of these times brings shorter days and extreme cold in some months, demonstrating that the best time for your Alaska cruise is from May to September.
Which ports do MSC Cruises visit in Alaska?
Our Alaska cruises from Seattle call at five different but equally enticing ports in Alaska. Ketchikan is known for its rich Alaska Native culture, including more than 80 totem poles, while Icy Strait Point in Hoonah is great for spotting wildlife and zooming down huge zip-lines.
Gaze out at awe-inspiring glaciers and icebergs in Tracy Arm fjord, go hiking or discover local heritage in Sitka, or try whale watching in Alaska’s capital, Juneau. All five places are enlightening, must-visit destinations on a holiday to Alaska.
How much is a cruise to Alaska?
What to pack for a cruise to Alaska?
Packing for holidays in Alaska can be a breeze – sometimes quite literally. Even though temperatures in spring and summer are thoroughly pleasant, there can also be some wind and rainfall, so you’ll need to pack light layers, long-sleeve jumpers and a jacket or two – ideally including a waterproof jacket, just in case.
But don’t let the mention of waterproofs allow you to forget to bring a sunhat and high-SPF sun cream, too. Good walking shoes or hiking shoes are essential, so that you can get out into the wilderness in comfort. It’s also recommended to pack some more formal clothes and shoes for evenings, particularly Gala Night, where passengers love looking their best.
However, your most important item to pack for cruises in Alaska will always be a camera, allowing you to capture the breathtaking scenery and the once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters that surround you.
Where do Alaska cruises leave from?
Seattle is the only embarkation port for our Alaska cruises. As Washington State’s largest city, it’s got plenty to explore before you leave on your voyage. Take a ride to the top of the Space Needle – the iconic observation tower that dominates the city’s skyline – or hop aboard the Seattle Center Monorail.
Downtown, spend some time browsing the stalls at the centuries-old Pike Place Market, get cultural at the Seattle Art Museum or cheer on the Seattle Mariners at baseball field T-Mobile Park. Seattle is also the home of Starbucks, and coffee-lovers should absolutely seek out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery for an awakening experience. Little wonder that we decided to start our Alaska cruises from Seattle.
How long are Alaska cruises?
Most of our Alaska cruise itineraries last for seven nights. This is a fantastic amount of time to spend enjoying this genuinely magnificent region, as you’ll be able to sail the Inside Passage route and visit some of the state’s most popular destinations – all at a relaxing pace.
What other countries are included in a cruise that goes to Alaska?
Guests on one of our cruises to Alaska will also get to enjoy the wonders of Canada, as our itineraries end in Victoria, the gorgeous and culture-crammed capital of British Columbia. The rest of the time is spent in the US, with all ships leaving from vibrant Seattle, Washington, before sailing Alaska’s Inside Passage.
What to do in Alaska?
More than anything, though, holidays to Alaska are all about the outdoors. Hiking trails are abundant, though Nugget Falls Trail is an easy and popular route near Juneau that stops at a huge waterfall. There are also thousands of stunning glaciers to visit, with Mendenhall Glacier both one of the most accessible and most beautiful.
It’s also very likely that your trip will involve at least a handful of exciting wildlife encounters. Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm fjord and Juneau all offer whale watching tours and chances to see all kinds of bears. It’s also entirely possible that you’ll spot sea lions, caribou, salmon, otters and bald eagles during your holiday.
What is Alaska famous for?
Alaska is best known for its unspoilt nature and extraordinary wildlife. Think snow-capped mountains, fjords and otherworldly glaciers, plus grizzlies skulking around forests and channels filled with humpback whales. There are few places in the world like it – it has the biggest concentration of glaciers in North America (nearly 100,000), as well as the highest population of grizzly bears.
The state is also widely known for its invaluable Indigenous culture dating back thousands of years – discovering Alaskan Native heritage is a must during any cruise in Alaska, whether that’s by visiting museums, watching traditional cultural performances or admiring intricate totem poles.
