Alaska is the last wilderness frontier of the United States. This region of blue glaciers, majestic mountains, deep fjords and historic towns attracts thousands of people each year. From May through September, most arrive by cruise ships, both large and small, to explore the fabled Inside Passage that includes Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and several glaciers such as Tracy Arm.

There are a number of cruise lines that visit Alaska on a weekly basis. These include large ships with 1,800 to 2,200 passengers, such as Princess, Holland America, Norwegian Caribbean, Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Smaller ships can explore areas the bigger ones can’t, and include the sternwheeler Empress of the North and the Cruise West Lines, with a capacity of about 125 passengers (see Resources below).

Choosing the right cruise for you involves a number of factors, such as itinerary, length of port stops, activities and enrichment programs, dining options, accommodations, land tours, budget and even whether the cruise line appeals to families or older travelers. Some cruises are part cruise, part land tour into Denali and the Kenai Peninsula.

July and August are the busiest cruise months, and therefore accommodations are higher priced. As the cruise season winds down, however, sailing specials can be found either on the Internet or through a travel agency (see Resources below).

Planning in advance and spending time reading cruise ship guides that are full of important information is paramount. Attend travel lectures and talk to travel agents. They will help you narrow issues such as when to go and which cruise line will serve your needs.

Holland America appeals to the older traveler, while Princess, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Caribbean appeal to families. Many ships have kid camps, game arcades and a kids-only swimming area. Teens also have their own programs, with dances, DJs and special events.

Large ships offer a good value on cabin accommodations, and sometimes upgrades are available at little or no cost. Most dining, shipboard activities and entertainment such as evening Broadway-style shows are included in the fare.

However, cruise lines promote their own land tours during port stops as well as special services and “premium” dining for additional fees. Also, each passenger uses an account card for all purchases while on board, like beverages not included with meals. This can quickly add up.

Accommodations aboard smaller cruise ships cost more. However, their programs and amenities are different. An Alaskan cruise aboard one of these vessels is more intimate, and passengers have an opportunity to get better acquainted. On-board enrichment programs may include native arts, cultural and wildlife lectures. Meals are more informal, and are prepared by talented chefs from local ingredients.

Half the fun of going on an Alaskan cruise is all that leads up to it. Unless you like surprises, the more information you gather and digest, the more enjoyable your cruise will be, especially if this is your first cruise.

Holland America Line

Princess Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Empress of the North

Cruise West

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