The Best Alaskan Cruises

Departing from Seattle, the Rhapsody of the Seas travels to Alaska from May through September. This grand cruise ship, operated by Royal Caribbean International, features inner cabins, ocean-view rooms, balcony rooms and high-class suites. Prices range from around $580 to over $1,360. After leaving Seattle, the Rhapsody of the Seas docks at Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The Rhapsody of the Seas especially stands out from the competition thanks to its built-in walls of glass, as well as a retractable canopy--all for better views. A cruise on the Rhapsody of the Seas can be reserved by calling Royal Caribbean International at (866) 562-7625, or by visiting the cruise line's website at royalcaribbean.com.

The Norwegian Sun, one of twelve ships operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, features inner and ocean-view cabins, balcony rooms and suites, ranging from around $600 to over $1,400 per person. The Norwegian Sun, distinguishable from the competition by its vibrant, multicolored paint job splashed across its sides and centered around a red-orange sun, operates between May and September. The Sun departs from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and calls on the following ports: Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Cruise Sawyer Glacier, Alaska; and Skagway, Alaska, before returning to Vancouver. The Sun offers passengers with more entertainment options, shows and even theater productions, than most other cruises. The cruise takes place over eight days and seven nights. To book an Alaskan cruise on the Norwegian Sun, contact Norwegian Cruise Line at (866) 234-7350, or visit the cruise line's website at ncl.com/nclweb/home.html.

The Carnival Spirit, operated by Carnival, typically runs three times during the summer---once in May and twice in September. Departing from Vancouver, the Carnival Spirit calls on Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Cruise Glacier Bay, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; and Ketchikan, Alaska, before returning to Vancouver. Prices for a basic inside cabin begin around $450 per person and continue up to around $1,700 for a luxury suite. The Carnival Spirit Alaskan cruise lasts for eight days and seven nights. Carnival offers a wide array of dining options--more than most cruise ships--from cafes, bars and lounges to multiple full-scale restaurants offering food from around the world. To book a cruise to Alaska aboard the Carnival Spirit, call (888) CARNIVAL or visit Carnival's website at Carnival.com.

Operated by Holland America Line, the more pricey Ryndam Alaskan cruise lasts eight days and seven nights and departs from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. From Vancouver, the ship docks at Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska; and Ketchikan, Alaska, before returning to Vancouver. Inside cabins go for around $600 per person, while the ship's highest-class suites costs as much as $2,250 per person. The Ryndam offers one exclusive cruise to Alaska each year, generally departing in May. Enjoy the ship's massive custom sculpture, set amidst fountains in the ship's three-story atrium, or explore the ship's many historical artifacts--including a 400-year-old muzzle-loading canon recovered from the North Sea floor. To book a place on the Ryndam's annual cruise to Alaska, contact Holland America Line at (877) 932-4259, or visit the line's website at hollandamerica.com.