By William Jackson
Alaska's impressive, blue-ice glaciers and virgin pine forests continue to draw thousands of new visitors each year to its frigid waters. Many of these visitors end up experiencing Alaska largely from the deck of a giant cruise ship. Of course, there are dozens of cruise lines operating in and around Alaska, offering these breathtaking views combined with on-board entertainment, relaxation and dining options. But which cruise line is best?
The Rhapsody of the Seas
Departing from Seattle, the Rhapsody of the Seas travels to Alaska from May through September. This cruise ship, operated by Royal Caribbean International, features inner cabins, ocean-view rooms, balcony rooms and high-class suites. After leaving Seattle, the Rhapsody of the Seas docks in Alaska at Juneau, Skagway and at Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord before stopping in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The Rhapsody of the Seas stands out from the competition thanks to its built-in walls of glass, as well as a retractable canopy--all for better views.
Rhapsody of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International
866-562-7625
Royalcaribbean.com
Ryndam
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 travels to Alaska, stopping at Juneau, Skagway, Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord and Ketchikan before returning to Vancouver. The Ryndam offers one exclusive cruise to Alaska each year, generally departing in May. Enjoy the ship's massive custom sculpture, set amid 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.
Ryndam
Holland America Line
877-932-4259
Hollandamerica.com
Carnival Spirit
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. 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.
Carnival Spirit
Carnival Cruise Line
888-CARNIVAL
Carnival.com
Norwegian Sun
The Norwegian Sun, one of 12 ships operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, features inner and ocean-view cabins, balcony rooms and suites. This cruise liner is 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 shows and even theater productions during the eight days and seven nights voyage.
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Cruise Line
866-234-7350
NCL.com
About the Author:
William Jackson has written, reported and edited professionally for more than 10 years. His work has been published in newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, high-level government reports, books and online. He holds a master's degree in humanities from Pennsylvania State University.
