Planning an Alaska cruise in 2026? After 7 Alaska cruises, we're breaking down the best Alaska cruises of 2026 — the top ships, the best itineraries, and the one ship you should absolutely avoid.
We cover the best Alaska cruise ships across every major cruise line — from @RoyalCaribbean , @princesscruises , @HollandAmericaLine , @celebritycruises and even @msccruisesusa and @VirginVoyages
Whether you're sailing round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver, or looking for a one-way Voyage of the Glaciers adventure, this guide has everything you need to make the right call before you book
Not all Alaska cruises are created equal, and choosing the right ship and itinerary can make or break your trip. We break down the differences between roundtrip Alaska cruises from Seattle vs. Vancouver, and one-way itineraries like the iconic Voyage of the Glaciers. We also explain your glacier viewing options — Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Endicott Arm — so you know exactly what you're booking before you commit.
Cruise line matchups are covered too. Princess Cruises leads the region with eight ships including the brand-new Star Princess, while Holland America Line brings decades of Alaska expertise with six ships and shore excursion packages tied to their own Denali lodges. Norwegian Cruise Line offers three Breakaway Plus ships with go-karts, Glacier Bay access, and Free at Sea dining perks.
Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class ships bring the North Star observation capsule and SeaPlex for family-friendly fun. Celebrity Cruises delivers a more upscale atmosphere with fresh-from-dry-dock ships like Celebrity Solstice. And for Disney fans — yes, Disney in Alaska is absolutely worth it, with Disney Magic making its Alaska debut alongside returning favorite Disney Wonder.
We also dig into what makes the best Alaska cruise itinerary: the right ports (Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, Icy Strait Point), the best glacier experiences, and how cruisetours to Denali can elevate your trip beyond the ship. If you're comparing an Alaska cruise vs. a cruisetour, we've got you covered.
Whether you're a first-time Alaska cruiser or a seasoned traveler looking for the newest and best options in 2026, this video gives you the insider knowledge to book with confidence and stay one step ahead of everyone else onboard.
The Best Alaska Cruises in 2026 0:00 Our Expert Picks for Best Alaska Cruises 2026 0:25 The Best Alaska Cruises from Seattle 0:35 Star Princess 2:25 Norwegian Encore 4:20 Celebrity Edge 5:55 Anthem of the Seas 7:30 MSC Poesia 9:00 Carnival Spirit & Carnival Miracle 11:00 Best Alaska Cruise Ships Sailing Roundtrip from Vancouver 11:05 Holland America Koningsdam 12:40 Celebrity Solstice 14:15 Disney Wonder & Disney Magic 16:00 Best One Way Alaska Cruises 2026 16:10 Ovation of the Seas 17:45 Discovery Princess 19:15 Holland America New Amsterdam 20:40 Windstar Cruises' Star Seeker 22:10 Brilliant Lady Debuts in Alaska
Question – Which Alaska Cruise are you choosing in 2026?
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After seven Alaska cruises, we've gathered the ultimate "cruise tips" to ensure your "alaskan cruise" is nothing short of amazing. This video helps you pick the "best cruise lines" and ships for your journey, including insights on "princess cruises" and even "alaska cruise royal caribbean" options. Get ready for an unforgettable "cruise travel" experience and a smooth "cruise vacation"!
