One of the world’s most scenic cruising destinations is set to become even more popular

9 hours ago 3

Alaska is one of the world’s most scenic cruise destinations. Its landscapes are like a collision of the alps with Norwegian fjords and Arctic ice. Mighty glaciers tumble ocean-wards, and ranks of snowy mountains fang the horizon. Icy Bay alone is gobsmacking: one of North America’s largest glaciers is backed by its second-highest peak.

Not surprisingly, Alaska has long been a popular cruise destination. Every major line sails there, offering everything from luxury to family or expedition-style cruises that get you into the wilderness, no matter your cruising style or budget.

A Holland America ship in Glacier Bay, Alaska.

Alaska had a record season for cruise ships in 2024. Indeed, Alaska has become so popular that Juneau recently passed regulation that, from 2026, will limit the number of daily passengers to 12,000 on Saturdays and 16,000 on other days. Some residents are still fighting for entirely cruise-free Saturdays.

A few cruise lines have now removed Juneau from some itineraries in favour of Ketchikan and Sitka. Royal Caribbean Group (which also owns Celebrity Cruises and Silversea) is building an entirely new, alternative port on Douglas Island that should open in 2027.

Royal Caribbean will homeport four ships in Alaska in 2026 on seven-night cruises from Seattle, or cruises of between seven and 13 nights from Vancouver or Seward. Meanwhile Princess Cruises will be sending eight ships, both signalling their biggest seasons ever.

In 2026 the Alaskan armada will be joined for the first time by MSC and Virgin Voyages. MSC will offer weekly seven-night sailings return from Seattle on MSC Poesia, taking in highlights such as Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan and Tracy Arm, as well as stopping at Victoria in Canada.

Virgin’s Brilliant Lady will be making 17 Alaskan voyages from Seattle or Vancouver that will additionally take in some alternative destinations such as Prince Rupert and Sitka.

Holland America is rolling out one of Alaska’s longest itineraries in 2026, an 18-night “Great Bear Rainforest and Alaskan Explorer” voyage in September that includes an unusual multi-day passage along the Canadian coast and visits to small, lesser-visited Alaskan towns such as Homer and Valdez. Kodiak Island is also on the itinerary.

Azamara returns to Alaska in May 2026 after a seven-year hiatus to operate a series of 10- to 13-day cruises with extended stays in ports such as Juneau, Wrangell, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria. Its ships too will visit more remote locations such as Dutch Harbour and Kodiak.

This year, Oceania Cruises is sending Regatta on its maiden visit to Alaska, where it will sail over a dozen voyages from either Seattle, Vancouver or Whittier near Anchorage. A naturalist will travel on board. Its Alaska Explorer Youth Program will engage children between five and 12 years old with games and activities.

The cruise line known for the quality of its dining will also have numerous foodie shore excursions, such as crabbing or salmon fishing in Ketchikan, and a culinary tour of Sitka.

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