Who's Who in Alaskan Cruises- 6 Major Players

Posted  on by
Image Who's Who in Alaskan Cruises- 6 Major Players

If you are thinking about taking a cruise to the final frontier, you’ll need to consider more than you would in other parts of the world. Alaska can be drastically different depending on the time of year you visit. The best time to visit is generally a much shorter time frame than other destinations, like the tropics. Also, the best time in Alaska will depend on what you want to see and do. For example, May and September mark the beginning and end of the tourist season. Both months will be cooler, but cruise prices and crowds will also be lower. So, if cooler weather doesn’t bother you, but crowds do, consider booking your cruise for May or September. Keep in mind though, that the rain increases through the Summer, so May will typically be dryer than September. If seeing certain animals is important to you (or avoiding mosquitos) then a whole other set of parameters will be important. Be sure to thoroughly research times of the year, and assess what is most important to you on your Alaskan adventure.

Once you have decided what time of year you would most like to visit the state, it’s time to match your needs up with a cruise line that can satisfy them. Here we will go over some of the pros and cons of the major cruise lines operating in Alaska. For more information, or if you have additional questions, be sure to give our expert travel agents a call, and they can help you piece together the perfect Alaskan vacation.

1. Princess Cruises is a well-known premium cruise line made
popular in 1977 by the television show “The Love Boat” which featured the
Pacific Princess. Since the beginning, Princess has been a pioneer in the cruising industry. We mention Princess first
because they have consecutively been rated #1 in Alaska cruising. This could be
because they are the only cruise line in the region that owns their own properties
in Alaska. One property, the Princess Wilderness Lodge, is located within a
mile of the entrance to Denali National Park. You will take the Princess train
directly from the ship to the lodge, where you can stay for a couple of nights, enjoying Denali to the fullest. Just note the lodge experience is available as
an extra cruise tour and is not included in the cruise fair.


Pros

-Excellent
food including at the buffet

-More
mature clientele overall

-Large
amount of ship choices and destination choices

-Only cruise line to own their own lodge


Cons
:

-Entertainment
targeting an older demographic

-Less onboard attractions like water slides and rock walls than other lines

2. Holland America Line
is known for having mid-size ships and appealing more to an older
cruiser due to their adherence to some traditional cruising customs. More
enrichment activities such as cooking classes, classical entertainment,
lectures etc. is what you will find onboard a Holland ship, as well as a more subdued, mature atmosphere. However, they do have a children's program called Hal at Sea. One amazing perk of Holland America is they are the only cruise line offering cruise tours in the Yukon. If seeing this intriguing region is on your bucket list, then Holland America is your line!


Pros

-Smaller
Ships that get closer to the action

-Sophisticated entertainment

-Excellent collection of artwork

-Only cruise line doing tours in the Yukon


Cons

-No large
attractions like water slides and bowling alleys

-Dress
code and other more formal requirements in some settings

3. Royal Caribbean
is a household name in cruising and is best known for having the largest cruise
ships at sea. They currently have three ships cruising in Alaska including the very popular, Ovation of the Seas. Royal Caribbean ships are usually larger than other cruise lines with more activities and
entertainment options onboard. The largest of their ships in Alaska is the Ovation which also features a NorthStar. The NorthStar is an innovative observation pod that allows riders to get a 360-degree view, nearly 300 feet above sea level. Keep in mind the NorthStar is only available to ride while in port.


Pros

-Tons of
entertainment options for all ages and tastes

-Can be an economical option

-A range of ship sizes and features


Cons

-Very large ships which can be a destination in itself, but overwhelming if large isn't your thing

-Younger demographic with more kids on board potentially

4. Norwegian Cruise Line 

is a great option in Alaska for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that the cruise line currently has their newest ship, the Norwegian Bliss, cruising in Alaska. The Norwegian Bliss is famous for the largest go-cart race track at sea. The two-level track is sure to excite everyone, from kids to adults. Also on board the Bliss, you'll find more fresh entertainment, such as a laser tag course and ice bar. The other reason Norwegian makes a great option in Alaska is their generous “Free at Sea” promotions which include reduced rates for 3rd and 4th passengers. Their motto is “Feel Free” and they certainly give you a lot of free offers.


Pros

-Very family
focused cruise line with plenty for kids to do

-Freestyle dining, no dining times to choose from like on other lines

-Range of ship sizes to suit any taste


Cons

-Norwegian Bliss is very large with a lot of attractions but a less intimate feel

-More kids onboard than some other lines

5. Disney Cruise
Lines
needs no introduction and is a great option for Disney lovers, or
anyone who wants a very family-oriented cruise. Not only will you be able to meet Disney characters on board, but the entire cruise is Disney themed, from the restaurants to the onboard decor. If being immersed in all things Disney while sailing to your favorite locale sounds perfect, then Disney is for you. Also, Disney Cruise Lines is the only cruise line at sea that offers fireworks from the ship. If that isn't magical we don't know what is!


Pros

-Disney
lovers delight with Disney-themed restaurants and activities onboard

-Child/family
focused

-Excellent food

-Only cruise line approved for fireworks at sea.


Cons

-More
expensive, but kid pricing is available

-More interaction with staff onboard (less quiet time in public)

6. Celebrity Cruises,
owned by Royal Caribbean, is a cruise line known for implementing creative, but
tastefully modern ways to entice their guests. Their newest ship the Celebrity
Edge has the Magic Carpet, a venue that changes mood, function, and even
location. The floating platform reaches thirteen stories above sea level, has a
full bar, space for live music, and more. The Edge is brand new, and not yet in
Alaska, but the Celebrity Solstice is. The Solstice has its own innovation, with the Lawn Club, a real grass relaxation area on the top deck, complete with mini-golf.


Pros

-Great entertainment

-Enrichment focused

-Cruise tours available


Cons
:

-No large waterslides/attractions

-More mature feel, although they do have youth programs

Read More    |   Travel Lists   

book travel buttonshop for travel buttonmake a payment buttonnewsletter subscription buttton
Read All Reviews

From Our Clients...

Assistance every step of the way.

"Although I'm in Florida, Michael Teague assisted us every step of the way. From the beginning of the planning, through the coordinating with family members, getting excursions to fit different family members and even last minute changes to get the best out of this vacation, Michael has been key to us enjoying an amazing family (12) vacation. I will definitely seek him out again!"

– L.F. - March 2023

Daughter's First Disney Magic

"We had an absolute magical vacation thanks to Montika, it was our daughter's first trip to Disney and had such a great time, we already started booking for next year with TravelPerks and Montika."

– Travis S. - May 2023

Worry Free!

"You folks are incredible and your services outstanding! No one does it better."

– Robert C. - Celebrity Cruise, March 2023

Easy to Work With

"We loved how easy it was to work with Montika. She was super flexible and provided us plenty of options, even when we kept switching dates and the amount of people, etc."

– Katie D. - Disney Cruise, March 2023

Once In A Lifetime Trip

I was talking about TravelPerks during our state presentation, and a member commented that they had booked cruises through TravelPerks and had a fabulous experience! They both said that you guys were super easy to work with and explained everything well and they felt cared for. It's not often we get members interrupting a presentation to put it out there that they had a great experience!

– FOP - Proud Partner

Ready to go again!

"Words can not explain the marvelous time we had on our very first cruise. Theresa is the best travel agent!! There was not a time when I called with questions that my questions went unanswered. Great customer service, very caring travel agents, always there to help, great prices, and last but not least, I'm ready to go again!!!! If anybody ever needs a travel agent this company will be the only one that I would recommend."

– Shanda - Essex, MD