When most people think about cruise vacations, they imagine sunshine, palm trees, and islands with beach-focused ports. While cruises to tropical destinations are incredibly popular, they aren’t the only option. In fact, they might not even be the most beautiful or the most exciting.

Cruising to Alaska is becoming an equally popular vacation choice. The world’s best-known cruise lines are taking travelers to see glaciers, wildlife, and the unique fishing ports of the 49th U.S. state. These cruises are every bit as luxurious as tropical cruises – yet they offer an entirely different experience.

When you take a cruise to Alaska, you can explore snowy expanses, take hikes to see wildlife up close, and even get in the water to kayak, whale watch, and more. Spring and summer are the best times of the year to see this northernmost state, but you can visit Alaska year-round.

If you’re considering taking an Alaskan cruise, here are five affordable options to consider.

1. 7-Day Alaska Cruise on the Carnival Spirit

Price: Starts at $709 per person for one interior room.

Duration: 7 days

You’ll Sail To: The Tracy Arm Fjord; Alaskan cities Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan; and Victoria in British Columbia. The cruise is round-trip from Seattle, Washington.

What’s Included: Alaskan cruises aboard the Carnival Spirit include plenty of days at port. You’ll get up to 10 hours to leave the ship and explore Alaska via port excursions, which include hiking, whale watching, and visiting famous landmarks and cities. 

During your days and nights at sea, you can enjoy a long list of ship amenities that includes:

• The Punchliner Comedy Club with nightly entertainment
• WaterWorks, an onboard water park
• Serenity, an adults-only retreat
• A theater
• Mini golf
• Multiple bars, including a tequila bar and a pub
• A spa

2. 7-Day Alaskan Inside Passage on the Holland America Volendam

Price: Starts at $599 per person for an interior room. Upgrade your booking to include the Signature Beverage Package for $809 per person, and you’ll get 15 free beverages per day.

Duration: 7 days

You’ll Sail To: Cities throughout Alaska, including Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan; the Inside Passage; and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The cruise is round-trip from Vancouver, British Columbia.

What’s Included: This Alaskan cruise will stop at many famous cities throughout Alaska as it takes travelers along the Inside Passage. During the trip up the Inside Passage, you’ll get the chance to see iconic Alaskan wildlife, incredible national monuments, and stunning vistas right from the ship. You’ll also get the chance to leave the ship for excursions most days of the cruise.

Amenities and entertainment on board the Holland America Volendam include:

• BBC Earth Experiences
• Regional cooking demonstrations
• Food and wine tastings
• A spa
• A selection of fine dining restaurants
• O the Oprah Magazine activities
• A theater
• A playhouse
• A kids’ club
• A casino

3. 7-Day Awe of Alaska Glacier Bay and Inside Passage Cruise on the Norwegian Bliss

Price: Starts at $734 per person for an inside room.

Duration: 7 days

You’ll Sail To: Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve; Alaskan cities Juneau and Ketchikan; the Inside Passage; and Victoria, British Columbia. The cruise is round-trip from Seattle, Washington.

What’s Included: The big selling point of the Awe of Alaska cruise is the sights you’ll see right from the ship. As you sail along the Inside Passage, you’ll get the opportunity to see glaciers and wildlife right from your room. When you exit the ship for visits at different ports, you’ll get the chance to enjoy experiences like dogsled rides, seeing fjords, and exploring nature up close via catamarans and kayaks.

Onboard the Norwegian Bliss, you’ll also enjoy amenities and entertainment that includes:

• An observation lounge, which offers expansive views of the sea and nearby landscape
• The world’s largest racetrack at sea
• A theater, with musicals and plays
• Multiple restaurants
• A spa
• Separate activities for children and adults

4. 7-Day Voyage of the Glacier on Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess

Price: Starts at $619 per person for an interior room.

Duration: 7 days

You’ll Sail To: The Hubbard Glacier; Glacier Bay National Park; Alaskan cities including Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan; Vancouver, British Columbia. The cruise is one-way, featuring three ports and two scenic cruising days as it leaves from Anchorage and ends in Vancouver.

What’s Included: The Grand Princess offers the opportunity to see Alaska while you relax in a tranquil setting. With just three port visits, you can space out your explorations and excursions. Onboard the ship, you can relax with indulgent experiences that include:

• The Sanctuary, an adults-only haven
• Movies Under the Stars by the pool
• Discovery at SEA enrichment programs
• A list of award-winning restaurants
• Freshwater pools and hot tubs
• A Sports Court with basketball, tennis, and volleyball
• A putting course
• A casino
• Multiple lounges and nightclubs
• A spa and fitness center

5. 5-Night Alaska Getaway on the Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas

Price: Starts at $576 for an interior room.

Duration: 5 nights

You’ll Sail To: Just two Alaskan ports: Icy Strait Point and Sitka. The rest of the cruise features cruising at sea. You’ll depart from and return to Vancouver, British Columbia during this itinerary.

What’s Included: Two days off the ship are included in this five-night cruise vacation. The focus is on smaller Alaska towns, offering unique insight into the state’s history, and natural wonders. While at sea, you can gaze at the natural landscape around you or take part in onboard activities and experiences.

The amenities and activities onboard the Serenade of the Seas include:

• Panoramic vistas and viewing opportunities
• Poolside movie nights
• Mini golf
• A rock climbing wall
• A spa and fitness center
• Four quality restaurants, including a steakhouse and wine bar
• Theaters with shows from Broadway and film

Book Your Alaskan Cruise Online to Save Money

Alaska is quickly becoming as popular as other common cruise destinations. And that means more and more people will be considering booking a cruise of their own. If you’re interested in experiencing Alaska’s unique sights for yourself, there’s no better time to plan a cruise than right now.

Fortunately, cruises to Alaska don’t have to cost much. Many five- and seven-night cruises are surprisingly affordable. And there are even opportunities to save more money. Cruise lines often offer special deals and discounts for first-time customers. You can also save money if you book at the right time – sometimes that’s the last minute, sometimes that’s very early. 

Another way to save is to compare different cruises, destinations, and cruise lines. Compare pricing and what’s included to determine which is the best value. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for deals that could get you the cruise of a lifetime at a low price.