Best Alaska cruise for you: Seattle or Vancouver, which itinerary, and when to go

Seattle or Vancouver?

Most Alaska cruises start in Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, British Columbia. Both work well, and the right choice usually comes down to flights, documents and the itinerary you want.

• Seattle mainly offers round-trip Inside Passage cruises of around seven nights. Because of US cabotage law (the Passenger Vessel Services Act), foreign-flagged ships sailing round trip from a US port must call at a foreign port, which is why many Seattle itineraries stop briefly in Victoria, British Columbia.
• Vancouver offers round-trip Inside Passage cruises and is the usual starting or finishing point for one-way Gulf of Alaska cruises. If you are flying in from outside North America, Vancouver can make a convenient gateway.

US citizens on a closed-loop cruise from Seattle should still travel with a valid passport, because unexpected events such as a medical disembarkation in Canada are far easier with one. Visitors who are not US or Canadian citizens may need a Canadian eTA to fly into Vancouver and authorisation to enter the US. Always check current requirements with your cruise line and the official government websites.

Inside Passage round trips vs one-way Gulf of Alaska cruises

An Inside Passage cruise sails the sheltered coastal waters of south-east Alaska and returns to the same port. It is simple to plan and usually includes three ports and a day of scenic glacier cruising.

A one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise sails between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, the ports serving Anchorage. It reaches further north, often includes Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord, and pairs naturally with a land tour to Denali National Park before or after the cruise. You will need an open-jaw flight, which can cost more, but you see more of the state.

The ports you are likely to visit

• Juneau, the state capital, which cannot be reached by road. Popular excursions include the Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching and helicopter or floatplane tours.
• Ketchikan, known for totem poles, the historic Creek Street boardwalk and floatplane trips to Misty Fjords National Monument.
• Skagway, a gold-rush town where the White Pass & Yukon Route railway climbs into the mountains.
• Sitka and Icy Strait Point appear on some itineraries, with Russian and Tlingit heritage and wildlife viewing.

Glaciers: Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm

A glacier day is the highlight for most people. Access to Glacier Bay National Park is limited by permits, so only some sailings include it. Others visit Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm instead. If seeing a particular glacier matters to you, check the itinerary carefully, and remember that ice and weather can force a change on the day.

When to go

The Alaska cruise season runs roughly from May to September.

• May and early June tend to be drier, with long daylight hours and often lower fares.
• July and August are the warmest months and the busiest, with school-holiday crowds and higher prices.
• September brings autumn colour and fewer people, but more rain and cooler days.

Booking excursions

Popular tours such as whale watching, glacier helicopter flights and the White Pass railway can sell out in peak season, so it pays to book early. Compare the cruise line's own excursions with independent operators: independent tours can be good value, but leave plenty of time to get back to the ship, because it will not wait.

What to pack

Pack layers rather than heavy winter clothing: a waterproof jacket, a warm fleece, a hat and gloves for glacier days, comfortable waterproof shoes and binoculars. A small daypack is useful in port.

Who an Alaska cruise suits

Alaska suits travellers who want scenery and wildlife rather than beaches, and it works well for active retirees and multi-generational families alike. If you have limited mobility, choose ports with pier docking, check excursion activity levels and look at the accessibility information published by your cruise line.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month for an Alaska cruise?

There is no single best month. May and early June are often drier with lower fares, July and August are warmest and busiest, and September brings autumn colour and fewer people but more rain.

Do I need a passport for an Alaska cruise from Seattle?

US citizens on a round-trip cruise from Seattle may be able to sail with other accepted documents, but a valid passport is strongly recommended. Visitors from other countries should check US and Canadian entry rules before booking.

Is Seattle or Vancouver better for an Alaska cruise?

Seattle mainly offers round-trip Inside Passage cruises. Vancouver offers round trips and is the usual start or end point for one-way Gulf of Alaska cruises that pair well with a Denali land tour.

Which Alaska cruises visit Glacier Bay?

Only some sailings include Glacier Bay National Park because access is limited by permits. Check the itinerary for the words "Glacier Bay" if it matters to you; others visit Hubbard Glacier or Tracy Arm instead.