An Alaska cruise offers one of the most unforgettable travel experiences, taking you on a breathtaking journey through icy fjords, towering glaciers, and untouched wilderness. From majestic humpback whales and soaring bald eagles to calving glaciers and snow-capped mountains, the natural beauty of Alaska is simply unmatched. Cruising is one of the most convenient and scenic ways to explore this vast state, allowing travelers to visit multiple coastal destinations—such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Glacier Bay National Park—without the hassle of overland travel.
We both chose to explore Alaska by cruise because it provides an incredible mix of adventure, wildlife viewing, and cultural immersion—all with the comfort of a floating hotel. However, we each selected different cruise itineraries for different reasons. Whether you’re looking for a more luxurious voyage, family-friendly amenities, or expedition-style excursions, there’s an Alaska cruise to match your travel style.
The Same
While our cruises differed in itinerary and style, both offered incredible experiences that captured the essence of Alaska’s wilderness and charm.
Both cruises happen to include:
Expert naturalist commentary to deepen your understanding of Alaska’s unique environment
- Stunning views of glaciers calving into the sea
- Opportunities to spot wildlife like whales, sea otters, bears, and eagles
- Stops at charming Alaskan towns such as Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway
- Guided excursions like hiking, kayaking, and cultural tours
Juneau
Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, is nestled amid breathtaking natural landscapes, including towering mountain peaks, dense temperate rainforests, and massive glaciers. As Alaska’s third-largest city, Juneau offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor adventure, rich cultural heritage, and historical landmarks. Whether you’re exploring the famous Mendenhall Glacier, hiking scenic trails in Tongass National Forest, or discovering Tlingit culture at the Alaska State Museum, Juneau promises unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
This vibrant city also serves as a gateway to wildlife viewing, keep an eye out for humpback whales, bald eagles, and bears during your visit. With its blend of stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities like kayaking and zip-lining, and charming downtown shops and restaurants, Juneau is a must-visit destination for anyone cruising or traveling through Alaska.
For More information check out our Juneau blog
Skagway
Skagway, a historic town nestled along Alaska’s southeastern coast, offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the Klondike Gold Rush era set against breathtaking natural landscapes. As one of the most popular and scenic ports of call on Alaska cruise itineraries, Skagway captivates travelers with its well-preserved Gold Rush architecture, historic landmarks, and vibrant downtown.
Explore the famed White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a thrilling scenic train ride through rugged mountain passes, or wander through the Gold Rush Cemetery and museums that bring this iconic period to life. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, kayaking, wildlife spotting, and glacier tours—all within easy reach. Skagway’s combination of rich history and spectacular wilderness makes it an unforgettable stop on any Alaska adventure.
For More information check out our Skagway blog
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, often called the “Salmon Capital of the World,” is a charming port city located along Alaska’s scenic Inside Passage in southeastern Alaska. Surrounded by towering mountains, lush rainforests, and pristine waterways, Ketchikan is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife, including salmon, bald eagles, and bears.
Visitors to Ketchikan can immerse themselves in rich Native American heritage by exploring the totem poles and cultural exhibits at Totem Bight State Historical Park and the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Outdoor adventures abound, from fishing excursions and kayaking to hiking and wildlife viewing. The vibrant downtown area offers unique shops, waterfront dining, and historic sites, making Ketchikan a must-visit destination on any Alaska cruise or adventure.
For More information check out our Ketchikan blog
Local Cuisine
As always we try to eat local. Even when on a cruise, we both try to enjoy lunch at a local eatery while in port. Alaska, with its unique geography and cultural heritage, offers a variety of dishes that highlight its abundant seafood, wild game, and indigenous ingredients. Here are some iconic dishes and foods to try when in Alaska:
- Wild Salmon: Alaska is famous for its wild salmon, including varieties like king (chinook), sockeye (red), coho (silver), and pink salmon. Enjoy salmon grilled, smoked, or baked, often accompanied by local herbs and seasonings.
- Alaskan King Crab: Known for its sweet and tender meat, Alaskan king crab is a delicacy enjoyed in many restaurants across the state. It’s typically served steamed with melted butter or used in dishes like crab cakes and seafood pasta.
- Halibut: Another popular fish in Alaska, halibut is known for its firm texture and mild flavor. Enjoy it grilled, pan-seared, or battered and fried as fish and chips.
- Reindeer Sausage: Reindeer (caribou) sausage is a local specialty, often served as part of breakfast or in hearty dishes like reindeer sausage stew or sausage rolls. It’s a lean and flavorful meat.
- Bering Sea Crab Cakes: Made with a blend of Alaskan king crab meat, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, these crab cakes are a delicious appetizer or main course.
The Family
We chose to do a Disney Cruise for obvious reasons. . . A Disney Alaska cruise is an unforgettable family adventure that combines the enchantment of Disney with the wonders of Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife. It’s a magical way to explore one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations while enjoying Disney’s legendary service and entertainment. Our itinerary included:
Endicott , Alaska
During our Alaska cruise, we sailed through Endicott Arm instead of Tracy Arm, which was originally listed on the itinerary. This substitution is actually quite common due to changing weather and ice conditions in the region. The night before our arrival, the glacier at Endicott had calved extensively, filling the bay with thousands of tiny icebergs. What made this scene truly unforgettable was the sight of seals lounging on top of the ice chunks, creating a unique wildlife spectacle. Witnessing this not only offered incredible views but also put into perspective the massive scale and power of the glacier itself. Endicott Arm provides a breathtaking and less crowded alternative for travelers seeking glacier and wildlife experiences on an Alaska cruise.
- See full details of The Family’s Alaskan cruise
The Dinks
We looked for a cruise that included Glacier Bay National Park which limited our choices greatly since only two cruise ships are allowed to enter each day to help protect wildlife and preserve the natural beauty. It was the Highlight of our trip. We also got an amazing deal on a two-week cruise almost getting the return trip for free. The only difference was the north bound stopped at College Fjord and the south bound stopped at the Hubbard Glacier. So we essentially had two days in each port.
In addition to the ports of call that overlapped with the Family, our itinerary included:
Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska is a breathtaking wilderness destination renowned for its towering glaciers, deep fjords, and diverse wildlife. During our visit, we witnessed several magnificent glaciers, including Margerie, Piedmont, Lamplugh, and Johns Hopkins. The narrow West Arm offers spectacular views of rugged shorelines and landscapes sculpted by centuries of glacial activity.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by the abundant species spotted throughout the park. We observed a coastal bear near the shore, mountain goats perched on Gloomy Knob, and soaring bald eagles. The waters teemed with harbor seals, playful humpback whales, and even the charming puffins. Glacier Bay National Park offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers seeking pristine scenery and rich wildlife encounters in Alaska’s wilderness.
Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier, located in eastern Alaska within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, is one of the region’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. As North America’s largest tidewater glacier, it stretches approximately 76 miles from its origins in the Yukon Territory to Disenchantment Bay. What makes Hubbard Glacier truly unique is its ongoing dramatic advance, which often causes ice dams and spectacular ice calving events.
Visitors on Alaska cruises can witness the thrilling sight of massive ice chunks breaking off the glacier’s face, crashing into the sea with thunderous roars—a breathtaking display of nature’s power and beauty. The glacier’s vast size, dynamic movement, and stunning surroundings make it a must-see highlight on any Alaskan cruise itinerary. Watching Hubbard Glacier calve was undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences of our trip, showcasing the raw force of the natural world in action.
College Fjord
College Fjord, nestled within Alaska’s breathtaking Prince William Sound, is famous for its dramatic scenery and pristine natural beauty. This fjord, carved by ancient glaciers and framed by towering snow-capped mountains, features multiple tidewater glaciers that flow directly into the sea, creating a spectacular landscape of ice, water, and rugged wilderness.
Visitors cruising through College Fjord enjoy unparalleled views from their ship decks, witnessing the mesmerizing sight of calving glaciers, spotting wildlife such as seals, sea birds, and occasionally whales, and soaking in the serene, untouched Alaskan wilderness. The fjord is uniquely named to honor several Ivy League colleges, with each glacier bearing the name of a prestigious university—including Amherst, Barnard, Harvard, Vassar, and Yale—the largest of which is the Harvard Glacier.
College Fjord offers travelers an unforgettable glimpse into Alaska’s pristine wilderness, showcasing the powerful natural forces that continue to shape the landscape. It remains one of the most popular and scenic destinations on Alaska cruises, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Whittier, Alaska
During World War II, Whittier, Alaska, hosted a top-secret military facility called H-12. Its strategic location was chosen for several key advantages: an ice-free port for year-round naval access, natural protection from air attacks thanks to surrounding mountains, and ideal terrain for radar installations. This facility played a crucial role in coastal defense throughout the war. However, in 1964, a powerful earthquake severely damaged Whittier’s port and railway infrastructure, prompting the military to withdraw and marking the end of H-12’s active use. Today, Whittier’s unique history as a once-secret military site adds to its appeal as a fascinating destination on Alaska cruises and tours.
- The Begich Towers, also known as the city under one roof, because the unique community of Whittier’s214 residents mostly live in the towers, and it remains stable despite its challenging weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and low winter temperatures. The bottom floor is open to the pubic including a small store and post office. We were luck enough to run into the Pastor who offered to take us up to see his apt and to the basement. It was neat to experience how people in this small village live. Across from the build is a Reindeer that we were able to feed grass. (Sign clearly states to only feed it grass & it came right over when it saw us pick some.)
- Hike: The Portage Pass Trail offers stunning views of Portage Glacier, Portage Lake, and the surrounding mountains. Hikers can expect to traverse through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain as they ascend to the pass. The trail starts with a gradual ascent through dense forest before opening up to sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. As hikers continue along the trail, they’ll encounter some steeper sections and rocky terrain, but the panoramic vistas at the pass make it all worthwhile. We unfortunately couldn’t make it to the top as there was still snow on the ground a we got nervous about the conditions of the trail. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail and prepare better than we did.
Vancouver, Canada
The DINKs’ Alaskan cruise both departed from and returned to Vancouver, while the Family’s cruise ended there as well. Vancouver is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene. Key highlights include Stanley Park, a vast urban green space with scenic seawall views, and Granville Island, famous for its bustling public market and artisan shops. The city’s diverse culinary scene, along with multicultural neighborhoods like Gastown and Chinatown, offers endless opportunities for exploration. Vancouver’s unique blend of urban attractions and outdoor adventures makes it the ideal gateway for exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Check out our different takes on this vibrant city.
Summary
Choosing between an Alaskan cruise with Disney and one focused on Glacier Bay National Park reflects different priorities, each offering unique advantages. For families opting for Disney, the cruise likely provided a magical experience tailored to children, featuring beloved characters, themed activities, and Disney’s renowned hospitality. On the other hand, The DINKS selecting the itinerary with Glacier Bay National Park enjoyed a deeper immersion into Alaska’s natural wonders, with opportunities to witness majestic glaciers and diverse wildlife in their natural habitats.
Both perspectives highlight the diverse appeal of Alaskan cruises—whether seeking enchanting moments with Disney magic or awe-inspiring encounters with nature’s grandeur. Ultimately, the “better” experience depends on personal preferences: family-friendly fun and entertainment with Disney or a nature-centric adventure exploring Alaska’s pristine wilderness. Each cruise offers its own unforgettable memories, ensuring that travelers can find joy and wonder in their chosen Alaskan adventure.
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