Departure dates: June through August
A total of 7 Princess Cruises ships sail Alaska this season, offering 105 departures, 12 different itineraries, and more than 400 shore excursions. Our eyes are on the 7-day itinerary that includes floating icebergs in the 30-mile Endicott Arm fjord, including the 600-foot-tall Dawes Glacier, with its pristine snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls. Princess takes Alaskan seafood seriously—on board any ship in the fleet, the dining room serves up sustainable wild seafood like salmon, halibut, spot prawns, and Dungeness crabs nightly. Beyond the restaurants, the ships also boast three pools, a casino, and Broadway-style productions (complete with a glitzy theater) to keep the entertainment hopping when you’re sailing. Princess Cruises is great for families, too: Three- to seven-year-olds find their happy place in a treehouse playroom; tweens head to the Lodge for games, science programs, and treasure hunts; and teens hang out in the Beach House for late-night movie viewing and dance classes.
Seabourn
Itinerary: 7-Day Alaska Fjords & Canadian Inside Passage
Departure dates: June 6, June 20, July 4, August 1, and August 29
This seven-day Vancouver sailing on the 458-passenger all-suite luxury ship Seabourn Quest is a true sampler of Alaskan beauty. The itinerary kicks off with a journey through Stephens Passage, a 105-mile channel that cuts through the Alexander Archipelago, with Admiralty Island on the west and the mainland and Douglas Island on the east. The Passage is generally considered one of the best whale-watching spots in Alaska, and is also home to a huge Steller sea lion population, as well as flocks of gulls and guillemots that perch themselves along the ship railings. Passengers will also get a chance to experience an unhurried exploration of Rudyerd Bay by way of zodiac, kayaking, or hiking activities that bring you up close and personal to ice-carved wonders, guided by the expedition team’s knowledgeable staff. On board, savor the posh vessel’s many amenities, like a fitness center with complimentary yoga, Pilates, and tai chi classes. Later, sip afternoon tea in the Observation Bar, and come nightfall, head to the Club for live music and dancing.
