Alaska cruises

Alaska is a cruise destination like no other with so much to be appreciated both on shore and from the deck of your ship. Most Alaska cruise itineraries will voyage along The Inside Passage, which offers the chance to traverse piercing blue fjords, icy glaciers and snow-peaked mountains. Hubbard Glacier is another must-see on an Alaska cruise, as is the UNESCO biosphere reserve of Glacier Bay National Park. Plus there's always the added possibility of spotting whales from your ship as you sail in Alaska too.

An Alaskan cruise requires a good mix of warm, waterproof and practical outdoor clothing, coupled with a selection of eveningwear outfits to wear on board and swimwear if you're planning to make use of your ship's pools and spa. Bring base layers and sensible walking shoes with a sturdy grip, as well as gloves, a hat and scarf, and a jacket capable of keeping you warm and dry. Long sleeves and trousers are advised for daytimes, particularly if you're planning to observe the scenery from deck as you sail the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay. A camera is also an Alaskan cruise essential as the landscape here is truly otherworldly.

Daytime temperatures in the Inside Passage during Alaska cruise season reach average highs of between 12 to 18 degrees Celsius (55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit) in June, July and August, with May and September up to 10 degrees cooler. There can be cloud cover and unexpected rainfall, although wind speeds tend to stay low. Mornings and evenings can feel extremely chilly, but afternoons generally warmer.

Layers are essential to pack for an Alaska cruise, as are comfortable shoes and wet weather gear, such as a light rain mac. A more substantial coat is also recommended, particularly if you plan to stargaze from deck in the evenings or get up early to see the sunrise.

The Northern Lights season in Alaska tends to fall between September-April, outside of peak cruise times, when evenings are at their darkest. Even then you're unlikely to spot the lightshow on an Alaska cruise as most itineraries focus on Southern Alaska and the areas around the Inside Passage, while the Northern Lights are typically only visible in the most northerly parts of Alaska and only for a handful of nights per year. If you wish to catch a sight of this phenomenon, look to our Northern Lights cruise page, featuring cruises to Norway and Iceland.

We recommend that all travellers (U.S. citizens included) carry a valid passport for an Alaskan cruise. You’ll need this if your cruise includes an inbound or outbound flight via Canada. Your passport will need to have at least one blank page and a minimum of three months’ validity remaining.

Visa requirements vary from country to country. Those with U.S residency, including green cards, will need an ETA if transiting through a Canadian airport to meet their ship. Citizens of countries eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program will need to apply for an ESTA visa online in advance of travel, and/or an ETA if flying into or out of Canada. Residents of all other countries will need to source appropriate tourist visas for the U.S. and Canada.

We recommend that all guests check their visa requirements in advance of travel to ensure possession of the correct travel documents as per the latest legislation.

US English is the main language in Alaska.