North to Alaska: Luxury Cruising to the Great Land!

For those who haven’t headed north to Alaska in past summers, this could be the year! And for travelers who’ve previously visited, it’s good to know that much is new in Alaska this year. Here’s a roundup of some of the appealing Alaska vacation options!

1. Seabourn: Vancouver for the First Time

Ultra-luxury Seabourn kicked off its 2025 Alaska & British Columbia season earlier this month with a seven-day voyage on Seabourn Quest from Vancouver, B.C., to Juneau.

Sailing into Vancouver for the first time as a homeport earlier this month, the 458-passenger Seabourn Quest will operate seven-day itineraries between Vancouver and Juneau through September 2025.

Each itinerary features scenic cruising through jaw-dropping settings such as Seymour Narrows and the Behm Canal. Guests will also go ashore in such towns as Ketchikan and Sitka, AK, and Prince Rupert and Alert Bay, B.C.

Desire to see a magnificent glacier? Each sailing will include at least one scenic cruise of glaciers like Tracy or Endicott Arm or Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska Fast Facts: Ketchikan is famed for three things — salmon, scenery and Alaska Native culture. For example, Ketchikan is home to the world’s largest collection of totem poles. Many are visible at the Totem Heritage Center or local totem parks.  

North to Alaska: 14-Day Vacation

One plus of Seabourn’s schedules in Alaska is that they’re designed for guests to easily lengthen their vacation. So, the line’s seven-day voyages can be combined into a 14-day roundtrip Vancouver experience. Best of all, there are only a few repeated ports.

While Seabourn Quest isn’t an expedition ship, guests who desire a bit of soft adventure will also find that. How so? Seabourn has added fabulous expeditionary elements via its exclusive Ventures by Seabourn program. That’s offered on all Seabourn Quest‘s Alaska sailings.

“One of the line’s most popular Alaska vacations is the ‘Glaciers & Alaska Inside Passage’ itinerary,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “Guests can go ashore to explore Haines, Ketchikan and Sitka, plus they can head out kayaking or by Zodiac with the expedition team in the Inian Islands.”

For example, on July 11, 2025, this voyage will set sail from Vancouver, B.C., to Juneau, AK. At press time, fares for this specific departure started at $3,399 per person, double occupancy. Other departure dates are also available. Call your personal travel planner to ask questions, select accommodations and handle the booking.

An expedition team — consisting of naturalists, scientists, wildlife experts and historians — will sail with guests. They’ll also set up and guide optional Zodiac rides, hikes and kayak adventures ashore.

The Ventures by Seabourn optional excursions explore Hubbard Glacier, Tracy/Endicott Arm, the Inian Islands and Rudyerd Bay (Misty Fjords). For more information about Seabourn’s Alaska season, give your personal travel planner a call.

Alaska Fast Facts: Misty Fjord National Monument is the largest wilderness area within the Tongass National Forest. Glaciers, fjords and wildlife are the top draws. Visitors might spot moose, brown bears, black bears, river otters, sea lions, harbor seals, whales and bald eagles, among other species. 

2. North to Alaska: Cunard’s RCGS Speakers 

Starting June 12, 2025, Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) experts will head for the Great Land! They’ll serve as guest speakers on select Alaska voyages of Cunard’s newly revitalized Queen Elizabeth.

During the onboard Insights enrichment program as well as on some shore excursions, speakers will share their extensive knowledge with guests. What topics will they talk about? Well, the sky’s the limit. 

RCGS speakers include explorers, naturalists, topographical experts, astronauts, and indigenous advocates who will custom-curate exclusive programming for Cunard guests. Here are a few of the speakers for this Alaska season:

• Laval St. Germain, RCGS Explorer in Residence: Airline captain and global thrill seeker renowned for being the only Canadian to have summited Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, among other record-breaking feats, leading expeditions from polar landscapes to dense tropical jungles and isolated island chains; July 3-10.

• Lynn Moorman, RCGS Fellow: Geographer and educator who will speak about the glaciers, fjords, and geographic technologies that guests will encounter along the British Columbia Coast and Alaska; July 31-August 11

• Andrew Fuestel: Professional astronaut who served 23 years with NASA: He has flown to space three times, including two flights on the Space Shuttle and one flight on the Russian Soyuz rocket; August 21-28.

• Sunniva Sorby, RCGS Fellow: Polar ambassador, citizen scientist, author and explorer. She was part of the first team of women to ski to the South Pole, part of the first female duo to overwinter solo in the Arctic, and now advocates for protection of the Polar Regions; September 8-18.

More from Cunard

In addition to the RCGS speakers, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth will host a diverse range of other expert speakers, including TV host Robson Green of Extreme Fishing: Alaska; accomplished mountaineer Peter Hillary, who has completed all of the Seven Summits; Bill Wichrowski, captain and star of The Deadliest Catch; Qasa Alom, the filmmaker behind the documentary Alaska: Shaped by Nature; and athlete and adventurer Sarah Outen, the first woman and youngest person to sail solo from Japan to Alaska, among others.

Native Cultural Heritage Guides from Alaska Native Voices will be featured on all of Cunard’s Alaska voyages as well.

“Among Cunard’s summer 2025 Alaska sailings is an appealing, 11-night itinerary departing August 28, 2025,” says Pavlus Travel’s Steudle. “But be sure to contact your personal travel planner to evaluate Cunard’s other departure and itinerary options. Find the one that best suits your vacation desires. And we’ll ensure you get the best price guaranteed and with great service.”

3. North to Alaska: World Cruise by RSSC

For a robust 2028 World Cruise which includes Alaska check out Regent Seven Seas Cruises, 133-night “Legends of the Pacific.” Along the World Cruise route, guests will go ashore at destinations in Hawaii, the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska and Asia. 

The grand adventure will depart from Los Angeles on January 5, 2028. Guests will sail in the lap of luxury on the 746-passenger Seven Seas Splendor.

Three Alaska port calls include Kodiak, Juneau and Ketchikan. Up to 409 shore excursions are included in cruise fares, giving guests lots of touring options. The journey ends in San Francisco, so it’s a great way to cruise roundtrip from the U.S. with no foreign air travel involved.

ALASKA FAST FACTS: Kodiak is the United States’ second largest island, usurped in size only by the “big island” of Hawaii in the state of Hawaii. Two thirds of Kodiak is protected as the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. It’s home to 3,500 massive Kodiak bears. Male bears weight from 800 to 1,500 pounds. The most popular activity for cruisers is bear viewing. 

4. Princess Unveils New Glacier Bay Options

Carrying more guests north to Alaska than any other cruise line, “The Love Boat” offers a 2025 season with seven ships, five wilderness lodges and an expanded cruisetour lineup.

The good news is that Princess Cruises guests have much flexibility. Ships depart from five different home ports — Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, B.C. and Anchorage (Whittier), AK.

The Ultimate Alaska

So, what’s new for summer 2025? Princess is offering a new cruise entitled, “Ultimate Alaska with Glacier Bay National Park.” Those focus on glaciers and less-visited ports. Ruby Princess sets sail on this 22-day “Ultimate Alaska Solstice” adventure on June 6.

But contact your personal travel planner ASAP as space is limited. Sailing roundtrip from San Francisco, guests will visit 11 ports. Plus, they’ll head for four spectacular glacier viewing locations — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and the 3.3-million-acre Glacier Bay National Park.

Princess has plenty of other glacier viewing opportunities as well. For instance, the line offers seven-day roundtrip voyages on Royal Princess (to Glacier Bay) and Discovery Princess (to Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier); those also visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, B.C.

Alaska Fast Facts: Hubbard Glacier is located within Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve in eastern Alaska and Kluane National Park and Reserve in Yukon, Canada. It’s named after Gardiner Hubbard, founder of the National Geographic Society. 

Jeff Corwin-Hosted Sailing

On Discovery Princess, “Jeff Corwin’s Nature & Adventure Voyage“ is a weeklong sailing roundtrip from Seattle. On August 17, 2025, the celebrity wildlife biologist will host this adventure cruise through Alaska.

“Guests can get out in nature — looking for bears, possibly viewing whales and heading out on glacier tours,” says Pavlus Travel’s Steudle. “An added perk is that Corwin himself will lead excursions in each port.” He’ll also interact with guests onboard and offer presentations.

Princess Lodge Updates

Princess cruisetours combine a “Love Boat” cruise with land-based exploration. One of Princess’ lodges, Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, is debuting a newly renovated grand lobby. Guests will discover a grand fireplace, comfortable seating and spectacular views of Denali.

And at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, guests can look for a fun new coffee trailer with nostalgic Airstream vibes, specialty drinks and pastries.

Throughout its vast portfolio of Alaska vacation options, Princess offers “North to Alaska” partner-led programs. So, guests can take a deeper dive into the Great Land with local dining, educational events and entertainment.

Puppies in the Piazza

One of the most popular Princess Cruises’ onboard activities during any Alaska sailing is “Puppies in the Piazza.” Yes, it’s just that. Guests learn about sled dogs from an expert dog handler who brings adorable sled-dog puppies to the ship’s atrium area.

Travelers will learn about the dogs’ behaviors, eating and exercise habits. But they can also watch real-life sled-dog puppies interact. It’s a great opportunity for some great selfies with the pups!

5. North to Alaska with Holland America

Holland America Line is positioning six ships — Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam — in Alaska during summer season 2025.

Now through September, guests can depart from three points. Some ships operate roundtrip from Seattle, WA, others set sail roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

In addition, the line offers sailings between Vancouver and Whittier (Anchorage), AK. Many of the ships have top suites for guests seeking the ultimate in space and service. 

North to Alaska: “Glacier Day”

Whichever voyage guests choose, they’ll experience “Glacier Day” on board once per cruise. On that day, Holland America will spotlight glacier sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations and photo opportunities.

Guests can also savor Dutch pea soup on deck, order glacial ice cocktails, and listen to talks by Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters.

Every Alaska cruise will also include a visit to one or more glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier or the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm. Shore excursions also offer options for visits to the Mendenhall and Portage glaciers.

Alaska Fast Facts: The 15-mile-long Dawes Glacier is a tidewater glacier located in Alaska’s Endicott Arm fjord. It’s more than 600 feet high and approximately one mile across. Scan the water nearby for icebergs “calved” from the glacier. They’re sometimes occupied by harbor seals.   

Serving Fresh Fish in Alaska

Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish Program brings locally sourced fresh fish from port to plate in less than 48 hours. When heading north to Alaska for the season, the line’s ships also serve three premium dishes created by the brand’s Chef Masaharu Morimoto. He’s the line’s fresh fish ambassador.

Those dishes include fresh black cod yuzu, lobster 2-ways, and fresh halibut XO.

If travelers want to learn about local cooking techniques or Alaska’s culinary history, they can also head for the ship’s live cooking shows. Those are typically co-hosted by the executive chef as well as the line’s cruise and travel director. They occur twice during every seven-day sailing, and more often on lengthier itineraries.

Many of the featured dishes include fresh fish from the Global Fresh Fish Program. The dishes will also be available in the Dining Room the night of the shows. Another culinary highlight is the Alaska Brunch served in the Dining Room once per cruise.

Acclaimed bartender Sam Ross also has created a menu of exclusive cocktails for the 2025 season. Among the new options are the Sitka Spritz and Inside Hand. Many local Alaska beers are also offered.

North to Alaska: Wildlife Viewing

One top perk for Holland America is that all of its Alaska ships carry a wildlife expert on board. This guide will point out any native animals found along the cruise route. Guests also will receive a map that indicates the best places to see each species.

Ashore, Holland America Line offers nearly 180 shore excursions with wildlife spotting opportunities.

Denali National Park and Yukon

To enhance wildlife viewing opportunities, guests might choose a nine- to 18-day Holland America cruisetour. All of those include a one-, two- or three-day visit to Denali National Park.

The cruise line recently announced a $70 million multi-year investment that will expand guest capacity and elevate the guest experience at Holland America Denali Lodge. Travelers will find new menu options and enhancements at the Cottonwood and Canyon Lodge guest room buildings.

Also, for this season, Holland America has enhanced its riverside interpretive trail. Guests will find scenic viewpoints and improved on-site wayfinding.

“Select cruisetours also will explore the wilds of Canada’s Yukon,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. “Did you know that Holland America Line is the only cruise line that offers overland tours to the Yukon combined with an Alaska cruise and Denali experience? That’s true, so you can truly have a robust Alaska and Yukon vacation!”

For more Alaska options, chat with your personal travel planner. For example, Azamara will return to the region in 2026.

And stay tuned to The Meandering Traveler for more Alaska news. Then get ready to explore The Great Land!

Important Information from Pavlus Travel