If you’re eager to travel to Alaska and view breathtaking landscapes and rugged wilderness, we have some exciting news. After a seven-year hiatus, Azamara Cruises will return to “The Great Land” in 2026!
Starting in May 2026, the 702-passenger Azamara Pursuit will embark on a series of 10- to 13-day Alaska cruises. These “Destination Immersion” voyages will offer many extended port stays of 10+ hours.
So, guests will have plenty of time ashore to explore. They’ll visit indigenous Alaska communities to learn about local culture and heritage. They’ll enjoy such eco-adventures as glacier hiking or whale watching. And they’ll look for wildlife — everything from moose to foxes, bears, and other critters.
(Photo above shows an Azamara ship along the Hubbard Glacier. Photo by Azamara.
“We’re excited to reintroduce Alaska as one of our key destinations for the summer of 2026,” explains Michael Pawlus, Azamara’s head of itinerary planning. “Our guests have long requested a return to this extraordinary region. We’re pleased to meet that demand by offering enhanced itineraries and land experiences that truly capture the essence of Alaska.
Return to Alaska: Guest Feedback
Dondra Ritzenthaler, Azamara’s CEO, stresses that the decision was all about what guests want: “We’ve listened to the feedback from our guests and now we’re delivering on what we’ve promised.”
But she makes another key point. “Our commitment to ‘Destination Immersion’ means that we don’t just take our guests to Alaska,” she stresses. “We immerse them in its rich culture and take them to the heart of the destination that large ships can’t even access.”
With that in mind, here’s what Azamara plans.
- Extended stays in such ports as Juneau, Wrangell, Skagway and Ketchikan, AK, as well as Nanaimo and Victoria, B.C.
- Access to remote locations such as Kodiak, known for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife; Dutch Harbor, gateway to the Aleutian Islands; and Icy Strait Point with whale watching and adventure activities.
- Late-night departures — 27 of them — to maximize guests’ time in port before they have to reboard the ship.
Plus, on each sailing, Azamara will offer a private AzAmazing Evening event for its guests in Ketchikan. Entitled “An Alaskan Adventure: Timber, Traditions and Toasts,” the night will begin with a cocktail hour. That will feature some of Alaska’s finest brews, followed by local cultural traditions — axe throwing, traditional Tlingit dance performances, and culinary delicacies.
The highlight will be a private performance at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. There, top lumberjacks will compete in thrilling events such as chopping, sawing and log rolling. This unforgettable evening will offer a glimpse into the Alaskan timber industry and capture the essence of Ketchikan.
Return to Alaska: Find Out More
“Azamara is particularly popular with Pavlus Travel‘s clients for its strong focus on immersive travel,” says Shelby Steudle, Pavlus’ president. “So, guests who head to The Great Land with Azamara are in for a treat — a journey of wonder, discovery and time to explore.
Among the voyages is an 11-Night “Alaska Cruise: Hubbard Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan.” Departing June 11, 2026, it will sail from Whittier to these Alaska destinations: Valdez, the Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Juneau, Endicott Arm, Ketchikan and Klawock.
Guests will also spend a day at sea and go ashore at Nanaimo, B.C., Canada, before the voyage ends in Vancouver. At press time, this Alaska itinerary was priced from $3,239 per person, double occupancy.
For the full list of Azamara’s 2026 Alaska sailings, we’d suggest visiting this Azamara webpage. Steudle then recommends contacting the agency to ask questions and chat about Alaska in 2026 with a skilled, personal travel planner. Soon, you’ll be enjoying the anticipation of a luxurious voyage within The Great Land!
