Alaska Cruise
7 nights from Seattle. Stunning scenery, genuine relaxation, and minimal planning.
Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Duration
7 Nights
Total Cost
~$4,100
Best Time
May – Sept
Why a Cruise
More included than you think
One of the most underrated things about cruising is how much is already paid for when you book. Your room, all meals in the main dining areas, entertainment, and access to almost everything on the ship is included in the ticket price. Once you're on board, your biggest daily expenses are handled. Beyond that, optional expenses like drinks, specialty restaurants, and excursions are entirely up to you.
For a trip of this quality and length, it's hard to find a better value.
What we paid for the cruise:
Around $1,100 per person total for the cruise itself, including an interior room, all taxes and fees. No drink package, no upgraded dining.
Royal Caribbean runs sales on these cruises regularly. Search across an extended date range and keep an eye out, as the price can vary significantly depending on when you book and when you sail.
One important note on excursions:
Book directly through local vendors at each port, not through the cruise ship. The ship's excursions are marked up significantly. Everything we recommend below can be booked directly, and you'll almost always pay less for the same or better experience.
→ View the full cruise itinerary on Royal Caribbean
What you'll need to plan
- ✓Cruise
Search directly through Royal Caribbean across an extended date range. They run sales regularly and booking early gets you the best price.
- ✓Flights
If you're not within driving distance of Seattle. Use credit card points if you have them. Seattle is a major hub with plenty of award options.
- ✓Hotel
One or a few nights in Seattle or Washington state before the cruise, if preferred.
Money
What this trip actually costs
We paid around $1,100 per person total for the cruise itself, including an interior room, all taxes and fees included. No drink package, no upgraded dining. For a 7-night trip with all meals and entertainment covered, it's genuinely hard to beat.
| Item | Cost (for two) |
|---|---|
| Cruise: interior room, all taxes & fees | ~$2,200 |
| Flights: Frontier, SLC to Seattle | ~$400 |
| Fishing excursion: Ketchikan (+ tip) | ~$960 |
| Goldbelt Tram: Juneau | ~$120 |
| Sitka National Historical Park | ~$20–30 |
| Harbor Mountain Brewing: Sitka | ~$40–80 |
| Breweries: Victoria, BC | ~$100 |
| Hotel: Seattle, Hilton Motif | ~$270 |
| Total | ~$4,100 |
We flew Frontier out of Salt Lake City, which kept flights low at around $200 each. Depending on where you're flying from, that number will look different.
$3,800 reflects our specific choices. The trip is very easy to do for less. The fishing excursion in Ketchikan was our biggest single cost and entirely optional. Skip it or swap it for something more affordable and the total comes down significantly. Every port has great free or low-cost options, and the ship covers most of what you need.
Where to save
- Flights
Use credit card points. Seattle is a major hub with plenty of award options.
- Hotel
One night is usually all you need before the cruise. Amex Platinum holders: book the Hilton Motif through the Amex Travel Portal for hotel credits, complimentary breakfast, and other perks.
- Food on the ship
Entirely included. Main dining rooms serve full sit-down meals three times a day. You don't need to spend anything on food unless you want specialty restaurants.
- Drinks
Consider buying a drink package before you sail if you plan to drink regularly. It's almost always cheaper than paying per drink.
- Excursions
Be selective. You don't need to book something at every port. Some of the best stops on this trip are free.
Before You Board
Seattle & Washington State
The cruise departs from Seattle, which works in your favor. You can fly in a day early and spend an afternoon exploring the city before boarding, or if you have a few extra days, Washington state is worth the time. The Cascades, Snoqualmie Valley, Olympic Peninsula, and the coastline are all within easy reach and make for a great extension of the trip.
Where to stay:
Hilton Motif, Downtown Seattle. If you have the Amex Platinum card, book through the Amex Travel Portal. The rate includes breakfast for two and a hotel credit you can use toward dinner. We paid around $270 for the night and came out well ahead on value.
The Itinerary
Day by Day
Embarkation in Seattle
Check out of your hotel by 11:00 AM. Most hotels will hold your bags if you need more time.
Don't head to the ship right at 11.
Everyone on the cruise has the same idea, and rideshare prices spike hard during that window. Plan to arrive a couple hours before or after the rush. We waited until around 1:00 PM and it made a noticeable difference.
Aim to be at the ship by 1:30 PM for check-in. The ship departs at 4:00 PM. Get settled, explore, and make sure you're on deck for the sail-away views of Puget Sound.
At Sea
A full day on the water with nowhere to be. Rest, eat, relax, and watch the coastline go by. This is exactly the kind of day the trip is built around. Don't feel like you need to fill it.
Included with your cruise
- North Star: glass capsule 300ft above the ocean (book early)
- RipCord by iFLY: indoor skydiving simulator (book early)
- FlowRider: surf simulator on the back of the ship
- Rock climbing wall: multiple routes
- Pools & hot tubs: multiple pools, deck space
- Solarium: adults-only indoor pool, quieter
- Fitness center: full gym with ocean views
- Running track: outdoor upper deck
- Two70: stunning multi-story venue, live performances
- Broadway-style shows: comedy, live music nightly
- Trivia & daily activities: more than you can realistically do
Available for extra cost
- Specialty restaurants: Chops Grille, Jamie's Italian
- Drink packages: buy in advance, cheaper than per-drink
- Spa & thermal suite: great splurge on a sea day
- Casino: open most of the time at sea
Ketchikan
Port hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ketchikan is Alaska's first city: colorful, compact, and easy to explore on foot. It's known for having the highest concentration of totem poles in the world and some of the best fishing in the state.
Salmon fishing with Baranof Fishing Excursions . This was one of the best things we've ever done on a trip, full stop. Here's what to know going in:
Cost: $800 total for two, plus tip. Budget around $960 with a 20% tip if you have a great experience, which you likely will, as it's expected.
What you get: A fully guided, personalized day on the water. You'll ride out for a few hours into open Alaskan waters, seeing wildlife and coastline along the way. The guide walks you through everything. No experience necessary. You fish for multiple species, and the boat guarantees your safety. If anything goes wrong, they make sure you get back to the ship or get you home if needed.
What we caught: An 85 lb halibut, multiple sharks, and more halibut. The guide was knowledgeable, genuinely fun to spend the day with, and made the whole experience. If you're going to splurge once on this trip, this is the one.
If fishing isn't your thing, Ketchikan is easy and enjoyable to just wander. The waterfront, Creek Street, and the totem pole parks are all walkable and free.
Sitka
Port hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Shuttle departs: 9:45 AM
Sitka has a different feel from the other ports. It sits right on the edge of the Pacific and feels genuinely remote. Pick one or two things and don't rush it.
Sitka National Historical Park: a coastal forest trail. One of the most beautiful walks of the trip. Because of the time of year, we got to watch thousands of salmon running up the river, set against a backdrop of old-growth forest and mountains. The park is within walking distance of the ship.
After the park, we made our way to Harbor Mountain Brewing . This is a small batch taproom with genuinely great beer and a pizza kitchen inside. The space itself is worth the visit. Highly recommend.
Recommended
- Sitka National Historical Park: coastal forest trail, salmon run, old-growth scenery~$10–15/person
- Harbor Mountain Brewing: small batch taproom with pizza inside~$20–40/person
Other options
- Fortress of the Bears: 30+ rescued bears in natural habitat, accessible by bus or rideshare~$20–25/person
- Sea otter & wildlife boat tour: Sitka Sound has excellent marine wildlife~$100–150/person
- Mount Verstovia hike: challenging climb with serious summit viewsFree
- Kayaking in Sitka Sound: sea otters, seals, and eagles~$150/person
Glaciers & Juneau
Port hours (Juneau): 1:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Morning: Glaciers (Free)
Wake up early and get out on deck. The ship passes through Endicott Arm and right past Dawes Glacier, and the views are genuinely jaw-dropping. This is one of the highlights of the entire trip and it requires nothing more than showing up. Don't sleep through it.
Juneau is the most activity-rich port on the itinerary, and you have a solid afternoon and evening to work with.
Gastineau Peak hike: 4.2 miles, 1,929 ft elevation gain. This is one of the most beautiful hikes we've ever done. We took the Goldbelt Tram up to the starting point, which cuts out a big chunk of the elevation and leaves you more time at the top. Tram tickets are around $60/person and can be bought when you arrive. Given the time constraint at port, we'd strongly recommend taking the tram up.
Recommended
- Goldbelt Tram + Gastineau Peak hike: 4.2 miles, incredible summit views~$60/person
Other options
- Whale watching: humpbacks very active in August, sightings are common~$130–180/person
- West Glacier Trail: 3.5 miles, close to the face of Mendenhall GlacierFree
- Helicopter glacier tour with landing: walk on a glacier~$400–600/person
- Sea kayaking in Auke Bay: calmer water, great for wildlife~$100–150/person
At Sea
Another full day on the water. By this point you've covered a lot of ground. Use the day to rest, explore whatever you didn't get to on the first sea day, or just find a quiet spot on deck and watch the water go by. Revisit the North Star, spend a few hours in the Solarium, or take in one of the evening shows. There's no wrong answer.
Victoria, BC
Port hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
A short evening stop in one of the most charming cities in Canada. You won't have time for everything, so pick a direction and enjoy the walk. The ship docks right in the inner harbour, and most of what's worth seeing is walkable from the pier.
We spent the evening brewery hopping through downtown Victoria, walking easily from one spot to the next. The beer scene is genuinely great, the city is safe and walkable, and it was a perfect low-key way to close out the cruise. Some great stops:
- Whistle Buoy Brewing~$10–15/person
- Swift Brewing & Good Times Tasting Room~$10–15/person
- Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub: one of Canada's oldest craft breweries, right on the waterfront~$15–25/person
- Vancouver Island Brewing~$10–15/person
Other options
- Inner Harbour: stroll the waterfront, Parliament Buildings, Empress HotelFree
- Fisherman's Wharf: floating homes and sea lions, easy 30-min stopFree
- Whale watching: evening tours often spot orcas~$100–130/person
- Butchart Gardens: beautiful evening lighting, though timing is tight~$40/person
Return to Seattle
The ship arrives back in Seattle early in the morning. If you have a late flight, grab breakfast near the pier and take your time. If you have lounge access, heading to the airport early is a comfortable way to close out the trip.
Gear
What to pack
Alaska weather is unpredictable, and layering is the key to staying comfortable. You can go from sunny and mild in Ketchikan to cold and windy near the glaciers within the same day. Pack for both. Don't overdo it. The ship has everything you need for on-board comfort.
Clothing
- Waterproof, wind-resistant rain jacket: most important item
- Waterproof pants
- Fleece jacket or vest for layering
- Base layers: lightweight, moisture-wicking, not cotton
- 2–3 long sleeve shirts
- A few short sleeve shirts
- One pair of jeans
- Casual or quick-dry hiking pants
- Shorts: optional but small enough to toss in
- Warm hat and gloves
- Swimsuit: ship has pools, hot tubs, spa
- One nicer outfit for evening dining (smart casual is plenty)
- Wool or synthetic socks: no cotton
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots: essential for Juneau and Sitka
- Casual sneakers or walking shoes
- Sandals or flip flops for the pool and spa
Documents
- Passport: required for Victoria, BC
- Cruise confirmation and boarding docs
- Travel insurance information
- RFID-blocking wallet
- Medications: stock up before, ship store has limited options
- Seasickness meds or patches: just in case
Gear & Accessories
- Binoculars: one of the most useful things you'll bring
- Camera and extra batteries or power bank
- Extra SD cards
- Waterproof daypack for excursions
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Polarized sunglasses: glare off glaciers is intense
- Bug spray: Alaska can be buggy in wooded areas
- Snacks or protein bars for long excursion days
- Sleep mask: Alaska in August means very late sunsets
What not to bring
- Heavy winter coat: layers handle the cold better
- Clothing irons or steamers: not permitted
- Extension cords: not permitted
- Bear spray: prohibited by airlines and cruise lines
- Umbrella: your rain jacket will serve you better