Alaska Cruise
7 nights from Seattle. Stunning scenery, genuine relaxation, and minimal planning.
Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Duration
7 Nights
Total Cost
$1,920 - $8,420+
Best Time
May to Sept
Why a Cruise
More included than you think
Cruising gets a bad reputation at times. We get it. But for Alaska, we'd highly recommend it because the cost of hotels and food in Alaska is drastically higher than what you would pay for a cruise. Also, If you want an absolutely miraculous trip with very little planning, a cruise is the way to go here. Once you're on board, almost everything is already paid for. Your room, all meals in the main dining rooms, entertainment, and access to essentially everything on the ship is included in the ticket price. For a 7 night trip with that level of coverage, it's genuinely hard to find better value.
For an Alaska cruise specifically, the ship does the heavy logistics work for you. It moves you between ports overnight while you sleep, eliminating the need to plan transportation between remote towns that aren't easily connected by road. You wake up somewhere new every day with zero effort.
The optional spending on board (drinks, specialty restaurants, excursions) is entirely up to you. We kept ours tight and the trip was still excellent.
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 with local vendors at each port, not through the cruise line. 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 booking
Search Royal Caribbean directly across an extended date range. They run sales regularly and prices can vary a lot depending on when you book and when you sail.
- ✓Flights
Into and out of Seattle. If you're using credit card points, Seattle is a major hub with solid award options.
- ✓Hotel
One or two nights in Seattle before the cruise if you're flying in from out of town.
- ✓Excursions
Research and book directly with local operators at each port. Do this before you leave home.
- ✓Travel insurance
Not required but worth considering for a trip of this length.
Money
What this trip actually costs
We paid around $1,100 per person for the cruise itself for an interior room (including all taxes and fees). No drink package, no upgraded dining. Here's how the full trip broke down, along with what it could look like if you tightened the budget or went bigger.
| Item | Budget Option | What We Paid | Luxury Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruiseinterior on sale · interior · balcony | ~$1,600 | ~$2,200 | ~$3,600 |
| Flightsbudget airline · nonstop flight · luxury nonstop | $200 | ~$400 | ~$800 |
| Hotel: Seattlebudget hotel · Hilton Motif · upgraded room | ~$120 | ~$270 | ~$500+ |
| Ketchikan excursionself-guided walk · fishing + tip · private tour | $0 | $960 | $2,000 |
| Sitka excursionpark only · park + brewery · sea kayaking | ~$0 | ~$85 | ~$300 |
| Juneau excursionfree glacier hike · Goldbelt Tram · helicopter tour | $0 | ~$120 | ~$1,000 |
| Victoriaharbour walk · harbour + breweries · whale watching tour | $0 | ~$100 | ~$220 |
| Total (for two) | ~$1,920 | ~$4,135 | ~$8,420+ |
The fishing excursion in Ketchikan was our single biggest discretionary cost and it was completely optional. If that doesn't appeal to you or doesn't fit your budget, you can pull the total down significantly. Every port has excellent free or low cost options and the ship covers most of what you need day to day.
The budget version assumes you fly with a budget airline, stay somewhere basic in Seattle, and skip the paid excursions in favor of free alternatives at each port. You'd still have a great trip but without a huge amount of the cost.
Where to save
- Flights
Seattle is a major hub. If you have travel credit cards with points, this is a strong use case. We flew Frontier directly out of Salt Lake City and paid about $200 each. Be flexible on dates. A few days of flexibility can cut the flight cost in half.
- Hotel in Seattle
This was a splurge for us to stay centrally in Seattle. One night is usually all you need before the cruise. If you have the Amex Platinum card, the Hilton Motif is bookable through the Amex Travel Portal with complimentary breakfast and a hotel credit included. We paid about $270 and came out well ahead on value. If you don't have Amex, there are solid budget hotels within a short rideshare of the port that will get the job done.
- Food on the ship
This is entirely included. The main dining rooms serve full sit-down meals three times a day. You don't need to spend anything extra on food unless you want specialty restaurants. If you plan to drink regularly, consider buying a drink package before you sail. It's almost always cheaper than paying per drink once you're on board. Although if you plan on just having a few drinks it's better to just pay as you go and look out for happy hour specials.
- Excursions
You don't need to book something at every port. Some of our best experiences on this trip cost nothing. For all excursions we highly recommend booking directly with local operators, not through the cruise line. The ship's excursions are the same experiences at a higher price and the tour operators are losing out as they have to pay a commission to the cruise line also. The glacier views from the ship deck on Day 5 are free. Don't sleep through them.
Before You Board
Seattle & Washington State
The cruise departs from Seattle, which works in your favor. Fly in a day early and you've got an afternoon to explore one of the best cities in the Pacific Northwest. If you have a few extra days, Washington state is worth the time. 3 National Parks: Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic are all within reach and some of the best scenery in the country..
Where to stay:
We recommend staying in downtown Seattle. We stayed at the Hilton Motif, If you have the Amex Platinum card, book through the Amex Travel Portal for complimentary breakfast and a hotel credit. We paid about $270 for the night which was definitely a premium although the location is tough to beat.
Getting to the ship:
Don't head to the pier right when boarding opens. Everyone on the cruise has the same idea and rideshare prices spike hard during the first two hours window. We waited until around 1:00 PM and it made a noticeable difference (Our uber was $30 compared to $120 when we checked at 11am). Aim to be at the ship by 1:30 PM. It departs at 4:00 PM.
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 want a bit more time. Get settled on the ship, explore, and make sure you're on deck for the sail away views of Puget Sound heading out. It sets the tone for the whole trip.
Book these early before they fill up:
North Star (a glass capsule 300 feet above the ocean), RipCord by iFLY (indoor skydiving simulator), and the Broadway-style evening shows. Everything else can be figured out as you go.
At Sea
A full day on the water with nowhere to be. Try to relax and enjoy the scenery today.
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 multistory 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 paying per drink
- Spa & thermal suite: great splurge on a sea day
- Casino: open most of the time at sea
If you want a little extra luxury, the spa and thermal suite are a worthwhile splurge on a sea day. The specialty restaurants are good but really not necessary given what's already included in the main restaurants.
Ketchikan
Port hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ketchikan is the first port in Alaska: compact, colorful, and easy to navigate on foot. It's known for having the highest concentration of totem poles in the world and some of the best sport 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 for two plus tip. Budget around $960 with a 20% tip, which is customary if you have a great time, and you will.
What you get: A fully guided day on the water in open Alaskan waters. Gear, lunch, and drinks are included. The guide handles everything related to setting up the rods and rigging bait. No fishing experience needed.
What we caught: An 85 pound halibut, multiple sharks, and more halibut. The guide was knowledgeable and genuinely fun to spend a day with.
Worth it? If you're going to splurge once on this trip, this is the one. But 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 free.
Bonus tip:
If you have extra time in port, stop by Baleen Brewing for a relaxed post-excursion beer close to the waterfront.
Sitka
Port hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM · Shuttle departs: 9:45 AM
Sitka feels different from the other ports. It sits on the edge of the Pacific and has a genuinely remote quality to it. Don't try to cram in everything. Pick one or two things and don't rush.
Tongass National Forest: Indian River Trail. The trail starts only 3/4 of a mile walk from the port, this was one of the highlights of our trip. It's a coastal forest trail through old growth trees along the river. The trail technically goes 4-5 miles although you reach the river within half a mile and we only went about 2 miles in total. If you're there in August, you'll be able to watch hundreds of thousands of salmon running upstream against that backdrop. One of the most quietly spectacular things of the whole trip. The park is walkable from the ship and is free. Be mindful of bears in the area and make sure to follow all posted guidelines, it's definitely not a good idea to rent bear spray from town before heading out.
After the park, we made our way to Harbor Mountain Brewing . This is a small batch taproom with great beer and a pizza kitchen attached to the brewery. It was the perfect way to unwind and refuel after our hike. The brewery is about a 10 minute walk from the park and a 20 minute walk from the port, so it's an easy option to fit in if you want to get off your feet for a bit before heading back to the ship. There are also buses that service the area but we decided it would be easier to walk.
After the brewery, we walked through Sitka National Historical Park, which is directly on the way back to the ship! It's a small park with a trail that runs directly through it that will take you through the forest, by another river full of salmon, and past massive totem poles. It's a neat stop and adds only about a minute or two to the walk back to the ship.
Recommended
- Sitka National Historical Park: coastal forest trail, salmon run, old-growth sceneryFree
- Harbor Mountain Brewing: small batch taproom with pizza inside~$20 to $40/person
Other options
- Fortress of the Bears: 30+ rescued bears in natural habitat, accessible by bus or rideshare~$20 to $25/person
- Sea otter & wildlife boat tour: Sitka Sound has excellent marine wildlife~$100 to $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 to 8:00 PM
Morning: Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier
Wake up early and get out on deck. The ship passes through Endicott Arm and right past Dawes Glacier. This is one of the highlights of the entire trip and it's free, just don't sleep through it! Our ship went through this area at 7:30 AM. Get up to the deck a bit early and secure your spot, as it can get crowded.
Afternoon and evening in Juneau: this is the most activity packed port on the itinerary.
Gastineau Peak hike: 4.2 miles, 1,929 feet of elevation gain, and some of the most beautiful summit views we've ever seen. This is a tough hike, but if the weather is good it's absolutely worth it. We took the Goldbelt Tram up to the starting point, which cuts out a significant chunk of the elevation and leaves more time at the top. Tram tickets are around $60 per person and can be bought when you arrive. Given the port time constraint, we strongly recommend taking the tram up. It's a bit pricey although it's worth it for the access.
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 to $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 to $600/person
- Sea kayaking in Auke Bay: calmer water, great for wildlife~$100 to $150/person
Worth it? The tram plus Gastineau Peak hike was the best combination of cost and experience at any port. $60 each to access a trail that delivers some of the most impressive views in Alaska is an easy yes.
At Sea
Another full day on the water. By this point you've covered a lot of ground. Use the day to rest, revisit anything you didn't get to on the first sea day, or find a quiet spot on deck and watch the coastline. There's no wrong answer.
Victoria, BC
Port hours: 5:00 PM to 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 walking from brewery to brewery through downtown Victoria. The beer scene is incredible, the city is safe and walkable, and it was the perfect low key way to close out the cruise. If you stop at Phillips, try the pina colada IPA, it was one of the most interesting pours of the night. A few highlights:
- Phillips Brewing & Malting Co.~$10 to $15/person
- Whistle Buoy Brewing~$10 to $15/person
- Swift Brewing & Good Times Tasting Room~$10 to $15/person
- Herald Street Brew Works~$10 to $15/person
- Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub: one of Canada's oldest craft breweries, right on the waterfront~$15 to $25/person
- Vancouver Island Brewing~$10 to $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 to $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: the most important item you'll bring
- Waterproof pants
- Fleece jacket or vest for layering
- Base layers: lightweight, moisture wicking, not cotton
- 2 to 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 & Health
- Passport: required for Victoria, BC
- Cruise confirmation and boarding docs
- Travel insurance information
- RFID blocking wallet
- Medications: stock up before you leave, the 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 memory cards
- Waterproof daypack for excursions
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Polarized sunglasses: glare off glaciers and water 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 handle it better
Google MyMap of All Stops
Explore the ports and highlights from our Alaska cruise route.