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The 16 best alaska cruise excursions for 2024.

Venture off the boat to see wildlife, glaciers, railways and more.

The Best Alaska Cruise Excursions

Courtesy of Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour

A cruise to Alaska is one of the best ways to visit many parts of the 49th state, including the Inside Passage and the southeastern port towns of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. You can also see dozens of glaciers on a cruise, plus remote places reachable only by water, like Glacier National Park & Preserve. Traveling by ship allows you to get closer to one-of-a-kind experiences in Alaska's interior, especially if you extend your vacation with a cruisetour (a package that includes the cruise and a land portion either before or after your voyage).

When it comes to excursions, many cruise lines offer the same experiences ashore for larger ports of call, often with a slight variation in the itinerary. The most popular tours highlight the best activities and attractions, such as the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour in Juneau, the Misty Fjords National Monument in Ketchikan and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway. You'll also find entertaining offerings from cruise lines that call on smaller, less visited ports, like Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Sitka, Seward and Haines.

While some tours cost less than $100, don't be surprised to find over-the-top experiences that run about $750 per person – such as heli-flightseeing tours, where you'll land on a glacier and go dog-sledding with a team of Alaskan huskies. If you're comfortable with going it on your own, you might find lower prices on some excursions by booking directly with tour operators. Alaskan outfitters are used to working around cruise ship arrival and departure times, so their tours tend to fit into those schedules.

U.S. News has compiled this list to help you find the best Alaska cruise excursions, from the most popular (and affordable) options to once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Icy Strait Point (Hoonah)

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Even though it's surrounded by water and mountains – and there's no road into town – Juneau is one of the most visited ports in Alaska, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer. You'll find plenty to do in Alaska's capital, including whale watching tours, salmon bakes and more.

Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the top attractions in Juneau, so many tours include a visit to the Tongass National Forest to view the 12-mile-long sheet of blue ice. Some cruise lines, like Princess Cruises , offer self-guided trekking excursions that include a ride on the Juneau Goldbelt Tram, which affords views of the Chilkat Mountains and other panoramic scenery. You can also opt to see the glacier from the water by boat or kayak, or on a float trip.

However, if you're going to splurge on any one excursion, it's this one: Sign up for a helicopter landing on Mendenhall Glacier, followed by a dog-sledding adventure with a team of Alaskan huskies. During the approximately 30-minute helicopter ride, you'll fly over rainforests and spectacular summits, but the real fun is when you arrive at the camp to go zipping through the snow led by your team of dogs and a professional musher.

The Mendenhall Glacier helicopter excursion is offered on Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line and Silversea Cruises.

Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest

Whale watching is another top activity when visiting Juneau, and many cruise lines offer several options for tours. Holland America Line has a five-hour, small-group excursion for just 20 guests; you'll search for humpback whales on a safari vessel, then hike on Mendenhall Glacier where you can look for beavers, Arctic terns, porcupines and black bears. If you prefer an even smaller group, Princess Cruises offers a 3.5-hour private whale watching tour for six people. Possible sightings include humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, eagles, harbor seals, lighthouses, glaciers and maybe even a bear along the shoreline.

One of Viking Ocean Cruises ' excursions, the Best of Juneau, lasts more than six hours and takes guests on a naturalist-led whale watching cruise by catamaran. Before heading back to shore, you'll have a lunch of local wild-caught Alaska salmon on remote Colt Island, followed by a scenic drive to Mendenhall Glacier to end the day.

Alaska whale watching and wildlife excursions are offered on Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

Taku Lodge Salmon Bake

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a 3.5-hour Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast excursion that will tick several quintessential Alaska adventures off your bucket list. After flying over the Juneau Icefield (the fifth-largest ice field in North America) in a classic De Havilland seaplane, guests will land in the river at the historic Taku Glacier Lodge across from Juneau's largest glacier, the 5-mile-wide Taku Glacier.

A traditional Alaska salmon bake (with all the fixings) and drinks made with glacier ice are another highlight of the day. You might even see a black bear sniffing around for leftovers after your feast. Following lunch, take a walk in the lush Tongass National Forest before heading back from the wilderness.

Salmon bake excursions are offered on Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

Ketchikan sits at the southernmost entrance to Alaska's Inside Passage. It is one of the most visited ports in Alaska, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Visitors come to this part of the state for the beautiful scenery, Alaska Native culture and fresh seafood, including Alaska salmon and king crab. And they just might enjoy an entertaining lumberjack show or floatplane ride to kick off their day while in town.

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Watch Alaska's hearty lumberjacks battle British Columbia's tough woodsmen in a head-to-head competition to see who can win the title of "Bull of the Woods." The thrill-a-minute show – a guest favorite – features a 50-foot tree climb, ax throwing, log rolling, buck sawing and springboard chopping, along with plenty of lumberjack lore. Some lines, like Princess Cruises, offer just the show; it lasts a little over an hour, so there will be plenty of time for a self-guided tour of Ketchikan before heading back to the ship. You may also be able to book a combination tour that includes the show and an ax throwing lesson (plus a competition of your own), or a trip to Totem Bright State Park, where you'll learn about the significance of totem poles and the Native Tlingit and Haida cultures.

Holland America Line offers a tour with the lumberjack show and a feast of local Dungeness crabs. For another culinary option, check out the 3.5-hour excursion with Norwegian Cruise Line . It includes a visit to Saxman Native Village, where you'll sample smoked wild game meats, dine on chef-selected dishes prepared with regional ingredients, and taste local wines and beers.

Lumberjack shows are offered on Alaska voyages with Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises , Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour

Embark on the Aleutian Ballard, the Bering Sea fishing boat made famous by the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" television series. The approximately three-hour excursion gives guests a firsthand experience of what it's like to sail on the vessel as a Bering Sea crab fisherman and catch massive king crabs, octopuses and other marine life with 700-pound crab pots. The boat may also stop at nearby Annette Island, where you'll have the chance to see whales, sea lions, seals and bald eagles soaring overhead (one may even try to snag your catch!). You may also get to watch local fishermen at work.

Some lines that offer the fisherman's tour include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

Misty Fjords by Floatplane or Cruise

The more than 2 million-acre Misty Fjords National Monument is one of the top attractions in Alaska . Described by naturalist and author John Muir as "the Yosemite of the North," the awe-inspiring destination is best viewed from above on a floatplane. From the sky, you'll see towering 1,000-foot waterfalls, the volcanic Revillagigedo Island, snowcapped peaks, verdant forests and 3,000-foot walls of granite descending into the fjords. On a floatplane tour, you'll also have the chance to land on the water and take in the spectacular scenery from another viewpoint.

If you're not a fan of small planes, some lines offer the option of taking a cruise from Ketchikan's harbor. You'll sail into Behm Canal surrounded by the scenery of Misty Fjords, and you may even see wildlife or bald eagle nests. You'll also cruise by Eddystone Rock, a massive volcanic spire emerging from the sea, as well as waterfalls and 3,000-foot cliffs sculpted by glaciers.

Cruise lines that offer floatplane or cruisetours of Misty Fjords include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Viking Ocean Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

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Skagway is another busy and popular cruise port in Alaska. It's one of the most popular towns on the Inside Passage itinerary; its fascinating Klondike Gold Rush history dates back to 1897. Take notice of the historic false-front shops reminiscent of the gold rush days as you explore. Many of these buildings are part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and you may even see people strolling down the streets dressed in period costumes.

White Pass & Yukon Route

One of the top-rated attractions in Skagway is the White Pass Summit Scenic Railroad journey through Alaska's wilderness. The narrow-gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark – an honor shared by the Panama Canal, the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. Dating back 125 years, the historic railway features vintage rail cars and climbs to a steep 2,865 feet at the summit over just 20.4 miles. Along the way to the summit – located at the official international border between the U.S. and Canada – you'll listen to the history of the Klondike Gold Rush while passing by Inspiration Point, Dead Horse Gulch and Bridal Veil Falls. After making a loop at the top, the train will head back down the mountain. You might even see snow on the ride if your cruise to Alaska is early in the season .

Excursions on some lines combine the rail journey with other activities, like biking on the Klondike Highway from the summit or visiting Liarsville, a gold rush trail camp. Others include a stop (and a cold beer) at the Skagway Brewing Company. In addition, some cruise providers offer the train ride in a luxury class rail car, which includes complimentary beverages, snacks and a private guide who will explain the history of the railroad as you watch the scenery pass by.

Norwegian Cruise Line's six-hour excursion features a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route, a salmon bake at Liarsville and an adult beverage with one of the "madames" at the renowned Red Onion Saloon. Meanwhile, Silversea Cruises ' new 5.5-hour tour includes the train ride; a trip to the Yukon Suspension Bridge, which sits 65 feet above the white water rapids of the Tutshi River; and a hearty lunch of bison chili.

Cruise lines that offer the railroad (and combination) tours include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Discovery

If you want to cuddle with Alaskan husky puppies, then this excursion is for you. Norwegian Cruise Line's approximately three-hour excursion takes guests to a professional musher's summer camp in Dyea Valley, where they train sled dogs for the Yukon Quest and Iditarod races. After a thrilling ride into the rainforest on a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you'll head out on a summertime dog sled with 16 Alaskan huskies at the helm. Before puppy play time, you'll learn how the mushers care for the dogs and prepare for the races. Depending on the cruise line, some tours may end with roasting s'mores by the fire.

Some lines that offer this excursion are Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Adventure

The historic Chilkoot Trail was the main route for those in search of untold riches during the famous gold rush years. Today, the trail, located in Gold Rush National Historical Park, is a rainforest full of birds and wildflowers. Excursions to the park include hikes with river floats on the Taiya River (there are no rapids) or bike tours of the trail. There are also wilderness kayaking outings to Chilkoot Lake, which is home to the five species of Pacific salmon, waterfowl, bald eagles and one of the largest brown bear populations in southeast Alaska.

Some cruise lines that offer these excursions include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Sitka is the only community in the Inside Passage that sits on the Pacific Ocean. The small city – home to just 8,500 residents – was owned by Russia before the U.S. purchased the land in 1867. Today, you'll find remnants of this Russian heritage, like onion-shaped domes and Saint Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Sitka also has a strong Tlingit culture. In terms of shore excursions, you'll find plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing surrounded by pristine landscapes.

Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest

Royal Caribbean International's three-hour jet boat cruise on Sitka Sound features panoramic scenery (including snow-capped peaks) and the chance to see abundant wildlife. During the tour, look for playful sea otters, whales and brown bears walking along the coast. The line also offers another tour – Sea Otters, Raptors and Bears Oh My – that features a naturalist-guided catamaran cruise followed by visits to the Alaskan Raptor Center (a rehabilitation center for birds of prey) and the Fortress of the Bear (a rescue operation for orphaned bears).

In comparison, Carnival Cruise Line 's VIP wildlife quest in search of whales, sea otters, coastal brown bears and more concludes with a feast of wild salmon cooked over a wood-fired grill, Alaska crab and prime rib at the Fin Island Lodge. Following a wildlife Zodiac cruise around the archipelago, Holland America Line's version of this excursion also visits the lodge for lunch in partnership with Food & Wine magazine.

You can find this excursion on Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

The Best of Sitka

Several cruise lines offer a version of this tour, which features an exploration of the top attractions in Sitka. On this excursion, you'll visit the Fortress of the Bear in Tongass National Park to learn about the facility's work with orphaned bears. There's also a stop at Sitka National Historical Park, where the 1804 "Battle of Alaska" between the Russians and the Tlingits was fought. Here, you'll see handcarved totem poles created by skilled Tlingit artists and get to meet local Native artists to learn more. The excursion also includes a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center.

Lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Icy Strait Point in Hoonah may be a much smaller port than others on this list, but it is a jumping-off point for endless outdoor explorations, including whale watching tours and searching for coastal brown bears. Icy Strait Point is Alaska Native-owned and -operated and is home to the largest Native Tlingit village in Alaska. While here, explore the wilderness areas of Chichagoff Islands, visit the 1912 cannery museum, and grab lunch with fresh Alaska king and Dungeness crabs before taking a ride on the world's largest ZipRider. (Or, play it safe and plan to take that ride down the mountain before lunch.)

Whale Watching & Bear Search

The waters surrounding Icy Strait Point host the largest summer population of humpback whales in the state, especially around the Point Adolphus area. If you purchase a tour directly with the Icy Strait Point website, they'll even guarantee you'll see whales – or they'll refund your money. During the tour, look for orcas, Steller sea lions, porpoises and seals. But be sure to also gaze overhead for bald eagles and search along the shore for bears; the Spasski River Valley in the remote wilderness of Chichagof Island has one of the highest densities of coastal brown bears in the world. Some cruise lines offer a variation of this excursion that includes a boiled seafood feast back on shore at Icy Strait Point.

You can find this excursion on voyages with Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Scenic Mountain Ascent & World's Largest ZipRider

Thrill-seekers (who love heights) will jump at the chance to ride the world's largest and longest zip line, which sits more than 1,300 feet above sea level at the top of Icy Strait Point. The ride to the summit on the SkyGlider mountaintop gondola is also a rush, but the real excitement comes as you zoom down 5,330-foot zip lines with five other riders at 60 mph – with views of the forest below and Glacier Bay National Park in the distance. A break-activated landing on the beach brings riders safely back to the ground. The price also includes unlimited rides on the gondola.

Cruise lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

A less visited port than some others on this list (according to CLIA), Seward is the ancestral home to the Alutiiq, or Sugpiaq, people. Its breathtaking natural beauty – with mountains on one side and Resurrection Bay on the other – has been shaped by glaciers over thousands of years. Top attractions in Seward include the Alaska SeaLife Center and a charming downtown area. It also offers access to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

During your stop in Seward, take a full-day excursion to see the astounding beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park. The impressive fjords are surrounded by mountains standing more than 6,000 feet tall and an ecosystem rich in wildlife. While there, watch for a variety of whale species, sea otters, porpoises and sea lions, and onshore, you might see bears and mountain goats. There are also 191 documented species of birds in the park and many glaciers. As you get up close to Holgate Glacier, listen as chunks of blue ice calve into the water.

Some cruise lines, such as Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, offer this as an individual tour, while others like Holland America Line include it as part of a cruisetour. You can also book the excursion directly with a local tour operator if you're embarking or disembarking in Seward.

Haines, a small port about 20 miles north of Skagway, is best known for its Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The 49,000-acre preserve has the largest natural gathering of eagles during the late salmon runs and boasts pristine forests, marshlands and rivers brimming with wildlife.

Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

Norwegian Cruise Line's five-hour excursion takes guests on an adventure into the wilderness by boat while cruising North America's deepest and longest fjord, the upper Lynn Canal. You might even see breaching whales and playful sea lions en route to Glacier Point, where you'll disembark at the beach upon arrival. After a drive through the forest and a hike in the woods, you'll have unforgettable, up-close views of the Davidson Glacier by canoe.

Lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Silversea Cruises. Holland America Line offers this excursion from Skagway.

Eagle Preserve Rafting Float Adventure

Look for bald eagles soaring overhead as you raft down the gentle Chilkat River through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The waters are overflowing with salmon that come to spawn, serving as food for as many as 400 bald eagles living in the Chilkat Valley. Don't be surprised to see brown bears or 1,600-pound moose coming to feast along the riverbank during your rafting adventure.

Some lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Lin e. Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises host this excursion from Skagway.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• The Best Alaska Cruises for Families
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching

There are some cruise destinations — Barcelona, for instance, or Venice — where you really don't need to sign up for shore excursions . You can just walk off the ship and head to the major attractions on your own.

For the most part, the ports of Alaska aren't like that.

To get the most out of an Alaska cruise , you'll want to sign up for a tour in most if not all of the ports you visit. And not just any old tour. You'll be looking for the best Alaska shore excursions that get you out into the Alaska backcountry.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

In Alaska, many of the biggest "attractions" — breathtaking mountain landscapes, glaciers, fjords, breaching whales and feeding bears, for instance — are related to the Great Outdoors. As a result, many of the best Alaska shore excursions for cruisers are found outside of the towns where ships stop. If you just stay in the towns and explore on your own, you'll miss a big part of what Alaska is all about.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Picking the best Alaska shore excursions

People who know me know that I love talking about Alaska port towns. This isn't just because I spent more than two decades writing about Alaska and other cruise destinations for major newspapers. For many years, I was the co-author of Frommer's "Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call" guide. In researching nearly half a dozen editions of that book, I spent many days exploring each of the major cruise ports in the state. I've tried a large number of the shore excursions in places such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. I've also poked around these towns a lot on my own.

As noted above, my biggest message to anyone planning an Alaska cruise is to get out of the towns . Sign up for something — a hike, a rafting trip, a train ride, a fishing outing — that gets you out into Alaska's spectacular outdoor settings.

But I also have a few specific, top-line pro tips when you're thinking about the best Alaska shore excursions:

• Get up in the air . It'll be expensive. We're talking $250 or more per person. But there's nothing like seeing the grandeur of Alaska from a helicopter or floatplane. The Juneau Icefield, in particular, is a sight to behold. It covers around 1,500 square miles. You can see it on a flightseeing tour from Juneau, with some tours including landings on the ice.
• Don't miss the whales. Even if you're not a big wildlife person, you'll be mesmerized by the humpback whales of Alaska. They are huge (at up to 52 feet, longer than a Greyhound bus), and there are boat tours that will get you up close to them. The best places to do this are out of Juneau and also Icy Strait Point if your ship stops there.
• Splurge for a trip to Misty Fjords National Monument . This glacier-carved wilderness area, not far from Ketchikan, is another don't-miss sight. It's everything you think of when you think of Alaska: icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. The only way to get there is on a boat or floatplane tour, and they typically start at over $200 a person.

Unfortunately, as you can see from the above, many of the most spectacular excursions in Alaskan ports are expensive. But Alaska is not a place to skimp. Alaska is a place where you may want to budget almost as much per person for your shore excursions as you do for your cabin.

That said, you don't have to splurge for a big outing at every call. In Juneau, for instance, you can get an outdoor experience with a relatively inexpensive trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. It's just 12 miles from the cruise ship docks and reachable by bus or taxi. The bus will set you back an astounding $45 per person, round-trip, which I find an intolerable gouge (but … it is what it is). If you have a few people, you're probably better off with a taxi, which runs around $35 each way. For two or three people traveling together, it's not all that pricey a trip.

Either way you do it, you'll find some nice hiking trails around Mendenhall Glacier and a visitor center. There's a creek there, too, where I've sometimes seen salmon running. One time, I even saw a bear. Speaking of which: A bear is something you think you want to see in Alaska until you actually see one. Then you're just hoping you don't get eaten.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

I should also be clear that the towns themselves aren't devoid of attractions. While I highly encourage Alaska-bound cruisers to get out into the wilderness, there are plenty of worthwhile things to do in each of the main port towns.

In Juneau, food tours have become popular; think King crab bisque and Alaska salmon. The Alaska State Museum is beautiful and worth a visit. Skagway is like a Gold Rush-themed movie set. You should at least walk its main street (Broadway), with its wooden-board sidewalks. If you're a craft beer fan, like me , you also might want to sample a Spruce Tip Blonde Ale at the Skagway Brewing Company. It's made with Sitka spruce tips picked locally in the spring.

In Ketchikan, you should save a few minutes to stroll up Creek Street, along Ketchikan Creek, where you might spot salmon running. It's the ultimate Alaska selfie spot.

Related: The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle

How to book the best Alaska shore excursions

The simplest way to book an Alaska shore excursion is through your cruise line. You check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — it's all arranged. They send a ticket to your room, and when you walk off the ship, a tour guide will be waiting for you.

Another way to go is to book directly with a tour operator in one of the ports. Many of the tour operators you'll find in Alaskan ports are the same tour operators that operate the ship-sponsored excursions. Often, the tours that the local tour operators will sell you are the same tours that the cruise lines are selling you, at the same price . Shopping around isn't necessarily going to get you anywhere.

Indeed, in some cases, the cruise lines own the tour operators in Alaska ports, or at least a piece of them. For instance, the parent company of Princess Cruises and Holland America is a part-owner of Skagway's big attraction, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

That said, you can sometimes get discounts by calling a tour operator directly. I've had some luck with that over the years. It's hit or miss.

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

The 6 best Alaska shore excursions

Below, I've listed six of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions. These all are tours that you'll find in the tour lineups at every major cruise line that operates in Alaska. That said, different lines sometimes have different names for these tours — and sometimes different pricing.

For the listings below, I've used the tour names and pricing listed in the current tour sheets at Princess, which along with sister line Holland America, is the biggest cruise operator in Alaska.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

Dog-sledding and glacier adventure by helicopter

Cost: $669.95 per person

Port where available: Juneau

For those with a hefty bankroll, this might be the ultimate Alaska shore excursion. Combining helicopter flightseeing over the seemingly endless Juneau Icefield with a landing on a glacier for dog sledding, it hits two of Alaska's most iconic experiences.

It's also insanely expensive, as I know from firsthand experience. I once took my entire family of five on this excursion, dropping more than $2,000 in the process. That's a huge chunk of change for an outing that lasts three hours.

But I'll tell you this: I don't regret doing it. Not one bit. For starters, the views of the Juneau Icefield as you fly to and from the dog-sledding camp are incredible (assuming the weather cooperates). But the real joy was seeing my three young girls interacting with the teams of Alaskan huskies that live at the camp.

Once you arrive at the camp, you'll meet the dogs and their mushers, see where they live, get a quick tutorial in mushing, and then head out for a spin around the camp on a dog-pulled sled.

Related: These are the best times to visit Alaska

Whale watching and wildlife quest

Cost: $189.95

If it's Alaska's famous humpback whales that you want to see, you'll want to book a whale-watching tour. The waters around Juneau are particularly known for humpback whales — so much so that the operator of this excursion offers a whale-sighting guarantee.

Setting off from the Juneau harbor in a whale-watching boat, you'll cruise to nearby areas to see not just humpback whales but harbor seals and sea lions, too. You might even spot a killer whale or porpoise.

The boat used for this excursion has both inside and outdoor viewing areas. The trips last about four hours, including transfer time from your cruise ship to the whale-watching boat.

Related: The ultimate list of Alaska cruise tips

Note that if you have a big enough group, it sometimes pays to arrange a private boat out of Juneau to take you to see humpback whales. Many lines offer a private boat charter for whale watching as a tour option, or you can arrange one through a local company.

Klondike rock climbing and rappelling

Cost: $119.95

Port where available: Skagway

If you're like me, you may be a little terrified at the idea of climbing the sheer face of a rock cliff. But don't let that scare you away from this 3 1/4-hour tour. It's a hoot.

Experienced climbing guides will meet you at your ship and drive you up the Klondike Highway to an area of granite cliffs that's the perfect playground for beginner and more seasoned climbers alike. Upon arrival, the guides provide you with all the gear you need — climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses — for a safe scramble up a 70-foot-high wall. They'll also offer plenty of instruction (and encouragement) plus a snack of trail mix and hot chocolate.

If it all sounds a bit daunting, know that you don't need any experience at climbing to do it; I sure didn't have any when I tried it, nor did my young daughters, who absolutely loved it. There are multiple routes up the cliffs, some perfect for beginners. After making it to the top, you'll rappel back down — an entirely different kind of thrill.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway ride

Cost: $149.95

Call it the iconic attraction of Skagway, Alaska. A ride into the mountains on this narrow-gauge railroad is the tour everybody takes when visiting the Gold Rush town-turned-tourist hub. And for good reason. It offers an easy way to get deep into the Great Alaskan Outdoors.

Truth be told, I'm a fan of more active excursions. But for someone who isn't going to hike, bike, horseback ride or raft their way through the wilderness around Skagway (there are tours for all of those things, too), a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of the area's classic Alaskan scenery.

Related: 13 things you should do before every cruise

From the comfort of a vintage rail car, you'll get stunning views of mountains, gorges, glacial rivers and waterfalls as you climb nearly 3,000 feet to the summit of White Pass — the headwaters to the mighty Yukon River. Designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the 20-mile route is a marvel in its own right, with improbably steep grades at times and segments that pass over soaring wooden trestles and around tight, cliff-hanging curves.

Heli-hike and rail adventure

Cost: $399.95

This is another tour with a sky-high cost. But, in my opinion, it's well worth the money. Indeed, it's one of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions.

The five-hour, Skagway-based outing begins with a transfer from your ship to a nearby helicopter pad, where you'll find a helicopter waiting to whisk you high into the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range.

On a quick flight to your destination — a mountain trail in the Tongass National Forest — you'll get spectacular views of the mountains and Goat Lake. You'll land at Glacier Station, a remote mountain helicopter pad alongside the White Pass & Yukon Railway tracks. From there, you'll set off on a two- to six-mile guided wilderness hike on a trail along the Skagway River. The highlight of the hike: a magnificent view of Laughton Glacier.

Returning to Glacier Station, you'll end the day with a ride back to Skagway on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, which makes a special stop to pick you up.

Misty Fjords National Monument by seaplane

Cost: $299.95

Port where available: Ketchikan

There's nothing that says Alaska quite like a trip in a floatplane. And, if you're going to do a floatplane ride, there's nowhere better than in Ketchikan. You'll find a small armada of floatplanes waiting to take you to nearby Misty Fjords National Monument.

Misty Fjords is one of those quintessential Alaska destinations that's so beautiful you just want to cry. That is, if it's not too "misty" to see it. It got its name for a reason. The area is often shrouded in clouds and drizzly rain. Ketchikan is known as one of the rainiest places in North America, with over 13 feet of rain each year. So, yeah, bring a rain jacket.

But, also get ready for lovely views of glacier-carved fjords, cliffs and rock walls jutting thousands of feet out of the ocean. The whole thing is covered with temperate rainforests and features huge waterfalls (thanks to all that rain). It's definitely a sight to see.

Note that there often are two versions of this tour available: One that is about two hours in length and only includes flightseeing and a slightly longer version that includes a water landing within Misty Fjord National Monument.

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Norwegian Cruise Line in Alaska: Guide and what you need to know

Norwegian Cruise Line is popular for its relaxed, free-style approach to cruising. With tons of exciting itineraries, including many to Alaska, it is an excellent choice for cruisers of any age who want to explore the Last Frontier.

With seven ships sailing to Alaska, Norwegian Cruise Line offers customers a lot of choices with everything from larger ships that can hold up to 4,000 passengers all the way down to less than 2,000 guests. Regardless of the size, guests are treated to a range of dining options, entertainment, and plenty of activities. 

Visiting Alaska's famed ports of call and scenic cruising of glaciers and fjords make for an incredible adventure both on and off the ship. The cruise line's extensive selection of unique excursions and add-on tours make a cruise vacation even better, with more opportunities to explore what makes Alaska so special.

Since there are a lot of different options for a cruise to Alaska when booking with Norwegian Cruise Line, here is a breakdown of what you need to know when picking the best itinerary and ship for the ultimate Alaska cruise vacation. 

Norwegian Cruise Line’s sailings to Alaska

Norwegian offers many different ways to experience Alaska. A week-long cruise to popular ports filled with glaciers and marine life, or longer itineraries that allow cruisers to become more immersed in all that the Last Fortier is renowned for. They have 59 cruise vacations, leaving from popular ports such as Seattle and Vancouver, as well as Seward , Whittier , Honolulu, and Tokyo. Sailing from April to October, meaning there is tons of choice for every type of cruiser.

Spanning four different classes, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Spirit, and Norwegian Sun are all heading to the land of the Midnight Sun for cruises in 2024. 

Many of the cruises are weeklong to sailing the endless islands of the Inside Passage, in addition to north and southbound cruises that cross the Gulf of Alaska. 

Cruises range from 7-18 days, with the addition of up to a week of add-on land tours and visits to a number of ports such as Sitka , Juneau , Icy Strait Point , Ketchikan , Victoria, Haines , Skagway , Kodiak , and Seward. Scenic viewing includes Endicott Arm Fjord& Dawes Glacier, Glacier Bay , and Hubbard Glacier . They also have some transpacific voyages that include Alaska with Hawaii or Japan for the ultimate bucket list vacation.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaska excursions

Guests of Norwegian Cruise Line can choose from a wide range of Alaska excursions at all levels of activity and interest, such as wilderness adventures, hiking on glaciers, and inland tours. Explore the rugged landscape of Denali National Park , which covers 6 million acres of wilderness. Enjoy a ride on an Alaskan railway, go sightseeing, enjoy some locally caught fish, or even have the opportunity to hug a husky puppy—something for everyone. The cruise line offers its guests 214 shore excursions on its cruises to Alaska. They have three different activity levels and four categories, including adventure, family, featured, and sightseeing. Some other highlights include:

• Glaciers – in addition to plenty of scenic cruising onboard its ships, there are some truly majestic ways to see these wonders of Alaska, such as flightseeing, helicopter rides, boat tours, and guided hikes . Visit the famed Mendenhall Glacier, followed by a trip to a temperate rainforest at Glacier Gardens, for an unforgettable day onshore. 
• Wildlife – Alaska is famous for abundant wildlife , including whales , sea lions, bears , and much more. Some great excursions include water rafting through a bald eagle preserve in Haines or an incredible day of whale watching followed by a feast of local seafood.
• National Parks - Explore one of the many stunning National Parks located in Alaska, including a day strolling through Tongass National Forest, with many family-friendly activities led by a local guide.
• History and Culture - Explore the history and rich culture of Alaska by visiting the Tlingit people or learning about the artistry of totem carving, like in Ketchikan, which has the most totem poles in the world. Explore the Gold Rush Era by walking in the footsteps of Joe Juneau, whose strike at Gold Creek set off the Alaska gold rush 130 years ago. 
• Food lovers will find much to love in Alaska’s culinary scene , with plenty of opportunities to try local favorites. Attend a seaside, local salmon bake, and savor sweet crab.  If you want to combine the outdoors with some local brew – there is the Sitka Pedal Pub, biking in between pubs. 
• There are so many ways to explore Alaska, including boat tours, trains, flightseeing, helicopter, off-roading on an ATV, wave runners, or heading out on a fisherman’s boat for the day. For the more adventurous, try ziplining or an aerial tram. 

Norwegian Cruise Line add-on land tours  

For those who want more time in the Last Frontier to explore its rugged wilderness and travel off the beaten path, Norwegian Cruise Line offers add-on land tours. Local Alaska guides provide a more immersive experience with a number of options. Starting from Fairbanks , Seward, and Anchorage , there are 4-7 extra days on north and southbound cruises. 

Local experts escort guests as they travel to a number of bucket list-type locations, such as Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Alyeska, Homer, and Talkeetna. Some notable activities include riding the Alaska Railroad, visiting the Iditarod race dogs, exploring Denali for flightseeing, water rafting, hiking, fishing, and much more. 

Norwegian makes all the arrangements, including transportation and hotels, and focuses on Alaskan-owned and locally operated hotels to help guests experience as much of the rugged and rustic atmosphere of Alaska whenever possible.

Norwegian Cruise Line ships sailing to Alaska

Norwegian Cruise Line has 7 seven different ships sailing to Alaska for the next cruise season. They have everything from an old-school classic cruise experience on Norwegian Sun to all the bells and whistles of the Breakaway Plus class that even has race tracks on the top of the ship.  Their brightly painted ships, laden with activities and fun, compete with major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line . 

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its relaxed atmosphere, along with a vast array of dining options. Although it varies by ship, guests can expect to have plenty of amenities and entertainment onboard these ships, including tasty complimentary and specialty dining meals, live entertainment, spas, casinos, pools, sports, and a variety of cabin options, even suites. 

In particular, the Norwegian Breakaway Plus Class of ships are among the newest in the fleet sailing to Alaska. Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Joy are all part of this class and provide lots of amenities and resort-style cruising. There is an endless amount of dining options, including the standard specialty restaurants that cruisers have come to love. This, in addition to epic race tracks, laser tag, slides, waterparks, gaming pavilions, and a wide selection of cabins, including deluxe suites, makes Norwegian Cruise Line a popular choice for cruises to Alaska. 

Norwegian Bliss (Breakaway Plus class)

Built in 2018, the Norwegian Bliss was refurbished in 2021. It is one of the largest ships in the Norwegian fleet sailing to Alaska, welcoming up to 4,004 guests.  

The ship was custom-built with Alaska cruises in mind and has several great features, such as a 20,000-square-foot revolutionary Observation Lounge, perfect for taking in the breathtaking view of Alaska. It has a number of specialty dining options, numerous bars, live musical productions, including the Jersey Boys Show, and lots of fun activities like a racetrack, aqua park, laser tag, and mini golf. 

Norwegian Encore (Breakaway Plus class)

Built in 2019, the Norwegian Encore is also part of the Breakaway Plus class and shares many of the same characteristics as the Norwegian Bliss. It received the 2020 Best New Ship award from Porthole Cruise Magazine. 

Norwegian Encore has a capacity of 3,998 passengers and 1,735 crew, and it is well known for providing fun activities for adults and kids. Notable venues include the District Brew House and fantastic entertainment options such as Choir of Men, laser tag with augmented reality, and the adult-only Vibe Beach Club, along with great views from the 180-degree observation lounge.

Norwegian Joy (Breakaway Plus class) 

Launched in 2017 and refurbished in 2020, Norwegian Joy has a lot to offer, similar to the other ships in this class. It has a capacity of 3,852 guests and is well-rated by cruisers whose array of onboard amenities and activities and a wide selection of cabin options. 

Guests can enjoy its 80s-themed Footloose show, relax in the Humidor Cigar Lounge, or catch some classic tunes at the Beattle’s inspired Cavern Club. The ship boasts 11 dining venues, including numerous specialty dining options. It has lots of fun things to do with a racetrack, laser tag Galaxy Pavilion- for virtual gaming, mini-golf, waterpark, splash pad, a salon, kids clubs, and an arcade. Adults can enjoy the fitness center, new Thermal suite spa, adult-only Beach Club, and a fitness center. 

Norwegian Jewel (Jewel class) 

This ship set sail in 2005 but was refurbished in 2022 and had a capacity of 2,376 guests and 1,069 crew. Smaller than the Breakaway class of ships, it still provides a variety of great features and is a good solution for cruisers who like smaller, intimate ships but still want some of the modern activities and amenities. 

It has several complimentary dining venues – a buffet, main dining, a pub, and an outdoor venue, specialty dining, including a Brazilian steakhouse, sushi, and Italian, 13 bars, lounges, whisky and sake bars; live productions - Rock You Tonight, a sports court, arcade, casino, and spa. It runs at almost half the capacity of the Norwegian Bliss and Encore, which is great for those who like a smaller, more intimate ship atmosphere. Being a slightly older ship offers great value to those who want a budget-friendly option.

Norwegian Jade (Jewel class)

Built in 2006, Norwegian Jade was refurbished in 2022. A mid-sized cruise ship, it has a capacity of  2402 passengers. After extensive upgrades, it has new venues, modern décor and design, and refurbished staterooms.

Among the highlights is O'Sheehan's Neighbourhood Bar & Grill, a 24-hour pub serving up favorite comfort foods. Stop by The Pit Stop, a new concept that combines poolside fun and fare,  and a new Bliss Ultra Lounge. Guests can also enjoy a full-scale production Blazing Boots, a sports court, a cigar lounge, youth programs, pools, hot tubs, a spa, and more. 

Norwegian Sun (Sun class) 

The Norwegian Sun, part of the Sun class of ships, set sail in 2001 but was refurbished in 2021. It welcomes 1,936 guests and 906 crew, a smaller ship for Norwegian Cruise Line. 

It has some amenities such as pools, hot tubs, sports, and live productions such as the Rock You Tonight Show, as well as a number of dining venues and bars, a casino, a spa, and a fitness center, but no Haven suites. This ship is well suited for cruisers who like a classic cruise experience with a focus on the destination and often provides good value for the cruise fare.   

Norwegian Spirit (Leo class) 

This ship first sailed in 1998 but was refurbished in 2022 and can hold up to 2,032 passengers and 912 crew. It is both the oldest and smallest ship sailing to Alaska (and in the fleet). Despite its smaller size and age, the cruise line has done a good job keeping it new, as it has a number of great features. 

Norwegian describes this ship as adult-focused (with no youth programs), providing guests with laid-back luxury. Every stateroom has been modernized, and dining and beverage venues were redesigned, adding fresh appeal. It does provide both complimentary and specialty dining options, as well as live productions, comedy, casino and spa, and a good selection of cabin options. 

What to know when picking a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise to Alaska 

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for family fun and provides ships that have a ton to offer onboard for a great Alaska vacation. But it also has plenty of adult-only areas, as well as smaller ships that are geared toward a more classic cruise experience. With seven different ships and numerous itineraries and add-on land tours, there is something for everyone. Here are a couple of other points to consider when booking with Norwegian Cruise LIne for your Alaska cruise vacation: 

• There are tons of choices – with seven different ships varying vastly in size and age, there are numerous options -something for adults who like a more class cruise, all the way to f amily-friendly , fun-filled ships. 
• The cruise line’s relaxed approach makes it a family-friendly cruise line. Their newer ships in the Breakaway Plus Class offer plenty of fun board activities, like a race track.
• While kids will have a great time on a Norwegian ship, there are also plenty of adult-focused activities, like shows, lounges, spas, adult-only solariums, casinos, and clubs. 
•  Norwegian has a number of ongoing promotions as part of its Free at Sea discounts with numerous inclusions, such as drinks, wi-fi, specialty dining, airfare, and excursions, to help make your Alaska cruise vacation even more affordable. Although there are some limitations, such as dollar maximums on excursions and total bar bills. It is important to make sure you understand the policies relating to the program prior to booking. 
• North or southbound cruises allow for optional add-on tours, which can be a great way to explore Alaska in more depth, especially areas in the interior that are farther from cruise ports of call. Norwegian arranges all of the transportation, including trains, high-end lodgings, and expert guides to accompany the tours.
• The cruise line has a wide variety of cabin options, including high-end staterooms found in the Haven, with some of the best deluxe suites at sea for those who want to splurge. Norwegian also has a number of solo cabins, a great perk for those who don’t want to pay that pesty single supplement fee.   

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Alaska cruises have surged in popularity in recent years, and demand to see America's last unspoiled frontier continues to grow. If you decide to cruise Alaska you can see snowcapped peaks, mighty glaciers, steep fjords and such wildlife as whales, black bears, brown bears, bald eagles, sea otters and seals. You'll also find historic gold rush towns, Native American art and culture, Russian heritage and plenty of outdoor adventure. Because of this region's popularity and short season, the per-diem prices for Alaska cruises are among the highest in the cruise industry.

Alaska cruises are generally divided into two types, Inside Passage cruises and Gulf of Alaska cruises. The Inside Passage has been the traditional way to cruise Alaska, with most ships sailing round-trip from Vancouver or Seattle, through glacier country as far north as Skagway or Juneau. Gulf of Alaska cruises cover more territory as they travel from Vancouver through the Inside Passage and up to Seward/Anchorage (or the reverse). Airfare for a Gulf of Alaska cruise is generally more expensive because Anchorage is so far north.

• The Alaska cruise season lasts from May through September.
• Cruises to Alaska are 7 to 12 nights in length.
• You can find the most affordable Alaska cruise rates in May and September, the off-peak periods.
• Nearly half of all passengers add a land tour to their Alaska cruise. Denali National Park, the Yukon gold rush country and the Canadian Rockies are among options.
• Alaska experiences long hours of daylight during summer, lasting up to 23 hours a day in June.
• In addition to popular sightseeing tours via train and motorcoach, cruise lines have added more adventurous shore excursions to Alaska itineraries, such as sea kayaking, mountain hiking and salmon fishing.
• If you have frequent-flier miles, this may be a good time to use a free ticket to fly round trip to Vancouver, the main port of departure for Inside Passage cruises.
• Because in most cases you'll need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your cruise. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska Cruisetours

Do you love the excitement and rugged beauty of Alaska so much, a cruise wasn't enough? Build out your vacation with a Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska Cruisetour and make sure you see it all. Whales breeching, views from a mountaintop, hot spring baths: you can feast your eyes on all the wonder Alaska has to offer. Ride a husky dog sled, hop on the Alaskan railroad, or climb on a river cruise—giving yourself a chance to experience one-of-kind moments with those who mean the most. Choose an Alaska Cruisetour with Norwegian Cruise Line and make memories you won't soon forget.

Things to Do on an Alaska Cruisetour with Norwegian Cruise Line

You'll have the opportunity to try some more unique and under-the-radar cruise excursions while on a Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska Cruisetour. Adventure, intrigue, and maybe a bear or two are waiting in America's 50th state. You can try the Redoubt Bay Bear-Viewing Tour, where you'll see the husky creatures in their natural habitat and enjoy a light lunch. Or, lace up for some Black Diamond Golf near Denali, complete with equipment and some great touches. Speak with one of our Alaska Cruisetour experts for a more comprehensive look at what's available.

• Denali Dinner Theater (Denali) Learn the stories of Denali National Park to the tune of some rip-roaring music and BBQ Buffet. You'll munch ribs, Alaska salmon, baked beans and more as you meet some hilarious people and make some great memories.  

• Rafting the Nenana River (Denali) Spend a few hours on the water and take in the wild Alaskan wilderness. This rafting ride isn't the most strenuous, and is okay for beginners, but that's not to say you won't get wet as you navigate The Canyon Run!  

• Redoubt Bay Bear-Viewing Tour (Anchorage) Head 70 miles southwest of Anchorage by helicopter to the Lake Clark Wilderness Preserve, where you'll find one of the grizzliest excursions of your Alaskan cruise. One of Norwegian's natural history guides will navigate a boat through the bear country, where you'll see them fishing for salmon and interacting naturally. Finish it off with a homemade lunch on the lake.  

• Mt. McKinley by Helicopter (Denali) Intrigued by the wildlife and alpine glaciers? Want to get a vista of the Alaska Range? Fly high into the sky and over the famous Mt. McKinley for sweeping, overwhelming views of some of the best scenery in Alaska on this helicopter excursion.  

• Black Diamond Golf While in the Last Frontier, you can sharpen or show-off your golfing prowess. Norwegian's golf packages include: green fees, club rentals, course balls/tees, personalized certificates, logo balls and transfers.  

• Fly Fish Denali Since most of us have trouble catching our fish—not unlike the bears of the region—this excursion is a great option. You'll receive personalized and fully outfitted fly fishing equipment and fish for Arctic grayling and rainbow trout.  

Top 10 Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska Cruisetours Cruises

• Norwegian Jewel 11-day Anchorage Denali Express - Southbound Cruisetour Departing From Seward, Alaska (Jul 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Norwegian Jewel 11-day Fairbanks Denali Express - Southbound Cruisetour Departing From Seward, Alaska (Jul 2024 - Aug 2024)
• Norwegian Sun 12-day Pre Seattle Cruisetour Departing From Seattle, Washington (Jul 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Norwegian Jewel 12-day Denali/alyeska Explorer - Northbound Cruisetour Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Jul 2024)
• Norwegian Jewel 13-day Denali/talkeetna Explorer - Northbound Cruisetour Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Jul 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Norwegian Jewel 14-day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruisetour Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Jul 2024 - Aug 2024)
• Norwegian Jewel 14-day Denali/valdez Explorer - Northbound Cruisetour Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Jul 2024 - Aug 2024)
• Norwegian Jewel 11-day Fairbanks Denali Express - Northbound Cruisetour Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Jul 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Norwegian Jewel 14-day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruisetour Departing From Seward, Alaska (Jul 2024)
• Norwegian Encore 13-day Encore Denali Explorer - Pre Cruisetour Departing From Seattle, Washington (Jul 2024 - Aug 2025)

Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska Cruisetours Departure Ports

Learn about the various departure ports for your Alaskan cruise tour with Norwegian Cruise Line. Your activity-filled Norwegian Cruise Line Alaskan cruise tour could begin in any of the following departure ports:

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Seward, Alaska

The beautiful small coastal town of Seward, which is most known for its picturesque scenic views and many visitors’ attractions, is a perfect addition for your next Alaska cruise.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Whittier, Alaska

Experience the best of the Last Frontier in quaint Whittier, Alaska. Enjoy the clear water filled with salmon, red snapper and trout along with the freely roaming wildlife, all combining to make Whittier a treat to visit.

Photo Gallery for Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska Cruisetours

View our photo gallery of Alaskan cruise tour images for Norwegian Cruise Line. Of course, this is only a small sample of the breathtaking scenery on a Norwegian Cruise Line Alaskan cruise tour vacation from The Cruise Web.

Head to Lake Clark Wilderness Preserve

Practice golf while in The Last Frontier

Learn the stories of Denali National Park

Go fly fishing in Denali

Rafting the Nenana River

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The 11 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2024

By Janice Wald Henderson

The best Alaska cruise excursions can range from the thrilling to the serene. Passengers can fly on sleds led by huskies , ogle bald eagles and salmon-gobbling grizzlies , and soar over towering glaciers in a helicopter. And the best part? All these activities are planned for you as part of the cruise itinerary—as a way for travelers to sample the diverse wonders of The Last Frontier in one fell swoop.

Wildlife sightings may be the more popular Alaska cruise shore excursions, but travelers shouldn't overlook incredible opportunities to learn about the state’s Indigenous cultures , as well as culinary experiences centered around local delicacies such as fresh salmon, halibut, berries, and craft beer.

Just know that the real Alaska , teeming with natural beauty and wildlife, primarily lies away from crowded touristy ports. (Pro tip: for fewer people and more animals, the best time to cruise Alaska is in the spring.) Know, too, that different cruise lines can offer similar excursions, so first choose a ship that speaks to you, then immediately book excursions (popular ones sell fast). Here, an array of Alaska-bound ships with the best cruise excursions, sure to resonate long past your vacay.

Take in Alaska's glaciers and ice fields from above during this Princess Cruises excursion.

Princess Cruises: Dogsledding and Glacier Adventures by Helicopter

Family-friendly Princess Cruises, in its 55 th season plying Alaskan waters, delivers exemplary excursions that include learning about gold rush history and gold-panning, as well as fishing trips on which one of the ship's chefs cooks your catch. The Dog Sledding and Glacier Adventure by Helicopter, created by an Iditarod musher (they lead huskies on annual 1,000-mile races over Alaska’s roughest terrain), combines two top-notch thrills. Don glacier overboots, board a helicopter, and fly over the Alaskan ice field as the pilot points out icefalls and rock formations. After landing on Norris Glacier, meet top Iditarod race veteran mushers and their dogs. Soon you’ll be whisked on a sled pulled by a team of exuberant huskies for the ride of a lifetime.

Ships and sailings to know: From May to September 2024, Princess offers Alaskan cruises ranging between 7 and 17-days on seven ships, including the 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess .

Assist crew in pulling in crab pots and indulge in fresh Dungeness crab during this popular Celebrity Cruises excursion.

Celebrity Cruises: Wilderness Exploration and Crab Feasts

Adventurous couples relish Celebrity’s adult-oriented amusements, including inviting bars and lounges, fine restaurants, and relaxing spas. Big spenders book the Retreat, a luxurious private enclave—its Luminae restaurant showcases dishes by famed French chef Daniel Boulud. In Ketchikan , a four-hour Wilderness Exploration and Crab Feast in Tongass National Forest (America’s largest national forest) scores big buzz. Drive past jaw-dropping sights, like Native Alaskan totem poles, snowcapped mountains, and thunderous waterfalls. Relish a sightseeing vessel ride, assist crew pulling in crab pots (if you like), before tearing into unlimited fresh Dungeness crab with warm clarified butter, and cheesecake drenched in Alaskan blueberries.

Ships and sailings to know: Three premium ships, Celebrity Summit , Celebrity Solstice, and Celebrity Edge , cruise in Alaska from May until September 2024. The newest and most glam, 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge, on its maiden Alaska season, offers eight-day voyages between Vancouver and Seattle .

Several cruise lines operating in Alaska offer whale watching excursions.

Holland America Line: Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Quest

Holland America Line serves sustainable wild Alaskan seafood, with park rangers and local Indigenous tribe members often boarding for presentations. In Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Quest rocks everyone’s boat. Gawk at one of North America’s most spectacular glaciers and learn about glaciers’ remarkable force in a compelling visitor center. Ride to Auke Bay and board a water-jet-powered expedition vessel designed for superior wildlife viewing. When sailing Stephens Passage—renowned as a summer breeding ground for humpback whales—you may well get close enough to hear these giants breathe.

Ships and sailings to know: This cruise line has plied Alaskan waters for more than 75 years, with seven ships sailing 6-19 day itineraries from May to September 2024.

The Klondike Highway runs from the Alaska Panhandle to Yukon, Canada.

Crystal: Klondike Highway and White Pass

Formerly Crystal Cruises, the ultra-luxury two-ship Crystal, now owned by global travel leader Abercrombie & Kent, has been beautifully remodeled while maintaining its primary lures: beyond-attentive crew and superb dining. Note this sensational Skagway outing offered on Crystal Serenity Alaskan cruises: Motor along on iconic Klondike Highway to White Pass, reaching its 2,865-foot majestic summit and the Yukon Suspension Bridge. Take an exhilarating walk on this iconic bridge, suspended some 57 feet above Tutshi River’s churning rapids below, if you dare. (Make sure somebody gets a pic.) Even if you beg out, you still get the astonishing view and a hearty bison chili lunch.

By Arati Menon

By Audrey Phoon

By Steph Koyfman

By Madison Flager

Ships and sailings to know: The 740-passenger Crystal Serenity offers eight-and-nine-day Alaska voyages in July and August 2024.

Several cruise lines offer bear viewing and photography excursions.

Seabourn: Anan Creek Bear Viewing and Photography

The outings on this adventure-minded Alaskan cruise exceed typical cruise ships, featuring Ventures by Seabourn excursions with Zodiac explorations, kayaking, and hiking led by expedition experts. In Wrangell, sign up for Anan Creek Bear Viewing and Photography, joining the expedition team bear expert and a photography specialist for this rousing small-group bear-viewing experience. Travel by boat to the Anan Estuary and Wildlife Observatory in the Tongass National Forest (Anan Creek has Southeast Alaska’s largest pink salmon run) and climb to the observation deck overlooking cascading waterfalls. Expect an electrifying view of salmon jumping and black and brown bears snatching their next meal.

Ships and sailings to know: The ultra-luxury 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey offers seven-day sailings between Vancouver and Juneau, as well as 10- and 11-day roundtrip Vancouver cruises from May to September 2024. Seabourn fares include all-suite accommodations, dining, alcohol, WiFi, gratuities, and 24-hour in-suite service.

Several Alaska cruises stop in Icy Strait Point, a remote area ideal for observing wildlife in their natural habitats.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Spasski River Valley and Wildlife

Looking to cruise Alaska with your family in tow? Consider Norwegian Cruise Line. On offer are children and teenage clubs, plus families can come together to play video arcade games, laser tag, and race cars. During a Glacier Bay passage, a park ranger hops aboard to narrate scenic sights. Explore majestic Icy Strait Point—one of the world’s few places where wildlife outnumbers humans—with family-minded excursions like the Spasski River Valley and Wildlife tour. Motor to an elevated observation area in a postcard-perfect remote valley to safely observe bears, deer, and bald eagles in their natural habitats. Learn, too, about Tlingit Indigenous Alaskans who reside in nearby Hoonah, Alaska’s largest such settlement.

Ships and sailings to know: NCL primarily offers seven-to-10-day voyages, April through October 2024, on multiple ships.

Passengers on Seven Seas Explorer Alaska cruises can enjoy fresh-caught salmon at the Taku Glacier Lodge.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Taku Lodge Feast and Seaplane Discovery

The Alaska-sailing 746-passenger Seven Seas Explorer is mega glam, with a museum-worthy art collection. This writer gives a shoutout to the Taku Lodge Feast and Five-Glacier Seaplane Discovery excursions. Soar by floatplane over the majestic Juneau Icefield, land in a river near Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier, and feast on fresh-caught wild salmon by a roaring fire at a 100-year-old lodge. On this outing, I inhaled two salmon filets that slid down my throat like silk. Spoiler alert: After this culinary escapade, I couldn’t eat salmon for two years anywhere else.

Ships and sailings to know: Regent's Seven Seas Explorer mostly offers eight-day cruises running between Seward and Vancouver, from May to September 2024. On this ultra-luxury line, fares include airfare, unlimited shore excursions (other than select tours), alcohol, dining, WiFi, valet laundry, and gratuities.

The Kroschel Wildlife Refuge in Haines, Alaska is home to orphaned and rescued animals.

Royal Caribbean International: Kroschel Wildlife Refuge

Animal lovers of every age relish visiting the Kroschel Wildlife Refuge in Haines, a popular excursion among Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise passengers. Steven Kroschel, a wildlife expert who devoted decades to training wild animals for TV and films, owns the center that is home to orphaned and rescued animals, like lynx, Kodiac bears, arctic fox, porcupines, and wolverines. It’s also interactive; get close for photos and learn how the refuge protects these animals.

Ships and sailings to know: Royal Caribbean's nearly 4,000-passenger megaships, Quantum of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas , thrill families via free-fall skydiving, outdoor movies, and escape room games. Their Alaska cruises run from 8-14 days, April to September 2024.

The Alaska Railroad is one of the most scenic train journeys in the US.

Viking: Scenic Train and Rafting

The Scenic Train and Rafting excursion delivers an inspired eight-hour shore tour, beginning with a train ride on the Alaskan Railroad through the vast wilderness. Gaze out windows, eying otherworldly views of the Placer River Valley and soaring peaks of Spencer Glacier, while enjoying a box lunch. Then meet guides to go rafting, paddling between dramatic icebergs and down the serene and scenic Placer River.

Ships and sailings to know: Viking’s adults-only 930-passenger Viking Orion sails 11 days May to September 2024, between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver. Viking ocean-liner fares include amenities like king-bed accommodations with spacious baths equipped with heated floors and anti-fog mirrors, dining, complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner, and spa access.

Silversea’s lauded S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program highlights Alaskan ingredients and recipes.

Silversea: Sitka Culinary Adventure

Silversea’s lauded S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program features Alaskan ingredients and recipes on all its S.A.L.T. Kitchen menus, S.A.L.T. Lab culinary classes, and S.A.L.T Bar mixology offerings. Soon-to-be-scheduled S.A.L.T excursions will showcase regional chefs and ingredients. Meanwhile, foodie fun unfolds with Sitka’s Culinary Adventure shore excursion. Visit a tap room, tasting beers made with filtered glacial water. Then graze about town, tasting pelmeni (popular dumplings evoking Sitka’s Russian heritage), and other local goodies like chowders, shrimp, black cod tips, and “reindeer dogs.”

Ships and sailings to know: Three ultra-luxury Silversea ships offer 7-16 day sails from May to September, but only the 728-passenger Silver Nova presents Silversea’s lauded S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program. Fares include all-suite accommodations, butler service, most dining, alcohol, a shore excursion in each port, caviar, WiFi, and gratuities.

Through this UnCruise excursion, passengers can explore one of the most remote national parks in the US.

UnCruise Adventures: Explore Glacier Bay National Park’s Rarely Visited Outback

Attracting high-energy explorers drawn to less conventional shore excursions, this expedition-driven small-ship line visits bays and coves inaccessible to larger cruise ships. Traditional ships just cruise UNESCO World Heritage Site Glacier Bay; on Wilderness Discoverer , the captain drops anchor in Fern Harbor, Sawmill Bay, and Dundas Bay during the Explore Glacier Bay National Park’s Rarely Visited Outback excursion. Count on a full day of activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, skiff expeditions, and beach strolls. Expert-led hikes take you deep into the breathtaking beauty of the backcountry of one of Alaska's most remote national parks . Few Alaskan cruisers can ever claim this experience.

Ships and sailings to know: The 76-passenger Wilderness Discoverer offers eight-day voyages from April to August 2024.

Recommended

Alyeska Resort

Tutka Bay Lodge

North America Travel Guide

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Review of our Norwegian Encore Alaska 7-Day Cruise

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Are you looking for a real-life review, testimony, and photos of a Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise?

We recently had the amazing opportunity to take a 7-day Alaska cruise aboard the Norwegian Encore.

In this article, we share all of our thoughts (the good & the bad) on our Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise as well as give our honest opinion on the Encore ship and its Alaska itinerary.

We’ll also share the Norwegian cruise tips that we wish we knew ahead of time, as well as share our day-to-day experiences on shore excursions and aboard the ship.

With over 15 personal photos included, this is the ultimate Norwegian Encore Alaksa review you’ve been looking for!

Table of Contents

Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise

We chose Norwegian Cruise Lines for our much anticipated Alaska Cruise due to its 7-day, 8-night itinerary that included a day in Glacier Bay National Park (a place that not all Alaska cruise itineraries include) .

We chose to sail on the Norwegian Encore as we were referred by friends who had a great experience, and the fact that the sail dates aligned with our summer vacation week.

Further, we were largely impressed by the enormous amount of family-friendly activities found on the ship that we knew our kids (ages 11, 14, & 16) would love.

Our only other experience cruising together as a family was on a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy that we write about here .

Disney Cruise Line exceeded our expectations in terms of its elegant design, high-end services, and enchanting entertainment and set the bar high for our future cruises.

Keep reading to learn our thoughts on Norwegian Encore Alaska and if we loved it just as much.

Alaska cruises are expensive and involve a lot of scenery and sightseeing versus attractions, character, and thrills.

Though we saw children of all ages on our cruise, I recommend that kids be at least 10 years old for an Alaska cruise- or mature enough to fully appreciate the experience.

Norwegian Encore Alaska Itinerary

For comparison purposes, we took a 7-day cruise on Norwegian Encore that featured 5 ports of call.

Our sail dates were June 11th – 18th and we have an entire article on what to pack and what to wear on an Alaska cruise , as well as the 45 Alaska cruise tips that you need to know before sailing.

Do note that the Norwegian Encore also hosts a 13-day “cruisetour” (land and cruise combo) that includes 6 land tours, and 5 ports of call if that is of interest to you.

Our Norwegian Encore Alaska Itinerary & Map

• Sunday: Embarkation from Seattle , Washington
• Monday: At sea
• Tuesday: Juneau , Alaska
• Wednesday: Skagway , Alaska
• Thursday: Glacier Bay (cruising)
• Friday: Ketchikan (Ward Cove) , Alaska
• Saturday: Victoria , British Columbia
• Sunday: Disembarkation in Seattle, Washington

Other cruise lines, including Norwegian, offer itineraries with varying ports of call.

Different ports of call on a cruise to Alaska include Sitka, Icy Point Strait, Dawes Glacier, Valdez, Seward, Whittier, and more.

*Stick around until the very end of this article for a look at what we did, where we ate, and what excursions we took on each day of our Norwegian Encore Alaksa cruise.

Norwegian Encore Cruise Ship

The Norwegian Encore first launched in 2019 and is part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus category of ships.

There are 20 passenger decks with 2,043 staterooms for up to 4,903 passengers (served by 1,731 crew).

As a side note, the ship was near capacity during our 7-day Alaska cruise at a whopping 4,850 passengers!

While much information can be found on the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) website regarding the Norwegian Encore ship, we find the NCL website somewhat difficult to navigate.

For that reason, we are including a brief overview of our thoughts on the Norwegian Encore cruise ship in terms of the rooms, deck plans, restaurants, and entertainment.

Norwegian Encore Rooms

Norwegian Encore rooms, also referred to as ‘cabins’, are available in various sizes and price points.

Generally speaking, the larger, more luxurious the room, the higher the price.

Standard options include interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins, and upgraded options include The Haven spa suites, penthouse suites, and 2-bedroom family villas.

Hidden at the top of the ship, The Haven suites also feature 24-hour butler service and a private sundeck.

Most Norwegian Encore Rooms, excluding The Haven family villas that sleep 6, only accommodate 3 – 4 guests.

Because we were sailing with our family of 5, we opted for 2 adjoining Balcony staterooms. (There are a limited number of adjoining staterooms on the Norwegian Encore that make a perfect option for larger families and groups.)

They are connected by a doorway within the rooms, as shown in the photo below.

Norwegian Encore balcony room review:

• We stayed in rooms 10220 and 10222 (Deck 10, mid-ship).
• Modern, spacious, clean, and adequate storage.
• Super comfortable beds and luxurious bedding (We all loved the beds and slept wonderfully – in addition, we did not feel the ship’s motion.)
• A large bathroom that includes toiletries; powerful toilets.
• The balcony was larger than expected and includes 2 chairs and a table.
• Could opt in or out of daily room cleaning via a wall switch.
• Overall impression: Exceeded our expectations, would recommend to others.

Norwegian Encore Deck Plans

As you may know, the Norwegian Encore is a HUGE ship.

In order to not feel overwhelmed by the size of the Norwegian Encore, I highly recommend that you study the ship’s deck plans prior to departing on your Alaska cruise.

Familiarize yourself with where your stateroom is in relation to the complimentary dining, main atrium, Observation Lounge, and pool deck.

Then get comfortable with where the bars, restaurants, theater, spa, and casino are in terms of being in the front (fwd), or back (aft) of the ship.

Cruisedeckplans.com allows you to make and print a custom map (pdf) of up to 5 decks on the Norwegian Encore. (Personally, we printed off 2 separate sheets, one with Decks 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 on it, and the other with Decks 6, 7, 8, and 10, where our stateroom was.)

We found this incredibly helpful and used our custom deck plans as a ‘map’ that we carried with us at all times on the ship to help us get around. (Use these sheet protectors to keep your deck plans intact.)

When you first embark on the ship, you enter Deck 7 of the Norwegian Encore. (Immediately proceed to Deck 6 to make dining and showtime reservations – more on that coming up in ‘Tips’)

The decks we visited the most were Deck 6 (main atrium, guest services, and Starbucks), Deck 7 for the Encore Theater and The Local Bar & Grill (our favorite complimentary dining venue), and Deck 16 (main pool deck and the Garden Cafe buffet).

Norwegian Encore Restaurants

The Norwegian Encore has plenty of complimentary dining options including the Garden Cafe main buffet, a 24-hour eatery of classic pub fare at the Local Bar & Grill, and sit-down meals at Taste, Savor, and the Manhattan Room.

Taste, Savor, and the Manhatten Room all feature the same daily, rotating menu. (These are all “Freestyle dining”, meaning no reservations are needed.)

Specialty dining  (that is priced per person and often times included in cruise promotions) includes seafood at Ocean Blue, Italian at Onda by Scarpetta, Asian at Food Republic, Japanese at Teppanyaki, Mexican at Los Lobos, French at Le Bistro, BBQ at Q Texas Smokehouse, and Cagney’s Steakhouse, as well as Dolce Gelato and Coco’s for sweets. (Reservations required.)

There are also numerous  bars and lounges , including The District Brewhouse, Cellars Wine Bar, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, and Maltings Whiskey Bar, among others! 

The Observation Lounge on Deck 15 has several drink and snack stations making it a wonderful place to relax during the day.

It is also a good alternative for those looking for a light breakfast or lunch. Food items include danishes, mini quiche, fruit, bread, cheese, fruit, and desserts.

You have to get to the Lounge very early in the morning to find a good seat, however. It is a very popular lounge, and people tend to ‘save seats’ as well as ‘camp out’ there for an entire day. Head to the back and you’ll almost always find a table near the bar.

Specialty Dining Reservations

Depending on which type of stateroom you’re staying in, you can make specialty dining and entertainment reservations 90 – 130 days in advance.

Be sure to check this page as to when you can make reservations, and book your selections ASAP. Only a certain percentage of reservations open ahead of time, and popular restaurants and dining times book up fast,

If you fail to get the restaurant or reservation time of your choice, head to Deck 6 (in Teppanyaki) immediately upon boarding the ship as this is when the remaining reservations are released.

Thoughts on the Norwegian Encore restaurants:

• The Garden Cafe buffet is very busy during breakfast. We prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and ate breakfast at The Manhatten Room on most days.
• The Local Bar & Grill has a fun atmosphere that overlooks the main atrium. We had consistently good food, service, and drinks there. Our favorites were the chicken wings, loaded nachos, and burgers.
• The Manhatten Room is very busy during evening dinner hours. We mostly ate dinner at Taste or Savor for dinner- although all 3 have the same menu, so it’s just a matter of where you can get a table.
• Our cruise promotion included 2 specialty dining meals per person. We ate at Cagney’s Steakhouse and Q Texas Smokehouse.
• We LOVED and highly recommend Cagney’s Steakhouse (had filet mignon – Yum!), however, would not go to Q Texas Smokehouse again. The food at Q was good, but the service was mediocre and the ambiance was casual and dark – needed our phone flashlight to read the menu.
• Overall impression: Exceeded our expectations; the food on the ship was tasty and delicious.

Norwegian Encore Dining Tips

• When going to the Garden Cafe , have 1 person from your party search for and reserve a table while the others get their food. It is always busy and can be hard to find a table there. Your best option is to find a table in the back of the cafe.
• Complimentary soft-service ice cream machines are in the Garden Cafe. They are very popular! There is also hand-scooped ice cream in the Garden Cafe at a station.
• If we had to choose again, we would go to Ocean Blue instead of Q Texas Smokehouse.
• If the 2 specialty dining restaurants were not included in our cruise promotion, I personally would only pay out-of-pocket to visit 1 specialty dining restaurant (Cagney’s) . We found that there was plenty of variety in the main, complimentary dining.
• If you don’t mind eating early, get to the main dining rooms for dinner 5 minutes before their evening opening time. This will ensure immediate seating and quick service.
• The District Brewhouse beers, Sugarcane’s mojitos, and Maltings specialty cocktails and whiskies are awesome. Ask the bartenders for a ‘snack mix’ as all of the bars have small containers of nuts/corn nuts if you ask for them.
• At random times during the cruise, there is an additional tax on alcohol (something due to international waters/regulations) that you may or may not be warned about.
• I felt that the restaurant attire was much more casual than I anticipated.

Norwegian Encore Entertainment

The Encore offers dozens of onboard  activities , including a go-kart track (singles and doubles), laser tag, VR arcade, outdoor pools, hot tubs, and water slides, as well as a fitness center, jogging track, casino, and spa.

( NOTE: Go-karts, laser tag, the Galaxy Pavilion VR arcade, casino, and spa all cost an additional fee. Go-karts, laser tag, and the spa require reservations.)

There are also stand-up comedians, karaoke, and magic shows, as well as live music, trivia, and fun presentations in The Atrium.

The musical performance Choir of Man was the headliner show while we were on our cruise. It plays 4 different times during the 7-day itinerary and requires reservations.

All of the information regarding the next day’s activities and showtimes can be found in the daily newsletter called Freestyle Daily.

A paper copy of Freestyle Daily is placed outside of your stateroom each afternoon, and can also be found on the NCL app , or at Guest Services.

Thoughts on Norwegian Encore Entertainment

• Reservations are required for Choir of Man and can be booked ahead of time online per this chart , and then again when on the ship.
• Choir of Man was absolutely amazing, however, we wished there had been an additional main-stage production. We ended up going to Choir or Man twice both because we loved it, and because there were no other options for nighttime shows.
• Go-karting ($15 per person) at Encore Speedway, and laser tag ($9.95 per person) also require reservations, which we feel is a bummer and makes it hard to be spontaneous. Reservations filled up fast on sea days, and we ended up only being go at random ‘off times’ and were not able to go as often as we had planned.
• Encore Speedway closes unexpectedly due to weather. If you have a reservation during a weather delay, you are reimbursed but have to rebook on your own. In our case, there were no reservations left, which meant we were not able to rebook.
• There are always fun activities going on in The Atrium . Grab a seat in between performances as the seating area is limited. The Atrium Bar has quick, friendly service.
• We don’t have any tips on the casino or spa as we did not go there.
• Overall impression: Met our expectations, however, wished there were more shows as well as onboard movies shown on the big screen.

In order to avoid having to micro-manage the onboard activity fees during our sailing, we purchased each of our 3 children a set amount of onboard credit.

The onboard credit was applied to their keycards for them to use at their leisure.

This allowed them to plan ahead of time which activities they wanted to spend their onboard credit on and prevented overspending.

Norwegian Cruise Tips

Be sure to download and familiarize yourself with the Norwegian Cruise Line app. You can manage your entire trip from the app, and it does not require WiFii when being used on the ship.

NCL is not very forthcoming on when and how to make dining and show reservations, so mark your calendars accordingly . Once onboard, make reservations at the Guest Services on deck 6, or at the electronic touchscreen kiosks located at each elevator bay.

Also, on the Norwegian Encore, note that the fish on the hallway carpet always swim forward pointing to the front of the ship.

Knowing this will help you maneuver around the ship better.

Last, watch for NCL cruise promotions! We were able to get a “Free at Sea” promotion that includes unlimited open bar, 2 free specialty dining restaurants per person, free WiFii, and $100 off per shore excursion per stateroom. (For the first 2 people on the reservation.)

Tips for Online Check-in and Embarkation

• You choose your port arrival time at the time of online check-in which begins 21 days before your cruise.
• The sooner you do online check-in, the earlier you’ll be able to secure a port arrival time. (I did online check-in at 8 AM, 21 days prior to our cruise, and was able to secure the earliest port arrival time of 9:30 AM.)
• Your NCL luggage tags are mailed to you ahead of time. Place them on your suitcases (after your flight) before boarding the ship.
• Luggage delivery to staterooms is around 3 PM on the day of embarkation. Have a day bag packed of items you’ll need on the ship before your luggage arrives (i.e. passport, medications, swimsuit, sunglasses, etc.)
• Your muster station number will be on your keycard. The initial muster drill is quick and can be done in small groups, at your leisure.

Our 7-day Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise

The day before our cruise our flight from Minneapolis, MN arrived at 8 AM in Seattle, Washington.

Our early flight allowed us to have an entire day to explore Seattle, which we highly recommend leaving or finding time to do.

Upon arrival, we were able to store our luggage at our hotel, Seattle Marriott Downtown , and walk around the city from there.

We’ve written an entire article on how to spend 1-day in Seattle that will show you what you can realistically do and see in Seattle before your cruise.

Though a bit pricey, I highly recommend staying at Seattle Marriott Downtown before your Norwegian cruise!

Terminal 66 is literally right across the street (you can see the Encore directly outside the hotel windows!) and you simply walk there the morning of your cruise.

The hotel will also store your luggage for you before and after your cruise based on your flight times and if you’ll be walking around Seattle.

Day 1: Seattle, Washington

There is more than 1 cruise terminal in Seattle, so it is important to know that the Norwegian Encore ports at Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66.

At your port arrival time, enter the cruise terminal, go through security, check-in, and you’ll be given a boarding group number.

Passengers are then held in a waiting area (coffee/tea/juice are provided) until the captain signals that boarding may begin. (Exact boarding time varies by the day and is at the captain’s discretion.)

Boarding for boarding group #1 typically begins anytime after 11 AM (ours was at 11:30 AM).

Have a plan for when you initially get on the ship. I suggest first going to Deck 6 to make all dining reservations (at Teppanyaki), then all showtime reservations (at The Social Comedy Club).

Then head to your muster station for a brief safety overview.

Afterward, I recommend going to The Local for lunch. It is very laid back and overlooks the activities in the main atrium.

• 9:15 AM: Got in line (which was already 30 people deep) for our 9:30 port arrival time.
• 11:30 AM: Boarded the ship
• 11:40 AM: Made dining and show reservations, did muster station drill, made go-kart and laser tag reservations at a touchscreen kiosk
• 12:15 PM: Lunch at The Local Bar & Grill
• Toured the ship and took photos
• 5:00 PM: Departure. Went to the Sail Away pool deck party.
• 6:30 PM: Dinner at Taste
• 7:30 PM: Comedian in the Encore Theater

Day 2: Day at Sea

Any pre-booked shore excursion tickets are placed in your room on this day.

As on every day of the cruise, we spent our downtime relaxing, playing cards and cribbage in The Atrium, attending presentations & shows, eating, drinking, and enjoying the ship.

• 8:00 AM: Breakfast at The Manhatten Room
• 11:30 AM: Lunch at The Local
• 6:30 PM: Dinner at Cagney’s Steakhouse
• 7:30 PM: Choir of Man performance in Encore Theater
• 9:00 PM: Adult-only comedy shows at Social Comedy Club

Day 3: Juneau, Alaska

• 11:30 AM: Lunch at Garden Cafe
• 3:30-9:00 PM: Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Quest shore excursion
• 9:30 PM: Late-night snacks at The Local before going to bed

Recommendations if touring downtown include Red Dog Saloon and Tracy’s King Crab Shack.

Day 4: Skagway, Alaska

We needed our passports on this day’s excursion as our tour entered Canada.

• Morning hot tubbing
• 11:30 AM: Light lunch in the Observation Lounge
• 12:30-5:30 PM: White Pass Railway and Suspension Bridge shore excursion
• 6:45 PM: Reservations at Q Texas Smokehouse (specialty dining)
• 8:00 PM: Encore Speedway go-kart reservations
• 8:30 PM: Laser tag reservations
• 9:30 PM: The Beatles Invasion performance in Encore Theater

Recommendations if touring downtown include Red Onion Saloon, Klondike Doughboy, Skagway Brewing Co., and Alaska Christmas Store.

Day 5: Glacier Bay (Cruising)

This was, by far, the most scenic day of our Alaska Cruise as Glacier Bay National Park is absolutely stunning.

National Park rangers come aboard the ship and narrate about the glaciers and wildlife you see, as well as share stories about the park’s history.

The narration can be watched live in the Observation Lounge and is simultaneously broadcasted on your stateroom TV and on a large screen in The Atrium.

In addition, the captain opens up the bow of the ship on Deck 8 for this day only, and passengers can enjoy coffee, tea, and hot chocolate while viewing Glacier Bay outdoors.

• 8:00 AM: Went out to the bow of the ship to view Glacier Bay
• 9:30 AM: Breakfast at The Manhatten Room by the windows overlooking Glacier Bay
• Listened to the park ranger talks throughout the day
• Watched the views, glaciers, and wildlife sightings from our balcony stateroom
• 12:30 PM: Light snacks in the Observation Lounge
• 7:30 PM: Comedy Show in Encore Theater

Day 6: Ketchikan, Alaska

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast at Garden Cafe
• 8:15 AM-12:00 PM: Backcountry Jeep and Canoe Safari shore excursion
• 12:30 PM: Lunch at The Local
• 5:00 PM: Encore Speedway reservations (canceled due to rain)
• 5:15 PM: Dinner at Taste

Day 7: Victoria, British Columbia

Disembarkation instructions are placed in your room on this day.

• 12:00 PM: Lunch at Garden Cafe (ate on the pool deck as it was a beautifully sunny day)
• Afternoon: Sat outside around the pool all day enjoying sunshine and live music; kids went on waterslides
• 4:00 PM: Magic show in Encore Theater
• 5:00 PM: Dinner at Savor
• 8:00 PM: The ship arrived at the port in Victoria. We did not get off the ship as the timing was too late for us and we did not want to do an evening shore excursion.

Day 8: Seattle, Washington

• 9:00 AM: Disembarked the ship
• 1:30 PM: Flight home

Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise Conclusion

With an Alaska cruise having been on our bucket list for quite some time, I feel such happiness having gotten to take our family on this epic Alaskan adventure.

Overall, our experience on our Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise exceeded my expectations in our ship choice, itinerary (that included Glacier Bay), shore excursions, stateroom comfortability, and food quality – as well as Alaska in general.

We would have liked to have experienced more shows on the ship, as well as wish the family-friendly activities (go-karts & laser tag) did not cost extra money and did not require reservations.

I would highly recommend the Norwegian Encore for an Alaska sailing as well as Alaska overall in terms of a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation experience.

Happy travels!

*Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find our exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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Alaska Shore Excursions

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Juneau is the Capital city of Alaska and is surrounded by ocean, glaciers, ice fields, and mountains. The area is abundant with whales and other wildlife.

Skagway is a formerly lawless town that was once the start of the legendary Chilkoot Trail to the Klondike Goldrush.

Ketchikan is home to the famous Misty Fjords National Monument, which is a labyrinth of glacier carved mountains towering 3,000 feet high over canals.

Beautiful Sitka is located on Baranof Island and is surrounded by a maze of bays, islands, and waterways.

Icy Strait on Chicagof Island offers true wilderness for great wildlife viewing and adventures. Highlights of Icy Strait include bear viewing, salmon fishing, and whale watching.

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and is known as The Gateway to Denali. Nearby mountains and wilderness provide access to the interior of Alaska.

Seward is a coastal town located about 125 miles south of Anchorage. It is home to the Kenai Fjords National Park which provides a great variety of tours!

Whittier is only accessible by ocean or through a 2 mile one-lane tunnel under Maynard mountain. This coastal Alaskan town is home to only 200 year-round residents!

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Coastal cruise & raptor encounters, sitka, alaska.

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• 2 3/4 hrs Estimate Duration

Look for wildlife while cruising through Sitka Sound and enjoy a close-up encounter with a raptor that will greatly enhance your understanding of one of Alaska’s most iconic animals. After considering the water conditions, seasonal migration patterns and recent wildlife sightings, the captain will chose a route through the sound that offers the best chance to see humpback whales, porpoises, sea otters and eagles. The breathtaking mountainous scenery will make the onboard experience all the more memorable. In Alaskan Odyssey Theater, you will watch a high-definition movie on a 180° screen that focuses entirely on bald eagles, the only sea eagle native to North America. The filmmakers used the most cutting-edge techniques to show these majestic birds in their natural habitats. Still, nothing compares to observing a raptor close-up in person, which is the show’s finale. It may be a bald eagle, peregrine falcon, snowy owl or another bird being rehabilitated at the center.

• Cruise through pristine Sitka Sound on a sleek catamaran and take in the natural beauty. • Look for whales, porpoises, sea otters and bald eagles soaring overhead. • Watch a movie on bald eagles on a big screen for an immersive experience. • See a raptor up close during a live demonstration after the movie.

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• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. • Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

Alaska Excursions on NCL Bliss

By surferboyandcathy , February 1, 2019 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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surferboyandcathy

Sailing on Bliss in June

How long does it take to get off the ship in Juneau, Skagway & Ketchican if I want to go on privately booked excursions ?

NCL suggest allowing 2 hours between docking and starting excursions. Then 2 hours between end of excursion and being back on ship

I realise that it is a big boat BUT...That's 4 hours lost at port !  Not much time left to squeeze in any sightseeing. Most of the excursions I am looking at start about 1 hour from docking time.

Has anybody done these ports and can tell me how long it actually takes

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This past Sept at each port we were off in 10 min. Last boarding is 30 minutes before the ship is scheduled to leave. Our private excursions were all wonderful. Out of 30+ cruises, the Bliss was in our top 3. Enjoy!!

BirdTravels

You can be ashore about the advertised arrival time. There are no delays. Tour operators know exactly when a ship is arriving. 

NCL requires  you you to be on board 30 minutes before departure. So, you have the full time from the advertised arrival time to 30 minutes before departure time to do an excursion. The 2 hours refers to your initial embarkation from Seattle. 

2 hours ago, gbcruise said: This past Sept at each port we were off in 10 min. Last boarding is 30 minutes before the ship is scheduled to leave. Our private excursions were all wonderful. Out of 30+ cruises, the Bliss was in our top 3. Enjoy!!

Thanks gbcruise & BirdTravels

I was booking excursions with Alaska Shore Tours and gave them the ships arrival/departure times and the times they gave me were approx. 1 hour from scheduled arrival time. I figured they knew what would work, but being a worrier- I rang NCL and was told the 2 hour information. I think this is a fixed time they give for every port on every cruise to allow for any late arrivals etc

ps  we would be grateful of any tips you are happy to share. 1st time to Alaska. we have done Hawaii, Mediteranean, Pacific Island cruises previously

32 minutes ago, surferboyandcathy said: Thanks gbcruise & BirdTravels I worry about stuff   (Cathy worries more) I was booking excursions with Alaska Shore Tours and gave them the ships arrival/departure times and the times they gave me were approx. 1 hour from scheduled arrival time. I figured they knew what would work, but being a worrier- I rang NCL and was told the 2 hour information. I think this is a fixed time they give for every port on every cruise to allow for any late arrivals etc   I am now going to take a deep breath... RELAX... and book my tours   ta surferboy   ps  we would be grateful of any tips you are happy to share. 1st time to Alaska. we have done Hawaii, Mediteranean, Pacific Island cruises previously

Tell Cathy that there is nothing to worry about. 

Alaska is is one of our favorite cruise destinations. We sail their as often as possible. We spend ours on our balcony watching for whales, dolphin and sea lions (which are plentiful as you move between the ports at night - not as much in open sea). 

The follwoing link is to our live post from last year’s maiden voyage of the Bliss to Alaska. 

It it is a long way from home, so I would show up in Seattle a few days early to get synced with American time. 

10 hours ago, gbcruise said: This past Sept at each port we were off in 10 min. Last boarding is 30 minutes before the ship is scheduled to leave. Our private excursions were all wonderful. Out of 30+ cruises, the Bliss was in our top 3. Enjoy!!

Care to share which excursions you did? 

The May 19 Bliss sailing still only has 2 excursions listed for Ketchikan.  Are the other Bliss sailings this year also missing most Ketchikan excursions?  If I look at the Shore Excursions section of the public website it lists many more options, but not when logged in.

we only have 1 for June 9th sailing

and I didn't want to spend the day on a boat watching people catch crabs

so I was organizing my own excursion on a Misty Fjord seaplane flight

I have not been on a ship as large as the Bliss - if it follows the same schedule as the Pearl used to, Juneau will be a massive exodus as it is the first port after being onboard for almost 2 days and arriving in the PM people are anxious to get sightseeing. NCL usually queues their own excursions several places onboard - those folks are the first off. This is where it is nice to be in a suite and being able to go to the head of the line. In Skagway you will be spending all day and there is not as much push to get off the ship - it is also early in the morning too.

In Skagway you can walk the town in about an hour - we did our tour with Chilkoot and took the train to Carcross with a bus return (the tour is limited to 25 people - when we did it there was 5 of us) We had a whole car on the train to ourselves -while the cruise ship PAX were crammed into two cars.

In Ketchikan we simply walked around and did most of our souvenir  shopping (Tongass Trading Co)

For more great ideas visit www.cruiseportinsider.com

Regarding these shore excursions - do most book thru the cruise line, or use a third party?  We are also doing the Alaska bliss this summer.

I always book independently from the cruise line.  In Skagway, we rent a car and drive into the Yukon territory, The views are stunning and many interesting things there to see.  Google Murray's guide to the South Yukon Highway for a description of what you can see by car.

PhillyTravelBug

Thank you for the helpful links. Definitely want to do the train into the Yukon for our cruise on Bliss this August.  

On 2/1/2019 at 3:06 AM, surferboyandcathy said: Sailing on Bliss in June How long does it take to get off the ship in Juneau, Skagway & Ketchican if I want to go on privately booked excursions ? NCL suggest allowing 2 hours between docking and starting excursions. Then 2 hours between end of excursion and being back on ship I realise that it is a big boat BUT...That's 4 hours lost at port !  Not much time left to squeeze in any sightseeing. Most of the excursions I am looking at start about 1 hour from docking time. Has anybody done these ports and can tell me how long it actually takes Thank you

Was on the Bliss last summer in Alaska and getting off the ship was not an issue at all.  The process runs smoothly.

We hadn't cruised for ages so we stuck to ship excursions and weren't disappointed, and I think with the $50 credit and my 10% gold discount it wasn't that much more expensive.  We did Bliss September 2018.

Ketchikan - adventure karts, I thought meh but hubby loved it, plus we walked around town a lot, saw the salmon stream and shops, which was nice

Juneau - Mendenhall glacier photo safari & whale watching am, Tracy arm excursion pm (separate ones).  Both were excellent.  The scenery going to the whale watching was spectacular, the Mendenhall was cool and good photo tips.  Tracy arm was well worth doing, but it was FREEEEEZZZZZZING!  Warm clothes a must!  Again, spectacular scenery and nothing beats getting up close with a glacier.

Skagway - Scenic highway bus tour, glad we did that rather than the train.  It was a small bus, about 18 pax more or less, and a guide who talked all about the gold rush and tied in the areas we were to their history.  About $100 cheaper than the train and I don't think we missed anything.  Walked around town afterwards once again.

We didn't do anything in Victoria, I took advantage of the in-port spa services discount (be aware it's just on the "signature" services which are the most expensive, and they add back a 15% autograt)

1threadshort

On 2/1/2019 at 7:28 AM, BirdTravels said: Tell Cathy that there is nothing to worry about.    Alaska is is one of our favorite cruise destinations. We sail their as often as possible. We spend ours on our balcony watching for whales, dolphin and sea lions (which are plentiful as you move between the ports at night - not as much in open sea).    The follwoing link is to our live post from last year’s maiden voyage of the Bliss to Alaska.    It it is a long way from home, so I would show up in Seattle a few days early to get synced with American time.   

i also would like to sit on my balcony and look out. was your room port or starboard side? tx.

Thanks everybody for your advice.

With NCL advising to allow 2 hours to get off at port and Cathy worried that we have to sit on the boat until ALL the NCL organized excursions were off the boat first, I didn't want to organize private excursions then miss them.

We have sailed with NCL before but always booked the NCL excursions (so we know how long you can be sitting in that theatre waiting for your excursion to be called !)

On our Meditereanean cruise most of the experienced Cruise Critic Roll Call members were organizing private tours but we were to scared to join in (we might get stuck and miss the boat). This time I am being brave. To be able to be more flexible and to save money I am going to organize my tours .

I guess I will be safe with

Juneau Dock 2.30pm Excursion starts 3.30pm (Whales & Glacier tour)

Skagway Dock 7.00am Excursion starts 8.00am (Yukon tour by bus)

Ketchican Dock 6.00am Excursion starts 7.30am (Misty Fjord seaplane flight)

Doing organized tours because we drive on the other side of the road in Australia so we don't want to hire a car and we like meeting people from different places while on coaches etc

Surferboy & Cathy

You will love your trip, sounds like some good choices.  The trip into the Yukon is great, we saw the world's smallest dessert, a miniature locomotive that they used in mining, and Emerald Lake.  This year we will take our granddaughter to see those things and add in the suspension bridge close to Carcross.

I agree, they are all great choices!

On 2/5/2019 at 8:06 AM, ZsaZsa2019 said: Regarding these shore excursions - do most book thru the cruise line, or use a third party?  We are also doing the Alaska bliss this summer.

We are going to Alaska (first time) on the Bliss, May 19.  Just finished booking excursions through Alaska Shore Excursions.  We almost unfailingly, no matter where we are, book private / independent tours.  My wife and I usually get truly private tours, but they were hard to find in Alaska, so we're doing mostly small groups.  

To the OP, I don't think I've ever had to wait more than 30 minutes past the scheduled arrival time to get off the ship.  So I usually assume that if the ship is scheduled to arrive at 7am, I will be off by 7:30 am.  The times can vary, but in my experience, folks are able to get off pretty much right at the scheduled time. The cruise lines won't promise anything (because "stuff" happens)...but in our many excursions, the timing has always been pretty spot on.  They DO want you back on the ship 30 minutes before announced departure time.  We stick to that pretty strictly...as in, ON the ship with at least 30 minutes to spare.  

We're sure excited about Alaska!!

here is what we booked for our excursions for august on the bliss:

4:10 – 7:30    D/E     3 ½ hrs       Taku Glacier Adventure by Air, Water & Ice   BOOKED NCL

3:00 – 6:30   Glacier Tour booked w/ncl 

2 hrs   8:45-11:15 BOOKED  ALL OF US   T HRU Ocean Raft Adventure    

WHITE PASS RAILWAY & SUSPENSION BRIDGE 12:30 – 5

http://www.fishketchikan.com/rates   7:30-11:30 booked    Captain Jerry says “I guarantee we catch fish”   

7:00   - 9:30       2 ½ HRS   $169 BackcountryZodiac Expedition   i drive the  zodiac boat  

here is a unique way to get around town:  

  ALASKA PEDICAB JUNEAU   Need a Lift?   Starting at just $5/person Downtown Tours Only $90 for 2 people     907-782-4396

On 2/5/2019 at 1:54 PM, Joeghartman said: Thank you for the helpful links. Definitely want to do the train into the Yukon for our cruise on Bliss this August.  

when are you goin in august?  we're goin 8/4

27 minutes ago, surferboyandcathy said: Love that linked post of your Bliss Alaska cruise BirdTravels  

Thank you. It was a little early in the season for us, but we wanted to be on the inaugural cruise. 

We tried to book the inaugural Joy this year, but NCL cancelled the cruise and we are not able to book the following week. So the Joy will have to wait for another day. We try to live post when we are on board. 

On 2/5/2019 at 7:48 PM, 1threadshort said: i also would like to sit on my balcony and look out. was your room port or starboard side? tx.

We were on the starboard side, Deck 15 near the forward elevator lobby. It was a PERFECT location because it was a 30 second walk into the Observation Lounge where snacks and light meals were served throughout the day and a bar. Early in the morning, you could walk into the lounge and get a cup of coffee and watch the ship pull into port. In the afternoon, scones with cream and jelly with tea. In the evening, just a place to be your [large] living room. 

thank you for the info.

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