Destinations

The very best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for each kind of traveler

What are the most effective Alaska cruises out of Seattle? It will depend on what sort of traveler you’re.

When you’re a father or mother touring with teenagers and tweens, you will most likely need to decide a voyage on one of many huge, household activity-filled cruise ships operated by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line that sail out of Seattle every summer time.

When you’re trying to get away from households with younger kids — perhaps you are a retiree trying to journey with individuals your personal age — you’d need to take a look at the itineraries operated by cruise strains that cater extra to {couples} with out children, most notably Holland America and Princess Cruises.

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Different cruises could be greatest for solo vacationers or vacationers on a good finances.

Right here we record our prime picks for the most effective Alaska cruises from Seattle for six various kinds of vacationers.

Finest for households: Ovation of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas. ROYAL CARIBBEAN

It is not straightforward selecting the most effective Alaska cruise out of Seattle for households. There are 4 world-class family-focused cruise ships out there, every of which is a contender for the most effective for households title: Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.

All 4 ships are loaded with all kinds of gee-whiz household sights, from bumper automobile pavilions and skydiving simulators on the Royal Caribbean vessels to go-kart tracks and laser tag programs on the Norwegian ships.

In contrast to the Royal Caribbean ships, the Norwegian ships even have epic waterslides on their prime decks, which in idea, would possibly put them excessive in any itemizing of the most effective cruise ships for households based mostly in Seattle.

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Nevertheless, needless to say Alaska may be chilly, even on the top of summer time, and wet, too. For that purpose, we low cost the worth of a few of the family-friendly sights on the Norwegian ships, that are open to the weather, and take into account the Royal Caribbean ships the most effective of the bunch for Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Each of the Royal Caribbean ships crusing to Alaska from Seattle are loaded with sights which might be protected against the weather, together with these bumper automobile pavilions and skydiving simulators. In actual fact, each Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas have been particularly constructed to function in areas of inclement climate.

Of the 2 ships, that are practically an identical and a part of the comparatively new Quantum class of vessels, we give the 4,180-passenger Ovation of the Seas the nod for greatest Alaska household cruise ship crusing from Seattle solely as a result of it is a few years newer. Newer is nearly at all times higher within the cruise world.

Associated: The 6 sorts of Royal Caribbean ships, defined

A cavernous indoor exercise space on every of the 2 Quantum-class ships referred to as the SeaPlex is residence to the aforementioned bumper vehicles, in addition to such family-friendly actions as curler skating, basketball and even trapeze classes. The 2-level advanced additionally has upstairs nooks for enjoying Xbox, ping pong and foosball. It is like one huge play zone for households that may preserve your children busy for hours.

Every of the ships additionally presents probably the most uncommon sights you’ll discover at sea: A glass-enclosed capsule mounted on a mechanical arm that may take you and your loved ones hovering into the sky for hen’s-eye views. It is referred to as the North Star journey.

All of the above come along with lots of the core Royal Caribbean sights you’ll discover on many of the model’s ships, together with swimming pools, mountaineering partitions, casinos, spas and Broadway-style reveals, plus a number of eateries and bars.

Associated: The 9 craziest sights you’ll discover on a cruise ship

Of explicit word, given Alaska’s climate, is that one of many two principal pool areas on every of those Quantum-class ships is enclosed.

Finest for finances vacationers: Eurodam

Eurodam. HOLLAND AMERICA

Our decide for the most effective Alaska cruises from Seattle for finances vacationers could come as a shock to many cruise aficionados. That is as a result of it is not the Alaska voyages from Seattle provided by the North American cruise line greatest identified for finances sailings — Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival does provide cruises to Alaska from Seattle repeatedly with two ships: Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa. Nevertheless, whereas Carnival is the low-cost chief in lots of cruise locations, that is not at all times the case out there for Alaska cruises from Seattle. Usually, the bottom beginning costs you will discover on cruises to Alaska from Seattle, on each an absolute and per-day foundation, are the cruises provided by Holland America.

For the approaching 12 months, for example, as of this information’s posting, there have been a number of Holland America sailings to Alaska from Seattle accessible for beneath $750 per particular person for seven nights — some as little as $429 per particular person for seven nights.

There have been only a few Carnival sailings accessible for beneath $750 per particular person, with most Carnival sailings beginning round $800 per particular person or extra for seven nights.

We suspect the decrease beginning costs for Holland America ships as in comparison with Carnival ships on Alaska sailings out of Seattle is as a result of Alaska cruises from Seattle are round-trip voyages. Many Holland America followers who cruise to Alaska select a one-way voyage to or from the state that lets them add additional days for touring in Alaska in the beginning or finish of the voyage. Such one-way voyages solely can be found out of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Holland America — the longtime chief in Alaska cruises, together with its sister firm Princess Cruises — is especially identified for “cruisetours” to Alaska that mix a one-way cruise to or from the state with a number of days touring Alaska by motorcoach and prepare.

Holland America bases two ships in Seattle for cruises to Alaska: the two,104-passenger Eurodam and 1,964-passenger Westerdam. Beginning costs for each are comparatively related, however we give the nod for the most effective Alaska cruises from Seattle for finances vacationers to Eurodam as it is a considerably newer vessel.

Finest for luxurious lovers: Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore. NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

No luxury-focused cruise ships sail to Alaska out of Seattle. Nonetheless, you will get a variation on a luxurious cruise expertise on a voyage to Alaska from Seattle on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore.

Sure, the three,998-passenger Norwegian Encore is a cruise ship that typically caters to the lots, not the posh crowd. Nevertheless, it has its personal “ship-within-a-ship” luxurious zone that gives a way more swanky expertise for these prepared to pay.

On the prime entrance of the vessel, this personal enclave, referred to as The Haven, is residence to dozens of upscale suites; a sprawling, two-deck-high pool space; a non-public lounge and bar; and a non-public restaurant. Solely the deep-pocketed swells who can afford one of many suites get unique entry to those areas.

The pool space, a real stunner, comes with snug padded loungers, a pool and whirlpools. Its retractable glass roof is ideal for cruises to Alaska when the climate is iffy. Company can benefit from the deck, rain or shine.

If dwelling massive is your purpose, you are not going to seek out something higher than this — aside from with a cruise on the same Norwegian vessel that additionally cruises to Alaska from Seattle. Norwegian Bliss, additionally based mostly in Washington in the course of the summer time, is a part of the identical Norwegian Breakaway-Plus class of vessels and has the same Haven enclave.

Associated: flip a mass-market cruise right into a luxurious expertise

Why did we decide Norwegian Encore over Norwegian Bliss because the ship providing the most effective Alaska cruises from Seattle for luxurious lovers? Constructed a 12 months after Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore presents one huge enchancment for the upscale crowd as in comparison with Norwegian Bliss.

On Norwegian Encore, there is a a lot greater model of the unique, extra-charge Vibe Seashore Membership sunning space that is on Norwegian Bliss. House to a full-service bar, cabanas and two sizzling tubs, the model of the Vibe Seashore Membership on Norwegian Encore sprawls throughout either side of the ship (as an alternative of only one facet on Norwegian Bliss) and extends upward to a partial deck above. It is simply $99 or extra per day to get in.

It is but yet another trendy and upscale space for cruisers on the lookout for an upgraded expertise to retreat.

Be aware that there’s one different choice for upscale Alaska cruises out of Seattle: A voyage on Oceania Cruises’ 684-passenger Regatta. Whereas Oceania is not thought of a luxurious line on the extent of Silversea Cruises or Seabourn Cruise Line, it has a sublime really feel. That stated, given the ship’s age (it dates to 1998) and restricted venues, we’re nonetheless within the camp that favors a Haven keep on a Norwegian ship.

Finest for solo vacationers: Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Bliss. DANNY LEHMAN/NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss are additionally our prime picks for ships working the most effective Alaska cruises from Seattle for solo vacationers. Between these two, it is a tossup, although we put Norwegian Bliss within the headline above since, nicely, we already gave Norwegian Encore a flip within the limelight with the best-for-luxury class.

Notably, each Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore boast massive personal zones for solo vacationers — one thing you will not discover on every other cruise ship crusing out of Seattle. It is a hallmark of Norwegian’s latest and largest ships.

On every of the ships, the “studio” zones, as Norwegian calls them, are made up of 82 particular solo cabins and a non-public Studio Lounge the place solos can collect for blissful hours and different occasions. Solely the studio zone on Norwegian’s 2010-built Norwegian Epic is greater.

Passengers staying in solo cabins get unique entry to the Studio Lounge (utilizing their keycards), which means a most of 82 individuals will share the house.

A particular zone for solo vacationers is a uncommon idea within the cruise world, the place virtually all rooms for vacationers are designed for 2 individuals and offered with per-person fares which might be based mostly on two individuals occupying the room.

The solo cabins within the studio zones are small (measuring 100 sq. ft) however are beautifully designed to maximise cupboard space (one thing I realized firsthand staying in a single on Norwegian Epic).

Associated: The very best cruise strains for solo vacationers

Solo passengers on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss will even discover a typically rollicking bar scene, with loads of counter-style seating in bars which might be an important place to fulfill different solo vacationers and pleasant visitors. We suggest the Sugarcane Mojito Bar on Norwegian Bliss. There, the bartender will muddle your mojitos with raspberry, guava, ardour fruit and even jalapeno pepper to spice issues up whenever you’re sitting together with your new solo mates.

One warning if you happen to’re contemplating reserving one of many solo cabins: They’ve turn out to be so standard that they typically promote out far prematurely and at costs that aren’t a lot better than reserving a cabin for 2.

Finest for multigenerational journey: Discovery Princess

Discovery Princess. PRINCESS CRUISES

In search of the most effective Alaska cruise from Seattle if you happen to’re bringing three generations of your loved ones alongside for the journey? We will consider nothing higher than a voyage on one of many two Princess Cruises ships that sail out of the town, the three,660-passenger Discovery Princess and three,560-passenger Royal Princess.

Each ships are virtually an identical, however we give Discovery Princess the sting solely as a result of it is newer than Royal Princess. The 2 vessels have been in-built 2022 and 2013, respectively.

Princess has lengthy been heralded as the most effective cruise strains for multigenerational journey, partly as a result of its ships provide just a little one thing for vacationers of all ages.

In contrast to the Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships talked about above, the 2 Princess ships crusing from Seattle haven’t got prime decks closely skewed to household enjoyable. As an alternative, their prime decks provide a number of quiet and enjoyable pool and lounge areas the place you may benefit from the expertise of being at sea with out a lot hustle and bustle.

That makes these ships extra interesting to an older demographic that does not essentially need to be on a vessel that is loaded to the gills with kids’s enjoyable zones and the youthful household vacationers drawn to that. Notably, the common age of Princess passengers is round 57, and also you’ll often see many {couples} on board of their 50s, 60s and 70s.

Nonetheless, in contrast to some strains that cater to an older crowd, Princess would not ignore the youngsters’s market. Each Discovery Princess and Royal Princess provide an in depth kids’s program that will get excessive marks from mother and father, with devoted Discovery Channel-themed Camp Discovery areas the place counselors supervise free actions day by day for youngsters ages 3 to 17.

When crusing to Alaska, these ships additionally provide different kid-friendly occasions, equivalent to Puppies on Princess, when canine mushers and their latest sled canine come on board for meet-and-greets (and images!). In partnership with the Discovery Channel and Glacier Bay Nationwide Park, the road additionally provides such kid-friendly enjoyable throughout Alaska sailings as a Junior Ranger Program, totem pole adorning and a “Deadliest Catch-“themed crab sorting problem.

As well as, an onboard Klondike Pageant brings added household leisure, together with gold nugget arts and crafts tasks, a naturalist exhibition, harmonica music lessons and North to Alaska dance performances.

In brief, Princess gives an Alaska product particularly designed to attraction to a large age vary. It is the road you are taking in order for you an reasonably priced ship that’ll attraction to your 70-year-old mother and father as a lot as your 12-year-old child.

Finest for retirees: Westerdam

Holland America’s Westerdam in Sitka, Alaska. HOLLAND AMERICA

The very best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for retirees, in our view, are the sailings provided by Holland America on each the 1,964-passenger Westerdam and a pair of,104-passenger Eurodam. We give Westerdam the slight edge for causes we’ll clarify under.

Whereas Holland America attracts some households with youthful kids, the passengers on its ships skew closely towards middle-aged and older vacationers, together with many retirees. When you’re nearing or have already got hit retirement age and like to journey largely with people who find themselves at the same stage in life as you, you will really feel proper at residence on a Holland America ship.

The highest decks of Holland America vessels, notably, lack lots of the kid-focused sights discovered on the highest decks of extra family-focused ships operated by the likes of Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. That always retains households with youthful children from reserving the ships.

What you’ll find on the highest decks of each Eurodam and Westerdam are extra serene sunning areas with swimming pools and whirlpools. Relying in your journey fashion, that could be all you want.

Associated: The very best cruises for seniors who like to journey

Each Eurodam and Westerdam largely sail seven-night journeys to Alaska out of Seattle. Nevertheless, for 2024, Westerdam has added an epic new 28-night Alaska itinerary out of Seattle that may embody calls in distant areas that the majority cruise ships by no means go to. The brand new itinerary is one purpose we give Westerdam the sting amongst ships when ranking the most effective Alaska cruises out of Seattle for seniors.

It is the form of itinerary that particularly appeals to retirees with the time (and cash) to ebook such a protracted journey.

Westerdam can also be a barely smaller ship than Eurodam, and consequently, its demographics on any given crusing usually tend to skew towards a retired crowd. To the extent that households with youthful children ebook Holland America ships, they’re extra prone to ebook one in every of its bigger vessels.

Along with Eurodam and Rotterdam, two different good decisions for retirees contemplating Alaska cruises out of Seattle are the 2 Princess ships that sail on such itineraries: Royal Princess and Discovery Princess. Just like the Holland America ships, they don’t seem to be loaded with kid-focused sights that draw households.

Backside line

Almost a dozen main cruise ships function Alaska cruises out of Seattle in the course of the summer time months, giving cruisers loads of selection.

What’s the greatest Alaska cruise from Seattle for you? That’ll rely in your private pursuits and journey fashion as a result of there are cruises from Seattle that attraction to everybody, together with household vacationers, finances vacationers and retirees.

Planning a cruise? Begin with these tales:

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