April and May
If your schedule allows, not only does sailing Alaska in April and May afford the possibilities of glimpsing the Northern Lights and seeing wildlife emerge from their winter hibernation, it’s a more affordable and less crowded time to cruise, too. April and May are also the driest months in Alaska, so the chances of rain are slim.
Smaller ships like those that comprise Alaska Dream Cruises’ and UnCruise Adventures’ fleets can maneuver closer to the coastline for better views of bears rambling along the beaches and on-land excursions without another soul around. Alaska Dream Cruises added two new eight-day itineraries this season, both of which focus on remote wilderness, hiking, kayaking and wildlife viewing. UnCruise also has a new itinerary this year, a 10-night Aleutian Islands Adventure with Dutch Harbor and Kodiak itinerary.
June to August
Warmer temperatures, an average of 17 hours of daylight, and school vacations all make Alaska a popular destination for cruising in June, July, and August. Expect crowded ports and more ships out on the water, but that’s not to say it’s not a good time to set sail: bears are still active, as are whales and native bird life.
Oceania Cruises’ 1,250-guest Riviera sets sail to Alaska for the first time this season with itineraries ranging from 7 to 12 days through September, including a 10-day voyage roundtrip from Seattle. American Cruise Lines doubles its Alaskan offerings this year with five itineraries, including two new 16- and 19-day Alaska National Parks cruises. For a shorter option, check out the 9-Day Southeast Alaska Cruise, roundtrip from Juneau.
September
Not only is school back in session in September, which means fewer crowds at ports, but the chances of seeing the Northern Lights return, especially if combining your cruise with a land tour that takes you further north into Alaska. Fall is also mating season for wildlife, so expect to see some friskiness.
In partnership with Lindblad Expeditions, National Geographic Expeditions’ new 11-day Voyage to the Great Bear Rainforest travels from Ketchikan to Seattle with plenty of adventure in between, including seeking out the spirit bear (a subspecies of American black bear also known as a Kermode bear). Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge is sailing her second season in Alaska, offering seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itineraries in September, either roundtrip from Seattle, or one-way from Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia. For a longer cruise-tour option, take a look at one of Princess Cruise Line’s new offerings highlighting the National Parks, like the National Parks Expedition that visits five parks over the course of 15 days.
October
The Alaska cruise season winds down in October, with only a few ships setting sail. Just as in April and May, you’ll likely have the water to yourself, and even fewer people in the ports you call upon. Along with cooler weather, you’ll also find lower fares that will please your bank account. Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International all sail in Alaska into the fall, but Norwegian Cruise Line is the last to set sail in the state with seven-day itineraries roundtrip from Seattle.
2026 and beyond
Though we’re in the midst of the 2025 sailing season, if you’re looking to plan ahead for 2026 and even 2027, there’s even more from which to choose. For example, in May 2026 Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Star Princess, will sail roundtrip from Seattle to the Inside Passage. And for the first time, family favorite Disney Cruise Line will have two ships in Alaska in 2026 when Disney Magic joins Disney Wonder to offers 35 seven-night itineraries over the summer. Holland America Line, which has sailed in Alaska for more than 75 years, is debuting its new 14-day Great Alaska Explorer in 2026. Itinerary highlights include Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Valdez, and Prince Rupert, not to mention Glacier Bay scenic cruising.
A handful of cruise lines are sailing to Alaska for the first time in 2026, with another making a return to the Far North. MSC Cruises embarks upon its inaugural Alaska cruise season in May 2026 when MSC Poesia sets sail on seven-night itineraries roundtrip from Seattle. Another newcomer is The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection with Luminara setting sail on seven- to 11-night itineraries, including the seven-night roundtrip voyage from Vancouver. And Virgin Voyages will embark upon seven- to 12-night itineraries aboard Brilliant Lady, like the Alaskan Glacier Blues & Coastal Views sailing. Azamara Cruises returns to Alaska when Azamara Pursuit sets out on its 10- and 11-night itineraries with new immersive cruise-tours for those who can linger longer.
Looking further ahead to 2027, Explora Journeys embarks on its first cruises in Alaska from Vancouver, Canada, on board Explora III. Her inaugural voyage will be an 11-night “Journey Through Untamed Landscapes & Coastal Treasures” in May.
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-time-to-cruise-alaska