The Last Frontier, Experienced from the Sea
Alaska is one of the few places on earth where the scenery actively competes with the wildlife for your attention. On any given afternoon you might watch a glacier calve an iceberg the size of a building, then spot a pod of orcas cutting through the water alongside your ship, then see a brown bear on the shore as you sail into port.
The Inside Passage — the protected waterway running from Washington State through British Columbia and into Southeast Alaska — is one of the most scenic ocean routes in the world. Cruise ships glide between densely forested islands, past waterfalls tumbling directly into the sea, with the snow-capped Coast Mountains as a constant backdrop.
Alaska Through the Lens
Alaska by Season
Every season in Alaska offers a completely different experience. Here's what to expect throughout the year.
Summer in Alaska
Peak Alaska cruise season — and for good reason. Up to 20 hours of daylight, whales everywhere, salmon running in every river, and glaciers calving in Glacier Bay. The weather is as good as it gets. Book early — ships fill up fast.
June–July is our top pick for Alaska cruises — maximum daylight, peak wildlife activity, and warm enough to enjoy deck time comfortably.
Plan Summer Alaska TripAlaska's Top Ports of Call
Each port offers a completely different window into Alaska's character.
Alaska's capital city is only reachable by sea or air — no roads connect it to the rest of the state. That remoteness makes it feel like a place apart. Walk to the Mendenhall Glacier, watch humpback whales breach in Stephens Passage, or take the Mount Roberts Tramway for panoramic views over the Gastineau Channel.
Alaska's Big 8 Wildlife Encounters
Alaska is home to some of the most incredible wildlife viewing on the planet. Unlike safari destinations where you might see one or two species in a week, an Alaska cruise routinely delivers multiple major sightings in a single day.
Crestwell Tip: Book a dedicated whale watching or bear viewing excursion through a local guide — they know exactly where the animals are on any given day, and their expertise turns a good sighting into an extraordinary one.
Everything You Need to Know
Packing Essentials
- ·Waterproof jacket & pants (non-negotiable)
- ·Layers — weather changes fast
- ·Waterproof hiking boots
- ·Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- ·Sunscreen (surprisingly necessary)
- ·Insect repellent for land excursions
Getting There
- ·Seattle (SEA) is the main gateway hub
- ·Direct flights to Anchorage (ANC) or Juneau (JNU)
- ·6–8 hours from Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham
- ·Most cruises depart Seattle or Vancouver
- ·Fly-cruise packages available — ask us
Embarkation Ports
- ·Seattle, WA — most accessible from Southeast US
- ·Vancouver, BC — beautiful city worth 2+ days
- ·Whittier, AK — for Gulf of Alaska itineraries
- ·Seward, AK — near Kenai Fjords National Park
- ·Anchorage is 60mi from Whittier & 125mi from Seward
Money & Tips
- ·US Dollars accepted everywhere in Alaska
- ·No foreign currency needed
- ·Gratuities typically $18–22/person/day on ship
- ·Shore excursion budget: $100–300/person/day
- ·Travel insurance strongly recommended
- ·Book excursions early — popular ones sell out