An Alaska cruise is one of the most popular bucket-list vacations in the world, but is it actually worth the cost? The honest answer? It depends.
While some travelers come home saying it was the best vacation of their lives, others wish they’d chosen somewhere warmer, quieter, or less expensive. Before you spend thousands of dollars on an Alaska cruise, let’s find out if it’s actually the right vacation for you.
Unlike a Caribbean cruise, you’re not booking endless beach days and pool parties. Instead, you’re booking glaciers, wildlife, history, some of the most incredible scenery in North America, but also unpredictable weather!
To find out if an Alaska cruise would be worth it for YOU, answer the following questions honestly. By the end, you’ll probably know whether an Alaska cruise belongs on your bucket list or whether another vacation would make you happier.
Answer these questions with a “yes” or “no”. Keep a mental tally of how many times you answer “yes”.
1. Do you get excited by nature more than beaches?
✅ Yes – I get excited just by thinking about bald eagles on treetops, whales swimming in pods, and glaciers calving in front of me!
❌ No – I dream of lounging on a beach chair with my toes in the warm sand, staring off into a beautiful sunset.
2. Would you rather see something unique than relax?
✅ Yes – I’d love to go dog sledding on a glacier, ride a historic railroad, pan for gold, fish in Alaska, and sightseeing on a float plane!
❌ No – I’d rather spend a week or two enjoying downtime and being pampered.
3. Are you okay with unpredictable weather on vacation?
✅ Yes – Rain, sunshine, fog, 40-degree mornings and 70-degree afternoons, I’m prepared for it all!
❌ No – I’d like a constant sunny 78-degree weather forecast with a light breeze.
4. Does seeing wildlife make you genuinely excited?
✅ Yes – It’s my dream to see wild humpback whales and orcas! I’d also love to get a chance to see sea lions, otters, puffins, bears, and bald eagles out in the wild. (⭐ Check out the 10 wildlife species you can see and exactly where to look for them ⭐)
❌ No – Seeing any of those animals would be cool, but it’s not something I feel like I need to experience.
5. Are you interested in history?
✅ Yes – I’d love to explore the local spots and learn more bout the gold rush, native alaskan cultures, russian history, totem poles, the fishing industry, and military history! I’m all about checking out local spots and exploring museums.
❌ No – Museums and historical sites bore me a bit.
6. Are you okay spending money on excursions?
(This is a BIG, IMPORTANT question. You can absolutely enjoy Alaska cheaply…BUT…many of the truly unforgettable experiences cost money.)
✅ Yes – I’m willing to spend a few hundred on a few excursions like kayaking, whale watching, and guided tours. (⭐ Read about My top 10 favorite excursions ⭐)
❌ No – Vacation budget is a bit tight.
7. Do you enjoy visiting multiple destinations?
✅ Yes – I love that a cruise will have me waking up in a different town almost every day.
❌ No – I like to spend a week or so in a city to really explore it deeply. (Food for thought, maybe consider an Alaska land trip instead!)
8. Can you handle crowds? Most towns you stop in will be crowded from 9 am – 4 pm.
✅ Yes – Crowds don’t faze me!
❌ No – Crowds ruin vacations for me. I like vacations with fewer people.
9. Are you willing to wake up early?
✅ Yes – I’m able to wake up, drink some caffeine, and feel like I’m ready to tackle the day before 8 am.
❌ No – On vacation, I want to be able to sleep in until 11 am without feeling like I missed something.
10. Are you okay with slower-paced adventures?
✅ Yes – I’m fine with sitting and watching the scenery as we cruise on by.
❌ No – I’m more into nightlife and amusement parks in the season of my life.
11. Do you enjoy photography?
(Side note – honestly…even if you’re a beginner, Alaska is one of the easiest places in the world to take amazing photos)
✅ Yes – I’m the person who always has her camera ready to go! I love snapping pictures so I can remember all the memories for years to come.
❌ No – Just not that into it.
12. Are you excited to try local seafood?
✅ Yes – King Crab, smoked salmon, fresh halibut…I wanna try it all! (⭐ Check out the 8 must-try foods on an Alaska cruise⭐)
❌ No – I’m a picky eater and local food isn’t a big part of my vacations.
Count how many times you answered YES…
👍 10–12 YES answers
An Alaska cruise is probably one of the best vacations you could take!
💭 6–9 YES answers
You’ll probably enjoy Alaska, but spend some time choosing the right cruise line and excursions.
👎 0–5 YES answers
You might enjoy Alaska more as a land-based trip, or another destination altogether.
Some Additional Things People Forget that You Should Also Consider
🚢 You don’t have to be super athletic to enjoy Alaska.
Alaska is surprisingly accessible! There are many glaciers, wildlife, and incredible views available on the deck of a cruise ship or within a short walking distance from the cruise ship terminals.
🚢 It isn’t always freezing
Alaska cruises sail in the Southeast part of Alaska, so many summer days are in the 60s with some even reaching in the 70s! Make sure you know what you would need to pack.
🚢 Every cruise is different
Different cruise lines have completely different vibes. There are cruises for luxury travelers, families, adventurers, and budget-friendly options as well. The cruise line can dramatically change your experience!!
🚢 Ports can feel touristy
Some towns have jewelry stores every few feet. Don’t let that fool you or detract you. If you walk a few blocks away or book a local excursion, you’ll discover the real Alaska!
🚢 You don’t have to spend $500 at every port city
This is a huge misconception! Many ports like Ketchikan and Juneau offer free and cheap activities! There’s tons of hiking, beaches, museums, parks and local restaurants that give you a true Alaskan experience without breaking the bank.
⭐Check out my post on Free and Cheap Things to do in Ketchikan for some more insight!⭐
🚢 The scenery starts before you dock
This is one of the best things about an Alaska cruise. As you sail along, keep an eye out on your balcony or on deck to look for whales surfacing, glaciers, waterfalls, tiny islands, snow-covered mountains, seals floating on ice, sea otters, and bears feasting in a stream.
Trust me, if you spend your time looking out the window, you’re going to be spoiled with some wildlife viewings and beautiful scenery that is unlike anywhere else in the world. I’ve heard from many passengers that the scenic cruising days were some of their favorite parts of their cruise.
🚢 Alaska is more educational than many vacations
Once you go home, you’ll have insight into so many topics! You’ll know more about glaciers, marine life, Alaskan Native cultures, the Klondike Gold Rush, the commercial fishing industry, salmon migration, temperate rainforests, and what life is like for the everyday person in Alaska. If you like learning while traveling, then Alaska delivers it in a way that few other destinations can.
Final Verdict
✅ An Alaska cruise is probably worth it if…
- You love wildlife
- You’d rather spend money on experiences than shopping
- Mountains make you happier than beaches
- You enjoy photography
- You’re curious about history and culture
- You don’t mind the rain
- You want to visit several towns in one trip
❌ Who Should Skip an Alaska Cruise
- You want guaranteed sunshine
- Your dream trip is lounging by a pool every day
- You hate crowds
- You dislike cold or rainy weather
- You aren’t interested in excursions
- You prefer spending a full week exploring one destination (check out a land adventure in Alaska instead)
Keep Planning Your Alaska Adventure
Still planning your trip to Alaska? I’ve got you! Whether deciding what to pack or figuring out what to do in each port, these guides will help you make the most of your trip.
🌲 Want to Know More About Different Ways to See Alaska?
How to See Alaska Without a Cruise: Cruises aren’t the only way to experience Alaska. Here are three incredible alternatives if you’d rather explore on your own.
Alaska Cruise FAQ: 70+ Questions Every First-Time Cruiser Should Know: Answers to all the questions you’re probably wondering before you set sail.
🐋 Looking for Things to Do?
10 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions: From wildlife encounters to unforgettable adventures, these are the Alaska experiences I think are worth booking before your cruise.
The Ultimate Alaska Bucket List: 100+ Things to See & Do: A giant list of Alaska experiences to add to your bucket list, from wildlife and scenery to food, adventures, and hidden gems.
Are you taking an Alaska Cruise or have you decided on a different vacation? Let me know in the comments!
