What is an Alaskan Cruise Really Like?

Hooray!  You’re about to go on an Alaskan Cruise! Want to know what it’s really like? It’s so nice that I’ve gone TWICE! And I loved my experience both times.

I’ve been hearing about Alaskan cruises for years but always assumed they were for old people and all you really did was sail around and look at snow-capped mountains. I could not have been more wrong! 

We originally wanted to discover Alaska but did a lot of research and found Alaska very hard to get around if you wanted to see multiple places. So we decided on a cruise as our best bet to be able to see several different areas of Alaska in one trip.

Fun Fact: The City of Juneau, which is also the capital of Alaska, can only be accessed by boat or plane. There are no roads leading in or out of Juneau… crazy huh?!?

I loved my first cruise so much, I went back two years later with my daughter.

My first cruise was on Princess Cruise lines and my second time was with Royal Caribean. Both were great but for differnt reasons

Princess Cruise to Alaska: Princess is known to be a little bit more upscale and I found this to be very true. The food on Princess was better than any other cruise I’ve been on and the entertainment was amazing too. If you are looking for an adults-only cruise, I would recommend Princess.

Royal Caribbean: The second time I sailed to Alaska, I traveled with my daughter and so we chose Royal Caribbean for one main reason. They have an indoor pool. And when you are out at sea, it is COLD so an indoor pool is a great option if you are sailing with kids.

My 7-day Alaskan Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Embarkation from Seattle
• Day 2: At Sea
• Day 3: Ketchikan
• Day 4: Juneau
• Day 5: Skagway
• Day 6: At Sea
• Day 7: Victoria, British Colombia
• Day 8: Return to Seattle

There is just way too much information to include about what to do and see at each port in just one post, but you can read more about the best excursions at each place:

Preparing for Your Cruise

Getting ready for your Royal Caribbean cruise is an exciting process, but it does require a bit of planning to ensure everything goes smoothly. First, make sure to visit the Royal Caribbean website for any updates on gratuities, onboard expenses, and shore excursions. This will help you stay informed about any changes or new offerings.

Understanding your cruise fare is also crucial. Take some time to review what’s included in your package and what might come with additional costs. This way, you won’t be caught off guard by any unexpected expenses. One smart move is to consider prepaying your gratuities. This not only simplifies your budgeting but also ensures that you won’t have any last-minute surprises when it’s time to settle your bill.

Choosing the Right Cruise Line

Selecting the right cruise line can make a big difference in your overall experience. Royal Caribbean is known for its wide range of onboard activities, dining options, and shore excursions, making it a fantastic choice for many travelers. If you’re planning a family trip, you’ll love Royal Caribbean’s kids’ programs and family-friendly activities. They offer everything from adventure zones to educational programs, ensuring that kids of all ages have a blast.

On the other hand, if you’re seeking a more luxurious experience, consider booking a suite or a cabin with extra amenities. Royal Caribbean’s suites come with perks like priority boarding, exclusive dining options, and personalized service, making your cruise feel even more special.

Is an Alaskan Royal Caribbean Cruise Mostly for Old People?

They sure are. BUT… they are for kids and young adults and everyone in between too. While the crowd is a bit older than a Caribbean cruise, there were also plenty of young couples and families aboard our cruise with Princess Cruise Lines. 

We decided to make this an adults-only trip (rare!) but every step of the way we kept saying “The kids would LOVE this!”There is so much to do on the ship and tons of excursions that work for any age group. And c’mon, show me one kid who wouldn’t be excited getting a sled dog ride and then holding puppies at the sled camp. Yeah… I thought so!

How Big are the Rooms? Should I get a balcony? Insights from Stateroom Attendants

I’m not gonna lie, the rooms are small. you pretty much just have a bed and a small bathroom. It worked just fine for 2 adults, but I would go crazy if I put my family of four all in one room together.

I did think there was ample storage space. You have closets, some drawers, nightstands, and even some room under the bed to store clothing and other items.

Oh and YES… GET A BALCONY! Trust me, it’s SO worth the extra money. Not only for the extra sitting room but each night we left our door open and listened to the sound of waves as we slept. We had amazing sunset views, saw glaciers and ice floating by as we sailed, and even got a glimpse of some orcas swimming as we got ready for dinner one night.

What’s the food like on an Alaskan Cruise?

In one short word… amazing! Make sure you start your trip with loose-fitting clothes because chances are they will be tight at the end of your trip!

The buffet is stocked full of food, too much for me to even mention. We seriously could have eaten every meal here, it was that good. Oh, and there are a TON of desserts at every meal too.

The dining rooms are even better. We tried almost everything we could and each thing was better than the next. Everything in the main dining rooms is included and you can even order as much as you want. There were times we couldn’t decide between the main dishes so our server encouraged us to get 2… why not!

From the appetizers to soups and salads and the main course and all the way to the desserts, the dining was phenomenal.

Even the Room Service was great. and not to mention 24/7! Do you want a piece of chocolate cake at 2 am? Go ahead! And I highly recommend ordering breakfast to your room in the mornings. There’s no better way to start your day than to enjoy eggs and coffee while sitting on your balcony, watching whales swimming in the distance.

Managing Onboard Expenses

Keeping track of your onboard expenses is essential to avoid any financial surprises at the end of your cruise. Royal Caribbean makes this easy with their onboard account system. This system allows you to monitor your spending and make payments conveniently. You can even set a budget and receive notifications if you’re getting close to your limit.

Another tip is to prepay your gratuities and any planned onboard purchases. This way, you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about settling a large bill at the end. By managing your expenses wisely, you can focus on having fun and making the most of your cruise experience.

Gratuities and Tipping

Gratuities and tipping are an integral part of the cruise experience, ensuring that the hardworking crew members are fairly compensated. Royal Caribbean has a structured gratuities policy, with daily rates varying based on your stateroom category. You have the option to prepay your gratuities, which can simplify your budgeting and give you peace of mind.

In addition to the automatic gratuities, consider leaving extra tips for exceptional service. Your stateroom attendant, assistant waiter, and other crew members often go above and beyond to make your cruise memorable. A little extra appreciation can go a long way in showing your gratitude for their efforts.

What is the Weather Like on an Alaskan Cruise?

The weather really can vary greatly. When we left Seattle, it was 88 degrees and sunny. We spent embarkation day in our swimsuits, drinking fruity cocktails by the pool… and even got a great tan. 

But by the time we woke up the next morning, we were FREEZING. When you are out at sea, it’s cold. And then that can change greatly again when you get to port. We walked around in short-sleeved shirts all day in Ketchikan but then froze our butts off sailing the same afternoon on the ship. 

So when people say “dress in layers” DRESS IN LAYERS! And don’t be afraid to pack a wide variety of warm and cold weather gear. This brings me to…

What Should I Wear on an Alaskan Cruise?

I really recommend you pack everything and anything you think you might need. Bring your swimsuits (even for the hot tubs when it’s cold out!) and lighter clothes (we had 80-degree temps in Alaska in May at all three of our ports).

But also make sure you bring plenty of cold weather outfits. The days out at sea are bitter cold. So even sitting on your balcony requires multiple layers. And if you decide to do an excursion like a helicopter ride to a glacier… that’ll be really cold too. 

And finally, don’t forget your formal wear. There are usually 2 formal nights (not mandatory) that require almost a wedding-guest look. But even on normal nights, you have to follow a dress code to eat in the dining rooms (no dress code for the buffet). 

You can see more specific outfit ideas by going here and seeing exactly what I packed for our Alaskan cruise.

What is there to do on the cruise ship? A Guide to Onboard Purchases

Seeing as we spent all day at the pool on our Caribbean cruise, we were nervous there wouldn’t be too much to do on our Alaskan Cruise. But that’s not the case at all.

First, you have hot tubs. And one of my favorite activities was to alternate between the hot tubs and relaxing with a glass of wine while reading a book. Additionally, the onboard spa offers various treatments, but be aware that a 20% gratuity is automatically added to these services.

Second, they do have a great kids club for all ages that really keep the kids busy if you do decide to bring them along.

And Third, there are TONS of shows and plays and games and planned activities for everyone. Not to mention the casino if you want to win your cruise fare back!

Each day at sea also had a newly released movie play on the big screen on the top deck, and stewards passed around hot chocolate and blankets to watch movies under the stars.

Shore Excursions and Activities

Enhance your cruise experience with Royal Caribbean’s diverse range of shore excursions and activities. Whether you’re into snorkeling, scuba diving, cultural tours, or foodie adventures, there’s something for everyone. To make the most of your time in each port, it’s a good idea to research and book your shore excursions in advance. This way, you can secure your spot and avoid any last-minute disappointments.

Royal Caribbean also offers shore excursion packages that include multiple activities at a discounted rate. This can be a great way to explore more while saving some money. So, get ready to dive into new experiences and create unforgettable memories on your Alaskan cruise!

Other Tips for your First time on an Alaskan Cruise, Including Prepaying Gratuities

• Get to know your cabin Steward. You get one assigned to you for the entire week and they will become your new BFF. They are super kind and can do just about anything you ask (including making the towel animal of your choice). Guest services can assist with various needs during your cruise. Don’t forget to tip them at the end of your trip! You can also visit guest services to adjust gratuities or provide feedback on service.
• Bring a good camera. The scenery is AMAZING! Don’t just rely on your phone. Try the Nikon 3500 if you are a newer photographer, or get a good travel camera if you plan to do some more traveling!
• Bring binoculars. If you want to get a good look at the wildlife, you will need a decent pair of binoculars. Even just on the ship to see all the whales in the water.
• Formal nights are not mandatory but are a lot of fun! If you choose not to partake, you can’t eat in the dining rooms, but you can still enjoy the buffet for dinner. Both formal nights are held on the days you are at sea.
• Don’t bother with the spa. Unless you have nothing else to do and a ton of money to waste. It’s the same as any service you would get at home but at three times the cost.
• The Wifi is terrible! Don’t bother buying wifi, even the most expensive package doesn’t really work too well. You’re better off going to the internet cafe and using the wifi down there.
• You have no cell service at sea. You will only be able to use your phones and update your Instagram when you are at each port, but the second you sail out to sea you will have no service at all.
• Get up Early. Most port days get you in at 6 am and I highly recommend you be ready to go to get every minute you can in each town. Sound impossible? Not when sunrise is at 4 am!
• There is a LOT of daylight in Alaska in the summer. The sunset is late… I don’t think it got fully dark until almost midnight. And then sunrise was an early 4 am. Use your curtains to get a good night’s sleep!

What is a Cruise To Alaska Really Like?

Going on an Alaskan cruise was a trip I’ll never forget. There was so much to see and do, it’ll take several more trips to get it all done. One thing is for sure, I WILL be going on another Alaskan cruise soon!

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