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Helicopter tours are a popular choice among couples as they offer a unique and unforgettable perspective of Alaska’s landscapes. Couples can choose from a variety of tours, including glacier landings, scenic flights, and even dog sledding adventures. With numerous glaciers scattered throughout Alaska, couples can take a scenic cruise or kayak tour to get a closer look at these breathtaking natural wonders. Some cruise lines even offer helicopter tours that land on a glacier for a one-of-a-kind experience. A trip to Alaska is at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists, and for good reason. Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team.
Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
What’s more, smaller expedition boats will take you even closer so you’re able to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Alaska and see wildlife up close. What could be more romantic than a night at Movies Under the Stars, reclining on padded loungers while snuggled under wool tartan blankets on the pool deck? Or for a quiet conversation with your sweetie, try Adagio, a private lounge found on several of the cruise line's older ships, including Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess.
Best Alaska cruise lines
Currently, these include Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Uncruise Adventures, Viking Ocean, and a few others. This agreement will be in effect until 2030, so if you want to make Glacier Bay a part of your cruising experience you can look to book with one of these cruise lines. These ships often feature complimentary shore excursions, kayaks and bikes for guest use and onboard scientists and naturalists. Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. Some of the best Alaska cruise lines are Holland America and Princess because they have especially long histories in the region and offer cruises, as well as cruise and land tour combinations, on multiple ships each season.
An off-the-beaten-path Alaska adventure with UnCruise
If you prefer to get off-the-beaten-track and travel with smaller groups, a wide array of small ship cruise companies offer more intimate cruises catering to adventure and luxury travelers. Cruises are typically offered in three-night, seven-night, and even up to 28-night cruises. On average, a seven-night cruise ranges from $500 to $5,000, depending on the cruise line and state room of your choice. The price typically includes all on-board expenses such as food, room, and on-ship activities. And if you're looking to unwind in the lap of luxury for that special couple's occasion, check out The Retreat aboard Celebrity's Edge Class ships. This suite-only complex has its own restaurant, lounge, and some of the best rooms on the cruise ships, like the stunning (and huge) Iconic Suite, with its massive terrace and private hot tub.
A hike on the Chilkoot Trail or ride on the White Pass Railway lets you follow in the footsteps of the miners who came to seek their fortunes. Active travelers can explore Alaska by sea kayak or canoe, hike on glaciers and through rainforests, zip line, bike, ride an ATV and even snorkel (you'll need a dry suit). If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks.
Cruise week report: Couple left behind by cruise ship, cruising essentials you need, the best time to cruise to Alaska ... - Cruise Blog
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Also, this is the only cruise line to allow passengers to share a cabin with someone of the same sex they do not know and still pay the solo cabin rate. An April departure for two people in an inside cabin (including taxes and fees) on the Enchantment of the Seas would cost $1,215. Alternatively, a one-way cruise in June for two people in an inside cabin (including taxes and fees) on the 22-year-old Radiance of the Seas would come to $1,126. That’s substantial savings for choosing a one-way cruise on an older ship over a roundtrip itinerary. Another great option for finding a good cruise deal is to book an open-jaw cruise. These sailings start in one city but end in another and can lead to better deals, even during summer.
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Or, if your idea of romance is grabbing a quick meal to enjoy on your balcony, the Galley offers a fresh market with 10 different international eateries. Every UnCruise sailing comes with guides who will take you exploring, expertly answering your questions and leading you on adventures big and small. You might go birdwatching, kayak among sea turtles, swim with gentle manta rays and jump off the back of the ship hand-in-hand with your love, all on the same trip. You’ll learn about the culture of the people indigenous to the areas you're visiting, join in some time-honored tradition and fall asleep exhausted but satisfied each night.
The best cruise lines to Alaska compared
The island offers pristine beaches, beautiful pools with plenty of chairs for lounging, and one of the best waterparks you'll find anywhere. You and your sweetie could spend a full day climbing steps and zooming down slides at breakneck speeds, the 135-foot-tall Daredevil's Peak (the tallest waterslide in North America). The island also offers ziplining, pools and pretty beaches (and your drinks package carries over on land). After a day of adventure, head to the adults-only Coco Beach Club, an exclusive area with private cabanas, including ones that are right over the blue Caribbean Sea.
Some of the more luxurious accommodations include extras like the delivery of fresh fruit each day or exclusive dining in the Princess Grill restaurant. If you're looking to get away from the mega-cruise-ship crowds, the best Alaska cruise for you might be with Lindblad Expeditions. The 100-passenger National Geographic Quest (and its twin, National Geographic Venture) frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in Alaska on weeklong itineraries between Juneau and Sitka. Alaska has become a hot spot for multigenerational family travel, with grandparents taking their kids and grandkids of all ages on a memory-making holiday.
Small ship cruises tend to offer more adventure-focused shore excursions alongside personalized service and luxurious accommodations and amenities. Smaller ships can reach ports of call and destinations that are inaccessible to larger cruise ships, allowing you to explore more remote settings and communities. For an even more customized experience, consider a private cruise on smaller ships like yachts and sailboats. Nicknamed “The Love Boat,” Princess Cruises has been sailing to Alaska for more than 50 years, and is a terrific choice for couples looking to get away from it all.
The last two are Royal-class vessels that I really love sailing on, and are perfect for an Alaskan sailing, although might be a bit big for some with a 3,600 passenger capacity. This cruise departs from Vancouver and stops at 11 ports including College Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, and twice at Glacier National Bay, just to name a few. Royal Caribbean offers some of the largest ships to the region as well, with two Quantum-class ships (Quantum and Ovation of the Seas) sailing to some of the larger ports in Alaska like Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka. These ships carry over 4,000 passengers at double-capacity so it also means some of the tours taken through the ship may be fairly large groups. Finally, you'll find some San Francisco round-trip itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. With so much competition in the region, it’s hard to wow travelers beyond the natural scenery they explore on land.
You and your partner will learn the basics of kayaking, then paddle through the scenic waters with a guide. This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars. For more on what to bring on an Alaska cruise, check out our Alaska cruise packing list. Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities. If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices.
Sailings include seven- to 14-day itineraries and a host of land tours that can be added to the experience. In addition to Denali National Park, this is the only cruise line to take passengers into Canada’s Yukon Territory. You’ll find stunning ships like Seabourn Odyssey with only 229 suite cabins, guaranteeing a small-ship experience with big-time amenities. Everyone can have the chance to get out and explore on Zodiac boats or other water sports equipment. Regardless of which ship you choose, Royal Caribbean’s Alaska expeditions promise “warm impressions of the wilderness,” meaning shore excursions and glacier viewings that prioritize comfort. Royal Caribbean also puts an emphasis on hearty, locally sourced food like wild-caught salmon, satisfying sourdough, and fresh-picked Alaska berries galore.
Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint. Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation. Generally, these one-way sailings travel from Seward or Whittier (the cruise ports closest to Anchorage) to Vancouver (or vice versa).
The luxury cruise lines are your best bet if you're a couple and enjoy spacious suites, gourmet food, pampering (many luxe lines hire butlers to cater to every passenger) and the opportunity to meet other like-minded cruisers. The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages may also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement. With the capacity to accommodate 3,080 guests, you can expect an array of dining options with a wide variety of delectable dishes to savor.
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