Essential Alaska Cruise Port Guide: Highlights of Major Alaskan and Canadian Cruise Ports

A guide to all major Alaskan cruise ports. Includes highlights of the ports, best shopping, best eating and walking tour suggestions.

Embarking on an Alaska cruise is like stepping into a living postcard of glacial fjords, snow-capped peaks and wildlife-rich waterways. The Alaska cruising season spans May through September, with June and July delivering nearly 20 hours of daylight and temperatures that can climb into the 80s. As bookings have soared in recent years, you’ll find sailings tailored to every taste—from intimate expedition vessels to sprawling mega-ships brimming with onboard thrills. Because space fills quickly, plan your voyage six to eight months in advance to secure the ideal ship, cabin and itinerary.