Northbound Alaska Cruises are one way voyages that begin in Vancouver or Seattle, and travel north through the Gulf of Alaska and end in the northernmost cities of Seward, Whittier or Anchorage, Alaska.
Northbound Alaska Glacier Cruises
While there are similarities between a a roundtrip Inside Passage Cruise and a one-way Glacier cruise, there are a number of differences as well. These provide unique benefits which give you a chance to enjoy more of Alaska.
Since Northbound Alaska Glacier cruises are one way trips, your cruise will not repeat its route by doing a U-turn back to the orginal departure port. Each day can provide a new opportunity to see glaciers, mountains, wildlife and scenery without repeating a segment of your journey.
Just like an Inside Passage Cruise, Northbound Alaska Cruises sail through the Inside Passage and up to Seward or Whittier, where passengers disembark the ship. Depending on the cruise line and ship, Alaska Glacier Cruise passengers not only visit the same ports and attractions they would've seen on the Inside Passage Cruise, but they may also visit College Fjord for breathtaking glacier views, or Valdez for yet another day in port.
Compared to a roundtrip Alaska Inside passage cruise, Northbound Alaska cruises have fewer days at sea. This also allow you to spend more days in Alaska ports or National Glacier Parks. If you only have a week and want maximum glacier viewing and time on land, this is your best choice for an Alaska Cruise Vacation.
Depending on your cruise line and ship, these cruises typically visit four or more of these ports and sights:
- Juneau
- Ketchikan
- Skagway
- Haines
- Sitka
- Vancouver
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Hubbard Glacier
- College Fjord
- Valdez
- Seward / Whittier / Anchorage
Once the ship arrives in Seward or Whittier, passengers then motorcoach on to Anchorage where they will either fly home or continue on the land portion into the interior of Alaska as part of an Alaska Cruise Tour.
An overnight hotel stay in Anchorage after your cruise may be required in order to meet convenient flights schedules for your return flight home.
Pre-Cruise Options in Seattle or Vancouver
Another benefit of a Northbound Alaska cruise is the flexibility to fly into either Seattle or Vancouver to begin your cruise. Seattle is three and a half hours from Vancouver and there are a variety of transportation options including motorcoach and train to get you there. Both cities are so different, first time visitors could enjoy touring Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver before embarking on their cruise. Others may even consider a Victoria or Canadian Rockies rail package prior to their trip. These pre-cruise vacation options allow guests to enjoy active, land-based touring followed by a relaxing, leisurely cruise to the Anchorage area.
Post-Cruise Options
When guests disembark their ship in Seward or Whittier, they either fly home from Anchorage or extend their vacation with a tour into the Interior of Alaska. Most cruise lines operating Northbound Glacier Cruises offer a number of multi-day land tours to Anchorage, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks that include motorcoach transfers and domed rail cars. Read more about these Alaska Cruisetours on our website.
When to take an Alaska Glacier Cruise
The Alaska Cruise season begins in late April and continues through September. Whether you cruise when the Inside Passage is blanketed with spring wildflowers or ablaze with fall foliage, you'll be awed at Alaska's natural wonders. Spring whale migrations, fall bald eagle gatherings, winter trumpeter swans - exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and substantial savings can be found during spring and fall.
| Month | Number of Cruises | From Price |
|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | 27 cruises | $329 |
| Jun 2024 | 29 cruises | $349 |
| Jul 2024 | 24 cruises | $398 |
| Aug 2024 | 30 cruises | $429 |
| Sep 2024 | 17 cruises | $359 |
| Oct 2024 | 3 cruises | $7,199 |
| Apr 2025 | 3 cruises | Call For Price |
| May 2025 | 28 cruises | $385 |
| Jun 2025 | 28 cruises | $485 |
| Jul 2025 | 26 cruises | $537 |
| Aug 2025 | 28 cruises | $548 |
| Sep 2025 | 17 cruises | $472 |
| May 2026 | 2 cruises | $4,799 |
| Jun 2026 | 2 cruises | $5,299 |
| Jul 2026 | 4 cruises | $5,299 |
| Aug 2026 | 2 cruises | $5,299 |
| 7 Night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier Cruise from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Radiance of the Seas 19 Sail Dates: 5/3; 5/17; 5/31; 6/14; 6/28; 7/12; 7/26; 8/9; 8/23; 9/6; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Skagway... |
7 Nights |
$388per person
(double occupancy) |
| 13 Night The Great Frontier Expedition Cruisetour (Post Cruise) Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Celebrity Summit 18 Sail Dates: 5/10; 5/24; 6/7; 6/21; 7/5; 7/19; 8/2; 8/16; 8/30; 5/9/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point... |
13 Nights |
$495per person
(double occupancy) |
| 13 Night Premium Grand Heartland Adventure Cruisetour (Post Cruise) Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Celebrity Summit 18 Sail Dates: 5/10; 5/24; 6/7; 6/21; 7/5; 7/19; 8/2; 8/16; 8/30; 5/9/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point... |
13 Nights |
$495per person
(double occupancy) |
| 13 Night Denali Explorer Tour KA6 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Sapphire Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; 8/31; 5/17/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
13 Nights |
$1,553per person
(double occupancy) |
| 12 Night The Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour (Post Cruise) Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Celebrity Summit 18 Sail Dates: 5/10; 5/24; 6/7; 6/21; 7/5; 7/19; 8/2; 8/16; 8/30; 5/9/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point... |
12 Nights |
$495per person
(double occupancy) |
| 12 Night Alaska Mountain Medley Cruisetour (Post Cruise) Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Celebrity Summit 18 Sail Dates: 5/10; 5/24; 6/7; 6/21; 7/5; 7/19; 8/2; 8/16; 8/30; 5/9/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point... |
12 Nights |
$495per person
(double occupancy) |
| 12 Night Denali Explorer Tour IA5 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapphire Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; 8/31; 5/17/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
12 Nights |
$1,239per person
(double occupancy) |
| 12 Night Denali Explorer Tour JA5 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapphire Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; 8/31; 5/17/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
12 Nights |
$1,193per person
(double occupancy) |
| 11 Night Alaska Wildlife Encounter Cruisetour (Post Cruise) Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Celebrity Summit 18 Sail Dates: 5/10; 5/24; 6/7; 6/21; 7/5; 7/19; 8/2; 8/16; 8/30; 5/9/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point... |
11 Nights |
$494per person
(double occupancy) |
| 11 Night Denali Explorer Tour GA4 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapphire Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; 8/31; 5/17/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
11 Nights |
$999per person
(double occupancy) |
| 11 Night On Your Own Tour EAX Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapphire Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; 8/31; 5/17/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier, Denali National Park... |
11 Nights |
$1,288per person
(double occupancy) |
| 11 Night Denali Explorer Tour DA4 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapphire Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; 8/31; 5/17/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
11 Nights |
$1,193per person
(double occupancy) |
| 11 Night Denali Explorer Tour FA4 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapphire Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; 8/31; 5/17/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
11 Nights |
$1,043per person
(double occupancy) |
| 11 Night Denali Explorer Tour EA4 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapphire Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; 8/31; 5/17/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
11 Nights |
$1,243per person
(double occupancy) |
| 10 Night Talkeetna Treasures Cruisetour (Post Cruise) Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Celebrity Summit 18 Sail Dates: 5/10; 5/24; 6/7; 6/21; 7/5; 7/19; 8/2; 8/16; 8/30; 5/9/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point... |
10 Nights |
$494per person
(double occupancy) |
| 10 Night Alaska Gold Rush Adventure Cruisetour (Post Cruise) Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Celebrity Summit 18 Sail Dates: 5/10; 5/24; 6/7; 6/21; 7/5; 7/19; 8/2; 8/16; 8/30; 5/9/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point... |
10 Nights |
$495per person
(double occupancy) |
| 10 Night Denali Explorer Tour BA3 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapphire Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; 8/31; 5/17/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
10 Nights |
$1,143per person
(double occupancy) |
| 10 Night Denali Explorer Tour CA3 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapphire Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; 8/31; 5/17/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
10 Nights |
$1,093per person
(double occupancy) |
| 10 Night On Your Own Tour BAX Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapphire Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; 8/31; 5/17/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier, Mount McKinley... |
10 Nights |
$1,073per person
(double occupancy) |
| 10 Night Denali Explorer Tour AA3 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapphire Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; 8/31; 5/17/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier, Denali National Park... |
10 Nights |
$1,193per person
(double occupancy) |
| 10 Night On Your Own Tour AAX Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapphire Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; 8/31; 5/17/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier, Denali National Park... |
10 Nights |
$993per person
(double occupancy) |
| 9 Night Denali Express Cruisetour (Post Cruise) Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Celebrity Summit 18 Sail Dates: 5/10; 5/24; 6/7; 6/21; 7/5; 7/19; 8/2; 8/16; 8/30; 5/9/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point... |
9 Nights |
$494per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Alaska Northbound Glacier Cruise from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Celebrity Summit 18 Sail Dates: 5/10; 5/24; 6/7; 6/21; 7/5; 7/19; 8/2; 8/16; 8/30; 5/9/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point... |
7 Nights |
$336per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay (Northbound) Cruise from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Sapphire Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; 8/31; 5/17/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier |
7 Nights |
$418per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Glacier Discovery Northbound Cruise from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Nieuw Amsterdam 18 Sail Dates: 5/19; 6/2; 6/16; 6/30; 7/14; 7/28; 8/11; 8/25; 9/8; 5/18/25; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord... |
7 Nights |
$364per person
(double occupancy) |
