Embarking on an Alaska cruise from San Francisco offers a spectacular beginning to your northern voyage. It begins with a dramatic departure under the Golden Gate Bridge, followed by days of coastal cruising before reaching Alaska's untamed landscapes. These itineraries combine the convenience of a West Coast departure with an immersive journey that highlights the Pacific shores and the state's most celebrated ports. Longer sailings allow time to settle into the rhythm of life at sea, all while looking forward to the amazing glaciers, fjords, and wildlife that define Alaska.
Alaska cruises from San Francisco typically feature extended itineraries that provide time to experience glaciers, coastal waterways, and historic port towns. Many of these sailings include stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay, along with sea days that highlight a sophisticated onboard experience. These comprehensive sailings are designed for travelers who seek more time to relax and explore the best of Alaska.
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All Sailings By Month | $874 | $999 | $1,079 | $1,184 | $1,014 | $834 | $924 | $1,159 | $1,324 | $1,450 | $1,204 | $875 | $875 | $1,125 | $5,999 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Alaska - Cruises | $1,059 | $999 | $1,079 | $1,184 | $1,014 | $1,145 | $1,159 | $1,324 | $1,450 | $1,204 | $1,329 |
These longer sailings travel well beyond the Inside Passage, combining popular towns with lesser-known ports and multiple glacier-viewing opportunities. Departing directly from San Francisco, they provide more time at sea and more chances to experience Alaska's landscapes in depth. Extended cruises stand out for travelers seeking a comprehensive journey that blends iconic highlights with destinations often missed on shorter itineraries.
View Extended Alaska CruisesRoundtrip itineraries from San Francisco offer a convenient way to explore Alaska without arranging additional flights or one-way travel. These cruises often include visits to Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, along with scenic passages where wildlife, glaciers, and rugged coastlines are on display. They stand out for their balance of port exploration and sea days, providing an accessible yet immersive experience for first-time and returning cruisers alike.
View Roundtrip Alaska Cruises
Coastal and Glacier cruises feature a mix of Alaska's best-known ports, scenic fjords, and extended glacier viewing, sometimes paired with a stop along Canada's Pacific coast. The combination of cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, and time at sea creates a diverse itinerary with something for everyone. These cruises stand out for travelers who want variety and value, all while enjoying the ease of sailing roundtrip from San Francisco.
View Coastal and Glacier CruisesFor travelers beginning an Alaska cruise from San Francisco, the city offers plenty to explore before or after sailing. From iconic landmarks to cultural neighborhoods and scenic parks, San Francisco combines history, character, and stunning views at every turn. Setting aside extra time in the city is an ideal way to enhance your trip and experience more along the way.
San Francisco's most recognizable landmark offers sweeping views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the city skyline. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge, stop at scenic overlooks, or simply enjoy the view as ships depart beneath its towers. The Golden Gate Bridge stands out as a symbol of the city and an unforgettable way to begin or end an Alaska cruise.
This bustling waterfront district is known for fresh seafood, lively street performers, and attractions like Pier 39, where sea lions lounge along the docks. It's also a hub for boat tours of the bay. Fisherman's Wharf stands out as one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods, combining dining, shopping, and local character in one walkable area close to the cruise terminal.
Once home to one of America's most notorious prisons, Alcatraz Island is now a National Historic Site with guided tours that explore its past. A short ferry ride takes visitors across the bay for a mix of history, views, and stories that bring the site to life. Alcatraz stands out for its blend of cultural significance and striking perspective on the city skyline.
San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest outside Asia, filled with markets, temples, and restaurants serving authentic cuisine. Walking through its colorful gates leads to a neighborhood rich in culture and tradition. Chinatown stands out as a destination where visitors can explore history and heritage while sampling some of the city's best food.
San Francisco's dining scene is shaped by its waterfront setting and diverse cultures. A classic favorite is clam chowder served in sourdough bread bowls at Fisherman's Wharf. The city is also known for Dungeness crab, Mission-style burritos, and fresh dim sum in Chinatown. From casual seafood stands to renowned restaurants, local dining stands out as a defining part of the San Francisco experience.
Departing from San Francisco offers a unique way to experience Alaska, combining longer sailings with the chance to enjoy both sea days and visits to remarkable destinations. These itineraries often include glacier viewing and stops in historic towns, creating a balance of scenic cruising and onshore discovery. An Alaska cruise from San Francisco delivers a seamless blend of convenience, exploration, and memorable coastal views.
The Alaska cruise season from San Francisco typically runs from late spring through early fall, with the most popular months being June, July, and August. These summer sailings offer the warmest weather and the longest daylight hours, while May and September often bring fewer crowds and scenic autumn colors.
Most Alaska cruises from San Francisco last between 10 and 14 days. Longer itineraries allow for more sea days and additional destinations compared to cruises departing from closer ports such as Seattle or Vancouver.
Typical itineraries include classic Alaskan destinations such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Sitka. Many also feature scenic cruising in Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjord, or Hubbard Glacier, along with occasional stops in Victoria or Prince Rupert in British Columbia.
Yes, nearly all Alaska cruises from San Francisco are roundtrip itineraries. This makes them a convenient choice for travelers who prefer to start and end their journey in the same city without additional flights.
Cruises from San Francisco are generally longer, offering more sea days and a more gradual transition between California's coastline and Alaska's wilderness. They appeal to travelers who enjoy a leisurely pace and the opportunity to combine the cruise with time in San Francisco.
Guests often spot whales, bald eagles, seals, and sea otters while sailing Alaska's coastal waterways. Bears, moose, and other land animals may also be seen during shore excursions. Wildlife viewing is one of the highlights of these cruises, both from the ship and in port.
Yes. Many itineraries include scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, or Hubbard Glacier. These experiences allow passengers to witness towering ice walls, floating icebergs, and calving glaciers directly from the ship's decks.
Several major cruise lines offer seasonal Alaska departures from San Francisco, including Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Carnival Cruise Line. Schedules vary by year, but the city remains a key West Coast gateway to Alaska.
A passport is strongly recommended since many itineraries include stops in Canada, such as Victoria or Prince Rupert. While U.S. citizens may be able to cruise without one on certain routes, having a valid passport ensures smooth travel.
Yes, many travelers choose to extend their trip to explore San Francisco's landmarks, neighborhoods, and dining scene. Popular experiences include walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting Alcatraz, exploring Chinatown, and sampling clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman's Wharf.
AlaskaCruises is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. You may book online or contact us directly. Our business hours and toll-free phone numbers from the following countries are listed below:
Please note that all prices on our website are in US dollars, and travel purchases must be completed with a major credit card.Unless you are considering one of our custom cruise itineraries, certain cruise lines prohibit US-based travel agencies from selling to non-US residents.
All passengers regardless of their home country, citizenship or country of residency are responsible for obtaining the proper documentation for travel. This includes passports and visas for any country they may visit during their trip.