Northbound Alaska Glacier Cruises are one-way voyages that typically begin in Vancouver or Seattle and sail through the Inside Passage before ending in Seward, Whittier, or Anchorage, Alaska.
These itineraries are a popular choice for travelers who want to experience both Alaska's coastal highlights and its interior wilderness. Guests typically fly into Seattle or Vancouver before the cruise and return home from Anchorage after disembarkation.
Why Choose a Northbound Alaska Glacier Cruise?
Unlike roundtrip Alaska cruises, northbound itineraries travel in a single direction through the Gulf of Alaska, allowing guests to experience a wider variety of destinations without retracing their route. Each day brings new opportunities to view glaciers, wildlife, mountains, and scenic coastal landscapes.
Many travelers choose a northbound cruise because it can be easily combined with a post-cruise land tour to Anchorage, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, or Fairbanks. This creates a more comprehensive Alaska vacation that includes both the coastline and the state's interior.
Depending on the cruise line and itinerary, guests may visit iconic destinations such as Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and some of Alaska's most popular port towns.
Northbound vs. Roundtrip Alaska Cruises
Both northbound and roundtrip Alaska cruises offer spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing, but northbound cruises provide several unique advantages.
- Travel farther into Alaska without repeating your route
- Easy connections to Alaska Cruisetours and land vacations
- Access to additional glacier viewing opportunities
- Convenient travel to Denali National Park and Fairbanks
- More destination-focused itineraries
For travelers interested in combining a cruise with additional sightseeing in Alaska, a northbound itinerary is often the preferred option.
Popular Ports and Glacier Destinations
Depending on the cruise line, ship, and itinerary, northbound Alaska cruises typically visit several of Alaska's most celebrated ports and glacier regions:
- Juneau: Alaska's capital, known for Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching, and easy access to glaciers and outdoor adventures.
- Ketchikan: Famous for its rich Native heritage, colorful waterfront, salmon fishing culture, and nearby Misty Fjords.
- Skagway: A historic gold rush town and gateway to the scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.
- Haines: A quieter, more authentic Alaska stop known for eagle viewing and stunning mountain scenery.
- Sitka: A unique blend of Russian and Native history, surrounded by rainforest, wildlife, and coastal beauty.
- Glacier Bay National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring massive tidewater glaciers and dramatic ice calving views.
- Hubbard Glacier: One of Alaska's largest and most active glaciers, known for frequent and impressive ice calving.
- College Fjord: A scenic cruising area with multiple glaciers named after Ivy League universities, offering incredible photo opportunities.
- Valdez: A dramatic fjord town surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and access to Prince William Sound.
- Seward / Whittier / Anchorage: Key disembarkation points connecting travelers to Alaska's interior, including Denali National Park and scenic rail routes.
Many itineraries combine classic Inside Passage ports with scenic cruising days in glacier regions, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Arriving in Seward or Whittier
Most northbound cruises conclude in Seward or Whittier. From there, guests typically travel by motorcoach or rail to Anchorage, where they can either begin their journey home or continue exploring Alaska.
Depending on flight schedules, an overnight stay in Anchorage may be recommended before departing. Many travelers choose to extend their vacation and spend additional time discovering Southcentral Alaska.
Alaska Cruisetours and Post-Cruise Adventures
One of the biggest benefits of a northbound Alaska cruise is the ability to continue your vacation beyond the coastline. Most major cruise lines offer Alaska Cruisetours that combine a cruise with multi-day land packages.
These programs often include transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, and visits to destinations such as Anchorage, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks. Some itineraries also feature scenic rail journeys aboard Alaska's famous domed railcars.
For many travelers, combining a cruise with a land tour provides the most complete Alaska experience.
Pre-Cruise Options in Seattle and Vancouver
Northbound cruises allow travelers to begin their vacation in either Seattle or Vancouver. Both cities offer excellent sightseeing opportunities and are worth exploring before embarkation.
Visitors may choose to spend a few extra days exploring Seattle's waterfront, Pike Place Market, and nearby attractions, while Vancouver offers beautiful parks, diverse neighborhoods, and easy access to Victoria and the Canadian Rockies.
Adding a pre-cruise city stay can enhance your overall Alaska vacation experience.
Best Time to Take a Northbound Alaska Glacier Cruise
Northbound Alaska cruises operate from late April through September, with each part of the season offering unique advantages.
- Late April and May: Spring scenery, fewer crowds, and attractive pricing.
- June through August: Peak season with long daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and excellent wildlife viewing.
- September: Fall colors, fewer visitors, and potential savings on select departures.
Glacier viewing is exceptional throughout the season, with many itineraries featuring Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, or other scenic glacier destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Northbound Glacier Cruises
Where do northbound Alaska cruises begin?
Most northbound Alaska cruises depart from Vancouver, British Columbia, while select sailings begin in Seattle, Washington.
Where do northbound Alaska cruises end?
Most itineraries conclude in Seward or Whittier, Alaska, with transportation available to Anchorage.
Can I visit Denali National Park after my cruise?
Yes. Many cruise lines offer Alaska Cruisetours that include Denali National Park as part of a multi-day land package.
Are northbound Alaska cruises better than roundtrip cruises?
Both options are excellent. Northbound cruises are often preferred by travelers who want to combine their sailing with additional exploration of Alaska's interior.
Do I need to fly into one city and out of another?
In most cases, yes. Travelers typically fly into Seattle or Vancouver before the cruise and return home from Anchorage after disembarkation.
Disclaimer:Starting prices reflect entry-level per-person fares and vary by sailing date, cabin category, availability, and cruise line.| Month | Number of Cruises | From Price |
|---|---|---|
| May 2027 | 22 cruises | $699 |
| Jun 2027 | 34 cruises | $749 |
| Jul 2027 | 42 cruises | $889 |
| Aug 2027 | 36 cruises | $749 |
| Sep 2027 | 22 cruises | $651 |
| May 2028 | 23 cruises | $824 |
| Jun 2028 | 32 cruises | $924 |
| Jul 2028 | 35 cruises | $974 |
| Aug 2028 | 36 cruises | $909 |
| Sep 2028 | 21 cruises | $879 |
| May 2029 | 2 cruises | $5,999 |
| Jun 2029 | 5 cruises | $5,999 |
| Jul 2029 | 2 cruises | $5,999 |
| Aug 2029 | 3 cruises | $5,999 |
| 7 Night Alaska Cruise from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Norwegian Jade 20 Sail Dates: 5/10/27; 5/17/27; 5/24/27; 5/31/27; 6/7/27; 6/14/27; 6/21/27; 6/28/27; 7/5/27; 7/12/27; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan - Ward Cove Alaska, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point, Whittier |
7 Nights |
$699per person
(double occupancy) |
| 13 Night Denali Explorer Tour MA6 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Island Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/12/27; 5/26/27; 6/9/27; 6/23/27; 7/7/27; 7/21/27; 8/4/27; 8/18/27; 9/1/27; 5/10/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier, Ferry Travel, Valdez... |
13 Nights |
$1,849per person
(double occupancy) |
| 13 Night Denali Explorer Tour MA6 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Crown Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/8/27; 5/22/27; 6/5/27; 6/19/27; 7/3/27; 7/17/27; 7/31/27; 8/14/27; 8/28/27; 5/13/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier, Ferry Travel, Valdez... |
13 Nights |
$1,649per person
(double occupancy) |
| 12 Night Denali Explorer Tour IA5 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Crown Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/8/27; 5/22/27; 6/5/27; 6/19/27; 7/3/27; 7/17/27; 7/31/27; 8/14/27; 8/28/27; 5/13/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
12 Nights |
$1,499per person
(double occupancy) |
| 12 Night Denali Explorer Tour KA5 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Discovery Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/15/27; 5/29/27; 6/12/27; 6/26/27; 7/10/27; 7/24/27; 8/7/27; 8/21/27; 9/4/27; 5/6/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
12 Nights |
$1,819per person
(double occupancy) |
| 11 Night Denali Explorer Tour FA4 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Island Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/12/27; 5/26/27; 6/9/27; 6/23/27; 7/7/27; 7/21/27; 8/4/27; 8/18/27; 9/1/27; 5/10/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
11 Nights |
$1,549per person
(double occupancy) |
| 10 Night Denali Explorer Tour AA3 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Island Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/12/27; 5/26/27; 6/9/27; 6/23/27; 7/7/27; 7/21/27; 8/4/27; 8/18/27; 9/1/27; 5/10/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Cruising Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, Whittier... |
10 Nights |
$1,349per person
(double occupancy) |
| 10 Night Denali Explorer Tour AA3 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Crown Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/8/27; 5/22/27; 6/5/27; 6/19/27; 7/3/27; 7/17/27; 7/31/27; 8/14/27; 8/28/27; 5/13/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
10 Nights |
$1,299per person
(double occupancy) |
| 10 Night Denali Explorer Tour BA3 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Discovery Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/15/27; 5/29/27; 6/12/27; 6/26/27; 7/10/27; 7/24/27; 8/7/27; 8/21/27; 9/4/27; 5/6/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
10 Nights |
$1,649per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Voyage of the Glaciers Northbound Cruise from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Discovery Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/15/27; 5/29/27; 6/12/27; 6/26/27; 7/10/27; 7/24/27; 8/7/27; 8/21/27; 9/4/27; 5/6/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier |
7 Nights |
$899per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Voyage of the Glaciers Northbound Cruise from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Crown Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/8/27; 5/22/27; 6/5/27; 6/19/27; 7/3/27; 7/17/27; 7/31/27; 8/14/27; 8/28/27; 5/13/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier |
7 Nights |
$699per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Voyage of the Glaciers Northbound Cruise from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Island Princess 18 Sail Dates: 5/12/27; 5/26/27; 6/9/27; 6/23/27; 7/7/27; 7/21/27; 8/4/27; 8/18/27; 9/1/27; 5/10/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier |
7 Nights |
$699per person
(double occupancy) |
| 13 Night Denali Explorer Tour MA6 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Discovery Princess 17 Sail Dates: 5/15/27; 5/29/27; 6/12/27; 6/26/27; 7/10/27; 7/24/27; 8/7/27; 8/21/27; 9/4/27; 5/20/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier, Ferry Travel, Valdez... |
13 Nights |
$2,099per person
(double occupancy) |
| 12 Night Denali Explorer Tour IA5 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Island Princess 17 Sail Dates: 5/12/27; 6/9/27; 6/23/27; 7/7/27; 7/21/27; 8/4/27; 8/18/27; 9/1/27; 5/10/28; 5/24/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
12 Nights |
$1,599per person
(double occupancy) |
| 11 Night Denali Explorer Tour GA4 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Coral Princess 17 Sail Dates: 5/19/27; 6/2/27; 6/16/27; 6/30/27; 7/14/27; 7/28/27; 8/11/27; 8/25/27; 5/17/28; 5/31/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
11 Nights |
$1,569per person
(double occupancy) |
| 10 Night Denali Explorer Tour CA3 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Coral Princess 17 Sail Dates: 5/19/27; 6/2/27; 6/16/27; 6/30/27; 7/14/27; 7/28/27; 8/11/27; 8/25/27; 5/17/28; 5/31/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
10 Nights |
$1,469per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Voyage of the Glaciers Northbound Cruise from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Coral Princess 17 Sail Dates: 5/19/27; 6/2/27; 6/16/27; 6/30/27; 7/14/27; 7/28/27; 8/11/27; 8/25/27; 5/17/28; 5/31/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier |
7 Nights |
$749per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier Cruise from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Anthem of the Seas 17 Sail Dates: 5/14/27; 5/28/27; 6/11/27; 6/25/27; 7/9/27; 7/23/27; 8/6/27; 8/20/27; 9/3/27; 5/26/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan - Ward Cove Alaska, Sitka, Skagway, Cruising Hubbard Glacier, Seward |
7 Nights |
$651per person
(double occupancy) |
| 13 Night Denali Explorer Tour NA6 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Coral Princess 16 Sail Dates: 5/19/27; 6/2/27; 6/16/27; 6/30/27; 7/14/27; 7/28/27; 8/11/27; 8/25/27; 5/17/28; 5/31/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
13 Nights |
$1,799per person
(double occupancy) |
| 12 Night Denali Explorer Tour KA5 Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Coral Princess 16 Sail Dates: 5/19/27; 6/2/27; 6/16/27; 6/30/27; 7/14/27; 7/28/27; 8/11/27; 8/25/27; 5/17/28; 5/31/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier... |
12 Nights |
$1,769per person
(double occupancy) |
| 9 Night Destination Denali Cruisetour Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Anthem of the Seas 16 Sail Dates: 5/14/27; 5/28/27; 6/2/27; 6/11/27; 6/25/27; 6/30/27; 7/9/27; 8/6/27; 8/11/27; 8/20/27; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan - Ward Cove Alaska, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Skagway... |
9 Nights |
$1,864per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Alaska Cruise from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Norwegian Jade 16 Sail Dates: 5/10/27; 5/17/27; 5/24/27; 5/31/27; 6/7/27; 6/14/27; 6/21/27; 6/28/27; 7/5/27; 7/12/27; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan - Ward Cove Alaska, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point, Whittier |
7 Nights |
$699per person
(double occupancy) |
| 13 Night Grand Mountain Marvels and Wildlife Ultimate Cruisetour Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Anthem of the Seas 15 Sail Dates: 5/14/27; 5/15/27; 5/28/27; 6/11/27; 6/25/27; 7/9/27; 7/10/27; 7/23/27; 8/7/27; 8/20/27; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan - Ward Cove Alaska, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Skagway... |
13 Nights |
$3,427per person
(double occupancy) |
| 12 Night Denali Seward Explorer Northbound Cruisetour Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Norwegian Jade 15 Sail Dates: 5/10/27; 5/24/27; 6/7/27; 6/21/27; 7/5/27; 7/19/27; 8/2/27; 8/16/27; 8/30/27; 6/5/28; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan - Ward Cove Alaska, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point, Whittier... |
12 Nights |
$2,768per person
(double occupancy) |
| 11 Night Mountain Valley Explorer Cruisetour Cruise and Land Tour from Vancouver | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
Anthem of the Seas 15 Sail Dates: 5/17/27; 5/28/27; 6/11/27; 6/25/27; 7/9/27; 7/12/27; 7/23/27; 7/26/27; 8/9/27; 8/20/27; See More Starting Port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Ports of Call: Vancouver, Ketchikan - Ward Cove Alaska, Sitka, Skagway, Cruising Hubbard Glacier, Seward... |
11 Nights |
$2,763per person
(double occupancy) |
