Cruise Review: The Best Alaska Cruises for Scenic Travelers

Alaska isn’t about beaches, nightlife, or onboard thrills—it’s about awe. Towering glaciers. Snow-capped peaks. Waterfalls tumbling down cliffs. Bald eagles circling overhead. If you’re choosing Alaska as your cruise destination, chances are you’re doing it for one reason: the scenery.

And when scenery is the priority, not all cruises are created equal.

Some cruise lines are built around onboard attractions and entertainment. Others are designed to bring the outside in, with expansive viewing areas, narration, and itineraries that maximize time in Alaska’s most breathtaking regions.

For travelers who want their Alaska cruise to feel like a moving nature documentary, these are the cruise lines that consistently deliver.

What Makes an Alaska Cruise “Scenic-First”?

A scenic Alaska cruise isn’t defined by the number of ports alone. It’s about how the ship moves through Alaska and how much access you have to the landscape.

Scenic-focused Alaska cruises prioritize:

• Glacier cruising days (not just port stops)

• Smaller or well-positioned ships that can access narrow fjords

• Floor-to-ceiling windows and wraparound decks

• Naturalist commentary and enrichment programs

• Longer time spent in scenic waterways

If glaciers, wildlife, and quiet moments matter more than waterslides, you’ll want a cruise line that respects Alaska’s scale and beauty.

Princess Cruises: Alaska’s Scenic Specialist

Princess Cruises has been sailing Alaska longer than almost any major cruise line—and it shows. Their itineraries are carefully designed around glacier viewing, wildlife spotting, and natural immersion.

Why Princess Excels for Scenic Travelers

• Strong emphasis on Glacier Bay National Park

• Expansive outdoor decks and enclosed viewing lounges

• Naturalist-led talks and narration during scenic cruising

• Consistently well-paced itineraries

Princess ships feel comfortable, calm, and purpose-built for Alaska.

Scenic Highlights

• Glacier Bay cruising with ranger narration

• Quiet deck spaces ideal for photography

• Large windows in public areas and dining venues

Princess is especially well-suited for travelers who want scenery without crowds or chaos.

Best for: Scenic purists, couples, multigenerational groups, first-time Alaska cruisers.

Holland America Line: Classic, Immersive Alaska

Holland America Line is often considered the gold standard for Alaska cruising among experienced travelers. Their ships and programs lean heavily into education, observation, and immersion.

Why Holland America Shines

• Long history and deep partnerships in Alaska

• Excellent access to Glacier Bay and scenic fjords

• Exceptional onboard enrichment and wildlife education

• Calm, refined onboard atmosphere

Holland America’s Alaska cruises feel thoughtful and intentional—ideal for travelers who want to understand what they’re seeing, not just photograph it.

Scenic Highlights

• Forward-facing observation lounges

• Outdoor wraparound promenade decks

• Naturalist commentary during glacier days

Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, culturally curious travelers, seasoned cruisers.

Celebrity Cruises: Scenic Cruising with Modern Comfort

Celebrity Cruises offers a slightly more contemporary take on Alaska—combining modern ship design with scenery-focused itineraries.

Why Celebrity Works for Scenic Travelers

• Sleek ships with glass-heavy architecture

• Well-designed outdoor spaces

• Elevated dining with views

• Strong balance between comfort and exploration

Celebrity appeals to travelers who want scenic immersion without a traditional cruise atmosphere.

Scenic Highlights

• Expansive windows in lounges and restaurants

• Quiet spaces for viewing and relaxation

• Refined onboard experience that complements the landscape

Best for: Couples, design lovers, travelers seeking scenic cruising with a modern feel.

Cunard: Grand Scenery, Grand Tradition

Cunard brings a unique elegance to Alaska cruising. While less common than other lines, Cunard’s Alaska sailings offer a slower, more contemplative way to experience the region.

Why Cunard Appeals to Scenic Travelers

• Formal, classic ship design that emphasizes observation

• Wide decks and grand public rooms

• A quieter onboard culture that encourages reflection

Cunard’s Alaska cruises feel like old-world exploration—perfect for travelers who want their journey to feel as timeless as the landscape.

Scenic Highlights

• Spacious deck promenades

• Calm, unhurried pace

• Elevated onboard atmosphere

Best for: Traditionalists, seasoned travelers, those seeking elegance and scenery over activities.

The Most Scenic Alaska Itineraries to Look For

Not all Alaska itineraries offer the same level of scenic immersion. When scenery is your priority, look for:

Glacier Bay National Park

Often considered the crown jewel of Alaska cruising, Glacier Bay offers:

• Multiple tidewater glaciers

• Ranger-led narration

• Protected wildlife habitats

Inside Passage

A calmer, more protected waterway featuring:

• Dense forests and rugged coastlines

• Frequent wildlife sightings

• Smooth sailing ideal for deck viewing

College Fjord & Hubbard Glacier

These regions deliver dramatic, close-up glacier views and are highlights for photographers.

When Is the Best Time for Scenic Alaska Cruising?

Timing matters in Alaska.

• May–June: Snow-capped mountains, fewer crowds, crisp air

• July: Peak wildlife activity, warmer temperatures

• August–September: Moody landscapes, fall colors, fewer ships

Scenic travelers often prefer early or late season sailings for atmosphere and light.

Why Scenic Travelers Should Book with a Travel Advisor

Alaska cruising has more variables than most destinations—ship size, itinerary access, glacier permits, and viewing angles all matter.

Travel With McNellis Helps You:

• Choose cruise lines with true scenic focus

• Select the best stateroom location for viewing

• Prioritize itineraries with glacier days

• Balance port time with scenic cruising

• Avoid ships and routes that emphasize onboard thrills over scenery

This expertise ensures your Alaska cruise delivers the experience you’re imagining—not a watered-down version.

Ready to Experience Alaska at Its Most Breathtaking?

An Alaska cruise should leave you speechless—not distracted. If glaciers, wildlife, and dramatic landscapes are what you’re traveling for, choosing the right cruise line makes all the difference.

✨ Let Travel With McNellis help you plan an Alaska cruise built around scenery, serenity, and unforgettable views. Contact us today to start planning your Alaska adventure.