Seattle is one of the most popular cruise ports for sailings to Alaska. During the 2026 season alone, there will be over 150 different sailings to Alaska that leave from Seattle.
Here, you will find the majority of round-trip sailings to The Last Frontier, making it easier to plan your travel arrangements. It also means that you are able to cruise to Alaska without a passport, as sailings that depart from and return to Seattle are considered closed-loop cruises.
Additionally, since the cruise terminal is located only about thirty minutes from the airport and less than fifteen minutes from some popular attractions, such as Pike Place Market and the infamous Space Needle, the city makes for a great pre- or post-cruise addition.
Below are the 8 best Alaska cruises from Seattle that you should consider for your next cruise vacation, ranging from the family-friendly Carnival Spirit to the innovative Celebrity Edge, luxurious Star Princess, and adult-only Brilliant Lady.
Read more: Alaska cruise guide: Planning tips and best cruise itineraries
Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas
Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum Class cruise ship that entered service in 2015. The 168,666 gross ton ship is great for families who want to be active both onboard and while in port.
While on the ship, you can try out the skydiving simulator or North Star observation pod, which takes guests 300 feet above sea level to provide once-in-a-lifetime views of the surrounding glaciers while at sea and ports of call. There's also a roller skating rink, bumper carts, a rock climbing wall, and a FlowRider surf simulator.
Plus, if you have children, they will love Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean programming, which will allow parents to get some much-needed alone time!
Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Edge made her grand Alaska debut in 2024. The first-of-its-kind Edge Class ship set sail in 2018 and has since been followed by four sister ships: Celebrity Apex, Beyond, Ascent, and Xcel.
Celebrity Edge is modern and stylish with numerous revolutionary high-tech innovations, such as the Magic Carpet, which is a multipurpose venue that juts out over the side of the ship. During the day, it is used as a tender gangway (when necessary) before being transformed into a trendy bar at night.
The 129,500 gross ton ship has a double occupancy capacity of 2,918, making it a more intimate experience than, for instance, Anthem of the Seas, which can accommodate 4,180 guests at double occupancy.
Read more: Why you should book an Alaska cruise now
Princess Cruises' Star Princess
Star Princess is Princess Cruises' newest ship, having just departed on her maiden voyage in October 2025. Like with Celebrity Edge, Princess Cruises offers a more upscale cruising experience compared to other mainstream cruise lines, such as Carnival and Norwegian.
She's a little bit larger than Celebrity Edge, though, coming in at 177,800 gross tons. Still, much of her design is perfect for sailing through the chillier region, with expansive indoor observation areas and plenty of floor-to-ceiling windows.
Additionally, Princess Cruises is one of the best cruise lines to sail to Alaska with, especially if you are focused on onboard enrichment programs. In addition to their North to Alaska program, children will enjoy the Alaska Explorers Youth Program, where they will be able to participate in activities like the Jr. Ranger Program and totem pole decorating.
Read more: Princess Cruise Ships by Size
Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Spirit
Although Carnival Cruise Line is known for its rowdy Bahamian and Caribbean voyages, they also offer unforgettable experiences to Alaska aboard smaller vessels.
Carnival Spirit, a Spirit Class ship that launched in 2001, isn't anything fancy. However, being that Carnival is a great option for budget travelers, she delivers solid value without sacrificing the essentials that make an Alaska cruise memorable.
After all, a trip to The Last Frontier is more about the ports of call than the ship itself! Still, Carnival ensures that its signature "FUN" ship programming is available, from the Punchliner Comedy Club to the epic sailaway party, original production shows, and more.
Holland America Line's MS Eurodam
Holland America Line is another great option for those who want a more enriching onboard experience. They have been cruising to Alaska for 75 years, which is longer than any other cruise line!
While their award-winning Yukon and Denali cruisetours are available on voyages departing mostly from Vancouver and Fairbanks, Alaska Up Close™ offers exclusive onboard programming, cruise activities, and one-of-a-kind shore excursions, including privileged access to Glacier Bay National Park.
MS Eurodam is a great option for those wanting the convenience of round-trip flights from Seattle (fun fact: it was the 80th ship to enter Holland America Line's service and is one of the largest Signature Class ships built by the cruise line!). The 86,200 gross ton ship entered service in 2008 and is ideal for those who want a more low-key vacation.
Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore is the cruise line's fourth Breakaway Plus Class ship and entered service in 2019. At 169,145 gross tons, she is also the largest ship in their fleet!
If you are looking to sail to Alaska as a solo traveler, Norwegian Encore is a great option, as they have 82 cabins for single guests. In comparison, one of the line's newest ships — Norwegian Prima — only has 73. In addition to cabins for solo guests, they also offer a solo lounge, which allows those traveling alone to mingle with others.
With the open-air go-kart track, virtual reality arcade, quarter-mile-long promenade called The Waterfront that is home to dining venues and bars, and kids' programming, the ship is also a great option for families, too!
MSC Cruises' MSC Poesia
MSC Cruises, a European line that has been rapidly expanding its North American presence, is taking to the West Coast. This year, the line will offer its first-ever Alaska cruises aboard MSC Poesia, a Musica Class that entered the fleet in 2008.
Although she is not as large as MSC World America, the 92,627 gross-ton vessel is just as elegant as her newer counterparts. From the striking staircases in the atrium to the refined lounges and open-air decks, MSC Poesia leans heavily into the brand’s signature European flair.
The ship underwent a major dry dock ahead of her Alaskan debut, too. New features added include the MSC Yacht Club, two specialty restaurants — Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi —, a newly-designed MSC Aurea Spa and MSC Gym, and more.
Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady
Like MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages is also making its Alaska debut this year. However, the adult-only cruise line is sending its newest ship, Brilliant Lady, to the Last Frontier.
This means that Virgin is bringing its sleek design, high-energy entertainment, upscale dining, and boutique hotel-like feel to Alaska, introducing a new way to explore the region.
Brilliant Lady is another smaller cruise ship, coming in at 110,000 gross tons with a passenger capacity of around 2,770.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
