Alaska Travel Guide: Cruises, Itineraries & Insider Tips
Planning a trip to Alaska? This Alaska travel guide covers everything you need to know—from choosing the best Alaska cruise itinerary to deciding when to visit, what to pack, and how to plan your trip.
We share expert Alaska travel tips based on multiple trips each year. Learn the best time to visit Alaska, how to choose between cruise routes like the Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska, and cruise advice with our destination guides.
Start Here: Plan Your Alaska Trip
New to Alaska travel? Start with these essential planning guides. Learn how to plan an Alaska itinerary, decide between cruising or land travel, and avoid common mistakes that first-time visitors make.
How To Plan The Perfect Alaska Trip
Planning an Alaska cruise can be overwhelming. Learn about weather month by month, glaciers to visit, and finding deals.
Alaska Road Trips: 6 Routes You Can’t Miss
Alaska road trips offer the freedom to explore independently. We feature 6 scenic routes with coastlines, mountains and glaciers.
Alaska Travel Mistakes To Avoid
Don’t let these Alaska mistakes ruin your trip! Get expert advice on itineraries, excursions, and what to pack for your adventure.
Alaska Packing List With Printable Checklist
The key to an uneventful Alaska trip, is having a packing strategy. Discover what to pack to a cruise, on land, and for tours.
Alaska Cruises (Choosing The Right Line & Itinerary)
Picking An Alaska Cruise Itinerary
Alaska cruises are one of the most popular ways to explore the state. Choosing the right cruise itinerary, ship, and cruise line can make a huge difference in your experience.
Whether you’re deciding between the Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska, or comparing cruise lines like Holland America and Princess, these guides will help you plan the perfect Alaska cruise.
Best Alaska Cruise Itineraries For First-Timer Visitors
Begin with departure ports, glacier visited, ports of call, length of cruise, and whether you want roundtrip or one way.
Inside Passage Or Gulf Of Alaska: An Itinerary Comparison
The Inside Passage and the Gulf of Alaska. Learn about their differences and why to pick one over the other.
Selecting A Cruise Line
Holland America and Princess Cruises have the strongest presence in Alaska, having cruised there for over 75 and 50 years respectively.
Some lines have Glacier Bay National Park access, other don’t.
From small to mega vessels, some catering to multi-generational families, find the best ship for your travel style.
Holland America Vs. Princess Cruises
Both lines have onboard naturalists and have Glacier Bay access. The onboard experience differs — see how they compare.
Norwegian Cruise Line Vs. Royal Caribbean
Both offer mega ships, catering to families and solo travelers. One has Glacier Bay access while the other wins on innovative features.
Alaska Cruise Ports (What To Do In Each Stop)
Beyond the usual ports, we have cruise port guides on Seward, Whittier, Wrangell, Haines, Valdez, Anchorage, Kodiak and Icy Strait Point. Also, guides to Vancouver, Victoria, and Seattle.
Alaska Land Travel (Beyond the Cruise)
Anchorage Travel Guide For First Time Visitors
Plan your trip to Anchorage, Alaska, with our guides to adventure, attractions and day trips from the city. See glaciers, wildlife and cultural destinations.
Denali Travel Guide: What To See And Do
Plan your perfect trip to Denali National Park with our tips on lodging, dining, and activities!
Alaska Railroad Guide: Routes, Tips & Operators
Explore Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes on scenic train trips! Discover unique routes and experiences with Alaska Railroad.
Essential Alaska Travel Guides & Tips
Unlock the secrets of Alaska with our essential guides! Discover spots to enjoying gold panning, top Alaska ports for whale watching, and what to buy as souvenirs.
Tips For Budget-Conscious Travelers
Why Trust Alaska Trippers?
We are Brian and Karen, and we call Alaska our second home. We don’t just write about Alaska—we experience it.
- We travel to Alaska annually.
- We’ve sailed multiple cruise itineraries.
- We’ve visited ports like Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Ketchikan many times.
- We share practical, real-world tips—not generic advice.
Need Help Packing For Alaska?
Download our packing list and get advice on what to pack for different seasons.
Need a coat or shoes? No problem, we have you covered. We share what we used most on our annual adventures in the Last Frontier.
Our guides are tailored to different seasons and activities.
See Alaska with our expert tips!
Make the most of your Alaska trip! Our travel tips cover everything from packing essentials and road trips to traveling in different seasons.
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How to visit Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier on your own.