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Towering over the neighboring buildings, the Space Needle features an observation deck approximately 520 feet in the air, which offers breathtaking 360-degree views. Just underneath the observation deck, you’ll find a restaurant where you can dine in style overlooking the spectacular city of Seattle. Sip hot chocolate on the Magic Carpet, cantilevered over the side of the ship with uninterrupted views of forests, glaciers, and mountains. Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world, and you’ll have multiple opportunities to experience why that’s true. Shore excursions will take you to the best things to do in Ketchikan, ranging from fishing expeditions to hatchery tours and the popular all-you-can-eat salmon bakes. An Alaska cruise from Seattle is convenient with weekend departures available and 7-day roundtrip cruises.
Disembark your ship early on each port day to avoid crowds
Stop in the unforgettable ports of Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, then unwind in your luxurious stateroom before setting off on the next day’s adventure. Marvel at the incredible calving displays of Dawes Glacier while an onboard naturalist describes every detail of the captivating sight. As your ship sails away from each port of call in Alaska, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Inside Passage, and you won’t want to miss sailaway each evening. However, sailaway times often overlap with the early dining time, meaning you’ll miss these scenic sailings if you're in the Main Dining Room.
If you haven’t booked travel arrangements yet, now is the time
Foodies will enjoy a culinary tour that showcases Alaska’s delicious food and those who catch it, grow it, and sell it, led by one of our onboard chefs. It's the sort of itinerary that specifically appeals to retirees with the time (and money) to book such a long trip. In addition, an onboard Klondike Festival brings added family entertainment, including gold nugget arts and crafts projects, a naturalist exhibition, harmonica music classes and North to Alaska dance performances. Passengers staying in solo cabins get exclusive access to the Studio Lounge (using their keycards), meaning a maximum of 82 people will share the space. On Norwegian Encore, there's a much bigger version of the exclusive, extra-charge Vibe Beach Club sunning area that's on Norwegian Bliss.
Skagway, Alaska
This option allows you to travel by land and sea without planning separate parts of your trip. All Cruisetours include a seven-day Alaska cruise combined with land travel in places like Denali National Park, Anchorage, and Fairbanks. If you're considering a land and sea vacation, be sure to check out Norwegian's selection of 2022 Alaska Cruisetours. If you want to get up close to Mendenhall Glacier, consider a helicopter walkabout tour. Other activities include whale watching, a day trip to Tracy Arm Fjord, panning for gold, or enjoying an authentic salmon bake.
Have a front-row seat to thunderous glaciers and crystalline fjords on this superb Vista-class ship. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing. From the green forests to the silver skyscrapers, discover what makes the Emerald City so worthy of its name on a cruise from Seattle.
MedallionClass® On All Ships!
And when you’re indoors, you can still expect great views and lots of natural light — the ship was built with plenty of windows. Stretch out your Alaska cruise vacation with convenient weekend departures. Enjoy a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle on Alaskan Explorer itineraries or from Vancouver on Alaskan Inside Passage itineraries. Riding one of Seattle’s many ferries is a unique way to see the best views of the city. From the rugged evergreen forests to the sharp, stunning skyscrapers of the city, you can see all aspects of Seattle from your waterside vantage point.
Learn how commercial jets are assembled at Boeing’s Future of Flight Aviation Center. Or sample crab cakes, chowder and cheese at Pike Place Market, or shop the artisan handicrafts and curio markets within. Sailing the Inside Passage is a serenely beautiful experience as your ship glides between forested islands against a backdrop of craggy mountains and distant glaciers. Experiencing this pristine environment gives you a real sense of just how remote Alaska is; for miles, you’ll see just wilderness, with no sign of human intervention. Sailing north along the lower Inside Passage, you’ll reach Ketchikan, your first port of call on a round-trip Alaska cruise from Seattle. Here, you’ll be introduced to the culture of the Tlingit, native Alaskans whose expressive totem carvings tell stories of their history and traditions.
Remember to book pre-cruise add-ons before you board
Grab a drink on the Magic Carpet while you take in spectacular views, watch an outdoor movie on the Rooftop Garden, or spend the evening watching an entertaining show at The Theatre. Throughout your journey, you’ll find endless opportunities to make memories you’ll cherish forever. The city is perfectly situated to embark on an Alaska cruise from Seattle. After spending a few days in this vibrant metropolitan city, you’ll experience the towering glaciers, rugged landscapes, and unique wildlife of the Last Frontier. Celebrity offers round-trip cruises to Alaska from Seattle May through September.
The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler - The Points Guy
The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler.
Posted: Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The largest waterpark at sea in Australia, mini-golf, two-deck fitness center, jogging track and sports court, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™, day spa and pools and spas. Keep the kids entertained with three different age-appropriate youth programs, giving them plenty of choice on activities and the opportunity to make new friends. Cruising aboard Carnival Spirit will elevate your holiday at sea, to that unforgettable trip you will be longing to relive.
The Alaska Raptor Center is home to owls, hawks, bald eagles, and other birds of prey. Sitka also has a long history with fine arts and was once known as the "Paris of the Pacific." You can book an excursion to visit several art galleries and learn how to pull a Venetian-style glass cane. During the busy peak cruising season, both the port area and downtown Seattle are well served with ample options for local transportation.
While booking shore excursions on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website is convenient, you might find more options (or lower prices) by booking through independent tour operators. Originally published in 2019; updated in 2024รข€‹So much can happen in 25 years. Icy Strait Point offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Alaska.
When scheduling your return flights, don’t book a flight too early on disembarkation day. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best free and low-cost activities to do in each Alaska cruise port, which should help give you some ideas. Sustainable marine fuels are the future of maritime transportation, and it's a conversation that demands all hands on deck.
