Planning Your Alaska Adventure for 2027: Key Decisions to Make
- Adventures by Amaris
- Jul 6
- 4 min read
It’s time to start thinking about Alaska for 2027! I’m grateful that I will be visiting Alaska again this August and can’t wait to share new experiences with you. This guide is designed to help you consider what matters most for your perfect Alaska trip.
Decision #1: Glacier Bay National Park?
Glacier Bay National Park is one of the undisputed highlights of any Alaska vacation. This unique national park experience features park rangers boarding your ship, transforming it into a floating visitor center. Passengers enjoy incredible opportunities to view wildlife and, with luck, calving glaciers in a pristine setting. Because the National Park Service strictly limits the number of ships allowed each day, a visit to Glacier Bay feels exclusive and special. Most standard Alaskan cruises do not include Glacier Bay and instead visit other glaciers. If Glacier Bay is a must-see for you, choose a cruise line that sails there.
Alaska Cruise options with Glacier Bay National Park:
Princess Cruises
Holland America
Norwegian Cruise Line
Seabourn
UnCruise Adventures
Decision #2: Land, Sea, or Both?
One of the big choices is how you want to experience Alaska. You can visit Alaska by cruise ship which could mean a roundtrip cruise from Seattle or Vancouver or a one-way cruise from Vancouver up to the Anchorage area. You can visit Alaska only by with a guided tour, or you can do a combination of a land and sea tour.
By Sea (Cruise Only) Cruising remains the most popular way to visit Alaska. Most itineraries are either:
Roundtrip from Seattle or Vancouver (great for budget-conscious travelers due to less expensive roundtrip flights)
One-way from near Anchorage to Vancouver (or vice versa)
Cruise passengers enjoy whale watching, hiking, glacier viewing, fishing, and fresh seafood—all while their “hotel room” travels with them. The consistent schedule and onboard amenities make cruising very convenient.
By Land (Guided Tours) Land tours are ideal if you want to explore Alaska’s interior in depth for a more immersive experience. Several excellent tour companies offer guided journeys through the heart of the state.
CruiseTour (Land + Sea Combination) This is the most popular option I book for clients. CruiseTours combine the best of both worlds. Many cruise lines own some of the finest hotels and lodges in Alaska, and the only way to secure these properties is through their CruiseTour packages. You can start with the land portion in the north (Denali, etc.) and finish with a relaxing cruise, or begin with a cruise up the Inside Passage and end with the dramatic scenery of Denali. Both directions have their advantages—let’s discuss which fits your style best.
Decision #3: The Experience You Want
Alaska offers an incredible range of experiences. Ask yourself these questions to narrow down the right choice:
Is the ship or the destinations more important to you?
Do you want a family-friendly vacation or an adult-only/adult-oriented experience?
What kind of food and dining appeals to you?
Are you seeking casual, luxury, an expedition-style adventure?
Do you want to stay active with excursions or do you want to relax?
The best way to find your perfect match is to work with an Alaska Specialist. We’d be happy to help you at Adventures by Amaris to explore the best suppliers and itineraries for your family.
Recommended Suppliers for 2027
Best Family-Friendly Cruise Lines for Alaska
Princess Cruises – Excellent choice with Glacier Bay National Park. View Itinerary
Disney Cruise Line – Best kids’ clubs and family entertainment. View Itinerary
Royal Caribbean – Active activities and spectacular shows. View Itinerary
Norwegian Cruise Line – Great value with Glacier Bay National Park. View Itinerary
Best Adult Cruise Lines for Alaska
Viking Cruises – Shore excursions included. True adult-only experience. Upscale intellectual vibe. View Itinerary
Virgin Voyages – Bold, modern, and fun adult-only vibe. View Itinerary
Holland America – Elegant and offers Glacier Bay. View Itinerary
Celebrity Cruises – Sleek, modern ships with excellent service. View Itinerary
Best Small-Ship Cruise Lines for Alaska
Windstar Cruises – Food-focused with access to less-visited areas. View Itinerary
UnCruise Adventures – Perfect if you’re not a typical cruiser—intimate and adventurous. View Itinerary
Best Expedition Cruise Lines for Alaska
National Geographic Lindblad – Education-rich, expert-led expeditions. View Itinerary
HX – Science-focused exploration. View Itinerary
Best Luxury Cruise Lines for Alaska
Oceania – Excellent roundtrip Seattle options. View Itinerary
Azamara – Longer port stays; roundtrip Vancouver available. View Itinerary
Seabourn – Ultra-luxury with Glacier Bay access. View Itinerary
Regent Seven Seas – All-inclusive ultra-luxury. View Itinerary
Explora Journeys – Spacious, modern suites. View Itinerary
Recommended Land Suppliers
Popular CruiseTour Options
Norwegian Cruise Line – Budget-friendly with Glacier Bay potential.
Princess Cruises – Famous for their outstanding lodges.
Royal Caribbean – Seamless land + sea packages. Land portion is fully guided.
Holland America – Good balance of short cruise + extended land time.
Windstar Cruises – Small-ship intimacy combined with land exploration.
Celebrity Cruises – Smooth, high-quality CruiseTours.
Azamara – Great for combining Alaska with the Canadian Rockies.
Alaska in 2027 is going to be spectacular. Whether you dream of glaciers, wildlife encounters, or Denali’s majesty, there’s a perfect trip waiting for you.
Contact Adventures by Amaris, and we'll help you compare options, check availability, and craft an unforgettable Alaska vacation tailored to your preferences and budget. I look forward to helping you create memories that will last a lifetime!