10 Best Alaska Cruises for Seniors in 2024 (2024)

A cruise is an excellent way to visit the Last Frontier. As a retired person, you probably have more time on your hands to travel and experience the world at a more leisurely pace than you did during your working years.

Hopping on a cruise in Alaska and exploring the frozen north can be exciting whether you are headed out alone, with a spouse, or with a group of friends. You can pack your camera and snap photos of the mountains towering over the ship. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a shot of some of the spectacular wildlife calling the state home.

In this article, I’ll show you the top 10 best Alaska cruises for seniors that will be enjoyable and memorable. These cruises offer a variety of activities and amenities that are perfect for those who are looking to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Alaska.

Whether you’re looking for a cruise with great food, amazing views, or plenty of activities, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and get ready to book the best Alaska cruise of your life.

Let’s get started!

Best Alaska Cruises for Seniors

1. Princess Cruise

When you’re on a cruise to Alaska, the scenery is everything. From a Princess cruise ship, you’ll be able to see everything from massive glaciers to wildlife, whether you’re lounging on the deck or relaxing in your beautiful suite.

If you’re in a wheelchair, Princess Cruises are easy to maneuver. You’ll find accessible seating in most of the ship’s lounges and theaters, making it easier for seniors with disabilities to enjoy the journey.

Princess ships offer a variety of activities for seniors, including multiple restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, shows to see, spas, and numerous areas to simply sit and relax while sailing the ocean. Princess also runs special pricing promotions from time to time, including complimentary gratuities, free Wi-Fi, and other discounts.

• Sails from: Vancouver
• Duration: 14 days
• Ship Name: Grand Princess
• Itinerary: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, Anchorage, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver
• Website

2. Norwegian Cruise

Seniors who like the arts and the finer things in life may enjoy a cruise to Alaska on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. You’ll be impressed and amazed by what’s aboard these ultra-luxurious ships. Not only will you get to see everything Alaska has to offer, but you’ll also enjoy all the onboard pampering.

Dine on five-star cuisine in one of the many restaurants and view Broadway-quality plays and performances. Norwegian’s Free at Sea program lets you choose the most cost-effective cruise options for you, such as adding Free Dining or Free Shore Excursions to your voyage.

Norwegian also has specific employees that assist seniors and other travelers who require special assistance. They can help you rent wheelchairs and scooters to get on and off the ship, as well as provide accessible accommodations if you let them know your needs ahead of time.

• Sails from: Seattle
• Duration: 7 days
• Ship Name: Norwegian Bliss
• Itinerary: Seattle, Sitka, Juneau, Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle
• Website

3. Celebrity Cruise

Celebrity Cruises not only offers fantastic trips to Alaska, but seniors will appreciate that it has been recognized for its exceptional service to guests. There are not only accessible accommodations on offer but also accessible excursions!

You won’t have to leave the ship to see spectacular sights. However, should you choose to take a tour off-boat, you could experience the beauty of the totem poles in Ketchikan, pan for gold in Skagway, or tour the town in Victoria.

Celebrity ships are updated and stylish, with spacious accommodations and a variety of dining options, such as the Grand Épernay Restaurant. For added leisure, seniors will be able to unwind on the Retreat Deck, which has a private restaurant.

• Sails from: Seattle
• Duration: 7 nights
• Ship Name: Celebrity Solstice
• Itinerary: Seattle, Ketchikan, Endicott Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Inside Passage, Victoria, Vancouver
• Website

4. Silversea

Silversea Cruise line has smaller ships making your holiday to the Last Frontier less crowded and a much more intimate experience. Silversea has even been named the best cruise line for senior citizens, and the service is sure to leave you speechless.

On these small ships, every suite has an ocean view from its private teak veranda. You can choose an all-inclusive option, you won’t have to worry about money and can instead simply focus on the vacation.

Silversea is famed for its personalized treatment, and more open itineraries. You’ll to spend more time in each destination than with other cruise lines. Enjoy the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary in Ketchikan or go on the Chilkoot Horseback Adventure in Skagway — the choices are nearly endless!

• Sails from: Vancouver
• Duration: 7 days
• Ship Name: Silver Muse
• Itinerary: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Seward
• Website

5. Oceania

The Oceania Regatta ship, which is the cruise line’s flagship, is famed for its trips to Alaska. When you sail with Oceania, you can expect to have an elite experience on a smart, stylish ship. Regatta offers an onboard day spa, lounges, co*cktail bars, a casino, and suites with your own private balcony to enjoy the ocean air for a more intimate experience.

Treat yourself to a magnificent trip aboard this ship, which has a guest-to-staff ratio of 684 to 400, guaranteeing that you are pampered to your heart’s content. Take in everything there is to see in Alaska, including the Tongass National Forest, the Hubbard Glacier, and the celebration of other cultures.

From your veranda, you can go whale watching as you sail through the Alaskan waters!

• Sails from: Los Angeles
• Duration: 12 days
• Ship Name: Regatta
• Itinerary: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Astoria, Outside Passage, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, Vancouver
• Website

6. Azamara Club Cruise

Azamara Club Cruises has been named one of the top cruise lines for seniors, and one of the reasons for this honor is that they provide senior discounts. The staff treats passengers like royalty on this cruise line, and offers exclusive encounters. Azamara also accommodates special needs passengers with accessible cabins.

The all-inclusive costs allow you to relax and enjoy your journey. Azamara is known for long port visits, fantastic accommodations for its passengers while in port, and a variety of onboard amenities that turn your cruise into a dream holiday.

You’ll appreciate learning about Alaska’s rich history and Native traditions, feasting on some of the best Alaskan seafood, and visiting places you never thought you’d see!

NOTE: Azamara paused cruises to Alaska due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they should offer Alaskan destinations again soon!

• Sails from: Vancouver
• Duration: 10 nights
• Ship Name: Azamara Quest
• Itinerary: Vancouver, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Seattle, Vancouver
• Website

7. Carnival

For seniors, there are numerous advantages to sailing Carnival. Carnival provides unique senior rates to passengers aged 55 and over, as well as accessible accommodations.

Your time on the ship can be spent dining at many included restaurants or relaxing in your stateroom, which is decked out in “Carnival Comfort Collection” linens.

If relaxing is not what you had in mind, spend your days enjoying the onboard activities by having a few laughs at the Punchliner Comedy Club or watching one of the ship’s productions. Off-boat excursions can also fill your days! Enjoy a flightseeing trip over a glacier in Juneau or have a crab feast in Ketchikan.

• Sails from: Seattle
• Duration: 6 days
• Ship Name: Carnival Spirit
• Itinerary: Seattle, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle
• Website

8. Holland America

One of the most luxurious cruise lines available, Holland America goes above and beyond to show its guests a great time. They’re particularly known for their cruises to Alaska, so you know you’re in good hands here – in fact, they’ve won awards for their Alaskan cruises!

They offer lots of different deals and specials, such as creating a land and sea trip like this 10-day cruise with rail service to Denali National Park. You can customize your Alaskan experience by taking interesting excursions like the flightseeing safari in Anchorage.

These cruises are only available on Holland America’s mid-sized ships, which are the ideal size for getting close to Alaska’s natural beauty. While onboard, you’ll be able to sample some Alaskan tastes, such as exquisite salmon and other seafood. There are accessible suites as well as suites with a gorgeous balcony where you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee.

• Sails from: Vancouver
• Duration: 10 days
• Ship Name: Nieuw Amsterdam
• Itinerary: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier, Anchorage, Denali (rail)
• Website

9. Royal Caribbean

The cruise line Royal Caribbean is known for innovation, and their trips to Alaska do not disappoint. Royal Caribbean offers a variety of options for seniors who want to see some of the Last Frontier’s most beautiful scenery. You may also combine a cruise with a ground trip to explore more of the area, from wildlife such as eagles and bears to learning about the gold rush’s history.

Alaskan cruises cater to a wide range of interests, and Royal Caribbean is noted for its senior-friendly policies. The lovely ship feature accessible staterooms and can accommodate passengers with vision and hearing impairments as well as mobility concerns.

You will be cared for off the ship just as well as you are on the ship since Royal Caribbean tours are guided by a local “Adventure Specialists”. These experts act as guides as well as historians, and they provide a local perspecitve.

• Sails from: Vancouver
• Duration: 7 nights
• Ship Name: Serenade of the Seas
• Itinerary: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Sitka, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan, Vancouver
• Website

10. Viking Cruise

Viking Cruises to Alaska provide opulent cruising to some of the world’s most picturesque places. You’ll enjoy a huge HD television in your cabin, as well as a balcony, mini bar, and a bathroom with a warm heated floor. Your dining options include flavors from all over the world at restaurants like Manfredi’s Italian and the Chef’s Table.

You’ll love that heated floor as your ship journeys from Vancouver up the inside passage, where you can take in an abundance of magnificent sites.

Choose from seven different guided tours on the 11-day trip.

Viking takes you on an incredible journey from the mountains to the rainforest. Take a helicopter ride over the city to see whales playing in the freezing waters, or go into the forest for a closer look at flora and fauna.

• Sails from: Vancouver
• Duration: 11 days
• Ship Name: Viking Orion
• Itinerary: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Yakutat Bay, Valdez, Seward
• Website

Now is the Best Time to Visit Alaska!

If a cruise to Alaska is on your bucket list, then now is the time to get your trip scheduled. There are so many great ship options when it comes to sailing the Inside Passage, and you can choose the one that hits the spots you want to see most. With special accommodations for seniors offered on most of the ships, there truly is no better time to book your cruise.