As the allure of Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife continues to captivate travelers, major cruise lines are expanding their offerings to this stunning destination.
MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages have announced new itineraries designed to immerse guests in the unparalleled natural beauty and unique cultural experiences that Alaska has to offer. These cruise lines are set to enhance the travel experience with thoughtfully curated excursions showcasing the region’s majestic glaciers, diverse wildlife and vibrant indigenous cultures.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises’ MSC Poesia will homeport in Seattle and embark on her inaugural sailing to Alaska on May 11, 2026. This mid-sized ship is perfectly designed to explore the narrow channels of the Inside Passage and offer stunning views of glaciers up close.
Guests can expect 7-night itineraries that include calls to Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Tracy Arm and Victoria, British Columbia. A wide range of shore excursions will cater to every type of traveler, whether they seek adventure, culture or culinary delights. From ATV expeditions through the remote wilderness to zip-lining over scenic vistas and whale-watching tours, each excursion is crafted to showcase Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage and exceptional wildlife encounters.
For more information, visit msccruisesusa.com.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is set to enhance its Alaska offerings with the Voyager of the Seas, joining other ships like Anthem of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas in the 2025 season.
Your clients can choose from 7-night adventures from Seattle or 7- to 13-night getaways from Vancouver, British Columbia, or Seward, Alaska. Highlights for the Summer 2026 season include:
- Voyager of the Seas: 7-night voyages from Seattle, featuring stops at Dawes Glacier, Endicott Arm fjord, Juneau, Sitka and Skagway, as well as Icy Strait Point.
- Ovation of the Seas: Alternating northbound and southbound voyages from Seward and Vancouver, showcasing the wonders of Juneau, Sitka, Skagway and Hubbard Glacier, one of Alaska’s largest tidewater glaciers.
- Anthem of the Seas: 7-night vacations from Seattle that explore Gold Rush-era Skagway, the wildlife-rich environment of Sitka, and breathtaking fjord views in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.
- Serenade of the Seas: Sailings from Vancouver to Icy Strait Point, the Inside Passage, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Tracy Arm fjord.
For information, visit royalcaribbeancruisetours.com
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is set to sail to Alaska between May and September, with Brilliant Lady, the newest ship in the fleet. This journey promises a front-row seat to the Pacific Northwest’s woody shores, offering opportunities to witness majestic wildlife in their natural habitat.
Guests will have the chance to spot bald eagles, seals and humpback whales while enjoying activities such as salmon fishing, glacier trekking, lumberjack shows and dog sledding. Itineraries range from 7 to 12 nights, departing from Seattle and Vancouver, with stops in various Alaskan and Canadian ports.
The MerMaiden voyage from May 21-28, 2025, will take passengers from Seattle to Ketchikan, then on to the verdant Sitka and up Tracy Arm Fjord. Brilliant Lady will also dock in Prince Rupert (British Columbia), a picturesque coastal town, before making her way back to Seattle.
For more details, visit VirginVoyages.com.
