Like other cruise vacations, prices on Alaskan cruises go up and down each year. To help you budget your trip, I’ve researched prices for the upcoming Alaska cruise season and found that the cost of an Alaska cruise in 2025 will range from $600 to $10,000 per person.
This considerable price variation depends on several key factors, which we will cover in this article. Let me take you through everything you should know about planning and budgeting your unforgettable Alaska-bound cruise ship adventure.
In This Article:
Factors That Impact the Cost of an Alaska Cruise
As mentioned, cruise prices vary depending on a wide range of factors. Everything from when you book and the type of onboard accommodations you select to your preferred itinerary and the upgrades you add will determine your final cost.
To help you properly budget your dream Alaska cruise, I’m going to cover some of the main factors that will impact the price of your trip.
Not only will this help you understand why Alaskan cruises are priced the way they are, but you’ll also learn how to take advantage of last-minute deals and promotions to land an amazing deal on a trip that matches your preferences.
Time of Year
The time of year when you sail will significantly impact how much you pay for your Alaskan cruise. While most cruise destinations have seasons that are more popular than others, Alaska’s peak season tends to be more pronounced, as seasonal weather conditions limit the length of the cruise season and have a significant impact on the overall passenger experience.
Alaska’s peak season for all types of tourism, including cruises, runs from June until August. Not only are these months the warmest and most comfortable for outdoor activities, but Alaska’s famed wildlife tends to be more visible during these months.
Given that viewing stunning landscapes and wild animals like seals, orcas, bald eagles, and bears are the main Alaska attractions, it makes sense that most people want to cruise Alaska when they are at peak visibility.
As with other cruise destinations, cruises booked during peak season tend to be the priciest. For example, when I checked prices for 7-night Alaskan cruises in July of this year, the lowest prices were around $1,700 per person.
While this price may seem reasonable, it’s worth remembering that I was searching for bare-bones cruises with few inclusions or extras.
If you are flexible and looking to save money on your cruise, I recommend booking during the shoulder seasons, which run from April to May and September to October.
While there is no getting around the fact that temperatures are cooler during these months and the weather can be less predictable, the savings can be pretty significant. When I checked, a similar itinerary to the one discussed above could be found for as low as $1,100 per person—a savings of around $600!
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Based on my own experiences with cruising Alaska, traveling during the shoulder seasons is one of the best ways to bring costs down. Sure, you won’t get the same mild temperatures you could expect in the summer, but you’ll pay less and experience fewer crowds.
There are also a few extra advantages to traveling during the less desirable shoulder months, like excellent whale-watching opportunities in the spring, a higher chance of viewing the northern lights in the fall, and far more affordable shore excursions.
Plus, the same glaciers, fjords, and tree-covered coastlines you would see in the summer are just as visible during the spring and fall!
Itinerary and Length of the Cruise
The duration of your voyage and the specific itinerary are also major factors that will impact the cost of your Alaskan cruise.
Here’s what I found for the 2025 season: shorter cruises, like basic 5-night itineraries, typically start at around $600 per person, or about $120 per day, regardless of the time of year.
On the other hand, longer cruises, like 7 to 10-night itineraries, often range from $2,000 to $5,000 per person, averaging about $200 to $500 per day.
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While you may assume that stretching your Alaskan cruise vacation out might bring costs down, most cruise lines actually charge significantly higher rates for these more elaborate itineraries, even on a per-day basis.
While costs are typically higher for the lengthier Alaskan voyages, I find they offer plenty of unique advantages that can help justify their higher price points.
Naturally, a longer voyage means a longer vacation and more time to explore everything Alaska has to offer, but that’s just the beginning. Another huge advantage is that longer cruises tend to visit the less frequented Alaskan ports and towns, such as Sitka Cruise Port or Icy Strait Point, offering passengers unique experiences that shorter itineraries usually skip over.
Personally, when I decided to pay a bit extra for a longer itinerary, I found that the extra time to explore Alaska’s Inside Passage was worth every penny.
It also gave the entire cruise a more relaxed feel, so I didn’t feel as pressured to see everything I wanted to see. Instead, I felt I could try to spot the wildlife and take in the landscape in a more natural and calming way.
Type of Cabin Selected
As with any cruise vacation, your choice of cabin or suite type also plays a big role in the final cost of your trip. Unsurprisingly, nicer and more spacious accommodations tend to come with a higher price tag, but it’s actually not as straightforward as you may assume.
Here’s just a basic overview of what I found when I looked into this year’s prices for different cabin types on Alaskan cruises:
As expected, interior staterooms on almost every Alaska-bound cruise ship are the most budget-friendly option. Most shoulder-season Alaska cruises start at around $600 to $800 per person.
If you want to upgrade to an ocean-view cabin, which I highly recommend when visiting Alaska, prices typically begin around $800 per person.
Remember that one of the main attractions of cruising Alaska is the scenery, so I would say it is more than worth paying extra to enjoy the landscapes and wildlife from the privacy of your cabin.
Now, balcony cabins are undoubtedly my favorite when cruising Alaska because the views of the glaciers, coastlines, and wildlife are even better when you can enjoy them in solitude.
Plus, a balcony allows you to enjoy some outdoor solitude to enjoy the sounds and smells of this untouched part of the world. With that said, a private balcony will increase your cruise costs quite a bit, as they usually start at $1,200 per person.
Finally, when it comes to splurging on a luxury suite, I found that prices for even a basic itinerary and shoulder-month voyage start at around $2,500 per person.
These prices can climb well above $5,000 per person, so they’re definitely pricier, but they can be worthwhile if you enjoy more personal space and more luxurious amenities.
A Note on Cabin Types for Alaskan Cruises
I mentioned above that it could be worth spending money on an outside cabin with a large window when cruising Alaska. The views are one of the main attractions of these pristine landscapes, and it’s worth taking a moment to stress this point.
The only thing that makes these views better is enjoying them privately. I find that Alaska’s beauty is best enjoyed in silence, so having your own private view ensures you won’t have this experience impacted by your fellow passengers as you try to take in the sights on a crowded deck.
Personally, some of my favorite memories of cruising Alaska are enjoying the view with a coffee and total solitude from my private balcony.
It is also worth noting just how long some days can be in Alaska, so you’re paying a premium for a private view, but you will get lots of value out of it.
For example, if you book your cruise for June, also known as the month of the Midnight Sun, you can anticipate 21 to 22 hours of daylight per day, providing you with ample time to enjoy the view from your cabin or suite.
Another thing I’ve noticed in previous years is that more luxurious accommodations, like balcony cabins and suites, are far more affordable during the shoulder months.
While you would expect prices to drop for any cruise package booked during the off-season, the discounts on luxury accommodations are even more evident.
This trend looks like it will continue in 2025, as I’ve noticed discounts of around 40% for suites during the fall compared to discounts closer to 30% for regular cabins booked during this same time of year.
If you can’t afford a suite or balcony cabin during the summer, consider booking your cruise later in the year. You might just pay less for a much nicer category of room than you would pay for the most basic cabin during peak season.
Cruise Line and Ship
Another price factor that isn’t exactly unique to Alaskan cruises is which cruise line and cruise ship you choose. While I can’t say that any of this came as a surprise, here’s what I found when I was checking prices for the 2025 season:
Luxury Cruise Lines
Luxury cruise lines, like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea Cruises, had much higher prices for 7-day voyages, starting at around $5,000 per person.
Keep in mind that these packages not only offered all-inclusive experiences and comfortable accommodations but also included stops in lesser-visited destinations, like Hubbard Glacier and Icy Strait Point.
Cunard also falls into this higher tier, but I found prices were surprisingly reasonable, with most packages starting around $2,000 per person.
This could be because Cunard’s Alaskan voyages had pretty basic itineraries, but I must admit I was surprised by the relatively low prices, especially given many of their voyages are 10- and 11-night voyages.
Mid-Range Cruise Lines
If you’re not willing to shell out for a luxury cruise on one of the more amenity-filled cruise ships, mid-range cruise lines can also offer an amazing experience at a middle-ground price.
Cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line are all good options, with many of their Alaska-bound cruise ships offering plenty of amenities, great food, and reasonable prices.
From my research, prices for a typical 7-night cruise through these cruise lines tend to start around $1,000. If these types of cruise ships and itineraries sound appealing to you, you should be able to secure your trip for under $2,400. The more flexible you are with departure dates, the easier it is to get a good deal.
If you want to see a lot but still keep costs reasonable, Royal Caribbean’s Wilderness Frontier Explorer cruises have seven stops and an average price of $2,300. That’s a great deal!
Budget-Friendly Cruise Lines
For those looking to experience an Alaskan cruise on a tighter budget, I highly recommend checking out cruise packages through some of the more entry-level cruise lines. MSC Cruises looks to be offering plenty of affordable options for Alaskan cruises that set sail from Seattle in 2025.
Carnival Cruise Line is also offering some great prices on Alaskan cruises this year, with many featuring stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Seward. If you’re flexible with departure dates, you can land a 7-day cruise for as low as $700 per person on a relatively nice cruise ship.
Personally, I usually opt for a mid-range cruise line and ship. I find this strikes a reasonable balance between cost and amenities.
While the sights and sounds of the Last Frontier are always the main attraction when you’re on one of these types of cruises, it’s still good to have a memorable onboard experience, especially given how intense some of the rain can be in Alaska.
Other Costs to Consider When Budgeting for Your Alaskan Cruise
Beyond the price of booking your cruise, there are always additional costs associated with taking a cruise. The following are just some of the expenses you should anticipate when making your Alaskan cruise budget:
Travel to and From the Departure Port
Remember to factor in the cost of getting to and from your departure port. Most Alaska cruises leave from Seattle Cruise Port in Washington, Vancouver Cruise Port in British Columbia, Canada, or occasionally Alaskan cruise ports.
Depending on where you are coming from, flights can cost between $300 and $600 per person. I recommend arriving a day early to avoid travel delays. A night at a mid-range hotel in these cities can cost between $100 and $250, so it’s another cost you should budget for.
When I last cruised Alaska, I departed from Vancouver Cruise Port. Arriving in the city the day before my departure date not only helped me avoid feeling stressed at the airport but also allowed me to explore the city’s beautiful Stanley Park and amazing food scene. For me, this was well worth the extra cost.
Shore Excursions
The right shore excursions can make your Alaska cruise even more memorable, but they come at an extra cost. Some of the most popular activities include whale-watching tours, which tend to cost around $100 to $250 per person; fishing trips, which typically cost between $200 and $400 per person; and pricey helicopter glacier tours, which can cost as much as $650.
While there is plenty to do in port without booking an expensive shore excursion, you may want to anticipate these costs ahead of time if you have your heart set on seeing whales in their natural habitat, taking a dog sledding tour, or even just want to enjoy a guided hiking tour.
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While some of these excursions are expensive, I find they are worth every penny. They can be true once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I’d recommend putting aside at least a couple hundred bucks just so you have the option, even if you don’t plan on booking anything ahead of time.
Even if you don’t book an excursion, it’s also a good idea to set some spending money aside for when you are exploring the ports and towns. You wouldn’t want to miss the chance to pick up a uniquely Alaskan souvenir or try some of the 49th state’s famous seafood restaurants.
Gratuities
Unless you have booked a package that includes pre-paid gratuities, paying extra for gratuities is customary on pretty much every cruise.
Expect to pay around $15 to $25 per person per day, depending on the cruise line and your room type. For example, in 2025, Norwegian Cruise Line charges stateroom guests $16.00 per person per day as an automatic gratuities fee.
I recommend budgeting for tips in advance to avoid surprises on your final bill. I’ve also brought some loose cash on some of my trips, so I can tip a little extra if I think a staff member has gone above and beyond.
Specialty Dining and Beverages
While main dining rooms are generally included, specialty restaurants and drinks often incur additional charges. Here’s what I found when I checked prices for this cruise season:
On most ships, specialty dining tends to cost around $25 to $50 per meal, but the fees are higher for the more prestigious restaurants.
If you want to purchase a beverage package, prices vary, but I have found a few general trends. Non-alcoholic packages usually start around $20 per day, while alcoholic packages range from $50 to $100 per day.
For example, Holland America Line charges $59.99 per guest per day for an alcoholic drinks package on their Alaskan cruises.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance might be one of the most overlooked cruise expenses, but having one is a must when visiting a remote and unpredictable location like Alaska.
Policies typically cost between 5% to 10% of your trip cost, so prices will vary depending on what you book. While it’s not mandatory, I have always felt that travel insurance is worth it for peace of mind.
Conclusion
Considering all factors, the cost of your cruise, additional expenses, and even the cost of getting to your point of departure, the total cost of an Alaska cruise in 2025 can range from $700 to $10,000 per person.
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Sure, this is a huge range, but it just goes to show how important budgeting is when it comes to taking an Alaskan cruise.
Plan carefully and avoid hidden costs and unexpected expenses. This will make budgeting easier and help you enjoy a stress-free trip, allowing you to focus on everything Alaska has to offer rather than worry about costs.
