Alaska’s Inside Passage is one of the world’s most spectacular cruise routes—glaciers, whales, and wilderness across 500 miles of coastal fjords. Two cruise lines dominate: Holland America and Princess. Here’s how to choose.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Holland America | Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Ship size | Mid-size (1,800–2,600 guests) | Mid-to-large (2,200–3,700 guests) |
| Itinerary | 7–14 nights | 7–14 nights |
| Cost | $$–$$$ | $$$–$$$$ |
| Dining | 5 restaurants, classic style | 8 restaurants, modern |
| Excursions | Nature-focused | Adventure + culture |
| Best for | Traditional cruise lovers | First-time cruisers |
Holland America: Classic Alaskan Heritage
Holland America has been sailing Alaska longer than any other major line—over 75 years. Ships like the Eurodam and Koningsdam offer a more traditional, refined cruise experience.
What makes it special:
- Expert naturalist guides on every Alaska sailing at no extra cost
- Yukon territory tours (land+sea packages) connecting to Whitehorse
- Traditional main dining with Alaskan seafood specials (king crab legs, wild salmon)
- Culinary arts kitchens for cooking demonstrations
Best itinerary: Round-trip Seattle or one-way Vancouver to Whittier. 7 nights hits Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay.
Shore excursions: Gold dredge experience in Skagway ($129), dog sledding on a glacier ($299), whale watching in Stephens Passage ($89). Book throughKlook for 10% off shore excursions before boarding.
Princess: Adventure + Comfort Balance
Princess updated its Alaska program in 2024–2025 with longer port calls and exclusive “North to Alaska” programming. The Ruby Princess and Grand Princess are newer ships with better entertainment.
What makes it special:
- Direct glacier viewing from the ship with unobstructed bow views onselect ships
- Rocky Mountaineer rail packages (voted best land excursion in North America)
- Adventure stores on board with technical gear for shore excursions
- Calypso (Lido) deck with Viewsight telescopic camera for wildlife watching
Best itinerary: “Voyage of the Glaciers” 7-night from Vancouver—a slower route with two glacier experiences (Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay), no Skagway.
Shore excursions: White Pass Scenic Railway ($189, Skagway), flightseeing over Denali ($399), fly-in bear viewing ($349). Book early—popular excursions sell out 2 months ahead.
Choosing the Right Cabin
Inside cabin ($800–$1,200): Cheapest option, no window. Fine for sleeping; save money for excursions.
Oceanview ($1,200–$1,800): Real window, marginally better for Alaska. Consider this the sweet spot.
Balcony ($1,800–$3,500): Worth the premium for Alaska. Watching glaciers from your balcony with a glass of wine is an unforgettable experience.
Mini-suite ($2,500–$4,500): More space, better toiletries, and priority boarding.
Booking Strategy
When to book: 6–9 months ahead for best cabin selection. January and February see early-bird discounts (10–15% off).
Princess Plus package: At $60/day, includes unlimited WiFi, gratuities, and beverage package. Usually pays for itself if you drink 2+ cocktails/day.
Holland America Have It All: At $70/day, adds shore excursion credit ($100/person), premium WiFi, and specialty dining.
Practical Info
- Alaska weather: Pack layers. It’s 50–60°F in summer, but glacier tenders are colder. Rain jacket essential.
- Glacier Bay National Park: Requires park ranger on board; Holland America includes this, Princess has naturalist-guided glacier viewing.
- Getting to Vancouver/Seattle: Flight into Seattle (SEA) is usually cheaper. Pre-night in Seattle before cruise.
- Internet: Remote Alaska has limited connectivity.Princess WiFi packages from $14.99/day. Download offline maps for Juneau/Skagway.
- Travel insurance: Alaska weather can cause delays. AirHelp covers cruise delays and cancellations.
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