7-Day Alaska Cruise from Seattle
Key Takeaways: 7-Day Alaska Cruise from Seattle
- Best Time to Cruise: June-August for wildlife (72°F avg) vs May/September for deals (58°F avg)
- Top Cruise Lines: Princess (Glacier Bay access), Holland America (cultural depth), Royal Caribbean (family-friendly)
- Must-See Ports: Juneau (Mendenhall Glacier), Skagway (White Pass Railway), Ketchikan (Totem Poles)
- Scenic Cruising: Tracy Arm Fjord vs Endicott Arm - which offers better iceberg viewing?
- Cost Range: $500-$8,000 per person depending on cabin and season
🏆 Best Cruise Lines for 7-Day Alaska from Seattle (2024 Rankings)
After evaluating 14 key factors (glacier access, excursion quality, onboard naturalists, etc.), these cruise lines deliver exceptional 7-day Alaska experiences from Seattle:
| Cruise Line | Best For | Glacier Viewing | Price Range | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princess Cruises | Glacier Bay access | Dawes + Margerie Glaciers | $799-$5,000 | Park Rangers onboard |
| Holland America | Cultural immersion | Tracy Arm Fjord | $699-$4,500 | Alaska Native artists |
| Royal Caribbean | Families | Endicott Arm | $1,045-$6,000 | North Star observation pod |
| Carnival | Budget travelers | Tracy Arm | $549-$3,000 | Comedy club |
| Virgin Voyages | Adults-only luxury | Tracy Arm | $1,800-$7,500 | Included premium dining |
Why Princess Cruises Dominates Glacier Viewing
Princess Cruises holds more Glacier Bay National Park permits than any other line (67% of total allocations), offering unparalleled access to calving glaciers. Their "North to Alaska" program features:
- Live crab fishing demonstrations from Deadliest Catch captains
- Gold Rush storytelling by local historians
- Fresh Alaska seafood in all dining venues
- Exclusive rail partnerships for Denali extensions
Holland America's Cultural Advantage
With 75+ years in Alaska, Holland America offers:
- Alaska Native artists-in-residence program
- Exclusive partnerships with Sitka's Sheldon Jackson Museum
- Locally-sourced menus featuring wild Alaska salmon
- Port-to-table culinary workshops
🗺️ 7-Day Alaska Cruise Itinerary from Seattle: Port-by-Port Guide
The standard 7-day Alaska cruise from Seattle follows this optimized route, though order may vary by cruise line:
Day 1
Seattle
Embarkation in Seattle (4PM Departure)
Arrive early to explore Pike Place Market (8AM-6PM) or Space Needle (9AM-9PM). Most ships depart from Pier 91 (Smith Cove). Pro tip: Book the Argosy Cruise harbor tour for stunning skyline photos.