cruise ship jobs vancouver bc

Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services

About intercruises shoreside & port services.

Intercruises is an experienced global business offering turnaround, shore excursion, port operations and hotel-program services to the ocean and river cruise industry.

Current Job Openings

Shore ex supervisor - victoria, bc.

ABOUT THE JOB ?Responsible for the smooth Shorex operations- from start to end (operations, staff and contact person for Shorex Ship Manager) ?Being physically present...

Shore Ex Tour Support - Victoria

We are looking for: ·            Dynamic & enthusiastic individuals who can provide quality customer service. ·           ...

Shore Ex Pier Staff - Victoria

About the Job · Report to the Shorex Pier Supervisor and help prepare for dispatching of guests. · Assigned task during dispatch include, displaying...

Walking Tour Guide - Victoria

We are looking for: ·   Dynamic & enthusiastic individuals who can provide quality customer service. ·   Enjoy interacting with people from...

Walking Tour Guides

We are hiring Walking Tour Guides in Victoria, BC.  A perfect opportunity for individuals who enjoy interacting with people from all over the world.  Share...

Supervisor Shorex

INTERCRUISES SHORESIDE AND PORT SERVICES works in unison with cruise ship representatives, coordinating a dual-branded operation to deliver a seamless journey...

Shorex Pier Staff & Tour Support

Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services has the following two positons available in Victoria, BC Looking for individuals that can work independently, friendly,...

Bus Dispatcher

Come join us at the Vancouver Cruise Terminal to work the 2022 Cruise Ship Season.   What you will be doing: The dispatcher will manage the flow of bus traffic...

• Date posted

Search jobs > Vancouver, BC > Cruise ship

Cruise ship jobs in Vancouver, BC

Intern, Digital Ship

Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government of Canada has embarked on one of the.. The NSS is a nation building effort to create a sustainable Canadian shipbuilding industry, secure long..

Deltaport Ship Planner

We have an opportunity for a Ship Planner within our Deltaport Ship Planning Department. This is a unionized position represented by ILWU Local 502.Duties Reporting to the Manager, Terminal..

reservations supervisor

Education. Expérience. Education College, CEGEP or other non university certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to 2 years Tasks Assist clients guests with special needs Co..

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Break Into the Dinner & Entertainment Cruise Business

Fabulous British Columbia, Canada awaits! If you're Canadian or want to work in Canada, then check out job opportunities with Harbour Cruises & Events. Learn about the company, its vessels, and hiring practices below. Become a CruiseJobFinder Member to access the entire interview.

Interview Excerpt

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Please describe what your company does. What is your role in the staffing process?

We are the largest dinner and entertainment cruise company in Vancouver. We offer the only narrated tour of Vancouver's inner harbor and have the popular sunset dinner cruise.

We also offer the only Luncheon cruise through a stunning mountain fjord along the coast. We offer many other special cruises for events and holidays as well as private charters for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and more.

How many vessels does your company operate?

Our three main vessels are the MV Britannia, the MPV Constitution, and the MV Harbour Princess.

Our cruises usually last 3 or 4 hours and the format is similar. We follow a specific route and offer entertainment, food and beverages and exquisite views. The employee will need to make the guests' time on board as enjoyable, relaxing and comfortable as possible.

What are some of the common job titles you advertise for?

Harbor Tour Guide, Bar Service Staff, Event Planners, Catering Service Staff, Entertainers, Sales Agents, Catering Supervisors, Office Clerks and Onboard Supervisors are some of them.

Do you have a 'season' or 'seasons' where you're busiest? Describe the seasonality aspect of your business.

We are open all year round, but only during week days from January to March and November. We are open 7 days a week during our busy summer season from May to October with a slightly shorter period of operation in April.

Do you have a lot of college kids working for you?

Yes. It is probably due to the fact that jobs are fun, social, and offer flexible days and hours.

Are there any common traits people should have in order to get hired, and then to succeed in the cruise industry?

Cruises, whether they are big or small, are all tourism related, so you need to have a knack for tourism, an interest in your surrounding area, and a passion about meeting new people and introducing them to the places that you love. You must also be a team player.

What advice would you give people to help them prepare for interviews with your company?

We advise people to not over prepare for interviews. We done want a robot to come in there and carefully give us planned answers. We want someone to come in to see us with a smile, be himself, and talk naturally and honestly to us.

What type of person gravitates towards these jobs?

We get candidates who only stay with us for a short period and move on, but the majority of our employees are students who do work on weekends and over the vacation period.

The type of person who enjoys working on a cruise ships is a traveler at heart, but who is looking for more stability in his or her life.

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Vancouver (BC Canada)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Alaska

Local Time 2024-06-18 17:43

Port Vancouver cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Vancouver, BC Canada. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Vancouver is Canada's "Alaskan" cruise port and homeport for Alaska-based liners during summer. The port handles annually between 240-270 cruise ship calls and over 1 million passengers through Canada Place cruise terminal. Port's total annual economic impact is ~USD 1,6 billion.

As the number and sizes of cruise liners to Vancouver constantly increase, the port is more and more often ranked as congested. The average passenger capacity of the vessels increased by 138% (up to 3100 pax) and the average LOA length increased by 50%, (up to 300 m / 985 ft). However, Canada Place Terminal's capacity is limited as the facility was built for older design ships.

Port Vancouver

Vancouver's cruise shipping business generates nearly US$3 million by each visiting vessel (at Canada Place), nearly 7000 Canadian jobs, ~US$300 million in wages, ~US$840 million to Canada's GDP. As cargo port, Vancouver BC is ranked North America's 3rd largest - after South Louisiana (along Mississippi River) and Houston TX . It serves shipping lines connecting Canada with 170+ countries. Port's annual trade volume is estimated at ~USD 200 billion. It sustains a total of 115,300 Canadian jobs, and generates US$7 billion in wages and US$12 billion in GDP.

The Port Authority company Vancouver Fraser manages the federal seaport lands in and around the city. Vancouver is Canada’s largest cruise port and main homeport for Alaskan cruises. The port has 28 marine terminals serving Ro-Ro ships (car carriers), break-bulk and bulk carriers, container ships and cruise vessels.

• In 2019, BC Government, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and FortisBC (natural gas and electricity provider) signed a deal to establish Westcoast Canada's first STS LNG (ship-to-ship LNG ) marine bunkering. The new service is for ocean-going and large-sized vessels, including BC Ferries ships .
• The project includes a 5-year construction period for building the needed infrastructure. The project's economic contribution was estimated at CAD 1,8 billion (to BC's GDP/during the construction) and an annual impact of CAD 930 million.
• State's LNG bunkering business was inaugurated in 2017. Currently, 5x Ro-Pax ships (BC Ferries) and two cargo ferries (Seaspan) are truck-fuelled with LNG by FortisBC. By the new project, large vessels are LNG-fuelled via barge, being filled up at a jetty on Fraser River (Tilbury Island).

Port's cruising season is May through late-September / early-October. Since 2008, the seaport voluntary purchases renewable / wind energy. At Canada Place terminal, port's cruise business generates (direct economic activity) an average of USD 3 million per visiting vessel. Ship types vary from large and mainstream to top-luxury and small expedition vessels. Inaugurated in 2009, Canada Place terminal's shore-to-ship power capabilities reduce significantly the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by visiting vessels. The new technology allows docked cruise ships to shut down completely their diesel engines and connect to BC Hydro’s electrical grid for all the needed onboard electrical power while berthed. The volume of reduced emissions per year is over 2200 tons. Approx 40% of all cruise vessels visiting the port are shorepower enabled. As incentives for using shorepower, the port offers 50% reduction in harbour dues.

In 2010, the port was visited by around 600,000 cruise ship tourists. In 2014 was closed the Ballantyne Pier terminal. Since then, Canada Place is city's only remaining cruise ship terminal.

In 2015, the cruise port handled a total of 228 ship visits (32 different vessels) and over 800,000 passengers. During season 2015, Princess Cruises introduced new roundtrip Vancouver itineraries to Hawaii and US West Coast (California) on Ruby Princess . Port's 2016 statistics included directly generated nearly 7,000 jobs (country-wide), USD 300 million in paid wages and USD 840 million to Canada's GDP.

On May 20, 2017, the cruise port reported a record day with 3 ship calls ( Emerald Princess , Star Princess , ms Nieuw Amsterdam ) and a total of 15,800 cruise tourists. Vancouver police units were assigned to direct traffic. The port authority warned of transportation delays. The record day resulted in hours-long waits at Canada Place terminal (for customs processing) and additional long waits for taxis. The taxicab problem was mainly due to the limited number of cab licenses issued in Vancouver City, as well as the local prohibition of ride-sharing services.

Over Canada Day 2017's long weekend (July 1, 2, 3), a fleet of 8 cruise ships came into Vancouver harbour docking at Canada Place. These ships ( Golden Princess / overnight, Star Princess , Nieuw Amsterdam , Noordam , Celebrity Infinity , Norwegian Sun , Crystal Serenity and Disney Wonder) had total economic impact on local businesses estimated at USD 24 million. It was based on the average USD 3 million per cruise liner ashore passenger spending (on restaurants, shopping, pre- and post-voyage hotel stays, local transportation, day tours). In 2017, the cruise port had scheduled a total of 236 ship calls (2% increase over 2016) and handled nearly 843,000 passengers (3% increase over 2016). During season 2017, the port had scheduled 33 different liners from the fleets of 15 different companies. The port's economic impact in 2017 is USD 3 million per ship call (including spending on tours, hotels, taxis, shopping, etc).

For season 2018, the cruise port reported a record year - 243 ship calls (7% increase over 2017), 33 different ships, 14 different companies, over 900,000 passengers. On May 23 was celebrated port's 25 millionth arriving cruise ship tourist. Port's largest liner so far is NCL's Norwegian Bliss (capacity 4200 passengers). NCL Bliss departed from Vancouver (Oct 1, 5-day repositioning cruise) to Los Angeles via San Francisco . Port's 1 millionth cruise passenger mark was reached in 2002 (1,060383 million).

In 2018-H1 (first half), port's containerized cargo volumes increased by 5% (over 2017-H1) to the record number 1,64 million TEU-containers. The increase was due to increasing international demand for Canadian goods and Canadian demand for Asian goods. Beside container shipping trade, port's results also showed:

• increase in potash (22,7%), autos (8%), coal (8,9%), forest (4%) and petroleum (40,2%) products
• decline in grain (10,2%, crops-feed), chemicals-minerals (5%), ores-concentrates (27,8%). Port's 2018-H1 cargo traffic (over 2017-H1) report included:
• Overall cargo increased 4,4% - to total 72,1 million tons.
• Auto units increased 8,3%, to total 236396.
• Breakbulk cargoes increased 14,4 % - to total 8,8 million tons, including 21,1% in domestic traffic.
• Drybulk cargoes increased 0,7%.
• Liquid bulk cargoes increased 28,3%, including 40,2% in petroleum products.
• TEU-container shipping increased 5,1% - to total 1,64 million.
• Cruise shipping traffic increased 12,7%.

For season 2019 (March 29 through November 1), the number of handled ship calls was 288 (+22% over 2018), with estimated 1,077 million passengers. Berth bookings 2019 were made by 24 brands/companies for 41 different vessels. New cruise lines included Azamara (ship Azamara Quest ), Cunard ( MS Queen Elizabeth ), Viking Ocean ( MS Viking Orion ) and Hurtigruten ( MS Roald Amundsen ). Other new liners (with maiden port calls) included Ovation OTS , Celebrity Eclipse , Norwegian Joy , Royal Princess , Star Legend , Silver Muse , L’Austral .

In mid-July 2020 was opened G3 Terminal Vancouver (grain export terminal, construction works started in March 2017.) featuring modern design, loop track elevators, a direct railway link for taking Canadian Prairies grain via trains (and loading it onto drybulk cargo ships), max capacity 3x 150-car trains and storage capacity 180,000 MT (metric tonnes). Trains unload while in motion and go back to the terminal’s elevators without detaching from the locomotives. At G3’s berth/dock are installed 3x loaders that move the grain (max capacity 6500 tons per hour) onto the ship. G3 Terminal Vancouver is a joint-venture between Western Stevedoring Company Ltd and G3 Global Holdings - a joint-venture between Bunge Ltd (US-based agribusiness and food company) and SALIC Canada Ltd (subsidiary of SALIC-Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company).

Despite the Coronavirus crisis, 2020 became a record-breaking year in Vancouver Port's 108-year history by revenues (~USD 50 million / ~EUR 42M) or 15% increase over 2019. Moved through the seaport were 7+ million MT (metric tonnes) of commodities, 5,4+ million MT of grain, 0,3+ million MT of copper concentrate, 2700+ wind turbines, ~90,000 automobiles.

For season 2022 (April 10 thru November 2) the cruise port handled 307 ship calls (+6,5% over 2019's 288 visits/~85% from homeported vessels, including 10x maiden calls and 18x shorepower berthings) and ~815,000 tourists.

2023 (April 12th thru October 24th) was Port Vancouver's record year, with booked a total of 332 cruise ship berthings (~9% increase over 2022) and ~1,25 million tourists (+54% over 2022 and +10% over 2019).

For 2024 (March 11th thru October 29th), the Port had scheduled/booked a total of 329 ship berthings, with projected ~1,27 million passengers to pass through the Canada Place Terminal (~2% increase over 2023).

In October 2023, Seaspan Vancouver Drydock (in North Vancouver/on 203 Esplanade E) received permit approval from the Port Authority to extend its drydock facilities and expand the infrastructure in order to be able to provide services (ship repairs and maintenance works) to larger vessels. The project included the extension of Seaspan's water lot by 130 ft/40 m and the addition of two new drydocks (smaller) plus a floating pontoon, located to the west of the old drydocks. The project's completion was slated for 2024-Q4.

Vancouver cruise terminal

Canada's Government established Port Metro Vancouver (locode CAVAN) in January 2008. Today, the Port is ranked North America's fourth-largest and Canada's largest by annually handled tonnage. Port Vancouver is in western Canada, at British Colombia’s southwestern corner. Its cruise schedule lists voyages from spring through fall, with vessels departing from Canada Place Ship Terminal.

The Terminal's address is "Canada Place Pier, 99 Canada Place Vancouver, BC, Canada".

Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal

The Canada Place Vancouver terminal was inaugurated on April 28, 1986. The facility's design features 5 sail-shaped roofs. Except the building, other facilities include VINCI Car Park, Port Metro Office, World Trade Center Office, Pan-Pacific Hotel.

At Canada Place Terminal are available restrooms, baggage trolleys, a snack shop. From the Terminal are directly accessed ship berths North (length 274 m / 900 ft), East (506 m / 1660 ft) and West (326 m / 1070 ft).

In May 2015, Canada Place Vancouver became the world's first cruise terminal with a total of 10x BorderXpress APC kiosks (abbrev "Automated Passport Control"). The project was a collaboration of Port Metro Vancouver and the Vancouver Airport Authority.

• In comparison to the traditional clearance process, the new computerized kiosks increased 4 times the terminal's passenger processing rates. The terminal's US Customs and Border Protection area is utilized prior to ship embarkation on Canada to Alaska cruise itineraries.
• Cruise tourists using BorderXpress APCs at Port Metro Vancouver proceed directly to the self-service kiosks in the passenger processing area. Then they simply have to follow the on-screen instructions, scan their passports and answer some customs declaration questions. Then embarking passengers receive a receipt that confirms their information and continue to a US Customs officer to finalize their processing.
• The overall result was increased efficiency, less congestion, faster customs processing and shorter wait times.
• Cruise passengers eligible for BorderXpress APCs are American and Canadian passport holders, as well as US Permanent Residents.
• The service is available at no cost to the user and pre-registration is not required.

Cruise terminal luggage storage and delivery

For cruise ship passengers in Vancouver, PorterGenie offers the only curbside luggage pick-up/delivery and storage service. Pick-up and delivery locations can be anywhere: Vancouver International Airport, hotels in the Metro Vancouver area, train and bus stations, etc. PorterGenie can pick-up your luggage from anywhere in Metro Vancouver, store as long as you need, and deliver it back to you anywhere you like.

You can use PorterGenie to transport your luggage from the airport to Canada Place Terminal or the other way around. You can schedule service online at www.portergenie.com or call PorterGenie toll-free at 1-888-411-5260. No payment is required for scheduling and cancellations are free. You are encouraged to schedule in advance before the busy season.

Ballantyne Pier Terminal

The Ballantyne terminal is located on 851 Centennial Road, Vancouver. It looks like a commercial dock after its 1995 renovation and extensions. Amenities include luggage carts, restrooms, snack concessions, security and taxi ranks. The berth is only one – East, 1200 ft.

• Address: Ballantyne Pier, 655 Centenniel Road, Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Parking:$15 Canadian daily ($10 US – depends on exchange rate).
• Vancouver's second cruise terminal (Ballantyne Pier) ceased operations in 2014.

Harbour Center Tower: enjoy beautiful city panorama from the 581 ft roof.

Gastown: located at the old Vancouver, nice and quiet place for a coffee.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden: the perfect equilibrium located at the city center, blended with the four elements, architecture and rock, plants and water.

Stanley Park: enjoy the native American Totem Poles and the Vancouver Aquarium in the biggest North America urban park.

Vancouver Aquarium: variety of sealife – dolphins, beluga whales, sea turtles and sea lions

Capilano Suspension Bridge: located over Capilano river, hundreds of feet tall.

Grouse Mountain: enjoy Wildlife Refuge situated on 5 acre with its wolves and bears.

Vancouver tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Vancouver - user reviews and comments

Protect Your Trip »

The 8 top alaska cruise lines of 2024.

Discover the best lines and itineraries for your type of travel style.

The Top Alaska Cruise Lines

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

A cruise vacation to Alaska is a profound adventure. The spectacular natural beauty, rugged wilderness, massive glaciers and endless opportunities for wildlife viewing make a trip to the 49th state a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers. As an added bonus, cruise ships can reach remote parts of the state, including Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve: one of the most significant (and picturesque) marine and wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

With the ever-growing popularity of the destination and an extended cruising season (some lines now travel to Alaska between April and October), more ships are heading north to the shores of The Great Land. With these expanded itineraries, there's more than ever to think about when booking your Alaska cruise.

To assist in your decision-making process, U.S. News listed the top cruise lines to consider across five categories, including the best options for families , luxury-seekers and adventurers. U.S. News consulted data provided by Cruiseline.com and the results of our 2024 Best Cruise Lines rankings to help develop this list of the top cruise lines sailing to Alaska.

• Best Overall: Holland America Line; Princess Cruises
• Best for Families: Norwegian Cruise Line; Royal Caribbean International

Best for Couples: Celebrity Cruises

• Best Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Silversea Cruises

Best Small-Ship Expedition Line: UnCruise Adventures

Find your perfect cruise

Best Overall: Holland America Line and Princess Cruises

Holland america line.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Alaska cruise ships: Eurodam , Koningsdam , Nieuw Amsterdam , Noordam , Westerdam , Zaandam Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Anchorage , Fairbanks and Whittier, Alaska; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia Starting from: $379 per person for seven-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise on May 1, 2024, or Sept. 22, 2024. Round-trip from Vancouver.

Holland America Line has been cruising Alaska's pristine glacial waters for more than 75 years – longer than any other cruise line. On top of that, the line features more voyages to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve than its competitors. Seven-night round-trip sailings depart from either Seattle or Vancouver, while cruisetours – Holland America Line 's sea- and land-based packages – leave from several cities and extend each trip to nine to 18 days.

If this will be your first visit to Alaska, consider booking the comprehensive 14-day Yukon + Denali cruisetour. This Alaska adventure includes a voyage aboard Koningsdam, plus a three-night stay at Holland America's exclusive lodge in Denali National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to see Alaska's big five: moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves – and book bucket list activities like flightseeing over Denali. If it's a picture-perfect day, your pilot might even be able to land on the tallest mountain in North America, also known as "The Great One." Other excursions include meeting dog mushers from the Iditarod, landing on the Yanert Glacier, heli-hiking or embarking on a covered wagon adventure on the Alaska tundra. The Yukon Territory portion of this trip is exclusive to Holland America; while there, visit the mining town of Dawson City and learn about Northern Canada's Klondike Gold Rush of August 1896.

Another highlight of sailing Alaska with Holland America is the Alaska Up Close program, which immerses guests in an array of expert-led lectures and excursions on board and shore. When it comes to dining , Holland America is the only cruise line to achieve the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification, which means cruisers will enjoy certified sustainable wild Alaska seafood on board (think: Alaskan king crab legs and fresh salmon). You may also have access to culinary excursions in partnership with Food & Wine magazine, as well as special offerings like Alaska salmon bakes.

Cruisers should also consider one of the Holland America's new itineraries for 2024: the 28-night Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice voyage aboard Westerdam, round-trip from Seattle. This sailing, which departs on June 9, 2024, features highlights like crossing the Arctic Circle; celebrating the summer solstice in Nome, Alaska; and watching Kodiak bears – the largest bears in the world – on Kodiak Island.

Insider tip: Sample Holland America Line's famous Dutch pea soup while glacier viewing on the outside decks. The crew passes around mugs of the warm soup in this Holland America tradition that gives a nod to the line's heritage – and keeps guests warm on chilly summer days in Alaska.

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Grand Princess , Sapphire Princess , Royal Princess , Ruby Princess , Majestic Princess , Discovery Princess , Crown Princess Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seattle; Anchorage, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; San Francisco ; Fairbanks, Alaska Starting from: $398 per person for seven-night cruise from Anchorage (Whittier, Alaska) to Vancouver on May 18, 2024

Princess Cruises has a long history in Alaska, boasting more than 50 years of sailing to the Great Land. Cruise itineraries last between seven and 14 nights, and many visit the Inside Passage. Princess Cruises also owns and operates five wilderness lodges for guests of its cruisetours, plus exclusive "Direct to the Wilderness" rail service to those properties. The line's wide selection of cruisetours includes independent adventures and off-the-beaten-path destinations, like Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, the largest national park in the U.S. For travelers seeking the highest level of service and the most time on land, the Connoisseur cruisetour is a good option, including up to 10 nights ashore following the seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise. The Connoisseur trip is hosted by a tour director and includes select sightseeing outings and most meals in the fare.

Princess' special programming, North to Alaska, offers guests unique insights into the history and culture of the region with visits from local Alaskans, photography sessions, demonstrations on lumberjacking and excursions like Cook My Catch, where guests will go fishing (with a guide), then bring their fish back for chefs to prepare for dinner at one of the designated Princess lodges.

There are two new Princess cruisetours to consider for 2024. The 15-night National Parks Tour includes a seven-day cruise, visits to five national parks, scenic rail travel and a total of eight evenings across four Princess wilderness lodges. Meanwhile, the Katmai National Park Tour is a nine-day adventure that takes guests to the famed Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park & Preserve to see bears feasting on wild salmon in Alaska's wilderness.

Insider tip: While visiting Denali National Park, be sure to check out the Princess Treehouse at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Built by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," the treehouse offers a different perspective of Denali and features "Sappy Hour" and other fun activities.  

Best for Families: Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International

Norwegian cruise line.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Alaska cruise ships: Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Bliss , Norwegian Jewel , Norwegian Sun , Norwegian Spirit Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seattle ; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seward, Alaska Starting from: $349 per person for seven-night sailing between Seward and Vancouver (itineraries visit Hubbard Glacier and Skagway, or Glacier Bay, Skagway and Juneau). Available on Norwegian Jewel in April, May and June 2024.

Norwegian Cruise Line has one of the longest seasons in Alaska, extending from April through October. The line operates two of its larger ships in Alaska: Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore. These ships feature a plethora of onboard activities to keep kids and adults entertained, like racetracks, laser tag, mini-golf, complimentary kids and teen clubs, video arcades, themed parties, live performances and more. Families will also enjoy entertainment by Nickelodeon, character breakfasts, salmon bakes and sessions with a park ranger who comes on board to narrate the Glacier Bay passage. You'll find many spacious room options on board perfectly suited to larger families – especially in The Haven, the line's exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept. In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line offers select cruise deals where third and fourth guests sail free .

There are two new Alaska shore excursions for 2024: the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Trek and the Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft. The first outing takes place in Juneau , where you'll paddle a 12-person canoe across Mendenhall Lake to reach the towering glacier. Prepare to be surrounded by the spectacular setting of Tongass National Park, a 400-foot waterfall and an Arctic tern nesting ground. The second excursion, also in Juneau, takes participants on a flight into the Alaska wilderness via floatplane; you'll then paddle across a pristine glacial lake and hike the surface of Norris Glacier. Unforgettable sights along the way include densely forested mountains; the mouth of the Taku Inlet, a waterway that offers access to Juneau Icefield; and plenty of wildlife, including sea lions and bald eagles.

Also new for 2024 is the option to take the Denali Talkeetna Explorer tour after your cruise. (This cruisetour previously only took place prior to the voyage.) The 13-day sea and land package, Denali Talkeetna Explorer – Northbound Cruisetour, is available on three dates in 2024 in combination with a Norwegian Jewel sailing. The package includes a seven-night cruise; a total of six nights in Fairbanks, Denali and Talkeetna; a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline; a riverboat cruise in Fairbanks; a visit to an Iditarod dog musher's kennel; a deluxe glass-domed Alaska Railroad journey between Fairbanks and Denali; and more. You'll also have free time to book optional shore excursions like whitewater rafting, park tours, helicopter flightseeing and other outdoor adventures.

Insider tip: If you're sailing on Norwegian Bliss or Norwegian Encore, be sure to grab a front-row seat in the Observation Lounge when sailing in Glacier Bay Park & Preserve. This expansive space on Deck 15 at the bow of the ship offers breathtaking panoramic views from the comfort of inside the ship. 

Royal Caribbean International

Alaska cruise ships: Radiance of the Seas , Quantum of the Seas , Brilliance of the Seas , Ovation of the Seas Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle Starting from: $439 per person for seven-night cruise on Radiance of the Seas, Seward to Vancouver on May 24, 2024

Royal Caribbean International offers seven-night cruise-only Alaska options (some featuring the Inside Passage) and extended cruisetours (lasting nine to 13 days) with land portions before or after the voyage. Cruisetours may visit Denali National Park & Preserve, among other highlights. The line also offers select "kids sail free" itineraries, which will appeal to families.

If you want nonstop entertainment while on board, choose one of Royal Caribbean International 's two larger Quantum Class vessels: Quantum of the Seas or Ovation of the Seas. Both megaships accommodate approximately 4,900 passengers. If you prefer a smaller ship, consider booking one of the Radiance Class vessels, which hold a maximum of around 2,500 guests.

Quantum Class ships have multiple outdoor attractions that provide panoramic views of the scenery. For example, the surf simulator, FlowRider, affords views of magnificent snow-capped mountains and glaciers all around the ship. If you're adept at rock climbing, this is another chance for optimal scenic viewing – at 40 feet above the deck. Additional entertainment includes free-fall skydiving at RipCord by iFly, outdoor movie nights, live performances and musical entertainment, bumper cars, an escape room, a sports court and indoor pools for those cool Alaska summer days.

Insider tip: For more awe-inspiring vistas, take a ride on North Star. Exclusive to Royal Caribbean (on Quantum and Ovation of the Seas), the glass-enclosed capsule rises 300 feet above sea level while suspended over the ocean.

Read: The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Celebrity Summit , Celebrity Edge , Celebrity Solstice Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle Starting from: $397 per person for seven-night voyage on Celebrity Summit, Seward to Vancouver on May 17, 2024

Adventure-seeking couples will have many options to choose from during Celebrity Cruises ' 2024 Alaska season. The line's six- and seven-night cruise-only itineraries include up-close views of the Dawes Glacier in the Endicott Arm Fjord and the Hubbard Glacier, the world's longest tidewater glacier at 76 miles long. For an in-depth exploration of Alaska's interior, Celebrity's cruisetours extend the trip to a maximum of 13 nights and feature small-town destinations like Talkeetna, Alaska – the quirky village that inspired the 1990s television show "Northern Exposure." There are also themed tours centered on wildlife viewing and national parks, as well as culinary tours highlighting the flavors of Alaska.

Couples will also find plenty of adult-focused activities and entertainment on board, no matter which vessel they choose. Each ship offers a spa, multiple bars and lounges, and an excellent selection of complimentary and specialty restaurants. Celebrity's three Alaska-bound ships carry between 2,158 guests (Celebrity Summit) and 2,908 passengers (Celebrity Edge). Celebrity Edge, the newest of the ships, offers immersive entertainment and especially beautiful public spaces – like Grand Plaza, a three-story venue at the heart of the vessel.

For extra privacy during your couples' vacation, consider splurging on a suite or villa in The Retreat. This all-inclusive space features luxurious accommodations; a private lounge; a sundeck (unavailable on Celebrity Solstice); and a private restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat. The swanky culinary venue serves dishes curated by renowned French chef Daniel Boulud. In addition, you'll have a team of attendants, butlers and concierges to indulge every whim.

Insider tip: Book your Alaska cruise on Celebrity Edge. The outward-facing design of the ship and expansive outdoor spaces, including the Magic Carpet, offer guests excellent viewing opportunities of Alaska's vast landscapes, calving glaciers and wildlife, including humpback whales in the Inside Passage and around Juneau and Sitka.

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Best Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises

Regent seven seas cruises.

Alaska cruise ships: Seven Seas Explorer Departure cities: Vancouver, British Columbia; Seward, Alaska Starting from: $4,699 per person (all-inclusive) for seven-night cruise, Vancouver to Seward on May 1, 2024

Regent's Seven Seas Explorer will spend the 2024 season in Alaska, with the first sailing embarking from Vancouver, British Columbia, on May 1, 2024. The line offers 20 seven-night voyages and two 14-night sailings between May and September. The 746-passenger ship provides an in-depth exploration of Alaska's wilderness, thanks to the vessel's smaller size and all-balcony suites. Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' all-inclusive fares include free unlimited shore excursions (though select tours come with a fee); complimentary fine wines and spirits; dining at specialty restaurants; 24-hour room service; unlimited Wi-Fi access; prepaid gratuities; free valet laundry service; and more. Depending on the suite category, guests may also receive a pre- and post-cruise hotel stay with their voyage.

Complimentary shore excursions are available in a number of Alaska ports. In Ketchikan, sign up for the Tongass Rainforest Expedition, the Great Alaska Lumberjack Show or the Alaskan Lodge Adventure & Seafest. (Note: Some excursions in Ketchikan, such as the Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining option, come with an additional fee.) In Juneau, guests can take the complimentary hiking adventure through the Mendenhall Glacier National Recreation Area, home to black bears, mountain goats and other wildlife. Cruisers can also dine on wild Alaska salmon grilled over a fire at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake.

Insider tip: Take advantage of the complimentary shore excursions during your cruise. These are tours you'd normally have to pay for on a ship that's not all-inclusive – and that can add up quickly.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Silver Nova , Silver Muse , Silver Shadow Departure cities: Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia Starting from: $3,450 per person for seven-night cruise, Vancouver to Seward on Silver Muse on Aug. 1, 2024

Debuted in August 2023, Silversea's latest addition, Silver Nova, is the newest luxury vessel sailing Alaska for the 2024 season. Silver Nova features an asymmetrical design and advanced technologies that make it Silversea Cruises ' most environmentally friendly vessel yet. With just 728 guests, spacious suites (some affording 270-degree views) and outdoor spaces showcasing The Great Land's pristine wilderness, Silver Nova is an excellent luxury option for an Alaska adventure. Silversea offers seven-night itineraries on its three Alaska ships, plus longer voyages on Silver Muse and Silver Shadow.

Silversea's all-inclusive fares include pre- and post-cruise hotel stays; complimentary nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages; in-room minibars; gourmet dining; all gratuities; at least one excursion per port; butler service in every suite; and other upscale amenities. Complimentary Alaska excursions include a scenic railway tour aboard the White Pass and Yukon Railway in Skagway, the Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest in Sitka Sound and more. You can also visit the Iditarod dogs' summer camp in Juneau. For an additional cost, Silversea offers more exclusive experiences, like a helicopter ride to Mendenhall Glacier followed by a dogsledding adventure with a team of Alaskan huskies in Juneau, or a remote fly-fishing trip in Sitka.

Insider tip: Spend some time on Deck 10; you'll enjoy unobstructed views of the spectacular scenery from the comfort of the heated pool, thanks to the asymmetrical design of the pool deck.

UnCruise Adventures

Alaska cruise ships: Wilderness Discoverer, Wilderness Legacy, Safari Endeavor, Safari Explorer, Safari Quest Departure cities: Ketchikan, Juneau, Whittier, Dutch Harbor and Sitka, Alaska; Seattle Starting from: $3,600 per person for seven-night cruise, Juneau to Ketchikan (or reverse itinerary) on Wilderness Discoverer; various dates between April and September 2024

UnCruise's expedition-style small ships call on ports and remote areas in Alaska that larger ships can't access, taking guests to locales that the line coins, "UnAlaska." The five ships operating in The Great Land accommodate between 22 passengers (Safari Quest) and 86 guests (Wilderness Legacy), and there are seven-, 12- and 14-night itineraries to choose from. You can also book optional land tours, including a Denali & Talkeetna Wilderness Rail Adventure. Expedition teams take guests on kayaking, skiffing, paddleboarding, bushwhacking, waterfall walks and hiking excursions close to the glaciers and visit secluded areas and waterway passages known for optimal wildlife viewing.

Cruise fares include group transfers to and from the ship; all meals; premium wine, beer and liquor; all nonalcoholic beverages; daily activities; wellness amenities; onboard heritage and expedition guides; and access to guest experts. You'll need to disconnect from your devices in remote areas, as there is no Wi-Fi access on UnCruise vessels.

For a once-in-a-lifetime trip, book the 14-night Alaska's Fjords & Glaciers Bay Adventure Cruise on Wilderness Discoverer, a 76-passenger ship. This voyage includes birding in the South Marble Islands, where you'll see puffins, cormorants, oystercatchers and other bird species. You can also search for brown bears in Corner Bay, bushwhack in old-growth forests, visit the town of Haines to sample local brews and spirits, and more.

UnCruise has introduced a few new cruises for 2024 with a renewed focus on The Great Land. One of these is the Kids in Nature, Wild Woolly & Wow with Glacier Bay cruise. The seven-night, family-focused voyage departs round-trip from Juneau aboard Wilderness Legacy and is available on three dates between June and July. One highlight of the voyage is exploring off-the-grid in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve's "Outback."

A second new option is the seven-night Prince William Sound Explorer with Cordova cruise. This adventure visits dozens of glaciers; the small fishing village of Cordova; the Harriman and College glacial fjords; the islands of Knight and Montague; and multiple places where you can see orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, seals, sea lions, puffins and other wildlife. The itinerary is offered round-trip from Whittier, Alaska, on Safari Explorer throughout the summer.

Insider tip: Depending on your itinerary, you may be able to hop in a skiff directly off the ship to watch bears along the shore hunt for salmon just 100 feet away. This is an Alaska experience you can only have when sailing on a small ship.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica. She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• The Top Northern Lights Alaska Cruises
• The Top Antarctica Cruises
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

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