Best Top End Alaska Cruise

[Deckhawk]

Quick background:  I'm in my early 40s and will be traveling with my girlfriend.  I've taken a ton of cruises on CCL, RCI, Princess, Norwegian, etc., but only three to Alaska (2 on Princess and 1 on Celebrity).  I'm planning to go to Alaska this year, but I'd like to do it a bit more top end on a smaller ship.  The highest quality that I've cruised to date was Azamara, so I'm looking for suggestions.  The main requirement is that I don't want sail for more than 7-10 days (required) and that I'd prefer a casino (optional).  

 

My TA is steering me hard towards Viking, but was curious if anyone had Alaska experiences with Seabourn, Silversea or others that could be worth exploring?  I honestly don't know the differences between them, let alone how those differences play when on an Alaska trip (ex. I won't be tanning or swimming).  Appreciate the help!

 

[AKStafford]

Money no object, I'm doing something like this: 

https://www.alaskandreamcruises.com/

https://discoveryvoyages.com/

No casinos though... For me, that's what Vegas is for.

[CruiserBruce]

Look on the Seabourn and SilverSeas boards. I am sure you will find people there that have sailed Alaska on those cruise lines.

[GTJ]

4 hours ago, Deckhawk said:

I'm planning to go to Alaska this year, but I'd like to do it a bit more top end on a smaller ship. The highest quality that I've cruised to date was Azamara, so I'm looking for suggestions. The main requirement is that I don't want sail for more than 7-10 days (required) and that I'd prefer a casino (optional). My TA is steering me hard towards Viking, but was curious if anyone had Alaska experiences with Seabourn, Silversea or others that could be worth exploring?

All of these are higher quality than the mass market lines you've sailed before, with Seabourn the highest quality. Viking is distinct and generally gets very good reviews, while Silversea is likely to be closest to the mass market experience, though still higher quality. You may also be influenced by the owners of the respective lines: Seabourn is owned by Carnival, Silversea is owned by Royal Caribbean, and Viking is independent. I would also add to your list Regent Seven Seas Cruises (owned by Norwegian) and Windstar Cruises (owned by Xanterra . . . which operates National Park hotels and the Grand Canyon Railway).

 

A critical element that is missing from your requirements is whether you're looking for a round-trip cruise from Seattle or Vancouver, or a one-way cruise between Vancouver and either Whittier or Seward. (There are also some more exotic cruises that go beyond, such as to the Aleutian Islands and Nome, but those cruises would likely exceed your maximum number of days.) Another important element to consider is whether you're looking for a large vessel, which would likely be luxurious, or a small vessel, which is more intimate and personal, though lacking in casino. Both categories are high end, at least in terms of cost.

 

If your goal is to impress, I would suggest Seabourn. If you're looking for interesting itineraries, I would suggest Windstar. If you're looking affordable and quality luxury, I would suggest Viking.