10 Reasons to Take an Alaska Cruise

Sailing to Endicott Arm in Alaska

I still think about my Alaska cruise on Anthem of the Seas more than almost any trip I've taken. I sailed with Royal Caribbean on this past June, and if you're on the fence about whether Alaska belongs on your travel list, here's why I'd go back in a heartbeat.

1. The scenery does the work for you. Glaciers, fjords, mountains rising straight out of the water. You don't have to chase the view. It comes to you, right from the deck.

2. It's a different kind of relaxing. I was there for a cross stitching retreat, and there's something wonderful about stitching on your balcony while the coastline drifts by. Alaska has a slower, quieter energy than a lot of cruise destinations, and it's perfect if you want a trip that actually lets you unwind.

3. Wildlife sightings are real, not staged. Whales, eagles, maybe even a bear on shore if you're lucky. It's not a show. It's just Alaska being Alaska.

Look real close, sea otters love to lay on the ice bergs.

4. A balcony cabin is worth it. I was upgraded to a balcony through RoyalUp, and I'd absolutely book one again. Being able to step outside and take in the view whenever you want, without having to leave your cabin, changes the whole experience.

5. Every port feels different. Unlike some itineraries where the stops start to blend together, Alaska's ports each have their own personality, history, and things to do.

6. It pairs beautifully with a hobby trip. Whether it's cross stitching, photography, journaling, or something else entirely, Alaska's pace makes room for the things you love to do anyway.

7. The midnight sun is genuinely surreal. Depending on your sailing dates, you'll get long, golden evenings that make it hard to believe it's actually nighttime.

Land of the Midnight Sun outside Juneau, Alaska

8. It's a milestone trip that doesn't feel like "just another vacation." If you're celebrating something, an anniversary, a retirement, an empty nest chapter, Alaska has a way of making it feel significant.

9. There's a real sense of discovery. Alaska doesn't feel over-touristed the way some destinations do. It still feels like you're seeing something vast and a little wild.

10. One honest tip from my own trip: cabin location matters more than people realize. My balcony cabin happened to be near the staff smoking section, and that wasn't noted anywhere on the deck plan. It didn't ruin the trip, but it's exactly the kind of detail I now double-check for my clients before booking. It's a good reminder that having someone in your corner, who knows what to ask about and what to look for, makes a real difference.

If Alaska has been on your list, I'd love to help you plan it. Let's start planning!