There are currently over 30 large Alaska cruise ships that sail the waters of the Inside Passage and the Gulf of Alaska each summer.
These ships include some of the newest and most luxurious found anywhere - Alaska has risen to become the second most popular cruise destination after the Caribbean.
There are currently nine major cruise lines running large ship cruises throughout coastal Alaska, including:
Carnival
Celebrity
Cruise West
Holland America
Norwegian Cruise Line
Princess
Regent (Radisson)
Royal Caribbean
Silversea
The two largest lines in Alaska are Holland America, with ten ships, and Princess, which is currently running eight ships in Alaska.
Celebrity and Royal Caribbean both operate four ships each in Alaska, tying them for the third largest line in the region.
The best cruise ships in Alaska
So what are the very best of the large cruise ships operating in Alaska? Most all of the ships are modern and offer the latest amenities, but the best of the bunch include:
These ships offer some of the latest innovations in facilities, dining, and cabin features.
While the ships have grown larger, the on-board dining experiences, in many cases, have become both more diverse and more intimate, with a dozen or more smaller restaurants replacing or providing an alternative to the one large dining room that used to be your only option.
Choosing the right ship to match your personal tastes can really enhance your cruising experience.
So make sure you spend enough time researching not only your cruise itinerary but also your cruise ship as well. You'll be glad you did once you are at sea.
