Is there a "best" cruiseline for a cruise to Alaska. Or am I pretty much going to get the same no matter which cruiseline?

I'd chose one of the small ship lines, rather than the mass market lines.

The main point of the major lines is the cheap cost compared to the very small ships. But I would base my choices on the smaller ship possible among the majors, consider route (Seattle departures aren't for me as too little inside passage sailing for my tastes), time in ports and glacier choice. It will be a compromise but choose wisely. for me everything I go to Alaska for is outside the ship.

According to "Round the World Travel" Radisson (RSSC.com) is ranked as the best cruiseline to Alaska.

Currently, the Mariner is the rssc ship sailing there. It has all balcony cabins and is smaller with fewer passengers than many others.

If you are considering a land tour in combination w/ the cruise Princess has many different options and I have seen some very positive reviews. I have not cruised to Alaska yet (its on the list) but I've done 5 Princess cruises so far and have never been disapointed ... defintely my favorite line.

I just came back from 7 days on the Veendam with Holland America. All of the reading that I did prior to booking the trip told me that we were better off on Holland America because they have been in the Alaska cruise business longer by far than any other line and that they have the preferred docking arrangement in virtually every Alaskan port. There are limits to the number of ships that can sail into Glacier Bay and many of the other national park areas---HA just seemed to have the route and experience that worked best for us, even though it is not close to being the most expensive line.


I am a fussy traveler and usually think that more $$ is better, but HA gets my vote here hands down.

I just came back from a Holland America cruise on the Zaandam to Alaska and had a great time. I highly recommend it.