While you may think that a cruise to Alaska is beyond your reach, there are a number of ways to experience the wonders of the amazing Last Frontier state, without breaking the bank.
One of the most economical ways to explore Alaska is by a cruise where there is no need to go out for every meal or rent a car to view the scenic landscapes and incredible wildlife. All this can be experienced by a cruise on a budget.
Moreover, cruises are fast gaining in popularity and there is no better time than now to book your dream vacation, especially since an affordable cruise to a beloved destination like Alaska is not easy to find. So read on for the best option on how to cruise to Alaska on the cheap.
Some main cruise lines current deals feature upto 600 USD onboard credit, 60% off the second guest and a kids sail free deal several time a year. This allows children 12 and younger to cruise free.
This deal typically applies if they are third guests or beyond, staying in the same cabin with the paying guests. These deals do no apply during school breaks and are for sailings of four or more nights.
What is an Alaskan cruise like?
One-way sailing to Alaska on major cruise lines feature cruising along the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier.
This also includes stops at Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Sitka and Skagway where you can consider booking a train ride through White Pass to get a glimpse of the state’s wilderness.
The round-trip voyage if you are cruising from Seattle will drop anchor at Sitka, Skagway and Juneau in Alaska as well as a late afternoon halt at the Inner Harbor in Victoria, British Columbia.
Here you can spend your time visiting the Royal British Columbia Museum and the Parliament Building as well as the Victoria Bug Zoo for a family-friendly activity.
You will then have two days at sea where you can relax and enjoy all the onboard amenities and activities on the ship like skydiving simulators and live performances by aerial entertainers.
How to go on an affordable cruise to Alaska in 2025-2026
Here are some things you should know before booking your next Alaska cruise vacation on a budget:
- Choose an inside cabin, rather than a balcony
- A cruise package is not a necessity as all meals are included in the basic cruise fare
- Budget for at least one epic shore excursion only
- Check flight options to your embarkation port well in advance
- Stay at a hostel before and after the cruise
- Cruise early or late in the season either in May or September
- Opt for an Alaska repositioning cruise
- Mainstream cruise lines offer more affordable options against luxury lines
After taking into consideration all above factors, we can safely say that you can go on a 7 day cruise to Alaska for as low as $1300 per person on twin share, depending on the cruise line, type of cabin and time of the year.
That said, while the actual price can differ greatly from the ticket price, the value of the experience far outweighs the costs.