4 new ways to cruise to Alaska this summer
Alaska cruises generally follow similar routes, which means that the cruise line and ship you choose for your sailing may shape your experience more than the itinerary you select. And when it comes to cruise lines and ships, you have more Alaska cruise options than ever to choose from in 2026.
Most week-long Alaska cruises offer scenic cruising with glacier viewing and sail to the same handful of ports, with nearly every itinerary calling at Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as Skagway, Sitka, or Icy Strait Point. While which combination of ports and which glacier you want to see may influence your decision on which Alaska cruise to book, you should also consider the onboard experience and what kind of atmosphere you want for your vacation.
This year, cruise travelers have more options than ever to customize an Alaska adventure to their vacation style as more cruise lines launch sailings from Seattle and familiar favorites bring new and newly updated ships to the region. Here are four new Alaska cruise options to consider for summer 2026 sailings from Seattle as well as Vancouver, British Columbia.
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MSC Cruises grows North America presence with its first Alaska season
Global cruise line MSC Cruises will mark another big milestone in its North America expansion as it begins its first-ever Alaska cruise season this May. The brand's new sailings from Seattle aboard MSC Poesia bring a new Alaska cruise option to the region that stands out for its budget-friendly fares and cruise experience that blends European style with American comfort.
MSC just completed major upgrades to MSC Poesia to refresh the 3,200-passenger ship for its Alaska debut. Enhancements include new specialty dining venues, a redesigned spa, and the addition of MSC Yacht Club, the brand's exclusive "ship-within-a-ship" concept.
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From May through September, MSC Poesia will sail seven-night itineraries featuring visits to Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Juneau, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, plus scenic cruising through Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier.
"The enhancements on board MSC Poesia come at a great time for these new sailings and will give guests additional comfort, choice and flexibility, allowing for more ways to relax, recharge and make the most of their time at sea," MSC Cruises North America President Lynn Torrent said in a press release.
Virgin Voyages brings its adults-only cruises to Alaska
For travelers interested in a kid-free way to explore Alaska, Virgin Voyages is bringing its boutique-hotel-style, adult-exclusive cruise experience to The Great Land this summer. The cruise line's newest ship, Brilliant Lady, which recently launched the brand's first West Coast sailings from Los Angeles will soon head up the Pacific Coast to Seattle on its inaugural North American tour.
From May through early September, 2,770-passenger Brilliant Lady will sail Alaska cruises from Seattle that offer a refreshing way to discover Alaska's dramatic natural wonders in a modern, energetic, and adult-centered way. Virgin Voyages' Alaska season includes multiple itinerary options, with an emphasis on seven-night sailings to Ketchikan and Sitka, as well as Prince Rupert, British Columbia; and Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.
Princess Cruises' newest ship headlines 2026 Alaska season
Princess Cruises, a long-time leader in Alaska cruises, is introducing a new way to experience The Great Land in 2026 with the debut of its newest Sphere-class ship, Star Princess. Star Princess will headline the cruise line's largest-ever Alaska season featuring eight ships, 180 departures, and visits to 19 destinations, offering travelers unmatched choice for Alaska adventures.
Related: Princess Cruises enhances Alaska voyages with new onboard experiences
On seven-day Alaska Inside Passage cruises from Seattle, Star Princess passengers will enjoy an immersive cruise experience on a ship designed to bring them closer to surrounding scenery with panoramic, glass-enclosed spaces and more than 1,500 balcony staterooms. In addition to offering expansive views, the 4,300-passenger ship features 30 unique dining and bar venues and a luminous entertainment lineup.
Celebrity Cruises reimagines classic ship for elevated Alaska sailings
In addition to offering Alaska cruises on Celebrity Edge - a popular ship for immersive cruising thanks to its unique outward-facing design, Celebrity Cruises is bringing a newly reimagined classic to Alaska this season.
Earlier this year, Celebrity Solstice underwent a major bow-to-stern revitalization that updated all staterooms, refreshed signature venues, and added eight new experiences - including four venues that are new to Celebrity. With new restaurants, lounges, and outdoor social spaces, plus new entertainment, the 2,850-passenger Celebrity Solstice will sail in Alaska with an elevated, new-ship feel.
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From May through September, Celebrity Solstice will sail seven-night Alaska cruises roundtrip from Vancouver with scenic cruising to either Hubbard Glacier or Dawes Glacier and calls at Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan. Dawes Glacier itineraries will also visit Skagway.
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This story was originally published April 10, 2026 at 4:41 PM.