Find The Best Time to Experience Alaska Cruisetours in 2027: Wildlife, Glaciers, and More Await!

Published on November 9, 2025

Alaska, with its towering peaks, massive glaciers, and abundant wildlife, is a destination that offers some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world. Whether it’s the glaciers of the Inside Passage or the rugged beauty of Denali National Park, there’s no better way to explore this vast and varied state than through a 2027 Alaska cruisetour. Combining the best of both worlds—coastal cruises and inland exploration—these unique tours offer the perfect opportunity to experience everything Alaska has to offer.

What is an Alaska Cruisetour?

An Alaska cruisetour is a two-in-one vacation that combines a seven-night coastal cruise of the Inside Passage with a multi-day land journey into the wilderness. This combination allows travellers to experience both the stunning fjords and glaciers of the coast as well as Alaska’s interior, where majestic wildlife, sprawling tundra, and towering mountains await.

A typical cruisetour includes activities such as kayaking in Glacier Bay, riding a glass-domed train through the Alaska Range, and wildlife viewing as you encounter Alaska’s “Big Five” — bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. These tours offer the best of both worlds, providing an unforgettable journey through some of the most pristine and remote landscapes in North America.

Cruisetour Lengths and Options

The length of a cruisetour can vary depending on your preferences. Some itineraries include just a few days inland, while others extend over a week or more, allowing you to venture deep into the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. All tours feature a seven-night cruise along the Inside Passage, which is known for its stunning views of fjords, glaciers, and quaint coastal towns.

The inland portion of the tour often features a visit to Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak, Mount Denali. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Alaska’s wild landscapes, spot wildlife, and take part in guided excursions.

When to Go: Best Time for an Alaska Cruisetour

The Alaska cruise season runs from May to September, with each month offering a unique experience. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 70s, and the days are long, with up to 24 hours of daylight in June and July. However, the best time to visit depends on your interests.

• May and June: These months are ideal for those looking to avoid the crowds. The landscapes are lush with blooming wildflowers, and glacier viewing conditions are excellent. Additionally, it’s a great time to spot wildlife, such as migrating whales and emerging bears.
• July: This is the peak of Alaska’s summer season, offering the longest days and the warmest weather, making it perfect for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
• August: Known for the salmon runs and the bears that follow them, August provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Although it’s the rainiest month, the rewards of witnessing Alaska’s abundant wildlife make it worthwhile.
• September: With cooler weather and golden tundra, September is the best time to experience fewer crowds. The added bonus is the chance to see the Northern Lights, a breathtaking spectacle that is only visible in the fall.

Why Choose a Cruisetour?

While an Inside Passage cruise offers stunning coastal views, the real essence of Alaska lies in its wild interior. Denali National Park, the Alaska Range, and the pristine wilderness require an inland adventure to truly appreciate. A cruisetour eliminates the need for separate bookings and transport, making it an easier and more convenient option to see both the coastal beauty and the rugged wilderness of Alaska.

Cruisetours also provide excellent value, as they often include guided excursions, train rides, wildlife spotting, and accommodations in wilderness lodges, which you’d have to arrange separately if booking land and cruise trips independently.

Top Alaska Cruisetour Operators

Several cruise lines offer excellent Alaska cruisetours, each with their unique offerings:

• Princess Cruises: One of the most experienced operators in Alaska, Princess Cruises offers its famous “Denali Explorer” itinerary, combining a seven-night “Voyage of the Glaciers” cruise with rail travel and stays at Princess-owned wilderness lodges inside Denali. The company is known for its exceptional wildlife tours and ranger-led excursions.
• Holland America Line: The “Denali & Yukon” tour from Holland America includes a glacier cruise and a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. This tour also extends to Dawson City, the heart of the Klondike gold rush, adding a historical twist to the adventure.
• Royal Caribbean International: Known for its large ships, Royal Caribbean offers the Ovation of the Seas with exclusive glass-domed rail journeys and time spent in Denali. Guests can enjoy activities like wilderness hikes, dogsledding, and zip lining.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: With its new fleet, Norwegian offers a variety of land adventures, from rail journeys and Denali wilderness hikes to thrilling white-water rafting and scenic helicopter flights.

Plan Your 2027 Alaska Cruisetour

If you’re planning a trip to Alaska in 2027, now is the time to book. These tours tend to fill up quickly, so it’s essential to plan ahead. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, dramatic landscapes, or a mix of both, an Alaska cruisetour is the ultimate way to explore this beautiful and untamed land. Pack for all kinds of weather and get ready for an adventure that combines glacier cruises with inland wilderness exploration for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.