Royal Caribbean Teams Up With Norwegian and More as Seven Cruise Lines Unveil Extraordinary Alaska Voyages for an Unforgettable 2028 Summer Escape

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Royal Caribbean Teams Up With Norwegian and more as seven cruise lines unveil extraordinary Alaska voyages for an unforgettable 2028 summer escape. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and more cruise lines are preparing travellers for extraordinary Alaska voyages across a spectacular 2028 summer season. From dramatic glaciers and rugged coastlines to wildlife encounters and unforgettable port adventures, Alaska promises an extraordinary escape for global travellers. Meanwhile, seven cruise lines are creating more opportunities to discover this remarkable destination by sea. Travel And Tour World urges readers to explore the entire story, as these Alaska voyages reveal exciting ways to plan an unforgettable 2028 summer escape filled with discovery, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.

Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruises 2028: Six Cruise-Line Alternatives, Visitor Statistics and a Detailed Travel Planning Guide

The 2028 Alaska cruise season offers travellers an opportunity to combine scenic coastal voyages, glacier viewing, wildlife excursions and visits to historic Alaskan communities. Royal Caribbean’s four-ship deployment provides one way to plan this experience, but travellers can also compare other cruise operators, departure ports, itineraries and land extensions before choosing their holiday.

This extension examines the wider Alaska cruise market, five-year visitor trends, alternative cruise lines, destination statistics and practical travel plans. It distinguishes statewide visitor figures from cruise-passenger counts because these measure different aspects of Alaska tourism.

Alaska cruise tourism statistics: Five-year comparison

Alaska’s cruise industry has become a major component of the state’s summer visitor economy. However, the pandemic disrupted the normal seasonal pattern, making it important to distinguish recovery from year-to-year changes.

The Alaska Department of Commerce’s January 2026 report provides a comparable transportation-market series through 2024. Alaska’s official tourism summary also provides preliminary summer 2025 figures. The statistics below combine these sources, with the reporting periods clearly identified.

Table 1. Alaska visitor and cruise passenger statistics

Source: Alaska Department of Commerce and Alaska’s official tourism summary. The 2020–2024 figures are from the transportation-market series; the 2025 figures are preliminary summer visitor estimates. Figures are rounded. “Not available” means the cited comparable series does not provide a figure, not that no visitors travelled.

What the five-year comparison tells travellers

2020: An exceptional disruption. Alaska recorded only 427,000 visitors in the 2020 transportation-market series, including no taxable cruise ship sailings. This was a departure from the state’s established summer tourism pattern.

2021–2022: A gap in comparable annual statistics. The cited Alaska Department of Commerce report states that total transportation-market visitor volume was not tracked for these two years. Consequently, a complete five-year table of directly comparable annual visitor figures cannot be produced from this source alone.

2023: A strong return to cruise travel. Alaska recorded 2.649 million summer visitors, including 1.719 million cruise visitors. Cruise passengers accounted for approximately 65% of the total.

2024: A further increase. Total summer visitation reached approximately 2.703 million, up 2.1% from 2023. Cruise visitors increased by 66,000, or 3.8%, to 1.785 million. Air visitors declined by 1.5%, while highway and ferry visitors increased by 1.6%.

2025: Cruise visitation remained high. Alaska’s official tourism summary reports approximately 2.707 million summer visitors and 1.777 million cruise visitors. Total visitation was around 22.3% higher than in 2019, while cruise visitation was approximately 33.4% higher than the 2019 figure of 1.332 million.

Table 2. Changes between the available comparison years

Calculated from the published figures in the Alaska Department of Commerce report.

For holiday planners, these figures demonstrate the scale of Alaska’s summer cruise season. They do not, however, establish that every port or every sailing will experience the same visitor numbers. Local demand depends on the ship schedule, excursion capacity, weather and individual itinerary.

Royal Caribbean’s 2028 Alaska programme in detail

Royal Caribbean’s 2028 deployment is built around four ships: Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas. The programme includes seven-night itineraries departing from Seattle, Vancouver and Seward, with selected cruise-and-land combinations.

Table 3. Royal Caribbean’s four-ship deployment

Deployment overview based on the 2028 programme described in the source material. Confirm exact departure dates, port calls and land packages against the cruise line’s booking information before making arrangements.

How to plan a Royal Caribbean Alaska holiday

Travellers should first decide whether they want a round-trip sailing or a one-way cruise.

A Seattle round-trip cruise allows visitors to return to the same city, simplifying flight arrangements. Travellers can arrive one or two days early, explore the waterfront and city attractions, and then board their ship.

Vancouver departures provide another option for international tourists. Visitors can spend time exploring the Canadian city before continuing north through the Inside Passage.

A Vancouver-to-Seward journey requires more careful planning. Since the cruise ends in Alaska rather than returning to its departure city, travellers must arrange onward transport. This can include a flight, rail journey or an additional land-based holiday.

Travellers interested in Denali National Park should allow sufficient time for inland travel. The National Park Service places Denali approximately 240 miles north of Anchorage and 120 miles south of Fairbanks. Road and rail connections, accommodation availability and seasonal transport schedules should all be checked before booking.

Six other cruise lines offering Alaska holidays

Royal Caribbean is not the only operator to consider for a 2028 Alaska holiday. Several competitors publish Alaska itineraries that vary in departure ports, trip lengths, scenic cruising and opportunities for inland exploration.

The following six cruise lines provide alternatives for comparing the 2028 season. Published schedules can change, so use the official itinerary pages to confirm availability and exact sailing details.

Table 4. Six alternatives to Royal Caribbean

1 Princess Cruises: Alaska cruises with inland extensions

Princess Cruises is worth examining for travellers who want to combine a coastal cruise with time inland. The company has made its 2028 Alaska itineraries available for sale and advertises cruise-tour options. These combinations can help visitors plan a holiday that includes both the Inside Passage and Alaska’s interior.

When comparing Princess itineraries, look beyond the advertised cruise length. Check whether the package includes accommodation before or after sailing, transfers, rail travel, meals and guided excursions. A cruise-tour may reduce the effort involved in organising separate arrangements, but travellers should compare the full package price with independently booked travel.

Visitors hoping to see Denali should check how much time the itinerary allocates to the park and whether the programme includes transportation from the cruise terminal. They should also verify the exact departure port and the date on which the cruise-tour begins. This is particularly important for international travellers who need to coordinate flights, visas and hotel stays.

Princess’s official website should be used to confirm current 2028 sailing dates, ship assignments, inclusions and fare conditions before booking. Promotional offers can have eligibility restrictions and may change before departure.

2 Holland America Line: Longer itineraries and scenic waterways

Holland America Line has announced a broad 2028 Alaska season featuring six ships: Oosterdam, Noordam, Eurodam, Koningsdam, Westerdam and Zaandam. Its published itinerary range extends from seven to 18 days, with departures from Seattle and Vancouver, one-way sailings between Vancouver and Whittier, and a San Diego-to-Vancouver voyage.

The longer itinerary options may suit travellers who want to explore more of the region in one holiday. The cruise line has listed itineraries featuring Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kodiak and other destinations. Selected sailings also include scenic cruising through Nootka Sound.

Holland America has identified Oosterdam as a key ship for its Alaska Cruisetours. The company says these trips are intended to combine the cruise with overland exploration, including Denali and the Yukon. Full details and availability for its 2028 Cruisetours should be checked as the operator releases them.

Travellers should compare the time spent ashore with the overall duration. A longer sailing can offer more destinations, but it also requires additional hotel nights, time away from work and a larger overall travel budget.

3 Norwegian Cruise Line: Flexible itineraries and port time

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced four ships for its 2028 Alaska season: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Jade. Its programme runs from April through October. Encore, Bliss and Joy are scheduled for seven-night round-trip cruises from Seattle, while Jade offers itineraries connecting Vancouver and Whittier.

The published itineraries include ports such as Juneau, Sitka, Skagway and Ketchikan, with selected sailings featuring scenic cruising near glaciers. Norwegian also advertises Cruisetours that can include Denali National Park and travel on the Alaska Railroad.

For travellers comparing the line with Royal Caribbean, the most useful distinction is the exact itinerary rather than the ship alone. Compare the number of port calls, glacier-viewing opportunities, time in each destination and whether Victoria, British Columbia, is included.

Norwegian’s official booking pages show individual 2028 itineraries and fares, but displayed prices are subject to change. Taxes, port expenses, flights, shore excursions and optional onboard purchases can affect the final cost.

4 Celebrity Cruises: Alaska with additional land experiences

Celebrity Cruises lists Alaska among its 2028–2029 cruise destinations and says three ships will sail in the region. The company also promotes Cruisetours, which can provide a way to extend a coastal sailing into Alaska’s interior.

Travellers comparing Celebrity with Royal Caribbean should examine the itinerary, cabin category, included services and total holiday cost. The same destination can offer different experiences depending on the ship’s size, port schedule and time allocated to scenic cruising.

A visitor interested in glaciers should check which glacier or fjord appears on the specific sailing. A wildlife enthusiast should compare the available shore excursions and their duration. Those planning an inland extension should confirm whether accommodation and transportation are included or must be booked separately.

Celebrity’s official 2028–2029 page is the starting point for checking the season. Before paying a deposit, travellers should confirm the departure date, ship, itinerary and land package directly with the company.

5 Carnival Cruise Line: Comparing round-trip options

Carnival Cruise Line is another operator to include when comparing Alaska holidays. Travellers should use its official booking platform to verify which ships, ports and sailing dates are available for the summer of 2028 rather than assuming that its deployment will mirror another cruise line’s schedule.

A round-trip cruise can simplify logistics because passengers return to the departure city. This can be helpful for visitors planning international flights, hotel stays and sightseeing around the cruise.

Compare the full itinerary rather than relying on the number of nights alone. The port sequence, scenic cruising schedule, shore excursion options and time in each destination can influence the holiday experience.

For a realistic budget, include flights, accommodation, transfers, travel insurance, meals outside the ship and excursions. A lower headline fare may not represent the lowest total cost once these items are included.

Because ship assignments and fares are subject to change, the official Carnival website should be consulted before finalising travel plans.

6 Disney Cruise Line: Family-focused planning

Disney Cruise Line is another operator families can investigate when considering an Alaska holiday. However, the exact ship, itinerary and departure dates for 2028 should be confirmed directly through Disney’s official booking website before being presented as a definite option.

Families should compare the overall travel schedule with children’s ages, school holidays and preferred activities. They should also check cabin occupancy rules, child-focused facilities, excursion age limits and the amount of time spent ashore.

Alaska excursions can involve long transfers, uneven terrain or changing weather. Parents should read the requirements for each activity carefully and choose experiences that suit the family’s needs.

For families arriving from overseas, it is sensible to allow a buffer before embarkation and avoid scheduling an international flight too close to the ship’s departure. The same applies to the return journey.

The most useful comparison is the complete holiday package: cruise fare, transport, accommodation, meals, excursions and any additional hotel nights.

Which Alaska departure port should travellers choose?

Departure ports affect flights, hotel costs, ground transfers and the type of itinerary available. Seattle and Vancouver are common starting points for round-trip voyages, while Whittier and Seward are important for one-way cruise arrangements.

Table 5. Departure-port planning comparison

Seattle: A straightforward round-trip option

Arriving in Seattle at least one day before departure can provide a buffer against flight delays. Visitors can use the extra time to explore the city and reach the cruise terminal without rushing.

After the cruise, travellers can either fly home or continue their trip through the Pacific Northwest. Those arriving from countries requiring a U.S. visa or travel authorisation should confirm their eligibility before purchasing non-refundable tickets.

Vancouver: A Canadian city break

Vancouver allows visitors to add urban sightseeing to their Alaska holiday. Travellers should check Canadian entry requirements separately from U.S. requirements, particularly if their cruise begins in Canada and visits American ports.

Visitors booking a one-way itinerary should also confirm whether the final port is Seward or Whittier and arrange their onward transfer before departure.

Seward and Whittier: Planning beyond the cruise

These ports can be useful for travellers interested in extending their holiday into Alaska. However, they require more attention to ground transport.

Before booking, confirm how long it takes to reach Anchorage, whether rail or road services operate on the relevant date, and whether a hotel night is necessary. Seasonal transport timetables should be checked directly with the relevant operator.

Detailed seven-day Alaska cruise travel plan

The following is an illustrative plan for a seven-night cruise. It is not a guaranteed Royal Caribbean itinerary: actual ports, sailing days and glacier-viewing locations vary by ship and departure date.

Table 6. Sample cruise itinerary

The order above is illustrative. Some itineraries include Victoria, British Columbia, while others feature different ports or glacier areas.

How to prepare for shore excursions

Juneau is suitable for travellers interested in Alaska’s capital, local history and nearby natural attractions. Before booking a glacier excursion, check the transfer time and the amount of time available in port.

Skagway offers historical attractions associated with the Klondike Gold Rush. Travellers considering a railway excursion should check departure times, identification requirements and whether the activity returns before the ship’s scheduled departure.

Ketchikan and Sitka provide opportunities to explore coastal landscapes and local cultural attractions. Visitors should respect local communities, follow wildlife-viewing rules and use authorised guides when required.

At every port, allow a reasonable margin for returning to the ship. Independent excursions can have different cancellation and transport arrangements from ship-organised tours.

Extending the cruise to Denali National Park

Denali can add a land-based wilderness experience to a coastal cruise. The National Park Service describes the park as a large protected landscape in Alaska’s interior, accessible from the Anchorage and Fairbanks travel corridors.

A practical extension might include:

• One night in Anchorage before travelling inland.
• A transfer by rail or road, depending on the season and schedule.
• Two or three nights near Denali, allowing time for park activities.
• An onward journey to Fairbanks or a return to Anchorage.

This is a suggested framework, not a fixed itinerary. Travellers should check park access, road conditions, bus operations and accommodation availability directly with the National Park Service and relevant transport operators.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Visitors should follow park guidance, maintain safe distances from animals and avoid leaving food or rubbish where wildlife can access it.

Budget planning for an Alaska cruise

Cruise fares vary by departure date, cabin type, ship, occupancy and booking conditions. The figures below are budget categories rather than quoted prices.

Table 7. Costs to include in the overall holiday budget

A reliable comparison uses the total cost for the entire trip, not simply the per-person cruise fare. Travellers should also check payment deadlines, cancellation terms and whether travel insurance covers missed departures.

Alaska cruise planning checklist for international visitors

Before confirming a 2028 Alaska cruise, travellers should verify the following:

• Passport validity and entry requirements for the United States and Canada, as applicable.
• The exact embarkation and disembarkation ports.
• Flight arrival times and a buffer before embarkation.
• Hotel reservations before and after the cruise.
• The ship’s complete port schedule and scenic cruising locations.
• Shore excursion duration, age limits and cancellation policies.
• Weather-appropriate clothing and suitable walking footwear.
• Accessibility arrangements for passengers who need them.
• Local transport schedules for Seward, Whittier, Anchorage or Denali.
• Travel insurance, medical coverage and emergency contacts.

Entry requirements depend on nationality, passport and travel circumstances. Travellers should check the relevant official government immigration websites rather than relying solely on cruise booking pages.

What the 2028 Alaska cruise season means for travellers

Alaska’s published visitor statistics show that cruise travel represents a substantial part of the state’s summer tourism economy. In 2024, cruise visitors accounted for approximately two-thirds of the state’s summer visitor volume, while preliminary 2025 figures indicate that overall visitation remained above the 2019 level

Royal Caribbean’s four-ship programme gives travellers several departure and itinerary arrangements to consider. Other operators, including Princess, Holland America, Norwegian and Celebrity, provide additional ways to compare trip duration, ports and land extensions.

The most suitable itinerary depends on the traveller’s budget, available time, preferred destinations and appetite for independent planning. Comparing the entire journey—from international flights to the final hotel night—will help visitors make an informed choice.

For tourists who want both coastal scenery and Alaska’s inland wilderness, a cruise combined with a carefully planned land extension can turn a seven-night sailing into a broader regional holiday.

Conclusion

Royal Caribbean Teams Up With Norwegian and more as seven cruise lines bring Alaska voyages into focus for an unforgettable 2028 summer escape. From magnificent glaciers and coastal landscapes to wildlife encounters and fascinating port towns, these Alaska cruises offer global travellers many ways to explore the region. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line provide different itineraries and travel experiences to consider. With careful planning, travellers can combine a cruise with Seattle, Vancouver, Seward, Denali and other memorable destinations. Travel And Tour World urges travellers to compare itineraries, plan early and prepare for an extraordinary Alaska adventure.