Alaska cruise prices range from about $1,000 to $5,000 per person for a week-long voyage, depending on the ship size, cabin type, season, and how far in advance you book

The lowest fares appear on older, smaller ships sailing in shoulder seasons (May or September), with inside cabins on routes that visit fewer ports. The highest prices are for newer ships with ocean-view or suite cabins during peak summer weeks (June through August). Most travelers pay somewhere in the middle—between $2,000 and $3,500 per person for a standard outside cabin on a mid-sized ship in mid-summer.

These per-person prices assume double occupancy (two people sharing a cabin). A solo traveler typically pays a single-occupancy surcharge of 25 to 50 percent on top of the per-person rate. Families booking multiple cabins or larger suites will see different per-person costs. The price you see advertised often does not include gratuities, alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, or airfare to the departure port.

Key Takeaways

  • Inside cabins (no window) cost $1,000 to $2,500 per person per week; ocean-view cabins run $1,500 to $3,500; and suites range from $3,000 to $5,000 or more.
  • Sailing in May or September costs 30 to 40 percent less than peak July sailings on the same ship and route.
  • Booking 6 to 12 months ahead typically saves 15 to 25 percent compared to last-minute fares, though prices can drop again 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
  • Gratuities (about $15 to $16 per person per day), drinks packages ($60 to $200 per person for the week), and shore excursions ($100 to $400 per port) are separate charges not included in the base fare.

How cabin type changes the price

An inside cabin has no window or porthole and is the smallest and cheapest option. On a week-long Alaska cruise, inside cabins typically cost $1,000 to $2,500 per person. These cabins are roughly 150 to 180 square feet and work well if you plan to spend most of your time on deck or in the ship's public areas.

An ocean-view cabin has a window or porthole and costs $1,500 to $3,500 per person for the same week. These cabins are usually 170 to 210 square feet and let in natural light. Many travelers find the window worth the extra $500 to $1,000 per person, especially on Alaska routes where you may see whales, glaciers, or wildlife from your cabin.

Balcony cabins have a private outdoor deck and are the most popular choice for Alaska cruises. Prices range from $2,500 to $4,500 per person per week. The balcony adds 40 to 60 square feet of private outdoor space and is ideal for viewing scenery without competing for deck chairs. Suites—which include separate living areas, larger balconies, and concierge service—start at $3,000 and can exceed $5,000 per person per week.

Seasonal pricing and when to book

Alaska cruise prices shift dramatically by season. Shoulder season (May and September) offers the lowest fares—typically 30 to 40 percent below peak-season prices. The trade-off is shorter daylight hours and cooler weather, though May and September still offer 16 to 18 hours of daylight and temperatures in the 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit. An inside cabin that costs $1,200 in May might cost $1,800 in July on the same ship.

Peak season (June, July, and early August) brings the highest prices and the most crowded ports. July is typically the most expensive month. Daylight lasts nearly 20 hours, and temperatures reach the 60s to low 70s. If you have flexibility, sailing in early June or late August costs less than mid-July while still offering good weather and long days.

Booking timing matters. Fares are usually lowest 6 to 12 months before departure, when cruise lines first release inventory. Prices tend to rise as the sailing date approaches—until about 4 to 6 weeks before departure, when lines sometimes drop prices again to fill remaining cabins. Last-minute bookings (2 to 4 weeks out) are a gamble: you might find steep discounts on unpopular dates, or you might find nothing left at any price.

Ship size and cruise line differences

Larger, newer ships (carrying 2,000 to 4,500 passengers) cost more than smaller, older vessels (carrying 700 to 1,500 passengers). A week on a large, modern ship might run $2,500 to $3,500 per person, while the same week on a smaller ship could be $1,500 to $2,500 per person. Larger ships offer more dining options, entertainment, and onboard activities. Smaller ships visit narrower ports and glaciers that big ships cannot reach, and they feel less crowded.

Premium cruise lines (Regent, Seabourn, Windstar) charge $4,000 to $8,000 or more per person per week and typically include gratuities, some beverages, and specialty dining. Mainstream lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney) range from $1,500 to $4,000 per person. Budget lines (Norwegian) sometimes undercut others but may charge more for add-ons like beverage packages and specialty restaurants.

The ship's itinerary also affects price. A seven-day Inside Passage cruise (visiting Juneau, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay) is the most common and usually the cheapest. A seven-day Gulf of Alaska cruise (visiting Seward, Valdez, or Anchorage) costs slightly more. Longer itineraries (10 to 14 days) or those combining Alaska with the Pacific Northwest or Canada command higher per-day rates.

What is not included in the base price

Gratuities are not included and typically run $15 to $16 per person per day. For a seven-day cruise, that is $105 to $112 per person. Some cruise lines allow you to pre-pay gratuities when you book; others add them to your onboard account at the end of the cruise.

Beverages beyond water, coffee, and basic tea are charged separately. A soda costs $3 to $4 per drink; alcoholic drinks run $7 to $15 each. A beverage package (unlimited drinks for the week) costs $60 to $200 per person, depending on what is included. Many travelers budget $200 to $400 per person for drinks over a week.

Shore excursions are optional activities at each port—kayaking, glacier hikes, wildlife tours, or cultural visits. These cost $100 to $400 per excursion per person. A typical week includes 3 to 5 ports, so budgeting $300 to $1,000 per person for excursions is common. You can also explore ports on your own at no cost.

Specialty dining (restaurants beyond the main dining room) costs $15 to $40 per person per meal. Airfare to Seattle, Vancouver, Juneau, or Anchorage (the main departure ports) is separate and typically ranges from $200 to $600 per person depending on where you live. Travel insurance is optional but recommended and costs $150 to $400 per person for a week-long cruise.

How to compare prices across cruise lines

Cruise line websites show base fares, but third-party booking sites (Cruise.com, CruCon, Vacations to Go) sometimes show lower prices or bundle deals. Always compare the same cabin type, sailing date, and itinerary across at least two sites. Check whether the price includes taxes and port fees—these are mandatory and add $200 to $400 per person to the advertised base fare.

Read the fine print on what is included. Some lines include gratuities and beverages in the advertised price; others do not. A cruise that looks cheaper may actually cost more once you add in mandatory charges. Sign up for cruise line email alerts if you are flexible on dates—lines often send flash sales for specific sailings.

If you find a lower price after booking, many cruise lines honor price drops within a certain window (usually 60 days before departure). Check your booking confirmation for the cruise line's price-match policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do kids pay the same price as adults on Alaska cruises?

Children usually pay the same per-person rate as adults when sharing a cabin with two paying adults. A third or fourth person in the same cabin (whether adult or child) typically pays a reduced rate, often 50 to 75 percent of the base fare. Infants under 12 months sometimes sail free, but check your cruise line's policy.

What is the cheapest month to cruise Alaska?

May is typically the cheapest month, followed by September. Prices in May are 30 to 40 percent lower than July. The trade-off is fewer hours of daylight (about 16 to 17 hours) and cooler temperatures (50s to low 60s Fahrenheit). Weather is still generally good, and crowds are lighter than in summer.

Are there hidden fees I should know about?

The main ones are gratuities ($15 to $16 per person per day), beverages beyond water and coffee, specialty dining, shore excursions, and travel insurance. Taxes and port fees (usually $200 to $400 per person) are mandatory and added at checkout. Some cruise lines charge for onboard activities like fitness classes or specialty shows; others include them.

Can I find last-minute Alaska cruise deals?

Sometimes. Cruise lines drop prices 4 to 6 weeks before departure to fill remaining cabins, especially for unpopular sailing dates or older ships. However, last-minute bookings offer no may provide of a discount and limit your cabin and itinerary choices. Booking 6 to 12 months ahead typically saves more money than waiting.

Does the price change if I book a repositioning cruise?

Repositioning cruises (longer voyages that move the ship between regions) often cost less per day than standard week-long cruises. A 10 or 14-day repositioning cruise might cost $100 to $150 per person per day, compared to $200 to $300 per day on a standard seven-day cruise. The downside is more sea days and fewer port stops.