Alaska cruise prices range from $600 to $3,000 per person for a week, depending on the ship size, cabin type, and travel season
The cost of an Alaska cruise varies widely because the industry prices by cabin location and time of year rather than offering one standard rate. A small ship holding 50 to 100 passengers costs more per person than a large ship with 3,000 passengers, but the large ship's per-person price spreads across more people. Budget cabins on mainstream ships (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney) run $600 to $1,200 per person for seven days in shoulder season (May or September). Premium inside cabins on the same ships cost $1,200 to $1,800. Balcony cabins jump to $1,800 to $2,500. Luxury lines like Holland America and Princess charge $1,500 to $2,500 for comparable cabins. Small-ship operators like Lindblad and Alaskan Dream charge $3,000 to $5,000 per person because they visit remote ports and include naturalists or historians aboard.
Peak season (June, July, early August) costs 30 to 50 percent more than shoulder season. A $900 cabin in May might cost $1,300 in July. Prices also shift by departure port—cruises leaving Seattle or Vancouver are cheaper than those leaving San Francisco or Los Angeles because Alaska-bound ships already position themselves in the Pacific Northwest. Fuel surcharges, port fees, and taxes add another $200 to $400 per person on top of the base fare.
Key Takeaways
- Large mainstream cruise ships charge $600 to $2,500 per person for a week in Alaska, while small ships charge $3,000 to $5,000 because they access remote ports and include informed guides.
- Peak season (June through early August) costs 30 to 50 percent more than shoulder season (May and September), so traveling in May or late August saves significantly.
- Cabin type matters as much as ship size—an inside cabin costs half what a balcony cabin costs on the same ship.
- Port fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges add $200 to $400 per person beyond the advertised base price.
- Cruises departing from Seattle or Vancouver cost less than those leaving California ports because ships already position themselves in the Pacific Northwest.
How cabin type affects your total cost
The cabin you choose is the single biggest variable in what you pay. Inside cabins (no window) are the cheapest option on any ship. On a large mainstream ship, an inside cabin in shoulder season might be advertised at $699 per person, but that price assumes two people sharing. If you are traveling alone, you pay a single-occupancy surcharge of 150 to 200 percent of the base rate, meaning you pay $1,050 to $1,400 for that same cabin.
Oceanview cabins (with a window) cost 20 to 40 percent more than inside cabins. Balcony cabins cost 50 to 100 percent more. Suites with separate living areas cost two to three times the inside cabin price. On a seven-day cruise, the difference between an inside cabin at $700 and a balcony at $1,600 is $900 per person—$1,800 for a couple. Small ships do not offer inside cabins; every cabin has a window or veranda, so the price floor is higher from the start.
Seasonal pricing and when to book
Alaska has three cruise seasons. Shoulder season (May 1 to May 31 and September 1 to September 30) offers the lowest fares because weather is less predictable and daylight hours are shorter. You still see glaciers and wildlife, but fewer tourists crowd the ports. Expect to pay $600 to $1,200 per person for an inside cabin on a mainstream ship.
Peak season (June 1 to August 31) fills ships to capacity and raises prices across all cabin types. June is slightly cheaper than July and August because schools have not yet let out in most of North America. July and early August are the most expensive weeks. A cabin that costs $900 in May might cost $1,400 in July. Late August (after school starts) drops slightly but remains above June pricing.
Booking timing also affects price. Cruise lines release fares 9 to 12 months in advance at a base price, then adjust upward as the departure date approaches and cabins sell. If you book 10 months ahead, you may find lower fares, but you lose flexibility if plans change. Booking 2 to 3 months ahead often catches a middle ground—the ship is not yet full, but you have time to arrange travel to the departure port.
Ship size and what you get for the price difference
Large mainstream ships (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney) carry 2,500 to 4,500 passengers and cost $600 to $2,000 per person. They visit the same major ports (Juneau, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay) as every other ship, but they do it with more onboard amenities: multiple restaurants, theaters, casinos, and activity programs. You see Alaska from the ship's deck alongside thousands of other passengers. The advantage is price and convenience; the disadvantage is crowding at ports and a less intimate experience.
Mid-size ships (Holland America, Princess) carry 1,500 to 2,500 passengers and cost $1,200 to $2,500 per person. They visit the same ports but with fewer passengers per port, and they often include more Alaska-focused programming—naturalists on deck, lectures about glaciers, and crew members from Alaska. You still share ports with other cruise ships, but the experience feels less industrial.
Small ships (Lindblad, Alaskan Dream, UnCruise) carry 50 to 300 passengers and cost $3,000 to $8,000 per person. They visit remote ports that large ships cannot access, include informed naturalists or historians, and offer kayaking or hiking excursions. You see fewer other tourists and more wildlife. The price reflects the smaller passenger-to-crew ratio, the specialized informed, and access to places large ships cannot go.
What is included and what costs extra
The advertised cruise fare includes your cabin, meals in the main dining room, basic onboard entertainment, and port time. It does not include gratuities (tips for cabin stewards, dining staff, and other crew), alcoholic beverages, specialty dining restaurants, shore excursions, or travel to the departure port.
Gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account at roughly $15 to $16 per person per day on mainstream ships, totaling $105 to $112 for a seven-day cruise. You can adjust this amount before you sail. Alcoholic drinks cost $7 to $15 per drink, though beverage packages that cover all drinks for the week run $60 to $80 per person per day. Specialty restaurants (steakhouse, sushi, Italian) charge $15 to $35 per person per meal on top of the cruise fare.
Shore excursions—guided glacier hikes, whale-watching tours, fishing charters, or helicopter tours—cost $150 to $600 per person per excursion. These are optional, but most passengers book at least one or two. Travel to the departure port (flights, hotels, parking) is your responsibility and can easily add $300 to $1,000 per person depending on where you live.
Comparing prices across different cruise lines
| Cruise Line | Ship Size | Inside Cabin (Shoulder Season) | Balcony Cabin (Shoulder Season) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | 2,500–3,000 passengers | $600–$900 | $1,200–$1,600 | Budget travelers |
| Royal Caribbean | 2,500–4,500 passengers | $700–$1,000 | $1,300–$1,800 | Families, activity seekers |
| Disney Cruise Line | 2,700–4,000 passengers | $1,000–$1,400 | $1,600–$2,200 | Families with young children |
| Holland America | 1,400–2,100 passengers | $1,000–$1,400 | $1,600–$2,200 | Older travelers, cultural programming |
| Princess Cruises | 1,500–2,600 passengers | $1,100–$1,500 | $1,700–$2,400 | Alaska-focused itineraries |
| Lindblad Expeditions | 50–100 passengers | $3,500–$5,000 | N/A (all cabins have windows) | Nature enthusiasts, remote access |
| Alaskan Dream Cruises | 40–78 passengers | $2,500–$4,000 | N/A (all cabins have windows) | Budget-conscious small-ship travelers |
Prices in the table reflect typical fares for a seven-day cruise in May or September. Peak season (June–August) adds 30 to 50 percent. These are base fares per person and do not include gratuities, beverages, specialty dining, or shore excursions.
Hidden costs that add up quickly
Beyond the advertised fare, several costs catch travelers off guard. Internet access costs $8 to $20 per day or $60 to $100 for the week, depending on the cruise line and speed. Laundry service charges $2 to $5 per item if you do not want to hand-wash in your cabin. Photos taken by the ship's photographer cost $20 to $40 per image, and packages of 10 to 20 photos run $150 to $300.
Babysitting or kids' club fees explore if you want supervised childcare beyond the standard program. Spa treatments (massage, facials) cost $100 to $300 per service. Casino losses are your own, but the casino is designed to encourage spending. Onboard shopping—jewelry, art, clothing—is marked up 40 to 60 percent above retail prices.
The biggest hidden cost for most travelers is shore excursions. If you book four excursions at an average of $200 each, you add $800 to your per-person cost. Some travelers book none and explore ports independently; others book five or six and spend $1,200 or more. Budget $300 to $600 per person for excursions if you want a mix of guided tours and independent exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do prices include meals and drinks?
Meals in the main dining room and buffet are included in the cruise fare. Specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages, and coffee from specialty cafés cost extra. Most cruise lines include water, tea, and basic coffee in your cabin and at the buffet.
Can you get a cheaper Alaska cruise by booking last-minute?
Sometimes. If a cruise line has unsold cabins two to four weeks before departure, they may discount heavily to fill the ship. However, this is not may provide, and you have less time to arrange travel to the departure port. Booking 10 months ahead or 6 to 8 weeks ahead often yields better prices than waiting until the last week.
What is the cheapest month to cruise to Alaska?
May and September are the cheapest months because they are shoulder season. Prices are 30 to 50 percent lower than July and August. Weather is still good for glacier viewing, and you see fewer other tourists at ports. Late August (after school starts) is slightly cheaper than June and early August.
Are there any all-inclusive Alaska cruises?
Some small-ship lines include gratuities, beverages, and shore excursions in their advertised price, making them closer to all-inclusive. Mainstream cruise lines do not; they charge separately for gratuities, drinks, and excursions. Small-ship all-inclusive cruises cost $4,000 to $8,000 per person but eliminate most surprise charges.
How much should I budget for a week-long Alaska cruise per person?
Budget $1,500 to $2,500 per person for a mainstream cruise (cabin, gratuities, one or two excursions, and drinks). Add $300 to $1,000 for travel to the departure port. Small-ship cruises run $4,000 to $6,000 per person all-in. These are mid-range estimates; you can spend less by choosing shoulder season and skipping excursions, or more by choosing a balcony cabin and booking multiple excursions.