Alaskan cruise prices range from about $1,000 to $3,000 per person for a week-long voyage, depending on the ship size, cabin type, and travel season
The base fare you see advertised covers your cabin and onboard meals, but it does not include airfare to Alaska, gratuities, shore excursions, or drinks beyond water and coffee. A realistic budget for two people on a seven-day cruise runs $3,000 to $8,000 total when you factor in flights, tips, and activities. The actual cost depends heavily on when you book, which cabin you choose, and how much you plan to spend on optional experiences once you are aboard.
Most Alaskan cruises depart from Seattle or sail from Anchorage and Juneau. If you live on the West Coast, Seattle departures save you airfare. If you live elsewhere, budget $300 to $600 per person for flights to Seattle or Anchorage, depending on your location and how far in advance you book.
Key Takeaways
- Base cruise fares for seven days start around $1,000 per person in shoulder season (May or September) and climb to $2,500 or more during peak summer weeks in July and August.
- Inside cabins cost significantly less than oceanview or balcony cabins—often $500 to $1,000 less per person for the same week.
- Gratuities (tips) are typically $15 to $16 per person per day and are usually added automatically to your onboard account.
- Popular shore excursions like glacier tours or wildlife viewing cost $150 to $400 per person and are not included in the base fare.
- Flights to Alaska, drinks, specialty dining, and casino use are all separate costs that can easily add $1,500 to $3,000 to your total trip expense.
How cabin type affects your per-person cost
An inside cabin (no window) is the cheapest option and typically runs $1,000 to $1,500 per person for a week in May or September. These cabins are small but functional, and you spend most of your time on deck or in public areas anyway. Many first-time cruisers choose inside cabins to keep costs down.
An oceanview cabin (with a window) costs roughly $1,500 to $2,200 per person for the same week. You get natural light and a view of the water, which many people find worth the extra $500 to $700 per person.
A balcony cabin gives you private outdoor space and runs $2,000 to $3,000 per person. Balconies are popular in Alaska because you can watch glaciers and wildlife from your room, but the premium is substantial.
Suite cabins with separate living areas cost $3,500 and up per person and include perks like priority dining and lounge access. Most travelers do not need a suite for a week-long cruise.
Seasonal pricing and when to book
Shoulder season (May and September) offers the lowest fares—often $1,000 to $1,500 per person for an inside cabin. The weather is still good, the crowds are smaller, and you see wildlife. This is the best value if your schedule allows it.
Peak season (June, July, and August) drives prices up sharply. July is the most expensive month, with inside cabins starting at $1,800 to $2,500 per person. Families travel then because of school breaks, and cruise lines know demand is high. If you must go in summer, book as early as possible—prices typically rise as the departure date approaches.
Booking 2 to 3 months in advance usually gives you better pricing than last-minute bookings. Some cruise lines offer early-booking discounts, but these vary by ship and date. Checking multiple cruise lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, and Princess all sail Alaska) helps you spot the best rate for your preferred dates.
Costs that are not included in the base fare
Gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account at about $15 to $16 per person per day. For a seven-day cruise, that is roughly $105 to $112 per person. You can adjust this amount at the end of your cruise if you wish, but most people pay the standard rate.
Shore excursions are optional activities in ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay. A guided glacier hike costs $150 to $250 per person. A whale-watching tour runs $100 to $200. A flightseeing tour over glaciers can cost $300 to $400. If you book four or five excursions during the week, add $800 to $1,500 to your total.
Alcoholic drinks are not included. A beer or cocktail costs $6 to $12 onboard. A bottle of wine at dinner runs $30 to $80. If you drink daily, budget $100 to $200 for the week, or purchase a beverage package for $60 to $80 per day.
Specialty dining restaurants on larger ships charge $15 to $30 per person per meal on top of your included dining. The main dining room is free, but steakhouses and Italian restaurants cost extra.
Internet packages range from $8 per day for basic browsing to $20 per day for streaming-speed access. A week of internet costs $56 to $140.
Flights and getting to the ship
Most Alaskan cruises depart from Seattle, Anchorage, or Juneau. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, driving to Seattle and parking at the cruise terminal may be your cheapest option—parking runs $15 to $25 per day. If you fly, round-trip airfare from the West Coast typically costs $300 to $500 per person. From the Midwest or East Coast, expect $400 to $700 per person.
Some cruise packages include airfare, which can be a good deal if you are flying from far away. Compare the all-in price against booking your flight separately—sometimes the cruise line's air package is cheaper, sometimes it is not.
Budget time to arrive the day before your cruise departs. Staying a night near the port costs $100 to $200 for a modest hotel. This reduces stress and ensures you do not miss the ship if your flight is delayed.
Sample cost breakdown for two people
| Item | Cost for Two People |
|---|---|
| Inside cabin, seven days (May) | $2,000 to $3,000 |
| Flights to Seattle (from West Coast) | $600 to $1,000 |
| Hotel night before cruise | $100 to $200 |
| Gratuities (seven days) | $210 to $225 |
| Two shore excursions | $400 to $800 |
| Drinks and extras onboard | $200 to $400 |
| Total estimate | $3,510 to $5,625 |
This example assumes two people traveling together, booking in shoulder season, and choosing a modest number of excursions. Peak-season prices or balcony cabins would push the total higher. Traveling solo increases the per-person cost because you typically pay a single-occupancy surcharge of 50 to 100 percent of the cabin fare.
Ways to reduce your total cost
Book during shoulder season (May or September) instead of July or August. The price difference can be $500 to $1,000 per person for the same ship and itinerary.
Choose an inside cabin. You save $500 to $1,000 per person compared to a balcony cabin, and you spend most of your time outside the cabin anyway.
Skip or limit shore excursions. The ship's ports are walkable—you can explore Juneau or Ketchikan on your own without paying $150 to $300 for a guided tour. Reserve paid excursions for one or two ports where you really want a guide.
Bring your own drinks. Most cruise lines allow you to bring a bottle of wine or beer onboard. This saves money if you plan to drink during the cruise.
Book flights separately instead of through the cruise line. Checking airline websites directly sometimes yields cheaper fares than the cruise line's air package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cheapest time to book an Alaskan cruise?
Shoulder season (May and early September) offers the lowest base fares. Booking 2 to 3 months in advance typically gives you better pricing than waiting until closer to departure. Last-minute deals exist but are rare on Alaskan cruises because demand is steady.
Do kids pay the same price as adults on a cruise?
Children usually pay the same cabin fare as adults, though some cruise lines offer discounts for the second or third child in a cabin. Gratuities and excursions are charged per person regardless of age, so a family of four pays four times the per-person costs.
What is included in the base cruise fare?
The base fare covers your cabin, all meals in the main dining room, onboard entertainment, and access to most pools and fitness facilities. Drinks (except water and coffee), specialty restaurants, excursions, gratuities, and internet are separate charges.
Can I find an Alaskan cruise for under $1,000 per person?
Inside cabins in May or September sometimes start at $800 to $1,000 per person if you book early or catch a sale. However, once you add flights, gratuities, and a few excursions, your total per-person cost will exceed $1,500. The advertised low price rarely reflects the full trip cost.
Is a beverage package worth buying?
A beverage package costs $60 to $80 per day and covers most drinks. If you drink more than two or three drinks per day, the package pays for itself. If you drink occasionally, paying per drink is cheaper.