Alaskan cruise prices range from roughly $1,000 to $5,000 per person for a week, depending on the ship size, cabin type, season, and cruise line
The base fare—what you see advertised—covers your cabin and onboard meals, but not airfare to the departure port, drinks, excursions, gratuities, or travel insurance. A budget cruise for two people in an inside cabin during shoulder season (May or September) might run $2,000 to $3,000 total. A balcony cabin in peak summer (July or August) on a premium line can easily exceed $8,000 for two. The actual number depends on which specific choices you make, not on a fixed price.
Alaska cruises depart from Seattle, San Francisco, or Vancouver, British Columbia. Most run seven days and visit ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay. The cruise line, ship size, and time of year are the three biggest factors that move the price up or down.
Key Takeaways
- Inside cabins cost less than balcony or suite cabins, and early-season (May) or late-season (September) cruises cost less than peak summer sailings.
- The advertised price does not include airfare to Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco, which can add $300 to $800 per person depending on where you live.
- Onboard expenses like drinks, shore excursions, and gratuities typically add $500 to $1,500 per person to your total cost.
- Booking three to six months ahead often yields better prices than booking last-minute, though last-minute deals do occasionally appear.
- Cruise lines include basic meals and entertainment, but specialty restaurants, alcohol, and activities ashore cost extra.
How cabin type affects your price
An inside cabin (no window) is the cheapest option and typically runs $500 to $1,500 per person for a week in shoulder season, or $1,000 to $2,500 in July and August. You spend your sleeping hours there, so many experienced cruisers choose inside cabins to save money for excursions and dining.
An oceanview cabin (window, no balcony) costs roughly 30 to 50 percent more than an inside cabin. A balcony cabin adds another 30 to 50 percent on top of that. A suite with a large balcony, separate living area, and priority dining can double or triple the base fare. The difference between an inside cabin and a balcony cabin on the same sailing can easily be $1,500 to $2,500 per person.
Cruise lines often discount inside and oceanview cabins more aggressively than balcony cabins, so the percentage savings between cabin types narrows as you book closer to departure.
Seasonal pricing: when you sail matters most
May and September are shoulder season. Prices are lowest, weather is still good, and ports are less crowded. Expect to pay 30 to 50 percent less than peak season for the same cabin type.
June and early July are early peak season. Prices rise noticeably, and ships fill up faster. Mid-July through August is peak season—the most expensive time to sail. Families travel then because of school schedules, so demand is highest and prices reflect it.
April and late September through October are off-season. Some ships do not sail at all, and those that do offer the lowest prices of the year. Weather is colder and daylight hours are shorter, which matters in Alaska because the midnight sun and long daylight are part of the appeal.
What costs are included and what you pay extra for
Your cruise fare includes your cabin, all meals in the main dining room and buffet, basic entertainment, and access to the gym and pools. Coffee, tea, and water are free. That is where the included part stops.
Drinks cost extra. Sodas, juice, alcohol, and specialty coffee run $3 to $8 per item. A drink package (unlimited beverages for the week) costs $50 to $100 per person, depending on the line and what it covers. Many people budget $100 to $200 per person for drinks over a week.
Shore excursions cost extra. A guided glacier hike, whale-watching tour, or flightseeing trip runs $150 to $400 per person per excursion. Most people book two to four excursions over a week, adding $300 to $1,500 to the total. You can explore ports on your own for free, but organized tours are popular and book up early.
Specialty restaurants cost extra. The main dining room is included, but steakhouses, Italian restaurants, and sushi bars charge $15 to $40 per person per meal. Most cruisers eat in the main dining room most nights and try one or two specialty restaurants.
Gratuities are expected. Cruise lines suggest $15 per person per day for crew members. For a seven-day cruise with two people, that is roughly $210. Some lines add gratuities automatically to your onboard account; others leave it to you.
Airfare and getting to the port
Most Alaskan cruises depart from Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco. If you do not live near one of those cities, you need to budget for airfare. Domestic flights from the East Coast to Seattle or San Francisco typically run $300 to $600 per person round-trip if booked a few weeks ahead. West Coast residents may pay $150 to $300. International travelers pay more.
Some cruise lines offer air packages that bundle your flight with the cruise, sometimes at a discount. Compare the package price against booking your flight separately—packages are not always cheaper, but they simplify logistics and may provide you arrive in time.
Ground transportation from the airport to the cruise terminal (taxi, shuttle, or rental car) adds another $30 to $100 per person depending on the port and your choice.
Travel insurance and other add-ons
Cruise lines sell travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Policies typically cost $100 to $300 per person for a week-long cruise. Whether you need it depends on your health, how far in advance you booked, and your comfort with financial risk if you have to cancel.
Some cruise lines charge extra for specialty dining packages, cabin upgrades at booking, or priority boarding. These are optional. Onboard internet (if you want it) costs $15 to $30 per day or $50 to $100 for the week. Most people skip it or use it sparingly.
Sample total costs for different scenarios
| Scenario | Cruise Fare | Airfare | Excursions | Drinks & Dining | Gratuities | Total per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget: Inside cabin, May, from Seattle | $800 | $0 | $300 | $200 | $105 | $1,405 |
| Mid-range: Oceanview, June, from California | $1,400 | $250 | $600 | $350 | $105 | $2,705 |
| Premium: Balcony, July, from East Coast | $2,200 | $500 | $800 | $500 | $105 | $4,105 |
These are estimates for one person. Multiply by the number of travelers, then subtract any discounts for children (cruise lines often offer reduced fares for kids under 12) or group bookings.
How to find the best price
Cruise lines publish prices on their websites, but travel agents and third-party booking sites often show the same sailing at different prices. Check multiple sources—Cruise.com, CruCon, and individual cruise line websites—to compare. Prices change frequently, especially as a sailing fills up or as the departure date approaches.
Booking three to six months ahead usually offers better prices than booking last-minute, though last-minute deals (within two weeks of departure) do appear occasionally when a ship has unsold cabins. The trade-off is less choice in cabin type and excursion availability.
Sign up for email alerts from cruise lines and travel sites to catch price drops on sailings you are interested in. Some sites will rebook you at a lower price if the fare drops after you book, though policies vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find an Alaskan cruise for under $1,000 per person?
Yes, but rarely. Inside cabins in May or September on budget cruise lines sometimes start around $800 to $900 per person for the cruise fare alone. Once you add airfare, excursions, drinks, and gratuities, your total will be higher. Last-minute deals occasionally dip below $1,000 all-in, but availability is limited.
Are there hidden fees I should know about?
No major hidden fees, but gratuities, drinks, excursions, and specialty dining are not included in the advertised price and add up quickly. Some cruise lines charge extra for cabin selection at booking or priority boarding. Read the fine print on the booking page to see what is and is not included.
Is it cheaper to book through a travel agent or directly with the cruise line?
Prices are usually the same, but travel agents sometimes offer onboard credits or perks that the cruise line website does not advertise. Travel agents also handle rebooking if prices drop, which saves you time. The service is free—agents are paid commission by the cruise line.
Do kids pay full price?
Most cruise lines offer reduced fares for children under 12, typically 50 to 75 percent of the adult fare. Some sailings offer free or heavily discounted fares for the second child. Check the cruise line's website for current promotions.
What time of year has the best weather in Alaska?
July and August have the warmest weather and longest daylight, but they are also peak season and most expensive. May and September have good weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. June is a good middle ground. April and October are colder and have fewer daylight hours, which affects the experience.