FAQs

Alaska is best known for its unspoilt nature and extraordinary wildlife. Think snow-capped mountains, fjords and otherworldly glaciers, plus grizzlies skulking around forests and channels filled with humpback whales. There are few places in the world like it - it has the biggest concentration of glaciers in North America (nearly 100,000), as well as the highest population of grizzly bears.

The state is also widely known for its invaluable Indigenous culture dating back thousands of years - discovering Alaskan Native heritage is a must during any cruise in Alaska, whether that's by visiting museums, watching traditional cultural performances or admiring intricate totem poles.

There's truly something for everyone on a cruise through Alaska. History buffs can brush up on the Gold Rush, foodies can sample local specialities (including Inuit ice cream), while those curious about culture can learn about the Indigenous peoples of Alaska and traditions like carving totem poles. Luckily, Ketchikan's Creek Street is a fine place to do all three of these things. Its antique boardwalk has a storied past and is now home to inviting restaurants and shops. Plus, it's also a top vantage point for seeing salmon, as well as being located right by some of the town's beautiful totem poles. See more at Saxman Village's Totem Park, also in Ketchikan.

More than anything, though, holidays to Alaska are all about the outdoors. Hiking trails are abundant, though Nugget Falls Trail is an easy and popular route near Juneau that stops at a huge waterfall. There are also thousands of stunning glaciers to visit, with Mendenhall Glacier both one of the most accessible and most beautiful.

It's also very likely that your trip will involve at least a handful of exciting wildlife encounters. Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm fjord and Juneau all offer whale watching tours and chances to see all kinds of bears. It's also entirely possible that you'll spot sea lions, caribou, salmon, otters and bald eagles during your holiday.

Guests on one of our cruises to Alaska will also get to enjoy the wonders of Canada, as our itineraries end in Victoria, the gorgeous and culture-crammed capital of British Columbia. The rest of the time is spent in the US, with all ships leaving from vibrant Seattle, Washington, before sailing Alaska's Inside Passage.

Most of our Alaska cruise itineraries last for seven nights. This is a fantastic amount of time to spend enjoying this genuinely magnificent region, as you'll be able to sail the Inside Passage route and visit some of the state's most popular destinations - all at a relaxing pace.

Seattle is the only embarkation port for our Alaska cruises. As Washington State's largest city, it's got plenty to explore before you leave on your voyage. Take a ride to the top of the Space Needle - the iconic observation tower that dominates the city's skyline - or hop aboard the Seattle Center Monorail.

Downtown, spend some time browsing the stalls at the centuries-old Pike Place Market, get cultural at the Seattle Art Museum or cheer on the Seattle Mariners at baseball field T-Mobile Park. Seattle is also the home of Starbucks, and coffee-lovers should absolutely seek out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery for an awakening experience. Little wonder that we decided to start our Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Packing for holidays in Alaska can be a breeze - sometimes quite literally. Even though temperatures in spring and summer are thoroughly pleasant, there can also be some wind and rainfall, so you'll need to pack light layers, long-sleeve jumpers and a jacket or two - ideally including a waterproof jacket, just in case.

But don't let the mention of waterproofs allow you to forget to bring a sunhat and high-SPF sun cream, too. Good walking shoes or hiking shoes are essential, so that you can get out into the wilderness in comfort. It's also recommended to pack some more formal clothes and shoes for evenings, particularly Gala Night, where passengers love looking their best.

However, your most important item to pack for cruises in Alaska will always be a camera, allowing you to capture the breathtaking scenery and the once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters that surround you.

No matter what your budget might be, MSC Cruises has an option for you, as you'll see when you take a look at our Alaska cruise deals. Bring that dream trip a little closer and start planning right now - find the best Alaska cruise deals here our website.

Our Alaska cruises from Seattle call at five different but equally enticing ports in Alaska. Ketchikan is known for its rich Alaska Native culture, including more than 80 totem poles, while Icy Strait Point in Hoonah is great for spotting wildlife and zooming down huge zip-lines. Gaze out at awe-inspiring glaciers and icebergs in Tracy Arm fjord, go hiking or discover local heritage in Sitka, or try whale watching in Alaska's capital, Juneau. All five places are enlightening, must-visit destinations on a holiday to Alaska.

It's always important to consider the weather when booking an Alaska cruise. The sunniest and warmest time is from June to August. It's never overly hot, though, with highs between 15°C and 19°C. May temperatures are also pleasant - plus, this is often the month with the least rainfall. September is fairly dry as well, but also starts getting a little cooler, with an average high of 13°C.

Outside of these times brings shorter days and extreme cold in some months, demonstrating that the best time for your Alaska cruise is from May to September.

Our Alaska cruises set sail between May and September, which are the best months to visit this northernmost US state. June, July and August will appeal to many thanks to their warmer temperatures. However, May and September are also fantastic months for Alaska holidays, as these times can result in quieter visits.

May is one of the driest months, so there's less chance of rain, and - happily - the chance of seeing wildlife is also increased. It's considered the best time to spot walrus, seals, whales, migratory songbirds and much more. September is mating season for many animals such as caribou, moose and muskoxen, while longer nights can increase the chances (without a guarantee, it should be said) of catching a rare glimpse of the glorious Northern Lights.