Best Cruises to Alaska

The Seabourn Sojourn debuted in June 2010 and features all-suite accommodations. About half of the suites offer ocean views, but all accommodations provide 24-hour room service, flat-screen TVs, bathrooms with dual sinks and a separate living area and bedroom. What's more, cruisers are welcomed with complimentary Champagne upon arrival and can enjoy a fruit basket that's refreshed daily. A suite stewardess is assigned to each cabin to assist with requests as well.

Outside the rooms, travelers can gamble at the casino, work up a sweat in the fitness center or relax at the spa. Those interested in soaking up the sun can snag a spot by the pool or enjoy one of six hot tubs. Cruisers can also fuel their competitive juices with a round of shuffleboard or golf on the nine-hole putting green. When anchored, vacationers can take advantage of the ship's water sports equipment, such as kayaks and paddle boats.

There are four dining venues to choose from on the Seabourn Sojourn, including casual and fine dining options. And in the evenings, cruisers can enjoy cocktails at one of the bars or dance under the stars, among other activities. Plus, the ship features a nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-passenger ratio, meaning cruisers can expect a strong attention to detail.

Like its sister ship, Azamara Journey, Quest appeals to travelers seeking an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. According to recent cruisers, the 690-passenger vessel is small enough to provide individualized service with a low crew-to-passenger ratio, while still being large enough to offer multiple dining venues which include two specialty restaurants, a main dining room and three causal venues.

The ship's staterooms were recently refurbished and include flat-screen TVs, minibars and 24-hour room service. Suites offer additional perks such as 235 complimentary Internet minutes and complimentary specialty dining. Cruisers can also spend time at the spa and fitness facilities, which previous passengers described as modern and comfortable.

Onboard entertainment includes seminars, wine tastings among other enrichment programs. At night, passengers can enjoy blackjack in Casino Luxe, take in shows at the Cabaret Lounge or sip cocktails at one of the three lounges. On top of all that, itineraries that are seven or more nights include a complimentary night experiencing local culture in port, known as AzAmazing Evenings. 

The 2,713-passenger Disney Wonder first debuted in 1999 and was recently updated in fall 2016, rolling out family-oriented amenities and entertainment offerings like the classic meet and greets with Disney characters.

The ship offers plenty of activity with 10 designated family areas, five youth clubs and seven adults-only spaces. While younger passengers can play at age-appropriate clubs, grown-ups can relax at the adults-only Quiet Cove pool.

In terms of dining, Disney Wonder offers six options, including one adults-only specialty restaurant. At night, adults can unwind and enjoy After Hours, a section of the ship that features three nightclubs and lounges.

Like the rest of the ship, staterooms are designed with families in mind. Interior staterooms can accommodate up to four passengers, while larger Suites can sleep up to seven guests. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs, seating areas and classic Disney designs. Recent cruisers commented that while a trip on the Disney Wonder was expensive, the quality of service was top-notch. 

In 2017-18, Disney Wonder departs from a range of ports, including Galveston, Texas, Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Vancouver for sailings in Alaska, California, the Caribbean and Mexico.

Similar to its sister ships, Seven Seas Navigator and Seven Seas Voyager, the 698-passenger Seven Seas Mariner makes service a top priority with a 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio.

Activities on board range from cooking demos to putting greens, while evenings can be spent taking in theatrical productions, playing casino games or sipping cocktails in one of four lounges.

As for dining, the ship offers four gourmet restaurants and two more casual options. Recent passenger favorites include the French-focused Signatures and the Prime 7 steakhouse.

But the best feature of all may be the all-suite accommodations that are outfitted with welcome bottles of Champagne, walk-in closets, marble bathrooms and balconies.

And though the ship first debuted in 2001, thanks to the most recent upgrade in 2014, the ship features modern interiors. As with all Regent Seven Seas ships, specialty dining and shore excursions are included in the cruise fare.

In 2017-18, Seven Seas Mariner splits its time between Alaska and sailings in the Pacific from ports such as Honolulu, Auckland and Sydney. 

Launched in 2010 and most recently updated in 2015, the 2,850-passenger Eclipse is one of Celebrity's largest vessels. About 85 percent of Eclipse's accommodations include verandas, and those who splurge on Suites and AquaClass staterooms receive butler service and access to exclusive specialty dining. All cabins offer interactive flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service.

As far as activities go, traveler can stay active at the Lawn Club, lounge by three pools, participate in cooking classes and shop at a variety of upscale boutiques. In the evenings, cruisers can enjoy theme parties, comedy acts and Broadway-style shows. Meanwhile, kids programming (geared toward guests ages 3 to 17) includes karaoke, Xbox consoles and organized games.

When it comes to dining, past cruisers praised the variety of casual and formal choices: The ship offers 11 eateries including five specialty venues where reservations are required and additional charges apply. From the room stewards to the restaurant servers, Celebrity Eclipse's staff was also a point of praise among recent guests.

In 2017-18, Celebrity Eclipse offers itineraries in the Caribbean, Europe and South America. 

Built in 1998, Oceania Regatta was last overhauled in 2014. While Inside and Ocean View cabins are smaller, passengers who spring for Veranda cabins and Suites will enjoy additional space (ranging from 216 to 1,000 square feet) and teak verandas. No matter which cabin you choose, all staterooms are equipped with minibars, flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service.

The 684 passengers onboard will Oceania's signature service, with 400 crew members catering to guest needs. That also means guests encounter fewer crowds in public areas, which recent cruises appreciated. Travelers also note that the atmosphere aboard Regatta is decidedly adult: The ship caters to older, affluent cruisers.

Entertainment varies from nightly musical performances to table games at the casino. Dining is also diverse: Regatta offers five venues ranging from the formal dining room to a casual grill. Even though it was updated in 2014, some recent passengers comment that for the price, the ship could use some updating.

In 2017-18, Regatta will spend most of its time on the West Coast with itineraries to Alaska, it also offers sailings in Asia and Australia. 

Like its sister ship Regal Princess, unique features like a top-deck pool and the SeaWalk, a glass-paneled walkway that stretches 28 feet beyond the ship's edge, make Royal Princess stand out among competitors.

The 3,560-passenger ship debuted in 2013 and was refurbished in 2017. Onboard activities include an indoor driving range, duty-free boutiques and educational programming through Discovery at SEA. Younger passengers can participate in age-appropriate youth clubs while adults play games in the casino or sip cocktails from one of multiple lounges.

When it's time to dine, passengers can choose from three main dining rooms, four specialty restaurants or six casual eateries. In terms of lodging, all cabins are appointed with minifridges and flat-screen TVs. While Interior cabins measure 158 to 162 square feet, larger Balcony staterooms offer 214 to 222 square feet.

In 2017-18, Royal Princess offers a wide range of itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and South America. 

Silver Shadow, along with its sister ship, Silver Whisper, is slightly larger than the older Silversea ships (but not as big as the Silver Spirit). Most recently updated in early 2017 (it debuted in 2000), the 382-passenger ship maintains a nearly 1-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio with 302 crew members. For past cruisers, it's the friendly crew's attention to detail that help set Silver Shadow apart from its competitors.

Recent passengers also praise the all-suite accommodations. Ranging from Vista Suites (which offer 287 square feet) to the two-bedroom Owner's Suite which offers 1,264 square feet. All cabins offer ocean views and more than 80 percent include private balconies. Standard amenities include butler service, minifridges and full baths with separate showers.

When guests aren't in their rooms, they can utlitize the ship's facilities which include shopping boutiques, a casino, a beauty salon and an expansive pool deck. The ship also offers four dining venues, including Le Champagne – a Relais & Châteaux-affiliated specialty restaurant (additional fee applies). As for nighttime entertainment, passengers have their pick between several cocktail lounges and the ship's performance venue.

In 2017-18, Silver Shadow departs from a diverse array of ports including Abu Dubai, Auckland and Hong Kong for sailings in Asia, Africa, Australia and Alaska. 

The 2,158-passenger Celebrity Millennium debuted in 2000, and thanks for a refurbishment in May 2016, the ship is one of the most innovative in the fleet. The renovation saw remodels to the Penthouse and Royal suites as well as updates other cabin categories (Interior, Ocean View and Veranda cabins). Also, AquaClass staterooms were added in 2012 and include extras like upscale bath amenities and complimentary access to the AquaSpa Persian Garden.

When it comes to dining, Celebrity Millennium offers 10 dining venues, including four specialty spots. Options include the Tuscan Grille steakhouse and Qsine, an interactive restaurants with iPad menus (both require an extra fee). The ship also offers an array of bars and lounges including the popular Cellar Masters wine bar.

While the ship offers programming for children, most of the activities are geared toward adults with onboard enrichment that includes language lessons, art classes and Zumba. The ship also features a rooftop terrace with an outdoor movie screen.

In 2017-18, Celebrity Millennium will split its time between itineraries in Alaska and sailings throughout Asia. 

Recently refurbished in 2016 (it first launched in 2008), the 2,850-passenger Celebrity Solstice offers new features such as a sushi specialty restaurant and the Alcoves retreat in the Lawn Club. Other daytime activities range from spa treatments to cooking lessons and art classes. Younger passengers ages 3 to 17 can also participate in age-appropriate youth clubs.

As far as dining goes, Celebrity Solstice boasts 11 restaurants, five of which are specialty spots that require an extra fee. Guests were pleased with the cuisine variety, plus with a nearly 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ration, the ship makes service a priority.

When it comes to lodging, 85 percent of Solstice's cabins feature verandas. Guests can choose from Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite category cabins, all with amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars and 24-hour room service. Those who spring for an AquaClass cabin receive additional amenities like an upgraded room service menu. 

In 2017-18, Celebrity Solstice will split its time between itineraries in Alaska and sailings in Australia and the Pacific.