10-Day Alaska Cruises Extended Itinerary Guide

10-day Alaska cruises typically sail roundtrip from Seattle or Vancouver, or one-way between these ports and Seward/Whittier. Extended itineraries include popular stops like Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Glacier Bay, plus additional ports such as Sitka, Icy Strait Point, or Hubbard Glacier. These longer voyages offer more scenic cruising and wildlife viewing opportunities than 7-day options.

Quick Facts: 10-Day Alaska Cruises

Want to know more about Alaska cruise planning strategies and essential preparation tips? We’ve got you covered with comprehensive guides to help you navigate all the options.

Why Choose a 10-Day Alaska Cruise Over Shorter Options

The difference between 7-day versus 10-day Alaska cruise itineraries isn’t just about extra time on the ship. Those additional three days fundamentally change your Alaska experience. You’re not rushed through ports and you actually get to see places that shorter cruises skip entirely.

Here’s what those extra days really buy you:

• More glacier encounters: Instead of one glacier viewing, most 10-day cruises include both Glacier Bay and either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord
• Lesser-known ports: Sitka and Icy Strait Point offer authentic Alaska without the crowds that descend on Juneau and Ketchikan
• Flexible pacing: Two sea days mean you can recover from excursions and actually enjoy the ship’s amenities
• Better wildlife odds: More time in Alaska waters significantly increases your chances of spotting humpback whales, orcas, sea otters and bears
• Enhanced scenic cruising: Extended routes spend more time in the Inside Passage where the views are most spectacular

Understanding the Different 10-Day Route Types

Not all 10-day Alaska cruises follow the same path. The route type dramatically affects what you’ll see and experience.

Roundtrip from Seattle or Vancouver

These itineraries loop back to where you started which means no awkward one-way flights to Alaska. You’ll typically visit:

• Ketchikan (totem poles and salmon)
• Juneau (Mendenhall Glacier and downtown charm)
• Skagway (gold rush history)
• Glacier Bay National Park (8 hours of cruising past tidewater glaciers)
• Victoria or another Inside Passage port

The downside? You spend two full days each way transiting between your departure port and Alaska proper. That’s four days of your 10-day cruise outside Alaska waters.

One-Way Gulf of Alaska Cruises

These Gulf of Alaska cruise itineraries sail between Vancouver or Seattle and Seward or Whittier (near Anchorage). They’re insider favorites because you maximize time in Alaska and minimize repetitive cruising.

Advantages include:

• Access to Hubbard Glacier (North America’s largest tidewater glacier)
• College Fjord with 26 named glaciers
• More diverse ports since you’re not backtracking
• Easy connection to Alaska cruise tours that extend your adventure into Denali and Fairbanks

The catch? You need to book a one-way flight either to or from Alaska which adds cost and complexity. Pro tip: book your cruise well in advance then wait to purchase your Alaska flight during a fare sale.

Port-by-Port Breakdown: What Makes 10-Day Itineraries Special

Extended itineraries give you access to Alaska cruise ports that shorter cruises bypass. Here’s what you’re likely to encounter:

The Standard Stops (With More Time)

Juneau: Most 7-day Alaska cruises give you 6-8 hours here. Ten-day cruises often extend this to 9-10 hours which actually matters. You can do both the Mendenhall Glacier trip AND explore downtown without feeling rushed.

Skagway: This tiny town of 1,000 residents gets 12,000 cruise passengers some days. Longer cruises sometimes dock overnight or arrive early giving you access to Skagway before the masses descend. Book the first White Pass Railroad departure at 8am and you’ll have the train nearly to yourself.

Ketchikan: Known for totem poles and salmon, but here’s what most people miss: the best totem viewing isn’t in town. The Totem Heritage Center and Potlatch Park require transportation but offer far more impressive collections with context that matters.

The Bonus Ports (10-Day Exclusives)

Sitka: This port is geographically outside the protected Inside Passage so it requires calm seas to visit. It’s the only Alaska cruise port with genuine Russian heritage and the Alaska Raptor Center here is legitimately world-class. Unlike other ports, Sitka tenders passengers ashore which slows embarkation but the town is worth the hassle.

Icy Strait Point: Owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation, this is authentic Native Alaskan culture rather than the commercialized version you’ll find elsewhere. The ZipRider here held the world record for longest zipline and the whale watching is phenomenal because you’re in their feeding grounds.

Haines: Rarely included but absolutely stunning when it appears on an itinerary. This is where the ferry-dependent locals live and the absence of mega-tourism infrastructure is precisely the appeal. If your itinerary includes Haines, book a jet boat trip up the Chilkat River.

Glacier Viewing: More Than Just Ice

Ten-day cruises typically include multiple glacier experiences and understanding the differences helps you appreciate what you’re seeing.

Glacier Bay National Park

This is the crown jewel and requires a permit that limits daily ship visits. A National Park Service ranger boards your ship and narrates the entire 8-hour journey through the bay. The Margerie Glacier at the terminus is actively calving which means you’ll likely see and hear ice chunks the size of houses crashing into the water.

Insider tip: Position yourself on the bow (front) of the ship around 6am when you enter the bay. Most passengers are still sleeping and you’ll have unobstructed views. The ranger commentary doesn’t start until later but the early morning light on the glaciers is magical.

Hubbard Glacier

At 76 miles long, Hubbard is massive and still advancing (most glaciers are retreating). Ships can approach closer here than at Glacier Bay and the ice face is nearly 400 feet tall with 300 feet below the waterline. The glacier produces a continuous soundtrack of groans, cracks and thunderous calvings.

What cruise lines don’t advertise: the approach to Hubbard takes several hours through Yakutat Bay and Disenchantment Bay. This scenic cruising is spectacular and often produces better wildlife sightings than the glacier itself.

College Fjord

Featured on some Gulf of Alaska routes, this fjord contains 26 glaciers named after elite colleges. It’s less famous than Glacier Bay but offers incredible density of glacier viewing. Ships spend 3-4 hours here and the captain typically rotates the vessel so both sides get equal viewing.

Wildlife Watching: Maximizing Your Chances

Extended time in Alaska waters increases your wildlife encounter probability significantly. Here’s what you need to know:

Whale Watching Strategy

Humpback whales feed in Alaska waters during cruise season and your chances of spotting them approach 95% on 10-day cruises. However, seeing whales from the ship versus on an excursion are completely different experiences.

From the ship you’re high above the water with distance limitations. Shore excursions put you in small boats at water level where you can hear the whales breathe and occasionally get close enough to feel the mist from their blowholes.

Best whale watching ports ranked by reliability:

1. Icy Strait Point (you’re literally in their feeding grounds)
2. Juneau (multiple tour operators with excellent track records)
3. Sitka (smaller crowds, quality experiences)
4. Ketchikan (good but more hit-or-miss)

Bear Viewing

Seeing bears from the ship is possible but unlikely. If bears matter to you, book a specialized excursion. The best options involve floatplanes to remote locations like Pack Creek or Anan Creek where bear viewing platforms let you watch them fish for salmon.

These excursions are expensive (often $500-700 per person) and weather-dependent. Book them for the middle of your cruise not the first or last day so you have flexibility if flights cancel.

Sea Otters, Seals and Sea Lions

These are actually easier to spot than whales because they hang out near shore and harbors. Bring binoculars and scan the kelp beds and rocky outcrops as you sail. Sea otters float on their backs and often use rocks to crack open shellfish on their bellies.

Choosing the Right Ship and Cruise Line

The ship matters more on a 10-day cruise than a 7-day cruise simply because you’re onboard longer. Here’s what to consider:

Large Ships (2,000+ passengers)

Advantages:

• More dining options and entertainment variety
• Better prices per day
• More amenities (pools, theaters, specialty restaurants)
• Stable in rough water

Disadvantages:

• Tendering in ports takes forever with 3,000 people
• Shore excursions feel like bus tours with 40+ people
• Can’t access smaller ports like Haines
• Less intimate viewing experience at glaciers

Mid-Size Ships (600-1,600 passengers)

This is the sweet spot for most Alaska cruisers. You get reasonable amenities without the massive crowds. Princess and Holland America dominate this category and both have Alaska expertise going back decades.

Small Ships (100-400 passengers)

Premium and luxury lines like Windstar, Silversea, and the small-ship specialists offer more intimate experiences with naturalist guides and expedition-style cruising. You’ll visit places large ships can’t reach and have more flexibility to pause for wildlife.

The tradeoff is cost (typically double or triple mainstream cruise prices) and fewer onboard amenities. If your focus is destination over ship experience, small ships deliver unmatched access.

Best Value Analysis: Getting the Most from Your Investment

Ten-day cruises cost more than 7-day cruises but the per-day price is often better. Here’s how to evaluate value:

Calculate Cost Per Alaska Day

A roundtrip Seattle cruise spends days 1-2 and 9-10 transiting to and from Alaska. That’s only 6 Alaska days out of 10. A Gulf of Alaska cruise might give you 8 Alaska days.

Sample calculation:

• 10-day roundtrip from Seattle: $2,000 ÷ 6 Alaska days = $333 per Alaska day
• 10-day Gulf of Alaska: $2,400 ÷ 8 Alaska days = $300 per Alaska day

The Gulf cruise costs more upfront but delivers better Alaska value even before you factor in the additional ports and glaciers.

Shoulder Season Sweet Spots

Early May and mid-September offer significantly lower prices with tradeoffs:

Early May:

• Fewer crowds and lower prices
• Longer daylight hours
• Some snow still visible on mountains
• Cooler temperatures (40-50°F typically)
• Some wildlife (like bears) just emerging

Mid-September:

• Best prices of the season
• Fall colors beginning
• Salmon runs attract wildlife
• Shorter days and increased rain probability
• Some attractions begin closing for winter

Peak season (June-August): Warmest weather, longest days, highest prices, biggest crowds. July is statistically the warmest and driest month but commands premium pricing.

Booking Strategy for 10-Day Cruises

Here’s what actually works based on booking data and insider knowledge:

When to Book

Alaska cruises sell differently than Caribbean cruises. The best cabins (especially balconies) on popular sailings sell out 12-18 months in advance. However, cruise lines also drop prices on remaining inventory 90-120 days before departure.

Strategy:

• Book 12+ months out if you need specific dates or cabin categories
• Book 3-4 months out if you’re flexible and hunting for deals
• Avoid booking 6-9 months out when prices are typically highest

Cabin Selection

Balconies in Alaska are worth the upgrade because of the extended scenic cruising. However, not all balconies are equal:

• Obstructed view balconies: Usually have a lifeboat blocking part of the view but cost significantly less. The obstruction typically blocks upper views not glacier viewing at water level.
• Aft balconies: Wider and more private but can be windy. Great for watching your wake through the Inside Passage.
• Forward balconies: Best for approaching ports and glaciers. Sometimes windier than mid-ship.
• Inside cabins: Make sense if you plan to spend all daylight hours on deck anyway. You’ll save $500-1,000 per person.

Cabin location tip: Mid-ship cabins are most stable but in Alaska the seas are generally calm. Save your money and book forward or aft if the price is better.

Shore Excursion Planning

Ten-day cruises give you 6-8 port days and excursions add up quickly. Budget at least $150-300 per person per port for worthwhile excursions.

Which Excursions Actually Matter

Must-book through the cruise line:

• White Pass Railroad in Skagway (books solid months ahead)
• Mendenhall Glacier tours in Juneau (independent operators are cheaper but cruise ships wait for their excursions, not independent tourists)
• Any excursion requiring flights (bear viewing, glacier trekking)

Better booked independently:

• Ketchikan town tours and totem viewing (the town is walkable and taxis are cheap)
• Sitka walking tours (everything downtown is within a mile)
• Whale watching (independent operators offer smaller boats and better experiences at lower prices, just verify they’re reputable)

The Excursions Nobody Tells You About

Skip the “salmon bake” excursions that warehouse hundreds of tourists. Instead look for:

• Glacier trekking: In Juneau you can helicopter to a glacier and actually walk on it with crampons. Life-changing experience.
• Floatplane to remote locations: See Alaska the way locals do from the air and access places cruise ships can’t reach.
• Cultural experiences: In Sitka, the Tlingit cultural center offers intimate performances and storytelling that beat generic “Native heritage” shows elsewhere.
• Fishing charters: If you fish, Alaska offers world-class halibut and salmon opportunities. Some operators will vacuum-pack your catch to travel home.

Packing and Preparation

Alaska cruising requires different preparation than tropical cruises.

The Layering System

Forget heavy winter coats. Alaska summer weather ranges from 45-70°F and changes constantly. The layering system works:

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking shirts and long underwear for cold mornings
• Mid layer: Fleece or wool sweater
• Outer layer: Waterproof windbreaker or rain jacket (this is essential, not optional)

You’ll add and remove layers throughout the day as you move between ship and shore, sun and shade, active and stationary.

Gear That Actually Matters

• Binoculars: Don’t rely on phone zoom. Compact 10×25 or 10×32 binoculars let you actually see wildlife.
• Waterproof phone case or bag: Rain and ocean spray are constant threats to electronics.
• Good walking shoes: Not hiking boots necessarily but comfortable shoes with grip. You’ll walk 5-8 miles on port days.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: The sun reflects off water and glaciers. You’ll burn faster than you expect.
• Motion sickness medication: Even if you don’t usually get seasick, the Gulf of Alaska can be rough.

What Not to Pack

Leave behind formal wear beyond one nice outfit. Alaska cruises skew casual and even “formal nights” are more relaxed than Caribbean cruises. Nobody wears tuxedos to dinner when you’ve been hiking glaciers all day.

Onboard Experience: Making the Most of Sea Days

Two to three sea days on a 10-day cruise give you time to actually enjoy the ship but also require planning.

Scenic Cruising vs. Sea Days

These aren’t the same thing. Sea days at the beginning and end of roundtrip cruises involve open ocean with limited views. Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage offers continuous shoreline, wildlife, and glacier viewing.

On scenic cruising days:

• Wake up early (5-6am) when wildlife is most active and other passengers are sleeping
• Position yourself on upper outside decks with 360-degree access
• Bring layers because it’s cold standing outside for hours
• Download a marine wildlife ID app to identify what you’re seeing

Enrichment Programs

Most Alaska cruises include naturalists, park rangers, or cultural experts who give presentations. These are actually worth attending unlike the jewelry shopping seminars on Caribbean cruises. You’ll learn to identify whale species, understand glacier dynamics, and appreciate Native Alaskan culture.

Hidden Costs to Budget For

The cruise fare is just the beginning. Here’s what actually adds up:

• Gratuities: $14-18 per person per day (add $140-180 per person for a 10-day cruise)
• Specialty dining: $25-75 per person per meal
• Beverage packages: $50-90 per person per day if you drink
• WiFi: $20-40 per day for functional internet
• Shore excursions: $150-600 per person per port
• Flights to/from Alaska: $300-800 per person for Gulf of Alaska cruises
• Pre- or post-cruise hotels: $150-300 per night

A $2,000 cruise can easily become a $4,500 vacation per person when you add everything up.

Bonus Tips from Alaska Cruise Veterans

These are the things you only learn from experience:

• Book the earliest possible embarkation time: You’ll board the ship by 11am, have lunch, and be unpacked while others wait in line for hours.
• Bring a power strip: Cruise cabins have limited outlets and you’ll have phones, cameras, and other devices to charge.
• Download offline maps: Cell service is spotty in Alaska and WiFi is expensive. Offline maps work without data.
• Pack medications in carry-on: Bags get lost and pharmacies are scarce in Alaska ports.
• Bring a reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated at Alaska’s latitude prevents altitude-like symptoms some people experience.
• Set multiple alarms for excursions: Missing your tour because you slept through your alarm means you lose money and miss experiences.
• Attend the port talks: Cruise staff highlight what to see and do in each port and often have insider tips.
• Check the daily schedule every night: Clock changes, early arrivals, and schedule modifications happen frequently.
• Bring ziplock bags: Keep electronics, documents, and other items dry when it rains.
• Take advantage of room service: It’s included on most lines and perfect for early port mornings when you don’t want to deal with the buffet.

Weather and What to Really Expect

Alaska cruise season runs May through September but weather varies dramatically.

Average conditions by month:

The takeaway: it will probably rain at some point during your cruise. Embrace it rather than letting it ruin your mood. Some of the most dramatic glacier and wildlife moments happen in misty conditions.

Common Questions and FAQ

Do I need a passport for Alaska cruises?

Technically no for roundtrip cruises from Seattle that only visit U.S. and Canadian ports. However, if you need emergency evacuation or medical care that requires flying home from Alaska, you’ll need a passport to re-enter the U.S. from Canada. Get the passport. It’s worth the peace of mind.

Will I get seasick on an Alaska cruise?

The Inside Passage is generally calm and protected. However, Gulf of Alaska segments and approaches to ports like Sitka can be rough. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medication and request a mid-ship cabin on lower decks where movement is minimal.

Can I see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise?

Extremely unlikely. The Northern Lights are a winter phenomenon requiring long dark nights. During cruise season (May-September), Alaska has 15-20 hours of daylight. You’d need to cruise in March or April when it’s too cold and stormy for most operators.

How formal are Alaska cruises?

Less formal than Caribbean cruises. Most ships have one or two “formal nights” but the dress code is interpreted loosely. Nice pants and a button-down shirt work fine for men. Dress or nice separates work for women. Nobody expects ball gowns and tuxedos.

Are 10-day cruises suitable for kids?

Absolutely, though Alaska appeals more to older kids (10+) who can appreciate wildlife and natural beauty. Teenagers often love the adventure excursions like zip-lining and glacier trekking. Younger children might get restless during long scenic cruising days. Most ships have kids’ clubs but the programming is less extensive than Caribbean cruises.

What’s the best side of the ship for Alaska cruising?

The honest answer is both sides matter because the Inside Passage has scenery on both sides and ships often rotate 180 degrees at glaciers. If you must choose, starboard (right side) tends to have slightly more scenic cruising on northbound routes and port side (left) on southbound routes. But don’t stress about it.

Should I book excursions before the cruise or wait?

Book the must-do excursions (White Pass Railroad, helicopter tours, bear viewing) as soon as they become available, usually 90-120 days before departure. These sell out. Other excursions can be booked onboard where you might find last-minute discounts, but you risk missing out on popular times.

How much cash do I need?

Very little. Everything on the ship charges to your cabin account. Most shore excursions are prepaid. You might want $100-200 cash for tips to independent tour guides, small purchases in ports, or emergencies. Credit cards work in all Alaska ports.

Can I drink the water in Alaska ports?

Yes. Alaska has excellent water quality. The ship’s water is also safe but some people prefer bottled water anyway.

What happens if an excursion is canceled due to weather?

Cruise line excursions are refunded automatically if canceled. Independent excursions depend on the operator’s cancellation policy. This is another reason to book through the cruise line for expensive activities like flightseeing.

Personal Experience

I’m heading to Alaska this summer, and let me tell you, planning this cruise has been way more involved than I expected! I initially thought I’d just book a basic 7-day trip and call it good, but after digging into the extended itinerary options, I realized the 10-day cruises are where it’s at. The extra days mean you actually get to spend more time in places like Glacier Bay and Skagway instead of just sailing past them. Plus, some of the longer routes include spots like Icy Strait Point and Sitka that the shorter cruises skip entirely. I’m not usually someone who overthinks vacation planning, but with Alaska, it feels worth it to really understand what you’re getting.

What surprised me most was learning how different the northbound versus southbound routes can be, and how the time of year affects everything from whale watching to weather. I’m leaning toward a late May departure because the prices are slightly better and I’ve read the wildflowers are incredible then. The 10-day itineraries also seem to offer more flexibility with excursions – I want to do a proper hiking trip and maybe a floatplane ride, and the extended schedule means I won’t feel rushed trying to cram everything into one frantic port day. Honestly, the planning process has gotten me even more excited about the trip itself.