Royal Caribbean Alaska: Big Ships Up North

Royal Caribbean offers Alaska cruises aboard large modern ships featuring extensive amenities including multiple dining venues, entertainment options, pools, and activities. Itineraries typically visit popular ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, with scenic glacier viewing opportunities. Ships provide comfortable accommodations and organized shore excursions to explore Alaska’s wilderness, wildlife, and cultural attractions.

Quick Facts

Want to know more about Alaska cruise lines and your options?

What Makes Royal Caribbean Different in Alaska

Royal Caribbean brings ships to Alaska that seem almost comically oversized for wilderness exploration. But that’s precisely the point. While UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad National Geographic expeditions offer intimate experiences with 60 passengers, Royal Caribbean’s vessels can accommodate thousands while somehow still delivering memorable Alaska moments.

The company currently deploys ships from the Quantum, Radiance, and occasionally larger classes to Alaska. These aren’t your grandfather’s cruise ships. We’re talking vessels with features like the North Star observation capsule that rises 300 feet above sea level, giving you a bird’s-eye view of glaciers that smaller ships just can’t match.

The Ships That Go North

• Quantum of the Seas: Features the North Star viewing pod, bumper cars, and RipCord skydiving simulator
• Ovation of the Seas: Sister ship to Quantum with identical features plus slightly updated venues
• Radiance of the Seas: Smaller (2,500 passengers) with extensive glass and windows throughout
• Serenade of the Seas: Another Radiance-class ship emphasizing panoramic ocean views

Here’s something most people don’t realize: Royal Caribbean specifically modified some ships for Alaska service by adding extra-large windows in public spaces and repositioning outdoor deck furniture to maximize glacier viewing. They also adjusted heating systems because apparently people don’t enjoy pools when it’s 48 degrees outside.

Big Ship Benefits Nobody Tells You About

The debate between small ships and big ships for Alaska gets heated in cruise forums. But large ships offer specific advantages that get overlooked.

Weather Protection

Southeast Alaska averages around 150 inches of rain annually in some areas. When it’s dumping rain and you’re stuck on a ship with 80 people and one lounge, cabin fever hits hard. Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships offer dozens of indoor venues to escape weather. You can still have a fantastic sea day when it’s miserable outside.

Motion Stability

The Inside Passage is generally calm, but the Gulf of Alaska crossing to or from Seward can get choppy. Larger ships with modern stabilization systems handle rough water significantly better than smaller vessels. If you’re prone to seasickness, this matters enormously.

Multiple Dining Venues

After a full day hiking in Skagway or whale watching in Juneau, you’ll return exhausted and starving. Having 8-12 dining options including room service means you’re not stuck with one set menu at one set time. This flexibility is underrated until you miss dinner because your shore excursion ran two hours late.

Childcare and Teen Programs

Royal Caribbean’s youth programs are exceptional. Adventure Ocean provides structured activities for kids while parents do adult excursions or simply relax. Disney Cruise Line gets all the family cruise attention, but Royal Caribbean arguably offers better teen facilities with dedicated lounges and activities.

The Challenges of Going Big

Let’s be honest about the downsides because they’re real.

Port Limitations

Some of Alaska’s most interesting smaller ports can’t accommodate mega-ships. Places like Petersburg, Wrangell, or Elfin Cove simply aren’t on Royal Caribbean itineraries. If you want to visit truly off-the-beaten-path Alaska, you’ll need to look at Alaskan Dream Cruises or similar small-ship operators.

Crowds in Popular Ports

When your ship dumps 3,000 passengers into Ketchikan (population 8,000) along with two other cruise ships, the downtown area becomes a zoo. The jewelry stores multiply like tribbles, and finding authentic experiences requires effort and planning. Smaller lines like Holland America and Princess Cruises often have staggered port times that help somewhat.

Less Intimate Wildlife Encounters

A ship carrying 4,000 people can’t exactly sidle up to a pod of orcas and cut the engines for an hour. Wildlife viewing happens, but it’s more observational and less immersive than expedition-style cruises. However, Royal Caribbean does slow down significantly in glacier areas and makes genuine efforts to position the ship for optimal viewing.

Comparing Royal Caribbean to Other Major Lines

How does Royal Caribbean stack up against competitors? Here’s the practical breakdown comparing Royal Caribbean cruises to other mainstream options.

Celebrity Cruises (Royal Caribbean’s sister company) offers a more refined experience with better included dining and slightly smaller ships. You’ll pay more, but the service and atmosphere feel elevated.

Norwegian Cruise Line provides more dining flexibility with their freestyle cruising concept. No set dining times or assigned tables, which some people love and others find chaotic.

Carnival Cruises brings the party atmosphere north with lower prices but fewer premium amenities. Great for budget-conscious families who want Alaska without breaking the bank.

For travelers wanting something completely different, luxury Alaska cruise options like Seabourn or Regent provide all-inclusive experiences with higher staff-to-guest ratios and more sophisticated itineraries.

Booking Strategy and Pricing Reality

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska pricing can seem all over the map. Understanding the true cost of an Alaska cruise requires looking beyond the base fare.

What’s Actually Included

• Accommodations and main dining room meals
• Most onboard entertainment (shows, movies, some activities)
• Basic room service (usually with delivery charge)
• Pool and hot tub access
• Fitness center access

What Costs Extra

• Shore excursions ($80-$400+ per person per port)
• Specialty dining ($25-$75+ per person)
• Beverages including soda, alcohol, specialty coffee ($10-$15 per drink or $60-$90 daily packages)
• Gratuities (roughly $16-18 per person per day)
• Internet ($20-30 per day)
• Photos, spa services, specialty activities

A realistic budget should add $100-200 per person per day beyond the cruise fare for a comfortable experience with some excursions and extras.

Best Time to Book

Alaska cruise pricing follows predictable patterns. Book 9-12 months ahead for the widest selection and decent pricing. Wave season (January through March) typically offers the best promotions. Last-minute deals exist but you’ll have limited cabin selection and may miss out on preferred excursions that book up early.

Maximizing Your Onboard Experience

Here’s where insider knowledge makes a real difference in your cruise enjoyment.

Cabin Selection Strategy

Balcony cabins are absolutely worth it for Alaska unlike Caribbean cruises where you barely use them. You’ll spend significant time in your cabin watching scenery, and the ability to step outside in pajamas when whales appear is priceless. Mid-ship locations on higher decks (8-10) offer the best combination of stability and views.

Avoid cabins directly under the pool deck or above public venues. Also skip cabins near anchor mechanisms at the very front of the ship unless you enjoy being awakened by grinding chains at 6am in port.

Glacier Viewing Tips

When the ship approaches glaciers, everyone swarms to the outer decks. Here’s what experienced cruisers do differently:

• Head to outdoor decks on the opposite side of the glacier initially. Get a good spot, then once crowds thin on the glacier side, move over for photos
• The Windjammer buffet (top deck) often has floor-to-ceiling windows with heated indoor viewing and far fewer people
• Bring binoculars because from a large ship, glaciers are further away than you expect
• Download the ship’s app to receive notifications about wildlife sightings and glacier approaches

Dining Reservations

Book specialty restaurants and My Time Dining slots as soon as you board (or online before sailing). Popular venues and times fill up within hours on Alaska cruises. The ship will be near capacity unlike Caribbean sailings that rarely sell out.

Shore Excursions: Book Through the Ship or Independently?

This question generates endless debate. Both options have merit depending on your situation.

Book Through Royal Caribbean If:

• You’re a nervous traveler who wants guaranteed return to the ship
• You’re booking expensive excursions like helicopter tours where you want recourse if something goes wrong
• The port is far from downtown (like Icy Strait Point which is literally created for cruise passengers)
• You have limited mobility and need guaranteed accessible transportation

Book Independently If:

• The port has easy walkable access (Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway)
• You want smaller group sizes and more personal experiences
• You’re comfortable with slight risk (independent tours won’t wait if you’re delayed)
• You want to save 20-40% on similar excursions

Check out comprehensive Alaska cruise planning resources to help decide which excursions are worth your time and money.

Bonus Tips That Make a Difference

• Pack layers obsessively: Temperatures range from 45-65 degrees typically, but wind and rain change everything. Bring a waterproof jacket even if forecasts look perfect
• The free ice cream is your friend: After cold, wet excursions, hot chocolate and soft-serve from the Windjammer hits differently than in the Caribbean
• Port shopping is a trap: Those “local” jewelry stores are chains that follow cruise ships. Real local shopping requires walking 4-5 blocks away from the dock
• Book early morning excursions: Wildlife is more active, crowds are smaller, and you have backup time if weather delays
• Bring motion sickness medication even if you never get seasick: The Gulf of Alaska doesn’t care about your previous cruise experience
• Download offline maps: Cell service in Alaska is spotty. Google Maps offline mode works great in port towns
• The thermal suite in the spa is worth the upcharge: Heated tile loungers with glacier views for $50-100 per person for the entire cruise beats crowded pool decks
• Room service breakfast saves time: Order continental breakfast the night before, eat on your balcony while getting ready, and get off the ship faster
• Bring a power strip: Cabins have limited outlets and you’ll have phones, cameras, tablets all needing charges

What About Ship Size for First-Timers?

If this is your first Alaska cruise, Royal Caribbean’s big ships are actually a smart choice despite what cruise snobs might tell you. You’ll get the Alaska experience without sacrificing amenities and comfort. The cruise itself becomes part of the vacation rather than just transportation between ports.

However, if you’ve already done mainstream Alaska cruises and want something deeper, that’s when smaller expedition ships make sense. But for a first-timer especially traveling with family, Royal Caribbean delivers solid value and experience.

Common Questions and FAQ

Can Royal Caribbean ships get as close to glaciers as small ships?

Not quite, but the difference is less dramatic than you’d think. In Glacier Bay, all vessels must maintain specific distances from glaciers for safety and environmental regulations. Royal Caribbean ships typically position 0.5-1 mile from glacier faces while small ships might get to 0.25 miles. The North Star observation pod on Quantum-class ships actually gives you viewing angles impossible from smaller vessels.

Do the big ships feel crowded in Alaska?

Less than you’d expect. Alaska cruises attract older demographics who aren’t fighting for pool chairs. Port days thin out the ship considerably since most passengers go ashore. Sea days can feel busier, but with numerous venues spread across 15+ decks, you can always find quiet spaces if you know where to look.

Is the specialty dining worth it on an Alaska cruise?

More so than Caribbean cruises because you’ll likely eat dinner on the ship most nights (unlike warm-weather destinations where you might explore ports in evenings). Having 2-3 specialty dining reservations during a week-long cruise adds variety without breaking the budget. Avoid the first and last nights when specialty restaurants are busiest.

What happens if weather cancels a port?

It happens occasionally, particularly in Skagway where wind conditions can prevent safe docking. The captain will attempt alternate ports when possible. You won’t receive refunds for the cruise itself, but Royal Caribbean typically offers onboard credit and won’t charge the port fees for skipped stops. Shore excursions booked through the ship are automatically refunded.

Should I book a northbound or southbound itinerary?

Both directions cover similar ports, so it comes down to logistics. Seattle roundtrips are convenient but include less scenic cruising. One-way trips between Vancouver and Seward (or reverse) include Gulf of Alaska crossings and often visit Hubbard Glacier, making them scenically superior. Northbound cruises do more glacier viewing at the end when you’re Alaska-savvy; southbound front-loads glaciers when everything feels new and exciting.

Can you see the Northern Lights from Alaska cruises?

Extremely unlikely during cruise season (May through September). Alaska has near-continuous daylight during summer months, and you need darkness for aurora viewing. Northern Lights are winter phenomena in Alaska, and no major cruise lines operate during those months due to weather conditions.

Personal Experience

We booked Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas for our Alaska trip last summer, and honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from such a huge ship in those waters. Turns out, watching glaciers calve from the deck of a mega-ship is absolutely surreal – we grabbed spots on the open-air deck in Glacier Bay, and even with hundreds of other people around, it felt intimate and quiet. The ship moved slowly enough that we could really take it all in, and the crew did this thing where they actually turned off the music and announcements so everyone could just listen to the ice cracking. Pretty thoughtful touch.

What surprised me most was how well the big ship experience worked for Alaska. Yeah, you’re not on some small expedition vessel, but we loved having the heated indoor pools for those chilly evenings and multiple dining options when we came back from port excursions freezing and starving. The balcony cabin was worth every penny – we saw whales right from our room in Icy Strait Point while drinking coffee in our pajamas. Some cruise purists might say a smaller ship is more “authentic” for Alaska, but having the rock climbing wall, shows, and actual variety in restaurants made the sea days between ports feel like part of the vacation instead of just transportation.