2026 Alaska Cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line

Published: February 19, 2026
A cruise ship sailing through icy Alaskan waters with snow-capped mountains and a tidewater glacier visible in the background

Table of Contents

2026 Alaska Cruise Quick Facts

  • Total Sailings: 87 departures across 4 ports
  • Departure Ports: Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia; Whittier, Alaska; Honolulu, Oahu
  • Ships: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Spirit
  • Durations: 7–16 days
  • Peak Season: June–August (maximum ship deployment, extended daylight hours)
  • Popular Ports of Call: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier

Compare 2026 Alaska cruises on Norwegian →

Why Choose Alaska?

Alaska cruises offer some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet — massive tidewater glaciers, fjords carved over millennia, old-growth temperate rainforests, and abundant wildlife ranging from humpback whales and sea otters to bald eagles and brown bears. NCL Alaska cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska itineraries consistently rank among the most sought-after in the industry for good reason.

Cruise to Alaska and you'll find experiences unavailable almost anywhere else: watching a glacier calve thunderous blocks of ice into the sea, observing spawning salmon runs in Ketchikan's streams, or riding the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad from Skagway high into the Coast Mountains. The region's raw wilderness is further enriched by the cultural heritage of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples who have inhabited this coastline for thousands of years. Alaska cruise ports each carry their own distinct character, from the state capital of Juneau — accessible only by air or sea — to the picturesque fishing town of Sitka, once the capital of Russian America.

Alaska cruises suit a wide range of travelers: families seeking wildlife adventures, couples drawn to dramatic scenery and remote wilderness, outdoor enthusiasts planning shore excursions in the coastal rainforest, and first-time cruisers who prefer a no-passport-required voyage within United States territory.

Find the best options on these sailings using our Norwegian Cruise Line deal finder or sign up for deal alerts to get notified when availability opens up.

Season Highlights

The 2026 NCL Alaska season spans nearly six months, from late April through early October, with 87 total departures operated by five ships across four departure ports. Seattle leads as the primary hub, with Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore running weekly departures throughout the season and Norwegian Joy offering extended 9- and 10-day sailings on a biweekly schedule. Vancouver serves as the gateway for Norwegian Jade's one-way glacial cruises, alternating between northbound Vancouver-to-Whittier and southbound Whittier-to-Vancouver sailings. Norwegian Spirit adds a unique Hawaii-Alaska combination voyage operating three times during peak summer.

The season ramps up quickly from a single April departure to full deployment by late May, with all five ships operating simultaneously in July and August. September remains active before Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore close out the season in the first week of October.

Why Choose Alaska?

Alaska cruises offer some of the most rewarding itinerary variety in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. NCL Alaska sailings in 2026 encompass straightforward 7-day round trips ideal for first-time visitors, extended 9- and 10-day itineraries that allow deeper exploration of the region's smaller communities, and an extraordinary 16-day voyage that weaves through both Hawaiian island ports and Alaska's Inside Passage in a single sailing.

Departure port flexibility is a genuine strength of NCL's Alaska program. Travelers in the Pacific Northwest can often drive to Seattle's cruise terminal, eliminating the need for flights. Canadian travelers may prefer Vancouver's Canada Place terminal with its direct downtown access. Those willing to fly into Anchorage and transfer to Whittier unlock the one-way glacier cruise experience on Norwegian Jade. And those interested in combining two bucket-list destinations can embark or disembark Norwegian Spirit in Honolulu.

Compare current prices on all Alaska cruises to find your perfect sailing.

Port Breakdown

Seattle, Washington Departures – Seattle is the anchor of NCL's 2026 Alaska operation, with four ships departing from the Port of Seattle across the full season. Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore each run weekly 7-day round-trip sailings from late April through early October, creating a nearly unbroken string of Saturday and Sunday departures every week. Norwegian Joy departs Seattle on alternating 9- and 10-day sailings throughout the summer, with additional port calls and more time in Alaska's coastal towns. Norwegian Spirit begins two of its southbound Hawaii-Alaska voyages from Vancouver but arrives back via Alaska ports visible from the Seattle area. Seattle is a drive-to option for much of the Pacific Northwest and a major air hub for travelers from across the country.

Vancouver, British Columbia Departures – Norwegian Jade departs from Canada Place in Vancouver on its northbound one-way sailings (Vancouver to Whittier). Norwegian Spirit also uses Vancouver as its base for southbound Hawaii-Alaska departures (Vancouver to Honolulu). Vancouver is well-connected by international air and is popular with Canadian travelers as well as those combining the cruise with a pre- or post-cruise stay in British Columbia.

Whittier, Alaska Departures – Whittier, a small port town accessible via a single-lane tunnel through the Chugach Mountains from Anchorage, serves as the southern start point for Norwegian Jade's one-way glacier cruises heading south to Vancouver. Travelers departing from Whittier typically fly into Anchorage (ANC) and transfer to the port by shuttle or rental car. These one-way sailings allow passengers to experience the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier without retracing their route, making them popular with travelers who want to see both ends of Alaska's coastline on a single voyage.

Honolulu, Oahu Departures – Norwegian Spirit offers a rare Hawaii-Alaska combination voyage departing from Honolulu in July and August. This 16-day itinerary allows travelers to experience both Hawaiian island ports and Alaska's glacial wilderness on a single sailing, combining two entirely different environments in one extraordinary voyage.

Month-by-Month Alaska Cruise Calendar for 2026

April 2026

The Alaska season opens with a single departure: Norwegian Bliss on April 25th, sailing a 7-day round-trip from Seattle. This early-season sailing offers a quieter experience compared to peak summer months — ports are less crowded, wildlife is active as the season awakens, and glacier calving is often dramatic in the spring thaw. April is an excellent choice for experienced Alaska visitors seeking a more intimate port experience.

Departure Ports: Seattle, Washington Ships: Norwegian Bliss Duration: 7 days

May 2026

May marks the full opening of the Alaska season with 16 departures across four ships. Norwegian Bliss departs Seattle on May 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th. Norwegian Encore adds departures on May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st. Norwegian Jade begins its Vancouver-Whittier one-way service on May 4th (northbound, Vancouver to Whittier), then operates a southbound Whittier-to-Vancouver sailing on May 11th, followed by northbound on May 18th and southbound on May 25th. Norwegian Joy opens its extended-itinerary schedule with a 9-day Extraordinary Journeys sailing on May 13th and a 10-day sailing on May 22nd. May offers excellent opportunities for travelers who can sail before the peak summer school holiday period, with wildlife sightings and daylight hours improving rapidly through the month.

Departure Ports: Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia; Whittier, Alaska Ships: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Joy Duration: 7–10 days

June 2026

June delivers 17 departures as all Seattle ships settle into their summer rhythm. Norwegian Bliss departs Seattle on June 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. Norwegian Encore follows on June 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th. Norwegian Jade continues alternating one-way sailings with departures on June 1st (Vancouver to Whittier), June 8th (Whittier to Vancouver), June 15th (Vancouver to Whittier), June 22nd (Whittier to Vancouver), and June 29th (Vancouver to Whittier). Norwegian Joy offers three sailings in June: an Extraordinary Journeys 9-day on June 1st, another Extraordinary Journeys 9-day on June 10th, and a 10-day itinerary featuring Hubbard Glacier on June 19th. June features the longest daylight hours of the year — Juneau receives more than 18 hours of daylight around the summer solstice, enabling late-evening wildlife viewing and midnight glacier gazing. Father's Day and graduation travel make June a popular month for family group sailings.

Departure Ports: Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia; Whittier, Alaska Ships: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Joy Duration: 7–10 days

July 2026

July is peak Alaska season with 17 departures, including the first Norwegian Spirit sailings of the year. Norwegian Bliss departs Seattle on July 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th — with the July 4th departure offering the opportunity to celebrate Independence Day in Juneau or at sea. Norwegian Encore departs Seattle on July 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th. Norwegian Jade continues its Vancouver-Whittier one-way rotation on July 6th (Whittier to Vancouver), July 13th (Vancouver to Whittier), July 20th (Whittier to Vancouver), and July 27th (Vancouver to Whittier). Norwegian Joy offers three July sailings: a 9-day on July 8th, a 10-day on July 17th, and a 9-day on July 27th. Norwegian Spirit joins the Alaska fleet with a 16-day Hawaii-Alaska voyage departing Honolulu on July 15th (northbound to Vancouver) and a second 16-day departure from Vancouver on July 31st (southbound to Honolulu). July is the warmest month throughout the Inside Passage and the most popular for families traveling with school-age children.

Departure Ports: Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia; Whittier, Alaska; Honolulu, Oahu Ships: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Spirit Duration: 7–16 days

August 2026

August is the most active month of the 2026 Alaska season with 19 departures — all five ships operating simultaneously. Norwegian Bliss departs Seattle on August 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. Norwegian Encore departs Seattle on August 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th. Norwegian Jade operates one-way sailings on August 3rd (Whittier to Vancouver), August 10th (Vancouver to Whittier), August 17th (Whittier to Vancouver), August 24th (Vancouver to Whittier), and August 31st (Whittier to Vancouver). Norwegian Joy sails on August 5th (9-day), August 14th (10-day), and August 24th (9-day). Norwegian Spirit adds two Hawaii-Alaska voyages: a northbound departure from Honolulu on August 16th. Late August is prime viewing season for salmon runs in rivers near Ketchikan and Sitka — one of the most compelling wildlife experiences anywhere in North America.

Departure Ports: Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia; Whittier, Alaska; Honolulu, Oahu Ships: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Spirit Duration: 7–16 days

September 2026

September brings 15 departures as the season transitions toward its conclusion. Norwegian Spirit begins September with a Vancouver-to-Honolulu departure on September 1st, closing out its Alaska season. Norwegian Bliss departs Seattle on September 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th. Norwegian Encore departs Seattle on September 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. Norwegian Jade operates on September 7th (Vancouver to Whittier), September 14th (Whittier to Vancouver), and then departs Vancouver on September 21st on a dramatic 16-day repositioning voyage to Tokyo, Japan — stopping at Kodiak, Hubbard Glacier, Whittier, Sitka, and Ketchikan en route across the North Pacific. Norwegian Joy continues with departures on September 2nd (9-day), September 11th (10-day), and September 21st (9-day). September brings fall foliage beginning in the mountain valleys, cooler and noticeably quieter ports, and excellent wildlife viewing as bears prepare for winter.

Departure Ports: Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia; Whittier, Alaska; Honolulu, Oahu Ships: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Spirit Duration: 7–16 days

October 2026

The 2026 Alaska season closes with two departures. Norwegian Bliss departs Seattle on October 3rd and Norwegian Encore departs Seattle on October 4th, both on 7-day round-trip itineraries. These final sailings of the season offer a unique late-season Alaska experience: dramatically fewer fellow cruisers in port, the deepest autumn colors in the coastal forests, and a genuine sense of adventure for those willing to embrace the cooler conditions. These are particularly appealing sailings for veteran Alaska cruisers who have seen the destination in peak summer and want to experience a different side of it.

Departure Ports: Seattle, Washington Ships: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore Duration: 7 days

Ship Deployment

  • Norwegian Bliss – Operates weekly 7-day round-trip sailings from Seattle, Washington from April 25 through October 3, 2026. Bliss visits Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan (Ward Cove), and Victoria, British Columbia on its standard itinerary, with late-season departures sometimes substituting Skagway for Icy Strait Point.

  • Norwegian Encore – Partners with Bliss as a weekly 7-day round-tripper from Seattle, Washington from May 3 through October 4, 2026. Encore's standard itinerary calls at Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan (Ward Cove), and Victoria, British Columbia.

  • Norwegian Jade – Operates one-way 7-day sailings alternating between Vancouver to Whittier (northbound) and Whittier to Vancouver (southbound) from May 4 through mid-September 2026. Northbound itineraries include Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Jade closes its 2026 Alaska season with a 16-day repositioning voyage from Vancouver to Tokyo, Japan, departing September 21st.

  • Norwegian Joy – Offers 9- and 10-day extended sailings from Seattle, Washington from May 13 through September 21st, 2026. Joy's longer durations allow for additional port calls and more time in Alaska's coastal communities. Several spring departures carry the Extraordinary Journeys designation. Joy alternates 9-day and 10-day itineraries, with the 10-day version including a Hubbard Glacier call.

  • Norwegian Spirit – Operates three 16-day Hawaii-Alaska combination voyages during peak summer, with departures in July, August, and September. Spirit's route weaves through Hawaiian island ports (including Maui, Hilo, and Kauai) and Alaska's Inside Passage (Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Ketchikan), offering a completely unique dual-destination experience. See our full 2026 Hawaii cruise guide for Spirit's Hawaii portion of these voyages.

Planning Tips

  • Book early for summer departures – July and August sailings fill quickly, particularly those over the Fourth of July weekend (Norwegian Bliss, July 4th) and during peak school summer break. Norwegian Joy's 10-day sailings are available in limited quantities and often book out well in advance.
  • Consider one-way itineraries on Norwegian Jade – Jade's Vancouver-to-Whittier and Whittier-to-Vancouver one-way sailings allow you to see both ends of Alaska's coastline without retracing the same route. Fly into one gateway city and out of the other for a linear Alaska experience.
  • Choose your departure port based on where you live – Travelers in the Pacific Northwest can often drive to Seattle's cruise terminal. Canadian travelers may find Vancouver's Canada Place terminal most convenient. Those combining Alaska with Hawaii should consider Norwegian Spirit's Honolulu-anchored itineraries.
  • Longer sailings provide more Alaska content – Norwegian Joy's 9- and 10-day itineraries include more port calls and additional time in communities like Sitka. The Norwegian Spirit's 16-day Hawaii-Alaska combination is in a category of its own for travelers seeking maximum destination variety.
  • Pack for unpredictable weather – Even in July, temperatures in Juneau and Ketchikan regularly stay in the 50s°F. Rain gear is essential; Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in North America. Layering is the standard approach for Alaska cruise packing.
  • Reserve shore excursions early – High-demand activities like whale watching tours, helicopter glacier walks, and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway sell out months ahead during peak season. Book as soon as your sailing is confirmed.

How to Find the Best Deals on Alaska Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line pricing fluctuates based on demand, booking time, and availability. Here's how to maximize value:

  • Book early – Promotional fares and early booking benefits for Alaska sailings are often available 12–18 months in advance
  • Monitor price drops – Fares change frequently; set up deal alerts to track your preferred sailings and be notified when availability shifts
  • Consider shoulder season – May and September offer the same ports and scenery with fewer ships in port simultaneously, creating a more relaxed port experience and often more availability to choose from
  • Compare one-way vs. round-trip options – Norwegian Jade's one-way sailings between Vancouver and Whittier provide a different experience than the round-trip Seattle departures; the right choice depends on your travel logistics
  • Longer itineraries – Norwegian Joy's 9- and 10-day sailings and Norwegian Spirit's 16-day combination voyages typically offer better per-day rates than the standard 7-day sailings
  • Solo traveler strategies – How to cruise for less as a solo traveler covers booking tactics applicable to Alaska's seasonal demand patterns

Compare current prices across all 2026 Alaska sailings →

Our deal finder shows real-time pricing across all 87 2026 Alaska departures, helping you identify the best options for your preferred dates and departure ports.

With 87 departures spanning late April through early October 2026, five ships, and departure options from Seattle, Vancouver, Whittier, and Honolulu, Norwegian Cruise Line's Alaska program offers remarkable variety — from 7-day round-trip classics to 16-day Hawaii-Alaska combination voyages that combine two bucket-list destinations in a single sailing.

FAQ

What cruise ports offer sailings to Alaska in 2026 on NCL?

Norwegian Cruise Line offers 2026 Alaska sailings from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia; Whittier, Alaska; and Honolulu, Oahu. Seattle and Vancouver are the primary drive-to or fly-to hubs, while Whittier serves as a turnaround port for Norwegian Jade's one-way glacial cruise itineraries.

When is the best time to cruise to Alaska in 2026?

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April through early October 2026. June, July, and August offer the most departures, longest daylight hours, and the warmest conditions for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. May and September offer a quieter shoulder season experience with slightly fewer crowds.

How long are NCL Alaska cruises in 2026?

Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska cruises in 2026 range from 7 to 16 days. Most departures are 7-day round-trip sailings from Seattle or Vancouver. Norwegian Joy operates 9- and 10-day itineraries with extended port calls. Norwegian Spirit offers unique 16-day voyages combining Alaska and Hawaii.

Which NCL ships sail to Alaska in 2026?

Five Norwegian Cruise Line ships operate Alaska itineraries in 2026: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Spirit. Bliss and Encore run weekly 7-day round trips from Seattle. Jade alternates one-way sailings between Vancouver and Whittier. Joy offers longer 9- and 10-day itineraries from Seattle. Spirit runs 16-day Hawaii-Alaska combination voyages.

Are there year-round cruises to Alaska on NCL?

No, NCL Alaska cruises are seasonal. The 2026 season runs from April 25 through October 4. The highest concentration of sailings is between June and September, when all five ships operate simultaneously.