Alaska has so much to offer cruisers that there's really no*bad* way to visit; any smackdown between small ship and big ship cruises in the Last Frontier has to come with that caveat.
Yet there are advantages and disadvantages to each type of cruise. We've done both -- twice -- so we're hoping that this list will help you decide which type of cruise helps you plan that bucket list Alaska trip.
2021 Editors' Note: A ban on cruise ships by Transport Canada until 2022 is likely forcing all foreign flagged ships to cancel their 2021 Alaska season. Several small, U.S.-flagged ship lines are still planning to sail, however.
On This Page
Itineraries and Ports

Glacier Bay

Ships and Cabins

Shore Excursions

Onboard Atmosphere and Activities

Wildlife Sightings

Bottom Line

Updated February 26, 2021
How was this article?