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Hubbard Glacier, the narrow waters of Endicott Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and the possibility of extending the journey all the way to Denali National Park. In 2028, Royal Caribbean will send four ships to Alaska, with itineraries departing from Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward between April and September.
When I look at an Alaska cruise, the first thing I open is the map. I want to know what might appear on the horizon in the morning, how close the route gets to the glaciers, which towns I will see along the way, and whether it makes sense to stay in Alaska for a few more days after the final night on board.
The 2028 program offers four different ways to experience this coastline.
- Anthem of the Seas – Hubbard Glacier and the option to continue toward Denali;
- Ovation of the Seas – Endicott Arm, Dawes Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka;
- Serenade of the Seas – Vancouver, Icy Strait Point, and Juneau;
- Voyager of the Seas – Seattle, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria.
The duration may be similar, but the character of each journey is different.
The glaciers are the reason to study the map more closely
In Alaska, the hours between ports can matter almost as much as the time spent ashore.
Anthem of the Seas will sail to Hubbard Glacier, one of the most recognizable natural landmarks along the region’s cruise routes.
Ovation of the Seas will enter Endicott Arm on its way to Dawes Glacier. The approach passes through narrow waterways, steep slopes, and waterfalls that gradually transform the scenery around the ship.
During a stop in Juneau, travelers can also add a visit to Mendenhall Glacier.
If I were comparing two itineraries with similar prices and duration, I would start with the glacier. That is often where the difference between them becomes much clearer.
A single day spent near a glacier can stay with you far longer than dozens of activities on board.
Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Ketchikan – four very different stops
Alaska’s coastal towns add history, local rhythm, and a different atmosphere to days otherwise shaped by ice and mountains.
Juneau
Alaska’s capital sits between the sea and the mountains and offers convenient access to natural attractions, including Mendenhall Glacier.
Skagway
The town still carries strong ties to the Klondike Gold Rush. After days dominated by dramatic landscapes, that historical layer gives the stop a completely different character.
Sitka
Islands, green slopes, and the sea create a quieter setting. It is the kind of place I would rather explore without an overpacked schedule or the urge to check off as many sights as possible.
Ketchikan
This is a place where the day can become more active, with kayaking, fishing, hiking, or simply spending time near the water.
The combination of ports deserves attention from the moment you start choosing a cruise. Seven days may look the same on a calendar, yet tell a very different story once the journey begins.
Seattle, Vancouver, or Seward – where I would begin
In 2028, Royal Caribbean will use Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward as its main departure points for Alaska.
- Seattle is a convenient choice for a classic seven-night itinerary;
- Vancouver serves as a departure point for Anthem of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas;
- Seward offers the opportunity to continue into Alaska’s interior after the cruise.
Seward is the option I would personally study most carefully.
The new Royal Caribbean Group and Alaska Railroad terminal is connected to the state’s rail infrastructure. After several days at sea, the journey can continue by train into Alaska’s interior and toward Denali National Park.
I like that shift in rhythm – first the sea and glaciers, then the rails, wide-open spaces, and days far from the coast.
Anthem of the Seas – an itinerary that can continue to Denali
Anthem of the Seas will sail from Seward and Vancouver between May and September 2028.
Key highlights include:
- Hubbard Glacier;
- Ketchikan;
- land tours lasting between 2 and 6 days;
- the option to continue to Denali National Park.
If I had more time available, this option would be high on my list.
The appeal is the chance to see two very different sides of Alaska. The coast brings glaciers, fjords, and small ports, while the journey toward Denali leads into a different scale of landscape altogether.
Ovation of the Seas – Endicott Arm, Dawes Glacier, and a view from North Star
Ovation of the Seas will operate seven-night cruises from Seattle between May and September.
The itinerary includes:
- Sitka;
- Skagway;
- Juneau;
- Endicott Arm;
- Dawes Glacier.
Here, one of the ship’s attractions has an especially fitting backdrop. North Star is a glass-enclosed observation capsule that rises above the upper deck and offers a higher vantage point over the surrounding scenery.
Among Alaska’s fjords, I would choose that view over many indoor activities.
The ship also features RipCord by iFly, SeaPlex, Sound Cellar, and numerous restaurants. On a day with good visibility, though, I would leave plenty of unstructured time for the deck.
Serenade of the Seas – an itinerary for travelers who like to keep looking outside
Serenade of the Seas will sail from Vancouver between May and September.
The itineraries include:
- Icy Strait Point;
- Juneau;
- Prince Rupert in British Columbia.
The ship’s expansive glass areas are especially well suited to a northern route.
In Alaska, the weather can shift quickly, while lower temperatures and rain may limit how long you want to stay on an open deck. A good view from inside keeps the coastline part of the day.
I would start looking for a quiet seat by the window within the first few hours on board.
Voyager of the Seas – seven days for a first encounter with Alaska
Voyager of the Seas will begin its season as early as April and continue through September.
The Seattle itinerary includes:
- Sitka;
- Juneau;
- Skagway;
- Victoria in British Columbia.
During the cruise and shore excursions, travelers may have opportunities to see bald eagles, seals, and other local wildlife.
Voyager also offers an ice-skating rink, mini golf, an arcade, and a Solarium.
For a first trip to Alaska, I would leave parts of the itinerary intentionally open. A destination like this deserves time when the only plan is to look beyond the ship.
Which itinerary would I look at first?
When comparing the four ships, I would begin with three questions:
- which glacier is included;
- which ports will I visit;
- can I continue into Alaska’s interior after the cruise?
For seven days and easier logistics, I would first look at the itineraries from Seattle and Vancouver.
If I had more time, Seward and the extension toward Denali would be the option that draws me most strongly.
In Alaska, I would choose the ship after choosing the route.
Years from now, I doubt we will remember how many restaurants were on board. What is far more likely to stay with us is the cold air on deck, the quiet in front of a glacier, or the moment when the mountains begin to fill the horizon.
Royal Caribbean’s 2028 Alaska season will begin in April and continue through September. The four ships offer different combinations of glaciers, coastal towns, and overland routes into the interior of the state.
Source: Based on information from the Royal Caribbean Press Center.
Yordan Balabanov
Founder of Travel Inspiration Magazine.
Words from the author:
“I believe every journey begins with inspiration – a story, an image, or a dream that makes us take the first step. For me, traveling is never just moving from point A to point B, but meeting cultures, colors, and people that stay in our hearts forever. In Travel Inspiration Magazine, I collect stories that not only describe places but also weave emotions, cultures, and experiences that inspire us to live more boldly, more joyfully, and more connected to the world.”
LinkedIn | yordanbalabanov.com
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