Alaska Makes Waves as Cruise Nation Bookings Through Seattle Rise 52%

Alaska is quickly emerging as a cruise destination to watch, according to cruise tour operator, Cruise Nation, which recorded a 52 percent increase in bookings – year-to-date – travelling through Seattle (thanks to its Smart Package offering, that provides flights, a free pre-cruise stay and departure port from the city) compared with the same period in 2025*.

Alaska’s growing appeal can be attributed to several factors says Phil Evans, Founder and Managing Director at Cruise Nation: “Reflecting a wider interest in destinations that offer something beyond the traditional holiday experience, wildlife-focused content, documentaries and events such as Fat Bear Week are helping bring Alaska to the forefront of the travel psyche, showcasing the wildlife, glaciers and dramatic landscapes that make the region so distinctive.

“A cruise offers an easy way for travellers to experience these highlights in one trip, combining multiple ports and excursions without the need to organise separate accommodation, transfers and journeys across such an expansive destination.”

While Alaska has long been associated with expedition-style travel and traditional cruise holidays, the region is now being presented to new audiences. Virgin Voyages brought Brilliant Lady to the northern state for the first time in 2026, introducing its adults-only, design-led offering to the destination with sailings from Seattle and Vancouver.

The line’s more contemporary approach could help broaden the region’s appeal to travellers who may not have previously considered an Alaska cruise, particularly those looking for a different type of holiday experience. Established operators, including Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, are also continuing to develop their Alaska programmes, with a range of itineraries and onboard experiences designed to keep the destination competitive and attractive to a wider audience.

Evans continues: “Alaska is a great example of how travellers are discovering destinations through social media and then looking at how they can experience them for themselves. Something like Fat Bear Week, which last year, attracted more than 1.7 million votes from over 100 countries*, brings the wildlife side of Alaska to life, but once people start exploring, they realise just how much more the destination has to offer.

“Alongside incredible scenery and wildlife, there’s deeply rooted culture and the chance to visit places that feel genuinely different from the usual holiday destinations. Booking with Cruise Nation allows you to benefit from a free, pre-cruise stay in Seattle or San Francisco before heading so you can have a city break before beginning your adventure, What’s more, cruising makes it possible to experience several parts of Alaska in one trip, without having to constantly pack and unpack.”

When is the best time to cruise Alaska?

May – head on 3nts Seattle & 7nts Alaska: Glacial Fjords & Coastal Views to see snow-capped mountains and fewer crowds

May is a good option for travellers looking to experience Alaska before the peak summer season. Those looking to make the most of shoulder season can enjoy a free three-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Seattle before heading on a seven-night full board adults-only Alaska cruise onboard Brilliant Lady, where they can make the most of fewer crowds, snow still on the mountains and spring bringing waterfalls and fresh greenery to the landscape.

Wi-Fi, speciality dining and soft drinks are included in this Glacial Fjords & Coastal Views sailing, departing 31 May starting at £1,569pp – down from £1,899pp – representing a saving of £660 per couple.

July and August – enjoy 3nt San Francisco and 10nts Summer in Alaska sailing for iconic wildlife

The summer months are ideal for travellers hoping to experience Alaska’s wildlife. July and August offer some of the strongest opportunities for bear viewing, with salmon runs drawing bears to rivers and streams to feed. Travellers can head to San Francisco for a free three-night pre-cruise stay before spending 10 nights sailing in Alaska onboard Ruby Princess, departing 27 July 2027, where they might even have the chance to spot whales, eagles and other wildlife along the coast. Prices start at £1,689pp.

September – 2nts Seattle & 7nt Alaskan Explorer for autumn landscapes and quieter sailings

September allows travellers to see Alaska through a different lens, as the panorama begins to turn autumnal. It is also a quieter time to visit, with fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Those wishing to explore the destination in September can enjoy a two-night free pre-cruise stay in Seattle before spending seven nights exploring Alaska onboard MSC Poesia – prices start at £1,719pp, departing 11 September 2027. Plus, towards the end of September, darker skies may create the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, although sightings are never guaranteed.

Evans finishes: “One of the great things about this Arctic frontier is that the experience changes depending on when you go. July and August are particularly appealing for wildlife, while September is all about those autumn colours and May offers snow-capped scenery with fewer visitors, giving travellers plenty of reasons to consider Alaska for 2027. It has the wildlife and landscapes people might associate with the destination, and can be enjoyed with the added bonus of the comfort, variety and ease of a cruise holiday.”

For more information visit www.cruisenation.com/cruise-and-tour or call 0800 408 0758.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

• Data period: 1 January 2026 – 20 September 2026 vs. same period in 2025
• Source: Fat Bear Week stats

For further press information, please contact:
Caitlin Lesko | Marta Malagon Manas | Sarah Geppert
Rooster.
T: +44 (0)203 440 8930
E:  cruisenation@rooster.co.uk

About Cruise Nation
Cruise Nation is the UK’s leading cruise holiday specialist. Award-winning, deal-slinging, and on a mission to make cruising affordable for everyone, whether seasoned sailor or just learning port from starboard.

With over 400 years’ combined industry experience, Cruise Nation focuses on big value without big price tags through its exclusive tailor-made Smart Packages that combine land and cruise itineraries. Customers can enjoy every type of cruise, including those short on time but big on bucket lists and those who are just in it for the buffet. Complete with regional flights, free hotel stays, and cruises to over 200 destinations, Cruise Nation has a cruise package that suits all schedules, budgets, and interests with Best Price Guaranteed.

For more information or to book a tailor-made cruise, call the experts for free on 0800 408 0758 or visit www.cruisenation.com.