Anthem of the seas to Alaska

Published May 1, 2026 · By Dave Giovacchini

Anthem of the Seas does not currently sail Alaska itineraries — Royal Caribbean deploys her primarily in the Caribbean and Europe. If you're set on Royal Caribbean in Alaska, Ovation of the Seas or Radiance of the Seas are the ships to look at, with 7-night Alaska sailings starting around $800–$1,200 per person for an interior cabin before add-ons.

Photo: Royal Caribbean International

Here's something Royal Caribbean's marketing won't tell you upfront: Anthem of the Seas doesn't sail to Alaska. She's a Quantum-class ship homeported for Caribbean and European itineraries. However, her sister ship Ovation of the Seas — nearly identical in layout and onboard experience — is Royal Caribbean's Alaska flagship, sailing from Seattle. So if you searched "Anthem of the Seas Alaska," you're probably looking for exactly this: a big, modern Royal Caribbean ship with bumper cars, skydiving simulators, and North Passage Strait scenery. This article gives you the real cost breakdown for that trip.

The Core Cost: What a Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Actually Runs

A 7-night Alaska cruise on Royal Caribbean (Ovation of the Seas from Seattle) typically runs $800–$3,200+ per person depending on cabin category and how early you book. That's just the base fare. By the time you add gratuities, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a shore excursion or two, most couples are spending $1,800–$2,800 per person all-in.

Prices reflect 2025–2026 sailings. Book early — Alaska fills fast and last-minute deals are rare.

Pro tip: Alaska sailings are peak-season only (May–September). You won't find the shoulder-season bargains you'd get in the Caribbean.

Photo: Royal Caribbean International

Key Factors That Drive the Final Cost

1. Gratuities

Royal Caribbean charges $18/person/day for standard cabins, $21/person/day for suites. On a 7-night sailing, that's $126–$147 per person automatically added to your onboard account. Not optional, not negotiable (well, technically you can go to Guest Services and remove them, but please don't).

2. The Deluxe Beverage Package

Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package runs $75–$95/person/day when purchased in advance through the Cruise Planner (it's always more at the bar once onboard). On a 7-night sailing:

The package covers drinks up to $14 per pour — which means most premium cocktails and top-shelf spirits are covered. Individual drinks without a package will run you $9–$16 before the automatic 18–20% gratuity. A domestic beer is ~$7.50 + gratuity. A signature cocktail is ~$13.50 + gratuity.

Alaska-specific note: Alaska sailings have relatively few sea days — you'll be in port (Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Victoria) much of the time. If you're off the ship exploring glaciers, the drink package math gets harder to justify. Run your numbers before you buy.

3. Wi-Fi

Royal Caribbean's Starlink-upgraded Wi-Fi runs $20–$35/device/day depending on when you buy and whether you need streaming speed. A 7-night sailing for one device will run $140–$245. Buy it in the Cruise Planner before sailing — it's always cheaper than the onboard rate.

4. Shore Excursions

This is where Alaska cruises get expensive fast. Don't cheap out on excursions in Alaska — this is literally the reason you're there.

Budget $300–$800+ per person for excursions across the full sailing if you want the signature Alaska experiences. You can book independently in most ports for 20–40% less than Royal Caribbean's official excursion prices — just make sure the ship waits for no one.

5. Specialty Dining

Ovation of the Seas has multiple specialty restaurants. Cover charges run $35–$65/person — Chops Grille (steakhouse) is ~$55/person, Jamie's Italian runs ~$35. A 3-restaurant dining package typically saves you 25–40% vs. paying per visit.

Photo: Royal Caribbean International

Practical Tips to Save Money on This Trip

• Book the Cruise Planner religiously. Royal Caribbean discounts drink packages, Wi-Fi, and dining by 20–40% in the Cruise Planner vs. onboard prices. Set a price alert — packages fluctuate.
• Book early for Alaska. Unlike Caribbean sailings, Alaska doesn't have last-minute fire sales. Inventory is tighter and demand is high. Six to twelve months out is normal planning time.
• Skip the drink package if you're port-heavy. With 4–5 port days, you're off the ship most of the time. Do the math: if you're buying it for sea-day drinking only, it probably doesn't break even.
• Book excursions independently in Juneau and Ketchikan. These ports have well-established independent operators at significantly lower prices. Skagway is tiny enough that it barely matters either way.
• Consider a balcony cabin. In Alaska specifically, a balcony pays off in ways it doesn't in the Caribbean — glacier passages, fjord views, and wildlife sightings from the privacy of your own space are genuinely worth the upgrade.
• Check for Crown & Anchor loyalty discounts if you've sailed Royal Caribbean before. Even a 5–10% discount on a $2,000 fare adds up.

Which Royal Caribbean Ship Is Right for Alaska?

Since Anthem isn't going to Alaska, here's how the Royal Caribbean Alaska fleet actually breaks down:

Ovation of the Seas is your Anthem-equivalent in Alaska — same Quantum-class DNA, same bumper cars, same skydiving simulator (iFly), same Two70° entertainment venue. If you loved the idea of Anthem's onboard energy but want Alaska scenery, Ovation is your ship.

Radiance-class ships are actually purpose-built for scenic itineraries with floor-to-ceiling windows and more glass surfaces — some Alaska veterans swear by them for glacier viewing. They're smaller, quieter, and feel more "expedition-adjacent" without going full expedition ship.

For the full real-cost picture on your specific sailing — including what your drink package will actually cost on your dates — use CruiseMutiny to run the numbers before you commit. You can also browse Royal Caribbean Alaska sailings through CruiseHub to compare current fares across departure dates.