A 7-night Alaska cruise costs $3,000–$6,500 all-in for two adults. Alaska itineraries cost more than Caribbean but most excursions are the main event — budget $300–$800 per person for them.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
Alaska is one of the most scenic cruise destinations in the world — and one of the most expensive when you account for excursions. Here's what you'll actually spend.
All-in cost for 2 adults, 7 nights
| Cost item | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise fare (per person) | $899 | $1,400 | $2,500 |
| Gratuities ($18/pp/day) | $252 | $252 | $252 |
| Port fees & taxes | $250 | $250 | $250 |
| Excursions | $400 total | $1,200 total | $2,500+ total |
| Drink package (optional) | $0 | $700 total | $700 total |
| Total for 2 adults | ~$2,700 | ~$5,200 | ~$8,700 |
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
The Alaska excursion math
Unlike Caribbean cruises where you can skip excursions and enjoy the ship and beach, Alaska is all about the ports. Glacier tours, whale watching, floatplane rides, bear viewing, and dog sledding are why people go. Budget at minimum $200/person across the 4–5 port days.
Top excursions and typical costs:
- Whale watching (Juneau): $120–$180/person
- Mendenhall Glacier tour (Juneau): $40–$120/person
- White Pass Railway (Skagway): $130–$160/person
- Floatplane/helicopter glacier landing: $300–$500/person
- Bear viewing flight (Ketchikan): $400–$600/person
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
Which cruise lines sail Alaska?
Princess Cruises has the most Alaska itineraries and best land-sea packages. Holland America is excellent for older travelers. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Celebrity also run Alaska summers. Disney has limited Alaska sailings.
Inside Passage vs. Gulf of Alaska
Inside Passage (round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver): Sees Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan — one of the best itineraries. Gulf of Alaska (one-way between Seattle/Vancouver and Anchorage): Adds Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord. Requires flying one way.
Use CruiseMutiny to compare Alaska sailings and get a full excursion-inclusive cost estimate.
Watch: Alaska vs Caribbean Cruise: The Real Cost Exposed
Published
Video Transcript
So you're looking at Alaska. Here's what two adults actually spend.
Base cruise fare? You're looking at $1,500 to $3,500 per person depending on the ship and cabin. That's your starting point. But that's not the real number.
Add gratuities — that's $15 to $16 per person per day. Seven nights means $210 to $224 total. Not huge, but it adds up.
Now here's the thing about Alaska cruises... the excursions ARE the cruise. You're not paying for the boat to sit in port. You're paying to actually do stuff.
Budget $300 to $800 per person for excursions. That's whale watching, glacier hikes, dog sledding, flightseeing — whatever you want. This is where the real money goes.
WiFi? Add $100 to $200 if you want it for the week. Drinks? Another $150 to $400 depending on how many you have.
So real talk... two adults on a 7-night Alaska cruise? You're spending $3,000 to $6,500 all-in.
Why is Alaska more expensive than the Caribbean? Because Alaska itineraries are shorter, the ships are smaller, and fuel costs are higher. You're paying for the destination.
Here's what matters for your decision: If you're booking Alaska, commit to the excursions. That's not optional. That's where the experience happens. Don't go expecting to chill on the boat — you'll regret it.
Want the full breakdown with actual pricing by cruise line? Full cost details at travelmutiny.com — link in bio.