American Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises and Cruise Ships on AlaskaCruises.com (2024)

American Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises

Sailing through America's waterways since 1991, American Cruise Lines offers unique, small ship cruises to Alaska, the Mississippi, and the East Coast geared toward inquisitive yet laid-back travelers. There are no fussy dress codes or required daily itineraries onboard an American Cruise Lines; just comfortable, spacious ships sailing to some of the country's most beautiful towns and cities. The line's all-American crew is attentive and gracious, and welcomes traveler's onboard with open arms; each guest can expect personalized attention and hospitality. With a focus on history, culture, and the great outdoors, an American Cruise Line cruise to Alaska is both engaging and revitalizing.

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American Cruise Lines Ships

Ship NameStar RatingYear BuiltGross Tonnage
American ConstellationAmerican Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises and Cruise Ships on AlaskaCruises.com (1) 2017
American ConstitutionAmerican Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises and Cruise Ships on AlaskaCruises.com (2) 2018
American JazzAmerican Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises and Cruise Ships on AlaskaCruises.com (3) 2021
American SpiritAmerican Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises and Cruise Ships on AlaskaCruises.com (4) 20051,955

4 American Cruise Lines Ships

American Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises Overview

An American Cruise Lines cruise is a uniquely American experience: the line's ships are built, flagged, and staffed by Americans, and sail exclusively to American destinations in 28 states. Cruise with American through Southeast Alaska or Alaska's Inside Passage and visit the state's capital, Juneau; the Gold Rush town of Skagway; or Glacier Bay National Park - American Cruise Lines is one of the few cruise lines permitted in! Enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of Alaska from the comfort of an American Cruise Line ship.

American Cruise Lines Ships in Alaska

American has a fleet of eight ships, all built in the United States. The fleet is one of the newest in the industry, with an average ship age of four years. These small, contemporary vessels carry 100 to 185 passengers, and are designed to feel both comfortably spacious and intimate.

The American Spirit sails to Alaska, and was designed to navigate the state's inland waterways. The Spirit holds 100 guests, and features oversized staterooms, hotel-sized bathrooms, ship-wide wireless internet access, four decks, and a large, glass-enclosed fine dining room. The top deck includes sun shade areas, a putting green, and exercise equipment. There are several lounges throughout the second and third decks where guests can relax, take in the scenery, and mingle with friends new and old.

On the Spirit, guests can choose to stay in one of six categories of suites, ranging from "A" to Owner's Suite. Rooms are all between 248 and 350 square feet, and always feature an outside view, if not a full private balcony.

Accommodations on American Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises

Most of American's staterooms are more than 220 square feet in size, and feature private balconies and hotel-like private bathrooms. All rooms have a large, open, picture window, so guests can always feel close to nature and the beautiful landscapes passing by. Solo travelers are welcome onboard, and each ship has several single occupancy staterooms available for their use. Each tastefully decorated room includes the following amenities:

  • Twin or king-sized bed
  • Twice-daily stateroom service
  • Satellite TV and DVD player
  • Internet access
  • Individual climate control system
  • Spacious bathrooms and spa toiletries

Cruise fare includes much more than your passage: dining service, snacks, evening co*cktail parties, onboard Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment are factored in, too.

Shore Excursions on American Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises

American Cruise Lines offers more than 160 different shore excursions, including activities that focus on history, wildlife, food, music, and nature. Prior to your cruise, you will receive a booklet containing a comprehensive list of shore excursions offered. All of these tours are designed to expound on each port's culture, heritage, and history, and are guided by local experts. These excursions usually cost between $20 and $70 each, and can be paid onboard, though some Alaskan shore excursions are included.

American Cruise Lines works with leading hotels to offer discounted rates and complimentary parking if you wish to stay in a hotel before your cruise.

Dining & Drinks on American Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises

American Cruise Lines prides itself on using locally sourced, sustainable food, and its master chefs create menus that reflect the areas visited on each cruise. On Pacific Northwest American cruises to Alaska, delicious seafood is a staple, and menu items may include Pacific Northwest Scampi, Pacific Coast Shrimp Bisque, Dungeness Crab Cake, Pacific Northwest Smoked Salmon, or Marionberry Cheesecake. Fresh seafood, meats, and produce are purchased locally when docked in port, and farmers' markets and small American businesses are prioritized when purchasing ingredients.

American seeks to be as environmentally friendly as possible, and as such offers half portions and customized menu options in an effort to reduce waste. Menus are adjusted based on the season, but you can always expect delicious, sustainably sourced meals, made to order.

Enjoy dinner open-seating style in the Dining Salon, where each table has an outside view, and don't worry about breaking out an evening gown - dress is resort casual. Complimentary wine and beer are served with lunch and dinner, and a co*cktail hour with full bar is hosted each night before dinner. Help yourself to glasses, ice, mixers, coffee, and soft drinks anytime throughout the day. Feeling extra cozy one morning? Treat yourself to room service and eat breakfast in bed.

Activities on American Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises

Throughout American's ships, there are plenty of spaces to rest, relax, and enjoy life while sailing from destination to destination. Check out the day's news at the Internet station, visit the well-stocked library and pick up a good book, or break a sweat in the fitness area, featuring state-of-the-art equipment.

Afternoon tea is offered daily in the Sky Lounge, perfect for enjoying those chilly afternoons on an American Cruise Lines cruise to Alaska. A full-service hot chocolate bar on the American Spirit's sun deck was created in the same vein, and serves a number of delicious, unique recipes dreamt up by the line's hotel managers.

Onboard musical entertainment and enrichment opportunities will fill your evenings onboard, and get you excited for what's to come on land. Hear from naturalists, historians, environmentalists, and more during open discussions, informal lectures, and onboard activities, and gain a better understanding of local history, nature, and culture.

Children's Programs on American Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises

While American does not have any child-specific programming or facilities, children are welcome on board. The line's American-history immersions can be especially positive experiences for kids and teens.

American Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises Past Guests

After sailing with American Cruise Line once, you become eligible to join the Eagle Society, American's loyalty program. Members enjoy savings on future cruises, access to the Eagle Society Referral Program, and VIP access when a ship is in port near a member's hometown. While cruising, members can invite friends and family to come onboard to visit the ship or enjoy a meal, another perk of American-based itineraries. After three cruises, enjoy complimentary premium level shore excursions, and after 10 cruises, let American reward you with a complimentary 11th cruise.

Accessibility on American Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises

American Cruise Lines welcomes guests with disabilities on board and seeks to make travel as comfortable as possible for all guests. All ships are equipped with handicap-accessible rooms, and most of the lounges, sun decks, and dining rooms on board are wheelchair-accessible. Every ship offers elevator service to all decks. If you have any questions regarding accessibility, feel free to contact your Cruise Specialist.

American Cruise Lines Alaska Cruises and Cruise Ships on AlaskaCruises.com (2024)

FAQs

Which is the best side of a cruise ship to be on Alaska? ›

Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska's scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.

What is the best cruise line for Alaska cruise tours? ›

Holland America Line (HAL) — which recently snapped up a 2023 World's Best Award in the large-ship ocean cruise line category — has been cruising Alaska for over 75 years. HAL prides itself on having more permits for Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line.

Which passage is the best on an Alaskan cruise? ›

The Inside Passage is the most popular Alaska cruise route.

What is the average age on American Cruise Lines? ›

American Cruise Lines says that the average age for all of its passengers is low 60s.

What is the cheapest month to cruise to Alaska? ›

For both cruising and land-based tours, May and September are the “shoulder” seasons in Alaska, with better deals and fewer crowds. Cruise prices during those times may be lower, perhaps by a couple hundred dollars per person.

How many days is best for an Alaskan cruise? ›

If you want to view Alaska's natural splendors, but don't have more than a week or so consider seven-day cruises that depart Seattle or Vancouver and return to the same spot. Watch silvery skyscrapers fade into the distance and say hello to fjords, rugged coastlines and blankets of lush temperate rain forests.

What type of room is best for Alaska cruise? ›

We recommend you find a room with a balcony and avoid the inside staterooms. On our recent Alaska cruise, we stayed in a stateroom with an obstructed view. We saved money by staying in this type of room and we found the obstruction to be minimal. We still had great views from our balcony and barely noticed.

What is the best cruise line to take from Seattle to Alaska? ›

What Is The Best Cruise Line For Alaskan Cruises? Travel experts and cruise critics rate Holland America Line as the best cruise line for Alaska. If you're looking for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle, Holland America Line has won Best Alaska Itineraries, Best in Alaska, Best Alaska Cruise, and many more awards.

What is the best age for an Alaskan cruise? ›

When considering an Alaska family small ship cruise, we suggest age 6 and older. Some ships will allow children as young as 2 years old or even babies. Most small Alaskan cruise lines do not provide babysitting services, video games or kids clubs that separate families.

Are the seas rough on an Alaskan cruise? ›

Alaska Cruises Can Be Bumpy in the Gulf of Alaska

Rough Waters: The majority of sailing on an Alaska cruise is done in the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but ships sailing to Seward, Whittier or Anchorage must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which is much rougher.

What age is senior on cruise ships? ›

For older adults, aka those over 55 or “senior citizens,” cruises are a particularly carefree way to travel. Whether you're a first-time or seasoned cruiser, you may be a bit more discerning when it comes to what you're looking for in a cruise vacation.

What age are senior rates on cruises? ›

Many of the major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Lines and Norweigan Cruise Lines offer Senior Citizen Rates for guests age 55 or older. Senior Cruise Discounts are typically available on last minute cruises when cruise lines need help filling the last remaining cabins on their ships.

Which cruise lines have the oldest passengers? ›

The luxury brand, Oceania Cruises, had an average age of 64.1. Cunard cruises, however, had an average age of just 60.5 due to its specialisation in traditional cruising. Ultra-luxury brands also catered to an older crowd, with the average age of Seabourn passengers at 66.3 and Regent Seven Seas at 62.4.

Which is better, inside or outside passage in Alaska? ›

It's a matter of personal taste. Some people don't like open-jaw flights (flying into one city and out of another), and so prefer the round-trip Inside Passage route. Others don't mind that and enjoy the additional glacier visits of the Gulf cruise itineraries. It's entirely up to you.

Is it better to go north or south on an Alaskan cruise? ›

There's no difference in northbound and southbound itineraries. The stops along the way are the same no matter which you choose, so it's really about personal preference, and which lines up best with your travel plans.

Is it better to get a balcony on an Alaskan cruise? ›

On an Alaska cruise, a balcony cabin provides your own private viewing space to take in spectacular scenery, glaciers, wildlife, and more. While this category of staterooms comes with a higher price tag, the benefits offered on an Alaska cruise will make a huge difference and is well worth the investment.

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