Alaska Cruise travel is entering an exciting new phase, and summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable seasons ever. With new cruise lines arriving for the first time, brand-new ships launching, and familiar favorites returning after long breaks, travelers will have more choices than ever before. Whether you love big ships, small expedition vessels, luxury yachts, or adults-only cruises, an Alaska Cruise in 2026 promises something special for everyone.
What Makes Summer 2026 Special for an Alaska Cruise
Taking an Alaska Cruises has always been popular because of its glaciers, wildlife and stunning views. But summer 2026 is different because a handful of cruise companies — including some that have never sailed in Alaska before, and others returning after years away — are coming. That means more itineraries, more home ports and more styles of cruising for you to consider.
Travelers, meanwhile, see growth bringing better things to suit a variety of budgets, interests and styles of travel. From spectacular glaciers to charming little coastal communities, an Alaska Cruise in 2026 is going to be a richer and more varied experience than ever before.
Cruise Newcomers in Alaska 2026
1. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
For luxury lovers, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will make its debut in Alaska. Its new superyacht, Luminara, will ply seven- to 11-night itineraries between Vancouver and Whittier. These trips emphasize smaller, less-visited ports such as Klawock Island, Wrangell, Petersburg, Haines and Valdez — though there are also visits to popular cruise stops like Sitka and Ketchikan.
Featuring expansive suites, private verandas, five-star dining and personalized concierge service, this offering is for you if you want to combine luxury with adventure.
1. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
2. Virgin Voyages
Brilliant Lady will take Virgin Voyages’ adults-only approach to Alaska for the first time. Departing from Seattle or Vancouver, the seven- to 12-night itineraries blend traditional Alaskan scenery with contemporary entertainment, stylish design elements and inclusive dining.
This is a great Alaska Cruise for couples and adults who enjoy a festive at-sea ambiance mixed with glaciers, wildlife, and endless summer daylight.
3. MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is another newcomer to Alaska in 2026. Its ship MSC Poesia will sail seven-night roundtrips from Seattle. The ship is newly renovated and features the private MSC Yacht Club for those guests who prefer a more exclusive experience. Following days of whale watching and historic ports, passengers can take in shows, dining and low-key nights onboard.
Brand-New Ships Sailing Alaska
1.Princess Cruises – Star Princess
Princess Cruises—which is already a major Alaska Cruise outfit—is debuting Star Princess in 2026. This new ship will sail seven-day roundtrip cruises from Seattle and is built specifically for scenic cruising. Huge double-glazed sections of glass to enable passengers to take in the views and geographical wonders such as glaciers and mountains, without stepping outside.
Staterooms with complimentary amenities, unique onboard activities including a live lobsters demonstration were the highlighting features included in her upgrades.
2.Windstar Cruises- Star Seeker
Windstar is also returning to Alaska with its new small ship, Star Seeker. With slightly more than 100 suites, the ship can navigate narrow fjords and hard-to-access outposts that larger ships cannot. Kayaking, Zodiac rides and close-ups of glaciers such as Sawyer Glacier.
This Alaska Cruise itinerary is ideal for those who prefer nature, adventure and a small-ship experience.
3. Seabourn Encore
Seabourn Seabourn is deploying Seabourn Encore to Alaska for the first time. This luxury ship (offering seven- and eight-night sailings from Vancouver or Juneau) is all about comfort, gourmet dining options and truly unusual shore excursions. Zodiac and kayak adventures lend an expedition feel, while onboard service continues to be elegant and friendly.
Unusual and Notable Alaska Cruise Picks
1.Alaskan Dream Cruises
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path, incredibly small Alaska company, Alaskan Dream Cruises would be the polar opposite end of the spectrum. As the only Indigenous-owned cruise line in the U.S., it emphasizes local culture and the natural environment. Its small ship, Baranof Dream, accommodates fewer than 50 passengers and visits glaciers, wildlife areas and such hard-to-reach ports as the Haida village of Kasaan.
Naturalists on board share experiences about Alaska’s land and beasts; meals incorporate fresh local seafood.
2.Cunard’s Farewell Alaska Season
However, the summer of 2026 will mark the last for Cunard in Alaska for a while. Queen Elizabeth will sail seven- to 12-night roundtrips from Seattle. Day 7 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner On board Passengers can relax with the traditional elements of afternoon tea, formal evenings and dining aboard while sailing through the Inside Passage.
A Bigger Choice Than Ever Before
In addition to these new and returning ships, several popular cruise lines will be returning to Alaska in 2026 — Disney, Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland America, Viking and Silversea among them. This wide selection indicates that travelers will be able to find an Alaska Cruise that suits their inclination whether they be family, luxury, adventurous or budget.
Final Thoughts
This is adding more cruise lines, new ships and fresh itineraries to make summer 2026 a really special year for an Alaska Cruise. Travelers will also have greater flexibility to determine how they want to experience what Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife and coastal towns have to offer. If Alaska is a destination you’ve been dreaming about for what seems like forever, well, 2026 might be the time to get that dream trip booked at last.