10 Types of People Who Love Cruising to Alaska (Which One Are You?)

Alaska cruises are some of the most unforgettable vacations you can take. Towering glaciers, wildlife encounters, and dramatic fjords make every moment breathtaking. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand that Alaska isn’t just for one kind of traveler—it appeals to many different personalities.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first trip, you’ll probably recognize yourself in one of these 10 types of people who love cruising Alaska.

Are you one of these 10 Types of People Who Love Alaska Cruising?

Retirees checking Alaska off their Bucket List.

1. The Bucket-List Retiree

You’ve worked hard, raised a family, and dreamed about seeing Alaska for years. Standing on deck as a glacier calves into the sea is one of those “I can’t believe I’m really here” moments. Cruises through places like Glacier Bay National Park give you that sense of awe without sacrificing the comfort cruising provides. If you’ve been waiting for “someday,” now is your time.

Alaska offers many fun things to see and do for kids along with their parents and grandparents.

2. The Multi-Generational Planner

You’re trying to find a vacation that works for grandparents, adult children, and grandkids. Alaska offers something for everyone—wildlife for the kids, history for the adults, and incredible scenery for the whole family. You don’t need to compromise comfort or adventure. Alaska cruises are perfect for shared memories across generations so no one feels left out.

Wildlife and beautiful scenery surround you.

3. The Nature Lover

You’re happiest surrounded by mountains, forests, and wildlife. Watching a humpback whale breach or a bald eagle swoop across the fjord thrills you more than a crowded pool deck ever could. Alaska delivers dramatic landscapes and wildlife encounters that stay with you long after the trip ends. After all, isn’t travel about the experiences in the moment and the memories afterward?

Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight on many Alaska cruises while Denali National Park is on nearly all Cruise/Tours.

4. The National Park Collector

You’ve visited Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Zion—and now you’re ready to explore Alaska’s natural wonders. Cruise itineraries often include stops in Glacier Bay National Park and time in Denali National Park and Preserve. It’s an ideal way to combine your love of scenic beauty with the comfort of a ship-based vacation.

Helicopter rides over amazing scenery is just one of the many "soft adventure" experiences travelers look forward to doing.

5. The Soft Adventurer

You crave adventure but don’t want to sleep in a tent. Helicopter rides to glaciers, dog sledding, or whale-watching excursions give you a taste of Alaska’s excitement, then you return to a warm bed and a hot shower. Alaska cruises are perfect for those who want extraordinary experiences, but without going way out of your comfort zone.

Whether you are on a luxury, premium or mid-market cruise ship, you can enjoy breakfast out on your private balcony with incredible scenery as your backdrop.

6. The Luxury Traveler

You appreciate elegance and excellent service. Fine dining, spacious staterooms, and thoughtful onboard programs elevate the cruise experience. Luxury lines like Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises make it possible to enjoy Alaska’s rugged beauty while savoring every creature comfort in the style of vacation you prefer.

Professional, hobbyest and "cell phone" photographers will get great shots to enjoy along with their memories of Alaska.

7. The Photographer

Early mornings on deck, long lenses in hand, and looking for the perfect shot. Every fjord, glacier, and wildlife sighting feels like it was designed for you and your camera. Alaska’s landscapes are extraordinary, and cruising gives you a front-row seat to capture them — along with incredible slices of life in each port: the people, the flavors, the history, and the candid moments that shape the real Alaska.

You don't do well in hot, humid weather? Escape to Alaska in the winter where temperatures feel like spring and fall in most of the rest of our country.

8. The “I Don’t Like Hot Weather” Traveler

You’re tired of heat and humidity. Alaska’s mild summer temperatures and crisp air are refreshing. Layers, cozy sweaters, and a bit of cool wind make it a comfortable, invigorating escape from the heat. It’s perfect for lingering on deck while soaking in everything around you.

Native culture, Klondike Gold Rush, Russian history, the Purchase of Alaska (for only $7.2 million!), and even WWII--- something for everyone!

9. The History Buff

You love stories, and Alaska is full of them. Gold Rush history in Skagway, native culture in Ketchikan, and Russian influences in Sitka make the state fascinating. Onboard lectures and guided tours deepen your understanding of Alaska’s past, creating a richer, more meaningful experience.

Everyone finds something they love about Alaska and the experience home with them.

10. The Skeptic (Who Ends Up Loving It)

Sometimes, it’s the spouse or friend who is reluctant at first. “It sounds cold,” they say. And yet, they are often the ones standing silently on deck, completely in awe. Alaska surprises people, and many skeptics end up falling in love with its beauty and tranquility.

Why Alaska Cruises Work for So Many People

Alaska isn’t a one-size-fits-all vacation. It combines adventure, scenery, wildlife, and culture with comfort and accessibility. Cruises allow you to see multiple ports, glaciers, and national parks without the stress of packing and unpacking every day. From luxury lines to family-friendly options, there’s a perfect fit for almost every personality.

Are You Ready to Explore Alaska?

Does one of these types sound like you? Or, like me, do you see a bit of yourself in more than one of these travel personalities?

If you see yourself in any of these types, it might be time to start planning your Alaska cruise. Or to go back to take in more of the experiences you couldn’t fit into your last trip to our largest state. Whether it’s your first or your fifth, you’ll find memories you’ll treasure forever.

If you’d like guidance on the best cruise line, itinerary, or excursions for your personality and interests, I’d love to help. I’ve been planning unforgettable Alaska journeys for decades, and I truly enjoy matching the right cruise to each guest’s style and interests. I consider it a gift each time I get to help introduce a client to Alaska.

Reach out to me at connie@cgta.com, and we’ll start turning your Alaska dream into reality.

Happy Traveling,

Connie