The best cruises in Antartica and Alaska for 2019

One vast stretch of the planet remains beyond our grasp: Antarctica - Photodynamic
One vast stretch of the planet remains beyond our grasp: Antarctica - Photodynamic

With spectacular mountains, fjords and forests, Antarctica and Alaska are places of wild natural beauty that beg to be explored. Visit on a cruise and you can enjoy all that raw nature from a comfortable, convenient floating home. Here's our pick of the best Antarctica and Alaska cruises for 2019 to 2020:

Glide to the South Pole

Sail from Punta Arenas to Antarctica on the Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid cruise ship. Launching in May, she will be able to glide quietly through mesmerising landscapes under electric power, and will have a science centre full of hi-tech gadgetry, including underwater drones. Landings let you get up close to penguins and seals. 

Departing Dec 13 2019, the 15-day Chilean Fjords and Antarctica – White Christmas Adventure costs from £6,056 per person, including return flights from Santiago de Chile to Punta Arenas, but excluding transatlantic flights (020 3553 6602; hurtigruten.co.uk).

Climbing in wild Alaska 

Alaska’s dramatic wilderness offers the perfect setting for rock climbing and rappelling, which you can try on Oceania’s Glaciers and Gardens cruise. Starting in Skagway with a trip down the Klondike Highway, a hike along a nature trail leads to the base of granite cliffs that have been smoothed by retreating glaciers. The dozen routes on offer mean there’s a difficulty level to suit all abilities.

Glacier Bay, Alaska - Credit: iStock
Gawping at icy glaciers is a quintessential Alaskan experience Credit: iStock

Departing Seattle in June 2019, cruise prices start from £3,199 per person excluding flights. The Klondike Rock Climbing and Rapelling Adventure excursion is £139 per person (0345 505 1920; oceaniacruises.com).

Ice to see you, to see you…

Get up close to Mendenhall Glacier this summer during an active excursion in Alaska. Canoe along Mendenhall Lake, passing majestic icebergs, giant waterfalls and Arctic tern nesting sites. Then trek over the surface of Mendenhall Glacier. Geared up with backpacks and crampons, you’ll explore ice caves, dark crevices, mineral streams and blue pools with commentary from expert guides.

Departing Vancouver, Celebrity Cruises’ seven-night Alaska Northern Glaciers cruise has sailings from May to Aug 2019. Prices start from £790 per person excluding flights. The Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Trek excursion is £327 per person (0845 163 6578; celebritycruises.com).

Dive in at the deep, cold end

Alaska’s underwater wonders aren’t out of reach for snorkellers – full wetsuit, gloves, boots and hood required – though in summer water temperatures reach 65F (18C). On Princess Cruises’ Voyage of the Glaciers you can join a snorkelling excursion at Mountain Point. With Scubapro twin-jet fins you’ll see multicoloured sea stars, urchins, sea cucumbers and the giant sunflower star, as well as myriad fish and invertebrates.

Ziplining - Credit: iStock
Get your adrenaline fix by ziplining Credit: iStock

Departing Vancouver, Princess Cruises’ seven-night Voyage of the Glaciers starts from £699 per person with sailings from May to Sept 2019 excluding flights. The Mountain Point snorkelling adventure excursion costs $129.95/£102 per person(0344 338 8663; princess.com).  

Treetop adventures

Discover your inner Tarzan on a zip-lining excursion from Skagway, available on Disney Cruises’ seven-night Alaska cruise. Admire the views from the forest canopy as you walk on raised balance beams, cross rope bridges and loop and soar on a series of zip lines.

Departing Vancouver in July, August and Sept, Disney Cruises’ seven-night Alaskan Cruise round-trip starts from £2,700 per person. The adventure park and zip lines excursion is £93/$119 per person (0800 171 2317; disneycruise.disney.go.com). 

Off-roading in the rainforest

Take the driver’s seat and navigate Alaska’s rainforest on a specially designed off-road adventure kart in Ketchikan. Available on Regent Seven Seas’ Vancouver to Anchorage cruise, this excursion will take you on a remote forest trail. After climbing steep terrain, staggering views of the Tongass National Forest, Behm Canal and the Inside Passage will be revealed. Look out for eagles, bears and deer along the way.

Ketchikan, Alaska - Credit: iStock
Take a stroll past the picture-perfect houses of Creek Street, Ketchikan Credit: iStock

Departing June 12 2019, Regent’s Vancouver to Anchorage all-inclusive cruise on board Seven Seas Mariner starts from £5,509 per person. The adventure kart expedition is £171 per person (020 7399 7601; rssc.com).

The rapid route through Alaska

Another high-octane option for exploring Mendenhall Lake is white-water rafting. Mendenhall River’s six-mile routes include class II and class III white water rapids (the second and third-lowest levels of difficulty). As the river levels out and gives way to thick forest and 7,000ft high mountains, keep your eyes peeled for otters, bald eagles, black bears and seals. Safe for beginners, there’s also plenty to please experienced rafters.

Departing Vancouver on June 25 2019, Crystal Cruises’ seven-day Alaskan Discovery cruise on board Crystal Symphony starts from £2,639 per person. Prices for the “Glacier Float” excursion on request (020 7399 7601; crystalcruises.co.uk).

Additional contributions from Jackie Holland and Jo Booth