Alaska cruises are hot for Labor Day — when to book for 2027

If it seems like everyone in your social media feed has been on an Alaska cruise this summer, you won't be surprised by AAA's Labor Day travel trends report for 2026.

According to AAA, Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage all rank among the top destinations for Labor Day weekend 2026, and the common thread tying them together is Alaska cruises.

AAA Travel Vice President Stacey Barber said members are booking Alaska and river cruises alongside national park trips and European getaways this holiday weekend — and many are already locking in summer 2027 plans before prices and availability tighten.

If you're considering an Alaska cruise for summer 2027, here's a rundown of top options, from the biggest cruise lines in Alaska to 2027's luxury newcomers.

Holland America Line goes big for its 80 th Alaska season

Holland America Line has sailed to Alaska longer than any other cruise line, and it's marking 80 years in the Great Land with a 100-voyage season in 2027 . Six ships — Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zaandam — will sail in the region between April and September 2027, with itineraries ranging from seven to 28 days.

Highlights include a new eight-day Inside Passage cruise roundtrip from Vancouver and the return of the 28-day Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice voyage, which sails into the Arctic Circle to mark the summer solstice. Holland America is also expanding its Ultimate Alaska & Denali cruisetours, adding a dedicated tour director and a complimentary stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

My family sailed on Holland America's Eurodam to Alaska in May 2026 and the line's decades of Alaska experience was easy to see firsthand. With onboard naturalists, a well-planned itinerary, and immersive shore excursions like whale watching tours led by a renowned Alaska Native-owned company, the sailing helped us connect with Alaska's nature and culture in an authentic way.

Princess Cruises expands access to Glacier Bay National Park

When it comes to Alaska cruise itineraries, most ships sail similar routes visiting the same ports. Nearly every itinerary calls at Juneau and Ketchikan, and one or two other ports — usually Skagway, Sitka, or Icy Strait Point. However, scenic glacier cruising is where some cruise lines really differentiate their itineraries.

Most Alaska cruises dedicate a day at sea to scenic cruising to a major tidewater glacier, but only a handful of major lines have a permit to sail to sought-after Glacier Bay National Park , including Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line, as well as select small-ship and expedition cruise lines.

For summer 2027, Princess Cruises expanded its sailings to Glacier Bay , with 85 journeys to the national park — more than any other cruise line. Every seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers sailing from Anchorage (Whittier) and Vancouver, as well as the line's 14-day Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure itinerary, includes a visit to Glacier Bay.

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Disney Cruise Line offers 'Frozen'-inspired Alaska adventures

Disney Cruise Line expanded its Alaska cruise options to sail two ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, in Alaska in 2026, and both ships will return for more enchanting family adventures in the Great Land in summer 2027.

The expansion brought new "Frozen"-themed onboard entertainment to Disney's Alaska cruises featuring the fun of the hit Disney movie set against the backdrop of Alaska's landscapes. It also led to a new long-term agreement for Disney cruise calls at Alaska Native-owned Icy Strait Point .

Related: Alaska totem pole etiquette every cruise traveler needs to know

Families can choose between two itinerary options sailing roundtrip from Vancouver:

• Seven-night cruise to Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan on the Disney Wonder

• Seven-night cruise to Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan on the Disney Magic

Explora Journeys brings a new luxury ship to Alaska in 2027

Luxury Alaska cruise options are expanding, too. Explora Journeys, the upscale sister line of MSC Cruises, is sending its brand-new ship, EXPLORA III, to the region from May through September 2027 for the line's debut Alaska cruise season .

Explora Journeys' new Alaskan Journeys Collection features seven- to 14-night sailings designed to cultivate genuine connections with the region through curated experiences ashore. The yacht-like ship features residential-style suites and uninterrupted views to immerse travelers in Alaska's landscapes.

It's a fitting addition to a region that welcomed MSC Cruises , Virgin Voyages , and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection for the first time in 2026.

Travel advisors say don't wait to book an Alaska cruise

With multiple cruise lines expanding capacity and luxury options multiplying, Alaska remains one of the most in-demand cruise destinations for 2027 — which is exactly why AAA and other travel companies are urging travelers to book early.

"For the best pricing and availability, we recommend planning 12 to 18 months in advance for Alaska cruises," said Dennis Post, co-owner of Postcard Travel Planning . "Working with a travel advisor to plan an Alaska cruise helps ensure you choose the right ship and itinerary for the experience you're seeking."

As I prepared for my own Alaska cruise, I learned that what tends to sell out fastest includes:

• Premium ships sailing in the region for the first time

• Itineraries sailing to Glacier Bay National Park

• Balcony cabins and suites

• Popular Alaska shore excursions like the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway and the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour in Ketchikan

 (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)

Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel Planning , or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.

This story was originally published by TravelHost on Aug 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.