Which One Should You Choose?

Should you’re planning a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska for the 2026 season, you’ll have 4 ships to select from: Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, or Voyager of the Seas. 

Already pondering forward to 2027? Whereas ships could change from yr to yr, we do at the very least know at this level that Quantum of the Seas will change Ovation of the Seas for the road’s 2027 Alaska cruises. 

So, wanting at all your options and unsure which ship to decide on in your upcoming Alaska journey? I’m going to elucidate the whole lot you want to learn about these 5 vessels so you’ll be able to choose one of the best match in your journey wants. 

Royal Caribbean Ships Crusing Alaska

Voyager of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas is one in all Royal Caribbean’s comparatively older ships, however don’t let that deter you from contemplating it in your upcoming Alaskan cruise. Debuting in 1999, the ship holds about 3,600 folks. That’s fairly small by right now’s requirements, however at that time in historical past, it was groundbreaking.

And don’t fear — the ship was upgraded in 2019, so it’s been spiffed up. It homes quite a lot of the basic Royal Caribbean cruise ship options, comparable to a rock-climbing wall, ice skating rink, surf simulator and the Good Storm trio of waterslides.

Why It’s Good for an Alaska Cruise

All issues thought-about, in relation to an Alaskan cruise, Voyager of the Seas is right for individuals who don’t need or want a mega-ship that’s going to be crowded, even when it does include all the newest and biggest facilities. It’s additionally match for these on a funds, as older ships are usually cheaper to sail on. 

2026-2027 Alaska Deployments

All the at the moment bookable 2026–2027 Voyager of the Seas Alaska cruises are 7-night cruises that depart from Seattle, with fares beginning at as little as $96 per evening.  

Voyager of the Seas Ship Stats

• Gross Tonnage: 137,276
• Passenger Capability: 3,602
• Staterooms: 1,801
• Decks: 15 complete, 14 for Friends 

What to Count on Throughout an Alaskan Cruise on Voyager of the Seas

As this older ship wasn’t constructed with Alaskan cruising in thoughts (as another Royal Caribbean ships would possibly’ve been), you’re not going to seek out fairly as many indoor spots to benefit from the views of wildlife and glaciers. Certain, you’ll be able to see all of it from the deck — attempt the outside deck 4 promenade — nevertheless it’s going to be chilly. 

E book a balcony cabin for personal outside area to soak up the views, and go for a midship balcony cabin if you will get it, for much less noise and movement. 

As for glacier entry, the ship doesn’t go to Glacier Bay, however does go to Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier as a substitute, although not on all itineraries. Ensure that to double-check earlier than reserving, if this itinerary cease is a should for you. 

Voyager of the Seas Professionals & Cons in Alaska

Who Ought to Keep away from This Ship? 

These eager to cruise on an enormous, new ship ought to most likely go for one in all Royal Caribbean’s different choices. Moreover, those that are averse to taking within the views open air can also need to choose a ship that has extra indoor viewing areas.

Anthem of the Seas 

Comparatively, Anthem of the Seas is a a lot newer ship, inbuilt 2015, and it’s additionally a lot bigger, as a Quantum-class ship — which means that regardless that you’ll simply discover greater than 4,000 different passengers crusing with you, you’ll hardly really feel crowded.

Anthem of the Seas has been given minor refurbishments and upkeep, however no massive overhauls like a number of the older ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.  

Why It’s Good for an Alaska Cruise

The ship could be very family-friendly, with heaps to do for all ages, although these crusing with none children in tow may even discover masses to like about this ship, with its adults-only areas and ample eating and ingesting venues.

Throughout an Alaskan cruise, you’ll by no means really feel such as you’re cooped up indoors. With a lot to do, there’s no probability of getting cabin fever.

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From swimming within the indoor pool to heading to the Seaplex for curler skating, basketball, bumper automobiles and comparable enjoyable, you’ve acquired choices. And did I point out that this ship is outfitted with the North Star remark capsule, for 360-degree views and all-out awesomeness? 

So, in order for you a family-friendly ship with no finish to on-ship enjoyable, choose Anthem of the Seas in your Alaska cruise. 

2026-2027 Alaska Deployments

You’ll discover no scarcity of 2026-2027 Alaska cruises on Anthem of the Seas. Beginning at $93 per evening, all deployments are at the very least a 7-night cruise, with 10-night cruises obtainable as effectively. Departure ports for this ship over the following two years will embody Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seattle, Seward and Vancouver, British Columbia, in Canada. Stops vary from Skagway to Ketchikan, Sitka to the Hubbard Glacier.

Anthem of the Seas Ship Stats

• Gross Tonnage 167,800
• Passenger Capability: 4,168
• Staterooms: 2,091
• Decks: 16 complete 

What to Count on Throughout an Alaskan Cruise on Anthem of the Seas

Which glaciers you’ll get to see will rely in your precise itinerary, however the Hubbard Glacier and Dawes Glacier are each choices — and you may even take within the views proper from the pool deck or the North Star remark capsule. 

Seize a balcony cabin for views with out leaving your room and some past cruisers counsel significantly getting a cabin close to the entrance of the ship, in case your itinerary consists of the Hubbard Glacier (although many additionally word that, no matter your itinerary and cabin, you’re going to get some superior surroundings). 

Professionals & Cons for Anthem of the Seas in Alaska

Who Ought to Keep away from This Ship? 

There are actually few explanation why you would possibly keep away from a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska on this ship. It has a lot of facilities and itinerary choices to select from. It’s possible you’ll need to keep away from the ship in case you are a stickler about solely crusing on the latest and largest ships, or conversely, if you happen to favor a smaller cruising expertise with fewer than 4,000 different cruisers. 

Serenade of the Seas

Serenade of the Seas was inbuilt 2003, so it’s undoubtedly not thought-about a brand new ship and it’s small, too (with the final huge refurbishment occurring in 2012, and additional refurbishments occurring in 2022). Nevertheless, this ship is well-known as among the best Royal Caribbean ships for an Alaskan cruise.

Why It’s Good for an Alaska Cruise

The ship solely suits round 2,000 passengers, so that you’re not preventing towards any crowds. The ship feels way more intimate than the opposite Royal Caribbean vessels on these itineraries. As a result of the ship isn’t tremendous amenity-heavy, with a lot of flashy leisure at each nook, meaning it’s additionally calmer and fewer hectic, for some severe next-level chill. 

In the meantime, the views from the inside are top-notch. From the Solarium to the pool with its retractable glass roof to the eating choices, you’re not often and not using a view.  As such, as long as you’re not likely, actually wanting an enormous ship with a lot of on-ship actions, ebook Serenade of the Seas if you happen to can.  

2026-2027 Alaska Deployments

With costs beginning at round $92 per evening, Serenade of the Seas 2026–2027 Alaska itineraries embody 7-night cruises departing from Vancouver.

Serenade of the Seas Ship Stats

• Gross Tonnage: 90,090
• Passenger Capability: 2,143
• Staterooms: 1,073
• Decks: 13 complete 

What to Count on Throughout an Alaskan Cruise on Serenade of the Seas 

As talked about, Serenade of the Seas gives a wealth of nice viewing spots throughout the ship, so that you’ll undoubtedly not be left wanting for surroundings. 

Nevertheless, for personal views, ebook a balcony cabin — although it’s value noting that many cruisers discover the balcony cabins on this ship to be relatively small, so perhaps improve to a collection with a balcony if you happen to can swing it, just like the Royal Suite. Glacier stops on 2026–2027 itineraries embody Tracy Arm Fjords and Glacier (although not all itineraries embody it!).

Professionals & Cons for Sereande of the Seas in Alaska

Who Ought to Keep away from This Ship? 

Should you actually love staying on a brand-new, huge ship, with all of the jaw-dropping thrills you’ll be able to deal with, and also you need a lot of actions to maintain your cruising crew entertained, this won’t be the ship for you. 

Ovation of the Seas

As talked about, Ovation of the Seas will likely be changed on Royal Caribbean’s Alaska itineraries by Quantum of the Seas in 2027, however you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from this ship all through 2026.

Why It’s Good for an Alaska Cruise

Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum-class ship that launched in 2016, making it the latest out of Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise ships. Nevertheless, regardless that that’s the case, the cruise line nonetheless determined to present the ship some fairly substantial updates in early 2026. 

Whereas the ship is already outfitted with tons of enjoyable areas and facilities in your trip, just like the Seaplex and North Star remark capsule, these new renovations may even add further cabins, bars, and lounges, and even an even bigger pool and pool deck. As such, that is one of the best Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise ship to sail on in 2026 in order for you new, new, new. 

2026-2027 Alaska Deployments

Ovation of the Seas is providing 2026–2027 Alaska cruises that vary from 7 to 13 nights, with departure ports together with Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward and Vancouver, with costs beginning at round $90 per evening. One-way sailings are significantly common.

Ovation of the Seas Ship Stats

• Gross Tonnage: 168,666
• Passenger Capability: 4,182
• Staterooms: 2,091
• Decks: 16 complete 

What to Count on Throughout an Alaskan Cruise on Ovation of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas gives loads of vista views all through its public areas, so that you gained’t essentially have to huddle out within the chilly if you wish to take within the surroundings. Itineraries embody visits to the Hubbard Glacier (the most important tidewater glacier in North America) and Dawes Glacier.

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You’ll, although, need to preserve one essential factor in thoughts as you ebook your cabin: On one-way itineraries, as are common on this ship, you’ll spend your complete itinerary both with a sea or land view. On one aspect, you can see bears and bald eagles, on the opposite, whales and sea lions.

Neither choice is essentially higher than the opposite — it’s simply private desire — however give it a suppose earlier than you ebook after which reserve port or starboard accordingly.

Who Ought to Keep away from This Ship? 

Keep away from this ship in your Alaska cruise if you happen to actually would favor a smaller, calmer ship, in addition to if you happen to don’t need the trouble of a one-way cruise relatively than a round-trip itinerary. 

Professionals & Cons for Ovation of the Seas in Alaska

Quantum of the Seas

Bear in mind — Quantum of the Seas gained’t be crusing in Alaska till 2027, when it takes over for Ovation of the Seas — however if you happen to’re planning forward and reserving for subsequent yr, right here’s what you want to know.

Quantum of the Seas was the very first Quantum-class ship, debuting in 2014 and refurbished in 2019, with minor updates made in 2024. It options all of the basic Quantum sights and facilities, just like the North Star remark pod, the Ripcord skydiving simulator, SeaPlex and extra. 

Why It’s Good for an Alaska Cruise

Actually, if you happen to’re already fascinated by crusing on one of many different Quantum-class ships that go to Alaska, however you’ll be able to’t make it work for no matter purpose, you’re going to discover a very, very comparable expertise on Quantum of the Seas.

2026-2027 Alaska Deployments

Presently, solely two itineraries are available for 2027 cruises on Quantum of the Seas. Each are 7-night cruises leaving from Seattle, Washington, beginning at $120 per evening. 

Quantum of the Seas Ship Stats

• Gross Tonnage: 168,666
• Passenger Capability: 4,180
• Staterooms: 2,094
• Decks: 16 complete 

What to Count on Throughout an Alaskan Cruise on Quantum of the Seas

Upcoming 2027 cruises will go to Dawes Glacier, although it’s value conserving in thoughts that enormous Quantum-class ships like this don’t get pleasure from as a lot glacier entry as smaller ships. Nevertheless, you’ll not be left wanting for views from the North Star capsule, indoor pool or Solarium. Select a mid-ship balcony cabin for one of the best views total.

Professionals & Cons for Quantum of the Seas in Alaska

Who Ought to Keep away from This Ship? 

If you would like a extra intimate cruising expertise and don’t care a lot for having a wealth of leisure choices and facilities, a smaller ship could be higher suited to your wants. 

Which Ship Has the Finest Offers?

You can find cruises on all of these ships beginning at underneath $100 per evening. Nevertheless, the common worth can actually vary, so don’t count on that you just’ll simply have the ability to discover a $100-per-night cruise that works in your journey dates and itinerary preferences.

Listed below are the bottom and highest per-night prices for every ship: 

• Anthem of the Seas: $93.03–$297.86
• Ovation of the Seas: $92.66–$556.11
• Serenade of the Seas: $95.57–$103.86
• Voyager of the Seas: $96.31–$121.26
• Quantum of the Seas: $120.08–$125.99

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Based mostly on the above, you’re extra prone to discover a extra inexpensive deal when reserving on Serenade of the Seas. The explanations that some ships price greater than others embody ship age, ship dimension, ship facilities and demand for that individual ship.