There are 4 ports that most Alaska cruises depart from: Seattle, Vancouver, Seward and Whittier. Other ports such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and Juneau are used less frequently.
Alaska cruises departing from Seattle are typically 7 nights and sail roundtrip. They visit popular ports of call such as Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway and also usually include a glacier experience. They are popular because of the convenience of booking flights to and from Seattle. Learn more about Seattle.
Alaska cruises departing from Vancouver are typically one way Northbound cruises ending in Seward or Whittier, although some can be roundtrip. They typically include more glacier and wildlife viewing opportunities and more time in the Inside Passage than a roundtrip cruise departing from Seattle. Learn more about Vancouver.
While Alaska cruises departing from San Francisco are not as readily available as other closer ports, Celebrity and Princess do offer some extended cruises that allow you to sample Alaska and the beautiful Pacific Coast. Learn more about San Francisco.