Very few places are able to make even the most seasoned traveller pause in awe, and the glaciers in Alaska are one of them. Backdrops of glimmering waters, ancient forests and snow-capped mountains lay the foundations for one of the world’s most spectacular destinations. Though there are countless ways to explore America’s Last Frontier, traversing aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is arguably one of the most elegant and luxurious ways to transform the journey into something truly unforgettable. Cunard’s signature White Star service and the inclusion of an immersive itinerary that takes guests through Alaska’s Inside Passage present an enriching experience where visitors can peacefully absorb the scenery while connecting with the great wilderness.

Where the Journey Becomes the Destination

Unlike others where the destination itself is seen as the highlight of the holiday, Cunard’s Alaskan cruise places equal importance on the journey.  After Queen Elizabeth departs from Seattle, every deck offers a front-row view of the Alaskan backdrop as it changes into a continuously shifting panorama of glacier-carved fjords, forested islands and tranquil waterways.

Furthermore, the ship’s elegant design provides an ideal setting for scenic cruising, with spacious public decks being a perfect place to watch the coastline drift by. Wildlife sightings add life to the experience, with humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, seals and bald eagles making appearances throughout the journey.

Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier: Nature on a Monumental Scale

One of the defining moments of any Cunard Alaskan experience is the opportunity to traverse through Glacier Bay National Park and witness Hubbard Glacier.  Glacier Bay is recognised as one of North America’s greatest natural treasures. Queen Elizabeth navigates the protected waters of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which encompasses the towering mountains, fjords and rivers of ice that have shaped the region. Equally as impressive is North America’s largest tidewater glacier, also known as Hubbard Glacier. The large ice chunks rise and soar above the water, offering a dramatic landscape viewing of sheer size and scale. These scenic cruising days play an experiential role in the journey, often being considered the emotional highlight of the itinerary.

Ports Rich in Character and History

While Alaska’s landscapes provide endless visual entertainment, its coastal communities share the rich stories that have shaped the region for centuries. 

Ketchikan

Largely referred to as Alaska’s gateway into the Inside Passage, Ketchikan hosts colourful waterfront buildings, Indigenous heritage and one of the world’s largest collections of standing totem poles. The town’s meaningful traits, such as its lively art scene, local seafood and proximity to the wilderness, make it one of the cruise’s most memorable ports.

Visitors can explore historic Creek Street, join wildlife excursions in search of bears and salmon, or learn about the traditions of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples through cultural experiences that bring Alaska’s First Nations history to life. 

Juneau

Alaska’s remote capital, only accessible only by air or sea, blends frontier history with natural surroundings. Juneau, which was once transformed by the Klondike Gold Rush, now provides tourists with the chance to learn about the history of gold mining while acting as a starting point for unique outdoor experiences. They also offer excursions from whale watching to helicopter flights that land directly on ancient ice fields. Visitors can view a nearby glacier called Mendenhall Glacier, which remains one of Alaska’s natural attractions.

Other Hidden Gems

Depending on the itinerary, guests can also visit locations like Sitka, Wrangell, Haines, or Skagway, each providing a distinctive mix of history, wildlife, and outdoor exploration. They also offer many activities, from kayaking through inlets and hiking rainforest trails to exploring Russian colonial heritage, or even riding historic railways into the mountains. Every port presents a unique experience that adds to Alaska’s famous scenery.

Luxury with a Sense of Place

Cunard has thoughtfully integrated elements of Alaska into the onboard experience. This keeps guests connected to its culture and landscape while at sea. They achieve this through regional flavours that appear throughout the dining venues, showcasing fresh seafood and locally inspired ingredients, with specially crafted cocktails celebrating the spirit of the region. Additionally, enrichment programmes featuring expert speakers, naturalists and explorers are present to share insights into Alaska’s wildlife, geology, Indigenous cultures and maritime history, adding emotional depth for guests beyond the scenic views and allowing them to better understand the landscapes unfolding outside their windows.

The Queen Elizabeth Experience

Queen Elizabeth offers comfort and elegance, while Alaska offers unparalleled landscapes and breathtaking views. The ship blends timeless Art Deco elegance with contemporary luxuries, offering various spacious lounges, refined restaurants and welcoming public spaces designed for relaxation. The overall atmosphere encourages leisurely enjoyment, making it well suited to travellers seeking a more sophisticated style of cruising. The accommodation on this voyage ranges from cosy Britannia staterooms to the upscale Princess Grill and Queens Grill Suites, where private dining and attentive butler service enhance the experience even more. Personalised service and sophisticated dining experiences that rival those of many high-end hotels are among the extra benefits that visitors to Grill Suites enjoy.

Entertainment Beyond the Scenery

Despite Alaska being the key attraction, the time spent onboard the cruise remains equally engaging. With many entertainment evenings, including West End-style performances, live classical music, jazz ensembles, elegant gala events and intimate cocktail lounges, there is plenty to bring life to the time spent at sea. During the day, guests can browse one of the sea’s finest libraries, indulge in spa treatments, or simply enjoy quiet moments overlooking the endless coastline.

Wildlife Encounters to Remember

Witnessing Alaska’s biodiversity in person is a beloved benefit of cruising the region by sea. Throughout the journey, guests are provided with the rare opportunity to see humpback whales, orcas, sea otters and seals. Additionally, once on shore, guided excursions offer the opportunity to witness brown bears fishing for salmon, bald eagles and moose. These prospects increase the appeal, as many highlight these encounters as defining memories of the journey.

Why Cruising Is the Best Way to Experience Alaska

Much of Alaska’s terrain is inaccessible by road, making sea travel the most efficient option. Staying onboard enables travellers to navigate fjords, traverse glaciers and access remote coastal communities without the need for lengthy transfers, enabling guests to enjoy the convenience of a luxury cruise that seamlessly delivers them through each destination.

Written By: Leah Kim

Published On: 6th July 2026