• The Ship: Norwegian Encore
• 7-Night Alaska Itinerary Overview
• Day 1 – Seattle, Washington (Embarkation)
• Day 2 – Juneau, Alaska
• Day 3 – Skagway, Alaska
• Day 4 – Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska
• Day 5 – Glacier Bay National Park (Scenic Cruising)
• Day 6 – Victoria, British Columbia
• Day 7 – Return to Seattle
• Budget Breakdown: How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost?
• Excursion Recommendations by Traveler Type
• Practical Alaska Cruise Tips
• Sample 7-Day Itinerary Snapshot
• Conclusion

An Alaska cruise is more than just a vacation — it’s a front-row seat to some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. Towering glaciers, humpback whales breaching in icy waters, bald eagles soaring overhead, and charming frontier towns create a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

One of the best ways to explore Alaska’s rugged coastline is aboard the Norwegian Encore, which sails a 7-night round-trip itinerary from Seattle on August 9, 2026. This sailing features Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria — a dream itinerary combining wilderness, history, and culture.

This guide covers everything you need to know: ship highlights, port maps, the best excursions, a realistic budget breakdown, and insider Alaska cruise tips to help you plan an unforgettable journey.

💡Smart Tip: Use Track.Cruises to monitor price changes for your sailing. It automatically tracks fare drops, historical trends, and alerts you when it’s the best time to book — helping you lock in your dream Alaska cruise at the smartest price.

The Ship: Norwegian Encore

The Norwegian Encore is a modern Breakaway-Plus class ship designed to impress. With a guest capacity of nearly 4,000, it’s packed with entertainment, dining, and relaxation options — but also plenty of quiet spaces to soak in Alaska’s natural beauty.

Highlights for Alaska Cruising:

• Observation Lounge: Floor-to-ceiling windows for glacier viewing.
• The Waterfront: A quarter-mile outdoor promenade for strolling with ocean views.
• Dining Variety: From complimentary buffets to specialty dining like Cagney’s Steakhouse or Ocean Blue.
• Entertainment: Broadway hits, comedy clubs, live music, and more.
• Thrills at Sea: Go-karts, laser tag, and virtual reality gaming.

Why Balcony Cabins Shine in Alaska: While interior staterooms are budget-friendly, a balcony gives you a private vantage point for whale sightings, glacier views, and midnight sunsets. For this sailing, pricing begins at:

• Interior: $1,559 + taxes & fees
• Oceanview: $2,259 + taxes & fees
• Balcony: $2,819 + taxes & fees
• Suite: $2,869 + taxes & fees

7-Night Alaska Itinerary Overview

Day 1 – Seattle, Washington (Embarkation)

Seattle sets the stage for your adventure. Arrive at least one day early to explore:

• Pike Place Market: Iconic seafood stalls and local crafts.
• Space Needle: 360° views of the city and Puget Sound.
• Chihuly Garden and Glass: Stunning glass artwork.

Pro Tip: Book a hotel near the waterfront for easy transfer to the cruise terminal.

Day 2 – Juneau, Alaska

Alaska’s capital, accessible only by boat or plane, offers glaciers, wildlife, and small-town charm.

Best Things to Do in Juneau:

• Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls: Accessible by shuttle or guided tour.
• Whale-Watching Cruise in Auke Bay: Humpbacks, orcas, and sea lions.
• Mount Roberts Tramway: A cable car ride to trails and breathtaking viewpoints.
• DIY Adventure: Walk downtown, visit local shops, and try halibut tacos.

Map Tip: The port is within walking distance of downtown. Excursion shuttles line up right at the pier.

Day 3 – Skagway, Alaska

Skagway feels like stepping back into the Gold Rush era, with preserved wooden boardwalks and saloons.

Top Excursions in Skagway:

• White Pass & Yukon Route Railway: A 3-hour scenic ride past mountains, gorges, and waterfalls.
• Dog Sledding on a Glacier: Helicopter ride plus a sledding experience with huskies.
• Historic Walking Tour: Learn Skagway’s colorful past with local guides.
• Budget Option: Rent a bike or walk to Yakutania Point for scenic views.

Pro Tip: The railway excursion sells out fast — book early.

Day 4 – Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan blends Native heritage with lush landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Ketchikan:

• Misty Fjords Flightseeing: Aerial tour of dramatic fjords and waterfalls.
• Totem Bight State Park: Learn about Native culture through towering totem poles.
• Salmon Fishing Charter: Try your luck catching king or coho salmon.
• DIY Adventure: Explore Creek Street, a boardwalk of colorful shops and galleries.

Port Note: Ward Cove is outside of town; shuttles and taxis connect you to downtown in about 20 minutes.

Day 5 – Glacier Bay National Park (Scenic Cruising)

The crown jewel of this itinerary. Glacier Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with tidewater glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife.

• Glacier Viewing: Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers are highlights.
• Wildlife: Spot seals, whales, sea otters, and mountain goats.
• Park Rangers Onboard: Rangers join the ship to narrate history, ecology, and geology.

Pro Tip: Grab a spot on the port side in the morning and starboard in the afternoon for the best glacier views. Bring binoculars!

Day 6 – Victoria, British Columbia

This charming Canadian city combines history, gardens, and coastal beauty.

Top Excursions in Victoria:

• Butchart Gardens: World-famous gardens bursting with color.
• Victoria Inner Harbour: Walkable area with Parliament Buildings, cafes, and shops.
• Whale Watching: Chance to spot orcas and humpbacks.
• DIY Option: Rent a bike and explore Beacon Hill Park.

Timing Tip: The stop is usually in the evening, so focus on shorter tours or walking around downtown.

Day 7 – Return to Seattle

Your cruise ends where it began. Extend your trip with:

• Mount Rainier National Park day trip
• Boeing Factory Tour for aviation fans
• More time exploring Seattle’s neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Ballard

Budget Breakdown: How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost?

Here’s what a traveler might expect for this 7-night sailing (per person):

Cabin Prices (current USA market):

• Interior: $1,559
• Oceanview: $2,259
• Balcony: $2,819
• Suite: $2,869

Extra Costs to Budget For:

Taxes & Port Fees: $200–$300

Excursions:

• Walking tours: $30–$70
• Scenic railway/whale watching: $150–$200
• Helicopter/flightseeing: $300–$500+

Drinks & Dining:

• Drinks package: $20–$40 per day
• Specialty dining: $20–$80 per meal
• Tips/Gratuities: ~$20 per person per day
• Transportation (ports): Shuttles $10–$20, taxis $20–$50

Sample All-In Costs:

• Budget Traveler (Interior + basic excursions): $2,200–$2,500
• Mid-Range (Balcony + 3 excursions): $3,000–$3,500
• Luxury (Suite + premium excursions): $4,000+

Price Trend Insight: Prices are trending slightly upward but remain below the 30-day average. With almost a year to departure, you have time to track deals and set alerts.

Excursion Recommendations by Traveler Type

• For Families: White Pass Railway (Skagway), Mendenhall Glacier shuttle (Juneau), Butchart Gardens (Victoria).
• For Couples: Balcony whale watching, glacier flightseeing, Creek Street stroll in Ketchikan.
• For Solo Travelers: Walking tours in Skagway, tramway hikes in Juneau, downtown Victoria cafés.
• For Adventure Seekers: Dog sledding on a glacier, Misty Fjords flightseeing, kayaking in Juneau.

Practical Alaska Cruise Tips

• Pack Layers: August temperatures range from 50–65°F; bring waterproof jackets and sturdy shoes.
• Binoculars Are a Must: For spotting wildlife from the ship.
• Ship Time vs. Local Time: Always follow ship time — port times can differ.
• Book Excursions Early: Popular tours (like the railway and helicopter rides) sell out fast.
• Bring U.S. Dollars & Canadian Dollars: Though credit cards are widely accepted.
• Stay Connected Offline: Download maps and entertainment; Wi-Fi is expensive at sea.

Sample 7-Day Itinerary Snapshot

• Day 1: Seattle embarkation
• Day 2: Juneau – Glacier & whale watching
• Day 3: Skagway – White Pass Railway
• Day 4: Ketchikan – Totem poles & Creek Street
• Day 5: Glacier Bay – Scenic cruising
• Day 6: Victoria – Evening in the harbor
• Day 7: Seattle return

Conclusion

A Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise offers the perfect mix of wilderness, culture, and comfort. From the icy majesty of Glacier Bay to the frontier charm of Skagway and the vibrant streets of Victoria, each day brings new discoveries.

Whether you’re a budget traveler seeking adventure, a family looking for memorable bonding, or a couple chasing romance among glaciers, this 7-night sailing delivers.

If Alaska has been on your bucket list, August 2026 is the time to go. Start planning now, set a price alert, and get ready to witness one of the world’s most breathtaking frontiers.