NATIONAL ALASKA CRUISE WEEK
Fast Facts
- WHEN
- Celebrated the third Week in August
- WHY
- Designed to educate, inspire, and empower American travelers who dream of experiencing the breathtaking beauty of America's Last Frontier by sea
- FOUNDER
- Meredith & DeWayne Tudor of Alaska Cruise Planning in Ringgold, Georgia
- VIBE
- Alaska cruising and exploration
NATIONAL ALASKA CRUISE WEEK
Set sail during the Third Week of August for National Alaska Cruise Week! This annual observance is designed to educate, inspire, and empower the millions of American travelers who dream of experiencing the breathtaking beauty of America's Last Frontier by sea.
#NationalAlaskaCruiseWeek
Alaska is one of the most searched and highly dreamed-about travel destinations in the United States. Despite this massive wave of interest, many travelers find themselves completely overwhelmed when it comes to planning. With dozens of cruise ships, multiple complex itineraries, hundreds of unique shore excursions, and a relatively short seasonal window, potential travelers shy away from taking that dream cruise. National Alaska Cruise Week changes the confusion into confidence. The week serves as the ultimate resource to help vacationers seamlessly chart their course north.
Celebration Perks on National Alaska Cruise Week
Free public education
Planning guides
Direct access to cruise specialists
For most Americans, a cruise ship provides the perfect vantage point to witness its majestic glaciers, rugged coastlines, and incredible wildlife. The demand for this bucket-list adventure continues to climb year after year, with cruise travel to Alaska growing an impressive 78% over the past decade. In fact, cruise passengers represent roughly two-thirds of all summer visitors to the state.
August represents the heart of Alaska’s active cruise season, making it the perfect time to get inspired for for exploring Alaska. It also marks the ideal planning window for the following year. The best ship cabins, most sought-after excursions, and most competitive rates are secured by travelers who book early. National Alaska Cruise week comes just in time as a reminder to take that vital first step--plan.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ALASKA CRUISE WEEK
Traveling to Alaska often feels like a far-fetched, almost mythical endeavor for many people because it breaks the mold of a standard American vacation. It isn't just a trip; it feels like an expedition. Why not make your Alaskan cruise the best expedition you've ever taken?
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Attend Free Workshops: Join a live online Q&A session and talk to experts to learn about the differences between mega-ships and small expedition vessels, as well as the nuances of different sailing routes.
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Map Out Your Itinerary: Use this week to decide if you want a classic round-trip Inside Passage cruise or a one-way Gulf of Alaska itinerary that allows you to add a land-based tour to Denali National Park.
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Consult a Specialist: Connect with dedicated Alaska cruise planners to map out your dream vacation. Because specialist services are typically complimentary, you can leverage expert knowledge on the best cabin placements and hidden-gem excursions at no extra cost.
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Build Your Bucket List: Research your must-do shore excursions, such as helicopter flightseeing onto a glacier, dog sledding, a memorable whale watching tour, a historic train ride in Skagway, or a traditional salmon bake.
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Share Your Voyage: If you have already sailed the 49th state, inspire others by posting your favorite photos of calving glaciers, breaching whales, and dramatic mountain vistas on social media using the hashtag #AlaskaCruiseWeek.
HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL ALASKA CRUISE Week
Alaska Cruise Planning submitted National Alaska Cruise Week in 2026 and the National Day Calendar Registrar approved this weekly observation to be celebrated each year during the Third Week in August.
About the Founder
Meredith Tudor of Alaska Cruise Planning in Ringgold, Georgia, founded National Alaska Cruise Week to bridge a genuine gap in the travel world. Tudor has spent years building her expertise as a top destination specialist for parent company Simple Traveler Vacations. Tudor and Alaska Cruise Planning wanted to establish National Alaska Cruise Week as a dedicated moment for media, travel writers, educators, and travel lovers everywhere to celebrate and explore the magic of the Alaska cruise experience.
Alaska Cruise Planning is a fully licensed travel agency specializing exclusively in Alaska cruise itineraries. We serve clients nationwide and maintain relationships with all major Alaska cruise lines including (but not limited to): Princess Cruises, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, and Explora Journeys, which makes its Alaska debut in 2027.