Overview
- Ships: Disney Wonder and Disney Magic
- Departs from: Vancouver only
- Length: 5- to 9-night cruises
- Main Destinations: Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan.
- Price (family of four, inside stateroom): $4,220 to $8,500
- Dates: Mid-May to late September
Ever thought about visiting one of the most beautiful places on the planet?
How about experiencing it alongside Mickey, Minnie, and an extra dose of pixie dust? Sounds like the perfect combination for the vacation of a lifetime, right?
Alaska is becoming increasingly popular as cruise lines discover more about this breathtaking destination. In fact, for the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line is sending two ships to Alaska - the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic - in response to growing demand from guests eager to explore the Land of the Midnight Sun. Keep in mind that Disney cruises that go to Alaska only depart from Vancouver, Canada.
This guide will show you everything you need to know about taking an Alaska cruise with Disney. We’ll cover prices, destinations, excursions, and what to bring onboard. If you're looking for a more in-depth overview of Disney Cruise Line and the ships sailing to Juneau and its majestic glaciers, be sure to check out the following guides and YouTube videos.
- Disney Alaska Cruise - What We Wish We Knew Before Booking!
- First Timers Guide to Disney Cruise Line
- Planning a Cruise On Disney Cruise Line
- Room Options Onboard Disney Cruise Line
- Dining Options Onboard Disney Cruise Line
- Activities Onboard Disney Cruise Line
- Disney Wonder Review
- Disney Magic Review
This guide will focus specifically on subjects like:
- What's New in 2025 and Beyond for Disney Cruise Line in Alaska?
- Special Features of a Disney Cruise Line Alaska cruise
- Tips for your Disney Alaska cruise
- When to go to Alaska with Disney Cruise Line?
- Prices for an Alaska cruise with Disney Cruise Line
- Which Disney Cruise Line ships sail to Alaska?
- The Main Destinations of an Alaska cruise
- What’s the Weather Like in Alaska?
- Choosing the right stateroom for an Alaska cruise
- Packing List for an Alaska cruise
- Disney Cruise Line Alaska Port Adventures
Let’s get started!
What's New in 2025 and Beyond for Disney Cruise Line in Alaska?
The biggest news for Disney Cruise Line in Alaska is that the Disney Magic will join the Disney Wonder in sailing to this beautiful destination, starting May 16, 2026. It’s exciting to see the original DCL ship taking on a new itinerary, and even better, it offers some of the most affordable rates, starting at $4,220 for a family of four.
Special Features of a Disney Cruise Line Alaska cruise
Cruising with Disney is always special, but the Big Mouse himself has a few surprises in store for those who decide to visit Alaska. Did you know there are exclusive events, shows, and even special meet-and-greets available only for guests aboard the Disney Magic or Disney Wonder sailing to Alaska? Let’s take a look at them.
Glacier Day
During your Disney Alaska voyage, there will be a day known as Glacier Day. This is when your ship will sail as close as possible to a glacier, typically the Stikine Icecap, although weather conditions can influence the exact location.
This fun event offers some of the best photo opportunities of your entire cruise, even though it's not a land excursion, since everything takes place from the ship. It’s also the day when Disney characters don their Alaskan gear, and you’ll find hot chocolate waiting for you on the main deck. Here’s a good tip, the best time to experience Glacier Day is after lunch and into the afternoon, as you get closer to the glaciers and the photo opportunities become even more breathtaking.
Freeze the Night Away Party
Hopefully, you won’t be the main star of this show during your trip to Alaska!
Joking aside, Freeze the Night Away is a fun deck party based on Frozen, featuring Elsa and friends, with some fake snowfall at the end. The show is short and sweet, happening after both dinner seatings have wrapped up, so expect it to take place in the evening when the main deck feels a bit chilly.
There's also a special restaurant menu for the night, inspired primarily by the Arendelle restaurant onboard the Disney Wish.
Free Hot Chocolate
Who can say no to free hot chocolate? Complimentary hot chocolate is available on Glacier Day up on the top deck, as well as on the pier when you return from your Port Adventures. It’s the perfect way to warm up in the heart of Alaska!
Disney Meet-and-Greets in Alaska
Expect the standard meet-and-greets onboard your Disney ship, along with some special ones when visiting Alaska. One of the most iconic photos of Disney and Alaska features Mickey and friends dressed in winter gear, and you can see them like that during some of your cruise days in Alaska. Keep in mind, they’re not dressed this way all the time, but you can definitely spot Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Chip N’ Dale in Alaskan gear during Glacier Day. Even Thor from the Avengers comes to say hi!
Here’s a helpful tip: Wait until after lunch to take pictures with them. By then, you’ll be closer to the glaciers, providing a beautiful backdrop for your photos, and the lines will also be shorter!
Also, remember that the Royal Gathering is still taking place, so you can take pictures with different Disney Princesses. Be sure to book a spot through the app!
Tips for your Disney Alaska cruise
Here are some important tips for your Disney Alaska Cruise:
- Bring your passport! To be safe during your travels, always bring your passport. You’ll need it if you're flying directly to Vancouver, which is the most common route. If you're flying to Seattle first and then heading to Vancouver, a passport is required if you're 16 or older. Our tip? Always bring a passport to avoid any trouble.
- If you’re Canadian or a Non-US citizen, you need a Visa.
- If you're flying to Vancouver, it's a good idea to arrive one day before your cruise. This not only helps avoid the extra headache in case your flight is delayed or canceled, but also gives you the chance to explore this beautiful city!
- Make sure to stay in a hotel close to the port. Depending on your party size, you can either take an Uber to the port or board the Vancouver SkyTrain, which will also take you to Port Vancouver.
- There are two different dinner seatings on a Disney Alaska cruise: one at 5:45pm and another at 8:15pm. The 5:45pm seating might be a better choice for families with young kids, but it could be problematic on days when you have a land excursion, as those can take up a good portion of your day.
When to go to Alaska with Disney Cruise Line?
When deciding the best time to go to Alaska with Disney Cruise Line, there are a few key factors that you should consider:
- Disney Cruise Line sails to Alaska from May to September.
- June and July are the most expensive months, as they coincide with peak summer in Alaska. During this time, temperatures range from 50.2°F to 54.9°F in Skagway and around 55.8°F in Juneau.
- Rain is common in Alaska, with August and September being among the rainiest months.
So, when’s the best time to visit Alaska? The truth is, it depends on when you and your family can travel. If you are free between May and September, June and July are great months to visit. While they are more expensive, the weather is pleasant, and you won’t have to deal with as much rain as in August and September.
Prices for an Alaska cruise with Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line is typically more expensive than other cruise lines, and since you’re visiting a top-tier destination, expect to pay a bit more than on a standard cruise. Let’s take a look at the starting prices for upcoming Disney cruises to Alaska in 2025 and 2026 for a family of four.
Disney Wonder
The 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver aboard the Disney Wonder is by far the most popular Disney Alaska itinerary, offering over 30 different sailing dates to choose from. Let’s take a closer look below at this cruise to better understand its pricing for a family of four.
Disney Magic
Let's check out an itinerary that is basically the same as the one above, but onboard the Disney Magic. However, instead of visiting Juneau, the Magic takes you to Icy Strait Point.
Not all available dates are in our table above and prices change all the time, but this gives a good indication of the most expensive months and peak demand periods. June and July offer the best weather and are among the most popular months for an Alaska cruise, while May and September typically have the lowest rates.
Which Disney Cruise Line ships sail to Alaska?
There are two Disney Cruise Line ships that sail to Alaska: the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic.
- The Disney Magic will begin sailing to Alaska in 2026, offering 5- and 7-night cruises with approximately 18 different departure dates.
- The Disney Wonder offers 5-, 7-, 8-, and 9-night cruises to Alaska, with over 35 available departure dates.
The Disney Wonder is a classic Disney ship that has been sailing to Alaska since its debut in 1999. The Disney Magic will join the Wonder for the first time ever, also visiting the Land of the Midnight Sun, with Alaska itineraries launching in 2026.
Bookings are already available, and with the Disney Magic offering some of the lowest rates, this could be your perfect opportunity to visit one of the most sought-after destinations in the world!
The Main Destinations of an Alaska cruise
Disney Magic Itineraries
- 5-Nights Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver: Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Ward Cove (Ketchikan).
- 7- Nights Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver: Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan.
- 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver: Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Ward Cove (Ketchikan).
Disney Wonder Itineraries
- 5-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver: Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Ketchikan.
- 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver: Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan.
- 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver: Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan.
- 8-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver: Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan.
- 9-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver: Ketchikan, Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Victoria (British Columbia).
What’s the Weather Like in Alaska?
When we think about Alaska, it’s easy to imagine igloos and freezing temperatures. But did you know that Alaska isn’t always covered in snow? In fact, during the months that Disney Cruise Line sails there, the weather can be quite mild.
Let’s take a look at the average temperatures for key destinations like Juneau and Skagway, including the highest and lowest temperatures for each month of the cruise season.
Does It Snow During Your Cruise to Alaska?
More often than not, you won’t encounter snowfall during your Alaska cruise, especially in main destinations like Skagway and Juneau. Remember, Disney Cruise Line (and most other cruise lines) only sail to Alaska from May to September, which are the warmest months.
In fact, temperatures only drop below 32°F (freezing point) about once per month in May and September, and almost never from June to August.
Choosing the Right Stateroom for an Alaska Cruise
Picking the right stateroom for you and your family is a very personal decision. Do you go with an inside stateroom and save some money, or do you choose a verandah stateroom so you can see the glaciers from the comfort of your room? Or maybe you choose something in between, like an oceanview stateroom, or even pay the top prices for a luxurious concierge room?
It all depends on several factors, let’s check them out.
Stateroom Prices
Of course, verandah staterooms are more expensive than inside staterooms. In most cases, for a family of four, a verandah stateroom is about 80% more expensive than an inside stateroom. Yes, that can be a significant difference, nearly double the price.
Do you plan on staying in your room?
Disney Cruise Line offers a unique experience called Glacier Day, when the ship gets as close as possible to the glaciers. During this time, the captain invites everyone to the main deck to enjoy the views (and drink free hot chocolate!). You can often get a better view from the main deck than from inside your verandah stateroom. However, the verandah stateroom offers privacy and is generally better for older guests or those with mobility issues.
Our Pick for the Perfect Stateroom
Nothing beats a good verandah stateroom. You get tons of privacy, the chance to enjoy hot chocolate or a coffee while taking in the views, and the ability to sit back and watch the scenery through your binoculars without crowds around you. Verandah rooms are usually a great choice on most cruises because they help reduce that claustrophobic feeling, and they’re even better when visiting Alaska to experience nature in its purest form. Poetic, huh?
If price is a concern and opting for a verandah stateroom means missing out on some fun excursions, you can also consider an inside stateroom or an oceanview cabin. Both will do the job, especially if you plan on spending most of your time outside the room, enjoying Alaska from the main deck.
Packing List for an Alaska cruise
Packing for a cruise can be tricky, and that’s even more true for an Alaska cruise. When we think of Alaska, we often imagine freezing temperatures, which can lead to overpacking and bringing items we might not even use.
To help you pack efficiently, here’s what you should always bring for an Alaska cruise - on top of your standard cruise items:
Essentials
Waterproof Jacket: Rain is a common occurrence in Alaska year-round, so a waterproof jacket is a must-have. Winds can also be chilly on certain days, so opting for a combined windproof/waterproof jacket is a (very) smart choice.
Waterproof Pants and Shoes: While the waterproof jacket is the star of your packing list, don’t forget to bring waterproof pants and shoes. Alaska sees a lot of rain, and these items will keep you dry, whether you're staying onboard or venturing out on a land excursion through wet terrain.
Layers: Most cruisers heading to Alaska opt for layering their clothing rather than relying on one bulky piece. A combination of pants, long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, and a waterproof jacket on top is a reliable choice for staying cozy & comfortable.
Beanies & Gloves: With Alaska’s chilly, windy conditions, it’s important to protect your hands and ears all the time. Be sure to pack a warm beanie and a pair of waterproof gloves.
Chapstick: The wind in Alaska is no joke, and it can get quite chilly. Protect your lips at all costs by bringing chapstick!
Sunscreen: It’s cold there in Alaska, sure, but the sun is out and ready to give you a warm welcome. It’s common to see adults & children with sunburns during day 2 of an Alaska cruise, because most people think that cold weather = no sunburn. Make sure to bring sunscreen and use it all the time.
Optionals
Binoculars: Hey, you’re in Alaska, and binoculars can give you the opportunity to check out the glaciers and wildlife like never before!
Reusable Water Bottle: There are lots of excursions in a Disney cruise to Alaska, and you need to stay hydrated all the time. Remember, the sun is out to get you, so it’s extra important to drink lots of water.
Magnetic hangers: Magnetic hangers are a great way to maximize space and keep your stateroom organized. While you shouldn’t overpack for a Disney cruise to Alaska, you’ll likely need more clothing than on a typical cruise. These hangers can help keep your essentials tidy and organized.
Disney Cruise Line Alaska Port Adventures
Port Adventures is Disney’s term for optional, paid excursions available on Disney Cruise Line. In Alaska, there are over 200 excursions to choose from, with prices ranging from under $50 to as much as $3,000 or even $4,000.
When you book a Port Adventure, you'll receive a letter in your stateroom with all the details about your excursion, including where to go, whether you need to meet someone inside the ship before your excursion, and more.
We have selected some of the best Port Adventures for you, which are also really popular amongst guests:
Whale Watching
Price: starts at $209 per guest
There are around 20 different Port Adventures focused on whale watching, many of which include additional experiences. Some tours combine whale watching with glacier viewing, bear spotting, or even a culinary cruise.
The great thing is, you can’t go wrong with whale watching. It’s one of the most iconic activities in Alaska, after all! Consider pairing it with another experience you’ll love. One option we really like is Alaska’s Whales & Glaciers Photo Safari for $269.
Dog Sledding
Price: starts at $269 per guest
Yes, this doesn’t just happen in cartoons! Can you imagine dog sledding in the middle of Alaska? It’s definitely a popular adventure to consider. Disney offers three different Dog Sledding Port Adventures, with the most affordable option ($269) focusing on the sport itself and how the dogs are trained from puppyhood. The actual dog sledding experience is paired with a scenic helicopter ride and costs $899 per guest.
Helicopter Tours
Price: Starts at $459 per guest
Alaska is home to beautiful forests and massive glaciers, making a helicopter tour a top-notch recommendation. These tours typically include around 30 minutes of flight time, offering breathtaking scenic views and incredible photo opportunities.
Many also feature a glacier landing, allowing you to step out and explore the icy landscape. For those who love adventure, some tours even combine the helicopter ride with extended treks, giving you the chance to break a sweat in the heart of Alaska.
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Price: $49
This is a really fun Port Adventure that takes place in Ketchikan. It’s a one-hour show featuring athletic lumberjacks demonstrating various feats of strength. They go head-to-head in log rolling, chainsawing, speed climbing, and other challenges - some of which have even appeared on ESPN. This show is great for all ages, and the best part? It’s only $49!
Ready to book your Disney Alaska Cruise with Us?
We are experts when it comes to Alaska, and we also know Disney inside and out. If you do the math, you'll see that we're a great choice for booking a trip to the Land of the Midnight Sun!
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