Wondering if cruising Alaska is worth it? My family sailed aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss in The Haven, visiting some of Alaska’s most beautiful destinations while enjoying one of the most luxurious cruise experiences we’ve ever had.

Last Updated July 2026

---

Why Cruise Alaska?

An Alaska cruise offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in North America. From glacier views and charming port towns to luxury accommodations and incredible wildlife, it’s a bucket-list destination that’s surprisingly easy to experience.

If you’re considering Alaska, I highly recommend sailing during the summer months when temperatures are comfortable and nearly every excursion is available.

---

Our Itinerary

Day 1 – Seattle, Washington

• Embarkation at 4:00 PM

Day 2 – At Sea

Day 3 – Sitka, Alaska

• 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Day 4 – Juneau, Alaska

• 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Day 5 – Icy Strait Point, Alaska

• 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Day 6 – Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

• 6:00 AM – 1:15 PM

Day 7 – Victoria, British Columbia

• 8:00 PM – 11:59 PM

Day 8 – Seattle, Washington

• Debarkation at 7:00 AM

---

Norwegian Bliss

The Norwegian Bliss is one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s most impressive ships and offers something for every traveler.

Some of our favorite onboard experiences included:

• Go-Kart Speedway
• Beautiful observation areas
• Broadway-style entertainment
• Incredible service
• Spacious public spaces
• Excellent specialty dining

If you’re cruising Alaska, the Norwegian Bliss is an outstanding ship for enjoying the scenery.

---

Is The Haven Worth It?

Absolutely.

If it’s within your budget, I would recommend The Haven every single time.

The Haven is essentially a luxury ship within the ship and includes:

• Priority embarkation and debarkation with greeting hors d’oeuveres
• Private restaurant
• Private pool and sundeck
• Concierge service
• Butler service
• Reserved seating at shows
• Private lounges
• Exclusive elevators

One of the biggest surprises during our trip was how uncrowded The Haven areas always felt. Whether we were enjoying the pool or relaxing on deck, it rarely felt busy.

---

Our Staterooms

Our party stayed in two different Haven accommodations.

Standard Haven Stateroom

Our room was beautiful and incredibly comfortable for the duration of the cruise.

Haven Accessible Suite

A member of our party stayed in an accessible Haven suite, and the room was absolutely massive—almost presidential in size.

---

Dining

Some of our favorite dining experiences onboard included:

The Haven Restaurant

Hands down one of the biggest perks of staying in The Haven.

The service was outstanding, and having access to a private restaurant throughout the cruise elevated the entire experience. We ate breakfast every morning at the restaurant, even brunches and dinners sometimes.

Teppanyaki

One of the most entertaining dining experiences onboard and well worth reserving in advance. Benihana style cuisine.

Taste & Savor

Two restaurants immediately across from each other. These complimentary main dining rooms became some of our favorite staples throughout the cruise.

---

Alaska Weather

We cruised during the summer and experienced temperatures ranging from:

• Low 40s
• Mid 50s
• Highs around 60°F

While summer in Alaska is relatively mild, I would still recommend bringing:

• Sweatshirts
• Light winter jackets
• Comfortable walking shoes

It’s definitely hoodie weather, especially during glacier viewing days.

---

Glacier Viewing

Unfortunately, due to melting ice conditions, our ship was unable to travel between some of the glaciers as originally planned.

While disappointing, Alaska’s scenery is so spectacular that it hardly took away from the overall experience.

---

Juneau Excursion

Our original excursion included:

Helicopter Dog Sledding

Unfortunately, a snowstorm prevented helicopters from safely taking guests onto the glacier.

Instead, we took a scenic train excursion that traveled along the border of the United States and Canada, which ended up being an incredible experience in its own right.

Sometimes Alaska’s unpredictable weather means you’ll need to stay flexible with excursions.

---

Sitka, Alaska

Sitka offers beautiful scenery and a more laid-back atmosphere compared to some of Alaska’s larger ports.

---

Juneau, Alaska

Juneau is one of Alaska’s most popular cruise destinations and offers incredible excursion opportunities.

---

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

One of the most unique ports in Alaska and a favorite among cruise passengers for its natural beauty and wildlife.

---

Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan is known for its charming downtown area and picturesque waterfront.

---

Victoria, British Columbia

Although our stop was short, Victoria was absolutely beautiful at night and provided the perfect final destination before returning to Seattle.

---

What We Loved

• The Haven experience.
• Priority boarding.
• Reserved seating at shows.
• The private Haven restaurant.
• Norwegian Bliss’s Go-Karts.
• Incredible service.
• Alaska’s breathtaking scenery.
• Spacious and uncrowded Haven areas.
• Summer weather.
• Beautiful Alaska ports.

---

What Could Be Better

• Alaska’s weather can affect excursions.
• Glacier conditions are unpredictable.
• Some port stops can feel short depending on the itinerary.

---

Is The Haven Worth It?

Without question.

If you’re planning an Alaska cruise and can comfortably fit The Haven into your budget, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. The combination of luxury, exclusivity, priority access, and exceptional service transformed our Alaska cruise into one of our favorite vacations.

---

Tips Before You Cruise Alaska

• Bring layers—summer can still be chilly.
• Book excursions early.
• Stay flexible if weather impacts your plans.
• Consider upgrading to The Haven if possible.
• Reserve Teppanyaki early.
• Spend time in the observation lounges while cruising.

---

Final Verdict

Cruising Alaska aboard Norwegian Bliss was one of the most memorable travel experiences we’ve ever had.

From breathtaking scenery and incredible service to luxury accommodations in The Haven, it’s difficult to imagine a better way to experience Alaska for the first time. Even when weather altered some of our plans, the beauty of Alaska more than made up for it.

If Alaska has been sitting on your bucket list, I can confidently say it’s worth adding to the very top.

---

Overall Ratings

Norwegian Bliss: ★★★★★

The Haven Experience: ★★★★★

Dining: ★★★★★

Alaska Itinerary: ★★★★★

Summer Weather: ★★★★☆

Overall Experience: ★★★★★

Would my family cruise Norwegian Bliss and The Haven again? Absolutely. In fact, we’d recommend it to anyone looking for one of the most luxurious and relaxing ways to experience Alaska.