A cruise in Alaska is one of the world’s most scenic voyages. With its vast glaciers, snow-topped mountains, forest-wrapped lakes and remote fishing villages, America’s largest state also has the country’s longest coastline making a cruise the ideal way to explore. Once on board, you can sail through steep-sided valleys only accessible by sea, drop anchor in mirror-still fjords for kayaking excursions or just sit back and watch for incredible wildlife including whales, bears and bald eagles. On port days, wander round museums tracing the history of indigenous communities, soar over a glacier in a seaplane or hike in the world’s largest temperate rainforest, the 17 million-acre Tongass National Forest. Here are some of the best Alaska cruises to tick off your bucket list.
1. Holland America Line
Travellers can pair a Holland America Line cruise with a trip aboard the Rocky Mountaineer
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
Best for trips by sea and rail Holland America has an enviable reputation for Alaskan expertise as it has sailed to the region for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line — and even before Alaska became the 49th US state in 1959. It also holds more permits to visit Glacier Bay National Park than any other line. You can pair Alaska with some of Canada’s most mesmerising sights on a journey by sea and rail, which combines a Holland America cruise with a journey aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train.
The best cruise adventures from Norway to Cambodia
2. Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offers tours including trips to Denali National Park
ALAMY
Best for land-based stays Return from the trip of a lifetime with lasting memories by booking one of Princess Cruises’ excursions, such as a photo safari in Ketchikan, in which a local snapper leads the off-the-beaten-path tour and shares professional tips. If you prefer more action, try a cross-country tour and canoeing excursion on Revillagigedo Island. Princess also offers cruise tours, with land-based stays at its exclusive wilderness lodges. They include Denali National Park, covering six million acres of Alaska’s interior wilderness that surrounds the 6,190m (20,310ft) namesake mountain, North America’s tallest peak.
3. Cunard
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth in Kodiak
Best for glamour See Alaska in style on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, where visits to ports such as Juneau, Kodiak and Seward are set against a backdrop of art deco-style interiors, afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters and cocktails inspired by glacial scenery. There’s plenty to do ashore, with more than 140 experiences including dog sledding, salmon fishing or a journey on Skagway’s White Pass scenic railway, built for the Klondike Gold Rush. Cunard partners with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society to provide expert and thought-provoking speakers on every sailing.
Times Holidays
Inspired by something you’ve read and want us to book your next trip? Call our dedicated advisers to help curate your dream holiday on 0207 785 1841 or enquire here
4. Viking
Viking runs adults-only cruises to Alaska
Best for a child-free holiday Viking, the world’s largest river cruise line, has expanded into ocean cruising with a fleet of identical adults-only ships catering to 930 guests. The sophisticated Scandinavian style is enhanced by the lack of rowdy entertainment and casinos. Alaskan voyages are geared to exploration and enrichment with the bonus of a free shore excursion in every port and no charges at any of the restaurants. Destinations include Icy Strait Point, with the option to visit the largest native Tlingit village of Hoonah to experience history portrayed through traditional song and dance.
5. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska sailing includes a visit to Skagway
ALAMY
Best for a round trip If you want to start and finish your cruise in the same place, Celebrity’s itineraries include round-trip sailings from Seattle and Vancouver. Highlights include Skagway, associated with North America’s biggest and most frenzied gold rush in 1897. Time stands still in the neighbourhood that’s part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Move back into the present aboard your ship, the high-tech Celebrity Edge. Admire the views from the eye-catching Magic Carpet: a bar, lounge and dining area which moves up and down the outside of the ship.
6. Seabourn
Seabourn is running seven and 14-night trips
Best for a warm welcome Personal service comes to the fore on Seabourn’s intimate ships — by day two you can expect crew members to know your name. In 2025, the 458-passenger Seabourn Quest will sail in Alaska, and the panoramic observation bar is one of the best places to watch the passing scenery. Itineraries include a seven-night voyage between Vancouver and Juneau and a 14-night round-trip Vancouver sailing. Whichever you pick, you’ll visit the Unesco-listed Glacier Bay National Park, one of the largest protected wilderness areas on earth and home to more than 50 glaciers.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s trips includes activities such as kayaking
Best for solo travellers NCL has four ships based in Alaska. They include Norwegian Encore and Bliss, which are a great choice if you’re sailing solo. Both feature the line’s well-designed inside studio cabins for single travellers, which come with access to an exclusive private lounge where you can mingle with like-minded shipmates. Additionally, the cabins on Norwegian Bliss have novel virtual windows that project real-time ocean views from outside the vessel. Sailings visit the Alaskan capital, Juneau, which is on the North American mainland but is inaccessible by road, giving it a unique island community vibe.
8. Oceania Cruises
Oceana’s Alaska cruise includes a trip to Chilkoot Lake, which is home to bald eagles
GETTY IMAGES
Best for nature lovers Experience Alaska with Oceania on board Riviera, which embarks on a Gold Rush and Glaciers sailing. Travelling from Vancouver to Seattle, you will visit Ketchican at the foot of Deer Mountain, see Russian influences in the architecture of Sitka and enjoy the bustle of life in Alaska’s remote state capital, Juneau. Oceania prides itself on serving some of the best cuisine at sea, while selected cruises feature the Alaska Explorer Youth Programme, for youngsters aged from 5 to 12, with interactive and culturally focused games and activities.
9. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas has a North Star capsule for incredible views
Best for families Enjoy an adventure afloat and ashore on Royal Caribbean’s fun-filled, family-friendly ships, which offer great value for money. The 7 to 13-night Alaska sailings include all the top ports, such as Sitka, with its fascinating blend of Alaskan, Russian and American history. Thrill-seekers can soar through the treetops on the world’s longest zip line at Icy Strait Point and continue the buzz back on board. Royal Caribbean’s Alaskan ships include Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas with a skydiving simulator and North Star capsule rising 90m (300ft) above sea level.
10. Silversea
Silversea’s Alaska cruise includes a trip to the Misty Fjords
ALAMY
Best for all-inclusive luxury On Silversea’s Alaska cruises, everything is taken care of from the minute you leave home. All-inclusive fares include return chauffeur service to the airport, flights and overseas transfers. On arrival you’ll board one of the line’s elegant small ships, such as Silver Shadow, which carries fewer than 400 passengers, and be treated to butler service whichever suite you book. Popular voyages include seven-night sailings between Vancouver and Seward. You’ll stop at Ketchikan, a former rugged frontier town now best known as the gateway to the emerald waters of the Misty Fjords.
11. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas cruises include the option to hike in Tongass National Forest
Best for stylish hikers Regent Seven Seas is one of the most inclusive ultra-luxurious lines. To give you an idea, the 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer, which sails in Alaska, is an all-suite vessel decorated with 500 chandeliers and 2,500 works of art including pieces by Picasso. The small size of the ship provides a close-up, front-row seat to Alaska’s wild and untamed nature, which can be explored ashore with a hike in awe-inspiring Tongass. Covering most of southeast Alaska, it’s the largest national forest in the US and the world’s biggest temperate rainforest.
12. HX
An HX expedition to Icy Bay
Best for an adventure HX is the new name for Hurtigruten Expeditions, to differentiate the line from the sister brand sailing along the Norwegian coastline. HX’s focus is on soft adventure, nature and science, and vessels used for Alaska sailings include its purpose-built hybrid expedition ships Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen; the former is the first passenger ship capable of sailing solely under electric power for segments of the journey. Alaskan voyages range from 13 to 19 days and, in real explorer style, itineraries are adapted to maximise wildlife spotting and other opportunities.
Inspired by something you’ve read and want us to book your next trip? Call our dedicated advisers to help curate your dream holiday on 0207 785 1841 or enquire here
It can be hard to read up on all of the local laws when going on holidays, but road experts are urging Brits to learn the meanings behind local road signs to avoid accidents and fines
A survey has found most UK drivers don’t recognise key road signs abroad(Image: Getty Images)
Before you embark on your European road trip, make sure you’re up to date on the local driving laws. A new survey has revealed four in five British drivers admit they struggle to understand key road signs when driving overseas – which can have serious consequences.
In a research conducted by road experts at Ready Set Supplied, an overwhelming 80 per cent of the 440 Brits surveyed failed to correctly identify standard signage used across France, Germany, Italy, Spain and other EU countries.
Furthermore, the study also found that 87 per cent of Brits do zero preparation before driving abroad – which includes failing to glance at local driving regulations. This means that millions of drivers are using guesswork to interpret restrictions and other unfamiliar signs. It comes after UK drivers were warned over ‘avoiding’ road instead of having to follow new rule.
Failure to recognise road signs can lead to accidents or fines(Image: fhm via Getty Images)
These findings come amid concerns that poor sign recognition is contributing to avoidable fines, missed turns and even potentially dangerous driving decisions when abroad.
Meanwhile, problems can also arise from the fact that sat-navs and Google Maps offer turn-by-turn directions, which don’t help drivers interpret symbols on unfamiliar roadside signs. Crucially, some of these can carry legal implications or even indicate unusual rules.
A spokesperson from Ready Set Supplied said: “Most UK drivers wouldn’t dream of driving here without understanding basic road signs. But as soon as they cross the Channel, that caution seems to disappear. The assumption is that it’ll all just make sense when you get there.”
Misunderstanding road signs can have serious consequences. These include fines for illegal parking and causing confusion, which can lead to both legal trouble and road safety issues.
This can also be dangerous when it comes to signs give advance warning of hazards like narrow passes, slippery road conditions or mandatory detours.
Experts warn that missing these cues raises the risk of sudden braking, poor positioning and even crashes. This is especially true on unfamiliar terrain.
Ready Set Supplied said: “People don’t realise that the layout and flow of roads abroad are designed with those signs in mind. If you don’t understand the system, you’re not driving safely.”
The survey also highlighted the lack of awareness around quirky local laws that can catch them off guard. For example, in many EU countries things like driving a dirty vehicle or listening to music at petrol stations can result in tickets or fines.
Experts cautioned that while drivers may assume that because they didn’t see a sign on their theory test it’s not important, that mindset won’t work outside of the UK.
To avoid running into trouble abroad, Ready Set Suppliedis urging motorists to spend just ten minutes reviewing basic signage rules before hitting the road. They emphasise that a simple refresher on how foreign systems handle rules around lane priority, emergency stop areas and turn restrictions could make a massive difference.
A spokesperson explained: “Driving abroad shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. A little knowledge goes a long way—not just to avoid fines, but to genuinely protect yourself and other road users.”
Since this date, the darkroom doors have had over 30 photographers go through – Neil Richardson, Peter Aylett, Maria Connors, Matthew Stanley, Will Swan, Craig Sheriff, Michelle Webb, Jeremy Smith, Eddie Safarik, Tim Hughes, Lorisse Dart, Leila Williams, Sarah Rhodes, Simon Tennant, Sharee Smith, Simon Groves, Ben Vos, Glenn Daniels, Mark Jesser, Geoff Robson, Scott Gelston, Rod Thompson, Phillip Biggs and Craig George.
Known as the best state in America for freshwater diversity, Alabama is a nature lover’s paradise. However, unknown to many avid trippers, Alabama also boasts some of the most scenic drives in the country. You will enjoy heart-gripping views at thousands of feet above sea level, then swooping down to take in delicious waterfront views along the state’s white-sand beaches. Some roads cut through dense forests and deep canyons. Meanwhile, others showcase rolling hills, old barns, and other elements of a bygone era. Keep reading to discover the 6 most scenic drives in Alabama.
The Natchez Trace Parkway
Bridge over the Tennessee River on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Natchez Trace Parkway is a phenomenal drive that spans more than 400 miles and winds through three states, including Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. To a large extent, it follows the “Old Natchez Trace,” a historic artery used by American Indians, slave traders, soldiers, and even future presidents. You only need a minute on the historic parkway, and you will immediately appreciate why it is ranked as one of America’s 10 best biking roads. The Alabama segment spans slightly more than 30 miles in the state’s northwest corner, but its visual effect is profound in both scope and intensity. It starts on the Mississippi border, a few miles southwest of Cherokee, and winds through to the Tennessee border near Stewartville. Highlights include Colbert Ferry Park, named for Chickasaw George Colbert, and Freedom Hills Overlook, which features a steep, quarter-mile trail that leads to Alabama’s highest point on the parkway.
Alabama State Route 65
A birding trail in Paint Rock, Alabama.
There are road trips that leave you yawning at the dull expanse of sameness. Others give a sense of rural calm, especially as they feature curvy, tree-lined segments and offer tasty views that set the heart purring with joy and anticipation. Alabama State Route 65 (not to be confused with Interstate 65) is curvy but incredibly peaceful. Think of old barns, historic homesteads, and weathered farm structures. People skip it for long drives and big names, but this 27-mile eye candy is such a revelation, notably for the fact that it cuts through the entire length of the Paint Rock Valley, described as “the Little Sister to Virginia’s Shenandoah.” The route starts from near the slow-paced town of Gurley and leaps through the mountainous regions of northeastern Alabama to Francisco near the Tennessee border. Roy B. Whitaker Paint Rock River Preserve in Paint Rock has nice, flat trails to explore, while Curly Putman Park in Princeton is photo-worthy in every direction.
Selma To Tuskegee Through Montgomery
Aerial view of Selma, Alabama.
A significant portion of the route from Selma to Tuskegee through Montgomery is the historic Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, which commemorates one of the most consequential moments in the history of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. A confrontation between peaceful protestors and law enforcement officers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge pricked the conscience of the nation and sent sympathetic shockwaves across the globe. The route’s starting point is the Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in Selma, while the Alabama State Capitol marks the endpoint on the other side. An extension to the vibrant college town of Tuskegee winds through peaceful rolling countryside tastefully punctuated with forested stretches. Highlights include the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, where a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. stands, and the Lowndes Interpretive Center (White Hall), a nostalgic spot dedicated to participants of the historic march.
Talladega Scenic Drive
Sunset At Cheaha overlook in Cheaha State Park, Alabama.
Talladega Scenic Drive, also known as State Route 281 in Alabama, extends from U.S. Route 78 west of Heflin, a Hallmark-worthy town that serves as the gateway to the Southern Appalachian Mountains, to the intersection of two forest roads in the Talladega National Forest around Adams Gap, about 11 miles northwest of Lineville. It winds through the southernmost extension of the Appalachian Mountains and boasts some of the best vistas in the South, including Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state. Rock outcroppings and small rural settlements dot the stretch, sitting as mesmerized witnesses to nature’s incredible grandeur, vastness, and majesty. There are several scenic overlooks to stop and pull over. You can then hide at the Cheaha State Park and explore the jaw-dropping trails around.
Lookout Mountain Parkway
Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, Alabama. Editorial credit: Jimmy Rooney / Shutterstock.com
Lookout Mountain Parkway is a two-lane gem that spans approximately 93 miles and effortlessly imprints itself on the minds and memories of those lucky enough to experience its poetic beauty. The parkway starts outside the gates of Gadsden’s Noccalula Falls Park, where a path leads to a photogenic view of Noccalula Falls, a 90-foot waterfall steeped in Native American myth. The park and waterfall are in Gadsden, once Alabama’s second-most important commercial and industrial hub. The Alabama section of the parkway ends at the Georgia-Alabama border near Mentone before crossing into the Peach State. If you find Noccalula impressive, you will find DeSoto Falls, one of the most photographed attractions in Alabama, nothing short of stupendous. A short detour will take you to another unmissable highlight on the Lookout Mountain Parkway: the sandstone cliffs of the Little River Canyon.
Barbour County Governors’ Trail
Octagon House, Clayton, Alabama.
Barbour County Governors’ Trail has a giveaway name that easily reveals its overarching focus: the Alabama governors who called Barbour County home. The trail features 8 governors, including those with historical significance such as Governor Shorter, a strong secessionist and a co-author of the Confederate constitution. Still, despite its name, the Barbour County Governors’ Trail is not exclusively about governors. You can pass by the Octagon House in Clayton, which served as Union cavalry headquarters during the Civil War years. Alternatively, you can explore the gorgeous Blue Springs State Park, which features several attractions, including a spring-fed swimming pool. The trail begins in Clio and continues northeast through Louisville to downtown Clayton.
The Takeaway
Besides being some of the best stress-relievers out there, road trips are fun, enjoyable, and often come with a euphoric sense of freedom and adventure. Alabama, one of the most diverse states in America, is home to some surprisingly beautiful drives. The best part is that the drives travel the whole gamut: From the flat terrains with shimmering water views to cloud-grazing pathways with panoramic vistas. Depending on your pick, you can also enjoy a big dose of history. Keep in mind that several defining events associated with the Civil Rights Movement played out in Alabama, including the Selma to Montgomery March, making this state perfect for road-trip-loving history buffs.
