How To Plan an Unforgettable Romantic Alaska Cruise for Couples
Picture a romantic getaway where shared intimate experiences meet high adventure and every moment is infused with the magic of the wild, untouched north. On board a cruise with Holland America to Alaska, you and your significant other will experience a romantic getaway unlike any other. From sweeping fjords and soaring mountain peaks to fine onboard dining and signature couples-friendly excursions, this is your invitation to plan an unforgettable couple’s escape in one of the planet’s most dramatic landscapes.
If this sounds like the perfect fit for you and your significant other, keep reading to learn how to plan an unforgettable Alaska cruise for couples.
Key Takeaways
- A romantic Alaska cruise offers both awe-inspiring natural scenery and private moments of connection aboard Holland America.
- Alaska is a beautiful, peaceful place that provides you and your loved one with the right balance of intimacy and adventure.
- Book shore excursions in advance — like a couple’s kayaking trip — to create unforgettable memories as a couple.
Why Alaska Is The Perfect Cruise Destination for Couples
Few destinations capture romance quite like Alaska. Its untamed beauty creates a unique and breathtaking backdrop if you’re seeking both adventure and intimacy. Couples, newlyweds, honeymooners, and long-time partners are all drawn from around the globe to this remote wilderness for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
From the shared thrill of watching a glacier calve before your eyes to the quiet comfort of a sunset dinner overlooking endless mountain vistas, every moment feels magical. On board, you and your significant other can unwind together with soothing spa treatments, dine on fresh local dishes cooked by world-renowned chefs or even exchange vows at sea for an unforgettable Alaska wedding.
The best time for couples to cruise Alaska is during the summer months, when long days, mild weather, and vibrant wildlife create the ideal setting for romance and exploration. Learn more in this guide to the best time to cruise Alaska.
These curated itineraries are designed with couples in mind — combining premium onboard experiences with awe-inspiring ports of call.
Can’t-Miss Alaska Romantic Destinations
Alaska’s rugged beauty and serene landscapes set the stage for romance unlike anywhere else. Whether it’s sipping coffee while watching whales breach at sunrise or wandering hand-in-hand through historic streets, these destinations promise shared moments that feel both adventurous and intimate.
Here are four places you’ll want to explore for unforgettable romance.
Inside Passage |
Glacier Bay |
Ketchikan |
Juneau |
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| The Inside Passage gives you a front-row seat to Alaska’s most breathtaking scenery — snow-capped mountains, misty forests, and mirror-like waters. Spend golden hour on deck watching whales and dolphins glide alongside your ship or explore picturesque seaside towns nestled between emerald hills. | A natural cathedral of ice and stillness, Glacier Bay National Park is a dreamscape for couples who crave wonder and quiet awe. Watch sea otters play in the icy bays as massive glaciers calve dramatically into turquoise waters. Sharing this unique national park together makes for the kind of memory that defines an unforgettable Alaska cruise. | Alaska’s “First City” charms couples with its colorful waterfront and warm, small-town energy. Stroll the historic Creek Street boardwalk, visit the Totem Heritage Center, and savor fresh salmon at a local eatery overlooking the harbor. With its storied history and coastal vibe, Ketchikan offers the perfect balance of culture and connection. | Alaska’s capital city combines wild adventure with romantic charm in every direction. Take a scenic tram ride up Mount Roberts, go whale watching in Auke Bay, or explore the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier together. With its lively downtown shops, local cuisine, and glacier-framed sunsets, Juneau is the perfect stop on a romantic itinerary. |
Shore Excursions Crafted for Two
Couples cruising through Alaska will find no shortage of experiences designed to bring them closer together. Each of these Holland America shore excursions blends adventure and intimacy, offering unforgettable ways to explore the state’s wild beauty together.
Wilderness Sea Kayaking
Couples can slip into a tandem kayak from a secluded floating base camp, paddling calm coves through reefs and kelp as guides share stories and wildlife appears — sea lions, eagles, even whales — before warming up with hot drinks and snacks on the ride back.
Flightseeing & a Taste of Alaska
Couples can cozy up in a window-seat floatplane from Ketchikan over Tongass Narrows and the Inside Passage to a private landing at Salmon Falls Resort, then linger over a waterfall photo stop and a warm, 5-star chef‑driven seafood meal before a scenic coastal drive back.
Enjoy a Scenic Glacier Cruise Together
Couples can savor a scenic, narrated catamaran journey from Whittier through Prince William Sound, sharing cozy window seats, hot drinks, and a hot meal while gliding past brilliant blue glaciers together to watch sea otters, seals, eagles, and whales up close.
Dry Suit Snorkel With Underwater Wildlife
Suit up in warm dry suits for a guided snorkeling experience at Magic Island, floating side by side over kelp forests and colorful marine life — see sea stars, anemones, urchins, and fish — then warm up with hot drinks after a seamless dockside pickup and gear fitting.
Onboard Experiences & Amenities for Couples
From intimate dinners and spa escapes to moonlit strolls on deck, Holland America Line offers countless ways for couples to connect while sailing through Alaska’s breathtaking scenery. These onboard experiences are designed to make every moment together unforgettable.
Fine Dining Featuring Fresh Alaska Seafood
Share a date night in the Dining Room, or reserve a more intimate table at Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, or Rudi’s Sel de Mer. With chef-driven menus, local cuisine (including wild Alaska halibut or salmon), world-class wine pairings, and views of the sea beyond your table, every meal becomes a delicious date night with your favorite person.
Unwind at the Spa & Salon
Relax and rejuvenate together at the Spa & Salon, where couples’ massages and hydrotherapy pools melt away tension. Soak in the warmth of the heated loungers while gazing out over the ocean — a serene sanctuary for two. To save on this romantic experience, you can book the Thermal Suite pass in advance.
Ready to book a romantic vacation? Find a cruise.
Enjoy Live Music and Spectacular Performances Nightly
When the sun sets, the ship comes alive with rhythm and romance. Slip into a cozy booth at B.B. King’s Blues Club, sing along with Billboard Onboard’s dueling pianos or dress up for a dazzling World Stage production. Each evening offers a new way to share the joy of Alaska nights together.
Take Home a Keepsake With Onboard Shopping
Explore The Shops for fine jewelry, fragrances, Holland America Line apparel and unique local gifts. Whether you’re choosing a memento to mark your honeymoon or a small token to remember your voyage, shopping on board makes it easy to bring home a piece of Alaska’s charm.
Quiet Balcony Time and Deck Strolls for Two
Start your mornings with steaming coffee on your private verandah as glaciers drift by, or share quiet evening walks along the Promenade Deck beneath endless twilight skies. These simple, unhurried moments remind you why Alaska is one of the world’s most romantic backdrops.
Soak in the Nightlife at Our Bars & Lounges
From the refined ambiance of the Ocean Bar to casual sunset cocktails on deck, Holland America’s lounges offer the perfect vibe for every couple. Settle into a corner for an intimate conversation, join in with lively company, or wander between venues for a relaxed, easygoing night out at sea.
Let your love story unfold against Alaska’s majestic landscapes with Holland America Line. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply each other, every cruise offers romance and unforgettable memories waiting to be shared. After you book your cruise, add a celebration package — for everything between getting married on board or celebrating a new milestone in life — because your love is worth celebrating.
Plan your romantic Alaska cruise today and discover why love shines brightest at sea. Explore our Alaska cruise itineraries and prepare for a couple’s getaway you and your significant other will never forget.
FAQs
What is the best cruise line for a couple’s getaway?
Holland America Line is the top choice for couples thanks to our elegant ships with an intimate and elevated atmosphere and exceptional service. With fine dining, live music, spacious staterooms and curated excursions, it creates the perfect balance of romance and adventure at sea. Don’t take our word for it — Holland America is Forbes’s top pick for the best cruise line in Alaska.
What is the best Alaska cruise itinerary for couples?
Couples often favor itineraries through the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay, which offer stunning scenery, wildlife viewing, and charming port towns like Juneau and Ketchikan. These routes balance relaxation and exploration, giving couples time both to connect and to discover Alaska’s breathtaking natural beauty together.
When is the best month to go on an Alaska cruise?
The best months for an Alaska cruise are June through August, when the weather is mild, the days are long, and wildlife is most active. For fewer visitors and lower fares, couples may also enjoy sailing in May or September, when the landscapes are just as stunning but the pace feels more serene.
