How to Cruise Alaska on Standby & Why You Should
There are travelers who live to plan every detail years in advance, and then there are the travelers who live for the thrill of the last-minute trip. Maybe a destination calls to them—a city unexplored, a lingering bucket list item, a place they’ve always wanted to go but never did. Or maybe it’s the thrill of a good deal.
If you live in Seattle or Vancouver, cruising Alaska on Standby answers the question, “Where should I go this summer?”
A Standby Cruise is a last-minute cruise fare with confirmation close to the departure date. If you have flexible dates and are open to itinerary changes, it’s a tantalizing possibility.
Is Cruising Standby for You?
The Standby Program is available to guests 21 years of age or older and is intended for those who reside within driving distance from a port. While we’re focused on cruising Alaska on standby — ideal if you reside near Seattle or Vancouver — there are standby opportunities in many of our homeports.
From $99 per person per day for an Inside or Oceanview stateroom or from $129 per person per day for a Verandah, you can enjoy an extraordinary value on an unforgettable cruise vacation.
Guests are charged when they sign up for the Standby List. If you are not selected, you will be refunded. Refunds are processed in 4 to 6 weeks. If you are selected and you choose not to sail, you will not be refunded.
Ready to experience majestic glaciers and wildlife? Book a cruise to Alaska.
Guests are confirmed within the week of sailing (7 to 2 days prior to departure) in the order you were added to the Standby List. It’s smart to add your name to list right away if this is an option for you and only add your name to one itinerary.
How Cruising Standby Works
- Check out our Standby List for an eligible Alaska sailing.
- Once you find your preferred cruise, contact your travel advisor or call 877-724-5425 to join the Standby List. Please note: once you’re added to the Standby List, you may not remove yourself. If you prefer more flexibility, book a fare that offers immediate confirmation or request to be added to the standard waitlist, if available.
- We will review the Standby List 7-2 days before embarkation.
- If we have space to confirm standby bookings, we will tell you to pack your bags!
Why Alaska for a Standby Cruise
Simply put, Alaska is full of surprises. If you’re from Seattle or Vancouver, Alaska’s forested peaks and lush rainforests might seem familiar, but as you cruise north, you’ll soon realize Alaska is vastly different. Whether you’re gazing up at the Mendenhall Glacier, gliding through otherworldly Glacier Bay, or waiting breathlessly for calving at Hubbard Glacier, Alaska will change you.
Featured Standby Alaska Itineraries:
- 7-Day roundtrip Alaska Explorer itineraries from Seattle and Vancouver. These convenient roundtrip cruises take you to Alaska’s iconic ports, such as Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka, and return to your departure city.
- 14-Day roundtrip Collectors’ Voyages from Vancouver. Alaska Collectors’ Voyages link back-to-back itineraries, so you’ll experience more of Alaska’s glaciers.
- 7-Day Glacier Discovery. Cruise one-way between Vancouver and Whittier and enjoy a deeper Alaska exploration.
Check out our Standby List & Eligibility requirements for terms and conditions and to sign up. Happy sailing!
