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Costs

Flight Costs for an Alaska Cruise

By Reviewed by Marin HollowayUpdated 3 min readLast fact checked on .

Flights are the second largest line in most Alaska cruise budgets after the fare itself, typically $350 to $800 per person round trip to Seattle and more to Vancouver or Anchorage. One way Gulf of Alaska itineraries require an open jaw booking, flying into one city and home from another, which usually costs more.

The short answer

Budget $350 to $800 per person round trip to Seattle, $400 to $900 to Vancouver and $500 to $1,100 to Anchorage during the Alaska season. One way cruises require open jaw flights, which typically cost 10 to 30 percent more than a simple return. Book four to six months ahead for the best fares.

Key points

  • Seattle is the cheapest and best connected departure city for United States travellers.
  • One way Gulf itineraries need an open jaw booking, which costs 10 to 30 percent more.
  • Anchorage fares are highest and the flights are longest.
  • Book four to six months ahead. Alaska season fares rise steadily.
  • Cruise line air programmes offer protection but are rarely the cheapest option.

Flights are where itinerary choice quietly becomes a budget decision. A Seattle round trip needs one simple return ticket. A one way Vancouver to Whittier sailing needs an open jaw booking into Vancouver and home from Anchorage, and that difference alone can be several hundred dollars per person.

Typical round trip fares in season

Round trip economy fares per person, June to August
FromTo SeattleTo VancouverTo Anchorage
West Coast United States$180 to $350$250 to $450$350 to $650
Midwest United States$300 to $550$380 to $650$500 to $850
East Coast United States$350 to $700$420 to $800$550 to $1,000
Texas and the South$320 to $600$400 to $700$500 to $900
United Kingdom$700 to $1,300$650 to $1,200$900 to $1,600
Australia$1,100 to $1,900$1,000 to $1,800$1,400 to $2,300
Peak season fares in July are typically 20 to 40 percent above May and September.

One way itineraries and open jaw flights

A Gulf of Alaska cruise starts in one city and ends in another, which means an open jaw ticket: flying into Vancouver and home from Anchorage, or the reverse.

Round trip versus open jaw, typical premium
RouteSimple returnOpen jawPremium
Chicago, Seattle round trip$420n/aBaseline
Chicago into Vancouver, home from Anchoragen/a$620 to $780+$200 to $360
New York into Vancouver, home from Anchoragen/a$780 to $1,050+$250 to $400
Dallas into Vancouver, home from Anchoragen/a$700 to $900+$220 to $350
Book open jaw as a single multi city ticket rather than two one way tickets. Two separate one ways are usually more expensive and offer no protection if the first leg is delayed.

When to book

  • Four to six months ahead is generally the sweet spot for Alaska season flights.
  • Fares rise steadily from about three months out, unlike some routes where late deals appear.
  • Midweek departures are typically $60 to $200 cheaper per person than Friday or Saturday.
  • Alaska season is peak season for these cities, so waiting rarely helps.
  • Book refundable or flexible fares if your cruise deposit is refundable, so both can move together.
  • Watch for basic economy restrictions. Baggage fees on two checked bags can erase the fare saving entirely.

Cruise line air programmes

Every major line sells flights alongside the cruise. They are rarely the cheapest and sometimes worth it anyway.

Strengths

  • The line is responsible for getting you to the ship if a flight is delayed or cancelled.
  • Transfers between airport and terminal are usually included.
  • One booking, one point of contact if something goes wrong.
  • Some luxury lines, notably Regent, include flights in the fare entirely.

Trade offs

  • Typically 10 to 30 percent more expensive than booking directly.
  • Routing and timing are chosen for you, sometimes with poor connections.
  • Airline loyalty points and status benefits may not apply.
  • Changes are harder and often carry fees.

Frequently asked questions

How much do flights cost for an Alaska cruise?
Round trip economy fares during the season typically run $180 to $700 per person to Seattle depending on origin, $250 to $800 to Vancouver and $350 to $1,000 to Anchorage. Seattle is usually the cheapest option for United States travellers because Sea-Tac is a major hub with direct service from most cities.
Is it cheaper to fly to Seattle or Vancouver for an Alaska cruise?
Seattle, typically by $70 to $200 per person. Sea-Tac has more capacity and more direct routes from United States cities than Vancouver, and it avoids an international arrival. That cost advantage is a major reason Seattle handles more Alaska departures despite Vancouver offering better itineraries.
How do flights work for a one way Alaska cruise?
You need an open jaw or multi city ticket, flying into one city and home from another, for example into Vancouver and home from Anchorage. Book it as a single multi city ticket rather than two separate one ways: the fare is usually lower and the airline remains responsible for connecting you if a leg is delayed. Expect to pay 10 to 30 percent more than a simple return.
When should I book flights for an Alaska cruise?
Four to six months before sailing. Alaska cruise season coincides with peak summer demand on these routes, so fares tend to rise steadily from about three months out rather than falling. Midweek departures are typically $60 to $200 cheaper per person than weekend ones.
Should I book flights through the cruise line?
Usually not, since cruise line air is typically 10 to 30 percent more expensive. It is worth the premium when the itinerary is one way with a tight connection, when your origin has only one daily flight to the departure city, or when you want the line to take responsibility for getting you to the ship. Otherwise book directly and arrive a day early.
Do I need to fly into Alaska for an Alaska cruise?
Only for itineraries that start or end at Whittier or Seward, which require flying to Anchorage. Round trip cruises from Seattle or Vancouver need no Alaska flights at all: the ship takes you there and back. That is one reason round trip itineraries usually work out cheaper overall than one way Gulf of Alaska sailings.

Keep researching

Call an Alaska cruise specialist