Grand cruise ships head for Alaska's glaciers and nature parks during the summer months, giving people the option to absorb the scenery or dive right into the adventure. The major cruise lines all include Alaska on their list of itineraries. Most trips run for a week to 10 days on liners that hold about 1,500 to 2,000 people, though some cruise lines such as Princess Cruises and Holland America run ships for tours of two weeks or more. As with many cruises, most Alaska ships flaunt onboard casinos, multiple restaurants, health and fitness facilities, and lavish spas with an assortment of pampering options such as massages, saunas, and facial wraps.
Shops offer everything from clothing to souvenirs and duty free merchandise.
Also, there are often onboard cocktail parties, as well as film showings, and nighttime entertainment, whether it be Las Vegas-style shows or karaoke. According to a spokesperson for Carnival Cruises, the Alaska trips tend to be family-oriented. On their Alaska ship, Jubilee, there is a kids' program called Camp Carnival that focuses on Alaska-themed projects such as building totem poles and whale watching. Marla Moran, spokesperson for Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruises, says that their Alaska cruises generally attract an older crowd than their Caribbean or Mexico cruises. A large percentage of the clientele on the Alaska cruises hits the upper portion of the 30s to 60s age bracket that is customary on other cruises.