I’m 38 and planning a cruise for my parents, who are 68 and 69, in 2026. My mom really wants to see Alaska. What’s the best cruise line for something like this?
Food is a big deal for us. I’ve looked at Oceania, but it’s a bit too pricey. Virgin seemed interesting, but the party vibe might not suit us. Any advice?
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u/artemicion777 asked:
I’m 38 and planning a cruise for my parents, who are 68 and 69, in 2026. My mom really wants to see Alaska. What’s the best cruise line for something like this?
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For Alaska, Princess and Holland America are excellent choices. Look for trips that include Glacier Bay. You’ll definitely win favorite child status if you pull this off.
@Emerson
About your question… we did Alaska with Princess, and it was incredible. I’ve been on cruises with Disney, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Princess, and Alaska with Princess stood out. If you can manage it, the cruisetour is worth it.
We took our parents (they’re in their 70s) on their first cruise with Celebrity. It was amazing! The food was fantastic, the ship was spotless, and the service was great. We’ll definitely go with Celebrity again.
I’d recommend Holland America. The food, service, and overall relaxed vibe were perfect. The ship’s layout was easy to navigate, and it’s a great choice for enjoying the scenery. We went in May, and there weren’t many kids onboard. A lot of people were traveling with their parents, so it felt like a good fit.
Holland America is super popular with folks in their 70s for a reason. Among mainstream lines, they’re known for having the best food. My parents love them and stick to HAL for most cruises now.
From my own experience, I went on HAL in my mid-20s, and my girlfriend and I were definitely among the youngest people there. But it was so calm and peaceful, and the food was by far the best compared to other cruise lines I’ve tried (Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and Costa).
Princess is great! Their itineraries are awesome, and the food is top-notch. I’ve been to Alaska with Princess six times, and they never disappoint. If you can, book a balcony room—you won’t regret it.
Azamara just started offering Alaska trips. Their smaller ships mean fewer crowds and no long lines for things like tenders. The food and service are fantastic, and they’re more affordable than Oceania.