Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re planning a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska for the 2026 season, you’ll have four ships to choose from: Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, or Voyager of the Seas. 

Already thinking ahead to 2027? While ships may change from year to year, we do at least know at this point that Quantum of the Seas will replace Ovation of the Seas for the line’s 2027 Alaska cruises. 

So, looking at all your options and not sure which ship to choose for your upcoming Alaska adventure? I’m going to explain everything you need to know about these five vessels so you can pick the best fit for your travel needs. 

Royal Caribbean Ships Sailing Alaska

Voyager of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s relatively older ships, but don’t let that deter you from considering it for your upcoming Alaskan cruise. Debuting in 1999, the ship holds about 3,600 people. That’s pretty small by today’s standards, but at that point in history, it was groundbreaking.

And don’t worry — the ship was upgraded in 2019, so it’s been spiffed up. It houses a lot of the classic Royal Caribbean cruise ship features, such as a rock-climbing wall, ice skating rink, surf simulator and the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides.

Why It’s Good for an Alaska Cruise

All things considered, when it comes to an Alaskan cruise, Voyager of the Seas is ideal for those who don’t want or need a mega-ship that’s going to be crowded, even if it does come with all the latest and greatest amenities. It’s also a good fit for those on a budget, as older ships are typically cheaper to sail on. 

2026-2027 Alaska Deployments

All of the currently bookable 2026–2027 Voyager of the Seas Alaska cruises are 7-night cruises that depart from Seattle, with fares starting at as little as $96 per night.  

Voyager of the Seas Ship Stats

• Gross Tonnage: 137,276
• Passenger Capacity: 3,602
• Staterooms: 1,801
• Decks: 15 total, 14 for Guests 

What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Voyager of the Seas

As this older ship wasn’t built with Alaskan cruising in mind (as some other Royal Caribbean ships might’ve been), you’re not going to find quite as many indoor spots to enjoy the views of wildlife and glaciers. Sure, you can see it all from the deck — try the outdoor deck 4 promenade — but it’s going to be chilly. 

Book a balcony cabin for private outdoor space to take in the views, and opt for a midship balcony cabin if you can get it, for less noise and motion. 

As for glacier access, the ship does not visit Glacier Bay, but does visit Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier instead, though not on all itineraries. Make sure to double-check before booking, if this itinerary stop is a must for you. 

Voyager of the Seas Pros & Cons in Alaska

Who Should Avoid This Ship? 

Those wanting to cruise on a big, new ship should probably opt for one of Royal Caribbean’s other options. Additionally, those who are averse to taking in the views outdoors may also want to pick a ship that has more indoor viewing areas.

Anthem of the Seas 

Comparatively, Anthem of the Seas is a much newer ship, built in 2015, and it’s also much larger, as a Quantum-class ship — meaning that even though you’ll easily find more than 4,000 other passengers sailing with you, you’ll hardly feel crowded.

Anthem of the Seas has been given minor refurbishments and maintenance, but no large overhauls like some of the older ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.  

Why It’s Good for an Alaska Cruise

The ship is very family-friendly, with lots to do for all ages, though those sailing without any kids in tow will also find loads to love about this ship, with its adults-only spaces and ample dining and drinking venues.

During an Alaskan cruise, you’ll never feel like you’re cooped up indoors. With so much to do, there’s no chance of getting cabin fever.

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From swimming in the indoor pool to heading to the Seaplex for roller skating, basketball, bumper cars and similar fun, you’ve got options. And did I mention that this ship is outfitted with the North Star observation capsule, for 360-degree views and all-out awesomeness? 

So, if you want a family-friendly ship with no end to on-ship fun, pick Anthem of the Seas for your Alaska cruise. 

2026-2027 Alaska Deployments

You’ll find no shortage of 2026-2027 Alaska cruises on Anthem of the Seas. Starting at $93 per night, all deployments are at least a 7-night cruise, with 10-night cruises available as well. Departure ports for this ship over the next two years will include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seattle, Seward and Vancouver, British Columbia, in Canada. Stops range from Skagway to Ketchikan, Sitka to the Hubbard Glacier.

Anthem of the Seas Ship Stats

• Gross Tonnage 167,800
• Passenger Capacity: 4,168
• Staterooms: 2,091
• Decks: 16 total 

What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Anthem of the Seas

Which glaciers you’ll get to see will depend on your exact itinerary, but the Hubbard Glacier and Dawes Glacier are both options — and you can even take in the views right from the pool deck or the North Star observation capsule. 

Grab a balcony cabin for views without leaving your room and some past cruisers suggest particularly getting a cabin near the front of the ship, if your itinerary includes the Hubbard Glacier (though many also note that, regardless of your itinerary and cabin, you’re going to get some awesome scenery). 

Pros & Cons for Anthem of the Seas in Alaska

Who Should Avoid This Ship? 

There are really few reasons why you might avoid a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska on this ship. It has lots of amenities and itinerary options to choose from. You may want to avoid the ship if you are a stickler about only sailing on the newest and largest ships, or conversely, if you prefer a smaller cruising experience with fewer than 4,000 other cruisers. 

Serenade of the Seas

Serenade of the Seas was built in 2003, so it’s definitely not considered a new ship and it’s small, too (with the last big refurbishment occurring in 2012, and further refurbishments occurring in 2022). However, this ship is well-known as one of the best Royal Caribbean ships for an Alaskan cruise.

Why It’s Good for an Alaska Cruise

The ship only fits around 2,000 passengers, so you’re not fighting against any crowds. The ship feels far more intimate than the other Royal Caribbean vessels on these itineraries. Because the ship isn’t super amenity-heavy, with lots of flashy entertainment at every corner, that means it’s also calmer and less hectic, for some serious next-level chill. 

Meanwhile, the views from the interior are top-notch. From the Solarium to the pool with its retractable glass roof to the dining options, you’re rarely without a view.  As such, so long as you’re not really, really wanting a big ship with lots of on-ship activities, book Serenade of the Seas if you can.  

2026-2027 Alaska Deployments

With prices starting at around $92 per night, Serenade of the Seas 2026–2027 Alaska itineraries include 7-night cruises departing from Vancouver.

Serenade of the Seas Ship Stats

• Gross Tonnage: 90,090
• Passenger Capacity: 2,143
• Staterooms: 1,073
• Decks: 13 total 

What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Serenade of the Seas 

As mentioned, Serenade of the Seas offers a wealth of great viewing spots across the ship, so you’ll definitely not be left wanting for scenery. 

However, for private views, book a balcony cabin — though it’s worth noting that many cruisers find the balcony cabins on this ship to be rather small, so maybe upgrade to a suite with a balcony if you can swing it, like the Royal Suite. Glacier stops on 2026–2027 itineraries include Tracy Arm Fjords and Glacier (though not all itineraries include it!).

Pros & Cons for Sereande of the Seas in Alaska

Who Should Avoid This Ship? 

If you really love staying on a brand-new, big ship, with all the jaw-dropping thrills you can handle, and you want lots of activities to keep your cruising crew entertained, this might not be the ship for you. 

Ovation of the Seas

As mentioned, Ovation of the Seas will be replaced on Royal Caribbean’s Alaska itineraries by Quantum of the Seas in 2027, but you can still enjoy this ship throughout 2026.

Why It’s Good for an Alaska Cruise

Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum-class ship that launched in 2016, making it the newest out of Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise ships. However, even though that’s the case, the cruise line still decided to give the ship some pretty substantial updates in early 2026. 

While the ship is already outfitted with tons of fun spaces and amenities for your vacation, like the Seaplex and North Star observation capsule, these new renovations will also add extra cabins, bars, and lounges, and even a bigger pool and pool deck. As such, this is the best Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise ship to sail on in 2026 if you want new, new, new. 

2026-2027 Alaska Deployments

Ovation of the Seas is offering 2026–2027 Alaska cruises that range from 7 to 13 nights, with departure ports including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward and Vancouver, with prices starting at around $90 per night. One-way sailings are particularly popular.

Ovation of the Seas Ship Stats

• Gross Tonnage: 168,666
• Passenger Capacity: 4,182
• Staterooms: 2,091
• Decks: 16 total 

What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Ovation of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas offers plenty of vista views throughout its public spaces, so you won’t necessarily need to huddle out in the cold if you want to take in the scenery. Itineraries include visits to the Hubbard Glacier (the largest tidewater glacier in North America) and Dawes Glacier.

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You will, though, want to keep one important thing in mind as you book your cabin: On one-way itineraries, as are popular on this ship, you’ll spend your entire itinerary either with a sea or land view. On one side, you could see bears and bald eagles, on the other, whales and sea lions.

Neither option is necessarily better than the other — it’s just personal preference — but give it a think before you book and then reserve port or starboard accordingly.

Who Should Avoid This Ship? 

Avoid this ship for your Alaska cruise if you really would prefer a smaller, calmer ship, as well as if you don’t want the hassle of a one-way cruise rather than a round-trip itinerary. 

Pros & Cons for Ovation of the Seas in Alaska

Quantum of the Seas

Remember — Quantum of the Seas won’t be sailing in Alaska until 2027, when it takes over for Ovation of the Seas — but if you’re planning ahead and booking for next year, here’s what you need to know.

Quantum of the Seas was the very first Quantum-class ship, debuting in 2014 and refurbished in 2019, with minor updates made in 2024. It features all the classic Quantum attractions and amenities, like the North Star observation pod, the Ripcord skydiving simulator, SeaPlex and more. 

Why It’s Good for an Alaska Cruise

Really, if you’re already thinking about sailing on one of the other Quantum-class ships that go to Alaska, but you can’t make it work for whatever reason, you’re going to find a very, very similar experience on Quantum of the Seas.

2026-2027 Alaska Deployments

Currently, only two itineraries are available for 2027 cruises on Quantum of the Seas. Both are 7-night cruises leaving from Seattle, Washington, starting at $120 per night. 

Quantum of the Seas Ship Stats

• Gross Tonnage: 168,666
• Passenger Capacity: 4,180
• Staterooms: 2,094
• Decks: 16 total 

What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Quantum of the Seas

Upcoming 2027 cruises will visit Dawes Glacier, though it’s worth keeping in mind that large Quantum-class ships like this don’t enjoy as much glacier access as smaller ships. However, you’ll not be left wanting for views from the North Star capsule, indoor pool or Solarium. Choose a mid-ship balcony cabin for the best views overall.

Pros & Cons for Quantum of the Seas in Alaska

Who Should Avoid This Ship? 

If you want a more intimate cruising experience and don’t care so much for having a wealth of entertainment options and amenities, a smaller ship might be better suited to your needs. 

Which Ship Has the Best Deals?

You can find cruises on all of these ships starting at under $100 per night. However, the average price can really range, so don’t expect that you’ll just be able to find a $100-per-night cruise that works for your travel dates and itinerary preferences.

Here are the lowest and highest per-night costs for each ship: 

• Anthem of the Seas: $93.03–$297.86
• Ovation of the Seas: $92.66–$556.11
• Serenade of the Seas: $95.57–$103.86
• Voyager of the Seas: $96.31–$121.26
• Quantum of the Seas: $120.08–$125.99

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Based on the above, you’re more likely to find a more affordable deal when booking on Serenade of the Seas. The reasons that some ships cost more than others include ship age, ship size, ship amenities and demand for that particular ship.