Alaska continues to captivate travelers with its glacier-carved fjords, snow‑capped peaks and abundant wildlife. As the 2026 cruise season approaches, the roster of luxury ships sailing to the Great Land is growing; new vessels from Windstar, The Ritz‑Carlton Yacht Collection and MSC will join established favorites from Silversea, Seabourn and Crystal. Yet for travelers seeking the most refined and all‑inclusive experience, one ship consistently rises above the rest.
Regent Seven Seas Explorer: often called the “most luxurious ship ever built,” the 746‑guest Explorer has been a standout since her debut. U.S. News & World Report notes that the lavish vessel features all‑suite accommodations with private verandas, a two‑bedroom, 3,875‑square‑foot Regent Suite and an onboard art collection that includes works by Picasso. The ship sails Alaska itineraries from seven to fourteen nights. Upgraded fares include all‑balcony suites, round‑trip airfare (often business class), a pre‑cruise hotel night, unlimited shore excursions, specialty dining and beverages, gratuities, transfers, Wi‑Fi and even valet laundry service. Such inclusions mean guests aren’t constantly reaching for their wallet, and higher‑category suites come with a private butler. During a seven‑day sailing you can choose from 40‑50 complimentary excursions — from wildlife viewing and cultural tours to gourmet tastings — making it easy to experience the Inside Passage, Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway in depth.
One of the reasons the Explorer is our top pick for 2026 is its family‑friendly programming and pre‑ and post‑cruise options. Travel advisors at Mundy Cruising highlight that the ship spends the summers of 2025 and 2026 in Alaska and offers an enviable range of included excursions, along with a kids’ program and the opportunity to pair your voyage with the Rocky Mountaineer rail journey through the Canadian Rockies. Combining a luxury rail adventure with a cruise provides a seamless, indulgent way to see western Canada and Alaska in one trip.
Other luxury contenders for 2026. Silversea’s small‑ship fleet (including Silver Moon and the 392‑guest Silver Whisper) will be back in Alaska with voyages that include one complimentary excursion in every port, elegant dining, butler service and a high crew‑to‑guest ratio. Seabourn will introduce its 600‑guest Seabourn Encore to Alaska in 2026; like its sister ship Quest, the yacht‑style vessel offers spacious ocean‑front suites, personalized service and optional expedition‑style outings through its Ventures by Seabourn program. Crystal Serenity, freshly refurbished in 2023, will sail seven‑night voyages between Seward and Vancouver with elegantly redesigned suites and dining venues including Nobu’s Umi Uma restaurant. Windstar Cruises will debut the 224‑guest Star Seeker in December 2025; thanks to an ice‑strengthened hull and compact size, she will operate Scenic Alaska and Alaskan Splendours itineraries in 2026 that venture to small ports like Wrangell and Haines and offer Infinity Suites with floor‑to‑ceiling windows. The Ritz‑Carlton Yacht Collection will launch its first Alaska season aboard the new yacht Luminara, which features all‑suite accommodations with private terraces and explores boutique ports such as Wrangell and Klawock. These ships provide excellent alternatives for travelers who prioritize intimacy, unique itineraries or specific amenities.
Despite the array of options, Regent Seven Seas Explorer remains the benchmark for luxury cruising in Alaska. Its generous inclusions, spacious accommodations and wide selection of complimentary excursions make it the easiest way to experience the state in comfort and style. If you plan to sail Alaska in 2026, book early — space is limited on luxury ships, and the most sought‑after suites often sell out well ahead of departure dates. With the Explorer, you’ll see Alaska’s wild landscapes while indulging in one of the world’s most refined cruise experiences.
