Yokohama to Alaska cruise – Itinerary, cost, ships, highlights

Three main cruise lines operate from Yokohama, which is about 3,000 to 3,500 nautical miles from Alaska, to Vancouver, where they all end. 

The exquisite Queen Elizabeth, run by Cunard Cruise Line, is well-known for its large size and classic British elegance. This makes it ideal for people who like theater-style entertainment and great cuisine with a British flair.

Holland America Line’s classic Noordam offers a laid-back, culturally enlightening journey in a relaxing setting with a blend of international and regional cuisine.

The smallest of the three, the opulent Oceania Riviera, is operated by Oceania Cruises. It boasts a modern, boutique vibe and focuses on gourmet food prepared by award-winning chefs. 

Each ship offers a unique experience for your journey from Yokohama to Alaska’s untamed grandeur, catering to various interests and preferences.

Yokohama to Alaska cruise cost 

The Noordam ship, which travels within 15 nights from Yokohama to Alaska, costs $2,428 to $22,528, starting from an interior, ocean view, balcony, or vista suite. Want to see the full cost details? Check out the following table.

Yokohama to Alaska cruise itinerary

Here’s the route map of the 20-night Alaska cruise from Yokohama to Alaska.

Let’s take a look at the itinerary to have a better understanding of all ports of calls, and arrival and departure times of the Yokohama to Alaska cruise.

Which cruise line should I choose? 

Choosing a cruise line can be confusing, especially since different cruise lines and ships are available from Yokohama to Alaska. 

We will help you find the appropriate one that suits your requirements! 

If you are looking for a range of itineraries, fantastic service, a balanced blend of comfort, and rejuvenating activities pleasing to a broader audience, you can choose Holland America Line. 

Do not hesitate to book Cunard if you are interested in experiencing traditional cruising. 

Looking for intimate ships for your personal and exclusive experience, go with Oceania Cruises. The gourmet cruise is smaller yet luxurious.

Noordam cruise

If you plan a shorter 15-night Alaska cruise from Yokohama, you can choose the Noordam ship of Holland America cruise line. The starting price is US$2428. The same cruise also sails from Yokohama to Alaska for 29 nights, and the starting price is US$7733.

Both journeys start at Yokohama and end in Vancouver.

Noordam ship can accommodate 1924 guests with various onboarding activities and onboard shopping for the best diamonds at sea. 

The ship will also have an all-equipped fitness center, casino, picket ball at sea, a kids’ club, and all-suite facilities. You can also download a mobile app exclusively to navigate all about your trip and ship. 

Queen Elizabeth cruise

Are you planning a long cruise from Yokohama to Alaska? If so, Queen Elizabeth is the best one for you, as it has four different itineraries, starting from Yokohama to Alaska and ending in Seattle. The following are the different durations of the Queen Elizabeth ship.

• 20 nights of Alaska tour from Yokohama

• 31 nights of Alaska tour from Yokohama

• 31 nights of Alaska tour from Yokohama

• 41 nights of Alaska tour from Yokohama

Oceania Riviera

The Oceania Riviera provides a sophisticated and rewarding cruise experience from Yokohama to Alaska. This grand Oceania Cruises vessel is available for a 19-night vacation starting from $ 9798 to $ 37798.

With 1,238 passenger capacity, Oceania Riviera is well-known for its upscale atmosphere and top-notch cuisine, including restaurants hand-picked by Jacques Pépin, the culinary virtuoso. 

You can enjoy various activities on board, such as wellness treatments at the Canyon Ranch Spa and cooking classes at the Culinary Center.  

Yokohama to Alaska cruise highlights

Most tourists traveling from Yokohama to Alaska come one or two days prior to their departure because they can explore this second-largest city in Japan, which boasts its rich history and culture. This city is just 30 minutes from Tokyo, and you can explore the following attractions. 

Visit Yokohama Chinatown, the largest one in Japan and one of the largest in the world. It has numerous cultural hubs with over 600 shops, restaurants, and attractions. 

You can explore its colorful streets along with traditional Chinese architecture, ornate gates like the famous Zenrin-mon, and incredible temples, such as Kanteibyo and Mazu Miao. 

Yokohama Chinatown is popular for its authentic Chinese cuisine, offering unique local specialties. 

Various cultural festivals and events occur throughout the year, making Yokohama a lively and fascinating destination for both locals and tourists. Ten Cho Mon, Yokohama Marina Tower, Harbour View Park Observatory, The Indian Drinking Fountain, and Harbour View Park Observatory are some attractions you can visit in Yokohama.  

Once you cross the date line, the cruise reaches Alaska, where you will first reach Kodiak, known as the Emerald Isle of Alaska. It is also a major hub for fishing. 

Then, you will cross Glacier Bay, where you will encounter Margerie Glacier, a sheltered fjord, rainforest, and wildlife. 

And then there is Juneau Port, a well-liked cruise destination. It is the entry point to Alaska’s breathtaking scenery, and there are no roads leading in or out. 

Situated near the center of Alaska’s largest city, the port provides quick access to the downtown marketplace, dining options, and tourist destinations.

From here, you can take beautiful tours, explore neighboring attractions like the Mendenhall Glacier, or see the local fauna.

After that, the ship docks at Ketchikan, which is known as the Salmon Capital of the world. Here, you can kayak in the misty fjord and hike up to the deer mountain. 

This tour ends in Vancouver, which is particularly friendly for bikers and pedestrians. Regardless of your age group, you have multiple things to do in this beautiful city.  

Ports of call between Yokohama to Alaska

When you set sail toward Alaska on a 41-night cruise, each stop will rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul with a heartwarming experience. Are you excited to see how? Come along with us!  

Yokohama: Yokohama (starting point) is a food lover’s dream come true place. Here, you can savor sushi bars, shabu-shabu restaurants, and little seafood diners. You will also find restaurants that serve traditional and regional Japanese food, like kaki furai (deep-fried oysters).

Hakodate: On the third day of your journey, you will arrive in Hakodate, on the northern island of Hokkaido. Its architectural and natural beauty will take your breath away. You can start your day with a refreshing and thrilling hike to Mount Hakodate for panoramic views, or you can take the ropeway.

Kushiro: Kushiro, known as the city of mist, will be your next arrival point. Here, you can visit the wetlands and encounter endangered red-crowned cranes that are seen only in this place. Moreover, you will get to visit the Akan National Park. There are three magnificent caldera lakes: Lake Akan, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Mashu. It is popular for its marimo (moss balls). This is where you will get a chance to make handicrafts of Hokkaido’s indigenous Ainu people.

Kodiak Island: After crossing the international date line and experiencing the phenomenon of gaining or losing 24 hours as you journey through time, you will reach Kodiak Island. It is home to over 3,000 brown bears, diverse bird species, and Pacific salmon. The highlights of Kodiak are the historic Holy Resurrection Church, the Baranov Museum, and the Alutiiq Museum. Moreover, Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park in Kodiak offers a glimpse into World War II history.

Seward: As soon as you reach Seward, get ready to go on a hiking trail, zip-lining, and access the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park to see the amazing glaciers. To see the Alaskan culture, visit the Alaska Sealife Centre and the Alaska Native Heritage Centre. In downtown and the harbor area, you can shop for artisanal crafts, jewelry, and traditional Alaskan artwork.

Hubbard Glacier: The next attraction that awaits you as you go is Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidal glacier in North America. The highlight of this place is that you will see its grandeur, hear the eerie cracks of calving ice, and spot sea lions or orcas in their natural habitat.

Juneau: Then comes the port of Juneau, where you can marvel at its Mendenhall Glacier, go on humpback whale-watching tours, and see Mount Roberts Tram, which offers breathtaking views. 

Glacier Bay National Park: The very next day, you will reach Glacier Bay National Park. Apart from whale watching, towering glaciers, and majestic mountains, you will witness rare scenes of humpback whales breaching to bald eagles soaring overhead. The ecosystem and the landscape make this area a peculiar place.

Sitka: Then comes Sitka, where you will find the Russian Bishop’s House and Sitka National Historical Park. These places will teach you about Alaskan culture.

Victoria: You will arrive in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, on the morning of the next day. It is on Vancouver Island. Since the departure is in the evening, you have time to explore the highlights of this place, such as Fairmont Empress and Craigdarroch Castle, Royal BC Museum, and Canada’s oldest Chinatown. This place features farm-to-table dining, fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, and traditional afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress.

In the end, you feet upon Seattle, the Emerald City. Enjoy the view of the iconic Space Needle, offering 360-degree views of the city, and do shopping at the bustling Pike Place Market.