In this episode of RTE Travel Talk, host Ken chats with Alaska travel veterans Rich and Linda Skinner of Cruise Holidays of Woodinville. With decades of experience and countless Alaska sailings under their belts, Rich and Linda break down their expert picks for the top five Alaska cruise lines—and share exactly why each one deserves a spot on your radar.

From iconic lines like Holland America and Princess Cruises, known for their deep-rooted infrastructure and classic cruise tour experiences, to Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class, offering premium-plus luxury and modern amenities, to Viking Ocean with its all-balcony ships and immersive cultural programming, and finally Royal Caribbean, which leads the pack for family and multi-generational travel—there’s something here for every type of traveler.

🧭 Learn the differences between Inside Passage cruises and cruise tours that take you deep into the heart of Alaska.

🌄 Get insider tips on when to go, what kind of itineraries to look for, and how to avoid the crowds.

🎒 Discover why it’s smart to book Alaska cruises a year or more in advance—and why 2026 is already filling up!

⚓ And hear about unique experiences, from Glacier Bay’s 100th anniversary to a rare 28-day Arctic Solstice cruise to the edge of the Arctic Circle.

Whether this is your first Alaska cruise or your fifth, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you plan the perfect Alaska vacation.