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Cruise to Fairbanks

Alaska's "farthest north port"

Cruise Port Map

Despite being almost 500 miles away from oceanside ports in Southcentral Alaska, Fairbanks is a popular destination May through September for visitors taking a cruise to the state. Voyage up the Prince William Sound watching for whales and glaciers and once you hit the coast of Alaska embark on a ground tour via bus or train to see the magnificent Denali National Park and then on to Fairbanks, the Golden Heart of Alaska. Whether you arrive in Fairbanks prepared to soak in the everlasting sunshine during the Midnight Sun Season or to scan the skies during Aurora Season, your trip to Fairbanks will be inviting, engaging and extraordinary.

All the major cruise lines coming to Alaska offer one-way Gulf of Alaska cruises that include the port of Vancouver in Canada and either Whittier or Seward as the port in Alaska. These cruises typically offer land tour packages that incorporate Fairbanks and Denali National Park into their itinerary.

In the packages, Fairbanks is generally the first or last place people visit, making it easy for visitors to add on extra days so they can experience more of Alaska’s Interior and Arctic with Fairbanks as their base. Other cruise visitors will take a one-way cruise across the Gulf of Alaska and then explore Fairbanks and other communities on the road or rail system on their own.

Alaska’s cruise season runs from May to September, with each month offering a different experience for visitors who come to Fairbanks.

  • May to early June will generally see smaller crowds and better value as well as giving people a chance to experience 24 hours of daylight, which extends almost to the end of July.
  • Mid-June to early August are the peak summer months when Fairbanks offers the warmest weather in the state and around-the-clock activities and events.
  • From mid-August through September, visitors have an opportunity to see the northern lights in one of the best destinations in the world to see them.

During all of these seasonal variations, Fairbanks offers top notch Alaskan attractions, local arts and history as well as delightful culinary experiences. There are numerous ways cruise ship passengers to Alaska can enjoy the state’s “farthest north port” of Fairbanks. Contact your travel agent or cruise company for more details.

Plan your trip to Fairbanks

  • Explore the Area}

    Explore the Area

    Fairbanks is the perfect basecamp, offering a variety of nearby adventures. More

  • Events Calendar}

    Events Calendar

    No matter when you visit, there’s a multitude of events and festivities for you to take in. More

  • Things to Do}

    Things to Do

    From mild to wild, learn about all the options that await you on your trip to Fairbanks. More

  • Places to Stay}

    Places to Stay

    With no shortage of lodging options available, you're sure to find one that fits your needs. More

Fairbanks is the real Alaska and should be included in any comprehensive itinerary to get a taste of Alaskan history and culture. As the gate to the Arctic, Fairbanks is an excellent hub to explore a unique part of the country, meet the locals, experience one-of-a-kind beauty and have an authentic Alaska vacation.

-Alexander Ghiozzi,
CruiseOne

Read more about cruising to Fairbanks here: