The week at a glance
Who's sailing on the 28th
Each bar is one cruise, from boarding day to the last morning. The pink stripe marks August 28. Five ships set sail that very afternoon, and the other eight are already on their way, in port or out among the glaciers.
Why late August
Big antlers, salmon runs and real sunsets
By the end of August, bull moose have grown their full racks. Salmon are crowding the streams near Ketchikan and Juneau, so bears and eagles come down to feed. The midnight-sun days are over, so there's a proper sunset over the mountains, which is perfect for a birthday toast on the balcony.
Crowds and fares also start to ease once school is back in session.
The options
Thirteen balconies for Diane's 70th
Grouped by cruise line. Balcony fares were checked against each cruise line's own pricing in fall 2026. They will move before next summer, so treat them as a guide and get a live quote before booking. Excursion prices are typical per-person ranges.
Shore excursions
Six ways to celebrate ashore
These are the outings people talk about for years. Some suit everyone, a couple are for the adventurous, and one is a true birthday splurge. Under each one you'll see which of our ships can do it.
Side by side
What it costs the four of us
Two balcony cabins, cruise fare only, sorted from lowest to highest balcony fare. The lowest cost per night is highlighted.
| Cruise line | Ship | Dates (2027) | Nights | From / to | Glacier | Balcony, per person | All four (2 cabins) | Per night, all four |
|---|
Before we book
Making the most of a balcony
Book two side by side
Ask for adjoining balconies. Many ships have dividers between balconies that the cabin steward can open, so it becomes one long private deck for all four.
Pick the right side
Heading north one-way (Crown and Coral Princess), a starboard (right-side) balcony faces the coastline. Heading south on Viking, pick port (left) side. On round trips, both sides get their turn.
Tell them it's a 70th
Mention Diane's birthday when booking. Most lines will bring a cake to dinner, and you can pre-order balcony breakfast, flowers or champagne for the big day.
Glacier Bay or a fjord?
Six of our options have permits for Glacier Bay, where park rangers come aboard to narrate. The others visit Tracy Arm, Dawes Glacier or Hubbard Glacier, which are just as dramatic.
Book excursions early
Floatplanes, helicopters and the White Pass train sell out in August. Most lines open excursion booking months ahead, and you can usually cancel for a refund up to a few days before.
Passports for everyone
Every option stops in or starts from Canada. Make sure all four passports are valid through spring 2028.