Cruises to Alaska began in 1946 on the Alaska Steamship Line Company passenger liners which traveled from Seattle, Washington to Juneau and Seward, Alaska. The five ships in the line could take 200 passengers and only deluxe suites had a private bath. The company shut down in 1971 as a result of rising operating costs and declining revenues.
Westours cruises started in the 1960s and connected Vancouver and Glacier Bay. Holland America bought this original glacier cruise line in 1970.
As of 2010 Holland America, Princess, Royal Viking, P&O and Norwegian Cruise Lines were the leading lines offering trips to Alaska, which run between May and September. This includes trips to ports as well as travel through Alaska's Inside Passage.
