Azamara Cruises Returns to Alaska in Summer 2026

After seven years away, Azamara Cruises is making a comeback in Alaska in the summer of 2026, according to a company announcement.

The new voyages will explore untouched destinations, offering guests unique opportunities to experience Alaska’s stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich culture. The Azamara Pursuit will start sailing in May 2026, with cruises lasting between 10 and 13 nights.

Azamara has carefully designed these journeys to visit remote areas and provide longer stays at ports, some lasting over ten hours. This ensures guests have plenty of time to explore each destination in depth.

Michael Pawlus, head of itinerary planning at Azamara, said, “We are excited to bring back Alaska as a key destination for 2026. Our guests have asked for this, and we are delivering immersive experiences that connect them with Alaska’s heart and soul.”

Dondra Ritzenthaler, the CEO of Azamara, added, “Our smaller ships can reach places that larger vessels cannot. With longer port stays and thoughtful excursions, we aim to give guests a deep, meaningful experience in Alaska.”

Highlights of the Alaska cruises include extended visits to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Wrangell. The ships will also stop at Nanaimo and Victoria in British Columbia. Azamara promises more remote explorations, such as visiting places like Kodiak, Dutch Harbor, and Icy Strait Point. To maximize these experiences, the company has included 27 late-night departures in its schedule.

A special event, called the AzAmazing Evening, will be offered during each cruise in Ketchikan. This exclusive experience, titled “An Alaskan Adventure: Timber, Traditions & Toasts,” will feature a cocktail hour with local drinks, traditional axe-throwing activities, and performances by Tlingit dancers.

The night will conclude with a private show at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where lumberjacks will compete in sawing, chopping, and log-rolling events. Azamara says this event will give guests a lively and entertaining glimpse into the region’s timber history while blending culture, adventure, and community spirit.