Alyeska Resort
Alaska’s big mountain resort in Girdwood, with an aerial tram up to glacier views. Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian all use it on their cruisetours.
A mountain resort by the sea
Alyeska is a chateau-style hotel at the foot of Alaska’s biggest ski mountain, about an hour’s drive down Turnagain Arm from Anchorage. In summer the slopes turn green, the trails open right outside the back door and a 60-passenger aerial tram climbs 2,300 feet in about seven minutes to views of Turnagain Arm and seven hanging glaciers.
It’s a calm, comfortable night between the ship and the big interior stops like Denali, and the hotel has had a thorough refresh in recent years, from the rooms to new restaurants and bars. On most tours you’ll arrive in the afternoon and leave after breakfast, so a little planning goes a long way.
Formerly Alyeska Prince Hotel (cruise lines often still call it Hotel Alyeska).
Inside the stay
The rooms
There are 299 rooms across eight floors, most with one king or two double beds, plus a range of suites and the Black Diamond Club on the eighth floor. Rooms have been renovated with an Alaska-inspired look and come with a mini fridge, in-room safe, Kaladi Brothers coffee and free Wi-Fi. The resort even offers a Northern Lights wake-up call, though the aurora is rare in the bright summer months.
The tram & summit
The aerial tram is the reason to make time here. At the top you’ll find an observation deck, the casual Bore Tide Deli & Bar and Seven Glaciers, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant serving a four-course Alaska tasting menu (a reservation there includes your tram ride). Guided Veilbreaker Skybridges tours cross suspension bridges 2,500 feet above the valley from July to September.
Dining & bars
Down in the hotel, Forte serves modern Italian for breakfast and dinner overlooking the pond, and Sakura is the Japanese option. aBar, the renovated former Aurora Bar & Grill, is a casual third-floor spot with mountain views, and Greatland Bar & Lounge on the second floor has a fireplace and a cocktail-forward menu. The Tramway Cafe has coffee and quick sandwiches.
Spa & trails
The Alyeska Nordic Spa, on the resort grounds, has outdoor hot and cold pools, saunas and steam rooms set in the forest; it’s for ages 18 and up, with separate admission and massages. Hotel guests also get the saltwater pool, whirlpool and fitness center. Trails start from the hotel, including the forested Winner Creek Trail and the steep North Face Trail up the mountain.
Tours that stay here
- Holland America 2027 cruisetours
- Celebrity 2027 and 2028 cruisetours
- Royal Caribbean 2027 and 2028 cruisetours
- Norwegian 2027 and 2028 cruisetours
- How long. 1 to 2 nights here, most often 1 night.
- Want more time here? Some tours add an extra night. Tell your advisor and we’ll find the version that fits.
Before you go
- Ride the tram first. Guests often ask us how much free time they’ll have here. On most one-night stays it’s an afternoon and evening, so head up the tram soon after you arrive while the weather is good, and save dinner for later. Mountain weather and wind can occasionally close the tram.
- Ship packages stay on the ship. Ship dining and beverage packages don’t apply on the land portion, for any brand. Meals and drinks at Alyeska are paid as you go unless your tour includes them.
- Early-season tip. Seven Glaciers closes each spring until mid-June for tram maintenance, so on a May or early-June tour plan on the Bore Tide Deli or the hotel restaurants instead.
- Enjoy the drive. The motorcoach ride along Turnagain Arm is one of Alaska’s prettiest roads, so grab a window seat. Traveling with mobility needs? Tell your advisor; our accessibility specialist can help arrange it.
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