American Cruise Lines offers a culinary voyage through Alaskan cuisine, showcasing local flavors and ingredients that have been shaped by diverse cultures, pristine wilderness, and bountiful seas. Our expertly crafted menus highlight regional delicacies, providing a delicious immersion into the culinary traditions of the best food in Alaska.
On all our Alaska itineraries, guests can indulge in fresh seafood like wild salmon, halibut, and crab, often sourced directly from Alaskan waters. Dishes feature specialties such Alaskan King Crab Legs, Hazelnut Crusted Pacific Halibut, and desserts showcasing the wild berries of the region.
Salmon
Salmon has been a staple food for indigenous peoples in Alaska for thousands of years, providing sustenance and cultural significance. On American Cruise Lines' Alaskan cruises, guests can expect to savor the bounty of Alaskan salmon as part of their culinary experience.
There are several varieties of salmon, each with its unique characteristics and flavors. Chinook salmon, renowned for its large size and high oil content, is said to be the most flavorful of salmon. Sockeye, or red salmon, is prized for its vibrant color and robust flavor. Pink (Humpback) salmon is the most plentiful with pale pink flesh and a mild flavor.
Whether grilled, smoked, or baked, our guests can savor the diverse world of salmon while surrounded by the stunning Alaska landscapes.
Halibut
Pacific halibut is a flatfish found in the cold waters along the coasts of Alaska and British Columbia. The halibut fishing season typically runs from March to November in Alaska, with peak season occurring in the summer months.
One of the largest flatfish species, halibut is known for its firm white flesh and mild, sweet flavor, making it versatile and suitable for a variety of cooking methods, including grilling, baking, broiling, pan-searing, or even steaming. Due to its firm yet tender texture, halibut holds up well to bold flavors and marinades and pairs well with a wide range of seasonings, herbs, and sauces. Simple preparations that allow its natural taste to come through are also a delicious option.
On our Alaska cruises, guests are treated to the rich flavor of this versatile fish, in an appetizer or main dish.
Crab
Harvested from the icy waters of the Bering Sea, king crab is a culinary delight that showcases Alaska’s seafood bounty. Most abundant from October to January, Alaska fishermen brave the frigid waters of the North Pacific in search of these coveted crustaceans.
Alaskan king crab, known for its sweet, succulent meat, tender texture, and rich flavor, is available in red, blue, and brown varieties. This delicacy is best cooked using gentle methods that preserve its natural flavor and texture, such as steaming, boiling, or roasting, which also helps retain the crab's moisture. King crab legs can also be incorporated into dishes like crab cakes, soups, and salads, or grilled or broiled for a smoky flavor.
Whether enjoyed steamed with melted butter as an appetizer or presented in a featured entree, guests will be treated to this popular dish.
Wild Berries
Alaska's pristine wilderness features a diverse array of wild berries treasured by indigenous communities and foragers for centuries. From July to September, these berries are harvested for use in jams, pies, and sauces, or enjoyed fresh. With flavors ranging from sweet to tart, blueberries, raspberries, salmonberries, crowberries, and wild strawberries flourish in a variety of unique Alaska habitats.
Alaskan blueberries thrive in forests and riverbanks and have a sweet-tart taste. Salmonberries, reminiscent of raspberries and blackberries, ripen in coastal areas, while crowberries, tart and dark purple, grow in the tundra. Wild strawberries, intensely sweet, dot meadows and forests, whereas raspberries, with a sweet-tart flavor, adorn forests and clearings. Available during peak seasons, wild berries are also found in summer markets.
Locally sourced wild berries are used in a variety of salads and desserts on board an American Cruise Lines Alaska adventure.
Best Food on an Alaska Cruise
We invite you to experience our expertly crafted menus which showcase the finest Alaskan cuisine. From the versatility of halibut to the cultural significance of salmon and the succulence of king crab, each dish offers a taste of Alaska's pristine wilderness. Join us aboard our Alaska cruises to savor these culinary delights amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Last Frontier.
