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Overall, I took more than 800 photos and videos, many from the deck of the Alaska Dream. The waters, the whales and otters, the extraordinary mountains draped in snow, ice, and clouds, and the sunrises and sunsets were perfect. If you envision sipping Champagne as you watch a glacier thunderously calve into the sea, consider booking an all-inclusive luxury cruise on a Seabourn ship. If you're traveling with young kids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, make a beeline for Disney Cruise Line and its Alaska-based Disney Wonder. The ship has an extensive children's program, high-quality entertainment, and such activities as water slides and play areas.
Skagway
In addition to Denali National Park, this is the only cruise line to take passengers into Canada’s Yukon Territory. Look to the traditional, all-inclusive luxury cruise lines that sail in Alaska during the summer months for these popular sailings. Holding just 12 guests, the ship is one of the smallest sailing commercially in Alaska, so it’s able to tuck into areas the mega-ships can’t.
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Ports of Call on This Cruise
On the downside, winds and bad weather can make it feel frigid on a cruise ship deck. And some animals, particularly Grizzly Bears, may not be visible at this time of year. On the plus side, shoulder season crowds are smaller, and you may find deals on cheap Alaska cruises. In 2022, the cruise line was the first to receive Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification, meaning its Alaska-bound ships serve only fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood. The 7-Day Glacier Discovery itinerary is offered both northbound and southbound, both of which include cruising the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay, and calling upon Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early.
Don’t Overlook Small Cruise Lines When Booking Your Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
Whether you visit the Inside Passage or venture inward to Denali National Park, there is a cruise for every price point, desire and type of traveler. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips. Chances are, if you’re cruising in Alaska, you’ll be sailing the Inside Passage. The Inside Passage, also sometimes called the Inner Passage by cruise novices, is the primary route for ships between Seattle, Vancouver, and all points north in Alaska. These sailings take place on the intimate 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy, with cozy but comfortable cabins and unlimited activities and beverages. In Alaska, NCL offers passengers countless off-ship activities to choose from.
The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance. You'll have your pick of itineraries and cabins — balcony cabins are popular in this scenic destination — and often the best fares. If you're interested in Alaska's Gold Rush history, Skagway — 90 miles northwest of Juneau — is a port you shouldn't miss. In fact, it's the gateway to the Klondike and Dawson's mining district in Canada's Yukon territory, where prospectors searched for gold in the late 1890s.
Prince of Wales Island
Solo travelers don't always have to pay double to cruise Alaska on their own. Several Norwegian Cruise Line ships feature cozy studio cabins designed and priced for one person, and the 4,004-passenger Norwegian Bliss offers 82 solo rooms on its round-trip Seattle cruises to Alaska. Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team. They lead the outdoor activities and provide passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska. Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in gourmet cuisine in multiple restaurants, enjoy a complimentary cocktail or relax in an upscale spa. Big ships can only offer deckside viewing of the marvels of Glacier Bay, but UnCruise Adventures sends its ships to the rarely visited outback.
Each month offers its own set of unique experiences, from the blooming wildflowers in spring to the salmon runs in late summer. An Alaska Inside Passage Cruise is your ticket to exploring this awe-inspiring region. These cruises sail through the tranquil, sheltered waters of the Inside Passage, offering you front-row seats to glaciers, diverse wildlife, and pristine wilderness.
Sitka
The mass-market cruise lines also tend to sail larger ships in Alaska, making the experience less intimate and sometimes overcrowding the ports. If we were to pick one mega-ship operator to see Alaska on, it would be Norwegian Cruise Line. If your idea of a good time includes loads of onboard amenities (like over-the-top spas, nightly theater productions, go-kart tracks, and a water park), this is the sailing for you. It’s also one of the more family-friendly lines sailing in Alaska, with kids clubs and programming specifically geared at youngsters.
Sea lions and harbor seals frequently lounge on rocky outcrops, while Dall’s porpoises and Pacific white-sided dolphins playfully swim alongside cruise ships. Tracy Arm Fjord offers the twin Sawyer Glaciers, set against steep granite cliffs. And then there’s the Hubbard Glacier, one of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America, known for its stunning blue ice and frequent calving. These glaciers and the icebergs they produce offer a once-in-a-lifetime visual feast for visitors.
Shore excursions range from adventures like zip lining, hiking and rafting to seaplane exploration, photo safaris and high teas. Adults can enjoy themselves on an Alaskan Disney Cruise, too, with adult-exclusive dining; an adult-only pool and hot tub; fitness center; and Senses Spa & Salon. Expedition cruises, which tend to host only around 100 guests on specialist ships, are ideal for Alaska-bound travelers who hope to focus on outdoor adventures, wildlife and nature, preferably without any large crowds. Check out specialist companies such as UnCruise Adventures or Lindblad Expeditions. Many such lines' itineraries begin and end in Alaska, but a handful of Inside Passage cruises are available as well.
Located on Wrangell Island (which has a total population of around 2,500), the Wrangell Museum has a decidedly more small town feel to it. But still it offers Inside Passage cruise passengers a great opportunity to learn more about the colorful history and indigenous culture of southeastern Alaska. There are so many things to do in Glacier Bay National Park, we were delighted to spend two days exploring the 65-mile fjord. It was especially cool having a park ranger narrating this part of the cruise, as well as a native Huna Tlingit naturalist who told us all about the tribe’s history in the area. So here’s our guide to planning the ultimate cruise of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
After a few more days in the Inside Passage communities of Skagway, Kake, and Petersburg, the sailing culminates in Vancouver. Coming off of its 150th anniversary year, Holland America Line has been sailing to and around Alaska for more than half that time—75 years. Holland America Line’s “Alaska Up Close” deeply immerses guests in local cultures through onboard programs and activities, and shore excursions. On all of its Alaska cruises, a Huna Native Interpreter comes aboard Holland America Line ships to share the history of the Tlingit people. Onboard, Wi-Fi, bar drinks, and specialty dining are free, but activities like the spa cost extra.
This large island offers a range of outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Alaska Inside Passage cruise itineraries can vary significantly, making selecting a route that aligns with your interests and desires crucial. While some cruises focus on natural wonders and wildlife, others may emphasize cultural experiences and historical sites. One of the most compelling reasons to choose this cruise is its affordability and easy access to remote locations.
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