With thousands of miles of scenic coastlines, wildlife, mountains, arctic tundra and glaciers it’s no wonder that over one million cruisers a year visit Alaska. Whales, eagles, bears, moose and seals can be seen from the deck of your ship. Called the last great frontier, you’ll find 17 of North Americas 20 tallest mountains and more than 100,000 glaciers here. Don’t forget to bring binoculars, warm outerwear or rain gear to best enjoy the views of glaciers, marine life, birds, and breathtaking scenery.
Inside Passage
Cruises through the Inside Passage usually depart from Seattle or Vancouver. The scenic trip takes passengers by snow-capped mountains and fjords through the calm blue-green waters between the Pacific Coast islands. The main ports of call are Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Ketchikan, but some ships stop in spots like Icy Strait, Haines, Wrangell or Petersburg.
Outside Passage
The Gulf itinerary takes you between Seattle/Vancouver and Seward/Whittier, the gateway ports for Anchorage. You’ll visit Itineraries many of the same stops that a round-trip Inside Passage cruise does, plus extras such as Valdez, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord. This is the perfect trip to take, if you want to add a land tour on to your cruise. Since these cruises disembark from either Seward or Whittier, moving on to a land tour is very simple. Most land tours last 4-7 days. This is a great way to experience Alaska’s mountains, animals, vast tundra, and a chance learn more about the culture.
Small Ship Adventure cruises
For those looking to get closer to nature and explore the many small inlets and shallow waters where bigger ships can’t go, this type of cruise is for you. You’ll find rafts and kayaks that can be launched from the back of the ship. These cruises offer hiking experiences and visits to ports off the beaten path. Each port of call offers a unique perspective and experience.
Ketchikan, Alaska Ketchikan is between the base of Deer Mountain and the Tongas Narrows. Creek Street is the main attraction there. Filled with charming Victorian buildings and quaint shops the town is built on pilings over the water.
The town has a colorful past as the home of miners, loggers and fishermen. What was once the city’s red- light district during the mining years, is now lined with stores and restaurants. Look down as you walk through the streets built on stilts, you’ll see canoes, kayaks and leaping salmon in the waters below.
Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world and the gateway port for scenic tours of the Tongass National Forest and Misty Fjords, as well as fishing trips. While there you can also visit the Totem Heritage Center and see the world’s largest selection of totem poles!
It’s one of the rainiest cities in the United States, raining 230 days a year.
Juneau Alaska Juneau is Alaska’s capital. Located between Mt. Juneau and Gastineau Channel, its’ the only state capital accessible by only water or air. While there you can kayak, canoe or hike close to the Mendenhall Glacier.
At the cruise terminal you can take the Mount Roberts Tramway 1,800 feet up for gorgeous views and hiking trails. Travel back to an earlier time and enjoy some honky-tonk music and great food at the Red Dog Saloon.
While there visit the Alaska State Museum and learn more about gold mining and the local wildlife, take a river raft excursion on the Mendenhall River or visit a salmon hatchery.
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