Cruises to Alaska offer travellers access to some of the most spectacular wilderness and cultural sites in North America. The Inside Passage route connects historic Gold Rush towns like Skagway with Alaska’s capital city of Juneau, where massive glaciers meet the sea and wildlife thrives in protected waters.
The region’s unique accessibility by sea allows visitors to reach remote wilderness areas that would otherwise require extensive overland travel, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and expert guidance that enhances understanding of this extraordinary ecosystem.
INSIDE PASSAGE
Embarking from Seattle or Vancouver, and travelling The Inside Passage, you’ll visit ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Sitka, along with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park and fjords like Tracy Arm. Glacier Bay National Park represents the crown jewel of Inside Passage scenic cruising with views of massive glaciers—the most impressive being Margerie Glacier. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, passengers can witness massive chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the sea. If it’s marine life you’ve come to see, you’ll find it in abundance, from whales and dolphins to sea lions and harbour seals. On land, you’ll likely spot bears and other iconic Alaskan wildlife. Itineraries embarking from Vancouver often include scenic cruising through areas like the Georgia Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound before reaching Alaska. A stop in historic Prince Rupert captivates with its maritime history and awe-inspiring scenery. Established in 1910 as the intersection of commerce and trade for First Nations people, it’s British Columbia’s most northern coastal city, and sits on the very edge of the wilderness.
GULF OF ALASKA
The Gulf of Alaska offers a distinctive Alaska experience from traditional Inside Passage routes. These itineraries provide access to some of Alaska’s most spectacular inland attractions and dramatic open-ocean scenery. Gulf of Alaska cruises also serve the many land-based tour offerings that visit Denali National Park, the Kenai Peninsula and overland destinations like Fairbanks and Talkeetna. These itineraries usually also pass through the Inside Passage, with typical stops including Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan along with some more off-the-beaten-path ports like Icy Strait Point and Haines.
Whale Watching, Juneau, Alaska
Juneau is the best port in Alaska for whale watching, and is home to some of the largest populations of humpback whales in the world. Many tours combine whale watching with glacier viewing for a comprehensive natural experience. The best time for whale watching in Alaska is May through September.
Ketchikan, Alaska
The historic town of Ketchikan is your start to scenic tours of fjords and incredible fresh seafood. Creek Street is lined with fun eclectic shops and restaurants and as one of the rainiest cities in the U.S. has a “rain gauge” on its main cruise dock.
Sitka National Historical Park, Sitka, Alaska
Learn more about the culture and heritage of the Indigenous people of Alaska with a visit to Sitka National Historical Park. The park has a collection of authentic Haida and Tlingit totem poles, and you’ll find these towering monuments that tell traditional stories along woodland paths in the park’s 107 acres.
Our expert travel advisors specialize in creating luxurious, tailor-made journeys to the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska.
From majestic glaciers to vibrant wildlife and cozy lodges, we handle every detail — so all you have to do is explore, unwind, and discover the wonders of the Last Frontier.
