celebrity cruise alaska inside passage

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Alaska Cruises

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Discover The Wild Beauty Of The Last Frontier

From 6-night getaways to immersive, 13-night Cruisetours that combine the wild, forested beauty of Alaska’s coast with the majesty of Denali National Park, there’s an Alaskan cruise style and length to suit you. Sail one-way between Vancouver and Seward or Vancouver and Seattle, round-trip from Vancouver or Seattle, or on a Cruisetour between Vancouver and Anchorage or Fairbanks.

Featured Alaska Cruises

Dawes glacier cruises.

Prepare for a thrill as you approach the head of the 30-mile Endicott Arm fjord to face Dawes Glacier, a 600-foot-tall wall of ice. Other Alaska cruise highlights include Juneau; remote Ketchikan, and historic Skagway.

View Sample Itinerary Map

Hubbard Glacier Cruises

Sail from Vancouver to North America’s biggest glacier, seven miles wide and the height of a 30-story building. Ports along this Alaska cruise include Ketchikan; Juneau, the perfect spot for whale-watching; and Icy Strait Point, where you can search for bears and eagles.

One-Way Alaska Cruises

Sail one-way between Vancouver and Seward or Vancouver and Seattle, and you’ll see a stretch of Alaska’s forested coastline against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and lichen-draped forests.

Option for Land & Cruise Package: Extend your sailing with a Cruisetour, which will take you to Denali National Park, Anchorage, and Talkeetna, among other destinations.

View Popular Alaska Cruise Destinations

Icy Strait Point

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Alaska Cruise & Land Tours

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Why Cruise to Alaska with Celebrity Cruises

Live life to the fullest on a Alaska cruise with Celebrity. We have three ships in Alaska, sailing itineraries ranging from 6 or 7 nights to immersive 9- to 13-night Cruisetours that combine the excitement of sailing Alaska’s rugged coast with the awe-inspiring wilderness of Denali National Park and the towns and cities of the vast interior. Explore the best Alaska cruises available with a range of departure ports including Vancouver, Seward, and Seattle, and a choice of thrilling round-trip or one-way itineraries. 

Immerse yourself in the wildlife, scenery, and culture ashore and return to aboard our contemporary, design-led ships. After enjoying the untamed beauty, return to your Alaska cruise and rejuvenate your spirit in The Spa. Watch for whales and dolphins from the privacy of your Infinite Veranda stateroom, where the touch of a button brings the outside in. 

Elevate your Alaska cruise to the next level at The Retreat®, with sumptuous suite accommodation, access to a tranquil lounge, and dining at the exclusive Luminae at The Retreat. 

Let Celebrity take you to some of Alaska’s most exciting ports, whether your dream is to get close to breaching humpbacks on a whale-watching adventure or follow the treacherous trail of early gold prospectors over the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Sail the Inside Passage, watching for bears foraging on stony beaches, or gaze in wonder at the towering, blue-white wall of the mighty Hubbard Glacier.  

Personal service will be the hallmark of your Alaska cruise adventure, on board as well as ashore, where our range of carefully curated excursions includes everything from zip-lining over the forest canopy to floatplane adventures and driving a team of sled dogs across the icy expanse of a glacier. Choose the style to suit your personal taste, from Destination Highlights to Small Group Discoveries, or even custom-designed Private Journeys.

Endless Options for Exploration

You’ll be immersed in nature at every point of your Alaska cruise. Vast, creaking blue-white glaciers inch their way to the sea as jagged, snow-capped mountain peaks pierce the sky. Bears prowl rock-strewn beaches, while salmon-laden rivers rush through pristine, old-growth forest, bald eagles perched watchfully in the treetops. 

Learn about the heady days of the Gold Rush. Kayak silent fjords on your journey along the coast of the Last Frontier. Let Celebrity’s award-winning ships take you to the most dazzling locations in the 49th state, from bustling Juneau to pretty Ketchikan. Or extend your stay with one of our Alaska Cruisetours to explore Alaska’s interiors. Head deep into the wilderness of Denali, immerse yourself in the exciting contemporary culture of Anchorage, and spend time in quirky, arty Talkeetna.

On an Alaska cruise, you’ll experience everything from raw, untamed natural wonders on an extravagant scale to rich history, buzzing cities, vibrant and delicious cuisine, and a warm welcome.

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Cruising in Alaska

Is an Alaska cruise good for families?

Absolutely. With spectacular wildlife and dozens of thrilling, kid-friendly activities, Alaska is perfect for families. Kids will love spotting bears and whales, and the whole family can try sea kayaking, go zip lining, join guided hikes through the forest, and learn to drive a team of husky dogs. Here’s all you need to know about cruising in Alaska as a family.

Find out More

Can I add a land tour before or after my Alaska cruise?

With one of our 9- to 13-night Alaska Cruisetours, you can combine your seven-night Alaska cruise with an exciting land tour where you’ll visit destinations like cultured Anchorage, folksy Talkeetna, and wild Denali, giving you a more diverse experience of the magnificent 49th state and more opportunities to spot the Big Five: Moose, caribou, wolf, Dall sheep, and grizzly bear. 

Will I see a glacier on my Alaska cruise?

Many of our itineraries spend a day cruising the beautiful Endicott Arm Fjord, the end of which is dominated by the mighty Dawes Glacier. Others take you to Hubbard Glacier, a vast wall of ice. 

From Juneau, you can take an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier, where you can see fantastic views of the ice on a hike or join a kayak tour. From Seward, you could join a challenging hike to Exit Glacier, which flows slowly from the enormous Harding Icefield. Wherever you go in Alaska, you’ll see glaciers in the distance, high in the mountains, sometimes hanging dramatically over a wall of rock.

What should I pack for an Alaska cruise?

When you’re packing for an Alaska cruise, you’ll want to plan for any kind of weather, from hot sun to ethereal mist and rain showers—often in the same day. Layers, light waterproof jackets, good walking shoes, and a hat and gloves are the essentials; Alaska can be cold as well as warm and sunny.

Pack binoculars for spotting all that incredible wildlife, and camera lens or smartphone. You will also need sunblock and insect repellant. Remember swimwear for the ship; even if it’s cool outside, the Solarium on board is climate controlled and covered, so you can relax on a lounger in the warmth, and swim in the pool. Pack Evening Chic outfits for our dressier nights. 

If you join activities like kayaking, all safety gear will be provided.

What are the best things to do in Alaska?

Alaska is all about exploring the Great Outdoors with family and friends, learning about US History and enjoying wildlife. There are hikes, kayaking, mountain biking, ziplining, and dog sledding for more energetic travelers. 

For a less testing but equally thrilling experience, you could join a whale-watching tour, or take a helicopter or floatplane flightseeing trip, soaring over forests and glaciers. Alaska is brimming with history and culture, too. Explore the cultures of the Native Alaskans, and learn about the Klondike Gold Rush.

Make a point of trying the local cuisine in Alaska, which is famous for its seafood. You’ll find Alaskan salmon on every menu. King crab is delicious in a chowder, or with melted butter. Black cod and halibut are delicious and often served with fries; fish and chips is a popular dish in Alaska. You’ll also find seasonal berries on every menu, locally roasted coffee, and a wide assortment of craft beers.

What kind of animals can I see in Alaska?

You’ll likely see a wide variety of animals in Alaska. If you’re lucky, you can spot brown and black bears; the Spasski River Valley near Icy Strait Point is a great place for bear-spotting, as are the rivers around Ketchikan in July, peak salmon spawning season, when bears come to feast on the fish. For guaranteed bear viewing, head to the Fortress of the Bear near Sitka, which raises orphaned bears in a natural setting. 

You’ll also see whales; the Inside Passage is a great place to spot humpbacks and orcas. Look out for bald eagles perched in the trees, steller sea lions spread out on rocks, and cute sea otters bobbing in the water. To search for the Big Five—grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, and moose—extend your vacation with a Cruisetour and a visit to Denali National Park. 

When's the best time to cruise to Alaska?

Alaska’s summer season begins in early May and extends until late September. There are compelling reasons to cruise to Alaska in any month of the summer, depending on whether you’re interested in maximizing your chances of spotting whales, seeing the Northern Lights, getting closer to glaciers, or traveling when there are fewer people around. See our blog post to learn more about the best time to cruise to Alaska. 

What Celebrity ships sail to Alaska?

Celebrity Cruises has three ships operating different itineraries in Alaska. These include Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Solstice, and Celebrity Summit.

Where do Alaska cruises embark from?

Most of Celebrity’s Alaska cruises sail round-trip from either Vancouver or Seattle. You could also opt for a one-way cruise between Vancouver and Seward or Vancouver and Seattle. If you choose a Cruisetour, you could sail from Vancouver to Seward and then fly out of Anchorage after the tour. Other itineraries begin in Fairbanks and, after the land journey, sail south from Seward to Vancouver.

How long are Alaskan cruises?

Celebrity’s Alaskan cruises range from six to seven nights, but if you extend your voyage into a Cruisetour, the duration is nine to 13 nights. You could also consider extending your vacation with a night or two in either Vancouver or Seattle, depending on which itinerary you have chosen.

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Celebrity Cruises

8-day lnside passage cruise from seward to vancouver.

Guided Exploration by Large Ship

An exploration of Alaska’s Inside Passage, glaciers, and ports. Accompanied by an onboard guide, while enjoying a boutique cruise line experience in the evening.

PORTS OF CALL (OVERNIGHTS)

Day 1 — SEWARD (EMBARK SHIP) Day 2 — HUBBARD GLACIER Day 3 — JUNEAU Day 4 — SKAGWAY Day 5 — ICY STRAIT POINT Day 6 — KETCHIKAN Day 7 — AT SEA Day 8 — VANCOUVER (FLY HOME)

** Itineraries are guidelines and due to permitting and the nature of our explorations, changes may occur and the order of days may vary by departure.

What is the Celebrity Cruises enhancement?

Designed as a fully guided exploration by large ship with your John Hall’s Alaska guide while visiting the highlights of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage combined with enjoying the luxurious and relaxing lifestyle of onboard cruise life.

Inside Passage Cruise

Guests who enjoy the popular Celebrity Cruises experience traveling Alaska’s Inside Passage from Seward to Vancouver can customize a trip by adding on shore excursions (additional cost) while in port. A full selection of shore excursions are available by visiting www.CelebrityCruises.com .

Pair an Inside Passage experience with a land tour

If matching one of these cruises with a land tour we are happy to help you reserve extra hotel stays and exciting optional excursions to fill the time between your land tour and the start of your cruise. For most land tours, the cruise will begin the following day and extra overnights/activities are not required.

Depart Anchorage and head south on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm where your luxury cruise ship awaits. Spend the next seven days sailing through Alaska’s Inside Passage waters.

Dinner On Board

Today’s voyage takes you to the massive ice wall of Hubbard Glacier. Hubbard is the second most active tidewater glacier in Alaska. Watch glacial ice cascade down into the ice choked waters below.

Meals On Board

Dock in Alaska’s Capital City, Juneau. Optional shore excursions are available to purchase at this port including the Mount Roberts Tram, experience Mendenhall Glacier by helicopter, or whale watching excursions.

Welcome to the “Gateway City to the Klondike Gold Rush!” This historic community still has the feel of an 1898 boom town. Enjoy touring this unforgettable and historic town. Shore excursions are available for purchase including the Skagway Street Car, White Pass and Yukon Route Railway and Dog Sledding by helicopter.

Just 22 miles southeast of Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait Point is the only native owned and wilderness port in Alaska. It has been the homeland of the Hoonah Tlingit natives for thousands of years. Optional shore excursions are available for purchase including the mountaintop gondola, North America’s ZipRider and ATV adventures.

Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World”, this vibrant community offers a number of adventures for its visitors. Optional shore excursions are available in this port including the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Trip, visiting Totem Parks and fishing.

Hug the coastlines of Alaska and British Columbia taking in the scenery offered by the Inside Passage. Keep an eye open for marine wildlife during your day at sea.

Dock at Canada Place Pier this morning. Disembark and pass through Canadian customs before being transferred to the Vancouver or Seattle airport.

Breakfast On Board

LAND TOURS THAT PAIR WITH THIS ITINERARY:

Grand slam alaska.

Match this itinerary with these land tour departure dates:

#152- June 19, 2025 #156- July 31, 2025

View Grand Slam Alaska land itinerary and combo pricing.

Departures and Pricing

VIEW PRICING FOR GRAND SLAM + CELEBRITY CRUISES

PER PERSON PRICING INCLUDES

CELEBRITY CRUISES: Accommodations; fully-guided service; airport transfers; daily activities; meals, baggage handling, and corresponding gratuities; port charges and taxes; and personalized John Hall’s Alaska’s signature windbreaker. When added to one of our interior Alaska land tours, the price also includes transfers to/from the vessel.

LAND TOUR + CELEBRITY SUMMIT: When added to one of our interior Alaska land tours, the price also includes the transfer to Seward for embarkation. Pricing also includes transfer to Vancouver or Seattle, WA Airport

LARGE PARTIES: Please contact our office if you are traveling with a larger party who requires triple and/or quad pricing.

June 19, 2025

#152 grand slam alaska 10-day land tour.

June 19 – June 28, 2025

Celebrity Summit Including 7-day cruise

June 19 – July 4, 2025

Celebrity Ports of Call: Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan

July 31, 2025

#156 grand slam alaska 10-day land tour.

July 31 – August 9, 2025

July 31 – August 15, 2025

2025 TOUR SAVINGS

Booking Discount – Book by December 31, 2024 and SAVE: SAVE $800 per person when you book a 2025 John Hall’s Alaska land tour + a Southeast Alaska experience.

Check Discount – SAVE $200 per person when you pay your tour balance by check or cash. $500 per person tour deposits may still be made by credit card. (Discounts vary for Celebrity Cruises guests.)

Onboard Dining: Every meal served on board the Celebrity Summit is a casual dining experience. During mealtimes, guests are seated in the main dining room with any choice of seats.

Large Parties : Please contact our office if you are traveling with a larger party who requires triple or quad pricing and/or multiple cabins.

HOW TO RESERVE THIS TOUR

A deposit of $500.00 USD per person is required within ten days of booking your reservation. Deposits are fully refundable up until 90 days prior to departure.

Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express, and personal checks are acceptable forms of deposit payment. To confirm your space by credit card, please contact our office: 800.325.2270. Alaska Specialists are available for tour bookings 7:30am-5:30pm M-F and 8am-4pm on Saturday.

FULL TERMS & CONDITIONS

ARRANGING YOUR FLIGHTS

LAND TOUR + CELEBRITY SUMMIT CRUISE : When added to an interior Alaksa land tour, the price includes the transfer to Seward for vessel embarkation.

CELEBRITY SUMMIT CRUISE ONLY: The cruise itinerary begins in Seward, Alaska and ends in Vancouver, Canada. Guests will need to arrive Anchorage before 11am on day 1, however it is recommended to fly in a day prior to the start. On day 8 flights may depart Vancouver after 12pm or Seattle after 5pm.

Inside Passage, AK

Many Alaska cruise itineraries sail the waterways of the Inside Passage, which stretches from Washington's Puget Sound up through Southeast Alaska's panhandle. As ships glide across the reliably smooth waters, passengers have plenty of opportunity to absorb the transforming terrain and abundant wildlife that Alaska has to offer. Scenic views comprise an ever-changing landscape of charming coastal towns, towering forest walls and imperious glaciers. Be sure to search the sky for bald eagles and watch the water for signs of sea lions, otters and whales.

ALASKA INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE GUIDE

The ultimate guide to cruising the inside passage.

Alaska's Inside Passage is arguably one of the greatest cruise routes on earth. It's certainly the most popular within Alaska thanks to its diversity and incredible wildlife. 

Whilst the majority of visitors book aboard a major cruise line, it's the smaller expedition boats that allow you to really get close to nature and explore the unique landscapes. Saying this, if you love your comforts and you're not concerned about getting ashore too often, then a large cruise ship is probably the way to go. Click here for more tips . 

To help you decide what ship will suit you, when to go and what itinerary you should choose , we have put together this ultimate guide. Please use our quicklinks below if you know what section you wish to read. 

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise Guide

The Inside Passage of Alaska is a network or coastal islands that form multiple passages along the coast. These islands and passages were historically used as a buffer from the North Pacific Ocean. 

Extending 500 miles down Alaska's coast , the Inside Passage continues into British Columbia, Canada, before joining the northwestern area of Washington state. The region is a warren of islands and bays that boast incredible glaciers, epic waterfalls, misty fjords and amazing wildlife. Because of this, it is a hugely popular cruise destination. 

Thanks to a lack of roads and infrastructure, cruising is really the only way to explore this unique area in any sort of detail. During the Klondike Gold Rush, the Passage was used a calm route to ferry prospectors northward in search of their fortune. Nowadays, over 35,000 cruise ships sail the Passage and, during Summer, it can almost get clogged!

The Alaska section is generally considered to be the most spectacular thanks to it's large glaciers and diverse wildlife such as bears and orca. Most large cruise line itineraries tend to be either round-trips from Vancouver or one way trips through the Inside Passage and onto the Gulf of Alaska. However, the exact route changes significantly depending on who you sail with and what time of year. 

Expedition-style cruises tend to begin in Juneau and finish in Sitka - or the reverse. Because expedition cruise are becoming so popular, there are now countless itineraries on offer. These smaller boats have much more freedom of movement which means that the itineraries vary quite considerably from boat to boat.   

To help you find your perfect cruise , we have answered the most frequent questions we get regarding the Inside Passage below.

Best Time To Cruise The Inside Passage

The main cruise for Alaska's Inside Passage occurs from March through to September when the weather is warmest. 

During Winter cruises do not run thanks to the long hours of darkness and bleak weather. You can see the Northern Lights here in this period.

Although cruises only depart in Summer, when you choose to sail during this period will have an effect on what you see. Below we discuss in  more detail.  

During the early months from March to May, the peaks are covered in snow and you'll see plenty of waterfalls as the ice melts in vast quantitates. Although by no means the warmest months, May is actually the driest. This is a great time to see whales thanks to the Pacific herring migration. Hungry bears, having just woken up from hibernation are also active, especially along the shore lines. 

The high summer period of June and July provides passengers with the warmest weather. The days are also the longest during this period, making it ideal for photographers seeking long golden hours. Whales are active and the waters are clear and shallow. Expect a fair amount of bugs though!

The later part of the season provides wonderful fall colours. This is especially true if you plan on visiting Denali National Park at the same time. Wildlife is also prevalent during this period as the animals try to fatten up for migration and hibernation.  

Types of Cruise Ships

Deciding what ship you wish to sail on is paramount as it will affect your cruise experience considerably. 

Alaska Inside Passage cruise are hugely popular, therefore, there is wealth of ships to choose from! 

There are three types of cruise ships that ail the Inside Passage; motor yachts, expedition vessels, and cruise ships. Blow we have given an overview of each, and noted their pros and cons.

Motor Yachts

Generally motor yachts carry anywhere between 12 and 50 passengers.

By far the smallest type of cruise boats on offer, motor yachts give you a very it inmate experience.  

People often say that getting to know their fellow passengers is one of the best parts! 

Small motor boats can also make landings where bigger boats cannot. This means you'll get maximum time ashore. 

The downside is of course space and motion. The former is not a major issue thanks to the protected waters. However, there are very few facilities onboard. 

Expedition Ships

Expedition ships are the next level up in size and comfort. 

Carrying between 60 and 200 passengers, there is plenty of options when it comes to cabin sizes. 

Expedition ships will also have more guides and you'll get dedicated lecture rooms, zodiacs and kayaks. 

Generally speaking you'll get plenty of time ashore, but more important, you'll get plenty of zodiac trips. 

The downside of expedition ships is price. Because you'll have dedicated naturalist guides and visit places that are unacsessible to most, the price will be higher. 

Cruise Liners

Because the Inside Passage is so popular, almost all the main cruise lines sail here. Carnival Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas are just some of the big names.

Because of the sheer number of passengers, these itineraries are generally cheaper and offer epic facilities and entertainment onboard. 

However, their size is also their downfall when it comes to shore landings and wildlife watching. You'll only be able to make port at the large towns and cities and you certainly won't be taking an zodiac or kayaking trips to look for wildlife. 

Inside Passage Cruise Cost

Because there is such a range of ship, prices for Alaska Inside Passage cruise can differ quite substantially. 

Other factors that will affect your costs include itinerary length, cabin choice, operator and quality of ship. 

For the cheapest option, you'll have to take a short cruise aboard a main line cruise from Vancouver. For a basic cabin, prices start around $1,000 depending on when you sail. 

For a similar length 7 day itinerary aboard an expedition ship you should expect to pay in the region of $3,000 for a basic cabin. For longer 2 week itineraries you should expect to pay double. These prices are based on shared cabin prices. For suites you will need to pay considerably more. 

​Other Cost Considerations

​Beside the main cruise cost, there are also a number of other cost factors to consider. 

​Solo Travelers

Many of the main line operators will charge solo travellers a supplement fee for a single cabin. 

Expedition ships will try and find you another solo traveler of the same sex to share with. This is not guaranteed though and you may have to pay the extra. 

For people on main line cruises, you will need to factor in costs of reaching either Vancouver, Seattle or Washington as these are the major departure ports.

For people on expedition cruises, you will need to get to either Juneau or Sitka (this does change occasionally).

We usually suggest putting aside at least $5-700 for flights.  

​Visa and other Misc. Expenses

Visas only relate to people not from the U.S. However, for people from the U.S, you will still need to consider extra costs like hotels, laundry, drinks etc.

Tipping is also a much talked about point. Generally the rule is $12-15 per person, per day aboard a large cruise line. This is often slightly more on an expedition ship. 

Wildlife Of Alaska's Inside Passage

Due to the amazing landscape of the Inside Passage, there is an abundance of wildlife. Many people scream with delight when a whale appears, or a brown bear is spotted on the shore line!

Although you're unlikely to see all the species on offer during your cruise, especially on larger cruise ships, you're certain to see some of them. For people who want to cruise the Inside Passage just to see the wildlife, you'll want to take an expedition-style cruise. 

Below is a list of the star species and where to see them. 

​Types of Wildlife

Humpback, beluga, grey and killer whales are seen frequently within the Inside Passage cruises. There are numerous killer whale pods and they love to ride the bow waves of your cruise boat. Humpbacks are also very common and are frequently seen breaching.  

Can be spotted anywhere, although good places include San Juan Islands, Washington, Vancouver Island, and the waters around Seaward and Juneau. 

Diving over 1,500 feet, Harbour seals are fantastic swimmers. They are also lovely creatures to watch as they laze out in the sun. Harbour seals are responsible for bringing the first white settlers to Alaska during the 1700s, thanks to their fur coats. 

Harbour seals can literally be seen anywhere throughout the Inside Passage. 

Dall's, Harbour and Pacific White-sided dolphins are seen frequently in the Inside Passage. They love to ride the bow wave of boats and you can often see several species traveling together in large pods. It's also not uncommon to see orca with them.

Like most marine creatures, dolphins and porpoises can pop up at any moment during your cruise. There is no particular spot. 

There are two types of bear found in Alaska's Inside Passage - Brown bear (grizzly) and the black bear. Both types are seen quite frequently, especially early and late in the season. If your main goal is to see bears, you may want  to consider visiting Katmai National Park.

Found in most places throughout Alaska's Inside Passage. You often see them swimming from island to island! You won't see them on the islands south of Frederick Sound.

Although commonly seen duirncruises, especially lying on their backs, sea otters were almost hunted to extinction, until in 1911, a treaty was signed to protect them. Sea otters are a favourite of many passengers and watching them crack open oysters and shellfish is great. 

Can be found throughout the Inside Passage right down to British Columbia and Washington. 

The United States’ national symbol, the bald eagle has its stronghold in Alaska. Very commonly seen during most Inside Passage cruises, bald eagles can often be seen in groups. In fact, season fish runs means that thousands sometimes gather.  

Can be seen anywhere through the waterways and passages. 

Weighing up to 1,600 pounds, moose are lovely large creatures that are easily seen in Alaska. You can literally spot them on any walk or near any town. However, then tend to stay deeper inland. 

Although they do inhabit certain parts of the Inside Passage, they are not frequently seen along the coast. 

A staple diet of many Alaskan creatures (including its human residents), salmon are great to watch, and even more fun to fish for! The king, silver, pink, chum and red can all be found here. 

Most rivers within the Inside Passage will have salmon. Sitka Sound provides all 5 species, and Chilkat Inlet, Lake, and River is also a good location. 

Found on every major islands along the Inside Passage except Baranof, Admiralty, and Chichagof islands. Wolves are often seen padding slowly along the shore lines hunting for food. 

Can be seen on all the major islands and coastlines.

Things To Do On Your Cruise

Not only will you see amazing landscapes and wildlife during your cruise, you'll also have the opportunity to do some awesome activities and shore excursions . Please bare in mind that only certain itineraries offer these activities. Most of the time you will have to book these activities separately before or after your Inside Passage cruise. Alternatively, you can take a cruise tour itinerary .  

Most expedition-style cruises will offer kayaking as an added extra. This is a great idea as you'll be able to explore areas of the Inside Passage otherwise cut off to your ship. If you're lucky a whale or dolphin will appear near you!

Wildlife Watching

Because the wildlife is so variesd, there are plenty of wildlife safaris on offer throughout the Inside Passage. Most of the have a focus on whales, but you'll spot numerous species. Expedition style cruise offer these safaris as standard. 

Seaplane Trip

Many of the major towns within the Inside Passage like Sitka and Juneau offer seaplane and helicopter trips. Although quite expensive, you'll get the best views in all of Alaska! Particularly good when flying over glaciers. 

It may sound strange, considering the temperature of the waters, but snorkelling is certainly an option. Mainly conducted around Ketchikan, this is a great way to explore the marine life up close. You might even bump into a whale!

Photography

Photographers will absolutely love the Inside Passage. The light shines beautifully, especially at sunset and the snow-peaked backdrops are a wonderful setting for landscape shots. Wildlife photographers should take an expedition cruise. z

Hikers will love the Inside Passage and temperate rainforest climate. Explore the hidden inlets and take walks up into the surrounding hills for amazing views back down upon your ship. Hikes are more common with expedition cruises.

Salmon fishing is a great fun activity offered by many cruise lines. You'll head out on a small fishing boat and try and reel in some salmon. If you're successful, you can take the fish back to the ship and have it prepared for you!

Many people who take cruises to the Inside Passage also combine their cruise with an added land trip. The most popular option by far is Denali National Park. Best during Autumn, the park is home to wolves, bears, reindeer, moose, Dall's sheep and much more. 

One of the most fun activities you can do after or before your Inside passage cruise is dog sledding! Frequently offered around Skagway, you'll absolutely fall in love with the friendly and hard working dogs pulling your sled along. 

Highlights Of The Inside Passage

Glacier bay.

Glacier Bay was, until the late 1800's, inaccessible thanks to a wall of ice one mile high. These days the National Park offer a finite number of permits each day for people to witness this beautiful bay and all of its wildlife. 

Located on the seaward side of the Inside Passage, Sitka is the former capital of the Imperial Russian settlers in Alaska. It's Russian history can be seen throughout the picturesque town as you make your way through its streets and museums. 

Although the town itself is pretty enough, it's the activities offered here that make this a great spot. Visit the gold museums, take a dog sled trip or ride aboard the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. 

Located  just south of Juneau, Tracy Arm is an enormous fjord that holds number of epic glaciers! Not all cruises stop here, so you may have to take a seaplane trip over the fjord to get unfogetoabble views. 

Hubbard Glacier

Located between Skagway and Whittier, this relatively isolated area is home to the largest Glacier of the Inside Passage. Hubbard Glacier is probably the best place to see a glacier carving, especially in high Summer. 

Discover the ‘salmon capital of the world! Whilst the town itself has little to offer, the salmon fishing opportunity are second to none. This is also one of the best places to see bald eagles that gather to feast on the salmon.

Juneau is the capital of the Inside Passage and there are plenty of shops and museums to keep you busy. Most expedition cruises depart from here, as do seaplane and helicopter tours. 

Famed for its bald eagle gatherings that can reach into the thousands! However, this happens in November generally. Although few cruises stop here, there are some great river cruises to be had. 

Icy Straight Point

Although the point is nothing to write home about, its wildlife is! The waters round the point are home to many species of whale. Humpbacks and orca in particular are spotted regularly here throughout the cruise season. 

Choosing The Right Itinerary

There are essentially three options when it comes to Alaska's Inside Passage itineraries. You can either take a round-trip, a one way trip, or an itinerary that starts and finishes within the Passage itself. 

The only variations on these come when you add on a land-based tour or visit somewhere else other than the Inside Passage like North Alaska, the Canadian Arctic , or the Russian Arctic . 

Inside Passage - Round-Trip

Inside Passage round-trips are generally offered as 7 day itineraries aboard the major cruise lines like Princess, P&O etc.

These cruises almost all start in either Vancouver, British Colombia, or Seattle , Washington. The first and last section of these cruises are conducted at seas as you travel along the British Colombian coastline. 

Once in the Inside Passage, almost all of these main line cruises visit the same ports during the 4 days you have in the region. These are generally Glacier Bay, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. 

Inside Passage - One Way

One way cruise are generally offered only once a season as they are typically repositioning cruises. 

Like the round trips, these typically depart from Seattle or Vancouver, however, they also depart from San francisco or Los Angeles occasionally . Both the later tend to be slightly longer itineraries (around 2 weeks). 

One way Inside Passage cruises almost always end in either Whittier or Seward, near Anchorage. These itineraries are ideal for seeing more of the Alaskan coastline than you otherwise would. They're also great of you want to do a land-based tour either end. 

Inside Passage Only Cruises

Cruises that start and finish within the Alaskan Inside Passage region tend to be small boat cruises or expedition cruises. 

These cruises range from 8 - 15 days depending on the route and ship. Most begin and finish in either Juneau or Sitka and visit the main highlights and more. 

Although your ship won't have the same facilities offered on the main line cruises, you will explore the Inside Passage in more detail and make far more landings. The exact route of these cruises changes from ship to ship and can often change last minute if wildlife is spotted somewhere else. 

Inside Passage Packing List

During the Summer period it can still be quite cold within the Inside Passage, especially around the shoulder months. 

Showers, mist and wind is common and you'll need the appropriate warm clothing. Standing on deck, particularly at night can get even colder, so make sure you are prepared for this.

Below we have written a quick overview, but if you would like a more detailed packing list, please hit the button. 

Items To Consider

Clothing: Although it will often be sunny, you'll still want a good waterproof jacket and parka for the cold mornings and nights.  

Gloves: You'll be okay without gloves, but we still recommend them, especially if you plan to sit on deck and watch wildlife. Your hands will get very cold after a while.   

Sunglasses: Watching the ocean in bright sunlight is quite damaging for your eyes. Make sure you wear sunglasses to protect them. 

Footwear: You'll want some good hiking boots, as well as some comfy walking shoes for the ship. Expedition cruises will require muck boots for wet landings. 

Bags and Daypacks: A good day pack is essential for keeping your valuables, water bottle, camera etc. in when you go ashore. 

Important Accessories: Remember to bring items such as plug adaptors, water bottle, bug spray, ear plugs, kindle etc. 

Inside Passage Cruise Insurance

Insurance is highly recommended on all Alaska Inside Passage cruises. Please use the quick calculator below to get a quote with our recommended specialist. For a detailed page on cruise insurance, click here . 

Inside Passage Cruise Video

Below is a short video by UnCruise Adventures, demonstrating some of the delights to be seen in the Inside Passage of Alaska. 

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Would like to do inside passage cruise with holland America followed by land tour. Would also like to finish up with 2-3 days at Calgary stampede.

Great article. I lived on a boat for a couple years in Southeast Alaska as a young man. I long for returning and would love to take the trip through the inside passage aboard a boat. As a helicopter mechanic in Southeast Alaska back in those days I have flown over all of Southeast Alaska and always wanted to kayak the entire passage. Now at 52 years old I will be OK in a cruiser for the trip.

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Celebrity Solstice Just Amazing - Inside Passage

• United States    
• Alaska (AK)    
• Alaska - Things to Do    
• Inside Passage

Celebrity Solstice Just Amazing

We are nearing the end of our first cruise and I thought I would take some time to review Celebrity Solstice. From the very humorous Captain Alex to Kelly Rose the Cruise Director and all the staff and crew, I am struggling to find any fault at all. Our cabin attendant Kadek was very helpful as this was our first cruise and his service was first class. The Celebrity Solstice Band and all the entertainment was excellent. Staff at all eating venues were first class and the quality of food is just amazing. This ship is well kept and all stop overs were excellent and well managed. Well done Celebrity, we will be back.

A trip I’ll never forget. My son and I did this trip together and it did not disappoint. I could go on and on about how picturesque the landscape is; just sitting on the deck while we passed by the terrain would have been worth the trip by itself. Glacier bay is breathtaking and I recommend taking a bus to visit Mendenhall Glacier if you have the chance. We did a few excursions but my favorite was the whale watching in Juneau. Don’t book this on the boat... you will get a much better deal from the tour companies once you port. Most of them will negotiate with you if you ask for a better deal. The boat is clean, the service was to notch and the entertainment was excellent.

We experienced both the land and sea Alaskan cruise- we were very pleased! There are a few things on board that are important- drinks, even water was a bit of a surprise- we purchased drink cups and drank water for the most part- we used our cups and got drinks from the buffet area - no problem. We didn’t have any type of alcohol package but took advantage of the 2 for 1 deals at happy hour in different parts of the ship. The food at the buffet was as expected- good and plentiful but nothing exceptional- the food in the dining room was excellent- the service, the preparation, and quality was quite good. The entertainment was good- lots of options but by the end of the cruise we were ready for it to be over. The area that I have to be most complimentary to Holland is the quality of the accommodations on the land portion- beautiful brand new hotel rooms in Seward and Denali- so impressive- everything on the land portion was well coordinated and no issues. Fairbanks is a dud - really nothing to get excited about but Holland made up for that with the Gold Dredge your and the River boat. What an experience- amazing time in Alaska- thanks Holland- you made us feel welcome and comfortable the entire trip

Spent two weeks cruising the inside passage vancouver to whittier on board princess cruises with my wife and had the most breath taking views from our balcony. Our land excursions were also exceptional .would absolutely recommend this part of the world to everyone.

Seeing the enormous snow-capped mountains set behind the Hubbard Glacier while cruising was amazing. Viewing the spectacular glacier right in front of my eyes was undescribably impressive. Standing at the balcony of our stateroom, staring at the massive iceberg, as the chunks of ice drop into the water almost every few minutes make me wonder will these iceberg eventually disappears totally due to the global warming? This trip is highly recommended. Seeing is believing!

After spending over ten grand every year on their ships, they managed to upset me big time. Becoming cheaper and cheaper service over the years and trying to make your life difficult if you have kids with you on board.