cruises up the inside passage alaska

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Alaska's 7-Day Inside Passage Cruise

You’re in for one wild week. This roundtrip Inside Passage cruise from Vancouver delivers spellbinding scenery from narrow fjords to scattered islets and towering peaks. Get close to massive glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park and wait breathlessly for ice to calve off and plunge into the ocean. Inside Passage waters are as smooth as it gets, while on shore you’ll find endless thrills and chills. Fish for salmon in Ketchikan, helicopter onto Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, or ride the rails along the rugged White Pass Summit in Skagway.

Map of Inside Passage Cruise

Stop into three iconic ports of call and see Alaska’s remote wilderness areas.

Ports of Call on This Cruise

• Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage
• Tracy Arm Inlet
• Glacier Bay

Ships Sailing This Cruise

• Nieuw Amsterdam

Why Take This Cruise?

This Inside Passage cruise docks near Vancouver’s biggest attractions, so you can spend more time sightseeing and less time getting from place to place. Air travel is a breeze with a convenient roundtrip and Saturday or Sunday departures. Features Alaska’s most historic ports and scenic natural wonderlands.

Glacier Bay On All Inside Passage Cruises

Skagway Stop

Smooth-as-Glass Waters

Newer Ship: Koningsdam

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Inside Passage Cruises

Cruise vacations along the alaska’s world renowned inside passage featuring amazing glacier scenery and unique small towns..

Home » Tours » Alaska Cruises » Inside Passage Cruises

An Alaska cruise vacation is truly impressive. You can arrive or depart on a different unique route – through Alaska’s glacier-lined, wildlife-filled, and smooth-sailing waterways of Alaska’s Inside Passage . Alaska’s Inside Passage is a water route between the Gulf of Alaska and Puget Sound. This popular Alaska cruise ship route usually features stops at a handful of Alaska and British Columbia ports and is known for its calm waters, boundless history, and spectacular scenery.

Along the Inside Passage, cruise passengers can see countless wildlife in the water (whales, orcas, sea lions, and seals), on the ground (bears), and in the air (eagles, raptors, and many water birds). There are over a thousand islands, millions of trees, dozens of glaciers, and a handful of Alaska’s quieter or hard-to-reach communities – Ketchikan , Wrangell , Prince of Wales Island, Sitka , Juneau , Haines, Skagway , Glacier Bay , among others.

A cruise through the Inside Passage also provides access to more than a dozen state and national parks and preserves, including the renowned Tongass National Forest , Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Misty Fjords National Monument, and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve . If you look closely, you will also be treated to traces of Alaska history along the Inside Passage in totem poles, Russian-influenced architecture, and gold rush remnants.

The average cruise through the Inside Passage takes around seven days, but you can go beyond the cruise with shore excursions featuring an array of outdoor adventures (kayaking, fishing, and bear viewing, to name a few). Sightseeing trips via seaplanes or boats take you up close to wildlife and glaciers, lodging options, and nearby communities.

Most Alaska cruise ships that travel the Inside Passage make their voyages from May through September, so plan and book accordingly.

Choose from 3 vacations in Alaska related to Inside Passage Cruises

Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise

Duration: 8 days

Starting at: $4400 / pp

Discover Alaska on this seven-night adventure cruise round trip from Juneau. Destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait, Tracy Arm and Frederick Sound. Guests enjoy daily guided opportunities... Browse itinerary

Alaska’s Glacier Wilderness with Glacier Bay Cruise

Starting at: $6100 / pp

This seven night adventure cruise in Alaska's Inside Passage sails round trip from Juneau. Destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait, Kuiu Island, and Frederick Sound - a... Browse itinerary

Northern Passage and Glacier Bay Cruise

Starting at: $5600 / pp

Seven nights of adventure cruising aboard your "floating lodge." Destinations include Chichagof Island, Icy Strait, and Glacier Bay National Park, where a national park ranger comes on board for... Browse itinerary

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• Cruise Destinations
• Inside-Passage-Cruises

Cruise Inside Passage

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Located right along the coast of British Columbia, the Inside Passage is the longest sheltered inland waterway in the world. Watch the water for orcas and humpback whales as you cruise the passage to the historic Alaskan ports of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.

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Cruises Through Inside Passage, Alaska

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• Inside Passage Port Guide
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Inside Passage Cruise Port Guide

The majestic landscapes of Alaska are an unmissable bucket-list experience for any adventurous traveler, and on an Alaska cruise , you won’t just hit the highlights like Juneau. From the comfort of your incredible cruise ship, you’ll sail across 500 miles of Alaskan wilderness known as the Inside Passage. This coastal waterway is filled with glacial mountains, lush pine forests, and unforgettable wildlife sightings.

During the best Inside Passage cruise, the summertime sunshine offers plentiful photo opportunities. You might see orcas and humpback whales from your stateroom on your way to destinations like Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point. Marvel at the remote, untouched wilderness where you can breathe in the mountain air and truly think. Sky-high icebergs and glaciers await.

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View All Cruises Through Inside Passage, Alaska

Top sights & attractions for cruises through the inside passage, whale watching.

Entire families of orcas and humpback whales swim the waters along the Alexander Archipelago, and you may be lucky enough to spot them on your Inside Passage cruise. Whale sightings are most common in the summer months.

Snap a picture of a giant glacier up close in Alaska. If you’ve never seen a glacier in person, you’ll be amazed at their scale and enormity here. Alaska’s glaciers constantly shift and change, attracting thousands of environmental scientists and nature lovers to the region each year.

After cruising the Inside Passage, you’ll continue on to Juneau, where you can visit the 13-mile-long Mendenhall Glacier or go hiking in the Tongass National Forest during your day in port. This remote capital is also famous for dog sledding and incredible glaciers.

Did you know Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world? Tasting the local varieties is a must once you’ve docked in Ketchikan. Don’t miss the Totem Heritage Center and the Southeast Alaska Discovery Set, where you’ll discover thousands of years of Alaskan history and culture.

Learn More About Alaska Shore Excursions

Top things to do in inside passage, extend your cruise with a cruisetour.

Why not extend your vacation with a Cruisetour of Alaska’s interior? A Cruisetour gives you the chance to combine your seven-night sailing with a trip inland to remote Alaskan towns, including the breathtaking Denali National Park. 

Enjoy more time in nature, spot brown bears as they catch salmon swimming upstream, or visit Denali National Park and see the highest mountain peak in North America. Our Cruisetour itineraries take you to Anchorage, Talkeetna, and other towns to experience hiking, Alaskan heritage tours, wildlife, and much more.

Culture & History of Inside Passage Cruise Port

Alaska’s rich history begins with the Indigenous groups that have lived in the region for thousands of years, including the Iñupiat, Yupik, Aleut, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Russian explorers reached the area in the 19th century, and the Yukon Gold Rush attracted thousands of miners to the remote area. Alaska became known as “the Last Frontier,” a place where you could stake a claim on the land and get rich trying. By 1959, Alaska was declared a U.S. state. Since the 1960s, the debate over oil rigs in Alaska greatly impacted the region. In the past decades, conservation and preservation of Alaska’s natural landscape has become vital to the area. Today, Alaska’s incredible nature and beauty, not to mention cool and sunny summers, have made it a popular vacation destination.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

You’ll be cruising during your time through Alaska’s Inside Passage. However, Alaska does use the U.S. dollar as its official currency. Alaska’s main sources of economic growth and revenue are fishing and tourism. Don’t forget to tip tour providers, bartenders, and restaurant servers during your Alaska cruise.

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Alaska Inside Passage Cruises

An Alaska Inside Passage cruise is the most iconic way to explore Alaska. Cruises along this coastal route sail amid steep, irregular coastlines, dramatic tidewater glaciers, dense evergreen forests and abundant wildlife. Many towns here have no major in-roads, so visiting by ship is not only the best way to see them—it’s also the only way. Read on to learn more about the Alaska’s Inside Passage and how get aboard an Inside Passage cruise.

ON THIS PAGE – Alaska Inside Passage Cruises : What Is the Inside Passage? Where Is the Inside Passage? Inside or Inland Passage Alaska? Key Ports & Places Inside Passage vs Glacier Bay The Smallest Boat of the Inside Passage Alaska Inside Passage Excursions Inside Passage Cruise Reviews View All Small Ship Inside Passage Cruises

What Is Alaska’s Inside Passage?

The Inside Passage is a coastal route for ships and boats. Virtually all Southeast Alaska small ship cruises sail in the Inside Passage, so the terms “Southeast Alaska” and “Inside Passage” are pretty much synonymous when it comes to cruising.

During the Klondike Gold Rush, the Inside Passage was popular for American prospectors seeking gold, but today its popularity remains for tourism and commercial fishing. It’s now by far the most popular destination to take a small ship Alaska cruise thanks to its protected waters, interesting geological features and abundant wildlife.

Where is Alaska’s Inside Passage?

The greater Inside Passage extends as far south as Olympia, Washington, but the northernmost section of the route is in Alaska. The Alaska portion extends 500 miles from north to south and 100 miles from east to west. It begins in Ketchikan in the south and runs to Skagway in the North. The area encompasses 1,000 islands, 15,000 miles of shoreline and thousands of coves and bays, many protected from the Pacific Ocean by the Alexander Archipelago. Prefect for small ship cruising,

Inside, Inner or Inland Passage Alaska?

Take note that many travelers mistake the name to be the Inland Passage Alaska, or even Inner Passage Alaska or Alaska Passage. So next time you hear about an Alaska Inland Passage cruise, just know the person is referring to an Alaska Inside Passage cruise.

A good way to remember the region’s name is to think of it as cruising “inside” the Alexander Archipelago (between the islands and the main shore), not “inland.” There’s not much “inland” about Alaska Inside Passage cruises as they mostly hug the shoreline due to impassable terrain as you head farther east from the shore.

Some travelers may also confuse the area with the Alaska Marine Highway used by the ferry systems, but our overnight cruises are much more immersive than these to/from transportation services. No matter… whether you call it Inland Passage, Inner Passage or simply the Alaska Passage, most travelers will catch your drift!

Key Ports & Places on an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

At the northern reaches of the Alaska Inside Passage are the small towns of Skagway and Haines located up the Lynn Canal . These two towns are not the most commonly visited on Alaska Inside Passage cruise routes, so be sure to look for them in an itinerary if you wish to visit these historic places.

At the southern end of the Inside Passage are Ketchikan and Misty Fjords National Monument , a spectacular 2-million-acre wilderness preserve surrounded by 3,000-foot vertical cliffs, glacial fjords and cascading waterfalls. While you can take a Misty Fjords boat tour on a day trip, nothing compares to the broader experience of sailing farther up the Inside Passage.

Up and down the Alaska Inside Passage are dozens of glaciers, fjords, islands and towns including Juneau , Alaska’s capital city; Tracy Arm (pictured above); and Sitka , the former capital of Russian America. Designated bear viewing is available at Anan Creek near Wrangell and at Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary on Admiralty Island near Juneau. Many travelers seek to do the Inside Passage with Tracy Arm Fjord (about 45 miles south of Juneau) due to the twin Sawyer Glaciers (North and South Sawyer), but nearby Endicott Arm and its Dawes Glacier are also spectacular. Many Inside Passage cruise routes will include them both!

Cruise itineraries here include a mix of these ports and places, and routes can really vary by cruise line and the timing of your Inside Passage trip. Ask one of our experts about what might be the best small ship Inside Passage itinerary for your needs. Southeast Alaska small ship cruises are our specialty and our team of specialists have collectively been to every port.

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Inside Passage vs Glacier Bay

Just to the east of Lynn Canal on the northernmost end of the Inside Passage Alaska is the famed Glacier Bay National Park . To experience the park, you need to technically sail out of the Inside Passage coastal route, and into Glacier Bay. Many Inside Passage cruise itineraries will explore both Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage, spending two to three out of eight days within the national park.

In fact, about two-thirds of the Inside Passage cruise itineraries listed on this page include Glacier Bay. But note that there are some cruises that spend their entire journey only within the park. See our Glacier Bay cruise routes to be sure you access this national park if it’s on your must-see list.

The main difference of Inside Passage vs Glacier Bay (if you aren’t going to have them both in your cruise) is visiting towns and cultural interaction. Glacier Bay is an uninhabited national park that offers the epitome of remote wilderness and solitude. Yet the Inside Passage has glaciers in many other locations and remote solitude in many bays and coves. So you don’t have to go to Glacier Bay to see glaciers!

The Smallest Boat Cruising the Inside Passage

Since our team at AdventureSmith Explorations specializes in small ships, we often get asked about the smallest boat in the Inside Passage. Cruise ships in the Alaska Inside Passage are a wide range of sizes, with big ships reaching the thousands of passengers. But the most common small ship Inside Passage size is under 20 guests, with ships in the 50-100 range also being common.

The smallest boat offering Inside Passage cruises is 8 guests, two examples being the Westward and Sikumi yachts. These ships are great for Alaska yacht charters , or a more intimate experience with fellow travelers. The largest ship on our curated Inside Passage cruise itineraries are the 100-guest identical sister ships National Geographic Venture and Quest.

Find Your Inside Passage Ship

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Whether you choose the smallest boat or a larger expedition ship is up to you and your group’s travel needs. We’re here to help you decide and select your Inside Passage cruise small ship route and boat.

Alaska Inside Passage Excursions

Alaska Inside Passage excursions off the ship are a big part of the day when you are small ship cruising. Being off the ship exploring actively and intimately is a hallmark of any itinerary AdventureSmith Explorations offers worldwide. And an Alaska Inside Passage cruise on a small ship is no exception.

On an Inside Passage cruise, spend your days hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, going on Zodiac and skiff rides to spot wildlife, and even snorkeling and fishing on select itineraries! Beachcomb, forage, explore small towns, cruise Misty Fjords, visit tribal houses and more on our small boat cruises in Alaska Inside Passage. Most often these shore excursions are included in the cost, another bonus of choosing a small ship cruise !

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All Small Ship Inside Passage Cruises

Find and filter below all the Inside Passage cruise routes aboard small ships. These cruise tours include excursions and expert guides to enhance your experience. Search by your travel dates or price range to find your best Alaska Inside Passage cruise. We’re ready to help you plan your Inside Passage trip.

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Enjoy 2 days venturing farther than 99% of visitors into Glacier Bay National Park. Plus, Tracy Arm, Frederick Sound, Icy Strait and Chatham Strait. Choose between two 76- & 84-guest Wilderness expedition ships as your home base.

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Inside Passage Cruise Reviews from Our Travelers

This trip exceeded our expectations (and that isn't an easy thing). It fit our style and interest. Just the right mix of activity and fun. The scenery in SE Alaska was spectacular and the weather (mostly) cooperated. The ship and crew were exceptional. The guides were knowledgeable and really seemed to enjoy their jobs. So glad that we chose a small ship and especially Uncruise. We liked it so much that we signed up for a future cruise with them. I can't recommend them enough.

We Loved our cruise w Alaska Dream Cruises on the Admiralty. AMAZING crew & staff that made everything so easy & fun!...The ship size & smaller guest list made this the PERFECT cruise experience for us!

All details were attended to. Everything went smoothly. Many instant connections were made.

Enjoyed kayaking almost every day. Got some great photos of dolphins, jelly fish, otters, seals, bears, and Orcas. We did see Humpbacks, but only a glimpse. Glaciers were excellent, and all of the many beautiful views along the way.

We've done a fair amount of travel and have never had a better trip. We wanted to travel with a small group vs a monster cruise. Good travel companions. Small group made it an especially comfortable and friendly environment.

The service was impeccable, and I truly appreciated Lindblad's focus on education and developing a better understanding and awareness of our environment. I also completely embraced the true exploratory spirit of this expedition, bushwhacking into the rainforest to find muskeg and salmon streams where there was no trace of any human touch. I absolutely loved it!

Accommodations Review

Cabin was small, but met all our needs. We spent very little time in the room anyway. 

Meals Review

The meal choices were varied and always found something that we liked - even if was the optional salad with the fish of the day. Presentation was as amazing as was the taste. The bartender would mix fun drinks of the day, one day it was called a mudslide (after a muddy hike!).

Itinerary Review

The views, wildlife and activities were terrific. There were a few days in quiet bays that were not as exciting as the other days. Enjoyed the kayaking on these days. We saw a large pod of orcas, sea otters, humpback whales, bears, jelly fish, sea lions, eagles, jumping salmon and more. Got to go on a hike on the glacier with incredible views.

Crew & Guides Review

The guides were absolutely incredible. I can't imaging the hiring process to find such knowledgeable and upbeat, fun, happy people. You can't teach the service attitude that they demonstrated. Very impressed with the guides.

Fellow Passengers Review

We found ourselves with a lot of people like us - mostly young retirees just wanting to be active and have fun. Everyone was very easy to get along with.

Traveler Advice

This is not the trip for you if you want casinos, a fancy cabin or entertainment. If you want an active, casual trip with excellent food and service, go with Uncruise.

Featured in this Traveler Review

• Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka
• Safari Endeavour

We Loved our cruise w Alaska Dream Cruises on the Admiralty. AMAZING crew & staff that made everything so easy & fun! We were lucky to see incredible wildlife, our highlight was watching the humpback whales bubblenet feeding multiple times! The ship size & smaller guest list made this the PERFECT cruise experience for us! We got to enjoy many outdoor activities everyday and we were blessed w good weather! We would Highly recommend Alaska Dream Cruises!

The scenery was spectacular and all the beds were comfy!

Omg…the food! So delicious!

The sincere upbeat & fantastic crew (how do they do this for over 100 days in a row?!!) on the cruise impressed ALL the passengers!

[I most enjoyed] Watching the humpback whales bubblenet feeding! Enjoyed everything, even thru the rain! We had NO complaints!

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Lauren was great!

• Last Frontier Adventure
• Admiralty Dream
• Alaskan Dream Cruises
• Lauren Pilholski

All details were attended to. Everything went smoothly. Many instant connections were made. [I chose this destination and trip based on the] Reputation and expertise of National Geographic and adventure to somewhere I’ve never been.

Spending time with the naturalists in nature was just the best. I especially enjoyed being with Shaun in the zodiac listening to stories laced with his fun sense of humor. He seemed to thoroughly want to be with us.

[I most enjoyed] Watching the Sawyer glacier calving and hanging out with the sea lions and eagles.

Be open to all excursions and reach out and connect with those journeying with you. Relax. Enjoy.

• Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau & Ketchikan
• Lindblad Expeditions

Great trip. Most enjoyable. Enjoyed kayaking almost every day. Got some great photos of dolphins, jelly fish, otters, seals, bears, and Orcas. We did see Humpbacks, but only a glimpse. Glaciers were excellent, and all of the many beautiful views along the way.

Room was very small, but we were OK with that. We didn't intend to spend much time there.

Food was great. No complaints.

All leaders were professional, and some, in particular showed great enthusiasm. Our favorite was Sam. He was a true leader, knowledgeable, and fun. He is a great people person, and truly needs a beard trip! Jess was also very enthusiastic. Her bright spirit was a constant.

Sitka and Ketchikan, and even Juneau, were OK, but we could have done without any of them. We were there to see nature in all its glory. We met one couple who will be a life-long friend, and most every other fellow passenger was pleasant, as well.

Transportation Review

All was good. The only negative was our uncertainty of our arrival in Seattle. We easily could have taken an earlier flight home, but were uncertain of our arrival time, and debarkation in Seattle. Also, we were uncertain of how we could and would get to the airport.  It was fine, but that day turned into a very long one.

Ask questions about last day arrival, and connections to the airport. We were unaware that we would have transportation to the airport. When we did, our driver was there on time, and she was efficient, pleasant, and gave us confidence that we would have no problem getting to the airport on time.

Very good experience. We would recommend AdventureSmith Explorations to friends and family.

• Wilderness Discoverer
• Inside Passage with Olympic National Park & 2 Days in Glacier Bay

We've done a fair amount of travel and have never had a better trip. We had never visited Alaska and wanted to see at least a small part of it. We wanted to travel with a small group vs a monster cruise. We prefer active trips rather than sightseeing, so the hiking and kayaking were exactly what we wanted. Kayaking Ford's Terror in the rain [was an] engaging activity in a peaceful and beautiful setting. Campfire/dinner on the beach at The Brothers was unexpected and thoroughly enjoyable evening on shore whale watching and wildlife viewing everywhere. Crew did a great job of spotting and allowing opportunities to view a wide variety of wildlife. Low-tide hike/excursion at Wood Spit was difficult footing in places was really the only negative. Good travel companions. Small group made it an especially comfortable and friendly environment. 

Individual cabins were admittedly very small, but the Catalyst was more comfortable and accommodating than we expected. The addition of the private head in our cabin was an unexpected plus. We loved the boat!

Paul, Shane, Caroline, Michael and new trainee, Jimmy, made a wonderful team. Always professional, yet very personable and engaging as individuals. Constantly interacting with guests. Paul was great at spotting wildlife, getting the boat in the best position and allowing us to linger and watch. Caroline was always enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable about all things animal, plant, and other. Shane never failed to entertain and demonstrate/explain the running of the boat. 

Andrew provided complete/thorough information. We felt very prepared. 

Meals prepared by Michael - delicious, beautiful presentation, varied and always interesting. No room for improvement.

Be flexible.  Leave expectations at home and just enjoy what comes. We did decide that headlamps/flashlights are not necessary in Alaska in June.

Starting with Andrew who has been the best travel consultant to date, the trip with Lindblad/Nat. Geo. Expeditions to Southeast Alaska has been one of the most memorable weeks of my life. The service was impeccable, and I truly appreciated Lindblad's focus on education and developing a better understanding and awareness of our environment. I also completely embraced the true exploratory spirit of this expedition, bushwhacking into the rainforest to find muskeg and salmon streams where there was no trace of any human touch. I absolutely loved it!

The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the ship sailed so smoothly that I could tell if we were cruising or anchored. Bathroom was quite adequate.

The food was inconsistent, though many meals were great, some were not as good. Pancakes and french toasts were so dry that they were some of the worst. Some meals were rather salty. Overall, I was quite satisfied, however.

All naturalist guides were excellent and were clearly passionate about their work and sharing the wilderness with us.

The opportunities to land on pristine rainforest bay areas with untouched wilderness was simply magnificent. My best day was Kelp Bay in Baranof Island, where we had a fantastic encounter with 2 bears in the salmon stream. I will never forget that for the rest of my life. I was hoping to see more marine wildlife, but that did not turn out to be the case during our week. The fantastic bear encounter made up for the entire week, however.

Andrew has been the best consultant ever. Always prompt, always full of information and detailed in his response. I have never had a better person to prepare me for a trip. Anyone would be so fortunate to have Andrew's guidance.

Be prepared for whatever weather that Alaska throws at you. It rained the entire week, and so good waterproof gear is a must. Don't expect to find wildlife up close -- it does not happen reliably, or you might get disappointed. Make the most of each day and get the most out of the naturalists.

• Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness
• Andrew Browning

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

What It’s Like Cruising the Inside Passage of Alaska

Our team is adept at personalizing recommendations for an Alaska Inside Passage cruise to fit your timing, budget, activity level and travel style. All we need are a few details like how many travelers are in your group and some basic interests to get started on a custom travel recommendation. Or if you have time to browse, consider taking an Inside Passage trip we’ve recently experienced and reviewed. Linked here are some of our most recent tales from small ship cruising the Inside Passage of Alaska.

Compare and contrast the various Lindblad Alaska cruises and ships from an expert who's been aboard. Learn what stands out about Lindblad's Alaska programming, guides and crew.

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Alaska is the perfect destination for slow travel. Learn about AdventureSmith Founder and President Todd Smith's slow cruising experience in this detailed review and get inspired to enjoy authentic Alaska aboard historic small ships Catalyst and Westward.

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Small Ship Cruises in Inside Passage

An Inside Passage Cruise carries passengers along various stretches of the long coastal route. Reaching beyond the USA’s state of Alaska along the coast of Canada’s British Colombia, Alaska’s section of the Inside Passage runs for around 800 kilometres (500 miles) north to south and can span 160 kilometres (100 miles) across. Awash with spectacular scenery that encompasses towering mountains, gleaming glaciers, deep fjords, remote islands, lush forests, and tranquil beaches, there’s never a dull moment when you cruise the Inside Passage. A haven for wildlife fans, adventure junkies, and people who love to learn more about different cultures, Inside Passage cruises really are amongst the top adventure cruises in Alaska.

Top things to do & see on an Inside Passage cruise

From observing plentiful wildlife, bird watching, and trying an array of active activities and outdoor pursuits to honing your photography skills, sightseeing, admiring the dramatic landscapes, and meeting members of local communities, there is so much to experience on an Inside Passage cruise. Some top things to do when cruising Alaska’s and Canada’s Inside Passages include:

Glacier Bay National Park - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park is one of Alaska’s real gems. Stretching for 105 kilometers (65 miles), the many beautiful glaciers are a wondrous sight. The John Hopkins, Marjerie, and McBridge Glaciers are especially popular. Small ship cruises of the Inside Passage let you observe a range of wildlife from close quarters, including whales, seals, sea lions, otters, moose, bears, wolves, deer, and a host of smaller land-living creatures and birds. Kayaking and hiking are among the activities you can enjoy.

Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm - Two long and scenic fjords in the Fords Terror Wilderness; a highlight of the area is seeing the Sawyer Glaciers, glaciers that frequently calve, sending large icy blocks crashing into the waters below. The rocky and mountainous landscapes are punctuated by verdant patches of forest and cascading waterfalls. Wildlife you may spot while on your cruise includes whales, harbor seals, bears, deer, and wolves. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats, a rather unusual sight at such lower elevations, and watch birds bobbing on the waters and soaring overhead as you kayak through the clear waters.

Frederick Sound - The scenic Frederick Surround separates Admiralty Island and Kupreanof Island. A great place for summer whale watching, the Five Fingers Island Light can present an attractive sight in front of the icy landscapes behind it.

Misty Fjords - A sublime wilderness area and a national monument, be awed by the gigantic glacial cliffs as your Inside Passage Cruise makes its way through Misty Fjords. A smaller cruise ship might pass close enough to the many waterfalls for you to feel the spray from the powerful water. You can see the volcanic Eddystone Rock and listen to the calls of seabirds that musically fill the air.

Stephens Passage - In southeastern Alaska, Stephens Passage is known for its marvelous sights, sounds, and smells, with the resident whales, sea lions, gulls, and guillemots breathing life into the majestic surroundings. Deep waters and soaring mountains blend to create a visual dream, with rolling meadows and lush forests further adding to the appeal.

A range of Activities - Climb into a skiff (small one-person rowing boat) or kayak to feel completely free on the waters, soaking up the air of tranquility as you lose yourself in the many magical sights. Unleash your imagination as you explore. Join a guided hike to learn more about the magnificent landscapes and how they were formed over the years and discover more about the cultural groups and animals that occupy the remote areas. Discover the traditions and customs of different groups, including the Tlingit and the Haida, see intricate totem poles, visit cultural centers and much more.

Wildlife Encounters - A cruise of the Inner Passages offers wildlife encounters galore. Whether you’re an avid bird water or more interested in the creatures big and small that live in a watery home, there is no shortage of chances to be wowed. The icy waters are ecologically diverse, from enormous hales to small fish and everything in between. Myriad animals roam dry land, from bears, wolves, and deer to smaller creatures like weasels, ermine, and rodents.

Top Tips for Visiting Inside Passage

• Don’t forget to take your camera for some spectacular shots of Glacier Bays’ gems, particularly the Marjerie Glacier and the John Hopkins Glacier.
• Take a video camera to film the frequent calving of the Sawyers Glaciers and the whale activity at Frederick Sound.
• Binoculars are advised for spotting wildlife from a distance.
• Sturdy walking boots or shoes are required if you want to join hiking excursions.
• Due to the typical climate and weather, dress in layers to combat the cold, and take wet weather clothes on your cruise. You might also want to invest in a waterproof bag for shore trips; keep your camera, money, and other essentials safe and dry.

Best time to cruise Inside Passage

Plan ahead and book your cruise of the Inside Passage for the relevant months that best fit the things you are most interested in seeing and doing. The best time to visit both Alaska’s Inside Passage and Canada’s Inside Passage is from spring to the end of summer. The temperatures are pleasant, especially in the summer; the days can be sunny and bright. Do be aware though that, although the rainiest months are generally October and November, the area is known for lots of rainfall all throughout the year.

You can watch migrating animals returning in the springtime and wildflowers bursting into bloom in the forests. Summer is several local species' main mating and birthing season; watch as seal pups drift on large blocks of ice and birds teach their offspring to fly and swim. There are also increased chances of seeing whales in the summer. The best time for hiking in the Inner Passages is from mid-summer onwards when the terrain has thawed.

Where do Inside Passage cruises depart from?

Alaska adventure cruises of the Inside Passages typically depart from Alaska’s Sitka , Juneau , or Ketchikan . Each is served by an international airport, with direct flights available to and from a range of Alaskan airports. Several direct flights connect Alaska with the mainland US. Still, if you add a connection, reaching the cruise departure points from almost anywhere in the USA is incredibly easy. Alternatively, you can also take an Alaska cruise from Seattle , removing the need to get to Alaska before your cruise adventure begins.

The closest international airports for an Inside Passage cruise are Sitka Rocky Gutirrez Airport (SIT), Juneau International Airport (JNU), and Ketchikan International Airport (KTN). Most flights to Alaska from the US mainland arrive in Juneau, Anchorage, and Fairbanks; connecting flights are readily available from both Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Inside Passage Reviews

• 8.7 Fabulous
• 6 Verified Reviews
• 10.0 Exceptional

Amazing loved the wild life

Cruising Inside Passage in August on the Alaskan Dream

• 8.4 Very good

Some kayaking on glassy waters.

Cruising Inside Passage in July on the Alaskan Dream

Beautiful - whale watching in particular

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. Many great art subjects. We loved the opportunities to hike the beaches and interiors.

Whale watching during passage was really fun. Many pods to view and captain did a great jump keeping them in fairly close view for our enjoyment. Wilderness Bay/Kake hike to rainbow falls and totem viewing was nice.

Cruising Inside Passage in September on the Alaskan Dream

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Alaska & the Inside Passage

• From $4,799
• 7 Guided Tours
• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Vancouver, British Columbia to Seward, Alaska Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia

Alaska & the Inside Passage Map

See the wilds of a great frontier

Immerse yourself in Tlingit culture and experience the outpost atmosphere that prevails in charming, mountain-ringed seaside towns. Sail a pristine wilderness of misty fjords, lush forests and gleaming walls of ice, pan for gold like prospectors of old, and hear tales of a region where a Wild West spirit still feels very much alive. Ports and order of ports are subject to change. Refer to the Dates & Pricing itinerary for specific details by departure date.

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To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

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Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

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Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

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Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

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More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

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From $1,099 | 2 Nights

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From $4,999 | 5 Nights

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From $5,599 | 6 Nights

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Post: Denali Explorer

From $3,599 | 5 Nights

Post: Pristine Alaska

From $3,999 | 6 Nights

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From $3,799 | 6 Nights

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - The Pacific Northwest – Exploration & Development
• - Indigenous People of the Pacific Northwest
• - Glaciers - Rivers of Ice

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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7 Night Alaska Inside Passage

Your ship brilliance of the seas.

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Day 1: vancouver, british columbia.

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Day 2: Inside Passage, Canada

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon..

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Day 3: sitka, alaska.

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Day 4: Juneau, Alaska

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Day 5: Icy Strait Point, Alaska

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Day 6: Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

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Day 7: inside passage, canada, day 8: vancouver, british columbia.

Why Alaska's stunning coast is best seen by ferry

Jun 12, 2020 • 14 min read

Walker Cove, seen on a scenic flight over Misty Fjords National Monument (right); Historic Creek Street in Ketchikan © Aubrie Pick / Lonely Planet

Less a cruise, more a coastal adventure – this scenic route through Alaska’s islands is easily explored using the state-run ferry system. Hop among remote communities to encounter rural hospitality, landscapes teeming with wildlife and glaciers galore.

My knees are pinned to my chest in the back seat of a tiny Cessna 185 Skywagon. I’m 2000ft in the air, staring through the portside window at a wall of granite shorn by glaciers during the last Ice Age. I am cold. I am sweating. Another tilt of the wings and I’m staring into the heavens; one more and I’m looking at a fingerling canal stained green with algae and snaking through the forest below. Alaska is beautiful. I am ready to vomit.

We finally land in a small, unnamed pocket of the Misty Fjords National Monument, and pilot Dave Doyon, whose white-toothed grin betrays his amusement, kills the engine. I step outside, balancing on the float, one hand still pressed to the cabin, gathering my senses as the water laps at the plane. Like the rest of Tongass National Forest – at 16.7 million acres, the largest intact coastal rainforest in the country – the monument is blanketed with spruce and hemlock, the trees doggedly fighting their way up the granite wherever the slightest scrap of topsoil will allow.

Book this trip: Misty Fjords Monument Floatplane Tour

I’ve come here to begin a journey north through Alaska’s Inside Passage: a 500-mile stretch of the Pacific which courses through the Alexander Archipelago and is studded with more than 1000 forested islands. One of the rainiest cities in North America, Ketchikan was bathed in sunshine on the day I arrived, the temperature well into the 20s. Rowdy teenagers jumped from the red-iron trestle bridge and into the harbor below. If this view was cleverly framed, you might think you were looking at a port city in the Caribbean; the sun, the jade waters, the glistening white cruise ships ushering visitors down the gangplanks.

Exploring Ketchikan's communities

Once a fishing camp of the indigenous Tlingit people prior to white settlement, by 1937 Ketchikan hosted seven major canneries, earning it the title "Salmon Capital of the World." In turn, the surrounding forests spawned a massive timber industry, supplying wood for salmon cases and a burgeoning port. When the city’s pulp mill closed in the late nineties, more than 500 people lost their jobs overnight – a fate mirrored in other small communities up and down the Inside Passage. Tourism helped fill the void: the industry now employs roughly a fifth of the workforce in the southeastern part of the state, also known as the Alaska panhandle.

Book this trip: Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour

Other communities of the Inside Passage often cite Ketchikan’s explosive growth as a cautionary tale of how quickly an unchecked tourism industry can change the face of a city. Still, it’s hardly without its charms: the slick brown harbor seals frolicking up the river, the eagles perched on the eves of historic Creek Street, the many narrow stairways cascading down the mountainside. And many of those who live in and love Ketchikan say visitors help the city stay lively and keep the island feeling connected and relevant to the rest of the world.

"I’m a traveler, but since moving here I’m so content I’ve only gone to one other country," says Raffy Tavidagian, owner and chef at the New York Café , a social hub in downtown Ketchikan. Born in Lebanon, he fits his native shakshuka (eggs poached in a tomato-based sauce) onto the menu whenever he can, alongside a host of other locally-sourced specials. "I’ve met so many cool people. If not for them, I don’t think I could live here," he admits. "I’ve never felt so at peace in one place, especially a small island."

There have been changes even in the town’s more traditional industries. Trish Pearson, the local fishmonger, is one of only three women in Alaska who owns her own plant. She runs her business, Fish from Trish , from a defunct cannery in Ward Cove, a moody, red-roofed outfit in the shadow of Signal Mountain. She lives onsite, sharing what used to be the watchman’s house with her 15-year-old dog, named, somewhat incongruously, "Meaty." Waiting for her "crab guy" to arrive at the dock and unload his haul, she explains the obstacles she’s overcome to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry: the competition, the cold-shouldering. But today she stands tall in her brown rubber boots, a living embodiment of the Alaskan state motto, "North to the future."

Trish, a native of Illinois, chose America’s last frontier as a place to start afresh – while others are more rooted in Alaska’s past. At Totem Park in nearby Saxman, a small Tlingit village, 24 towering poles tell stories of the area’s history. Nathan Jackson is a 79-year-old master-carver with a boyish smile and bright white hair, shaving down his next piece in a large workshop ringed with iron tools. The scent of cedar fills the air, and his scraper rattles as he draws it up and down the log. He speaks slowly, taking comfort in the silence he often lets fill the room. Though internationally recognized for his work, his temperament suggests he’d be just as happy carving away in complete obscurity.

"Um… okay, well, here we go on some stories," he says, stepping away from the log, resigned to losing another 20 minutes of work. "When I was younger, fishing was the main source of income. But also it was a seasonal thing. The rest of the winter months become something else. My great uncle’s stepson challenged me to do a little tiny totem pole with a pocket knife. He carved one and then said, 'Copy this one,' so I did. It was the start," he says, and starts scraping again.

A journey into bear country

At Ketchikan’s Ferry Terminal, I board the MV Malaspina , one of the three original ships belonging to the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS). A 407ft-long steel juggernaut, her buoyancy seems faintly miraculous. Built in 1963, the Malaspina has 83 cabins for overnight travel and can haul more than 80 vehicles on her lower deck, thanks to an 8,000 horse-power engine. She has a brawn and sturdiness that commands respect, and soon the white masts in the harbor are little more than pixels on the horizon, giving way to awe-inspiring wilderness.

The six-hour journey north to Wrangell is long enough to explore the ship and take in the views from the upper deck, of shadow-green mountains and ashen clouds, and the restless wake of the Malaspina trailing out behind. Under a yellow-tinted solarium, passengers spread out on white plastic recliners, some of them settling in with coolers and sleeping bags, others pitching small tents in readiness for a longer journey somewhere further north. Founded in the middle of the 20th century, the AMHS now runs a total of 3500 miles and serves visitors and locals alike. The only marine route recognized as a National Scenic Byway, for Alaska’s coastal communities it’s much more than a pretty way to get around. It’s a crucial link between different settlements, a major employer, a way for local schools to connect and compete.

"People call it the 'poor man’s cruise,'" says the captain when I visit him in the bridge. Lured to Alaska by Jack London novels, Kevin Dickman left his home in Massachusetts and slowly worked his way up what crew call the "hawse pipe," a phrase that otherwise refers to the duct through which an anchor’s chain passes. The AMHS hired him as a captain in 2016. "They say this job is 99 percent boredom and one percent terror," he says. "We do the same thing all the time, but it’s important to do the same thing all the time." Suddenly the multicolored homes of Wrangell appear on the shore ahead, and minutes later, the crew is working in lock-step to secure the ship to the dock with ropes as thick as telephone poles.

I sleep at an inn where water laps at a dock outside my window then, with a dozen others, board a small jetboat headed for Anan Creek . The largest pink salmon run in the southeast part of the state, and it’s a magnet for brown and black bears. We pull ashore an hour later, walk the half-mile boardwalk to a viewing platform over the creek. Below, the circle of life is compressed into a single setting. The salmon pushing upstream. The black bears teaching their cubs to fish, spilling entrails on the rocks. The eagles and ravens swooping down to steal the scraps and retreat to their perch. Even the trees benefit from the salmon, absorbing the extra nitrogen left in the soil after they decompose. We leave the still-active bears reluctantly, hours later, with the light filtering through the trees.

Doing business alongside the 'bergs

The next town I visit, Petersburg, is similar in size to Wrangell, but the streets feel a little busier, the shops a little brighter. This is the gateway to the LeConte Glacier, which lies 25 miles east of town. From a jetboat I see the small icebergs known as ‘bergy bits’, glowing blue in contrast to the grey above, and feel the air grow colder as the fjords rise up. Mew gulls nesting in the rock face fill the bay with piercing shrieks, and dozens of harbor seals lounge on the ice, a new head appearing every few seconds. "A professor at the university who’s been studying this glacier for a long time thinks it’s pinched," says guide Scott Roberge. "His analogy is a garden hose that has a bend in it. Not as much water comes out. His theory is that once it gets around this corner, it’s going to recede really fast."

Back at the harbor, we bump into Scott’s bearded nephew, Eric Grundberg, who is selling fresh fish directly from his troller boat. He and his wife Malena run Schoolhouse Fish, and say their relationship with their customers is the aspect of their work they most cherish. It’s an attitude shared by their friends Bo Varsano and Marja Smets of Farragut Farms, an off-grid enterprise 25 miles northwest of town. Using a series of high-tunnels, they grow fresh produce (a rare commodity here) from March to mid- September, sailing into Petersburg once every two weeks to sell their goods at the community market. They also do business with small cruise ships that travel up the bay, delivering produce by water using a small skiff. Both businesses share a commitment to environmentalism, marketing their values alongside their goods.

A homecoming in Juneau

The further north I travel on the Inside Passage, the more this emphasis on place, community and environmental stewardship comes to the surface. After an overnight journey on the Malaspina , I close in on my last stop: Juneau . Clouds hang low over Alaska’s capital, obscuring the top of its namesake massif. The view, like most in this part of the world, amazes me. I recall a line from local writer Ernestine Hayes’s unique memoir, Blonde Indian : "The smell of the ocean, the feel of the spray, the sound of the gulls, the taste of the salt, the sight of mountain behind mountain behind island behind island, falling back and back in shadows and grey and dark green… It was a good life, being on a boat."

Juneau is impossibly scenic, and the launchpad for a litany of adventures – but one thing I really want to do before I leave is meet with Ernestine Hayes. Her memoir, which explores – in part – the relationship between southeastern Alaska’s native people and their environment, has influenced my time on the Inside Passage. She’s waiting for me when I arrive at the University of Alaska Southeast, where she teaches English; a short woman with greying hair and the sort of charming self-assurance that comes from a life of challenges overcome. She never knew her father, experienced a childhood on the margins of Juneau society, and stints of homelessness in San Francisco before finding her place in life. We talk as rain slants against the windows and she signs the front of my book: " Gunalchéesh , Ernestine" (thank you, Ernestine).

We wait for the city bus together outside. "I’m often asked," she says, "'Why was it so important for you to come back?' And I’m always surprised not everyone has that feeling. It’s called home, you know?"

Explore Juneau: Juneau Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Adventure

Make it happen

Getting there and around For the most scenic experience, cruise the Alaska Marine Highway System from Bellingham in Washington state. Ships pass Canada’s Vancouver Island and go through the Queen Charlotte Sound before re-entering US waters to arrive in Ketchikan and continue to other Alaskan ports. Book a stateroom on the AMHS for maximum comfort. Bellingham is under two hours’ drive from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, a major hub. Vancouver’s airport, across the border in Canada, is closer – just over an hour’s drive from Bellingham. If you opt to miss the two-night trip starting from the contiguous US, you can also fly into Ketchikan from Seattle or Anchorage, and back to either of those bigger airports from Juneau at the end of the ferry route. Alaska Airlines is the main carrier, with Delta also operating some flights. Most of the communities within the Inside Passage are located on islands, accessible only by boat or plane. There are roads within the communities themselves, but most of them are small enough to roam on foot. For slightly longer distances in Juneau, you can also use taxis or public buses.

When to go The entirety of the Inside Passage is considered a temperate rainforest, and southeast Alaska experiences distinct seasons comparable to Seattle or Vancouver further south. Traveling the Inside Passage is especially pleasant in summer and early autumn, with temperatures around 59°F–77°F. If you’re open to a chillier journey, you might avoid peak tourist season by waiting until after mid-August.

BELLINGHAM Take a running start at the Inside Passage by starting your voyage in Bellingham , Washington. Spend a quiet evening before your trip at the Fairhaven Village Inn ,  a quaint old hotel in the Historic Fairhaven District, and less than a ten-minute walk from the AMHS ferry terminal. Enjoy dinner and a glass of wine on the deck at Keenan’s at the Pier while the sun sets over Bellingham Bay. Before departing, have a hearty breakfast from local favorite Homeskillet .

KETCHIKAN After two nights on the ferry, you’ll be ready for a bed on land. Stay at the Cape Fox Lodge , overlooking Ketchikan from a hilltop reached by an old-school funicular. Book ahead for a flightseeing tour of Misty Fjords National Monument with Misty Fjords Air . For a less pricey excursion, take a kayak tour of the tranquil Tatoosh Islands. Be sure to visit the New York Café for meals or just a beer, while the Alaska Fish House serves the best local fish and chips.

WRANGELL Passes to tour the Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory are in high demand. Alaska Vistas offers a package that includes a permit, guide and two-hour round trip jetboat ride through the scenic Back Channel. In town, stay at the Squawking Raven B&B with its wrap-around deck, or Stikine Inn – its restaurant is the best in Wrangell. Look out for the Dungeness crab grilled cheese. Take a sunset hike to Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park and ponder the mysteries in the rocks.

PETERSBURG For a simple room with easy downtown access, book at the Tides Inn . Grab breakfast at The Salty Pantry before touring LaConte Glacier Bay via kayak or in the comfort of a heated powerboat, with guide Scott Roberge . Afterwards, hike the Hungry Point Trail, a gravel path cut through a spongy and surreal muskeg (Arctic bog). Don’t leave without ordering halibut beer bits in the diner at Coastal Cold Storage .

JUNEAU Enjoy the charms of the Silverbow Inn , a downtown boutique hotel. On nearby Franklin Street, grab dinner and beers at Devil’s Club Brewing Company . Walk one block north for a nightcap of Alaska’s best gin and tonic at the Amalga Distillery tasting room. The next day, head to Mendenhall Glacier, just twelve miles from downtown Juneau. Finish with a short hike along the Treadwell Mine Historic Trail to Sandy Beach.

Carson Vaughan visited southeastern Alaska with support from Travel Alaska . Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.

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Alaska & The Inside Passage – 7 Things You Should Know

The Inside Passage is one of the most beautiful and intriguing waterways in North America, with many great sights to see along the way.

Since a lot of people who haven’t visited or lived in Alaska are not familiar with it, they often have a lot of questions.

We’ll start with a brief history of the route and then I’ll answer seven of the most common questions that we as Alaskans get about the Inside Passage.

History and Explanation of the Inside Passage

The Inside Passage refers to a water route in the Pacific Northwest that is traveled by many boats, ships, ferries, and other watercraft.

It grew in popularity during the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s. Many gold prospectors used the route as a way to get to Alaska.

The location provides smoother sailing and is less prone to storms than the open ocean. That combined with the beautiful sights makes it a very popular tourist destination, particularly for cruise ships.

It is also called “The Inland Passage,” “The Inner Passage,” or “Passage Intérieur” in French, which is one of Canada’s official languages.

Does the Inside Passage Freeze?

It does not, for several reasons.

Despite the northern location, the Inside Passage remains ice-free year-round due to the moderating influence of the Pacific Ocean and the Japan Current. This warm ocean current keeps temperatures relatively mild, preventing the formation of sea ice. Therefore, the Inside Passage remains navigable throughout the year.

Because most of the Inside Passage is in or near a rainforest, the climate is a lot more temperate than you might expect. Temperatures rarely go below 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, which means that you will occasionally get a few pieces of ice mixed in, but the sheer amount of water and strong tides prevent it from ever freezing over.

It’s still very cold in the winter, though, with wind and rain mixed in. I took an Alaska Marine Highway ferry through it in November one time and nobody went outside except for on-duty crew members and the smokers.

Does the Inside Passage Have Glaciers?

The Inside Passage has a ton of glaciers! Well, closer to a half-ton, I suppose, since it’s estimated to have roughly 1,000 of them.

The area was completely frozen over during the most recent ice age. Once the ice began to melt, the passage was formed and some of the ice remained in the form of these glaciers.

At least that’s what they tell me. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t really there when the ice age ended, so I can’t prove it one way or the other.

Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier, the only one in Southeast Alaska that is accessible by road, is part of the Inside Passage, as are the nearby Sawyer and the Dawes.

Is the Inside Passage Part of Alaska or Canada?

Waters from both Canada and Alaska make up the Inside Passage, as well as the waters of Washington State.

The Gulf of Alaska and the Pacific Ocean are the main bodies of water on the northern side and Washington’s Puget Sound forms the southern end.

On the Canadian side, the Greater Salish Sea, the Johnstone Strait, and the Strait of Georgia make up the bulk of the Inside Passage.

It also runs through Cape Caution in British Columbia, which was named by the British Navigator George Vancouver due to the rocky terrain and bad weather, after he nearly lost his ship, the HMS Discovery, by driving it into a rock.

That story is the perfect example of why I would never sail the Inside Passage in a private vessel. I’ll leave that to the professionals so I can enjoy the lovely views.

Where Does The Inside Passage Start and End?

We’ve talked about the bodies of water that form the borders of the Inside Passage, so now we’ll look at the cities.

On the northern end, Haines and Skagway are both very close to the opening of Lynn Canal, which is considered the upper terminus.

It ends near Olympia, Washington, at the southernmost point of Puget Sound, which I would like to point out is not actually “disease-covered,” as Nirvana claims in their hit song “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle.”

In total, it runs for about 1,000 miles between the two points and is about 100 miles from east to west on the Alaskan side. It gets more narrow as it enters Canada and down into Washington.

Is the Inside Passage Considered “International Waters?”

Friends, this is why I do research to verify my answers to these questions. I thought I knew the answer here and had three paragraphs written out based on a “no” answer until I asked a professional and did some more research. The answer is now “some of it is, in a sense.”

“International waters” is actually not a legally defined term under international law. The principle of “open seas” or “high seas” is used, which comes from the Latin phrase mare liberum.

Water within 12 miles of a country’s coastline is called “ territorial waters ,” and they are directly controlled by the country that owns the shore. Beyond that, you have international waters.

However, countries are also allowed something called “ Exclusive Economic Zones ” (EEZ), which extend 200 miles from the shore.

The bordering countries are allowed a certain amount of control over these waters, but they are not allowed to restrict passage either on the water itself or in the water’s airspace.

“International Waters” doesn’t really mean much anyway, because the whole “the open sea is the wild west” thing is actually a myth.

You can’t get married by a ship’s captain on the high seas (unless he’s properly ordained as a minister) and you can’t commit felonies on the water without being prosecuted, either.

The country where you registered the ship has jurisdiction over you while in open waters and can prosecute you for any laws you happen to break.

So, to sum up:

The Inside Passage is technically considered International Waters at points beyond 12 miles from shore. In practice, however, both Canada and the United States exert a certain amount of control over their respective portions and the Coast Guards of both countries patrol the waters.

As the Inside Passage averages just over 100 miles wide (and 500 miles long), this equates to a large amount of “International Water”.

Is an Inside Passage Cruise Worth It?

Oh, definitely. If you want to see glaciers, bears, whales, mountains, and a variety of other amazing sights at a safe distance, a cruise through these waters is highly recommended.

You’ll also get the enjoy the rich history and hospitality of both countries, as many cruise ships will dock in Prince Rupert or Vancouver, British Columbia, on their way from Seattle up to Alaska.

They can definitely be a little on the expensive side, but the experience is worth the cost. I’ve never been on a cruise, but I’ve lived in Southeast Alaska for over 30 years and, in all my travels, I’ve never quite found a place as beautiful as my home.

What is the Best Time and Way to See The Inside Passage?

The best time to book your trip to the Inside Passage is now. The best time to go is in the summer when things will be decidedly warmer.

The tourist season in Alaska is May to September because those are the ideal weather months. If you don’t mind the cold and a little snow, the winter months are a good time to visit the cities.

I don’t recommend the Inside Passage in winter, however, because strong winds, cold weather, and a combination of rain, snow, or both dominate the area.

If you aren’t a fan of cruise ships a great way to see the Inside Passage is to take an Alaska Marine Highway Ferry .

The ferry departs from Bellingham, Washington, and sails through the Inside Passage up to Juneau , Ketchikan, or Skagway.

Other Facts and Tidbits

The Inside Passage is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, with over two million people passing through every year.

It is also how Juneau and other cities in Southeast Alaska get most of their freight. Since there are no roads to these communities, everything must be flown or sent on sail barges from Seattle or Bellingham and sailed up.

This is one of the reasons why it’s sometimes harder to find fresh fruit or produce in Southeast Alaska. Unless it’s flown in from Seattle, it all sits on the boat for two or three days on its journey north.

In addition to freight and cruises, there are also smaller excursion vessels that visit the Inside Passage. Many of these are focused on seeing wildlife.

One company that you might not expect to operate these expeditions is National Geographic . These can be pretty expensive, at $7,500 each for a double occupancy cabin or around $11,000 for a single.

That said, it is an eight-day cruise that starts in Juneau, sails around the Inside Passage, and then ends in Sitka .

Final Thoughts

Of all the sights that Alaska has to offer, some of my absolute favorites are found in the Inside Passage. There are over 1,000 islands filled with all kinds of amazing wildlife.

It’s also a great way to see raw, unfiltered Alaska. There are definitely cities and towns along the way, but a lot of what you’ll be seeing is untouched by humans.

It is the purest form of nature and one that most people don’t get a chance to see. I’ve lived in Juneau for 30 years and I’ve only done a few boat trips around the Passage in that time.

If you have the time, money, and opportunity, I highly recommend booking a trip through the Inside Passage.

Even if you don’t want to pay for a cruise, at the time of writing, an Alaska Marine Highway ticket from Bellingham , Washington, to Juneau, Alaska is less than $500 per person. Bellingham to Ketchikan is only $342.

You could also fly on Alaska Airlines or Delta from Seattle for less than $150 per person and take a ferry back down. Visiting the Inside Passage doesn’t have to be a strain on your budget.

No matter how you choose to make the voyage, you’re guaranteed to see amazing wildlife (and at a safe distance!) in their natural habitats. You’ll have memories and stories to share for years to come.

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Alaska cruise review: a voyage through the Inside Passage

This seven-day trip on the Koningsdam cruises through Alaska’s scenic coastal waters

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If there’s one place in the world to coax a confirmed cruise-sceptic onto the water, it’s Alaska, where the spectacular wildlife and landscapes are all but unreachable by other means. Even the capital, Juneau, is severed from the rest of the state – and the rest of North America – by the high peaks of the Coast Mountains, which remain unconquered by rail or road.

Giant cruise ships: monsters of the high seas Regent Seven Seas Explorer review: luxury to the ends of the Earth

In fact, an Alaskan cruise involves whole days seeing no sign of human settlement along the shore, just an endless scroll of ocean, forest, mountains and mist. The ship, by contrast, is the embodiment of our impulse to get out into the world, and take with us all the comforts and luxuries we have created. At times, I would forget I was at sea, only to look up from a table in a restaurant and see a wall of ice slipping serenely past the window – or, on one occasion, the tall dorsal fins of two orcas.

Alaska’s Inside Passage

My week-long trip, aboard Holland America Line’s Koningsdam ship, followed a circular route through the Inside Passage, a network of straits and fjords which snake their way along the coast, protected from the heavier seas of the Gulf of Alaska by a long string of islands. We spent one day each in the towns of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, one day circumnavigating Glacier Bay, and the rest of the days at sea. We sailed through the nights too, although that’s a relative term in June: on the summer solstice, we had just two hours of true darkness.

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Tours and activities

Such is the range of excursions on offer that any two Koningsdam passengers could enjoy entirely different cruises. One hypothetical couple might proceed from stateroom to spa to pool, signing up for an art class or two and disembarking only for private, chauffeur-driven tours of the Alaskan interior. On their return, they might while away the evening with a whisky or wine tasting, or retire to the theatre to see a live orchestra play along to BBC wildlife documentaries. Another, more restless, traveller, might be in a sea kayak soon after sunrise, on quad bikes or dog sleds one day and up in a helicopter the next, or sailing out in a small boat to fish for salmon. Evenings might be spent roving between the gym, the casino and the live music venues.

I plotted a middle course, keeping some shore time free to explore the frontier towns of Skagway and Ketchikan on foot, but joining tours where they would take me places I couldn’t reach under my own steam (including into Canada’s Yukon territory – even emptier than Alaska – for a landscape photography workshop). The highlight was a small boat tour of the whale-rich waters around Juneau, where we watched a humpback mother and calf making their way through the channel. The hours melted away as we learned and predicted their movements – the water spout, followed by three or four shallow arcs through the waves and a big flourish of the tail before they dived back into the deep.

Koningsdam accommodates 2,650 guests, making it a medium-sized ship by today’s expansive standards (and the best in that class, according to USA Today’s readers’ choice awards). The cheapest rooms are the inside cabins in the belly of the vessel, but it’s worth paying the relatively modest premium (from about £450 per person) for a suite with floor-to-ceiling patio doors leading onto a private verandah. This is not the place to deprive yourself of a view, and the chance to leap out of bed and straight into the chilly dawn air, as I did when jetlag got me up early enough one morning to watch the sunrise.

Restaurants and bars

In four of the ship’s nine restaurants, food is included in the price of the cruise (with the exception of a few special dishes such as lobster and caviar). These range from a food court-style buffet and poolside burger bar to the main dining room, which serves three à la carte courses at most meal times. The speciality restaurants, which require advance booking and a supplement of about £30 per person, offer a more intimate setting. The Pinnacle Grill steakhouse is worth booking early given its tendency to sell out, but Nami Sushi, with its fresh Alaskan seafood and panoramic views, is the pick of the bunch.

Holden Frith travelled as a guest of Holland America Line. A seven-day Alaskan Inside Passage cruise aboard the Koningsdam, departing Vancouver on 16 September 2023, has inside staterooms starting at £1,121 per person based on two people sharing, including one shore excursion per guest, one speciality dining reservation and a signature drinks package. Other dates are available between May and September.

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Holden Frith is The Week’s digital director. He also makes regular appearances on “The Week Unwrapped”, speaking about subjects as diverse as vaccine development and bionic bomb-sniffing locusts. He joined The Week in 2013, spending five years editing the magazine’s website. Before that, he was deputy digital editor at The Sunday Times. He has also been TheTimes.co.uk’s technology editor and the launch editor of Wired magazine’s UK website. Holden has worked in journalism for nearly two decades, having started his professional career while completing an English literature degree at Cambridge University. He followed that with a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University in Chicago. A keen photographer, he also writes travel features whenever he gets the chance. 

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Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea

Witnessing the elusive northern lights flickering across the sky might cause you to gasp because it's actually that cool. The colorful ribbons of green look like something from outer space — and they are. Auroras appear when charged particles collide with Earth's atmosphere.

Seeing the ethereal display, also known as the aurora borealis, is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. Cruise ships can take you to destinations where your chances of catching Mother Nature's special light show are improved.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Remember that seeing this phenomenon doesn't involve a cruise director flipping on a switch. Witnessing the northern lights requires clear and dark skies, late-night viewing hours, enough solar activity for the colors to appear and a big dose of luck. Keep that in mind before you invest all your cruise vacation hopes in this one experience.

Where can I see the northern lights on a cruise?

The lights are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere and especially in locations on the so-called auroral oval, a ring zone over the polar regions. In cruising terms, that means prime viewing is in northern Alaska (which is easily accessible on cruisetours), Norway, Iceland, Arctic Canada and parts of Greenland.

Just off the auroral ring is the rest of Alaska. If you are on a cruise in the Inside Passage before April 21 or after Aug. 21 and are willing to be awake in the middle of the night (the lights tend to appear in Alaska after midnight), there's a chance you'll see the aurora borealis.

Cruise lines operating in Alaska — including Holland America , Princess Cruises and UnCruise Adventures — have northern lights sign-up sheets so you don't have to stay up all night, every night, hoping to see the display. Put your name on the list, and you'll receive a wake-up call or knock on your cabin door if there's aurora action. Plan to put on your clothes or bathrobe quickly, as the lights might only appear for a few minutes. (They could also last considerably longer.)

Related: Peak solar activity is forecast for 2024: Here are the best places around the world to see the northern lights

If you're interested in where to see the northern lights outside Alaska, the Arctic city of Alta, Norway, calls itself "The City of Northern Lights."

Alta's credentials include the world's first permanent observatory for viewing the aurora borealis; it was built there in 1899. A whole industry has sprung up around the lights, including such extravagant shore excursions as an overnight in a tent with viewing windows at a Sami dog-sledding camp. Alta is also home to the Northern Lights Cathedral, an architectural landmark.

Tromso is another Norwegian destination known as a hub for aurora borealis viewing. In late January, there's a northern lights arts festival featuring top artists in various musical genres.

Cunard Line and Hurtigruten are among the lines that visit northern Norway in the fall. However, the peak viewing season is from November to March (see below). Viking also visits but in the winter.

Iceland, Greenland and Arctic Canada appear on many expedition ships' itineraries during northern lights season, mostly early in the season in August and September. Lines with ships there include Quark Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions and Lindblad Expeditions.

When can I see the northern lights on a cruise?

Because of the late-setting and early rising midnight sun, it's way too light during the summer to see the northern lights in the destinations mentioned, but solar activity does take place year-round.

If you have a goal of seeing the aurora borealis in any of the destinations discussed here, you're best off booking as far into the fall as you can find a cruise. Norway is the only prime northern lights destination with winter cruises.

The lights like to appear in the wee hours — particularly between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. — in Alaska. An advantage in Norway is that it's dark enough to see them for a longer period during fall and winter.

Do cruisetours in Alaska improve my chances of seeing the lights?

Cruisetours in Alaska can improve your odds of seeing the aurora because they get you to Fairbanks and other inland destinations in Alaska that tend to have more cloud-free skies than in the Inside Passage, where cruise ships sail.

While you might see the lights from Denali National Park and Preserve during the viewing season, venturing to Fairbanks and points farther north will increase your odds.

Fairbanks tourism folks like to brag that if you visit for at least three nights between Aug. 21 and April 21, your chances of seeing the aurora borealis are more than 90%. (That assumes you are out actively looking during the late evening hours.)

Since your cruisetour might not visit for three nights, consider booking extra hotel nights before or after your cruise. Other things to do in this laid-back city (human population: about 100,000; moose population: 16,000) include riverboat tours, gold panning and yoga with reindeer.

You can also see the lights in Canada's Yukon Territory, including in the gold rush town of Dawson City, which is visited on some Holland America cruisetours.

Related: What's the best way to view the northern lights? We tried to see them by air, land and sea

Should I go on a cruise just to see the northern lights?

Yes, but remember that the phenomenon is dependent on the weather (clear skies required) and hard to predict, despite scientists' best efforts.

Viking has wintertime cruises to Norway from London specifically designed to track the lights in the Norwegian Sea during the peak viewing season — throughout the cruise but especially above the Arctic Circle in Tromso and Alta (where the sailings stop overnight). It's dark in these locales in winter, increasing your chances.

Hurtigruten is so invested in its northern lights experiences that it has hired famed northern lights astronomer Tom Kerss as its "chief aurora chaser." He will serve as an onboard expert, offering talks and workshops for passengers.

The line is so sure you will see the lights on the October-through-March sailings of its year-round 11- and 12-day Norwegian Coastal Express itineraries that the company has a guarantee called the Northern Lights Promise. If the deck's officers don't announce to all on board that the northern lights are happening, you can get a six- or seven-day Norwegian Coastal cruise for free.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Petersburg welcomes first tour boat of the 2024 cruise season

Posted by Shelby Herbert | Apr 30, 2024

It’s that time of year again – when wide-eyed strangers in matching jackets come wandering through town, asking for directions. 

Petersburg saw its first cruise ship of the year on Saturday, April 27, when the 150-foot Sea Lion tied up to the float at the local drive down dock and disembarked passengers for eight hours. The small National Geographic vessel will make one other stop in town this year, when they return down Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage on September 15th, near the end of the cruise season.

2023 was a record-breaking year for tourism in Alaska, and the Alaska Travel Industry Association forecasts another boom year for cruises. But the number of port calls in Petersburg is projected to drop a little bit from the last two years. The Harbor Department is anticipating 105 stops this year, compared to 118 in 2022 and 110 in 2022. They’re expecting fewer boats this year partly because one of the community’s former visitors has gone out of business. 

American Queen, the company that used to operate the 341-foot Ocean Victory, has folded — dropping six port calls from Petersburg’s list. The cruise line filed for bankruptcy in February and canceled all future voyages, citing its inability to rebound from the pandemic.

Steve Giesbrecht, Petersburg’s Borough Manager, says he’s confident that the Borough’s list of stopovers will fluctuate over the summer. He says the Borough’s yearly estimation is sometimes lower than what actually comes to pass. He says the number of ships doesn’t necessarily translate to the density of the passengers aboard them. Altogether, he says it’s difficult for the Borough to estimate the number of tourists who will actually leave the boat and spend money in town. 

Every year, the Borough collects moorage fees from cruise ships and a “head tax” from passengers who stop through. They go into accounts that pay for things that support the local tourism industry, like upkeep at the library and local harbors. Last year, the Borough collected $40,145 in head taxes and $80,483 in moorage fees. 

The next ship to arrive in port is the 236-foot Venture, which is scheduled to pull into Petersburg’s dock on May 6 and disembark passengers for 12 hours. The community will see regular cruise ship traffic after May 12.

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Alaska Cruises from Vancouver

Take in the scenic inside passage on a roundtrip alaska cruise from vancouver.

Uncover treasures in the Great Land on an Alaska cruise from Vancouver. Relive Gold Rush history, experience Native Alaskan culture and come face-to-face with some of Mother Nature’s greatest masterpieces. On a roundtrip Inside Passage cruise, enjoy quicker access to Alaska while also exploring the friendly ports of British Columbia.

Itinerary Ports

When you cruise to Alaska from Vancouver, encounter unique ports of call that are rich in history, culture and natural beauty.

• Endicott Arm
• Glacier Bay National Park
• Hubbard Glacier
• Icy Strait Point

Endicott Arm is a jewel in Alaska’s crown. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska.

When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park.

The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. See it for yourself on an Alaska cruise with Princess.

Icy Strait Point is home to the remote Tlingit village of Hoonah, home to fewer than 800 people and a deep Native history. The nearby Spasski River Valley holds one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears, who are often found hunting for salmon in the rivers. Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation.

Juneau is unlike any other city in the United States. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.

Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska.

On an Alaska cruise, take your pick of attractions in the port of Sitka. See how bald eagles and local bird populations receive first-class treatment at the Alaska Raptor Center. Encounter wildlife in their natural habitat at the Fortress of the Bear. Or experience the culture of Russian Alaska on a visit to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, and relive Native history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.

Canada's third largest city feels like a North American metropolis mixed with a small European town. Explore the rainforest within Vancouver, B.C. — Stanley Park — and visit the continent's second largest Chinatown during your Alaska cruise vacation. Soar above the city's lush natural environment in a sky gondola for panoramic views, or get up close to the local sea life at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Why Choose This Itinerary?

Discover the top reasons to cruise to Alaska from Vancouver.

• Glacier Viewing  — Alaska’s glaciers were meant to be admired. That’s why every Alaska cruise from Vancouver includes at least one glacier viewing experience to either Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier.
• Three Historic Ports of Call  — Fish for salmon in Ketchikan, pan for gold in Skagway or fly over snow-capped mountains in Juneau. Relive Alaska’s greatest tales in these spirited ports of call on an Inside Passage cruise.
• Convenient Roundtrip Air Travel  — On a roundtrip cruise to Alaska from Vancouver, enjoy easier travels to and from your cruise vacation with the opportunity for even more adventure before you set sail or after your trip ends.
• A Visit to Vancouver  — From Chinatown to Stanley Park, uncover old-world history amidst new-age living in Vancouver before or after your Alaska cruise.

Ships on this Itinerary

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from our smaller vessels to large ships. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at the glaciers passing by before enjoying local seafood in one of our many eateries during your Alaska cruise.

Caribbean Princess®

Coral Princess®

Grand Princess®

Ruby Princess®

Sapphire Princess®

Alaska Cruise Experience

We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks.

Alaska Glaciers

One of the biggest reasons people visit

Glaciers feel alive. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Alaska Wildlife

Untamed, just like Alaska

Alaska is home to a rich array of wildlife, from the famous Big Five animals that live in Denali National Park — grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou — to bald eagles and humpback whales that migrate through the Inside Passage. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.

Alaska Mountains & National Parks

National treasures

With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Along with Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

Alaska excursions

Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.

Alaska Cruise Onboard Experience

Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land.

Alaska Seafood

Fresh and bountiful, like Alaska itself

Alaska's seafood is famous, and we bring the best to you with locally inspired dishes from the state’s best eateries. With Cook My Catch excursions, catch your own salmon or halibut with the help of a local expert, and in the evening our talented chefs will prepare your haul for your dinner — a Princess exclusive. From ship to shore, the best is at your fingertips on our Alaska cruises.

Meet Local Alaskans

Real Alaska from local Alaskans

Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise.

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Great experiences from the great land

Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium. At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Or savor tree-inspired bites at our very own Sappy Hour. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine, and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2024-2025

The best cruise line in Alaska just keeps getting better! From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess.

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise.

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Alaska Ports of Call

From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Check out our helpful checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise with Princess.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

See Alaska through our guests' eyes.

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Alaska cruises.

See the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife, and national parks.

Alaska Cruisetours

Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience.

North to Alaska

Immerse yourself in all things Alaska with our onboard program.

Alaska Cruise Tips: When to Go, What to Pack, How to Choose, and More

• I’m a seasoned traveler who firmly believes the best way to experience Alaska’s incredible scenery is on an Alaska cruise.
• Think of an Alaska cruise like a floating hotel that carries you to a breathtaking new destination each day.
• Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or have lots of shipboard experience, these tips will help you make most of your Alaska cruise vacation.

I’ve cruised all over the world, and I can honestly say there’s no other cruise experience that quite compares to an Alaska cruise. Seeing the untouched landscapes, glacier-dotted shorelines, and penguins and bears at play really puts life into perspective—and makes for a truly unforgettable travel experience no matter your age.

Many people choose to make an Alaska cruise their first foray into cruising . First timers are attracted to the state’s majestic beauty, but not necessarily savvy to the bounty that a cruise ship offers. If you’re considering a cruise to America’s Last Frontier, here’s how to make the most of it.

EVERYTHING’S INCLUDED: 7 Best All-Inclusive Cruise Lines in the World  

1. You can Save Money by Cruising to Alaska in May, June, and September

The Alaska cruise season is brief. Alaska cruises start each year in May and run through early October. The most popular (and expensive) months to cruise are July and August, coinciding with summer family vacations and translating into ships that are often filled with kids. 

If you aren’t tethered to a school-year schedule ( or don’t mind taking your kids out of school ), you may want to consider a shoulder season cruise to Alaska. This translates to sailings in late May, June, or September. On these shoulder season cruises, you’re likely to find lower prices and less crowded cruise ships. 

2. Pack for All Four Seasons (and Don’t Forget Binoculars)

Alaska’s climate is notoriously unpredictable. I advise packing warm clothes that are easy to layer on and peel off. Bringing gloves, hats, and a scarf is not unreasonable. On the flip side, Alaska is quite far north, and long summer days offer midnight sun and potentially warm temperatures. Many ships have swimming pools and hot tubs, so don’t forget bathing suits and sunscreen . 

A comfortable pair of walking shoes are a must if you want to keep your feet feeling good as you explore each port of call. Binoculars can help you spot a range of animals in their natural habitat. Make sure each person in your group has their own pair so they can spot Alaska’s Big Five land mammals (Black and brown bears, moose, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep) as well as orcas, puffins, and bald eagles.

3. Shore Excursions Are a Must

As wonderful as shipboard life is, to really experience Alaska you need to disembark at each port of call. Getting off the ship is a great way to get in touch with native Alaskan culture that’s reflected in towering totem poles, hand-woven decorative fabrics, and other native crafts. Alaska cruises offer dozens of shore excursions from whale-watching to dogsledding, many curated with kids and families in mind. 

4. How to Choose between The Inside Passage or the Gulf of Alaska

The sheltered waterway known as the Inside Passage is a very popular cruise route. As your ship weaves through a patchwork of islands, with fjords and glaciers thrown in for good measure, you’ll witness wildlife and scenery that looks lifted from a postcard. Alaska cruises taking this route usually make a round-trip journey from either Seattle or Vancouver, cities that have major airports with numerous flight options.

WHERE TO GO: 25 Best Family Vacation Spots in the U.S. for All Ages

The other popular cruise itinerary is the Gulf of Alaska, a stretch of the Pacific Ocean that hugs the southern coast. This equally scenic itinerary is usually a one-way sailing, departing from Seattle or Vancouver and terminating in either Whittier or Seward, Alaska (or vice versa). If you want to add on post- or pre-cruise destinations such as Anchorage and Denali National Park, starting or ending your cruise in Alaska makes it easy to do so.

Keep in mind you will arrive and depart from different cities, requiring the purchase of a multi-city airline ticket (unless you live within driving distance from Seattle or Vancouver), which can be quite costly. 

5. Utilize the Onboard Naturalist

Booking an Alaska cruise cruise that has an onboard naturalist is a no-brainer. On my recent Princess cruise to Alaska, our Canadian naturalist went above and beyond his job’s description, spending each evening on deck 16 hanging out with passengers, helping us spot humpback whales and see the Northern Lights until well past midnight. 

Small ship cruise lines such as  Lindblad Expeditions, which partners with National Geographic , offer families a deep dive into the natural world with the expertise of naturalists who cater to curious kids as they learn environmental stewardship. 

If your ship takes you to Glacier Bay National Park, park rangers are usually brought on board as the ship cruises through the park, helping you to better understand the fragile beauty surrounding you.

6. Spring for an Exterior Stateroom

While interior cabins will save you money, Alaska’s eye-candy beauty and abundance of wildlife merit the added expense of an exterior stateroom (with a balcony if available). From the moment you wake up, you’ll be treated to spellbinding scenery at all hours. 

7. Don’t Skip the Buffet

While many large and mid-size cruise ships promote their specialty restaurants, these dining options usually incur an extra fee, which can quickly add up when you’re booking a table for your entire family. The ship’s buffet is a low-stakes, no-additional-cost way for kids to sample global cuisine. If crowds are a deterrent, hit the buffet a bit early or late, when lines tend to be thinner. 

MAKE MEMORIES: 50 Family Vacation Ideas for the Best Trip Ever  

On my family’s recent Alaska cruise, we were thrilled with the smorgasbord of edible delights from across the world. We couldn’t get enough of the authentic Indian food, feasting on tandoori chicken and fragrant curries served with refreshing raitas and savory chutneys. The Chinese food section let us customize our stir-fry with veggies and proteins of our choice, including tofu, perfect for my vegetarian daughter.

8. Be Prepared for Some Seasickness

The Inside Passage is sheltered, equaling waters that are usually quite calm. However, if your itinerary crosses the Gulf of Alaska, the sea tends to be rougher. Whichever route your ship takes, being prepared with seasickness remedies is essential. I don’t suffer from sea sickness but my daughter uses Sea-Band acupressure wristbands with good results. 

9. Take Advantage of Onboard Activities

Most large and mid-size cruise ships sailing Alaska itineraries have age-appropriate supervised clubs for kids and teens at no additional cost. These programs give young passengers the opportunity to spend time with their peers and try new activities, freeing parents to enjoy a bit of adult time. 

BRING THE KIDS: 7 Great Cruise Lines for Families (and Their 12 Most Kid-Friendly Ships)  

Cruise ships offer a range of ways for families to spend time together. Try a game of pickleball on all Holland America ships or enjoy a ride on the bumper cars at Royal Caribbean’s SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity complex at sea. Evening entertainment, including Broadway-style musical performances on Disney cruises, is always a highlight as well. 

10. Discounts for Kids Are Real and Significant

Keep an eye out for periodic kids sail free deals where children ages 18 and under can sail for no charge beyond taxes, fees, and port expenses. These promotions make a family vacation more affordable. Holland America is one cruise line that offers these bargains frequently on Alaska cruises, while small ships such as Lindblad and UnCruise always offer a $500 discount for children. 

You Might Also Like:

• New Vacation Trend: European River Cruise Companies Are Now Targeting Family Travelers
• I’ve Been on 6 Different Cruise Lines, Here Are the Pros and Cons of Each One
• 12 Best Amtrak Vacations and Scenic Train Rides in North America  

The post Alaska Cruise Tips: When to Go, What to Pack, How to Choose, and More appeared first on FamilyVacationist .