Inside Passage Cruises
Mention an “Alaska cruise” and what comes to mind? Usually, the answer is the “Inside Passage.” Why? This protected waterway is one of the most scenic in the world and one of the few locations where deep-draft vessels can sail close to steep mountain walls. Massive tidewater glaciers, forest-clad islands, ice-carved fjords, and charming coastal towns such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Haines and Skagway await you here. On small ship cruises, you’ll visit even more intimate ports of call.
Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier are highlights. Ever since the 1890’s visitors have come to Alaska because of wondrous reports about Glacier Bay—stories of towering glaciers which calve icebergs into the sea and scenic beauty beyond belief. When the famous naturalist John Muir explored Glacier Bay, much of the bay we have today did not yet exist. In fact, one of the key reasons Glacier Bay has been preserved as a national park is that it’s a living laboratory; as the ice recedes, scientists can now study the advancement of plants and animals, unlocking mysteries of ice ages past. Ever changing, Glacier Bay National Park is still one of Alaska’s most popular coastal attractions and most visited national parks.
Best Large Ship Itineraries
Average $1,499
10 Days
Ports of Call: Seattle, Reedsport, Strathcona A, Juneau, Skagway, Gustavus, Ketchikan, Mount Waddington, Victoria, San Francisco
Cruise Ship Type: Large Ship Cruises
Ship Name: Princess, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity
For those looking for a cruise-only experience, this is a great option. It is a round-trip cruise from San Francisco (meaning you will not have to by one-way tickets like you will for a cross-gulf cruise), and you still hit the highlights of the Inside Passage; Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway & Glacier Bay National Park. While you will not be able to add a land tour, it offers a great sampling of Alaska.
Best Small Ship Itineraries
Discover Southeast Alaska’s natural wonders aboard a chartered sailboat with Sailing Alaska. Customize your private expedition with experienced captain John Joeright and enjoy all-inclusive meals, comfortable accommodations, and endless adventures on the 46-foot S/V Shamrock. Watch whales, hike, fish, visit local communities, and more — all at your own pace.
$6,100+
13 Days / 12 Nights
Ports of Call: Seattle, San Juan Island, Southeast / Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Tongass National Forest, Sitka, Glacier Bay National Park, Hoonah / Icy Strait, Juneau
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: Safari Endeavour, Wilderness Legacy, Safari Explorer, Safari Quest
Call for Quote
Custom
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: The Sea Mist
Design your exclusive itinerary then set sail into the vast open waters and wildlife-rich shorelines of Prince William Sound aboard your own spacious and private yacht. Up to six passengers can sit back, relax, and experience an intimate tour. Most guests enjoy the 5‑day/4‑night trips, but you can book longer 10-day/9‑night expeditions.
$5600+
8 Days / 7 Nights
Ports of Call: Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park, Hoonah / Icy Strait, Sitka
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: Safari Endeavour
Start your wilderness journey in Juneau, the state capitol of Alaska, and end in Sitka, the perfect spot to view the melding of Russian and Alaska Native cultures. In between, visit Glacier Bay National Park, go bird watching on South Marble Island, look for whales in Icy Strait, hike along intertidal zones, and when your captain sets the course for adventure, slip into your kayak or skiff for a day of guided exploration. (Itinerary also ...more
$4,800+
7 Nights / 8 Days
Ports of Call: Juneau, Petersburg, Wrangell, Ketchikan
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: Wilderness Discoverer
Bear Paw Charters offers private, all-inclusive day trips and longer tours on its luxury yacht — perfect for whale watching, bear viewing, and experiencing Alaska’s scenic majesty.
Explore Alaska by chartering the 90-foot yacht Alaskan Story, out of Juneau. It’s the perfect way to see some of the state’s most stunningly beautiful areas, like Glacier Bay National Park, and enjoy lots of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing along the way.
$5,850+ (Inside Passage $2,650+)
5 days / 4 nights
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: M/V Sea Star
Set sail for 5 days and 4 nights with the crew of the M/V Sea Star for small ship adventure cruising in Prince William Sound, Kenai Peninsula or along the Inside Passage. The well-appointed yacht accommodates just 12 guests, allowing for a personalized experience where you are the explorer! Unplug from day-to-day life and soak up the wonders of Alaska’s amazing coastline. All meals prepared by an on-board chef and featuring fresh local ...more
$7,200+
14 Nights / 15 Days
Ports of Call: Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park, Wrangell, Ketchikan
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: Wilderness Explorer
$6,100+
8 Days / 7 Nights
Ports of Call: Juneau, Hoonah / Icy Strait, Glacier Bay National Park
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: Safari Quest, Wilderness Adventurer
Get close to Dawes, Margerie and Grand Pacific Glacier and spend one day in Glacier Bay National Park, guided by an expert naturalist. Explore Fords Terror Wilderness area by skiff, hike inland on Chichagof Island, and Bushwack in the Tongass National Forest. Search for Humpback whales in Frederick Sound and Chatham Straight, and be on the lookout for black and brown bears, eagles, seat otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and sea birds during your ...more
$6,100+
7 Nights / 8 Days
Ports of Call: Juneau, Hoonah / Icy Strait, Glacier Bay National Park
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: Safari Quest
This itinerary includes two full days in Glacier Bay National Park, including active exploration in the outback. Visit Margerie and Grand Pacific glaciers. Go ashore in Haines for hiking, biking, a float trip and history. Look for wildlife on shore and at sea, with exceptional birding opportunities at South Marble Island.