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The itineraries often range from 7 to 10 days, providing a more laid-back, immersive experience. Large ship cruises are akin to floating cities, offering a plethora of amenities and activities. These ships can carry anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 passengers and are operated by well-known companies like Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. Skagway offers helicopter tours that fly over the glaciers and ice fields of the Chilkat Range, providing breathtaking aerial views.
Inside Passage with Glacier Bay
For those looking to take their Alaska experience to new heights, helicopter tours offer an unparalleled view of the region’s stunning landscapes. In Juneau, you can take a helicopter ride to the Mendenhall Glacier, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk on the glacier itself. We also consider taking the Goldbelt tram to sunset as a must-see.
Where Is Alaska’s Inside Passage?
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. New small ship cruises, adventure trips, ships & the best deals at your fingertips. 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.
UnCruise Alaska Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise
Seattle is known as "The Emerald City" thanks to its green forests and lush surroundings. Pike Place Market buzzes with merchants while coffee shops house locals drinking espresso in America's coffee capital. Climb the Space Needle and enjoy the Seattle skyline, or explore the history of Pioneer Square, the city's oldest neighborhood — only when you cruise to Alaska from Seattle. Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory.
Pre- or Post Cruise Options in Seattle or Vancouver
It’s one of the few routes in the world with water deep enough for cruise ships to sidle up to cliffs. Inside Passage Alaska cruises glide through a dreamscape—from white-capped peaks to calving glaciers and deep fjords to forest-blanketed land as far as the eye can see. Here’s everything you need to know about Alaska cruises to the famed Inside Passage, from where the passage is to how to pack for the weather. All passengers regardless of their home country, citizenship or country of residency are responsible for obtaining the proper documentation for travel. This includes passports and visas for any country they may visit during their trip. The Alaska Cruise season begins in late April and continues through September.
THE 25 BEST Cruises to Sitka, AK 2024 (with Prices) - Sitka Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Cruises to Sitka, AK 2024 (with Prices) - Sitka Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:46:00 GMT [source]
Make the most of each day and get the most out of the naturalists. [I most enjoyed] Watching the Sawyer glacier calving and hanging out with the sea lions and eagles. This trip exceeded our expectations (and that isn't an easy thing).
THE 23 BEST Viking Ocean Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 23 BEST Viking Ocean Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 21:43:14 GMT [source]
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, Holland America Line offers specialized itineraries that focus on wildlife watching. Their cruises often include stops at Glacier Bay National Park and Tracy Arm Fjord, where you can spot humpback whales, sea otters, and bald eagles. Onboard, enjoy lectures from naturalists to deepen your understanding of Alaska’s unique ecosystems. Having personally sailed the Inside Passage, we can vouch for its extraordinary beauty and adventure. Unlike other Alaska cruise routes, the Inside Passage lets you intimately experience untouched wilderness, charming coastal towns, and a wide array of wildlife, from humpback whales to bald eagles.
Choose between two 76- & 84-guest Wilderness expedition ships as your home base. 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. From cultural lectures to cooking classes that focus on Alaskan cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Plus, their ships often include accessible options to make the journey more comfortable for those with mobility issues. Each month offers something different, from calmer seas in May to warmer temperatures in July.
The largest ship on our curated Inside Passage cruise itineraries are the 100-guest identical sister ships National Geographic Venture and Quest. 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. If you leave (or arrive) Vancouver, you are inside of Vancouver Island for a substantial distance, in an area well known for wildlife. However if you travel from Seattle, the ship very often travels outside of Vancouver island, often far enough out that the shore is not visible. So some people believe they are not really getting as much "Inside Passage" on the Seattle itineraries. Always, the exact route is up to the Captain with safety the first consideration so any particular voyage may vary in route.
You can also take some 14-day versions that depart from San Francisco or San Diego. Don’t forget the chance to explore Juneau, Alaska’s scenic capital, where you can hike to the Mendenhall Glacier or go on a whale-watching tour. Add the iconic railway journey on the White Pass & Yukon Route in Skagway, which takes you through stunning mountainous landscapes. With multiple dining options, entertainment venues, swimming pools, and even shopping centers, large ship cruises offer a wide range of itineraries, typically ranging from 7 to 14 days.
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. Get an up-close view of Alaska’s wild seascapes, no matter which direction you look. Sail through ice-carved fjords flanked by sky-piercing mountains. Tongass National Park is filled with lofty spruce, hemlock and cedar trees, while giant calving glaciers pack Glacier Bay National Park.
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. 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. When cruising fjords, look for chubby otters and seals laying out on ice floes. You may see humpback whales, those baleen behemoths known for their frequent and photogenic breaching. Stay alert for crafty orcas who feed on salmon in the Alaska Inside Passage.
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. Wildlife Encounters - A cruise of the Inner Passages offers wildlife encounters galore.
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