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Most Alaska glaciers—except for Hubbard and a few others—are shrinking rapidly, an alarming indication of climate change. Marine life has been a highlight of all the Alaska cruises I’ve ever taken. From Kenai Fjords and Glacier Bay National Park to the many Sounds and Straits of the Inside Passage, watching wildlife in the waters of Alaska has always proven rewarding. To be honest, our visit to Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park was hampered by terrible weather. It was cold and rainy, the rocks at low tide were extremely slippery, and our local tour guide (who was new and not exployed by the cruise companies) didn’t seem to know much about the site’s history.
Black Diamond ATV Adventure
Alaska's ultimate small ship cruise adventures in beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound! Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Discover this small fishing town or capture views of glaciers by helicopter, boat or kayak.
Driving the Inside Passage Route
Seeing the varied landscapes, abundant marine wildlife, and tidewater glaciers by cruise ship is one of the top ways to travel to and around Alaska. 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. Temperatures are warm, with highs in the ’70s and low ’80s (and rising, thanks to climate change).
Best Large Ship Itineraries
Inside Passage cruises venture along Alaska’s southeastern coast, guarded from rough seas by hundreds of islands. Cruise itineraries are generally seven to ten days, typically departing from Seattle or Vancouver, BC. Alaska land and sea cruise packages include round-trip or one-way itineraries, and often include post-cruise land tour options on a train or motorcoach for travelers wanting to continue their Alaska exploration.
Ports of Call on This Cruise
Our all-inclusive lodge, secluded in an unforgettable bay at the far south edge of... Alaska Wildland Adventures operates vacation packages and wilderness lodges on the Kenai Peninsula and in Denali National Park. Holland America Line gives you two incredible ways to experience Alaska's incredible interior.
Smooth-as-Glass Waters
The Tongass National Forest — the largest national forest in the United States and the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world — covers the vast majority of the Inside Passage. During a two-year expedition through uncharted territory, Captain George Vancouver sailed into the still waters of what came to be known as the Inside Passage. Passing by luminous glaciers artfully carved by Mother Nature’s beaming summers and numbing winters, Captain Vancouver and his team charted over 1,000 miles from 1792 to 1794. Alaska's Inside Passage is a renowned cruising route through a protected network of waterways, featuring glacier-cut fjords, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. Stops along the route showcase Alaska's rich history, including Native Alaskan culture in Ketchikan and Skagway's Gold Rush era legacy.
Sailing with Princess, you’ll marvel at the breathtaking scenery and encounter ports of call like Gold Rush-era Skagway, Salmon Capital of the World Ketchikan, the capital city of Juneau and British-flavored Victoria. Encompassed by tranquil waters, one moment you can be sailing a wide bay of barrier islands and the next you’re cruising through a narrow waterway flanked by towering forested walls. That’s the splendid spectacle of these serene landscapes — the scenery is constantly changing, from picturesque shores to friendly coastal towns. First Nations and Alaska Native culture and natural beauty follow this route as well. Wonder at one of the world’s largest collections of outdoor totem poles in Duncan, BC, or enjoy Tlingit heritage on display at Chief Shakes Island in Wrangell, Alaska. Birders love Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge just past the Alaska/Canada border, with over 116 bird species that visit annually.
Real Alaska from local Alaskans
Another factor to consider when choosing the best time to cruise Alaska is what you want to see while you’re there. The Alaska cruise season begins in May, when daily high temperatures generally range from 53°F to 62°F, and daily lows are in the 40s. Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience.
The most popular time to cruise is June – August, and cruises typically run May – September. Immerse yourself in Tlingit culture and experience the outpost atmosphere that prevails in charming, mountain-ringed seaside towns. Refer to the Dates & Pricing itinerary for specific details by departure date. Once we narrowed it down to these two cruise companies, choosing the best Alaska cruise for us really came down to the itinerary. But we did want to spend a few days in the national park, see lots of wildlife and glaciers, explore as much of the wilderness as possible, and learn more about the indigenous cultures of the area, especially the Tlingit. 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.
The fog was so thick, our ship had to crawl at a snail’s pace, blasting its horn to ensure any coming ships could hear us (since they definitely couldn’t see us). It was a grey, gloomy day when we headed south from Glacier Bay to explore the dynamic fjords of the 648,883-acre Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. Attractions here include an impressive Visitor Center and hiking on the East Glacier Loop (which leads to an excellent overlook), Nugget Falls Trail (to a waterfall near the glacier), and Photo Point Trail.
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. (home to Butchart Gardens and the storied Fairmont-Empress Hotel) or Vancouver. You're very likely to see some Alaskan wildlife on any Inside Passage itinerary, whether that be whales, bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises or spotted harbor seals. Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined.
Sail into sheer serenity amidst the Inside Passage on an Alaska cruise from Princess. The largest national forest in the country, Tongass National Forest, blankets the entire southeast Alaska portion of the Inside Passage, and many glaciers can still be seen. Many adventurous cruisers join an Inside Passage Alaska cruise visit or view majestic glaciers. You can also take some 14-day versions that depart from San Francisco or San Diego. The best of Alaska's glaciers and ports are yours on the ultimate Alaska cruise, with perfectly sized ships that get you closer to all the wonder...
A small ship cruise of Alaska's Inside Passage - Hatch Magazine
A small ship cruise of Alaska's Inside Passage.
Posted: Wed, 07 Dec 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The scenic drive along the Cassiar Highway will bring you to the Alaska Highway near Watson Lake, just north of the Yukon border. You’ll then head to the historic Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon, before continuing on to the Alaska/Canada Border. Once in Alaska, you’ll start making your way back south towards the sea as you head towards the port community of Valdez. You’ll pass through the community of Tok – providing a warm welcome to Alaska – and then on to Glennallen – gateway to Wrangell St. Elias National Park, the largest National Park in the United States.
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