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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. Each port of call of Inside Passage offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness that you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, cruising is often more budget-friendly than planning an independent journey.
Northern Passage and Glacier Bay Cruise
Humpback whales are commonly seen breaching and tail-slapping, especially in areas like Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park, and Icy Strait Point. The Inside Passage is renowned for its glaciers, each offering its own unique spectacle. Glacier Bay National Park is home to several tidewater glaciers, including the Margerie and Johns Hopkins glaciers, which are known for their dramatic calving events. Known for its stunning blue glaciers and steep granite cliffs, Tracy Arm Fjord is a natural wonder offering some of Alaska’s most picturesque scenery. Known as “Little Norway,” Petersburg is famous for its Scandinavian heritage. Highlights include the LeConte Glacier, one of Alaska’s most active glaciers, and excellent whale-watching opportunities.
Exploring Sitka National Historical Park: All You Need to Know
Day Cruises in Alaska - Travel Alaska
Day Cruises in Alaska.
Posted: Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:08:38 GMT [source]
So, if you’re wondering whether the Alaska Inside Passage cruise is worth it, our answer is a resounding yes—it’s an experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime. 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. 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.
Cruise Ports
It’s one of the few routes in the world with water deep enough for cruise ships to sidle up to cliffs. 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. Because Inside Passage Cruises are generally seven nights, and because the flight schedules are more convenient and affordable, you'll find that this is a very popular way for families with children to see Alaska.
For those seeking a more opulent experience, luxury cruises typically carry between 200 and 1,000 passengers and offer high-end amenities. Companies like Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line provide fine dining, spa services, private balconies, and even butler services. 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.
Learn the basics at complimentary beginner’s lessons, starting in spring 2023. Commemorative starter kits will soon be available in our retail shops — purchase as gifts for avid players or as souvenirs, so that you can always look back on your pickleball cruise memories. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these spacious suites are flooded with light. They feature a large sitting area and two lower beds convertible to one king-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses.
My Trip
Each day brought a new, awe-inspiring view and a fresh adventure, making it a travel experience we wholeheartedly recommend. Flying to each port can be expensive and logistically complex, but a cruise simplifies the journey, allowing you to visit multiple stunning locations without the hassle. Our Alaska cruise cost was more budget-friendly than planning an independent trip to the Inside Passage. We went on a 10-day cruise on the Inside Passage – you can read our Alaska cruise review. We were so delighted about that trip that we are planning another route. The Inside Passage is a mesmerizing coastal route spanning over 500 miles, weaving through the Pacific Northwest from Washington State, Canada, and Alaska.
Learn More About Alaska Cruises
In 1881, the first cruise drifted into the still waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage — but, these seafarers did not experience the wonder of modern-day cruises. In the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, these passengers were making history, not reliving it. Since then, journeys through these breathtaking lands have become more exhilarating. In Juneau, venture underground into historical gold mines and see for yourself just how treasure was extracted from rugged walls. Or, take a scenic railway tour up snow-capped mountains and through lush landscapes, retracing the footsteps of early explorers in Skagway. Small-ship cruises are usually confined to localized areas within the Inside Passage and start out from Juneau, Ketchikan or Sitka.
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. If you are sailing from Vancouver or Seattle, consider spending a few extra days either before or after the cruise to enjoy some of the local sights. Ask your Alaska Cruise Specialist about this when planning your cruise.
Glaciers are nature’s sculptors and transform the earth in many ways. As you’re booking your dream Alaskan cruise to the Inside Passage, consider what comforts, food and adventures you're seeking. Each cruise line offers unique programs and amenities, and some will be better suited for your budget and level of comfort. The Inside Passage is one of the few routes in the world where large cruise ships requiring relatively deep water can safely sail next to steep mountainsides.
FREE Holland America specialists to help you plan your cruise vacation. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing.
Every dish is exquisitely prepared, beautifully plated and complemented by a vast collection of award-winning wines. Here, your meal is an event unto itself, a celebration of fine dining and a triumph of flavor. Book flights that depart and arrive in time for Mediterranean cruises with Holland America Line Flight Ease®.
They include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, plus a whirlpool bath and shower, mini-bar and refrigerator. Their ships are equipped with family-friendly amenities like rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, and kids’ clubs. Moreover, their Alaska itineraries often include stops at ports like Skagway, where the whole family can enjoy the scenic White Pass & Yukon Route railway journey. Whether it’s wildlife watching in Glacier Bay or cultural tours in Sitka, your ports of call should align with your interests. The Inside Passage is a fisherman’s paradise, offering some of the best deep-sea fishing opportunities in the world.
Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content. Listen to Gold Rush history while admiring scenery of the Yukon and White Pass Summit. Personalize your cruise experience with our free mobile-friendly tool. Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace.
