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Alaska’s glaciers constantly shift and change, attracting thousands of environmental scientists and nature lovers to the region each year. Pack lots of sweaters, scarves, long-sleeve shirts, long underwear, a water-repellent jacket, and rainboots along with sunglasses, a swimsuit, and a few nights of formal wear. Sitka, on the west side of Baranof Island, is the largest city-borough in the U.S. and there’s a lot of history to explore here. It was the site of the Alaska purchase transfer ceremony and has both Tlingit and Russian influence. In Haines, a seaside hamlet on the Alaska Inside Passage, there are more eagles than people. Small ships -- such as the five in the Alaskan Dream Cruises fleet, each carrying between 12 and 76 typically adventure-minded passengers -- are a lesser-known option.
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]
When you can take an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
We had never visited Alaska and wanted to see at least a small part of it. 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.
Amazing experiences coming soon
Skagway’s Lower Dewey Lake Trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is perfect for a half-day hike. In Ketchikan, the Deer Mountain Trail takes you through the lush Tongass National Forest, offering breathtaking vistas of the town and ocean below. An Alaska Inside Passage Cruise is more than just a scenic journey; it’s a gateway to a wide array of activities and excursions that enrich your travel experience. The forests and meadows along the Inside Passage are home to various land mammals. Black bears are frequently seen near streams during the salmon runs, while brown bears are more common in areas like Admiralty Island.
Scenic Cruising The Inside Passage
Ketchikan is often the first "landfall" before cruising the Inside Passage fjords. On a cruise to Ketchikan, you can see intricately carved totem poles and other cultural sites of Native Alaskan nations such as the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. The Creek Street boardwalk is also intriguing and a great place to see swimming salmon when they’re in season. 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.
Several ports offer bear-watching tours if you want to see Alaska’s famous bears. In Wrangell, guided tours take you to the Anan Wildlife Observatory, one of Alaska’s best places, to see black and brown bears in their natural habitat. For those looking to take their Alaska experience to new heights, helicopter tours offer an unparalleled view of the region’s stunning landscapes.
Imagine a place with over 1,000 islands, fjords, and bays stretching across the Pacific Northwest. It’s a place where roads are scarce—many ports like Sitka, Wrangell, and even Alaska’s capital, Juneau, are only accessible by boat or plane. We’ve covered everything, from types of cruises to must-see destinations. We’ve even sprinkled in some of our own experiences to help you plan the trip of a lifetime. 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.
What To Wear On Alaska Inside Passage Cruises?
In Juneau, you can take a helicopter ride to the Mendenhall Glacier, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk on the glacier itself. Petersburg offers a glimpse into its Norwegian heritage with folk dance performances and visits to local museums. Haines provides cultural tours that include visits to the local Chilkat Tlingit Village and the Sheldon Museum, which showcases the history and art of the Chilkat Valley. Orcas, or killer whales, are another highlight, often spotted in pods. Sea lions and harbor seals frequently lounge on rocky outcrops, while Dall’s porpoises and Pacific white-sided dolphins playfully swim alongside cruise ships. From the majestic humpback whales that breach the ocean’s surface to the awe-inspiring glaciers that carve the coastline, the Inside Passage is a living showcase of Mother Nature’s artistry.
This unusual new Holland America itinerary is one you can't miss - The Points Guy
This unusual new Holland America itinerary is one you can't miss.
Posted: Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Each is served by an international airport, with direct flights available to and from a range of Alaskan airports. 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.
Given the region’s challenging geography—many ports are inaccessible by road—a cruise offers a cost-effective and convenient way to explore these hidden gems. Don’t forget Ketchikan, known as the “Rainforest City,” where you can explore the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. These are just a few examples that set the Inside Passage apart from other cruise destinations. 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. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, offering a breathtaking landscape of towering mountains, dense forests, and sparkling waters.
Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour. We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests.
Inside Passage cruisers can choose from mass-market lines with massive ships, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Sometimes Sitka, with its heavy Russian influence and alpine meadows, or Haines, known for exceptional fishing and its bald eagle preserve, swaps in. Glacier Bay National Park, or another scenic cruising area like Tracy Arm Fjord, is normally part of the itinerary.
In the end, my daughter and I decided that Alaskan Dream Cruises’ 8-day Last Frontier Adventure had the best Alaska cruise itinerary for us. 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. 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.
Celebrate Tlingit culture at a native village or search for wildlife such as whales or bears. The Alaska Cruise season begins in late April and continues through September. Whether you cruise when the Inside Passage is blanketed with spring wildflowers or ablaze with fall foliage you'll be awed at Alaska's natural wonders. Spring whale migrations, fall bald eagle gatherings, winter trumpeter swans - exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and substantial savings can be found during spring and fall. 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.
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. We’ve always preferred small ship cruises, and not just because smaller cruises are more eco-friendly. They also offer more personal space, better service, better shore excursions, and more exclusive experiences than mega cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises can.
