Monday, April 1, 2024

Inside Passage Cruises Alaska Cruise Ports

inside passage cruise alaska

Heading North on an Alaska itinerary, you pass by Vancouver Island and then a large number of small islands all along the coast. The "Inside Passage" simply refers to going inside of these islands. Some of the most visited ports are located inside the islands, so pretty much any cruise is an "Inside Passage" cruise. Companies like American Cruise Lines and UnCruise Adventures specialize in this type of cruise, focusing on nature excursions and cultural experiences.

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The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is a must-visit, especially during the winter months when thousands of eagles can be spotted. As the capital of Alaska, Juneau offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. Don’t miss the Mendenhall Glacier, a 13-mile-long river of ice, and the Alaska State Museum, which provides a deep dive into the state’s history and culture.

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Having experienced the Inside Passage ourselves, we highly recommend taking advantage of the diverse shore excursions available. Whether it’s hiking through verdant forests, kayaking alongside glaciers, or immersing yourself in local culture, each excursion offers a unique way to connect with this incredible region. Explore Alaska’s hot springs and glac­i­ers aboard a unique ship that puts you behind the helm and lets you man the sails. This South­east Alas­­ka-based tour oper­a­tor will leave you with a new def­i­n­i­tion of what it means to have a once-in-a-life­­time Alas­kan adven­ture. You’ll explore away from the crowds, get­ting an up-close view of wildlife, scenery, hot springs, and glaciers. A range of Activities - Climb into a skiff (small one-person rowing boat) or kayak to feel completely free on the waters, soaking up the air of tranquility as you lose yourself in the many magical sights.

Don’t Overlook Small Cruise Lines When Booking Your Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

An Alaska Inside Passage Cruise is your ticket to exploring this awe-inspiring region. These cruises sail through the tranquil, sheltered waters of the Inside Passage, offering you front-row seats to glaciers, diverse wildlife, and pristine wilderness. The Inside Passage is a mesmerizing coastal route spanning over 500 miles, weaving through the Pacific Northwest from Washington State, Canada, and Alaska. This labyrinthine waterway is a complex network of fjords, bays, and lush islands—over 1,000 of them, to be exact. More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains.

Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls.

inside passage cruise alaska

Most guests enjoy the 5‑day/​4‑night trips, but you can book longer 10-day/9‑night expeditions. 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. This Inside Passage cruise docks near Vancouver’s biggest attractions, so you can spend more time sightseeing and less time getting from place to place. Air travel is a breeze with a convenient roundtrip and Saturday or Sunday departures. Features Alaska’s most historic ports and scenic natural wonderlands.

Traveler Advice

Alaska Inside Passage cruises usually stop at three or four ports. These include historic Gold Rush-era Skagway, Ketchikan (the "Salmon Capital of the World" and home to a notable number of Native Alaskan totems) and Juneau, Alaska's capital city. Simply put, cruisers aboard these sailings witness some of the most astounding wildlife and scenery.

Prince of Wales Island

Highlights include the LeConte Glacier, one of Alaska’s most active glaciers, and excellent whale-watching opportunities. The Alaska cruising season for the Inside Passage generally runs from May to September. Each month offers its own set of unique experiences, from the blooming wildflowers in spring to the salmon runs in late summer. 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.

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Unique Geological Features

Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan is a fisherman’s paradise. Highlights include the historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over Ketchikan Creek, and the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S. Below is our curated list of Alaska’s Inside Passage ports of call, complete with personal photos, recommendations, and links to in-depth articles about each location. This guide is designed to help you tailor your itinerary, including the towns and attractions that align perfectly with your interests.

I was hoping to see more marine wildlife, but that did not turn out to be the case during our week. The fantastic bear encounter made up for the entire week, however. Inside passage just means between the islands and not cruising in the "open" ocean. You don't really need to worry about which it is, just decide on which ports (Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, Ketchican) and which glaciers you want to visit and look for a ship that meets your needs. Which port you want to leave from and $$$$ also are a factor is which cuise line you pick.

Overall, I took more than 800 photos and videos, many from the deck of the Alaska Dream. The waters, the whales and otters, the extraordinary mountains draped in snow, ice, and clouds, and the sunrises and sunsets were perfect. You can watch migrating animals returning in the springtime and wildflowers bursting into bloom in the forests. Summer is several local species' main mating and birthing season; watch as seal pups drift on large blocks of ice and birds teach their offspring to fly and swim.

While you will not be able to add a land tour, it offers a great sam­pling of Alaska. Visit a Native village, learn about the triumphs and tragedies of Alaska’s Gold Rush heyday or go dog sledding with a real musher. Touring the Inside Passage on an Alaska cruise is your gateway to the fascinating and colorful culture, history and sights of the Great Land.

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