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| Trip Name | From | Days | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii | $11,733 | 15 | On this 15-day cruise aboard the Sea Bird, explore Alaska's Inside Passage, coastal British Columbia, and Haida Gwaii on this small ship adventure cruise. You'll visit Glacier Bay National Park, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, Misty Fjords, and Tracy Arm, where you can see the pristine wilderness of this region and search for fascinating wildlife. |
| Alaska Fjords & Glaciers | $4,400 | 8 | Begin your 8-day Alaskan journey aboard Wilderness Discoverer in the state's capital, Juneau. This cruise takes you through some of Alaska's most dramatic landscapes with opportunities to view a myriad of wildlife. Visit local towns along the way and learn about local cultures. End your cruise in Ketchikan, Alaska's first city! |
| Alaska Escape: Haines, the Inian Islands and Tracy Arm Fjord | $4,412 | 6 | Embark on exciting point-to-point kayak outings and long hikes along the forested coasts of Alaska on this 6-day Alaska Escape Cruise from Sitka to Juneau aboard National Geographic Sea Bird. See bears, whales, and Steller sea lions. Enjoy a slice of Alaskan town life in Haines, known as the state’s ‘Adventure Capital.’ |
| Alaska's Inside Passage | $7,027 | 8 | Explore massive glaciers, kayak scenic coastlines, encounter incredible and varied wildlife, and see the hidden wonders of Alaska. This exclusive 8-day sailing adventure aboard the National Geographic Quest is crafted to offer you the most in-depth experience of Alaska possible. |
| Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia | $11,100 | 14 | Explore the San Juan Islands, British Columbia’s Inside Passage, and Southeast Alaska on this exciting 14-day expedition cruise aboard National Geographic Quest. Enjoy exclusive encounters with this region's iconic wildlife, including bears, whales, eagles and more, as you hike & kayak through pristine temperate landscapes. |
| Alaska's Inside Passage | $6,516 | 8 | Explore Southeast Alaska aboard National Geographic Venture on its 8-day Alaska cruise from Juneau to Sitka. Hike over the spongy earth and float past massive icebergs, glaciers, and, with some luck, bears , humpback wales, wolves, moose, sea otters, orcas, sea lions, or mountain goats. |
| Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia | $10,404 | 14 | Board National Geographic Venture on this 14-day cruise to linger in the temperate rainforests and wildlife-rich channels of British Columbia, and enjoy ample time to explore the breathtaking fjords and towering glaciers of Southeast Alaska. You will explore San Juan & Gulf Islands and visit Glacier Bay National Park. |
| Alaska's Coastal Treasures | $9,900 | 14 | Set sail on a 14-day cruise from Seward to Juneau aboard the Safari Explorer, navigating remote waters and hidden bays rarely seen by others. This expedition follows the path of history's boldest explorers, embracing Alaska's wild, untamed spirit. |
Alaska expedition cruises provide an immersive way to explore the state’s remote coastlines, glaciers, and wilderness. Unlike larger ships, an Alaskan cruise takes place aboard small vessels designed to access narrow fjords, quiet bays, and secluded inlets. This flexibility allows visits to remarkable places like Glacier Bay, Misty Fjords National Monument, and the scenic waterways of the Inside Passage. Many Alaska expedition cruise itineraries also connect with inland destinations such as Denali National Park.
A key highlight of expedition cruises Alaska travelers enjoy is the opportunity for active exploration. Guided outings often include hiking forest trails, kayaking along glacier-carved shores, and Zodiac excursions for wildlife viewing. While sightings are never guaranteed, you may spot humpback whales, bald eagles, sea otters, or brown bears during a cruise to Alaska.
Alaska cruise ports play an important role in shaping your overall itinerary, from where your journey begins to the destinations you explore along the way. Many travelers start their trip from the Pacific Northwest, with popular routes like Seattle to Alaska cruises and Vancouver to Alaska cruises, both offering convenient access and scenic sailings through the Inside Passage. Once in Alaska, expedition cruises visit a mix of well-known port towns and remote wilderness areas, each offering unique cultural experiences, rich history, and access to outdoor adventures. Below are some of the most common Alaska cruise ports and towns you may visit:
Other relevant Alaskan port towns:
Our team is waiting and ready to talk with you about your next adventure. So go ahead and book an appointment with one of our specialized trip planners.
Let's ChatAlaska expedition cruises vary depending on the class and size of the ship, the ratio of guides to passengers, and the trip length. Contact us for a breakdown of these costs based on the itinerary you are interested in.
Alaska offers several cruise styles, including large ship voyages, luxury cruises, and expedition-style itineraries. Alaska expedition cruises focus on exploration, using small vessels to access remote bays, glaciers, and wildlife habitats that larger ships cannot reach. Many travelers choose a 9-day exploration cruise for guided hikes, kayaking, and Zodiac excursions. The expedition cruises Alaska travelers favor prioritize flexibility and nature-focused experiences throughout the journey.
The Alaska cruise season typically runs from May through September, with each month offering different experiences. Early summer often brings blooming landscapes and active wildlife, while July and August provide long daylight hours and warmer conditions. September can offer fewer crowds and autumn colors. To decide when to go on your Alaskan cruise, consider wildlife, weather, and daylight patterns.
Most of the top-tier expedition cruises Alaska offers fill up many months in advance. In order to have the best selection (and even access to early bird deals), we recommend reserving 6-9 months in advance.
For many, an Alaskan cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The more time you spend exploring the state, the better chance you have of seeing wildlife. That said, you'll need a minimum of 6 days for a cruise to Alaska, though a trip of two weeks is recommended. The latter combines an expedition small ship cruise to Alaska with a trip to the state’s wild interior, such as Denali National Park.
Common ports of call include Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Skagway, along with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage. Many Alaska expedition cruises also visit smaller harbors and wilderness areas that larger ships cannot access. Travelers often explore Glacier Bay’s dramatic icefields and wildlife-rich coastlines. For deeper planning of things to do in Alaska, explore specific attractions and learn more about America’s final frontier before your cruise.
US residents do not need a visa for a cruise to Alaska; travelers from Europe, Britain, Canada, or Australia only need a passport. If you are traveling from a different part of the world for your small ship Alaska cruise, you should check the travel requirements with your country's state department.
We recommend you check out our Once You're Booked page for more information on buying travel insurance for your Alaskan cruise. It's always nice to know that you have it just in case.
