Upon arrival in Fairbanks, the vibrant hub of Alaska’s interior, be welcomed by your Adventure Guides, who will accompany you to your accommodations. From this first meeting, they’ll serve as your dedicated hosts, leading you through the expansive and varied terrain that characterizes this remote and remarkable region.

After breakfast, join your fellow travelers and Adventure Guides for a guided exploration of Fairbanks. Begin at the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska, where exhibits highlight Alaskan history, Native art, and regional wildlife. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Trans Alaska Pipeline, a feat of engineering that spans the state. Then, tour the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, home to a renowned collection of vintage vehicles and historical fashion from the Victorian through Art Deco eras. Conclude the day with a Welcome Reception featuring regional cuisine and a chance to connect with your group.

In the heart of Alaska, Denali National Park is an outdoor playground waiting to be explored. With vast expanses of wilderness, towering peaks sweep into the sky, and colorful wildflowers sway in the breezes. This 6-million-acre wonderland is home to North America's tallest peak, Denali, standing proud at 20,310 feet above sea level. As you traverse the park, keep your eyes on Alaska's hiding wildlife. No matter your activity level, this national park has so much to do.

Upon reaching Denali, prepare to be enchanted by a landscape that unfolds like a masterpiece, with thick forests giving way to alpine terrain and snow-capped peaks, including the silhouette of Mount Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, dominating the horizon. With a trained naturalist, receive a comprehensive tour of the park’s history and the ecosystem you see working around you. 

After exploring the park, prepare for an exciting show at Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theater. Be treated to hearty local cuisine and a true-to-life Gold Rush tale of adventure set in early 1900s Alaska. This humorous cast of colorful characters retells one of America’s greatest stories. 

Once you’re full of laughs and a meal, settle into your hotel for the night.

In the morning, hop aboard a deluxe dome rail car departing from the Denali area, bound for Anchorage. 

Alaska’s largest city seamlessly connects the wild Alaskan frontier with city sophistication. Established in 1914 as a railroad construction port, the city now thrives as a cultural hotspot, highlighted by the Anchorage Museum, which showcases spectacular native art and historical exhibits. Outdoor aficionados can explore the nearby Chugach State Park, offering over 495,000 acres of hiking and wildlife viewing, all within reach of the city skyline. With frequent displays of the northern lights illuminating the winter skies, Anchorage offers a splendid mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

The next national park on this epic adventure is an exhilarating escape where icy wonders and ocean giants meet. Set sail on a cruise through the fjords to witness whales breaching and sea otters swimming among drifting icebergs. Hike up to the Harding Icefield Trail, where each step brings a new view of snow-clad peaks that go on forever. Listen to the dramatic chorus of glaciers calving into the sea. Wrap up your day with a kayak trip through serene waters, paddling alongside seals and beneath soaring eagles.

Cruise the coastlines as your captain maneuvers the boat for intimate views of cascading glaciers and vibrant wildlife and offers an expert eye. As you weave through this spectacular marine landscape, get ready to spot whales, sea otters, sea lions, and harbor seals.

After your incredible day, enjoy a relaxing hotel stay in Seward, a small, remote community with a laid-back atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the traditional Alaskan lifestyle.

Journeying northward to Anchorage, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a must-visit destination, an expansive sanctuary spanning 200 acres. Here, injured and orphaned animals find refuge in spacious habitats, allowing them to thrive in a safe environment. Encounter a diverse array of Alaska's native wildlife, from mighty bears and bison to graceful reindeer and elusive wolves. You may even have the opportunity to hand-feed a gentle moose.

After a day of exploration, return to your hotel in Anchorage for a good night's sleep before beginning your Alaska cruise.

After a flight from Anchorage, you’ve made it to the capital city of Juneau. Get comfortable in your hotel room, and let the team transport your luggage to the ship waiting for you. Stroll through the historic downtown, where Gold Rush-era buildings now house boutiques and seafood restaurants serving fresh catches. For a spectacular end to your day, ride the Mount Roberts Tramway to the top, offering not only expansive views of Juneau but also access to alpine trails painted with wildflowers and wildlife sights.

Once you board the next section of your tour of the 49th state, it’s another beautiful day on Alaska’s blue waters. Keep a keen eye on the horizon as you depart the dock, for these waters are renowned for their abundant whales. With luck, you may catch sight of these magnificent creatures breaching the surface, a fitting finale to this portion of your trip. Settle into your stateroom—the largest in the industry—and join for an array of onboard activities. Don’t miss cocktail hour and the engaging entertainment for the night. 

This port captures the imagination with its stunning blend of history and natural scenery. Initially a home for the Tlingit people and later a strategic outpost for the U.S. Army in the 19th century, Haines today invites visitors to explore its past at the Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center. Surrounded by the magnificent Chilkat Mountains, this town is famous for its bald eagle gatherings. 

Whether you want to join for a Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak adventure through the mountain-lined lake or sip on spirits at Southeast Alaska's first distillery, this town, on the northern end of the Lynn Canal, doesn't fail to amaze you.

Valley of the Eagles Nature & Wildlife Expedition - Complimentary Excursion
Knowledgeable and experienced local naturalists will guide you through the "Valley of the Eagles" to take in Alaska's nature and wildlife in six different wildlife habitats: ocean, estuary, river, lake, muskeg, and rainforest. Nestled between rugged glaciers and snow-capped mountains, the fertile Chilkoot Valley provides you with the potential to observe a wide variety of wildlife, including brown bears, bald eagles, whales, seals, and river otters.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Haines Local Loop- Complimentary Excursion
This convenient shuttle will transport you from the ship to the center of Haines and back. At your leisure, explore the rich history, scenic beauty, and vibrant culture of this enchanting Alaskan town. This daily shuttle runs on a continuous loop.  

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Glacier Bay is an outstanding realm of ice and sea where adventure meets serenity. This expansive park and preserve, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living laboratory showcasing glaciers in various stages of advance and retreat. The area is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, home to humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, coastal brown bears, and mountain goats on the shores. Historically revered by the Tlingit people, displaced by the advancing ice over 250 years ago, Glacier Bay remains a place of profound natural power and spiritual significance.

American Cruise Lines offers a VIP pass into the enchanting Glacier Bay, where a 60-mile stretch of untouched wilderness awaits. Spend a day cruising these icy waters, surrounded by stunning scenery at every turn. Warm up with a steaming cup of cocoa from the signature hot chocolate bar as you pass towering glaciers. Prepare for an incredible show as hundreds of seals appear on icebergs. Hold your breath as massive ice formations thunderously break away and crash into the sea. With each exquisite vista, your onboard expert will captivate you with fascinating stories and insights, making every moment in Glacier Bay beautiful and unforgettable.

Interpretive Glacier Bay Program - Complimentary Excursion
The marine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is like no place else on Earth. The park includes magnificent glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains, abundant wildlife, and miles of pristine coastline. A National Park Service Ranger will board the ship for the day and provide expert narration as you cruise through Glacier Bay, identifying wildlife, including orcas, humpback whales, brown bears, and bald eagles. Your tour will include a stop at a majestic tidewater glacier where you may hear the sounds of a calving glacier. American Cruise Lines has also made special arrangements to have a Huna Tlingit Cultural Interpreter join you on board, who will share with you the fascinating human history and family stories of Glacier Bay’s native clans and people.

ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Explore Bartlett Cove – Complimentary Excursion
Nestled within Glacier Bay National Park, Bartlett Cove serves as a stunning gateway to the breathtaking wilderness of the area. Stretch your legs and go for a morning hike along the forest trails of this serene cove. View wildlife, including seals, sea lions, and diverse bird species, as you enjoy a picturesque backdrop of towering mountains and lush forests. Visit the Glacier Bay Lodge and have a bite to eat or explore the bookstore and second-floor exhibits depicting the natural and cultural wonders of Glacier Bay.  

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

As you arrive in Petersburg, gaze at the mountains before you. Their peaks were cloaked in brilliant white. This genuine Alaskan fishing village, founded over a century ago by Norwegian fishermen, still holds many families who earn their livelihood from the bountiful sea. Feel the warm hospitality of guides eager to showcase their town's best, celebrating its original settlers' enduring spirit and traditions.

For breathtaking aerial views, hop on a flightseeing tour that takes you high above sprawling glaciers, grand valleys, and mystical bays. Wander the delightful streets of downtown, popping into delightful shops and museums, or take a scenic hike along the waterfront to embrace the natural beauty surrounding Petersburg. For a memorable afternoon, charter a fishing boat in the nearby Frederick Sound or experience a jet boat adventure to LeConte Glacier Bay, where nature's power is fully displayed.

Petersburg Dock Walk - Complimentary Excursion
Petersburg's location is in the heart of southeast Alaska, making it ideal for major industry commercial fishing. Led by local fishermen and fishery biologists, enjoy a one-hour narrated dock walk through Petersburg's boat harbors. Enjoy discussing fishing boats, fishing methods, permits, processing, and more.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Petersburg Shuttle - Complimentary
This convenient shuttle allows you to discover Petersburg independently as you shop and stroll through this charming fishing town. At your leisure, explore this island community, which continues to make a living from the sea—running daily on a continuous loop.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

As your small ship perfectly weaves through the Wrangell Narrows, you can find yourself enveloped by a narrow channel that mirrors the dramatic fjords of Norway, complete with forested slopes on either side.

Take in the striking splendor of the landscape, where glaciers sparkle under the sun, and waterfalls cascade down like tall, grand, silver ribbons. Be on the lookout for a mix of wildlife. Meanwhile, onboard, you can participate in activities, listen to captivating talks from guest speakers, and taste the chef’s special dishes inspired by the flavors of Alaska, making your passage through the Wrangell Narrows a special part of your visit.

Wrangell's charming bay offers sweeping views of the picturesque town set against a valley that stretches from the imposing coastal mountains. To the north, the Stikine River weaves into the ocean, its waters splintering into numerous streams across a broad delta. Here, the thriving salmon runs are a magnet for local wildlife, and designated viewing areas provide a safe spot to observe seals, eagles, and black and brown bears indulging in the abundant fish.

The Stikine River, which means "Great River" in Tlingit, is North America's fastest navigable, free-flowing river. You can take a jet boat ride up this river to glimpse the area's Gold Rush history. As you wander Wrangell, enjoy the catch of the day with dishes featuring fresh salmon and halibut, learn more about the traditions of the native Tlingit culture, or pick fresh blueberries and huckleberries from the wild bushes covering the landscape.

Wrangell Experience - Complimentary Excursion
Discover the highlights of this truly Alaskan town and see its colorful history and native culture come to life while visiting the Petroglyph State Historic Site and the Wrangell Museum with its 5,000+ historical photos, native artifacts, Tlingit Petroglyphs, and fishing, mining and logging displays.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

As your small ship navigates the narrow passage of Tracy Arm Fjord, prepare for yet another day filled with incredible views. The fjord stretches over 25 miles, with the channel averaging just a mile wide, yet it's dramatically framed by vertical cliffs that soar over 3,000 feet. Nestled within these cliffs are valleys that reveal expansive views of snow-capped peaks adorned with glistening glaciers and ancient forests.

As you reach the grand twin Sawyer Glaciers, the origins of this magnificent fjord, you may spot wildlife in motion in their natural habitat. In this enchanting setting, the crew serves up a signature hot chocolate bar with various toppings and liqueurs, enhancing the glacier-viewing experience.

This active wilderness, nearly identical to when naturalist John Muir visited in 1879, remains an impressive testament to nature's artistry, described by Muir as "shut in by sublime cliffs, nobly sculptured, and adorned with waterfalls and fringes of trees, bushes, and patches of flowers."

After exploring Alaska's twists and turns, your adventure circles back to Juneau. Enjoy one last breakfast onboard while you share memories before you disembark.

If you're not ready to leave, Juneau still has plenty to offer. Extend your stay and keep the spirit of exploration alive in Alaska's dynamic capital. As you leave the ship, take a moment to say goodbye to an unforgettable journey and the incredible experiences you've had.