Alaskan Explorer Cruise

Stay one night at a hotel in Ketchikan and explore the town at your own pace. Known as “The First City” because it is often the first port of call when entering Alaska from the south, Ketchikan is located along the Tongass Narrows and has a long history connected to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.

Explore the waterfront, visit historic Creek Street, or see the town’s collection of totem poles. The overnight stay also gives you time to visit local shops and museums and experience the coastal rainforest environment of Southeast Alaska.

Cruise through Misty Fjords, a remote area shaped by glaciers over thousands of years. The landscape features narrow passages, steep rock walls, and waterfalls that flow into the sea.

From the ship, look for granite cliffs rising above the water, often partly covered by mist. Spruce and hemlock forests line the shore, while seals, whales, and seabirds may be seen along the route. Accessible mainly by boat or floatplane, Misty Fjords offers views of Southeast Alaska’s geology and coastal habitats.

Once governed by four different nations, Wrangell holds one of Alaska’s most layered histories. Visit Petroglyph Beach to see ancient carvings etched into the rocks or join a jet boat trip up the Stikine River—a vital corridor during the Gold Rush. A local expert guide you through the botanical wonders of Tongass National Forest, home to some of the world’s oldest temperate trees and part of Southeast Alaska’s vast rainforest ecosystem.

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+ historic photos, native artifacts, Tlingit Petroglyphs, and fishing, mining and logging displays.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Founded by Norwegian fishermen, Petersburg remains a working harbor where tradition meets innovation. Explore its docks and canneries or venture out on a guided flightseeing or jet boat excursion for sweeping views of the LeConte Glacier. In town, stroll through “Little Norway” and continue “out the road,” as locals say, to Falls Creek Waterfall, where salmon often gather in this Southeast Alaska fishing community.

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 discussion of various fishing boats, methods of fishing, permits, processing and more.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Petersburg Shuttle - Complimentary Excursion
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. Wear your lanyard for complimentary access to the Clausen Museum, dedicated to the preserving the histories of those who have lived and worked in Petersburg and the surrounding areas.    
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

Journey through Endicott Arm, a fjord formed by ancient glacial movement and defined by granite cliffs that rise steeply from the water’s edge. As the ship travels deeper into the channel, narrow streams tumble from the cliffs, and harbor seals rest on drifting ice. Humpback whales and bald eagles are often seen nearby, drawn by the nutrient-rich waters of the fjord.

At the far end, Dawes Glacier comes into view—a massive tidewater glacier that descends from the Stikine Icefield. When ice breaks free and falls into the sea, the sound rolls through the valley, a vivid reminder of Alaska’s ongoing transformation.

Once the capital of Russian America, Sitka remains a place where Alaska’s layered history is easy to see and feel. The 1867 transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place here on Castle Hill, a landmark still overlooking the harbor.

Excursions bring that history to life. At Sitka National Historical Park, walk forested trails lined with Tlingit totem poles marking the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka. Visit the Alaska Raptor Center to observe rehabilitated bald eagles and learn about ongoing wildlife conservation. The Historical Sitka exploration highlights landmarks like St. Michael’s Cathedral and local museums, while the Fortress of the Bears offers a close look at rescued brown bears in a natural habitat unique to this part of Southeast Alaska.

Downtown Sitka Shuttle – Complimentary Excursion
Explore Sitka at your leisure by taking this convenient shuttle into town. This shuttle brings you to Harrigan Centennial Hall, home of the Sitka Historical Society and walking distance to many shops and museums.  
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Your Alaska cruise truly begins as the ship pulls away from Ketchikan, gliding past forested hills, quiet coves, and the silvery expanse of the Tongass Narrows. Bald eagles circle overhead while colorful waterfront buildings fade into the distance. 

On board, a warm welcome from the crew sets an inviting tone, and fellow guests share in the excitement of the journey ahead. Settle into your spacious stateroom, a comfortable sanctuary with a private balcony, where you can watch the wilderness and wonder of Alaska unfold.

Haines sits where the Lynn Canal narrows between steep mountain walls. Join an eagle-watching expedition through the Chilkat Valley, where more than 200 species of birds thrive. Paddle the quiet waters of Chilkoot Lake or taste history at Southeast Alaska’s first distillery.

Valley of the Eagles Nature & Wildlife Expedition - Complimentary Excursion
Knowledgeable and enthusiastic naturalists guide you through the "Valley of the Eagles" to experience Alaska's magnificent nature and wildlife in 5 different wildlife habitats (ocean, estuary, river, lake, and rainforest) via coach. The fertile Chilkoot Valley provides an abundance of potential wildlife highlights including bald eagles, mountain goats, salmon, harbor seals, migratory birdlife, and brown bears. This exploratory journey is a great opportunity to photograph the stunning scenery and wildlife in their natural habitat. Before or after the nature exploration, enjoy a visit to the American Bald Eagle Foundation, a raptor center, natural history museum, and gift shop.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial

Haines Shuttle - Complimentary Excursion
This convenient shuttle transports 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. Wear your lanyard for complimentary access to the Haines Sheldon Museum and the Hammer Museum, a small museum tracing the global history of the hammer.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

A designated World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay is one of Earth’s grandest living laboratories. American Cruise Lines is among the few granted access to these protected waters. From the deck, watch immense glaciers meet the sea as harbor seals rest on floating ice. Onboard naturalists interpret each sight with insight into the park’s evolving ecosystems and the centuries of Indigenous presence that long preceded exploration. Guests may also experience a guided hike along forest trails or visit Glacier Bay Lodge within the national park.

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

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. Experience all of Glacier Bay’s beauty from the comfort of your ship. A National Park Service Ranger boards the ship for the day and provides expert narration as you cruise through Glacier Bay, identifying wildlife including orcas, humpback whales, brown bears, and bald eagles. Your tour includes 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 an Huna Tlingit Cultural Interpreter join you on board who shares with you the fascinating human history and family stories of Glacier Bay’s native clans and people.
ADA Accessible: Yes

Savor a mesmerizing journey through Alaska’s coastal paradise, where winding waterways are flanked by lush rainforests, rugged cliffs, and snow-capped peaks. Eagles soar above, whales breach nearby, and glaciers glisten in the sun. Charming coastal towns pass by, each with unique culture and history. 

Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, is a picturesque coastal community where dramatic mountains, glaciers, and rich Native and frontier history meet modern Alaskan life.

Enjoy a narrated drive through downtown Juneau en route to the Alaska State Museum, where modern exhibits showcase Alaska’s Native cultures, natural history, Russian era, statehood, maritime heritage, and Gold Rush legacy. Continue to Brotherhood Bridge for a photo stop overlooking the Mendenhall River. Learn about the valley’s glacial origins and the bridge’s cultural importance while viewing the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier rising in the distance.

Enjoy breakfast on board before heading home from Alaska’s capital city, where your voyage concludes.