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Ketchikan Small Ship Cruises & Tours

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Notable for the many authentic Tlingit totem poles that still dot the pristine landscape, Ketchikan, Alaska is a staple destination on any cruise of the Inner Passage. As a major city along this cruise route, it also serves as the embarkation/ disembarkation point for several of our expeditions. While here, you will have a chance to explore the virgin nature surrounding the town, including the glaciated Misty Fjords National Monument, and learning of the lore and legends that have evolved in this isolated corner of North America. If you have the chance, you should try the freshly caught salmon, which has earned this town a global reputation. As you cross through the Tongass Narrows, you will leave Ketchikan behind as you cruise towards greater adventures along the way! Contact us to get started planning.
All Ketchikan Cruises

10 Best Alaska Small Ship Cruises from Ketchikan for 2026-2027

All Ketchikan Cruises
Whale watching in Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park with Inside Passage and San Juan Islands

13 Days from $11,200
Thirteen days take you through the Inside Passages and Glacier Bay National Park, encountering remote wilderness, Native culture, and history. Set sail onboard Safari Explorer searching for the mighty humpback whale, orcas, harbor seals, and Steller's sea lions. Celebrate with a toast to nature's handiwork.
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Calm waters disturbed only by the flick of a whale's tail

Glacier Bay National Park with Inside Passage and San Juan Islands

13 Days from $7,300
On this 13-day small ship tour onboard Safari Endeavour, explore the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay. Whales and wildlife, kayaking, and hiking are just some of the activities available. Thirteen days immerse you in the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park, as well as secluded landscapes, native culture, and history.
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Aerial view of Juneau, Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park with Inside Passage and San Juan Islands

13 Days from $7,300
This 13-day small ship adventure takes you through the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay aboard Wilderness Legacy. Spot whales and wildlife while paddling or hiking through the wilderness. Over the course of thirteen days, explore Glacier Bay National Park’s inside passages, nature, local culture, and history.
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San Juan Islands

Glacier Bay National Park with Inside Passage and San Juan Islands

13 Days from $9,900
Cruise Alaska’s and Canada’s Inside Passages and visit Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site during this 13-day adventure aboard Safari Quest. Explore Ketchikan, Thomas Bay, and Chichagof Island.
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Aerial view of Juneau, Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park with Inside Passage and San Juan Islands

13 Days from $8,500
Experience a 13-day Seattle to Juneau expedition cruise aboard Wilderness Explorer. Explore Sucia Island, Canada's Inside Passage, Misty Fjords National Monument, Ketchikan, Thomas Bay, Chichagof Island, Icy Strait, and Glacier Bay National Park. Discover wildlife, Indigenous culture, kayaking, hiking, and remote wilderness across Alaska.
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Breaching Orca Whale

Alaska Fjords & Glaciers

8 Days from $4,900
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!
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Port of Juneau, Alaska

Alaska's Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan

8 Days from $6,100
Journey from Juneau to Ketchikan on an 8-day Alaska expedition cruise aboard the Wilderness Adventurer. Navigate fjords, glaciers, and remote waterways. Spot whales in Frederick Sound, seals at Dawes Glacier, and bears near Behm Canal. Experience kayaking, hiking, and skiff excursions through Alaska’s pristine wilderness and Misty Fjords.
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Tracy Arm Ford

Alaska Escape: LeConte Bay, Wrangell and Misty Fjords

6 Days from $7,440
Take part on a 6-day exploration of Alaska - a beautiful region of tidewater glaciers, abundant wildlife, and unique frontiers. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, and skiff tours, and admire the region's spectacular landscapes while aboard the Sea Bird.
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Get up close to amazing glaciers in Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

16 Days from $10,200
Embark on a 16-day Alaska Inside Passage Cruise aboard American Constellation. Explore Juneau, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Petersburg, Wrangell, Ketchikan, Friday Harbor, and Tacoma. Observe whales, eagles, glaciers, and historic towns.
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Visit the community of Wrangell, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

16 Days from $10,200
Embark on a 16-day Alaska Inside Passage journey from Juneau to Tacoma aboard American Constitution. Explore Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, and historic ports including Skagway, Ketchikan, and Petersburg with expert-guided experiences and scenic cruising.
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10 Top-Rated Ketchikan Small Ship Cruises for 2026-2027

Safari Explorer

from $8,700
Exquisitely appointed, the Safari Explorer carries 36 passengers on small ship cruising of Hawaii with luxury. She features an intimate wine library, spa area with complimentary massage, and luxurious staterooms.
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Wilderness Discoverer

from $4,900
Wilderness Discoverer is an expedition ship capable of nimble exploration through nature's most dramatic hideaways. Offering her 76 passengers an exciting array of daily adventure excursions, explore Alaska on this unique small ship.
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Wilderness Legacy

Wilderness Legacy

from $5,300
Embark on this refurbished 88-small ship, the Legacy. Emulating an earlyl victorian steamer, this charming vessel carries guests on small ship cruises to Alaska, Columbia River cruises, and historic Northwest exploration. History comes alive with lecturer
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The Wilderness Explorer

Wilderness Explorer

from $8,500
The Wilderness Explorer is equipped for action, adventure, and exploration. As with her sister ?Wilderness? ships, its interior complements the outside and public and private spaces are loaded with amenities. The ship offers a main lounge that evokes the feel of a National Park Lodge or neighborhood pub, dining room, and ample space on deck for taking in the great outdoors.
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National Geographic Sea Bird

from $6,660
The Sea Bird, sister ship of the Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to its small size, yet it comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.
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Wilderness Adventurer

Wilderness Adventurer

from $6,100
Wilderness Adventurer is an expedition ship capable of nimble exploration through nature's most dramatic hideaways. Offering her 60 passengers an exciting array of daily adventure excursions, explore Alaska on this unique small ship.
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Safari Endeavour

Safari Endeavour

from $6,300
The newly refurbished expedition vessel Safari Endeavour's three decks provide ample outside viewing opportunities and relaxing public spaces for gathering with new found friends. A full-beam swim step makes launching a kayak and boarding the skiff easy.
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Safari Quest in Alaska

Safari Quest

from $9,900
The Safari Quest provides guests with intimate adventure experiences, comfortable staterooms and public spaces with ample room to get away from it all. Carrying 22 passengers, enjoy small ship luxury cruising at its finest.
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American Constitution exterior

American Constitution

from $5,425
The American Constitution is designed to expertly navigate inland coastal waterways and can accommodate up to 170 guests. With spacious staterooms and private balconies, guests enjoy scenic views. Onboard amenities include a fitness center, putting green, and a restaurant serving delicious cuisine.
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American Constellation spotted on the Puget Sound

American Constellation

from $5,425
American Constellation is designed to navigate the inland waterways of the Alaska and Puget Sound itineraries allowing guests to visit beautiful ports that larger ships cannot access.
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2 weeks ago
Prompt and detailed options for travel. Listened and responded to my preferences while providing balanced advice.
Carol Ulmer
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1 month ago
Our assigned planning consultant was instrumental in making the whole cruise booking process absolutely seamless. She helped us with adequate information and advice after understanding what we wanted out of this trip, while taking into account our age and fitness levels. Not once did I feel being rushed to decide. She also provided important tips on buffering for jet lag, acclimatisation and unforeseen delays. Registration was smooth and easy. All in all, exactly what the headline says … pleasant and efficient balanced just right in terms of personal and professional engagement.
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1 month ago
Mary was AMAZING! She walked me through the whole process and made it so easy.
Tracy C.
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3 months ago
I contacted Adventure Life months ago to help me find a cruise to Alaska. It was too early to book Then, but when contacted Karilyn again, she was ready to give us a couple of options that worked with our group for the dates that we needed. She answered all of our questions and got us the cabins that we wanted. Now we've been handed off to Nur, who is doing a great job with finalizing our reservations.
MaryM
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4 months ago
As always, Mary finds great discounts and negotiates on our behalf. She understands the kinds of trips we enjoy.
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