Luxury Alaska cruises travel routes that follow the footsteps of explorers like John Muir and traverse the coast of the state in search of polar bears, whales, other wildlife, and glaciers.
Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness
Alaska’s southeastern coast is a land where small expedition ships crisscross fjords past far off islands to majestic glaciers where waterfalls cascade down from far above. Hikes and zodiac trips reveal epic scenery and wildlife on the shores such as brown bears. Kayak trips on secluded bays, and exploring the immense glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park up close while tons of ice shear off into the waters below are exhilarating experiences that make this a journey to remember.
The National Geographic Venture carries 100 passengers and has a crew of 50 including expert naturalist guides who accompany passengers on day trips throughout the cruise. The boat boasts an observation deck, bar, and a lounge was taking in the sunset, unwinding after a day’s adventure, recapping the day’s events, and attending special presentations create unique moments to enjoy and learn from. Other amenities include a fitness center, spa, and an open-air bow and sundeck with ample room for all the passengers on the boat to gather for whale sightings while at sea.
Wild Alaska Escape
Each day
exploring the wilderness of Alaska on small cruise ships is an adventure with surprises around every corner. Small towns like Haines offer respite from the routine of everyday life with hiking, rafting, and biking in the great outdoors. Other stops venture into the fjords of the territory where towering glaciers flank the waterways and seals become companions on kayaking excursions.
The National Geographic’s Sea Lion has room for 62 guests and a crew of 25. The ship’s small size lets the captain navigate to places that aren’t accessible to larger vessels which opens up a ton of options. An expert naturalist guide and National Geographic photographer are on hand when on day excursions which makes these excursions extremely informative and in-depth. Additionally, top-shelf food and amenities like a spa, a fitness center, and a bar make this vessel one of the best options for small ship cruises in the region.
Alaska's Glacier Country
Open waters, towering glaciers, sea lions, whales, bears, and eagles greet those who take an
Alaska cruise into glacier country. Trips venture deep into the far regions of the state where highlights include Glacier Bay National Park- an area where more than 1,000 glaciers have been found. There are eight glaciers in Glacier Bay that are explored in the company of a naturalist guide and a park ranger if you chose this itinerary. Beachcombing, kayaking, and exploring islands where black bears roam free and fish for salmon are a few of the highlights that mark this trip as one of a kind.
The Safari Quest is a luxury ship that has space for 22 passengers, its small size gives it an edge towards reaching tight spots during the journey and making the cruise a fun, social experience for guests and crew alike. The boat’s spacious cabins, above the bar food, hot tub, and fitness center reflect the opulence of the territory it journeys through. Kayaks and paddleboards help to bring fun excursions to the passengers when not exploring on land.
Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Wilderness
Alaska’s Inside Passage and Glacier Bay are rich in wild beauty, Indigenous heritage, and iconic landscapes shaped by glaciers and time. Sailing through these remote waterways takes you into lush rainforests, narrow fjords, and icy bays where wildlife thrives and natural wonders abound. You'll watch humpback whales feed in nutrient-rich waters, explore quiet coves in a kayak, and learn about the deep traditions of the Tlingit people.
The Safari Endeavor is a well-equipped ship that easily navigates the rugged waters off Alaska’s coast. It has room to comfortably accommodate 88 people, is outfitted with two on-deck hot tubs, and both sports kayaks and paddleboards for exploring the coasts, along with glaciers, and amid coves, where nature takes center stage.
Transarctic: The Quest for the Two North Poles
Sail on a groundbreaking voyage from Longyearbyen to Nome across a transpolar maritime route never before navigated by traditional ships.
This extraordinary path takes you from the ice-covered lands of Svalbard through the remote Beaufort Sea and onward to the legendary Bering Strait—where East meets West. Along the way, the shifting floes and open leads of the Arctic offer a rare opportunity to reach both the Magnetic and Geographic North Poles, revealing a raw and unexplored world at the top of the planet.
Le Commandant Charcot is a state-of-the-art, 245-passenger luxury icebreaker designed for safe, low-impact navigation in the most extreme polar regions. As Ponant’s first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship, it runs on LNG and electric batteries, making it one of the most advanced and eco-conscious vessels at sea. Onboard, guests enjoy sophisticated French design, a spa with sea views, a snow room, an indoor pool, multiple lounges, a theater, and an infinity-style heated pool complete with fire pit and heated seating.
The ship carries a four-passenger helicopter for scouting landings and assisting scientific research, and offers a wide range of Arctic activities like kayaking, hiking, polar plunges, and even polar diving. Aboard this Polar Class 2 vessel, expert expedition guides lead immersive adventures into remote ice fields, fjords, and wildlife-rich coastlines—bringing guests closer to the untouched beauty of the polar world.
Adventure Life can help with information about the different luxury cruise ships that explore Alaska and arrange custom trips according to your interests,
please contact one of our travel experts to start planning an incredible journey.
