At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Roundtrip Juneau
- From:
- $6,400
- Time of Year:
- May - September
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Southeast Alaska cruise aboard the 170-passenger American Constellation or American Constitution, where you’ll discover the region’s unique ports, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring wildlife in the most personalized way possible. Cruise through Alaska’s scenic Inside Passage aboard the region’s most modern ships, ensuring the perfect comfort as you explore.
Your Alaskan adventure begins in Juneau, a city where the spirit of the gold rush still echoes through the streets. Iconic landmarks like the Alaska State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion stand as proud reminders of a time when fortune seekers flocked to the frontier. But it’s the view that truly captivates—a treasure far more dazzling than any gold.
Sail through the serene waters of the Inside Passage, where calm seas reflect the endless sky, and every twist and turn unveils hidden islands teeming with life. Watch playful sea otters weave through kelp beds and see bald eagles soaring high above. In Haines, where history and nature intertwine, visit the Valley of the Eagles to observe bald eagles in their natural habitat, and take in the town’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Each day of your journey brings new and unforgettable experiences, with our small ships expertly navigating these wild waters for the perfect views from your private balcony.
Onboard the newest small cruise ships in Alaska, you’ll experience breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife up close, with stops at iconic destinations like Mendenhall Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, and more. Choose from five unique itineraries that showcase the very best of the Great Land, and witness Alaska’s incredible wildlife and waterfalls from the comfort of your balcony. American Cruise Lines is also one of the only cruise lines to offer an overnight stay in Glacier Bay National Park, giving you a rare chance to fully immerse yourself in this extraordinary landscape.
Southeast Alaska Cruise Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Juneau, AK
Check into your hotel and head out to explore the heart of Juneau. Take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant city center, where you can browse unique shops featuring local crafts and goods. Be sure to visit the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and the Sealaska Heritage Institute, both offering fascinating insights into the region’s history and the rich cultural heritage of its indigenous peoples.
Day 2: Afternoon of Cruising
Before you embark, enjoy a guided tour of Juneau, highlighting the city’s must-see attractions. The tour conveniently ends at your ship, where you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and a special reception. Once aboard, settle into your spacious stateroom and prepare for the journey ahead. Celebrate the beginning of your adventure with a Welcome Reception, featuring refreshments and live local music. Relax and make yourself comfortable as the stunning beauty of Alaska unfolds before you.
Day 3: Haines, Alaska
Haines, Alaska, sparkles along the shores of Lynn Canal, mirroring the vast northern sky. The town is known for its vibrant arts scene and rich historical significance, with highlights like Fort William H. Seward—a national historic landmark that once served as a key U.S. Army outpost. The streets are lined with galleries and artisan workshops, where local artists bring the area’s unique charm to life.
For those seeking something a bit offbeat, the Hammer Museum offers a fascinating look at the history and evolution of hand tools, from ancient to modern times. Haines seamlessly blends its deep historical roots with a lively cultural atmosphere, all set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. Here, you can explore on your own or with a guide, visit the local eagles, or enjoy a drink at the Port Chillkoot Distillery.
Day 4: Glacier Bay, Alaska
Glacier Bay National Park is a vast and awe-inspiring wilderness, spanning over 3.3 million acres of breathtaking, diverse landscapes. The park is home to a stunning array of glaciers that flow toward the bay, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Fairweather Mountain Range, a region famous for receiving over 200 feet of snow each year.
With American Cruise Lines, enjoy exclusive access to Glacier Bay as you traverse its 60-mile stretch. Take in the grandeur from the comfort of your ship, sipping hot cocoa while passing colossal glaciers. Experience the excitement of seals lounging on ice floes and witness the thunderous spectacle of massive ice chunks breaking free and crashing into the icy waters below.
From the privacy of your own balcony, watch as otters, seals, and sea lions frolic in the bay’s waters. On the shore, spot black and brown bears, nimble mountain goats, and a variety of bird species. Your journey is further enriched by onboard experts who share fascinating stories about the region’s ecological and geological wonders, making Glacier Bay an experience like no other.
Day 5: Petersburg, Alaska
As your ship arrives in Petersburg, take a moment to soak in the stunning scenery. The towering mountains that surround this quaint town rise majestically, their snow-capped peaks standing out against the crisp blue sky. Founded over a century ago by Norwegian fishermen, Petersburg maintains its authentic charm as a traditional Alaskan fishing village, with many local families still relying on the sea for their livelihoods.
For those seeking an aerial adventure, a flightseeing excursion provides breathtaking views of sprawling glaciers, lush valleys, and tranquil bays. On the ground, explore Petersburg’s downtown to browse charming shops and small museums, or take a leisurely walk along the waterfront trails to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Alaska. For a more thrilling experience, consider chartering a fishing boat to fish the rich waters of Frederick Sound, or embark on a jet boat tour to the nearby LeConte Glacier Bay, where dramatic, pristine landscapes await.
Day 6: Cruising the Wrangell Narrows
As your ship arrives in Petersburg, take a moment to soak in the stunning scenery. The towering mountains that surround this quaint town rise majestically, their snow-capped peaks standing out against the crisp blue sky. Founded over a century ago by Norwegian fishermen, Petersburg maintains its authentic charm as a traditional Alaskan fishing village, with many local families still relying on the sea for their livelihoods.
For those seeking an aerial adventure, a flightseeing excursion provides breathtaking views of sprawling glaciers, lush valleys, and tranquil bays. On the ground, explore Petersburg’s downtown to browse charming shops and small museums, or take a leisurely walk along the waterfront trails to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Alaska. For a more thrilling experience, consider chartering a fishing boat to fish the rich waters of Frederick Sound, or embark on a jet boat tour to the nearby LeConte Glacier Bay, where dramatic, pristine landscapes await.
Day 7: Wrangell, Alaska
Wrangell’s picturesque bay offers stunning views of the town nestled in a valley, framed by towering coastal mountains. To the north, the powerful Stikine River flows into the sea, its waters spreading into braided streams across a vast delta. This fertile landscape is a wildlife haven, especially during the salmon runs, when eagles, seals, and both black and brown bears gather to feast on the spawning fish, easily spotted from safe viewing areas.
For those seeking adventure, a jet boat tour up the Stikine River—once a vital route during the Gold Rush—provides an exciting journey through history. As you explore Wrangell, savor the local flavors with fresh salmon and halibut, immerse yourself in the rich Tlingit traditions, or simply enjoy the joy of picking wild blueberries and huckleberries from the thriving bushes surrounding the town.
Day 8: Tracy Arm, Alaska / Sawyer Glacier
Today’s journey through the Tracy Arm Fjord offers an up-close experience with nature’s most dramatic wonders as our small ship winds through the narrow, twisting channel. This 25-mile stretch of water remains strikingly narrow, flanked by sheer cliffs that rise over 3,000 feet above the sea, creating a breathtaking corridor. Interspersed with valleys, the fjord opens to reveal snow-capped peaks, ancient forests, and endless glaciers that stretch as far as the eye can see.
As we make our way deeper, the landscape is enhanced by hundreds of waterfalls cascading into the fjord below. The journey culminates at the awe-inspiring twin Sawyer Glaciers, whose immense power has shaped this stunning waterway. Seals can often be spotted lounging on ice floes with their pups. During this mesmerizing glacier experience, the crew serves our signature hot chocolate with a variety of toppings and liqueurs, adding a warm touch to your unforgettable adventure.
Day 8: Juneau, AK
After an unforgettable exploration of Alaska’s finest wonders, your journey returns to where it all began in Juneau. Enjoy a final breakfast aboard as we prepare to say our goodbyes. We truly appreciate you choosing to cruise with us, and we hope the memories and experiences you’ve collected will inspire you to join us again on future adventures.
