Alaska small ship cruises offer travelers a unique and intimate way to explore the rugged wilderness, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife of America’s Last Frontier. Here are some highlights and key features of Alaska small ship cruises:
Alaska is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including bears, whales, eagles, seals, and more. Small ship cruises often offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with onboard experts helping passengers spot and identify animals from the deck or during shore excursions.
Alaska is unique in the many methods to explore. Have up-close and personal encounters aboard a zodiac, kayak or paddle board. Hike Alaska’s temperate rainforest, take a polar plunge and even snorkel in Alaska.
Check out our chart that shows the best time to visit Alaska, based on temperature, weather, wildlife and northern lights.
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sailings | ||||||||||||
| Avg. Temp (F)* | 48°/33° | 60°/39° | 65°/44° | 68°/49° | 65°/46° | 59°/42° | ||||||
| Avg. Precip. (in.) | 2.96 | 3.53 | 3.13 | 4.29 | 5.34 | 7.21 | ||||||
| Northern Lights | Best | Better | Good | Good | Better | Best | ||||||
| Humpback Whales | Better | Better | Best | Best | Best | Better | ||||||
| Gray Whales | Best | Best | Good | Good | Good | Best | ||||||
| Bear Sightings | Better | Best | Best | Best | Best | Better | ||||||
| Bird Migrations | Best | Best | Good | Good | Best | Good | ||||||
| Spawning Salmon | Good | Good | Best | Best | Best | Good |
We got to spend the week making incredible memories with wonderful new friends from all over! Thanks to Alaskan Dream Cruises and their dedicated and knowledgeable staff, crew and guides- we would highly recommend them to anyone.
On this 8-day Alaska’s Inside Passage cruise aboard the National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture, explore Southeast Alaska on an unrivaled experience, guaranteed of in-depth encounters with all its wonders. Do more than just see Alaska—be an active participant in all that it has to offer.
On this 6-day Wild Alaska Escape itinerary, indulge your inner explorer on this compact expedition along the untamed coastal landscapes of Alaska’s Inside Passage. This pristine wilderness is home to a rich Tlingit culture, an enduring frontier spirit, and a panoply of wildlife.
On this 14-day Treasures of the Inside Passage cruise, enjoy active exploration amid a dramatic scenery of mountains, fjords, rivers and glaciers along the Inside Passage of Alaska and British Columbia.
On this 6-day Alaska Escape: LeConte Bay, Wrangell, and the Misty Fjords cruise itinerary, experience the pure power of primal wilderness on this compact expedition along the untamed southern regions of Southeast Alaska.
On this 15-day Voyage to Alaska, British Columbia and Haida Gwaii between Sitka, Alaska, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, visit the remote, moss-draped archipelago of Haida Gwaii—the ancestral territory of the Haida Nation, by special invitation.
On this 8-day Voyage to Great Bear Rainforest aboard the National Geographic Venture, explore the northern coast of British Columbia and sail into Great Bear Rainforest, the only place where the elusive Kermode bear, or spirit bear, can be found.
On this 8-day Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise aboard the 60-passenger Wilderness Adventurer or 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer, spend two days in Glacier Bay National Park. While many ships keep their distance, UnCruise takes you up close to Alaska’s iconic glaciers and landscapes.
This 8-day Wild, Woolly and Wow Alaska cruise itinerary sailing roundtrip from Juneau aboard the 86-guest Wilderness Legacy is the most active backcountry itinerary that UnCruise offers. See areas that no other boats visit, and stretch your legs and imagination in all new areas.
On this 8-day Northern Passages & Glacier Bay cruise sailing from Juneau to Sitka or reverse aboard the 84-guest Safari Endeavour, skiff, kayak, and paddle board through fjords and inlets as wildlife greets you from land and sea. Explore the wilderness of the Tongass National Forest and Glacier Bay National Park.
On this 8-day Alaska Fjords & Glaciers cruise aboard the 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer, discover Southeast Alaska on a 7-night adventure that begins in Juneau, where you can explore its historic streets or take a scenic tram ride, and ends in the charming town of Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of the World.”
On this 12-day Alaskan Explorer Cruise aboard the 170-passenger American Constellation or American Constituition, experience Alaska’s expansive beauty and rich history as our intimate cruise ships navigate waters that immerse you in the region’s grandeur.
On this unforgettable 8-day Southeast Alaska cruise aboard the 170-passenger American Constellation or American Constitution, discover the unique ports, colorful culture, and inspiring wildlife of Alaska in the most personalized way possible. Travel in the perfect comfort of the region’s most modern ship as you cruise Alaska’s scenic Inside Passage.
On this 16-day Alaska Inside Passage Cruise aboard the 170-passenger American Constellation or American Constitution, embark on a captivating voyage along nearly 1,000 miles of America’s most stunning coastline.
