Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

Day 1: Juneau, AK

Settle into your hotel and seize the opportunity to wander the streets of Juneau. Begin your exploration in the downtown area, where you can visit boutique shops offering exquisite local handicrafts, from Tlingit-inspired jewelry to hand-carved totems. Delve into Alaska’s past at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, featuring exhibits on gold mining and the region’s Russian heritage, or the Sealaska Heritage Institute, which houses an extensive collection of Native artifacts and contemporary art.

Achieve new heights on the Mount Roberts Tramway, an enclosed aerial lift that takes you from the waterfront to the mountain’s sub-alpine zone. As you ascend, watch the panorama unfold below—a mosaic of dense forest islands and quiet, fog-laced coves against a backdrop of sharply defined mountain peaks.

Day 2: Afternoon of Cruising

Once you board the next section of your tour of the 49th state, it’s another beautiful day on Alaska’s blue waters. Keep a keen eye on the horizon as you depart the dock, for these waters are renowned for their abundance of whales. With luck, you may catch sight of these magnificent creatures breaching the surface, a fitting finale to this portion of your trip. Settle into your stateroom—the largest in the industry—and join us for an array of onboard activities. Don’t miss cocktail hour and our engaging entertainment for the night.

Day 3: Haines, AK

At the northern end of the Lynn Canal, mountains ascend sharply from the shoreline, encircling Haines in a dramatic embrace. Along a river that skirts the town, bears are often seen feasting on salmon.

In the nearby Chilkat Valley, home to over 260 species of birds, the bald eagle reigns supreme. Delight in a host of activities tailored to nature lovers: a guided wildlife expedition, paddle through calm blue waters on a private kayaking and rafting adventure or visit a rehabilitation center dedicated to the care of bald eagles.

Day 4: Skagway, AK

Heading into the famed Inside Passage, Skagway, known as the “Gateway to the Yukon,” witnessed rapid growth as 100,000 Americans headed north, drawn by the promise of gold. This fascinating period is showcased at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, maintained by the National Park Service. The town still offers rides on antique streetcars, where guides in colorful attire share stories of the old frontier and buildings from the gold rush era.

Travel through spectacular scenery on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a vintage locomotive that winds its way up the mountain pass to Canada, a route completed in 1900. In Skagway, the main street, lined with charming false-front buildings, invites visitors to wander through a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and museums, each a reflection if the town’s history.

Day 5: Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park is a world apart, sprawling across 3.3 million acres of astounding landscapes. Thousands of glaciers slide gracefully toward the bay, set against the backdrop of the towering Fairweather Mountain Range, notorious for receiving over 200 feet of snow each year.

With exclusive access granted to American Cruise Lines, your journey through the 60-mile bay becomes a celebration of nature’s wonders. Enjoy a warm cup of cocoa as you glide past towering glaciers, creating a remarkable natural theater. Witness the playful antics of hundreds of seals on the icebergs and feel the thrill as massive chunks of ice break away and crash into the water with a resounding splash. As you crane at these awe-inspiring sights, your onboard presenter brings the magic of Glacier Bay to life with stories that highlight its unique characteristics.

Day 6: Cruising the Alaska Inside Passage

This day of sailing unveils the unimaginable wonders of the river as our small ship weaves through the slender waterways of Tracy Arm Fjord. Along the 25-mile stretch, the fjord remains intimately narrow, scarcely a mile across, with sheer vertical cliffs soaring over 3,000 feet into the sky. These cliffs frame a dramatic vista, where valleys cut through to reveal majestic, snow-draped peaks that go on and on, disappearing into the blue sky. The mountainsides are a patchwork of ancient forests and gleaming glaciers.

Countless waterfalls spill down these cliffs in spectacular cascades, merging with the fjord’s crystalline waters below. The journey reaches a crescendo as the ship approaches the awe-inspiring twin Sawyer Glaciers. These icy giants, architects of this remarkable fjord, present a frozen frenzy where seals and their young find sanctuary on drifting ice floes.

Amidst all this, the crew readies a delightful hot-chocolate bar, complete with an assortment of toppings and liqueurs, adding warmth to the chilly cruising day. This pristine wilderness, largely unaltered since naturalist John Muir’s visit in 1879, echoes his words, presenting a landscape “shut in by sublime cliffs, nobly sculptured, and adorned with waterfalls and fringes of trees, bushes, and patches of flowers.” Such is the enchanting beauty of Tracy Arm Fjord—a place where nature’s artistry is displayed in its most raw and captivating form.

Day 7: Petersburg, AK

As your ship moors in Petersburg, take in the sights of mountains soaring into the clouds, their peaks glistening with snow. Founded by Norwegian fishermen over a century ago, Petersburg is a thriving Alaskan fishing town, where the community’s heart beats with the rhythm of the sea. Here, locals and guides exude enthusiasm, ready to reveal the treasures and time-honored traditions of their cherished home.

Elevate your experience with a thrilling flightseeing trip, gliding over monumental glaciers, sweeping valleys, and mystical bays. Roam through the town’s delightful shops and museums, or hike along the waterfront paths for a refreshing encounter with nature. You could also charter a fishing boat in the thriving waters of Frederick Sound, or zip across the water on a jet boat to explore the enchanting LeConte Glacier Bay.

Day 8: Wrangell, AK

Wrangell’s charming bay provides a striking view of the town, laid out against a sweeping valley framed by towering coastal mountains. To the north, the Stikine River unfurls into the ocean, its waters dividing into countless rivulets across a sprawling delta. Here, the bustling salmon runs attract a lively scene of wildlife; from designated viewing areas, you can safely watch as eagles swoop, seals frolic, and bears—both black and brown—dine on the abundant spawning fish.

If you’re looking for something faster pace, take a jet boat ride up the historically significant Stikine River, once a pivotal route during the Gold Rush. Explore Wrangell’s streets, where you can taste the ocean’s bounty with dishes of freshly caught salmon and halibut, experience the vibrant native Tlingit culture, or meander through the wilderness to harvest blueberries and huckleberries from the generous bushes.

Day 9: Ketchikan, AK

Set in the vast Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan stands as the threshold to the last frontier, a landscape carved by glaciers with snow-capped mountains, tumbling waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. The population of animals such as black bears, mountain goats, Sitka black-tailed deer, and bald eagles may well surpass that of humans, all thriving in the densely wooded areas of the forest.

Ketchikan boasts several top-notch museums that recount the enduring cultural narratives of the region’s predominant tribes—the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. In Saxman’s Totem Park, you can view 25 totem poles, each an authentic replica of those left behind in native villages as their residents relocated to urban centers. Enjoy the lively spectacle of a lumberjack demonstration, highlighting the traditional logging prowess of the region. Wander along Creek Street where old wooden boardwalks and shops sit on stilts above the babbling stream.

Day 10: Cruising the Inside Passage & Frederick Sound

With an imposing mountain scape around you, the calm waters of the Inside Passage and Frederick Sound are the perfect backdrop for today’s day of cruising. As ice capped peaks disappear into the sky, you can participate in many onboard activities, engage in in-depth presentations, or make the day your own on board.

Settle comfortably in one of the spacious lounges, with large windows perfect for taking in the stunning landscapes and making new acquaintances. Head to the sun deck to practice your short game on the putting green. Unwind in the comfort of your stateroom, boasting a full wall of windows, or enjoy the crisp air from your private veranda as the captain expertly guides the ship past roaring waterfalls, secluded lodges, and into magical hidden coves.

The nutrient-rich waters here attract thousands of humpback whales, alongside orcas, sea lions, seals, dolphins, and porpoises, offering frequent wildlife sightings. Be on the lookout for the spectacular dance of whales performing bubble-net feeding or gracefully breaching the surface.

Day 11: Cruising Queen Charlotte Strait

Spend a relaxing day cruising the Queen Charlotte Strait, a spectacular part of the Inside Passage that winds its way through a labyrinth of island chains from Washington State to Alaska. As you sail these protected waters, the ever-evolving scenery of the Broughton Archipelago surrounds you, offering a parade of wildlife. Keep an eye out for orcas surfacing, harbor seals dotting the rocky shores, and sea lions navigating the cool waters. Look upwards to catch glimpses of bald eagles gliding overhead, their impressive wings cutting through the sky.

Day 12: Cruising Strait of Georgia

Enjoy a peaceful day sailing the majestic 150-mile Strait of Georgia, which lies between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland. With fewer than 180 guests onboard, each individual is promised a spectacular view of the region’s stunning landscapes. From your own furnished private balcony, witness the unique and ecologically significant estuary system where numerous rivers merge into the sea.

As you sail, keep an eye out for the intricate dance of marine life in the waters below—where seals, dolphins, and occasional whales might be spotted—and watch the sky for the flight of coastal birds against a backdrop of dense, forested shorelines. Unwind in luxury, with every detail taken care of by our attentive crew so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy this stunning marine corridor.

Day 13: Friday Harbor, WA

Friday Harbor on San Juan Island welcomes you with its relaxed charm. The town hosts an array of historic storefronts, turn-of-the-century homes, and Coast Salish native carvings, presenting a calm yet mesmerizing atmosphere. Wander the accessible historic district of this quaint coastal fishing village, exploring its friendly shops and inviting restaurants.

Visit the town’s museums to gain insights into the local marine life, historical narratives, and cultural arts. Learn about the curious 1859 “Pig War” that almost brought the U.S. and Britain to the brink of conflict. Whether you choose to explore independently or participate in organized excursions to nearby attractions, you’ll appreciate the town’s quiet charm, its deep historical roots, and the diverse natural environment that ranges from pebble-laden shores to imposing mountains and verdant valleys.

Day 14: Anacortes, WA

Anacortes, located on Fidalgo Island in Northwest Washington State, offers a delightful waterfront setting. This community is known for hosting one of the world’s largest whale watching fleets and for Deception Pass, one of the most frequently photographed spots in the Northwest.

Covering more than 50 miles, the trails of Anacortes and Fidalgo Island provide opportunities to enjoy views of Mount Erie, wander around four freshwater lakes, explore ancient forests, and observe a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles. A short walk from our dock, the downtown area welcomes visitors to browse through elegant boutiques, art galleries, and unique antique shops.

Day 15: Day of Cruising/Seattle, WA

Welcome to Seattle. As our ship approaches, unwind on the sun deck, basking in the warmth as the iconic skyline unfurls before you. The city’s architectural marvels, from the futuristic Space Needle to the reflective surfaces of the modernist glass skyscrapers, create a dazzling backdrop against the Pacific Northwest sky.

Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of the city with a visit to the Seattle Center, an epicenter of arts, culture, and entertainment. Explore the sprawling grounds, which house the mesmerizing Chihuly Garden and Glass, the interactive Museum of Pop Culture, and tranquil green spaces that invite leisurely strolls.

Day 16: Seattle, WA

After one last breakfast on board, say goodbye to this odyssey along Alaska’s shores. You’ve conquered the Last Frontier; and no matter where your next journey lines, we hope to see you again out on America’s waterways.