Southeast Alaska Cruise

Day 1: Juneau, AK

Check into your hotel and set out to discover Juneau’s city center. Take a leisurely stroll through its bustling streets, stopping to explore specialized shops that offer local crafts and goods. Don’t miss the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and the Sealaska Heritage Institute, which provide deep insights into the region’s history and the rich cultural traditions of its indigenous peoples.

Day 2: Afternoon of Cruising

Before you embark, take part in a guided exploration of Juneau that highlights the city’s most notable attractions. This informative guided visit concludes conveniently at your ship, where you are welcomed aboard with a special reception. Board your home on the river for the rest of your trip and settle in your spacious stateroom. Celebrate with a Welcome Reception featuring refreshments and live local music. Get comfortable as the beauty of Alaska awaits you.

Day 3: Haines, Alaska

Haines, Alaska, glimmers along the shores of the Lynn Canal, reflecting the expansive northern sky. The town boasts a robust arts scene and profound historical relevance, highlighted by Fort William H. Seward, a national historic landmark that once served as a key outpost for the U.S. Army. Galleries and artisan workshops line the streets, each bustling with artists at work, capturing the unique charm of the area.

For those with a curiosity for the quirky, the Hammer Museum offers an in-depth look at the evolution of hand tools, from ancient to modern times. Haines effortlessly combines its deep historical roots and vibrant cultural expressions within its stunning natural setting. In this port, you can explore on your own or with a guide, visit eagles and sip spirits at the Port Chillkoot Distillery.

Day 4: Glacier Bay, Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park is an extraordinary expanse, covering more than 3.3 million acres of striking varied terrain. It hosts a grand assembly of glaciers that descend towards the bay, framed by the cascading Fairweather Mountain Range, a dramatic landscape notorious for its annual accumulation of over 200 feet of snow.

Enjoy exclusive access with American Cruise Lines as you navigate the vast 60-mile stretch of Glacier Bay. Revel in the grand spectacle from the warmth of your ship, sipping hot cocoa as you pass monumental glaciers. Experience the thrill of watching seals basking on ice floes and massive ice blocks thunderously breaking off and plunging into the frosty waters.

From the seclusion of your private balcony, observe a bustling wildlife theater featuring otters, seals, and sea lions at play in the bay. Onshore, spot black and brown bears, agile mountain goats, and a diverse array of birds. Your journey is enriched by captivating narratives from onboard specialists, who illuminate the unique ecological and geological marvels that make Glacier Bay truly unparalleled.

Day 5: Petersburg, Alaska

As your ship docks in Petersburg, take a moment to view the breathtaking scenery. The mountains surrounding this quaint town soar into the sky, their peaks a brilliant white against the crisp blue sky. Founded over a century ago by Norwegian fishermen, Petersburg retains its authentic charm as a true Alaskan fishing village, with many local families still deriving their livelihood from the sea.

For those seeking an aerial adventure, a flightseeing excursion offers unforgettable views of expansive glaciers, verdant valleys, and serene bays from above. On land, wander through Petersburg’s downtown to discover charming shops and small museums or stroll along the waterfront trails to immerse yourself in the lush Alaskan wilderness. For a more thrilling experience, consider chartering a fishing boat to explore the rich waters of Frederick Sound, or take a jet boat tour to the nearby LeConte Glacier Bay, where the landscapes are as dramatic as they are pristine.

Day 6: Cruising the Wrangell Narrows

As you journey between Wrangell and Petersburg, your ship navigates the Wrangell Narrows, a stunningly narrow and deep channel—similar to a fjord—with its steep, evergreen shorelines that gracefully pass by. Head up to the top deck to get an unobstructed view of this natural phenomenon.

Experience the beauty of nature with all-encompassing views of towering glaciers, a series of cascading waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife. Marine mammals can be seen in the waters too. Be on the lookout for a diverse display of waterfowl, shorebirds, and seabirds as they animate the skies and shores. Engage in onboard activities, listening to a guest speaker’s enlightening presentation, and enjoy the chef’s culinary offerings, which highlight the flavors and ingredients of the region.

Day 7: Wrangell, Alaska

Wrangell’s charming bay offers a sweeping view of the town set against a valley that stretches from the imposing coastal mountains. To the north, the mighty Stikine River weaves into the sea, its waters spreading into braided streams across a broad delta. This fertile area is a hotspot for wildlife, especially during salmon runs, when eagles, seals, and both black and brown bears can be observed feasting on the spawning fish from designated safe viewing spots.

For those inclined to a bit of adventure, consider a jet boat tour up the Stikine River, an historic pathway during the fervent days of the Gold Rush. While exploring Wrangell, enjoy the local culinary delights, featuring fresh salmon and halibut. Engage with the rich traditions of the native Tlingit community, or indulge in the simple pleasure of picking wild blueberries and huckleberries from the abundant bushes around the town.

Day 8: Tracy Arm, Alaska / Sawyer Glacier

Today’s journey through the Tracy Arm Fjord gives you a front row seat to natural wonders as our small ship navigates the narrow, winding channel. Throughout this 25-mile voyage, the fjord remains remarkably slender, hugged by sheer cliffs that soar over 3,000 feet above the sea, creating a dramatic corridor. These icy walls are interspersed with valleys that open to reveal snow-draped peaks, ancient forests, and brilliant glaciers that go on forever.

As we advance, the scenery is punctuated by hundreds of waterfalls that plunge dramatically into the fjord below. The voyage culminates at the spectacular twin Sawyer Glaciers, whose mighty forces have historically shaped this stunning waterway. Seals can be seen basking on the ice floes with their young. During this mesmerizing glacier viewing, the crew serves up our signature warm hot-chocolate bar, complete with a variety of toppings and liqueurs to help warm you up.

Day 8: Juneau, AK

After a full exploration of the best of Alaska, your journey circles back to where it all began, in Juneau. Enjoy a final breakfast on board as we prepare to part ways. We sincerely thank you for choosing to cruise with us, and we hope that the memories and experiences you’ve gathered will inspire you to join us again.