Alaskan Explorer Cruise

Day 1: Juneau, AK

Settle into your hotel and get ready to discover the charm of Juneau. In the heart of downtown, you’ll find a variety of one-of-a-kind shops featuring local crafts and souvenirs, alongside must-see museums like the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and the Alaska State Museum, where you can explore the rich culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. From almost anywhere in Juneau, you’ll catch a glimpse of the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier, a vast ice field that shines brilliantly under the Alaskan sun.

Day 2: Afternoon of Cruising

Settle in after embarkation and keep your eyes peeled on the horizon as you sail away from the dock—these waters are famous for their whale sightings. With some luck, you might spot these majestic creatures leaping from the sea. Once you’re unpacked in your spacious stateroom—the largest in the industry—join us for a variety of onboard activities. Be sure to attend cocktail hour and enjoy our lively entertainment for the evening.

Day 3: Haines, Alaska

Nestled between the towering peaks of the Chilkat Range and the deep blue waters of the Lynn Canal, Haines is a charming town renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery and rich history. Originally a trading hub for the Tlingit people and later a pivotal location during the Klondike Gold Rush, Haines provides a fascinating window into Alaska’s past. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through this historic port, uncovering its storied heritage. You’ll also journey through the renowned “Valley of the Eagles,” where the Chilkoot Valley’s vibrant wildlife awaits.

Day 4: Glacier Bay, Alaska

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking splendor of Glacier Bay National Park, a vast expanse covering 3.3 million acres. As your intimate ship navigates the stunning 60-mile bay, savor a steaming cup of cocoa from our signature hot chocolate bar while admiring the towering glaciers set against the majestic, snow-capped Fairweather Mountain Range.

American Cruise Lines is among the select few granted access to this pristine wilderness. Take in the tranquil beauty of seals resting on drifting icebergs and witness the exhilarating sight of glacier calving, where massive ice chunks dramatically plunge into the sea. An onboard expert will enhance your journey with captivating stories and insights into this extraordinary region. Glacier Bay National Park offers an awe-inspiring experience like no other.

Day 5: Day of Cruising the Inside Passage

Awaken to the misty allure of Alaska from the privacy of your veranda. Engage in expert-led talks, hands-on workshops, and unforgettable marine life encounters, all while our dedicated crew caters to your every need. Unwind in spacious lounges as breathtaking landscapes glide by, or step outside to witness majestic wildlife—humpback whales breaching, orcas gliding through the waves, and bears roaming the shoreline. Sit back, relax, and let the adventure unfold.

Day 6: Sitka, Alaska

Nestled between the vast Pacific Ocean and rugged mountain peaks, Sitka is a picturesque coastal town rich in history and natural beauty. Once the capital of Russian America, Sitka is home to iconic landmarks like St. Michael’s Cathedral, the first Orthodox cathedral in the New World. Gaze upon the breathtaking sight of Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano rising from the sea, and admire the serene waters of Sitka Sound shimmering beneath the Alaskan sun. Discover the wonders of Sitka National Historical Park, where towering totem poles stand amid lush forests, and scenic trails wind through ancient spruce and hemlock trees.

Day 7: Cruising the Inside Passage & Frederick Sound

After days of exhilarating exploration, take a moment to relax and recharge as you cruise through Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes. Drift through glacier-carved fjords, where towering mountains—some rising over 15,000 feet—create a spectacular and dramatic backdrop. Pass by countless islands cloaked in lush, emerald forests that stretch down to the water’s edge. Every turn along the Inside Passage and Frederick Sound offers a picture-perfect view.

Your captain will expertly maneuver the ship for the best up-close encounters with Alaska’s abundant marine life. Keep an eye out for whales breaching, sea lions basking on rocky shores, seals drifting on floating ice, playful porpoises, and vibrant puffins. As you glide through these serene waters, nature becomes an unforgettable part of your journey.

Day 8: Petersburg, AK

Nicknamed “Little Norway,” Petersburg is a picturesque town on Mitkof Island, steeped in Norwegian heritage and thriving on a bustling fishing industry. Its vibrant harbor is filled with commercial fishing vessels hauling in some of the freshest salmon, halibut, and crab you’ll ever taste. Nestled within the lush Tongass National Forest, Petersburg is surrounded by towering spruce and hemlock trees, offering breathtaking natural beauty. Just offshore, watch humpback whales breaching and bald eagles diving gracefully to snatch fish from the water—a true Alaskan spectacle.

Day 9: Wrangell, Alaska

Founded in 1834 as a Russian trading post, Wrangell is one of Alaska’s oldest non-Native settlements, rich with history and cultural heritage. Discover landmarks like the Chief Shakes Tribal House and Petroglyph Beach, where ancient rock carvings share the stories of the Tlingit people. Nestled along the pristine waters of the Inside Passage and surrounded by dense forests, Wrangell is framed by the breathtaking Stikine River, North America’s fastest free-flowing navigable river. Adventure abounds with the chance to take a thrilling jet boat ride up the Stikine or visit the remote Anan Wildlife Observatory, where black and brown bears gather to feast on wild salmon.

Day 10: Cruising the Wrangell Narrows

Marvel at breathtaking glaciers, shimmering waterfalls that cascade like silver threads, and a vibrant array of wildlife, from playful marine mammals to an array of shorebirds and seabirds.

Day 11: Tracy Arm, AK

Tracy Arm Fjord’s 25-mile passage is a breathtaking journey through towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Seals lounge on ice floes near the majestic twin Sawyer Glaciers, offering an unforgettable glimpse of Alaska’s wild beauty. As you glide through this pristine wilderness, the crew serves hot chocolate, letting you savor the experience just as John Muir once described—”shut in by sublime cliffs, nobly sculptured.”

Day 12: Juneau, AK

You’ve explored some of Alaska’s most iconic landmarks on this unforgettable journey. As you return to Juneau, join us for a final breakfast aboard to reflect on the memories made.