Alaska Cruise

Seeing Alaska from the water is an experience in itself. You’ll sail past densely forested coastlines and deep fjords, watch mountains appear on the horizon and get ever closer to immense glaciers. It’s not just the next port of call that’s something to look forward to: the hours spent on the water are also among the most beautiful moments of the journey. During passages through the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and College Fjord, there’s really only one thing you need to do: look out.

This sample itinerary takes you from Whittier to Vancouver in eight days and showcases different sides of Alaska. After passing through Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay, you’ll go ashore in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. You’ll alternate between visiting characterful towns and exploring Alaska’s history with days where glaciers, fjords and the rugged coastline take centre stage. Via the Inside Passage, you’ll eventually sail on to Vancouver, where the cruise ends.

Sail to places
you’d never otherwise get to.

Day 1 – Whittier
Your Alaska cruise begins in Whittier, surrounded by Alaska’s impressive landscape. From here, you’ll board the ship and begin your journey southwards along the coast. Whittier also makes a great base for a stay in Anchorage or a more extensive tour of Alaska before the cruise.

Day 2 – Hubbard Glacier
The first full day immediately shows why Alaska is so special when viewed from the water. Today you’ll sail towards Hubbard Glacier, where the immense glacial landscape takes centre stage. This is a day when you won’t need to go ashore: find a good spot on board and enjoy the views as the ship sails through this impressive scenery.

Day 3 – Glacier Bay
Nature takes centre stage again today as the ship enters Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. Fjords, mountains and glaciers follow one after another as you sail through the protected area from the ship. The exact route is determined by weather and ice conditions.

Day 4 – Skagway
In Skagway, the journey takes on a touch of Gold Rush history. At the end of the 19th century, thousands of gold prospectors travelled through this region on their way to the Klondike. Today, you can learn about that past and discover why this little town played such a special role in the history of Alaska.

Day 5 – Juneau
Surrounded by mountains and water lies Juneau, the capital of Alaska. Its location makes the city an excellent base for excursions into the surrounding countryside. During your time ashore, you can decide for yourself how you’d like to explore this unique environment.

Day 6 – Ketchikan
In Ketchikan, you’ll discover yet another side of Alaska. The town is known, amongst other things, for its historic totem poles and indigenous art, offering a wonderful introduction to the culture and history of South-East Alaska before you set sail again.

Day 7 – Inside Passage
Once again, the cruise route itself is a key part of the experience. The ship follows the sheltered waterways of the Inside Passage, past islands, fjords and coastal rainforests. Keep an eye on the water and the coastline too: humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles and brown bears are among the wildlife found in this region.

Day 8 – Vancouver
After seven nights at sea, the cruise ends in Vancouver. Of course, your journey doesn’t have to end here straight away. Stay on for a few more days to explore Stanley Park, Granville Island and Gastown, amongst other places, or combine the cruise with a further journey through Western Canada.

An Alaska cruise doesn’t have to be a stand-alone trip. Why not start your journey with a few days in Anchorage or a tour of Alaska before you board your cruise in Whittier? After the cruise, you can extend your stay in Vancouver and enjoy the city and the natural beauty of Western Canada. This way, you can combine a land-based tour of Alaska with the impressive coastline and glaciers seen from the water.

The itinerary above is an example. The exact route, ports of call, duration of the trip, cruise line and ship may vary depending on the departure date.

Do you dream of a cruise to Alaska? Please feel free to get in touch with us.
We’ll listen to your wishes and work with you to plan a trip that’s perfectly tailored to you.