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Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska. This web of waterways known as Alaska’s Inside Passage runs from Seattle to the southeastern Alaska panhandle. It’s a common network for ships, as it offers protected, smooth-as-glass sailing.
Inside Passage Cruise Reviews from Our Travelers
Listen to Gold Rush history while admiring scenery of the Yukon and White Pass Summit. Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience. No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess. As a common Scandinavian saying goes, "There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The better you prepare and the more meticulous you pack, the more comfortable you’ll be. That doesn’t mean overloading your suitcase, it means including enough of the right gear for the weather in Alaska. Discover remote outposts and isolated towns as you cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage.
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As you’re booking your dream Alaskan cruise to the Inside Passage, consider what comforts, food and adventures you're seeking. Each cruise line offers unique programs and amenities, and some will be better suited for your budget and level of comfort. Note that cross-gulf cruises almost always start or end in Vancouver, and flying in or out of Canada requires a passport, though arriving at a Canadian port via a cruise ship doesn't. The high demand for Inside Passage cruises can be partly attributed to the convenience of ending a cruise in the same place you first set sail. Plus, they can be less expensive than cross-gulf cruises, which typically require a pricey flight to Anchorage (the gateway for nearby Seward and Whittier).
Shore Excursions: Hiking, Kayaking, and Cultural Tours
10 Best Alaska Cruises To Take This Summer, According To Experts - TRAVEL + LEISURE INDIA
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Learn what stands out about Lindblad's Alaska programming, guides and crew. Take note that many travelers mistake the name to be the Inland Passage Alaska, or even Inner Passage Alaska or Alaska Passage. So next time you hear about an Alaska Inland Passage cruise, just know the person is referring to an Alaska Inside Passage cruise. The Alaska Inside Passage is a must-visit destination offering unparalleled value.
Alaska’s Inside Passage: Glaciers, National Forests and Beyond
Today, it is a globally renowned cruise destination where natural splendor meets rich cultural heritage. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, offering a breathtaking landscape of towering mountains, dense forests, and sparkling waters. To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. Alaska’s rich history begins with the Indigenous groups that have lived in the region for thousands of years, including the Iñupiat, Yupik, Aleut, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Russian explorers reached the area in the 19th century, and the Yukon Gold Rush attracted thousands of miners to the remote area.
This article lets you uncover this breathtaking region’s hidden gems and must-see spots. We tell you what to pay attention to when choosing a cruise itinerary and what attractions you will find in individual ports of call in the Inside Passage. Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Experience the Alaskan wilderness; get up close to a glacier and marvel at the wildlife. Discover this small fishing town or capture views of glaciers by helicopter, boat or kayak. You’ll be cruising during your time through Alaska’s Inside Passage.
These islands are visually stunning and serve as popular haul-out sites for harbor seals. Tracy Arm Fjord offers the twin Sawyer Glaciers, set against steep granite cliffs. And then there’s the Hubbard Glacier, one of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America, known for its stunning blue ice and frequent calving. These glaciers and the icebergs they produce offer a once-in-a-lifetime visual feast for visitors. Discover our top picks for towns in the Inside Passage, a destination we’ve explored time and again. Uncover attractions that won’t break the bank or are completely free, alongside the best shore excursions to enhance your visit.
Whether you cruise when the Inside Passage is blanketed with spring wildflowers or ablaze with fall foliage you'll be awed at Alaska's natural wonders. Spring whale migrations, fall bald eagle gatherings, winter trumpeter swans - exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and substantial savings can be found during spring and fall. Bear Paw Charters offers private, all-inclusive day trips and longer tours on its luxury yacht — perfect for whale watching, bear viewing, and experiencing Alaska’s scenic majesty. The Inside Passage is one of the few routes in the world where large cruise ships requiring relatively deep water can safely sail next to steep mountainsides. It was heavily used by prospectors from the American West Coast during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Petersburg offers a glimpse into its Norwegian heritage with folk dance performances and visits to local museums. Haines provides cultural tours that include visits to the local Chilkat Tlingit Village and the Sheldon Museum, which showcases the history and art of the Chilkat Valley. The Inside Passage is rich in cultural history, and many ports offer tours that delve into the local heritage. In Sitka, you can learn about the Tlingit culture and Russian history through guided tours of historical sites.
For a more relaxed and luxurious experience, seniors often prefer Princess Cruises. Known for its excellent service and comfortable amenities, Princess offers a range of activities tailored for an older demographic. Small ships provide a closer look at nature but have fewer onboard activities. Expedition cruises are for the adventurous at heart, usually accommodating around 50 to 200 passengers. Operated by smaller vessels equipped with Zodiac boats for closer exploration, companies like National Geographic and AdventureSmith Explorations offer these cruises. These cruises often feature exclusive excursions and personalized service, making them ideal for travelers looking for a lavish vacation.
The alternative to an Inside Passage cruise is a Gulf of Alaska cruise. These cross-gulf cruises hit some Inside Passage stops but also ports farther north. They're usually one-way trips starting or ending in Seward or Whittier, Alaska.
It was the site of the Alaska purchase transfer ceremony and has both Tlingit and Russian influence. Small ships -- such as the five in the Alaskan Dream Cruises fleet, each carrying between 12 and 76 typically adventure-minded passengers -- are a lesser-known option. Inside Passage cruisers can choose from mass-market lines with massive ships, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Sometimes Sitka, with its heavy Russian influence and alpine meadows, or Haines, known for exceptional fishing and its bald eagle preserve, swaps in. Glacier Bay National Park, or another scenic cruising area like Tracy Arm Fjord, is normally part of the itinerary. Compare and contrast the various Lindblad Alaska cruises and ships from an expert who's been aboard.
Ask questions about last day arrival, and connections to the airport. We were unaware that we would have transportation to the airport. When we did, our driver was there on time, and she was efficient, pleasant, and gave us confidence that we would have no problem getting to the airport on time. The only negative was our uncertainty of our arrival in Seattle. We easily could have taken an earlier flight home, but were uncertain of our arrival time, and debarkation in Seattle. Also, we were uncertain of how we could and would get to the airport.
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