The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024

Table Of Content

• of the best small ship cruises to Alaska
• Southcentral Alaska – Prince William Sound & Katmai
• A Note about Your Travel Days
• Sailing Lake Clark

Since our Alaska cruise specialists pair travelers with the best small boat Alaska cruise experience for their needs, it’s usually a match made in heaven. Read some of our expert and traveler-written reviews about their small yacht Alaska cruise routes. These small ship Alaska cruise reviews are honest reports of what it’s like aboard a small Alaskan cruise.

of the best small ship cruises to Alaska

Big ships can only offer deckside viewing of the marvels of Glacier Bay, but UnCruise Adventures sends its ships to the rarely visited outback. In Fern Harbor, Dundas Bay or No Name Cove, passengers can get up close to the natural wonders with birding expeditions, paddleboarding, beach walks, and more hiking and kayaking. The best Alaska cruises range from off-the-beaten-path voyages on vessels carrying fewer than 100 passengers to weeklong jaunts through the Inside Passage aboard megaships that hold thousands.

Southcentral Alaska – Prince William Sound & Katmai

Interested in planning your next road trip with AAA Washington? Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, TripTik maps, and more. The amenities that are included with the purchase of your cruise ticket will depend on the specific cruise package that you buy. Visit this page to learn more about this small-ship adventure to Alaska. Click here to learn more about this exciting Alaska small ship cruise.

A Note about Your Travel Days

Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team. They lead the outdoor activities and provide passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska. Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in gourmet cuisine in multiple restaurants, enjoy a complimentary cocktail or relax in an upscale spa. Make the most of your cruise by keeping an eye out for pop-up sales that can save you even more money—you can even use those savings to indulge in a pre- or post-cruise tour. In contrast to chaotic, large group excursions, Alaska cruises on small ships ensure that shore excursions are intimate and memorable.

Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better? - Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better?.

Posted: Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Cruisers who want daily activities, be it a leisurely shore walk, or a hard charging hike, will enjoy UnCruise because they are adept at offering options for all skill levels and preferences. The smallest Alaskan cruise line on this list, Sea Wolf Adventures operates one historic wooden boat from the town of Gustavus, the gateway community to Glacier Bay National Park. Owner Kimber and her crew are among the most talented naturalists in Alaska and offer active cruising adventures suitable for people of all abilities on her universally accessible ship. You will pay a premium for an intellectual and educational experience alongside seasoned naturalists and intellectual guides who are professionals in their field. The off-vessel explorations are less about the activities and work out and more about the up-close educational experiences using state-of-the-art tools. This “best of” 7-night itinerary is focused on the region’s iconic Inside Passage, which gives passengers an efficient taste of all the area’s most photographed and talked about sights.

In addition to four coastal-type vessels carrying 62 to 100 passengers that cruise the Inside Passage, Lindblad operates expedition ships in the Arctic on Northwest Passage transits that begin or end in Nome. Set sail on a lux­u­ri­ous 70-ft yacht out of Homer for 3+ days of fish­ing, hik­ing, kayak­ing, and wildlife view­ing while indulging in mass amounts of seafood. Your itin­er­ary will depend on the inter­ests of the group, and the expe­ri­enced local crew can ful­fill those interests. A 5 day voy­age fol­lows this stay in the remote fly-or-boat-in fish­ing vil­lage of Cor­do­va. Brown bear view­ing tour, flight­see­ing, float trip down the Cop­per Riv­er, and explo­ration of the largest wet­land along the Pacif­ic Coast of North Amer­i­ca — The Cop­per Riv­er Delta. 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.

Back on board, Gabree recommends The Chef’s Table for a truly memorable meal — and I, too, can attest to this. While on board a Caribbean sailing with the cruise line, I had the chance to indulge in this chef- and sommelier-led multi-course food and wine pairing adventure. Four years later, I still find myself dreaming of the delicious circular-shaped dessert known as “The World” — the perfect combo of peanut butter ganache, chocolate mousse, and salted caramel gelato). For a closer look at Alaska's majestic glaciers, fjords, and wildlife, try these recommended small-ship cruise lines. Exclusive offers valid on new bookings only, subject to availability, and combinable with other select offers.

Uncruise Alaska- Small Ship Alaska Cruise with Kids - Trekaroo Blog

Uncruise Alaska- Small Ship Alaska Cruise with Kids.

Posted: Mon, 06 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Altogether, there are four major small-ship operators plus a few local and regional companies, with ships that carry less than 100 passengers (with the exception of ACL’s American Constellation), and many fewer than 50. The captain of that boat was Dan Blanchard, who is now the owner and CEO of UnCruise Adventures, which today has become the largest operator of small-ship cruises in Alaska. Explore the nat­ur­al won­ders of north­west­ern Prince William Sound Alas­ka in this 3‑day ver­sion of our Clas­sic Dis­cov­ery Voy­age. This is the per­fect cruise for those who don’t have time to do the whole Inside Pas­sage or wish to com­bine their Alas­ka cruise with more shore-based activities. These solo cabins get our vote because they're located in a complex where a private lounge encourages mingling. Lone travelers can also meet their shipmates while waiting to hop into a race care on the ship's go-kart track, at a showing of "Jersey Boys" or over a muddled drink at the Sugarcane Mojito Bar.

We advise next considering your special interests and travel needs to find the best small ship Alaska cruises for your group. Use our how to choose your Alaska cruise tips below to make an informed decision when booking your Alaska small ship cruise. Work one-on-one with an Alaska cruise specialist to research, purchase & prepare for your trip. Newly-relaunched Crystal Cruises will return to Alaska withCrystal Serenity in July and August 2024.

We spoke to cruise experts to find the best Alaska itineraries to book this year. Save 5% when you pay in full at the time of booking a select 2025 departure Alaska cruise. Save on small ship cruises now with exclusive cruise savings you won't find anywhere else. Bethany, Chris the bartender, Phil, Sarah and Paul took good care of us especially. Tucker who drove our skiff boat, the captain and the first mate were very informative as well. We loved the feeling of isolation we got by being a small boat where others couldn't get to.

Take a small ship cruise to immerse yourself in your adventure and maximize your learning. Evening programs include naturalists and speakers who enlighten you about the wildlife, history and culture you’re exploring. During the day, instead of disembarking to, say, go shopping, you may take bikes or kayaks ashore. While the kids enjoy Discovery Princess' spacious children's and teens' clubs, the adults might linger over a craft cocktail or enjoy a massage in the onboard spa. The family can come together for meals in a variety of casual and fine dining restaurants, and enjoy original production shows as the ship sails between ports. The ship offers nine- to 14-night cruise tours that head into the Canadian Yukon, following the route of the Klondike Gold Rush from Alaska to northwestern Canada.

It remains a leader in the field and is a great option for small ship Alaska cruises that put landscapes and wildlife front and center. There aren’t just one or two naturalists onboard Lindblad cruises, but four or five. Plus, many of the line's itineraries feature a team of professional photographers onboard to help you snap the best possible shots.

Contact us to receive a personalized-to-you recommendation for your travel style, budget and timing needs. Head to our Alaska Small Ship Cruise Finder to view all available cruises. Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offers except UnCruise’s Loyalty and Referral savings. See all Alaska small ship cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures. For Alaska small ship cruise deals, contact the AdventureSmith experts. With an extensive background in the Alaska region, our talented team can help you find the latest discounts, explain the ins-and-outs of the landscape and help you secure your top choice on small ship cruises to Alaska at the best rate.

It's easy to see why with museums, libraries, restaurants, and amazing wildlife sightings such as mountain goats, black bears, sea otters, humpback whales, orcas, and seals. Most Alaskan cruises will explore the ‘panhandle’ or southeast tip of Alaska. Below are some key highlight areas on an Alaskan small ship cruise.

Alaska Small Ship Cruises Best Selection & How to Choose

Table Of Content

• Pros and cons of small-ship cruising in Alaska
• Why Cruise with Natural Habitat Adventures
• Crew & Guides Review
• Alaska Small Ship Cruises
• Overnight River Boat Cruising In Canada On A Classic Small Ship — The Canadian Empress

Although the phrase has been used so often it’s become a cliche, taking a small-ship cruise really is the best way to discover “the real Alaska,” close-up and personal. Some also include alcoholic drinks in the fares — American Cruise Lines and Lindblad Expeditions do, while Alaskan Dream Cruises offers a complimentary glass of wine or beer at dinner. All the lines covered in this story include daily guided tours in their fares, from hearty hikes to kayaking and skiff explorations.

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises to Take in 2024 - AFAR - AFAR Media

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises to Take in 2024 - AFAR.

Posted: Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Pros and cons of small-ship cruising in Alaska

They have developed super unique nature driven itineraries in remote areas inaccessible to the mass tourist crowd. The cruises offered by this mutigenerational family of local Alaska Natives are authentic and personal. Because of their Tlingit Alaska Native heritage, Alaska Dream Cruises include unique access and more visits to rural towns and villages than other small ship Alaska cruise lines. On board they employ naturalists who will focus on science and wilderness plus True Alaskan Guides who will offer insight into the region’s compelling history and distinct Native cultures.

Why Cruise with Natural Habitat Adventures

The visibility was not great and we really didn't see that much. Consult this month-by-month guide for help planning your Alaska travel with tips on everything from weather, wildlife, daylight and the benefits of each month. Thus, the best type of Alaska cruise review is a personal referral. Ask your booking agent to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled on a comparable trip. Reputable Alaska small ship cruise agencies will gladly refer their past clients; you can read some of our traveler testimonials below and on each trip and ship page.

Crew & Guides Review

Guided skiff tours will take guests in search of Alaskan wildlife in remote bays and secret coves. A trip to Alaska is at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists, and for good reason. An open bar, all shore tours, hotel accommodations and airport transfers are included in the price. The ships cruise between Sitka and Juneau, stopping for nature activities at places like Admiralty and Brothers Islands, with glacier-viewing at Tracy or Endicott Arms along the way. There are no traditional port calls on these cruises; your time is almost entirely spent on the water, with stops for hiking, wildlife-viewing and from-land fishing.

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024 - Forbes

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024.

Posted: Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Alaska Small Ship Cruises

These “positioning” cruises offer a longer expedition covering the entire Inside Passage as well as British Columbia and often the San Juan Islands. Small ship cruises from Seattle to Alaska range from 13 to 15 days and often represent a significant value. For two options, see Treasures of the Inside Passage aboard National Geographic vessels and Inside Passage with Olympic National Park & 2 Days in Glacier Bay. Wave goodbye to busy ports to instead view bears, hike, paddle by glaciers and forge local connections in small towns. Enjoy a flexible schedule, capitalizing on wildlife encounters and the collective whims of the group.

We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Our Clas­sic Dis­cov­ery Voy­age is the per­fect wilder­ness sam­pler. Spend the after­noon, or a few days explor­ing the waters of Res­ur­rec­tion Bay and Prince William Sound aboard the M/V Car­o­line, a beau­ti­ful cus­tom-built yacht set for adven­ture! It’s the per­fect set­ting for a fam­i­ly or small group vaca­tion. Fill your days loung­ing on the fly­bridge, fish­ing, kayak­ing, strolling beach­es and cruis­ing to your next fan­tas­tic destination. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear.

Because of their small, yacht-like size, Windstar Cruises ships grant unparalleled access to Alaska’s glaciers and fjords; other ships can’t squeeze into some of these special places. I’m not a travel agent—I’m a journalist who has spent the past 30 years reporting on how to travel smarter. To maximize your experience, click to Ask Wendy for a personalized recommendation for trip ideas and custom-trip designers, tailored to your location and preferences. The Wilderness Discoverer offers the unusual opportunity to snorkel in Alaska, with 7mm wetsuits for the 55- to 65-degree seas. You’ll see an abundance of vibrantly colored intertidal marine life, including ochre sea stars, rockfish, sea anemones, giant barnacles, jellyfish, and kelp crabs. Ashton Palmer is a Seattle-based T+L A-List travel advisor who specializes in expedition cruises.

The captain of the ship was quick to change course if an interesting opportunity came up. The rain sometimes found it's way through "waterproof" jackets and rain-skirts on all day kayak trips, etc. - COLD!!!!! I have always wanted to cruise the inside passage of Alaska but did not want to go on a large ship and could not afford the National Geographic cruises.

Princess Cruises

Even though passengers during this season will have to content themselves with sharing Alaska’s beauty with others, it is the ideal time to catch the best weather for sightseeing and exploration. Fewer passengers also means that shore excursions will be more time-efficient, enabling you to see and do more during each excursion. Alaska cruises have grown significantly in popularity over the last decade. As the largest U.S. state by area at 665,384 square miles, Alaska boasts 6,640 miles of coastline, making it an ideal destination for cruising and land expeditions.

Most cities on major cruise line routes are known for their endless rows of jewelry, souvenir and specialty shops — many of which are not locally owned. If you love to spend hours looking for deals and gifts to bring home, you'll find the most variety in the big-ship ports. The flip side of getting off the beaten path is you won't find the same shopping options in small ports that you would in the major cruise ports of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Finally, in addition to classic ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, Viking Ocean Cruises’ Alaska itinerary also calls on Valdez, which is chock-full of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Larger expedition-style Alaskan cruise ships in the 50 to 100 passenger range typically have larger cabins, many with view windows, more deck space for watching wildlife and more common areas. Not to mention additional adventure gear aboard and more guides to diversify your experience. Smaller motor yachts carry 8 to 22 guests and range from rustic floating B&Bs to luxurious yachts. Paying attention to the varied amenities, cabin sizes and other features that are important to you is key in choosing among the many small cruise ships to Alaska. Southeast Alaska is by far the most popular cruise destination in Alaska.

The experience and demeanor of the guides on your Alaska small ship cruise will have a profound impact on your overall experience. All of the small boat Alaska cruise options we offer have naturalist guides on board. The quality of onboard guides is one of the most important criteria we think about when considering which Alaska small ship cruises we represent. You can combine itineraries, take longer small ship cruises to Alaska from Seattle or consider a cruise plus a land extension into Alaska’s interior or other national parks.

Dawn Gabree is a travel advisor who specializes in Alaska cruises at Travels by Danielle. Today both vessels are equipped with diesel engines and battery power that allow them to cruise silently through the wilderness for up to 12 hours. The company’s five cozy vessels were built in the 1970s and '80s, getting refits over the years to carry 12 to 76 passengers each. Ships have stern marinas for easy access to kayaking, paddleboarding, and even swimming for those brave enough to take the chilly plunge. New late winter sailings in March and April come with opportunities to ski and snowshoe.

Glacier Bay National Park - Marvel at the awe-inspiring scenery as you cruise Glacier Bay, the largest UNESCO-protected biosphere in the world. With some luck, you’ll see brightly-colored puffins, mountain goats, eagles, bears, and sea lions, all with a stunning backdrop and the amazing sounds of nature. Sailing the Inside Passage - shaped by huge glaciers millions of years ago, the Inside Passage stretches from Puget Sound, Washington, through British Columbia and into the Gulf of Alaska. The Inside Passage delivers stunning and ever-changing scenery. Home to whales, bald eagles, sea lions, and porpoises, the Alaskan Inside Passage covers more than 500 miles and encompasses over 1000 islands.

The average cruise ship carries around 3,000 passengers — far from most people’s definition of intimate. A small cruise, on the other hand, may have closer to two or three hundred passengers aboard (though, technically speaking, small cruise ships may be able to carry up to 1,000 passengers). Large boats tend to deliver adequate but impersonal service — wait staff and guides will be polite but aren’t going to go the extra mile to make you feel welcome. On the other hand, small ship cruises to Alaska prioritize personalized service, with the crew and shore guides doing their best to help you feel comfortable and at home onboard. Alaskan adventures come in all shapes and sizes, so if you’re planning a cruise to Alaska, there are countless options to select between.

The MS Roald Amundsen is a cutting-edge hybrid ship, enabling it to cut down on CO2-emissions by around 20% and making it a superior, more eco-friendly way to cruise Alaska. Here, pristine waters reverberate with life, animals migrate across the shores and distant peaks are clad in dazzling glaciers — the welcoming spirit of Alaska is palpable. To discover Alaska’s rich historyYou can’t skip Ketchikan, Juneau or Skagway on an itinerary. Ketchikan once was a major player in the timber industry and has a sordid past steeped in bootlegging and brothels.