Alaska

Alaska offers the most beautiful coastlines in the world and is a world-class cruise ship destination from May through to September. Cruising is often what people think about when they first consider a trip to Alaska and sailing through the Inside Passage is the way many visitors travel to Alaska the first time. Alaska is one of America's most popular cruise destinations.

"Alaska is the last frontier of the continent, with forgotten forests the size of nations, cut through with glaciers, mountains and raging rivers. During the month of July an unparalleled explosion of life transforms the wilderness, creating one of the greatest wildlife events on the planet, and we're going to be there... live!"  Steve Backshall. 

Inside Passage

Seven-day cruises to the Inside Passage start and finish in Seattle or Vancouver and explore the twisting and sheltered waterways between the coast and the offshore islands. They go as far north as Skagway and Glacier Bay before returning south calling at ports like Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan on the way. Shore excursions range from city tours and museum visits to white water rafting, helicopter flightseeing and glacier landings. There is something for everyone and shore excursions may be booked in advance. 

Some ships continue across the Gulf of Alaska and take seven days to sail one-way between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, the primary ports for Anchorage. Gulf of Alaska itineraries may include visits to Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, or another town or natural attraction.

The Glaciers

The Glacier cruises are also 7 days but travel north from Seattle or Vancouver to Seward or Whittier near Anchorage or the reverse southwards. They follow the sheltered Inside Passage calling at panhandle ports and then enter the more exposed Gulf of Alaska and enter Yakutat Bay or Prince William Sound passing some of Alaska's largest and most active glaciers.