Alaskan Cruising At A Glance
Alaskan Roundtrip Cruises
Convenience is one big reason these roundtrip cruises are so popular. Since voyages embark and disembark from the same city, planning is easy – and airfare is often more economical. Alaskan roundtrip cruises are also known as "Inside Passage Cruises," since most itineraries include a voyage to the famed glacier region. While most roundtrip cruises run 7 nights and depart from Vancouver, there are a few 3- and 4-night sailings available from Whittier, as well as select 10-night voyages departing from San Francisco.
The Voyage
Your first day at sea usually features a trip through the Inside Passage. Then, depending on the ship and itinerary, you'll visit 3 or 4 of the following ports of call: Juneau, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway/Haines, and Sitka. Upon arriving back in Vancouver, you'll either hop a flight home or spend a few days exploring British Columbia or Seattle (with hotel accommodations included). Options
Choosing a roundtrip itinerary means you'll enjoy maximum convenience and flexibility when it comes to flight options. Seniors and families often prefer terminals in Vancouver or San Francisco because sailing and flying in and out of the same port usually makes for a more relaxing vacation. Seattle – located only 3.5 hours from Vancouver's pier – is the popular option for cruisers who favor a scenic drive and a hotel stay before and after an Alaskan cruise (see Cruise Tours for more details). And remember – if you plan on using frequent flyer miles, it's a good idea to book your flight as early as possible. Those seats sell out quickly!
Your first day at sea usually features a trip through the Inside Passage. Then, depending on the ship and itinerary, you'll visit 3 or 4 of the following ports of call: Juneau, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway/Haines, and Sitka. Upon arriving back in Vancouver, you'll either hop a flight home or spend a few days exploring British Columbia or Seattle (with hotel accommodations included). Options
Choosing a roundtrip itinerary means you'll enjoy maximum convenience and flexibility when it comes to flight options. Seniors and families often prefer terminals in Vancouver or San Francisco because sailing and flying in and out of the same port usually makes for a more relaxing vacation. Seattle – located only 3.5 hours from Vancouver's pier – is the popular option for cruisers who favor a scenic drive and a hotel stay before and after an Alaskan cruise (see Cruise Tours for more details). And remember – if you plan on using frequent flyer miles, it's a good idea to book your flight as early as possible. Those seats sell out quickly!
>> Browse Inside Passage Cruises
The Voyage
Your first day at sea features a trip through the Inside Passage. Then, depending on the ship and itinerary, you'll visit 3 or 4 of the following ports of call: Juneau, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway/Haines, and Sitka.
You'll continue north into College Fjord, home to some of Alaska's most spectacular glacier views. Select ships also visit Valdez before disembarking in Seward. Next, you'll need transportation from Seward to Anchorage – if you booked your flights as part of your cruise package, complimentary transfers are included. From Anchorage, you can either catch a flight home or continue your journey by adding a land tour and hotel accommodations (see Cruise Tours for more details).
>> Browse All Alaskan Cruises
Getting Started
Once your flight arrives in Anchorage, there are two ways to continue your journey – take the motorcoach transfer to Seward's pier and climb aboard your cruise ship, or check-in to a hotel and spend several days exploring the region before setting sail (see Cruise Tours for more details).
The Voyage
With Seward in your wake, you'll sail south for College Fjord's spectacular glaciers (select itineraries drop anchor in Valdez prior to cruising the fjord). Then, depending on the ship and itinerary, you'll visit 3 or 4 of the following ports of call: Juneau, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway/Haines, and Sitka. Next, you'll cruise the majestic Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver. Catch a flight home, or spend some time exploring British Columbia and Seattle (see Cruise Tours for more details).
>> Browse All Alaskan Cruises
The most popular way to see Alaska, cruise tours combine the best of the sea and land – a top-brand cruise plus a scenic land tour with deluxe hotel accommodations – to create the ultimate Alaskan adventure. Cruising gives you the chance to get close to the region's magnificent glaciers and marine life, and provides passengers with the opportunity to sample a variety of coastal ports. Land tours feature lodging in one or more destinations and take you deep into the heart of Alaska's mountain wilderness and myriad cultures. Select packages include transportation in the famed domed cars of the Alaska Railroad, offering incredible views en route to Denali National Park or Mt. McKinley. Many cruise tours also include premium motorcoach service, plus fully escorted sightseeing tours of city centers, national parks, and museums.
Close Encounters
Alaska is enormous – 2.5 times the size of Texas – so cruise tours are an effective way to explore as much of the countryside as you can over the course of a single vacation. These in-depth excursions give you a chance to mingle with the unique people – and the unforgettable wildlife – of America's Last Frontier. Observe giant moose, grizzly bears, caribou, and thousands of leaping salmon in the region's breathtaking national parks. Hike or bike beneath snow-capped peaks. Steer a kayak across a crystal-clear lake, or go white-water rafting through a canyon. The possibilities are infinite.
Itinerary Overview
Cruise tours run anywhere from 9 to 21 nights. For the most variety, choose a one-way northbound or southbound cruise, since any pre- or post-cruise hotel stay allows for extended sightseeing in two different cities. When you choose a Northbound Cruise Tour, you'll cruise first and conclude your journey with a land tour. Southbound Cruise Tours are a popular choice with travelers looking to treat themselves to a relaxing voyage at sea after experiencing the excitement of a land tour. You can't go wrong either way.
Here's an example of a popular Southbound Cruise Tour itinerary:
Fly into Anchorage, where you'll enjoy an overnight hotel stay, then travel to Fairbanks via deluxe motorcoach. You'll enjoy another overnight hotel stay, followed by a scenic trip to Denali in a glass-domed railcar. Tour gorgeous Denali National Park, and enjoy 2 nights' deluxe hotel accommodations. Next, your motorcoach will bring you to Seward's pier, where you'll board your cruise ship. You'll visit 5 incredible ports of call – College Fjord, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan – before concluding your journey with a flight out of Vancouver.
Ask our Alaska experts about booking a cruise tour – call 800-CRUISES today.
Alaskan Northbound Cruises
Alaskan Northbound Cruises, also known as "Northbound Glacier Cruises," usually sail for 7 nights. These one-way cruises embark from Vancouver and sail north to Seward (near Anchorage) for disembarkation. Journeying further beyond the Inside Passage than roundtrip sailings, these cruises allow you to see more of Alaska's coastline.The Voyage
Your first day at sea features a trip through the Inside Passage. Then, depending on the ship and itinerary, you'll visit 3 or 4 of the following ports of call: Juneau, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway/Haines, and Sitka.
You'll continue north into College Fjord, home to some of Alaska's most spectacular glacier views. Select ships also visit Valdez before disembarking in Seward. Next, you'll need transportation from Seward to Anchorage – if you booked your flights as part of your cruise package, complimentary transfers are included. From Anchorage, you can either catch a flight home or continue your journey by adding a land tour and hotel accommodations (see Cruise Tours for more details).
>> Browse All Alaskan Cruises
Alaskan Southbound Cruises
Alaskan Southbound Cruises, also known as "Southbound Glacier Cruises," usually sail for 7 nights. These one-way cruises embark from Seward (near Anchorage) and sail south to Vancouver for disembarkation. Journeying further beyond the Inside Passage than roundtrip sailings, these cruises allow you to see more of Alaska's coastline.Getting Started
Once your flight arrives in Anchorage, there are two ways to continue your journey – take the motorcoach transfer to Seward's pier and climb aboard your cruise ship, or check-in to a hotel and spend several days exploring the region before setting sail (see Cruise Tours for more details).
The Voyage
With Seward in your wake, you'll sail south for College Fjord's spectacular glaciers (select itineraries drop anchor in Valdez prior to cruising the fjord). Then, depending on the ship and itinerary, you'll visit 3 or 4 of the following ports of call: Juneau, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway/Haines, and Sitka. Next, you'll cruise the majestic Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver. Catch a flight home, or spend some time exploring British Columbia and Seattle (see Cruise Tours for more details).
>> Browse All Alaskan Cruises
Alaskan Cruise Tours
The Best of Both WorldsThe most popular way to see Alaska, cruise tours combine the best of the sea and land – a top-brand cruise plus a scenic land tour with deluxe hotel accommodations – to create the ultimate Alaskan adventure. Cruising gives you the chance to get close to the region's magnificent glaciers and marine life, and provides passengers with the opportunity to sample a variety of coastal ports. Land tours feature lodging in one or more destinations and take you deep into the heart of Alaska's mountain wilderness and myriad cultures. Select packages include transportation in the famed domed cars of the Alaska Railroad, offering incredible views en route to Denali National Park or Mt. McKinley. Many cruise tours also include premium motorcoach service, plus fully escorted sightseeing tours of city centers, national parks, and museums.
Close Encounters
Alaska is enormous – 2.5 times the size of Texas – so cruise tours are an effective way to explore as much of the countryside as you can over the course of a single vacation. These in-depth excursions give you a chance to mingle with the unique people – and the unforgettable wildlife – of America's Last Frontier. Observe giant moose, grizzly bears, caribou, and thousands of leaping salmon in the region's breathtaking national parks. Hike or bike beneath snow-capped peaks. Steer a kayak across a crystal-clear lake, or go white-water rafting through a canyon. The possibilities are infinite.
Itinerary Overview
Cruise tours run anywhere from 9 to 21 nights. For the most variety, choose a one-way northbound or southbound cruise, since any pre- or post-cruise hotel stay allows for extended sightseeing in two different cities. When you choose a Northbound Cruise Tour, you'll cruise first and conclude your journey with a land tour. Southbound Cruise Tours are a popular choice with travelers looking to treat themselves to a relaxing voyage at sea after experiencing the excitement of a land tour. You can't go wrong either way.
Here's an example of a popular Southbound Cruise Tour itinerary:
Fly into Anchorage, where you'll enjoy an overnight hotel stay, then travel to Fairbanks via deluxe motorcoach. You'll enjoy another overnight hotel stay, followed by a scenic trip to Denali in a glass-domed railcar. Tour gorgeous Denali National Park, and enjoy 2 nights' deluxe hotel accommodations. Next, your motorcoach will bring you to Seward's pier, where you'll board your cruise ship. You'll visit 5 incredible ports of call – College Fjord, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan – before concluding your journey with a flight out of Vancouver.
Ask our Alaska experts about booking a cruise tour – call 800-CRUISES today.
