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!
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).
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).
The Best of Both Worlds
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 1-800-278-4737 today.
Expert Advice 1-800-278-4737
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Alaskan Roundtrip Cruises
