One of the most scenic journeys in North America, showcasing Alaska’s majestic wilderness as you sail from the rugged coastline near Anchorage toward the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Along the way, you’ll pass towering glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and pristine fjords, with opportunities to spot whales, sea lions, and bald eagles.
Typical port stops include Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, as well as glacier-viewing destinations like Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier. Many travelers choose this route after exploring Alaska by land—making it a perfect way to end an unforgettable adventure.
This cruise direction offers superb photography opportunities, long daylight hours (in summer), and a smooth transition from Alaska’s wild landscapes to the vibrant city life of Vancouver or Seattle.
Celebrate winter with dogsled races and lively festivals.
Spot whales and marine wildlife returning to Alaska’s waters.
Peak season with long daylight hours, warm weather, and endless tours and adventures.
Enjoy brilliant fall colors and fewer crowds — a perfect time to travel like a local.
Prime time for Northern Lights, snow sports, and winter sightseeing.
Accessible by road, rail, and the Alaska Marine Highway, Whittier draws numerous summer visitors eager to explore the wilderness of Prince William Sound, with its waters, forests, islands, and glaciers just beyond the town’s shores.
Fishing is a favorite summer activity in Whittier, where guided charters take visitors to the rich waters of Prince William Sound and the Gulf of Alaska to catch halibut, salmon, lingcod, and rockfish.
Whittier offers stunning views of cascading waterfalls that tumble from icefields into Prince William Sound, with the most iconic being Horsetail Falls, where Whittier Creek drops from a glacial ridge west of town. The Horsetail Falls Trail provides an easy two-mile hike to scenic overlooks of the falls and Passage Canal, while the nearby Portage Pass Trail leads to Portage Lake, rewarding hikers with breathtaking views of the mountains and Portage Glacier.
Nestled in the heart of Prince William Sound, Whittier is a favorite destination for sea kayaking amid glaciated fjords and inlets. The popular Blackstone Bay route features the Blackstone and Beloit Glaciers, while water taxis and kayak rentals make it easy to explore nearby fjords such as Harriman, College, and Unakwik.
For a thrilling way to experience Prince William Sound, join a guided jet ski tour from Whittier to see tidewater glaciers, waterfalls, icebergs, and marine wildlife up close. Operators provide insulated drysuits, ensuring a warm and comfortable glacier adventure.
Whittier is among Alaska’s top scuba diving spots, offering access to vibrant underwater sites like the Dutch Group islands, home to octopuses, wolf eels, and giant crabs. Divers can also explore Smitty’s Cove, a convenient shore-access site east of the ferry terminal. The best diving season runs from March to June.
Alaska’s capital, Juneau, is not only one of the state’s most beautiful cities but also among its most visited destinations, offering a wide variety of sights and activities to suit every traveler.
Offers endless outdoor adventures, from exploring Mendenhall Glacier and kayaking among icebergs to whale watching and scenic hiking trails that lead to glaciers and panoramic views. Visitors can also enjoy family-friendly attractions like the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, where salmon and local marine life can be seen up close.
Juneau transforms into a winter playground from January to March, offering excellent snow conditions and stunning alpine scenery. Just 12 miles from downtown, the Eaglecrest Ski Area features downhill and Nordic skiing, a terrain park, and a cozy lodge with rentals, dining, and all the essentials for a perfect day on the slopes.
Downtown Juneau offers a wide range of accommodations, from nationally recognized hotels to locally owned inns, boutique B&Bs, and cozy vacation rentals brimming with Alaska charm. It’s best to book early, as rooms tend to fill up quickly during the busy summer season.
For those craving authentic Alaskan flavors, Juneau delivers with a variety of restaurants and cafes downtown, from fine dining to casual spots featuring fresh local seafood. The city’s beverage scene is thriving, with breweries, a distillery, craft-cocktail lounges, and coffee roasters, and visitors can get an insider’s look on food or brewery tours highlighting Juneau’s culture, history, and cuisine.
A captivating Inside Passage town, known for its Gold Rush history, scenic beauty, and busy cruise port, and its Tlingit name, Shgag̱wéi, reflects the region’s windy waters.
Skagway offers a rich blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty, from exploring the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, historic Dyea, and the Chilkoot Trail to riding the scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway and marveling at nearby glaciers, lakes, and streams. Visitors can also enjoy the town’s nickname as the “Garden City of Alaska” on guided or self-guided tours, or take a Golden Circle road trip through breathtaking landscapes, including Haines, Yukon Territory, and the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
Offers a variety of accommodations, from historic hotels and charming bed-and-breakfasts to modern inns and vacation rentals, catering to different tastes and budgets. Whether you prefer the convenience of a downtown hotel or the homely feel of an Airbnb rental, there’s a comfortable place to stay for every traveler.
Skagway’s dining scene offers a mix of local seafood, hearty comfort food, and casual cafes that reflect the town’s Gold Rush heritage. Visitors can enjoy everything from fine dining and craft breweries to quick grab-and-go bites, making it easy to savor Alaska flavors while exploring the town.
Ketchikan, often called Alaska’s “first city,” sits at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, making it the first stop for northbound cruises and many visitors’ introduction to Alaska’s stunning landscapes and natural beauty.
Downtown Ketchikan is a lively hub filled with historic sites like Creek Street, museums, and the Waterfront Promenade, offering a glimpse into the city’s Gold Rush past and vibrant maritime culture. Beyond town, visitors can explore outdoor adventures such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, zip-lining, and wildlife viewing, or immerse themselves in Alaska Native culture at Totem Heritage Center, Totem Bight State Historical Park, and Saxman Native Village.
Travelers to Ketchikan will find plenty of lodging options ranging from downtown hotels to rustic waterfront lodges off the beaten path. Visitors can also choose from inns, B&Bs, hostels, guest houses, vacation rentals, and several campgrounds and RV parks just outside the city.
Food lovers will enjoy Ketchikan’s vibrant culinary scene, which includes restaurants serving fresh local seafood, cozy coffee shops, lively bars, and two local breweries.
Explore a land shaped by the ocean, where experiences span from serene and cultured to wild and untamed. Hike through breathtaking wilderness parks, spot orcas, black bears, and diverse wildlife, admire snowcapped mountains from sandy beaches, and unwind in charming towns, bustling cities, and cozy harbors—welcome to Vancouver Island.
From the fertile farmlands of Cowichan to the abundant waters of North Island, and every innovative restaurant and bistro in between, Vancouver Island’s diverse culture has created a unique culinary scene, blending flavors and locally sourced ingredients found nowhere else in the world.
Spanning over 31,788 km², Vancouver Island offers endless outdoor adventures, from alpine climbing in Comox and hiking the West Coast Trail to caving at Horne Lake, storm watching in Tofino, and exploring Strathcona Park. Whether cycling, camping, glamping, or ziplining, there’s a land-based adventure for every season and skill level across the island’s mountains, forests, and coastal landscapes.
One of the most exciting ways to explore Vancouver Island is from above or below. Soar through forest canopies on a zipline, venture underground to discover natural caves, stroll through iconic gardens, delve into local history, or enjoy some friendly family competition.
Indulge in ultimate relaxation across Vancouver Island, with spa experiences ranging from mineral baths in Parksville and beachfront massages in Tofino to herbal mud treatments in Sooke and customized facials in Ucluelet. Whether enjoying a couples massage by the ocean or unwinding in a heated outdoor pool on Quadra Island, pampering yourself has never been easier.
Long underwear, a fleece, and a waterproof/breathable shell.
Running shoes with good support are adequate for anything you'll do except hike steep hillsides (which you may not do). If you prefer something sturdier, lightweight hikers are great, and some are waterproof as well.
Lightweight, brimmed hat (sun and rain); sunglasses and sunscreen.
These really keep you warm if it gets unseasonably cold—or if you're feeling the effects of glacier-chilled wind—without adding a lot of weight.
Unless you prefer last-minute local shopping, pack shorts and short sleeve shirts. Recent Alaskan summers have been warm and sunny.
Casual dress is the way to go in Alaska. Some cruise-goers bring formal attire for onboard the ship, then break out the jeans on land.
In the land of the midnight sun, we experience between 16 and 24 hours of daylight throughout the summer, and it can make falling asleep a challenge.
The bugs generally aren't as bad as people fear, and they're really only a big consideration in June and July. If you really want to protect yourself, there's nothing as effective as DEET. 30-40% concentration should be sufficient. Mosquito head nets tend to be overkill unless you plan on doing a lot of hiking or tent camping, as they obscure visibility and can get warm.
You can order this ahead of time online, but it's easy to obtain from your air taxi, fishing guide, or most local groceries.
Most hotels and tour operators will have you covered, but it's convenient to have Band-Aids and ointment for minor emergencies.
Capture your Alaska experiences, and don't forget the extras: batteries, lenses, chargers, and memory cards. Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau each have a good camera shop, but you're better off bringing everything you might need.
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Fill it up after you pass through security at the airport and re-use it throughout your vacation. You'll also help the environment, especially if you're visiting a national park. More than 2.7 million visitors explore Alaska’s incredible national parks each year and they leave behind more than footprints. Choosing reusable bags, water bottles, and recycling are easy ways to reduce waste while you travel.
spotting scope
Freezer-size zipper-top bags are great to keep clothing folded and toiletries isolated (in case of leaks). Separate baggies make it easier to repack in case your luggage is searched, and extra bags are handy for storing dirty or damp clothing.
With so much daylight, it's easy to lose track of time.
Your hotel may have hot tub, sauna, or pool facilities—or you may want to invigorate yourself with Alaska lake swimming.
Bring cards with your contact information to give to new friends and mailing labels for sending postcards.