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Best way to see the Inside Passage is via small boat cruise. Large cruise ships don't come close to what the small boats can offer. What to expect on an Alaskan Cruise - Alaskan cruises generally promise adventure, excitement, and the beauty of southeast Alaska. On board, you can expect comfortable rooms, fine Alaskan cuisine, and new friends for life. Days will generally start with a hearty breakfast to set up your day, followed by hiking, whale watching, bird-watching along coastal river trails or meeting the locals. Enjoy a hot chocolate or hot toddy to warm you up through the day, and relax in the evening with a glass of wine at dinner.
Majestic Glaciers
I took my first cruise to Alaska in 1988 aboard the old Noordam — an ocean-liner-type ship with over 1,200 passengers aboard, which was considered big back in those days. The next year, I boarded my first small-ship cruise with the venerable but long departed small-ship operator Cruise West. Enjoy 2 days venturing farther than 99% of visitors into Glacier Bay National Park. Plus, Tracy Arm, Frederick Sound, Icy Strait and Chatham Strait.
UnCruise Alaska Northern Passages & Glacier Bay
Oceania Cruises Elevates Small Ship Luxury Offering in Alaska, with Riviera Debuting in "The Last Frontier" in Summer ... - PR Newswire
Oceania Cruises Elevates Small Ship Luxury Offering in Alaska, with Riviera Debuting in "The Last Frontier" in Summer ....
Posted: Wed, 04 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Glacier visits were well done, awesome, and sobering to see the impacts of climate change. Potlach dances were highlight also as was the ability to meet Jim Hart and Christian White. Haida Gwaii, Gwai Hannas, Old Massett, and Alert Bay were strong cultural experiences which made the whole trip worthwhile. Sometimes after dinner talks were repetitious, but small issue.
Oceania Cruises
There are many reasons to choose an Alaska small ship vs big ship, but at the top is that small ships to Alaska focus on immersive, off-ship activities in wilderness areas. In Alaska, large cruise ships are synonymous with cruising, but they really just cruise (fast) past it all. Be sure to check your itinerary beforehand, as different routes can offer different departure/arrival options. Itineraries vary from round trip departures, for example, Juneau to Juneau, or one way, such as Seattle to Juneau and Sitka to Ketchikan. Which type you choose can depend on whether you intend to incorporate further land-based options at either end of your trip. Also worth considering is a (re)positioning cruise where the boats move from operating in one area/country to another and can offer a unique trip normally not part of regular itineraries.
Where do Alaska cruises depart from?
Known as one of the most beautiful cruise areas in the world, exploring the panhandle of Alaska by small ship will deliver a holiday of a lifetime. Exploring Alaska by adventure cruise ship means you can get up close and personal with the wonders of this region. Ted & Heidi are long-time travel writers with a penchant for small ship cruising.
Each ship carries multiple Zodiacs, kayaks, and paddleboards. 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.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks
Arrive early - As mentioned earlier, arriving a day in advance is a good idea to ensure you’re on your cruise on time. As most Alaska cruise ship departure ports require a short flight, allowing time for delays is a good idea. Edwina Lonsdale is Managing Director and together with husband Matthew, owner of Mundy Cruising. Most recently she's cruised on Windstar and has also sailed with Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, SeaDream, Ponant, AmaWaterways and Aqua Expeditions. When she’s not travelling she loves reading, food and wine. Itineraries range between 7, 10 and 11 days, with the opportunity to explore extensively,whilst a choice of at least eight dining venues on board guaranteea great experience.
Alaska Small Ship Cruise Finder
Look to the spring for statistically drier albeit colder weather, more solitude and the best prices of the year on Alaska small ship cruises. Darker skies in the early spring and late fall can be a chance to spot the northern lights, or aurora borealis. For even more detail on each month, view our best time to visit Alaska guide.
Brothers Island
What are the different seasons for small ship Alaska cruises and Alaska whale watching? What was it like to take a small Alaska cruise during the pandemic? There’s a big difference between last-minute Alaska cruises and our curated choices of the best small ship Alaska cruise itineraries.
Embark on an extraordinary Alaskan expedition where wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures await. Although the assumption is that Alaska is a land of snow and sub-zero temperatures, the Alaskan climate is actually extremely varied, caused by the state's six different topographic regions. The far north is extremely dry and very cold, with Arctic conditions and temperatures average about -20 °F (-29 °C).
Experience the perfect combination of diverse wildlife and dramatic scenery aboard the upscale yacht Safari Explorer. The 9-day Inside Passage Sojourn aboard the 49-guest Baranof Dream combines easy wilderness cruising and glacier viewing with visits to Alaska's unique towns and Native villages. Cruise between Ketchikan and Sitka with a focus on Alaska's nature, history and First Nations culture. This is your one-stop shop for small ship cruises to Alaska. Interested in the most active Alaska adventure cruise with kayaking and hiking?
We are here to help you find the best small Alaska cruise. My family truely enjoyed this uncruise and have been recommending it to all our friends and family. Sitka - With links from Seattle, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Ketchikan, Alaska Airlines offers daily flights to Sitka.
Summer temperatures in the lowlands are surprisingly high, averaging in the 60's °F (16° C), and they have been known to reach 90 °F (32 °C), and up. Western Alaska tends to be rainy, while the Aleutian Islands in winter are damp and rainy, with fog. Heavy snows are common in the north and central regions of the state. Smoking is not permitted in any interior space on board Silver Muse. Smoke and open fire will activate the smoke detectors. Smoking is permitted in designated areas for cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking.
M.T. Schwartzman has been covering Alaska cruising and tourism since 1988. His articles have appeared in a wide range of consumer magazines, websites and travel industry publications. 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. The line has expanded beyond its home waters of the Inside Passage to offer itineraries in Prince William Sound and, coming next year, the Aleutian Islands. Two vessels are available for cruises of the Inside Passage.
Take note when making your small Alaskan cruise comparison that there are a variety of ports where cruises begin and end including Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka and Anchorage. And some will require more time to arrive and depart. We’ve put together this list of considerations to guide you in finding the best small ship Alaska cruises for your needs. Use our how to choose your Alaska cruise tips below to make an informed decision when booking your Alaska small ship cruise.
