Table Of Content
Discover the traditions and customs of different groups, including the Tlingit and the Haida, see intricate totem poles, visit cultural centers and much more. The rocky and mountainous landscapes are punctuated by verdant patches of forest and cascading waterfalls. Wildlife you may spot while on your cruise includes whales, harbor seals, bears, deer, and wolves. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats, a rather unusual sight at such lower elevations, and watch birds bobbing on the waters and soaring overhead as you kayak through the clear waters. History awaits you in the enchanting enclaves of the Inside Passage. Cruise past archaic, granite glaciers and step into protected lands.
Ships on This Itinerary
Even the capital, Juneau, is severed from the rest of the state – and the rest of North America – by the high peaks of the Coast Mountains, which remain unconquered by rail or road. You’ll be cruising during your time through Alaska’s Inside Passage. However, Alaska does use the U.S. dollar as its official currency. Alaska’s main sources of economic growth and revenue are fishing and tourism. Don’t forget to tip tour providers, bartenders, and restaurant servers during your Alaska cruise.
Safari Explorer
The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative. Canada's third largest city feels like a North American metropolis mixed with a small European town. — Stanley Park — and visit the continent's second largest Chinatown during your Alaska cruise vacation. Soar above the city's lush natural environment in a sky gondola for panoramic views, or get up close to the local sea life at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Best Alaska Glaciers
The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024 - Forbes
The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024.
Posted: Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Air travel is a breeze with a convenient roundtrip and Saturday or Sunday departures. Features Alaska’s most historic ports and scenic natural wonderlands. During a two-year expedition through uncharted territory, Captain George Vancouver sailed into the still waters of what came to be known as the Inside Passage. Passing by luminous glaciers artfully carved by Mother Nature’s beaming summers and numbing winters, Captain Vancouver and his team charted over 1,000 miles from 1792 to 1794. The opportunities to land on pristine rainforest bay areas with untouched wilderness was simply magnificent.
Cruise or Land Tour First?
I’m not a cruiser, but Alaska changed everything - Escape
I’m not a cruiser, but Alaska changed everything.
Posted: Fri, 29 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
When you cruise to Alaska from Seattle, encounter unique ports of call that are rich in history, culture and natural beauty. For those looking for a cruise-only experience, this is a great option. While you will not be able to add a land tour, it offers a great sampling of Alaska.
Itinerary Review
Paul, Shane, Caroline, Michael and new trainee, Jimmy, made a wonderful team. Always professional, yet very personable and engaging as individuals. Paul was great at spotting wildlife, getting the boat in the best position and allowing us to linger and watch. Caroline was always enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable about all things animal, plant, and other. Shane never failed to entertain and demonstrate/explain the running of the boat. Ask questions about last day arrival, and connections to the airport.
It was heavily used by prospectors from the American West Coast during the Klondike Gold Rush. Simply put, cruisers aboard these sailings witness some of the most astounding wildlife and scenery. If you leave (or arrive) Vancouver, you are inside of Vancouver Island for a substantial distance, in an area well known for wildlife. However if you travel from Seattle, the ship very often travels outside of Vancouver island, often far enough out that the shore is not visible. So some people believe they are not really getting as much "Inside Passage" on the Seattle itineraries.
New To Cruising
Feel the pioneer spirit of Alaska, from First Nations tribes to early Russian settlers to Gold Rush prospectors. These waters are also home to a huge population of whales, sea lions, seals, porpoises and puffins. Bald eagles and seabirds often fly overhead— and Admiralty Island is the best spot for glimpsing bears. Learn about AdventureSmith Founder and President Todd Smith's slow cruising experience in this detailed review and get inspired to enjoy authentic Alaska aboard historic small ships Catalyst and Westward. Alaska Inside Passage excursions off the ship are a big part of the day when you are small ship cruising.
Northern Passage and Glacier Bay Cruise
We’re here to help you decide and select your Inside Passage cruise small ship route and boat. Note that cross-gulf cruises almost always start or end in Vancouver, and flying in or out of Canada requires a passport, though arriving at a Canadian port via a cruise ship doesn't. The high demand for Inside Passage cruises can be partly attributed to the convenience of ending a cruise in the same place you first set sail. Plus, they can be less expensive than cross-gulf cruises, which typically require a pricey flight to Anchorage (the gateway for nearby Seward and Whittier). Sometimes Sitka, with its heavy Russian influence and alpine meadows, or Haines, known for exceptional fishing and its bald eagle preserve, swaps in. Glacier Bay National Park, or another scenic cruising area like Tracy Arm Fjord, is normally part of the itinerary.
My best day was Kelp Bay in Baranof Island, where we had a fantastic encounter with 2 bears in the salmon stream. I was hoping to see more marine wildlife, but that did not turn out to be the case during our week. The fantastic bear encounter made up for the entire week, however. The smallest boat offering Inside Passage cruises is 8 guests, two examples being the Westward and Sikumi yachts. These ships are great for Alaska yacht charters, or a more intimate experience with fellow travelers.
We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks. The highlight was a small boat tour of the whale-rich waters around Juneau, where we watched a humpback mother and calf making their way through the channel. The hours melted away as we learned and predicted their movements – the water spout, followed by three or four shallow arcs through the waves and a big flourish of the tail before they dived back into the deep.
Alaska’s Inside Passage is a water route between the Gulf of Alaska and Puget Sound. This popular Alaska cruise ship route usually features stops at a handful of Alaska and British Columbia ports and is known for its calm waters, boundless history, and spectacular scenery. Sightseeing trips via seaplanes or boats take you up close to wildlife and glaciers, lodging options, and nearby communities.
Summer is several local species' main mating and birthing season; watch as seal pups drift on large blocks of ice and birds teach their offspring to fly and swim. There are also increased chances of seeing whales in the summer. The best time for hiking in the Inner Passages is from mid-summer onwards when the terrain has thawed.
We were unaware that we would have transportation to the airport. When we did, our driver was there on time, and she was efficient, pleasant, and gave us confidence that we would have no problem getting to the airport on time. The only negative was our uncertainty of our arrival in Seattle.
Do be aware though that, although the rainiest months are generally October and November, the area is known for lots of rainfall all throughout the year. Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. With a verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable sitting area, these comfortable suites are filled with light.
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