ALASKA CRUISES
Alaska cruises explore the rugged coastline of Alaska, visiting glacier-carved fjords, coastal forests, and wildlife-rich waters. Popular ports include Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, where travelers experience local culture and scenic excursions. Many itineraries feature Glacier Bay National Park, known for dramatic glaciers and marine life. Major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line offer comfortable ships, onboard entertainment, and guided shore tours. These voyages are most popular in summer when daylight is long, seas are calmer, and wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant. Passengers often return with unforgettable memories and stunning photographs every single year.
JUNEAU
KETCHIKAN
SKAGWAY
Cruises that stop in Juneau offer a quintessential Alaskan experience, making the state’s isolated capital a cornerstone of Inside Passage itineraries. Major lines like Holland America, Princess, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean feature Juneau on almost all seven-to-ten-day round-trips departing from Seattle or Vancouver. Because Juneau is completely inaccessible by road, a cruise remains the ultimate, most seamless way to witness its legendary glaciers, rich native culture, and teeming marine wildlife.
Cruises that stop in Ketchikan introduce travelers to the vibrant “Salmon Capital of the World” and the striking beauty of the Inside Passage. As the first major northbound port of call, it is a staple on popular week-long itineraries departing from Seattle and Vancouver, frequented by major lines like Princess, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean. Ketchikan is also known for its rich Tlingit and Haida cultural heritage. Whether your ship docks directly along the historic downtown boardwalk or berths at the nearby Ward Cove terminal, Ketchikan serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring Alaska’s coastal rainforests and pristine fjords.
Cruises that stop in Skagway immerse travelers in the heart of Klondike Gold Rush history via White Pass Railway experiences and dramatic alpine scenery. As a cornerstone of Inside Passage itineraries, this historic frontier port is frequented by major lines like Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean on seven-to-fourteen-day sailings from Seattle and Vancouver. Ships dock across four main piers—including Broadway, Ore, and the Railroad docks—all providing convenient access to the town’s preserved 1898 boardwalks. Serving as the ultimate gateway to the Yukon, a Skagway port call gives cruisers a seamless opportunity to experience rugged wilderness, glacier flightseeing, and iconic vintage rail journeys.
JUNEAU SHORE EXCURSIONS
Juneau offers some of the most spectacular shore excursions in Alaska. The crown jewel is the Mendenhall Glacier, where you can hike to Nugget Falls, kayak across glacial waters, or take a helicopter flight for an unforgettable ice landing and dog sledding adventure.
The waters surrounding Juneau are also a premier destination for whale watching, with near-guaranteed sightings of humpback whales and orcas. For a panoramic overview of the landscape, step onto the Goldbelt Juneau Tram, which ascends 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts. From wildlife tracking to historic gold panning, Juneau delivers unparalleled wilderness experiences.
KETCHIKAN SHORE EXCURSIONS
Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan is a premier Alaskan port for wilderness and cultural shore excursions. A walk along historic Creek Street offers a glimpse into the town’s colorful gold rush past, while the Totem Heritage Center showcases the world’s largest collection of unrestored 19th-century totem poles.
For adventure seekers, a boat or seaplane tour into the breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument reveals dramatic glacial fjords and towering sea cliffs. Whether you are coastal rainforest hiking, wildlife viewing, or enjoying an authentic timber show, Ketchikan offers an unforgettable taste of Alaska. Shore excursions inspired by Deadliest Catch take visitors into the world of Bering Sea Crab fishing in the Bering Sea, often through tours near Dutch Harbor. Guests learn about crab boats, harsh conditions, safety challenges, and real commercial fishing practices mirroring the television series that inspired the show itself directly.
SKAGWAY SHORE EXCURSIONS
Skagway is a captivating step back into the Klondike Gold Rush era, offering incredible historic and scenic shore excursions. The definitive highlight is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a vintage train that climbs nearly 3,000 feet past breathtaking gorges, waterfalls, and glacial vistas.
For the adventurous, a helicopter tour offers thrilling glacier landings and dog sledding on the ice. Down in the historic district, you can explore preserved wooden boardwalks, join a gold panning excursion, or hike the lush Chilkoot Trail. Skagway perfectly blends frontier history with jaw-dropping Alaskan wilderness.