Best Luxury Expedition: Ponant
With cruise roots dating back to 1988, Ponant shifted its direction in 2009 and took the luxury cruise industry by storm with the introduction of Le Boréal, followed by four sister ships. The French-influenced cruise line blends modern technology with traditional French luxury in its yacht expedition vessels that boast more space and fewer passengers. Better yet, there are some cutting-edge industry firsts like an underwater viewing lounge with reinforced glass to gaze out below the water line, all while ocean sounds and visuals are projected. The current fleet consists of the four sister ships and six small-sized Ponant Explorers. Dining onboard features French cuisine with plenty of open-air venues. Plus theres a spa, fitness center, theater, and heated saltwater pools and solariums.
Best Time To Cruise Alaska
The best time to cruise Alaska is between April and September, with the high season in June and July, mainly because of the warmer weather and longer days. The beginning of April and end of September are typically the low season but offer the best time to see the Northern Lights because of the shorter days. April and May also offer stunning scenery as the mountain peaks are still covered in snow.
Mid-April until the end of August offers the best time to see whales, particularly Orca and Humpback whales. However, it doesnt really matter which time of year you choose between April and September, as amazing wildlife sightings are a given, whether its mountain goats, black bears, harbor seals, sea otters or bald eagles, couple that with the stunning Alaska landscape and youre sure to have an adventure cruise to remember.
What Sets Us Apart From Other Alaska Inside Passage Cruises
It is our experience that there are few small cruisers like ours available in Alaskas Inside Passage which can take small groups of 6 to 12 guests. We specialize in giving our guests personalized service while offering authentic and intimate experiences with the glaciers, wildlife, and more, which is something you wont find on a larger cruise ship.
Our team at Alaska Boat Cruises has led excursions throughout the Inside Passage of Alaska since 1990 and has the knowledge, experience, and accommodations to provide you with the finest in service and quality trips. We are committed to offering you the best travel and adventure opportunities, with luxurious, spacious accommodations and very personalized service aboard the M/V Alaskan Harvest. We have worked hard for many years to provide our guests with a rewarding and fulfilling, fully catered experience that gives insight into Alaskas many natural treasures as well as entertaining you, no matter what part of the world you are from or how many times you have been to Alaska. We are confident that an adventure with us will provide you with fond memories that will last a lifetime.
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Northwest Passage Cruise In The Wake Of The Great Explorers
A 26 day cruise that introduces you to the wild natural beauty of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, AAAs Northwest Passage Cruise will satisfy your craving for frosty fjords and majestic arctic wildlife.
This cruise will be carried out aboard the MS Roald Amundsen, a 459-foot ship that was built in 2019. The MS Roald Amundsen is a cutting-edge hybrid ship, enabling it to cut down on CO2-emissions by around 20% and making it a superior, more eco-friendly way to cruise Alaska.
This is considered a small ship cruise as the MS Roald Amundsen can only accommodate just over 500 passengers.
Ports of call on this cruise include:
- Day 1: Vancouver, B.C.
- Day 2: Nome, Alaska
- Day 3-7: At sea
- Day 8-17: the Northwest Passage
- Day 18: Labrador Sea
- Day 19: Ilulissat
- Day 21-22: Labrador Sea
- Day 23: Red Bay
- Day 26: Halifax
Visit this page to learn more about this small-ship adventure to Alaska.
How To Pick The Best Alaska Cruises
My journey to Alaska began in Vancouver British Columbia, where we boarded Holland America for a cruise through the inside passage. When choosing a cruise for your next trip, here are some things to consider. What is the budget? Where do you want to go? What kind of experience would be best? Do you have any favorite destinations? Or ports of call that should be included in your itinerary? And excursions on land, in addition to tours onboard, do they look interesting? Make sure theyre offered by the cruise line .
Alaskan sailing trips can vary greatly depending upon which route or region you choose. For example, a luxury yacht might give passengers access to more intimate views but wont often allow them onto land. . In contrast, smaller vessels may provide an even closer view of glaciers than their bigger counterparts but may have fewer onboard amenities like hot tubs.
Many cruise lines offer a wide range of itineraries in Alaska, so its important to do your homework before making any decisions. The most popular routes are from Vancouver up to Skagway and then back down again , with occasional sailings around the state. Though shorter versions are available, but these typically last seven nights.
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Best For Megaresort Fans
Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both sail some of their largest ships in Alaska. They are floating megaresorts, carrying thousands, and big on amenities, glitz and a certain amount of glamor think flashy casinos, Broadway shows, lavish spas. Dining and drinking venues number in the dozens, while amusement park features thrill the kids and adrenaline-seekers.
On Norwegians Breakaway-Plus-class ships, you can race along a go-kart racetrack, complete in outdoor laser tag and zoom down slides at the water park. On Royal Caribbeans Quantum-class ships, you can order a drink from a robotic bartender, try simulated sky diving or surfing experiences and take a ride in a glass capsule that travels high above your ship on a mechanical arm a weird and wonderful way to see the Alaska scenery.
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These supersized ships stick to tried-and-true weeklong itineraries, sailing round trip from Seattle to such ports as Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Victoria, B.C. Many Norwegian sailings spend time in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Ships that dont visit the national park, regardless of cruise line, will call at other exciting tidewater glaciers.
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American Cruise Lines Alaska
American Cruise Lines small ship sailings in Alaska include itineraries through the Inside Passage and Southeast Alaska. The line has traditionally drawn an older crowd more interested in ports than adventure, and its Alaska sailings are heavy on narrated boat, coach and walking tours.
Related:Alaska on a Budget
American Constellation, built in 2017, carries 175 passengers and most of its staterooms have private balconies. Rooms range from 226 to 450 square feet — they’re billed as being among the largest in Alaska. There’s elevator service to all decks, which is a great feature for those with mobility issues.
Round trip sailings out of Juneau, or between Juneau and Seattle, generally include stops in Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point, Petersburg, Sitka and Tracy Arm.
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Gulf Of Alaska Cruise
If youre looking for an itinerary towards the relaxed side, then a cruise through the Gulf of Alaska might be right up your alley. You can expect calmer waters and less harsh weather conditions than in other parts of the state. Making this route perfect for families or anyone who wants to take it easy on their trip out west!
Concierge 2022 Alaska Wildlife & Frontiers Cruise
This 11 night cruise is aboard the lavish Regatta, a nearly 600-foot ship with nine decks and more than 300 elegant suites. Decked out with elaborate furnishings in every room, a cruise aboard the Regatta is a full immersion into a true life of luxury.
The ship offers four upscale restaurants, eight lounges, and a grand dining hall adorned with chandeliers.
An Alaskan cruise aboard the Regatta includes the following ports of call:
to learn more about this exciting Alaska small ship cruise.
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Best Rated Alaska Small Ship Cruises
Alaskan adventures come in all shapes and sizes, so if youre planning a cruise to Alaska, there are countless options to select between. From massive ships nearly 1000 long to Alaska small ship cruises, the Last Frontier offers something for every type of traveler.
That said, there are distinct advantages to selecting small ship cruises to Alaska over larger boats. Smaller cruise boats are more intimate, helping you make friends and also connecting you with the water below on large ships, its easy to forget that youre even on the ocean not so with small ship Alaska cruises.
Another huge benefit of Alaska small ship cruises is that these boats are able to navigate tight waters that prevent large ships from entering. This gives you access to a more wild and untouched Alaskan experience.
Here, pristine waters reverberate with life, endemic animals migrate across the shores, and distant peaks are clad in dazzling glaciers the welcoming spirit of Alaska is palpable.
Ready to begin your journey? Continue reading to learn more about the best small ship Alaska cruises offered by AAA.
Small Expedition Ship Alaska Adventures Are Fun Too
If youve cruised in Alaska before, or if you prefer waking up to the quiet of a bay in the Inside Passage, UnCruise offers a different take on an Alaska cruise vacation with choices that fit both moderate and luxury travel budgets.
Alan and I enjoyed an UnCruise small ship adventure focused on outdoor activities while exploring the bays, fjords and glaciers of Alaska. You wont find many ports on UnCruise itineraries with the exception of a few smaller ones like Wrangell and Petersburg. The adventure cruise line uses and Ketchikan as embarkation and disembarkation ports.
Silversea expedition ships offer a luxurious adventure option. Some itineraries cruise in and out of Nome with routes that explore Dutch Harbor, Far-east Russian ports and Wrangell Island.
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Easier To Make Friends
The intimate nature of small ship cruises allows passengers to cross paths more easily and make connections more rapidly. So whether youre traveling solo or with a partner, you can be certain that at the end of your cruise you will leave with a group of enthusiastic adventure-loving friends.
Many passengers on small ship cruises are those who value good conversation and quality travel experiences. This makes it very easy to form effortless friendships with like-minded fellow passengers.
What You Need To Know About The Best Luxury Alaska Cruise
Categories Adventure, Alaska, Cruise, Destinations, Fairbanks, Ketchikan, North America, USA
Home » Adventure » What You Need to Know About the Best Luxury Alaska Cruise
Youve probably seen ads for luxury cruise ships on television or online. There are some great deals out there, but there are also a lot of scams and deceptive marketing ploys. Here is an overview of what you need to know about the Best Luxury Alaska Cruise before you book!
What’s in this post:
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More Flexible Itineraries And Close
Big boats tend to stick to large, popular ports and are extremely rigid in their itinerary. Small ship cruises in Alaska, on the other hand, are able to adjust schedules for unexpected sightseeing opportunities. Even better, while large boats are forced to sail far out from land in the deep ocean, small cruise boats are able to hug the shore during their trip.
Royal Princess Cruise From Venice To Istanbul
Choosing the right cruise line can really make or break you next vacation on the high seas. With plenty of cruising experience under our belt, Alan and I think we have some pretty good ideas of what separates a good cruise from a bad one. Royal Princess Cruise from Venice to Istanbul If youre a
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Small Ship Cruises Are Not For Everyone
Small ship cruises are for travelers who understand the difference between Mass Market and Expedition-Style cruising. On a small ship cruise, Alaska is the focal point, not the ship. These ships are small, intimate and able to take guests up close to find Alaskas hidden treasures, where the big ships dont and cant reach.
Safari Quest Alaska Cruise
On an American Safari Alaska cruise, youll explore Alaskas Inside Passage on a small luxury cruise ship thats more like a yacht. Operated by UnCruise Adventures, this is an up-close and personal Alaska experience that larger cruise ships cant provide. Visit this page often as we continue to publish articles from this trip. Or subscribe to
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Enjoy A More Luxurious And Inclusive Experience
Alaska inside passage small ship cruises offer a relaxed atmosphere, with more window and balcony options a smaller, narrower boat means fewer interior cabins and more water-view staterooms.
Also, in contrast to the Bellagio atmosphere of large ships, smaller boats can take on a boutique, luxury hotel feel. This means well-maintained, state-of-the-art facilities, price-included gratuities, free shore excursions, and more.
Book A Small Ship Cruise To Alaska With Aaa
With AAAs travel expertise to assist you, you can enjoy a luxurious cruise experience in Alaskas glorious fjords and glaciers. The Last Frontier truly is a wonderland of nature and wildlife just waiting to be discovered.
If you would like one of AAAs professional travel agents to assist you in booking your intimate Alaskan cruise, get in touch by calling or emailing one of our travel agents today.
Interested in planning your next road trip with AAA Washington? Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, TripTik maps, and more. Find more Pacific Northwest scenic drives and road trips.
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Which Vessels Offer The Best Small Luxury Alaska Cruises
Your luxury Alaska cruise experience will be profoundly impacted by the vessel you choose. Each small ship and yacht on our luxury list has features and amenities that makes it unique. Read the short ship highlights below then allow us to help you narrow down the options to focus on the best luxury Alaska small ships to suit your needs and interests.
Lots Of Animals On Alaska Cruises
- #1 Land mammals: There are bears galore in the Northern Lights. Grizzly and black bears and polar bears can be seen. Caribou, moose, and other lesser fur-bearing species like marten, wolves, mink, husky dogs, and Dawes Sheep are just a few of the animals found.
- #2 Water mammals: Humpback whales, beluga whales, bowhead whales, harbor seals, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, and walruses inhabit the San Juan Islands.
- #3 Birds: Ptarmigans, swans, loons, owls, and puffins are just a few birds that may be encountered in Alaska. The most well-known golden eagles and bald eagles are not the only ones found there.
- #4 Marine Life & Fish:Salmon are abundant in the Arctic, mainly since five species of salmon have evolved to thrive in these chilly northern seas.
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Whats The Weather Like
The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so its essential to come prepared for all conditions. In the summer months, temperatures generally range from the 60s to the 80s. But it can get cooler at night or during excursions. The fall and winter months are colder, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Its also common to experience rain and snow in these seasons.
Mainstream Luxury Cruise Lines In Alaska
If large ships with robust entertainment programs and extensive children’s programs are more your cup of tea , you can still enjoy a luxury Alaska cruise vacation.
Several mainstream Alaska cruise lines offer top-of-the-line staterooms or suite complexes that allow for exclusive access to higher-level perks that usually come standard on small ship luxury cruises. Those perks might include access to concierge and butler services, free alcoholic beverages, in-cabin treats, preferred seating in the theater, special lounge access, invitations to exclusive parties, private dining in dedicated restaurants, spa amenities and special, complimentary access to private pool areas onboard.
Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are regarded as the Alaska cruise experts, with the most ships in the region and years of experience under their belts. Holland America’s suite occupants get perks like exclusive breakfasts in the Pinnacle Grill, free laundry and dry cleaning, priority boarding for tenders and access to the private Neptune Lounge that stocks snacks throughout the day. Spa-lovers can choose to book dedicated spa cabins, which offer in-room yoga mats, healthier menus for in-room dining and access to a concierge who can arrange spa treatments .
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Princess treats its suite occupants to in-cabin DVD players, a private concierge lounge, complimentary laundry and dry cleaning, and a one-time mini-bar setup.
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Silversea South Pacific Cruise: 64 Days Of Boomer Cruising Adventure
A Silversea South Pacific Cruise that will blow your mind: Alan and I enjoy South Pacific cruises so much that we keep booking themagain and again. At last count, weve cruised the South Pacific six times. But this page is all about our 64-day Silversea South Pacific Cruise experience. We call it La-La because the
Why Choose A Luxury Small Ship Alaska Cruise
To put it plainly, why not have your Alaskan crab leg and eat it too? Why not partake in the Alaska polar plunge and return to a luxury on board jacuzzi to warm up afterwards. Sign up for every single daily activity offered and have the best nights sleep on top of a memory foam mattress inside your spacious cabin after eating 5-star cuisine.
When you choose a massive cruise line with 3,000 other guests you are choosing to sacrifice up-close and active off-vessel adventure exploration for extreme on board luxury. But you dont have to. You can have both adventure and upscale comfort on a luxury small ship Alaska cruise.
Sure, we still arent talking about onboard hair salons, 24-hour room service, bowling alleys or laser tag rooms. Thats not our Alaska style. But we are talking about Alaskas most elegant small ships, with generous upgrades from the no-frills expedition ships that we know and love. Why not treat yourself to a luxury Alaska cruise?
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