Rather Your Knowledgeable Captain And Shore
If you like to follow adventure, this trip is for you!.
Itinerary at a Glance
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 Sitka | EmbarkationExplore beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Visit fascinating sites that highlight the communitys rich Alaska Native and Russian history. Embark for the winding narrows north of town while searching for sea otters, bears, whales, and other wildlife. Anchor for the evening in a protected body of water in Peril Strait or eastern Baranof Island.
Day 2 Eastern Baranof Island & Baranof Warm SpringsNavigate the remote northeastern coast of Baranof Island. This region includes many intimate coves and inlets, making it ideal for exploration. Walk a beautiful rainforest path to the natural hot spring pools of Baranof Warm Springs relax in a steaming pool while enjoying your favorite beverage and savoring the stunning wilderness.
Day 3 Wilderness Exploration | Glacier Bay National ParkExplore the wildlife-rich waters of Icy Strait, renowned for phenomenal humpback whale viewing. In the afternoon, well sail into beautiful Glacier Bay National Park to begin our first day of extended park exploration. Unique opportunities during our voyage through Glacier Bay include a beach trek near the Reid Glacier , a visit to the new Huna Tribal House, and rainforest trails surrounding Glacier Bay Lodge.
Misty Fjord
Misty Fjord
Misty Fjord Ship Plans
Onboard Inclusions:
Balancing Your Groups Interests
Someone wants to fish, someone wants to kayak and someone else wants an extra nap. How to manage it all? When a small yacht is your home for a week, its easier to accommodate varied preferences so everyone is happy.
Check out these charter operators to review your options from sailboats to yachts, all ready to show off Alaskas beautiful and enchanting coastal wonders.
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Spend Less Time In Line
Waiting in line is undoubtedly one of the most tedious aspects of going on a cruise.
Embarkation, debarkation, tendering and waiting for your turn at the buffet all require standing in line sometimes for extended periods.
Small cruises mean that far less time is wasted in line, giving passengers more time to mingle with others and enjoy land-based excursions.
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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.
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 value good conversation and quality travel experiences. This makes it very easy to form effortless friendships with like-minded passengers.
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What To Expect In Alaska
When liquid sunshine hits, weve got you covered. Life on board in Alaska means wildlife sightings from the bow and a warm drink at the ready. You’ll see plenty of wildlife. Humpback whales. Seals, sea lions, and sea otters. Eagles and oystercatchers. We love the Alaska wildlife and we know you will too
We are known for our daily activities so get ready to put boots on the ground. Paddles and spray skirts at the ready. Cameras in hand. Water bottles filled. Your guideshighly trained to keep you safe and confident in the fieldare prepped to lead the charge. Our inclusive Alaska cruises feature these activities at no extra charge. So get out there. Try something new. There will be warming beverages and hearty stories to tell back on board.
Choose from hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding, skiff rides, whale watching, northern lights viewing, jump into a polar plunge or learn about native Alaska cultures and tribes.
- Group transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day
- Entry fees to national parks/preserves
- From-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment
- Exclusive activities and shore visits
- All meals aboard the vessel
- Premium wine, beer and liquor
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Wellness amenities
- Onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts
- Refer to your final guest documents for any additional inclusions specific to your itinerary and vessel
Not included in your fare:
Airfare to and from your home city
Travel protection
Port taxes/fees
Con: Fewer Excursion Options
Because the smaller ships have fewer passengers looking to book tours, and the smaller ports have fewer companies offering day trips, shore excursion options are limited. You will get a greater variety of excursion choices on big ships.
For instance, most big ships in Alaska offer shore excursions ranging from helicopter rides to glaciers and small plane excursions to known bear habitats to scenic train trips, zip-line adventures, salmon bakes and city tours by bus or on foot.
Other than pre- and post-cruise city tours in Sitka and Vancouver, our 10-day sailing on Ocean Victory only had three days with excursion options. Each included one free basic highlights tour of the port and a few premium experiences, including sport fishing, a nature walk and two different jet boat tours.
If you like planned activities and want a larger choice of tours, the small-ship experience is not for you. But for me, the ability to wander the streets of the less tourist-oriented towns was better than any group tour. In Wrangell, a few of us stopped in the Totem Bar, where bartender Drew Eyon gave us a more interesting and real take on life on this island of 2,500 than any official tour guide ever could.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
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Years Of Sustainable Alaskan Eco
Kayaking in the early morning mist
For over 35 years, The Boat Company has exemplified comfortable, sustainable Alaskan eco-cruises even before the term eco-tour was coined! And we have done so while providing first-rate service and amenities to our guests. Fine food and wines presented by our onboard chefs comfortable, well-appointed cabins and a level of personal attention and camaraderie only a small boat cruise can provide are hallmarks of a Boat Company adventure.
The Boat Companys commitment to guest comfort and satisfaction is equaled only by our commitment to conservation. Sustainable tourism means education and advocacy. It also means experiencing the environment up-close, coming away from a trip inspired by a greater appreciation of the Alaskan environment.
Every member of The Boat Company crew is chosen for their knowledgeable about Alaska and the Tongass ecosystem its waters, mountains, forests, marshes, and wildlife. On each off-boat excursion, our guides are eager to share that knowledge with you.
Small, environmentally conscious eco-cruises. Friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable crew. An unhurried atmosphere of service and comfort. These are the elements of a truly unique Alaskan eco-cruise experience. Thats what The Boat Company has been doing for over 35 years, and we invite you to come aboard!
To schedule your Boat Company eco-cruise, or to receive more information, please visit The Boat Companys Contact page.
Alaska Small Ship Cruises
A land of superlatives, Alaska contains the continents highest peak, largest ice field, longest coastline and most prolific wildlife. Sailing in this vast frontier is a journey into remote, wild places inaccessible by land. And theres no better way to do it than on small ship Alaska cruises with AdventureSmith Explorations. Join us on immersive small ship cruises to Alaska, where adventurous activities meet magnificent wilderness. The regions diverse nature, history and culture come to life as experts guide you through the state from Glacier Bay National Park and Southeast Alaskas Inside Passage to Prince William Sound and Katmai National Park.
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Booking Terms & Conditions
PRICE GUARANTEEOnce you have paid in full for your trip, you are safe from any additional charges. Airfare increases, currency fluctuations, increased fuel surcharges, new government taxesnone of these will apply to you.
20222024 OCEAN CRUISE AND AIR SAVINGS: Offer applies to bookings made from December 1-31, 2022. Special fares plus Free airfare valid on select 2023 departures of Eastern Seaboard Explorer. Airfares vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\tour offer. All prices are in CA dollars and for CA residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. Book by December 31, 2022. 2022: At time of booking. 2023: Pay in full by January 31, 2023 or at time of booking if within 90 days of departure. 2024: Pay in full by April 30, 2023. Offers expires December 31, 2022.
NOTE: International flights depart Canada one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights.
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Con: Minimal Entertainment On Board
If you choose to sail a small cruise ship in Alaska, forget about nightlife. Intimate ships like Ocean Victory do not provide casinos, musical shows or specialty bars for your entertainment.
The extent of evening entertainment on my sailing was a few nighttime stories from expedition team naturalists over after-dinner cocktails and late-night tunes from the onboard pianist.
You can also forget about waterslides, expansive spas, kids clubs and the like. Ocean Victory did have a tiny spa and gym. But most of the small lines who sail Alaska are bare-bones, focused on adventure rather than amenities.
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What Sets Us Apart
An All-American Experience
We build, flag, and crew our ships right here in the United States. Our pride in the All-American experience we provide is the backdrop and an ode to the incredible, breathtaking landscapes that this country has to offer. Our Alaskan cruises showcase the beauty of the United States in places like Mendenhall Glacier, Skagway, and Haines.
Alaskan Adventures
There is no other place for adventure quite like the Great Land. From Glacier Bay to Ketchikan to wildlife kayak excursions, guests will immerse themselves in Alaskan nature and beauty up-close. You can enjoy a private fishing charter or check out the local museums that showcase the history and culture of this incredible region.
World Class Cuisine
Our master chef source locally fresh ingredients that bring to life the Alaska region. Our menu includes scrumptious salmon pasta, shrimp bisque, crab cakes, fresh oysters, and so much more. Our complimentary meals come with beer and wine, and as always, exceptional personalized service.
Daily Onboard Entertainment
Enjoy traditional Alaskan song and dance as well as a narrated history of this incredible land. Our onboard experts and entertainers offer a fascinating look into the culture and tradition of the places we visit, including information on Alaska’s flora, fauna, geology, wildlife, and more about the native people.
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.
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Prince William Sound With National Geographic Guides
Also new in 2024, the 6-day Wild Alaska Escape: The Glaciers of Prince William Sound offers a northerly route on a compact schedule with Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic guides. Cruise round-trip from Cordova, Alaska, aboard 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion, on a flexible schedule designed to take advantage of weather and wildlife.
Get off the ship daily with a naturalist guide, via a plethora of activities including hiking, kayaking, Zodiac cruising, whitewater rafting and stand-up paddleboarding. Plus, take in local maritime and cultural history with key museum visits.
Second Carnival Rescue In A Few Days
This now makes the second Carnival cruise ship rescue in three days after the Carnival Sunrise spotted refugees needing help on December 30, 2022. It was similar to the Carnival Celebration, with Carnival Sunrise picking up several refugees from a small boat. This also took place just off the coast of Cuba while heading back to its homeport in Miami.
There was also a Carnival rescue in September 2022, when the Carnival Horizoncame to the rescue of a drifting boat of refugees off the coast of Cuba. However, in October 2022, there was a situation where therefugees refused assistance from the Carnival cruise ship and were happy to continue on their journey.
As we begin 2023, further cruise ships in the Caribbean will undoubtedly come across small boats or rafts that need help. The majority come from Cuba, with people trying to head to South Florida in the US for a better quality of life.
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The Boat Company: A New Standard Of Sustainable Tourism The Alaskan Eco
Theres a new school of thought in the world of cruising. It goes by several names, including eco-cruise, sustainable tourism or green travel. Sustainable eco-tourism means traveling to a location usually to appreciate its natural beauty while striving to impact that environment as little as possible. Sustainable tourism also seeks to educate the traveler about the areas history and natural resources such as land, waterways and wildlife. Ideally, eco-tourism helps spread a message of responsible environmental stewardship and conservation.
One of the steps you can take to reduce your impact on the environment is to purchase NativeEnergy carbon offsets. Visit our NativeEnergy Carbon Offset Program page.
Reach Places Big Ships Cant
These nimble vessels carry fewer passengers than large ships, offer more frequent and more up-close glacier viewing, and make unplanned stops whenever wildlife appears. Itineraries call on less-visited ports where large ships can’t go. Youll likely explore wild, secluded coves where you can go ashore for nature hikes, custom excursions and intimate wildlife viewing. Ships carry 12-150 passengers.
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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.
Excursions Led By Experts
Led by 14 highly-experienced crew and two scientific expert guides, guests explore the Archipelago on two military-grade excursion tenders to discover some of the worlds most dynamic landscapes, volcanic scenery, endemic flora and fauna, and embrace centuries-old history.
VHF Radios, VSAT Internet, Satellite TV, Satellite Phone, Magnetic Compass, GPS, Radars, ECDIS Chart Plotters, Autopilot, and Depth Sounders.
Passengers are accommodated in seven sea-facing Design Suites across three decks.
- Upper Deck: 1 Cat V Design Suite measuring 16 square meters / 172 square feet
- Main Deck: 1 Cat I Owners Suite measuring 80 square meters / 861 square feet, 1 Cat II Design Suite measuring 26 square meters / 280 square feet
- Lower Deck: 2 Cat III Design Suites measuring 28 square meters / 301 square feet 2 Cat IV Design Suites measuring 22 square meters / 237 square feet
Accommodations and Cabins
- Upper Deck: 1 Cat V Design Suite measuring 16 square meters / 172 square feet
- Main Deck: 1 Cat I Owners Suite measuring 80 square meters / 861 square feet, 1 Cat II Design Suite measuring 26 square meters / 280 square feet
- Lower Deck: 2 Cat III Design Suites measuring 28 square meters / 301 square feet 2 Cat IV Design Suites measuring 22 square meters / 237 square feet
On Board Living and Social Areas
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New Carnival Cruise Ship Rescues Small Raft In The Caribbean
The Carnival Celebration cruise ship rescued a small raft of refugees in the Caribbean, off the coast of Cuba.
The new Carnival Celebration cruise ship, which only recently started guest operations at the end of 2022, has made its first rescue. The vessel spotted a small raft with refugees while heading back to Florida to end a week-long Caribbean cruise.
This rescue comes just days after another Carnival cruise ship also rescued refugees stranded on a small boat in the Caribbean.
How Small Is An Alaska Small Ship
On average, about 45 guests is what youll find with our curated Alaska small ship cruise vessels. But look for options up to 100 and as few as 8 passengers. There are many reasons to choose a 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 past it all.
Wave goodbye to busy ports to instead view bears, hike, paddle, take skiff rides by glaciers and forge local connections in small towns. Small ships to Alaska offer a flexible schedule, capitalizing on wildlife encounters and the collective whims of the group. Fellow travelers become friends. The atmosphere is casual. And the all-inclusive booking encourages everyone on board to participate, while making the experience equitable and carefree. Sound like your style of travel? Lets go.
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