Two Weeks+ Alaska Cruise
Travelers who have two weeks can really do it right. You can combine itineraries, take longer small ship cruises to Alaska from Seattle or consider a cruise plus a land extension into Alaskas interior or other national parks. See our Alaska land tours for a full selection of trip extensions and land-based tours.
The Small Ship Advantage
A cruise on a small ship is not filled with elaborate distractions, sleek resorts and packaged tours. Rather, small ships are perfect for intimate exploration of off-the-beaten track waterways, narrow channels and tiny ports that passengers on large ships will never see. When Lindblad Expeditions guests visit a small port in Alaska’s Inside Passage they don’t overwhelm the local communities. Their largest vessel hosts just 62 guests.
Small ship guests would rather watch for whales in Frederick Sound than spend the afternoon in a casino. They linger outside on deck as the Captain noses under a waterfall, rather than watch a video. On a small ship, the focus is very often outside, on what Nature has provided for entertainment, rather than on amusements provided to occupy your attention on board.
Your time is spent wisely, too. Rather than making a beeline from port to port, small ship Captains have the flexibility – and the inclination – to linger when whales are putting on a show, a glacier is calving spectacularly, or to seek out sea otters when a nearby fisherman radios the word.
On a small ship cruise, you are not just a visitor. You are a participant. Whether kayaking next to a glacier, hiking in a rain forest in Alaska, or enjoying a spectacular spring garden in British Columbia, a small-ship cruise is an engaging experience for all the senses.
A Note About Your Travel Days
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.
Flights to Juneau and Anchorage are common, while the smaller ports of call used by many Southeast Alaska small ship cruises may require a bit more padding on your travel days in and out. A pre-cruise overnight is always recommended in case of delays. Travelers east of the Rockies will certainly require one in order to safely embark their Alaska small ship cruise on time.
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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.
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.
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Book Your 2023 Or 2022 Alaska Cruise Or Charter Before Its Gone
Small ship cruises and especially private Alaska yacht charters are increasing in popularity as travelers seek smaller, more exclusive experiences aboard Alaska small cruise ships. For 2022 Alaska small ship cruises, availability is waning faster than usual due to re-accommodations of some 2020 and 2021 travelers, coupled with a growing desire to travel close to home. Get your small ship Alaska cruise in 2022 or 2023 confirmed by contacting an Adventure Specialist to be matched with the best small ship Alaska cruise in 2022 for your interests, timing and budget.
Want your experience to be private? Alaska 2022 charters have all been reserved, so charter contracts are now only available for 2023. Our smallest boats book up early, so whether you want an exclusive charter or semi-private experience aboard ships carrying 8-36 guests, contact us now to secure space for your small ship Alaska cruise in 2023.
Cruise To Both Haines & Glacier Bay
New in 2023, the 8-day Glacier Bay National Park, Haines & Pelican Cruise offers a special day in Haines to hike, bike, take in pieces of Alaska history , or sample sips from local breweries and distilleries. Haines is only accessible on one other small Alaska cruise in 2023Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka to Juneaubut that route does not also cruise into Glacier Bay.
The active nature of this new Alaska itinerary makes it a great selection from our Alaska family cruises. The route visits both Glacier Bay National Park and its outbacka guide favorite. Break out the kayaks and paddleboards to explore remote inlets, bushwhack into old-growth forest, or enjoy a skiff cruise along the shoreline. This new Alaska cruise in 2023 by small ship is a truly special experience among our many Alaska Inside Passage small ship cruises!
Book this small ship cruise in Alaska 2023 in conjunction with the popular Alaska Fjords & Glaciers itinerary for the 15-day Alaska Fjords & Glacier Bay CruiseUltimate Expedition. For 2 weeks, cruise between Juneau and Ketchikan with no repeated landing sites.
The 74-guest Wilderness Explorer is base camp for this new adventure, conveniently cruising round-trip from Juneau. Between activities, guests can enjoy views from her hot tub on the bow, her exercise equipment on the Sun Deck, her open bridge up front and her inviting and cozy dining room in back. Plus, enjoy her ample deck space for spotting whales in Alaska and other wildlife.
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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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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.
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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.
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.
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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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How To Book A Small Ship Cruise
Small ship cruise lines do not offer online booking capability. Since small ships depart from more remote Alaska ports and there are so many different vacation extension options, we highly recommend you speak with an AlaskaCruises.com cruise expert to help you plan your small ship vacation.
Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST42496CST No. 2100614-50
New Small Ship Alaska Cruises 2023 & 2024
With increased demand for small ship Alaska cruises in 2023 comes more departures and more itineraries to choose from. The new options feature Prince William Sound, Alaskas outdoor-activity mecca of Haines, and wintertime departures. Heres our round-up of whats new to consider for small Alaska cruises in 2023. Watch this space or sign up to receive updates as more new itineraries are released.
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Seven Seas Mariner returns to Alaska each summer, providing anexcellent combination of comfortable spacious suite living withexcellent dining choices and a whole selection of excursionsincluded in the fare, unusual for a classic cruise ship. This isone destination where youre going to want to take loads oforganised trips, so with up to 43 excursions on offer on a 7-dayitinerary, you can really get your moneys worth. There will alsobe guest lecturers and a great family programme.
What Should I Expect On An Alaskan Cruise
Alaska is a beautiful and diverse state with plenty of things to see and do. A typical cruise itinerary will include stops in Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Lake Louise, and Victoria . In addition, youll have the opportunity to explore glaciers ad hike through forests. Or go on wildlife safaris, and admire the beauty of nature, which you will love.
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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.
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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Benefits Of A Small Ship Cruise
Imagine sailing within Glacier Bay filled with calving glaciers as icebergs float past while you watch from the deck of your ship. Now imagine standing on a small ship free from crowds, where the crew knows you by name, and they explain every detail of what you see before your eyes. That is UnCruise Adventures
Morning Stretch And Yoga
Each morning, you can limber up with a stretch class led by our expedition leader Megan. She offered a couple of yoga classes throughout the trip as well. Its a great way to work out the muscles from a day of kayaking or hiking.
The seven days we had on UnCruise Adventures in Alaska zipped by. We had made incredible new friends who felt like family by the end of the trip. We all laughed a lot and bonded over shared experiences that can only be had in Alaska.
When I look back on our time on UncCuise, I will always think of the people we met from around the world and smile. It was the journey of a lifetime.
Our trip to Alaska was in partnership with UnCruise Adventures. Our Alaska Itinerary was the Alaska Glacier Country cruise. But they have many Alaskan cruise itineraries to choose from.
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Travel Planning Resources
Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.
Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner
Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor
Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Dont leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:
- World Nomads Digital Nomads or Frequent Travelers.
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Frequently Asked Questions About A Small Ship Alaska Cruise:
How many people will be onboard?
Small ships carry less than 100 guests. The average Princess cruise ship carries over 2,400 guests in Alaska.
What is the dress code?
The atmosphere on a small ship is casual for all meals. Other cruise lines have two formal nights, two coat and tie nights, and three casual dress nights. Small ship cruises are casual every night.
Are there open meal seatings? Can I choose my dining companions?
All meals on small ships are open dining. You can eat when you want and with whom you want. There are no “early” and “late” seating and set dinner arrangements and tables like you have on the big ships.
Are there casinos and shows onboard?
A small ship cruise emphasizes Alaska, not the onboard amenities. It’s nothing fancy. Just an up close and personal vacation where Alaska and it’s natural treasures provide the entertainment.
How close will the ship get to glaciers, whales and shoreline?
Very, very close. Your captain may follow a pod of whales, pull up so close to a glacier you could touch it, drift next to a waterfall or even anchor off a remote cove close enough for you to take the gangway ashore.
Will the ship vary its schedule to maximize whale watching or wildlife sightings?
Absolutely. Unlike the massive 100,000 ton cruise ships, a small ship can follow its own schedule to maximize wildlife sightings.
Will I experience narrow waterways such as Wrangell Narrows and Peril Straight?
How big are the “Small Ships” compared to the Big Ships?
Pro: No Lines Or Long Waits
I knew my first big ship experience, a 2,000-passenger cruise to Alaska, would likely be my last when I arrived at the docks in Vancouver, British Columbia, at the same time as thousands of others eager to board the multiple giant ships in port. Once on board, I waited in another nightmare queue for dinner, as most passengers had not yet figured out the reservation system for dining venues.
On small cruise ships like Ocean Victory, the dining room opens at a set time and passengers can generally file in and out at their leisure, with no wait for a table.
Although we embarked in Vancouver, our smaller ship left late in the day, after the crowds for the big ships had cleared the terminal. Getting on and off during a port day was a breeze because tour groups were small and left at staggered times. The only time I had to wait to get on or off the ship was when the crew had to change the gangplank to a different level due to the rising tide.
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