Best Overall Cruise: Windstar Cruises
Because of their small, yacht-like size, Windstar Cruises ships grant unparalleled access to Alaskas glaciers and fjords other ships cant squeeze into some of these special places.
All-inclusive option includes WiFi, unlimited drinks, Signature Expeditions program offers expert guides who give lectures and take guests on intimate excursions
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Only 312 passengers
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Each cabin is a suite there are no interior cabins
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Ship was reimagined in 2021, with additional dining experiences, a new World Spa, and infinity pool
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Fewer entertainment options than on larger ships
When it comes to experiencing the splendor of Alaska, your cruise is only as good as the direct access it offers to this regions beautyand Windstar Cruises delivers access like no other. Because of its dainty size, guests are treated to unique experiences, like anchoring right in Misty Fjords and Kenai Fjords, which is something youd have to do on a shore excursion if you were on a larger ship with another cruise line. For an even closer look at Mother Natures impressive work, from icebergs to whales, book a kayak or Zodiac Signature Expedition with their incredibly knowledgeable guides.
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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 you’re 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 money’s worth. There will alsobe guest lecturers and a great family programme.
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 Many Guests Can A Small Cruise Have
The average cruise ship carries around 3,000 passengers far from most peoples definition of intimate. A small cruise, on the other hand, may have closer to two or three hundred passengers aboard .
The benefits of embarking on a small, intimate cruise are numerous and give passengers a more luxurious, relaxing experience.
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Best Yacht Cruise: Seadream Yacht Club
SeaDream Yacht Club
For a yachting experience, SeaDream Yacht Club operates two ships carrying from 94 to 112 guests to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Transatlantic crossings plus dedicated wine-themed voyages. In addition, a third yacht, the Seadream Innovation, is planned to complete in 2021 with three marinas and wave runners, sailboats, and kayaks. Suites feature gorgeous wood furnishings, soaking tubs, living and dining areas, flat screen televisions, and 24-hour room service. For active adults, theres a golf simulator, mountain bikes , water skiing, and snorkel gear. Enjoy a movie under the stars or relax in the Balinese spa. All meals, beverages, and gratuities are also included in the fare.
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Best For Land And Sea Adventures
Youve traveled far to get to Alaska and it would be a shame to miss inland sights such as Denali National Park and Preserve and the sight of Denali, North Americas largest peak so big its often shrouded in clouds caused by its own weather system.
Market leaders Holland America Line and Princess Cruises both send a half-dozen ships to Alaska each year, and they have 75 and 55 years in the market, respectively. They top the list in terms of cruises, as well as cruisetours, which combine time sailing with overnight stays on land. The companies operate their own lodges, railcars and motorcoaches for exploration of Alaskas interior and beyond. Many of the ships have permission to sail in Glacier Bay.
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Standard one-week to 14-night cruise itineraries take you to the same ports as the megaships, such as Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau and sometimes Sitka from Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco or Whittier, Alaska. On 10- to 17-night land tours, you might add an overnight in Anchorage, a visit to Denali park and time up north in Fairbanks, the gateway to Arctic Alaska.
Holland America Line also offers cruisetours that head into the Canadian Yukon, following the route of the Klondike Gold Rush from Alaska to northwestern Canada. Princess Cruises offers a cruisetour where you visit four national parks: Glacier Bay, Denali, the Kenai Fjords and, Americas largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias.
Why Alaska Small Ship Cruises Are Worth Experiencing
Alaska cruises have grown significantly in popularity over the last decade. Being the largest US state by area, at 665,384 square miles, Alaska boasts 6,640 miles of coastline, making it an ideal destination for cruising and land expeditions. This vibrant corner of the USA is packed with vast frontiers, rivers, and natural harbors all ripe for exploration.
But why should you browse small ship cruises in Alaska instead of the big boats? Small ships enable you to enjoy the same beautiful panoramic views that big boats offer, but with the added ability to get up close and personal with the rugged Alaskan landscape. Also, by nature, small ship cruises are less crowded than big boats, providing a more relaxing and rejuvenating cruise environment.
Still on the fence? Here are some of the top reasons why you should select one of AAAs best-rated small ship Alaska cruises for your next adventure:
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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.
Pro: Casual Ambiance On Board
As with many small cruise ships in Alaska, Ocean Victorys onboard experience was relaxed and casual. As one travel advisor noted, it was not for people who want to get dressed up and bring out the jewels.
While some cruisers love to get glammed up for formal nights on their big-ship sailings, Id bet the majority of travelers would rather leave the cocktail dresses and suits at home and stick to comfortable clothing for their vacation.
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Why Choose A Small Luxury Cruise Ship
No matter what kind of traveler you are, choosing one of the small luxury cruise ships of the Inside Passage might be just the thing you are looking for. Here are just a few reasons why traveling on a ship like the Sikumi might be just right for you.
The Luxury Traveler: You will feel pampered and relaxed as you explore the beauty of the Inside Passage. Our ship gives you a private experience that is unparalleled.
Family Vacationers: You can book our entire ship or just one room. Our ship is renowned for family gatherings and offers amenities for everyone from small children to grandparents. We can even help you put a smile on the face of that grumpy teenager.
Local Connoisseurs: Are you a traveler who loves staying at bed and breakfasts, eating at local restaurants and experiencing each place’s unique culture? Then the Sikumi is just for you. We are locally owned and operated, we love preparing fresh local specialties, and will personally guide you through the Inside Passage’s best.
Small boat cruising allows you to get into parts of Alaska’s Inside Passage that very few, if any people have ever stepped, kayaked or fished. With Custom Alaska Cruises, the small ship M.V. Sikumi gives her passengers an up-close look and intimate experience with the state of Alaska.
What Should I Pack For My Small Alaskan Cruise
While your packing list may vary depending on the season that you visit Alaska during, here are 10 general things that you should never embark on an Alaskan cruise without.
- Lightweight jacket
- Scenic railway excursions
If there are specific excursions that you hope to participate in, you should look at cruise itineraries to find one that includes the activities that you would like to do.
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Alaska Cruise In October
Alaska Weather in October: Alaskas October temperatures arent the coldest of the year, but you should expect a chill in the air. Temperatures in Southeast Alaska, where most October itineraries will sail, are similar to late April and May. Expect highs in the 40s and possibly 50s, with lows in the 30s. , so prepare for low clouds and rain.
Alaska Cruise Prices in October: Depending on your cruise style, prices will range widely, though than summer months for cruising to Alaska. A 7-night cruise averages around $1,000 without inclusions or extras.
Hours of Daylight in Alaska in October: You can expect an average of 10 to 11 hours of daylight in Southeast Alaska during October, though that will vary depending on how far north you travel. Later in the year, the majority of the day passes in darkness.
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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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Food On Ocean Victory Offers Variety Could Use A Stronger Tie To Region
Meals are offered in two spots: The Main Restaurant and the more casual Panorama Restaurant. The variety featured is solid, with enough to appeal to most tastes even for those with dietary restrictions.
Food might be the biggest opportunity for improvement on the ship, as many of the dishes are underseasoned or overcooked and theyre inconsistent from one dish to the next. In a place like Alaska, where you want that beautiful salmon filet, we were disappointed by the salmon, which we tried on several occasions and found to be dry and lacking flavor. We also wish there was a stronger connection to the region the ship is sailing, something parent company American Queen Voyages does so well on its river ships. Outside of salmon, there was no dish that screamed Alaska, no use of huckleberries, for example, and crab was offered only once, as an appetizer.
Youll find plenty to eat, but those looking for an immersive dining experience might end up disappointed.
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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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The Best Small Ship Cruises To Alaska
What is ‘small’ when it comes to cruise ships? It meansdifferent things to different people, but for us, small comes downto an attitude, a state of mind, and a way of behaving.
Our favourite ‘small’ ships in Alaska range from the tiny22-guest Safari Quest of UnCruise Adventures to the spaciousindulgence of Regent’s Seven Seas Mariner, carrying 700 luckyguests. Whichever you choose, it’s still a far cry from those giantvessels you may have seen plying the waters off Alaska, withpassenger capacities higher than the number of residents in some oftheir ports of call.
On board a small ship cruise you can expect charming andattentive service, great food, fellow passengers of a similarmindset, and comfortable accommodations. Ashore, what youexperience will definitely depend on the ship you choose.
Visiting Alaska by ship is an extraordinary experience, andwhilst certain ports might be very busy indeed – Juneau for example- it is comparatively easy to find yourself in a remote wildernesswhich feels as if it has never been visited before. So if you arechoosing a classic cruise ship, it’s all about the shore excursions.
But if you want to feel like an intrepid explorer, go insteadfor one of the expedition ships offered by our sister company MundyAdventures. On these cruises you will meet wildlife on desertedbeaches, watch glaciers calve in a timeless and ancient landscape,and hike through untouched rainforest in the footsteps of theTlingit people.
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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There Are Many Great Itineraries Available For These Versatile Small Ship Cruises In 2022 And 2023
At Alaska Cruises & Vacations, small ship cruising is our passion! These are the cruises that get you up close to what we think you are coming to Alaska to see, the real Alaska! Scenic wonders, marine wildlife, outdoor adventure all can be had from the comfort of your ship and give you more of an Alaska experience than just a trip! Please check with us directly via or our FORM if you are interested in small ships for 2022 or 2023.
Are 20 passenger ships still too large? Ask about yachts with fewer passengers! Have a family or group and want an exclusive adventure? Full yacht charters as well as Mid-sized ships and Large Ship cruises are available. Call us at 800-977-9705 and inquire about these exclusive opportunities! Planning ahead? Many small ships have their 2022 & 2023 itineraries and we are taking bookings now. In the COMMENTS field of our form please note that youre interested in a 2022 or 2023 cruise and any ship and itinerary preference! Also check out our Early Booking Incentives.Please check with us directly via or our FORM if you are interested in small ships for 2022 ot 2023.
Experience Alaska Via Winter Sports & Northern Lights
Starting in 2024, adventurous Alaska travelers can explore at a time when few others visitwinter. Alaskas Winter Sports & Northern Lights operates in February and March, with conditions ideal for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice skatingplus the ultimate polar plunge . Enjoy 2 full days in Glacier Bay at its most quiet, take some laps at a local ski resort and appreciate the solitude and awe of nighttime northern lights, should they appear.
Cruise round-trip from Juneau aboard the 84-guest Safari Endeavour, a ship built for comfort at a great price. Winter guests will appreciate her two hot tubs and private ensuite bathrooms with heated tile floor. Plus, she has storage for personal ski and snowboard gear, if the included rentals arent of interest. Operated by UnCruise Adventures, one of our small Alaskan cruise line partners, Safari Endeavour is a favorite among our travelers.
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