Table Of Content
All of the small boat Alaska cruise options we offer have naturalist guides on board. The quality of onboard guides is one of the most important criteria we think about when considering which Alaska small ship cruises we represent. Wave goodbye to busy ports to instead view bears, hike, paddle by glaciers and forge local connections in small towns. Enjoy a flexible schedule, capitalizing on wildlife encounters and the collective whims of the group. The atmosphere is casual and all inclusive in cost, encouraging everyone on board to participate. This Prince William Sound cruise spends an adventurous 8 days exploring the least-visited shores in coastal Alaska, home to the densest concentration of tidewater glaciers.
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If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not require a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation. If you are a frequent traveler to Canada from the U.S., you may benefit from the NEXUS program which is a joint initiative between the U.S. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet site by clicking here. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey to enter Canada.
Recent Guest Reviews
With just 10 other guests, we developed warm and lasting friendships. The owners of the Discovery, Dean and Meg, were so accommodating and helpful. Dean got a sense for what the group wanted to do and tried to cater to everyone’s interest and activity level. The two guides, Phyllis and Hugh, were extremely knowledgeable and fun to be around. We did a lot, saw a lot, learned a lot, and in general had an amazing week. Meg worked her magic for three meals a day in the kitchen and the food was fantastic with lots of fresh seafood and accommodations for everyone’s dietary restrictions.
Crew & Guides Review
I saw bears foraging in the intertidal grasses lining the shore and sea lions basking in the sun on an outcropping of rocks. These are experiences you’re not likely to have aboard a big ship, certainly not at such close range. If you're energized by the idea of diverse entertainment, plentiful onboard activities, and exploring Alaska's port towns as well as its scenic wonders, then you'll likely love the experience of cruising on a large vessel. You can use our easy Cruise Finder to find cruise ship and itinerary descriptions for Alaska cruises based on when you'd like to sail and where you'd like to embark from. Want to know more about what makes each larger cruise company unique?
Alaska Small Ship Cruiseswith AdventureSmith
Compare and contrast the various Lindblad Alaska cruises and ships from an expert who's been aboard. Learn what stands out about Lindblad's Alaska programming, guides and crew. 100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip. The climate data listed above is for Anchorage, Alaska, but there are Southeast coastal and Arctic microclimates to consider depending on your small Alaska cruise itinerary.
Juneau, AK
Local guides were essential to understanding Haida and Kwakwaka wakaw cultures. And the Watchmen gave such authenticity to our experience. AdventureSmith helped us know what to expect and what we needed (and didn't need) to bring. Great trip and overall experience, I would recommend AdventureSmith to anyone looking for a vacation. The bar had good beer, liquor and wine and the bartender was always ready with some kind of treat when we came back from our adventures.
A Comprehensive Guide to Alaska Cruises - AARP
A Comprehensive Guide to Alaska Cruises.
Posted: Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Mendenhall Glacier, AK
[I most enjoyed] the longer excursions (e.g. full day hike) and kayaking (a first for me). St. James Bay was extremely beautiful, and I'm glad we spent the whole day there. Hiking Mt. Riley in Haines was also a highlight (challenging hike, with a rewarding view up top).
Alaska Small Ship Cruise Finder
Most Alaska cruises are casual, so no need to dress up for dinner. Ketchikan - Known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the world,’ Ketchikan is a city rich in history. The area started off by building a fish saltery, followed by a salmon cannery, mining copper and gold, and even supplying timber for the construction of WWII airplanes. It's easy to see why with museums, libraries, restaurants, and amazing wildlife sightings such as mountain goats, black bears, sea otters, humpback whales, orcas, and seals.
Kayaking Trips
For a closer look at Alaska's majestic glaciers, fjords, and wildlife, try these recommended small-ship cruise lines. Based in Victoria, British Columbia, Maple Leaf Adventures offers a trio of small ships. The 138-foot Cascadia is a 24-passenger catamaran with 12 cabins, all with private facilities. The Swell is an 88-foot converted tugboat with room for 12 in six cabins, all with private heads.
This was one of the most incredible and wonderful vacations I have ever taken. It was a constant series of “Once-In-a-Lifetime” experiences. To see Alaska from the comfort and mobility of the Discovery boat, set a new standard of travel….so unique, personal and experiential.
Head to our curated Alaska yacht charters if you’re seeking the ultimate customization and savings on per-cabin costs on small ship Alaska cruises. Or perhaps you’re seeking larger cabins with upscale amenities like balconies and gourmet cuisine? You don’t have to trade luxury for adventure on a small ship Alaskan cruise. With our curated selection of Alaska luxury cruises you can have it all. If your dream itinerary includes Seattle, this definitely makes how to choose an Alaska cruise easier as there are fewer overall options. In the summer, small ships are busy exploring up in Alaska.
PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND, Fast becoming one of the most exciting cruise destinations in the world. Moss and moose, thunderous glaciers and tufted puffins—Alaska is full of surprises. The Captain and Crew of the Discovery made us feel special during the entire voyage. Their knowledge of the region, the hidden coves, the history, and the culture, all made for a magical experience. I can truly say that this trip exceeded my already high expectations. My two sons and my father-in-law also joined and they were equally impressed.
Save up to 15% or up to $1,500 per person in an air credit when you book your select 2024 departure of the below-linked Arctic expedition cruises aboard Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle. Select dates include both discounts so act fast as availability is capacity controlled. Offer valid on new bookings, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. See all Alaska small ship cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures. An AdventureSmith Specialist is 1 of only 8 passengers on this Katmai bear viewing cruise in Alaska.
Small cruise ships to Alaska bring your experience to a whole new level—namely, eye level, by encouraging active adventures off the ship. Look for cruises aboard ships branded with National Geographic if you are seeking the highest level of education. To learn more about these unique guides, read our review of Lindblad Alaska. From ice-filled fjords to stunning rainforests, southeast Alaska is an adventurer's dream.
