Inside Passage Alaska cruises navigate protected waterways along Alaska’s southeastern coast, offering views of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife including whales, bears, and eagles. Routes typically visit ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, departing from Seattle or Vancouver. Cruise options range from large ships to smaller expedition vessels, with itineraries lasting seven to fourteen days featuring glacier viewing and cultural experiences.

Quick Facts

FeatureDetails
Best Time to CruiseMay through September, with June-August being peak season
Typical Duration7 to 14 days
Main Departure PortsSeattle, Vancouver, or roundtrip from Seward/Whittier
Popular StopsJuneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, Icy Strait Point
Ship TypesMega ships (3,000+ passengers), mid-size ships (1,000-2,000), small expedition vessels (under 200)
Wildlife HighlightsHumpback whales, orcas, bears, bald eagles, sea otters, puffins

Want to know more about planning your Alaska cruise?

Understanding the Inside Passage Route

The Inside Passage isn’t just one route but a network of waterways threading between hundreds of islands along the Pacific coast. This natural channel stretches over 1,000 miles from Puget Sound to the Alaskan panhandle, creating some of the smoothest sailing conditions you’ll ever experience. Those prone to seasickness can breathe easier knowing the surrounding islands act as natural breakwaters.

What makes this route special is what you won’t experience: open ocean swells. Ships cruise through narrow channels where you’re often close enough to shore to spot individual trees and sometimes even bears wandering the coastline. The protected waters mean your balcony time actually happens instead of being cut short by wind and spray.

If you’re debating routes, comparing the Inside Passage vs Gulf of Alaska will help you understand the key differences in scenery and sailing conditions.

Choosing Your Ship Size

Choosing Your Ship Size

Ship size dramatically changes your Inside Passage experience, and bigger isn’t always better despite what cruise line marketing wants you to believe.

Large Ships (2,500+ passengers)

  • Better entertainment options including Broadway-style shows and multiple dining venues
  • More onboard amenities like pools, spas, and kids’ clubs
  • Generally lower per-day pricing
  • Limited port access (can’t dock in smaller towns like Petersburg or Wrangell)
  • Crowded tender operations when ships anchor offshore

Mid-Size Ships (1,000-2,500 passengers)

  • Sweet spot for many travelers balancing amenities and intimacy
  • Can access most major ports without tendering
  • Easier to get on and off during port days
  • Still offer decent dining variety and entertainment

Small Ships (Under 200 passengers)

  • Access remote locations impossible for larger vessels
  • More flexible itineraries that can adjust for wildlife sightings
  • Expedition-style leadership with naturalists and local experts
  • Higher per-day cost but often include excursions and alcohol
  • Minimal entertainment and amenities (think comfort, not luxury)

For those interested in a more intimate experience, exploring Alaska small ship cruises reveals options that completely change the nature of your trip. Alternatively, Alaska expedition cruises take the adventure factor even higher with zodiac landings and hiking opportunities.

When to Go: Month-by-Month Breakdown

Everyone asks about the best time to cruise Alaska, but the real answer depends on what you want to see and how much you want to spend. Check out this comprehensive guide on when to cruise Alaska for deeper insights.

May (Shoulder Season)

  • Lowest prices of the season
  • Smaller crowds at ports and excursions
  • More snow on mountain peaks for dramatic photos
  • Some wildlife still in migration
  • Occasional rain and cooler temperatures (40-55°F)
  • Some attractions and restaurants may have limited hours

June (Sweet Spot)

  • Longest days with up to 18 hours of daylight
  • Wildlife becomes very active
  • Wildflowers bloom throughout the temperate rainforest
  • Salmon runs begin in some areas
  • Prices start climbing but still reasonable
  • Weather improves but rain is still common

July (Peak Season)

  • Warmest temperatures (55-65°F)
  • Peak whale watching season
  • All attractions fully operational
  • Highest prices for cruises and excursions
  • Most crowded ports and popular sites
  • Book shore excursions early or risk sellouts

August (Still Peak)

  • Berry season means very active bears
  • Salmon spawning in full swing
  • Slightly fewer crowds than July
  • Days noticeably shorter toward month’s end
  • Still premium pricing

September (Shoulder Season)

  • Prices drop significantly
  • Fall colors emerge
  • Excellent bear viewing as they feed before hibernation
  • Fewer ships and tourists
  • Cooler weather and increased rain
  • Some seasonal businesses close after Labor Day
  • Northern lights become possible toward month’s end

Major Ports and What Actually Matters

Every cruise line hits the same basic ports, but what you do there separates mediocre trips from memorable ones. For complete details on each stop, visit the Alaska cruise ports guide.

Juneau (Alaska’s Capital)

No roads connect Juneau to the outside world, making it accessible only by boat or plane. This creates an interesting dynamic where the cruise industry dominates the local economy.

Don’t Miss:

  • Mendenhall Glacier (but skip the crowded visitor center and book the West Glacier Trail hike instead)
  • Whale watching tours have a 90%+ success rate during summer
  • Tracy Arm Fjord day trips if your ship doesn’t include fjord cruising

Skip:

  • The Mount Roberts Tramway unless visibility is perfect (check morning conditions before committing)
  • Generic “city tour” excursions that waste time at gift shops

Ketchikan (Salmon Capital)

First Alaska stop for northbound cruises, last stop for southbound. The town gets absolutely hammered when multiple ships dock simultaneously.

Don’t Miss:

  • Creek Street’s historic boardwalk (former red-light district turned tourist area)
  • Misty Fjords floatplane tour (splurge-worthy if weather cooperates)
  • Totem pole sites (but hire a local guide who can explain their actual cultural significance)

Skip:

  • Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show (fun for kids, repetitive for adults)
  • Duck tours (you’ll see more on foot)

Skagway (Gold Rush History)

Smallest of the main ports with a population around 1,200 that swells to 8,000+ when cruise ships arrive. The entire downtown is basically a National Historical Park.

Don’t Miss:

  • White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad (book the early departure before other ships arrive)
  • Chilkoot Trail hikes (even just the first few miles)
  • Red Onion Saloon for history and atmosphere

Skip:

  • The Broadway-style shows unless you’re genuinely into theater
  • Most jewelry stores (massive markups targeting cruise passengers)

Sitka (Russian Alaska)

Not all Inside Passage itineraries include Sitka since it requires open ocean access, but it’s worth choosing an itinerary that does.

Don’t Miss:

  • Alaska Raptor Center (see eagles up close)
  • Russian Orthodox Cathedral
  • Sitka Sound for sea otter viewing

Icy Strait Point

A private cruise destination owned by the Huna Totem Corporation. It’s more authentic than it sounds, with strong Tlingit cultural elements.

Don’t Miss:

  • Whale watching from shore (the point is excellent for land-based viewing)
  • Brown bear searches in nearby areas
  • ZipRider if you want an adrenaline rush (world’s longest zipline)

Departure Port Considerations

Where your cruise begins and ends affects your overall trip more than most people realize.

Seattle Departures

Choosing Seattle as your departure port offers several advantages. The city itself is worth exploring for a few days before or after your cruise, with Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and excellent food scenes. Seattle cruises typically spend an extra sea day reaching Alaska, which some people love (more time to enjoy the ship) and others find wasteful.

Vancouver Departures

When cruising from Vancouver, you’ll get to Alaska quicker and the city rivals Seattle for pre-cruise exploration. Currency exchange and passport requirements add minor complications for U.S. citizens, but the city’s walkability and excellent public transit make it easy to navigate.

Roundtrip vs One-Way

Understanding the differences between roundtrip vs one-way Alaska cruises is crucial for planning. One-way cruises (usually between Vancouver and Seward/Whittier) maximize your time in Alaska and eliminate backtracking, but require flights on both ends. Roundtrip cruises from Seattle or Vancouver simplify logistics but repeat the same route twice.

The Seven-Day Question

Most first-timers book 7-day Alaska cruises because they seem perfect for using one week of vacation time. Here’s what you should know: seven-day cruises work well if you’re departing from Seattle or Vancouver and doing a roundtrip. They cover the main ports and give you enough time to decompress without feeling rushed.

However, if you’re considering one-way itineraries or want to add Denali or other inland destinations, the Gulf of Alaska cruises running between Vancouver and Seward offer more variety. These typically run 7-10 days for the cruise portion alone.

Wildlife Watching: Realistic Expectations

Alaska wildlife viewing is exceptional, but cruise line brochures oversell the experience with photos that required hours of patience to capture.

What You’ll Almost Certainly See

  • Bald eagles (so common you’ll stop photographing them by day three)
  • Sea otters floating on their backs
  • Harbor seals popping up near shore
  • Salmon jumping in streams during spawning season

What You’ll Probably See

  • Humpback whales (summer success rate above 90% on dedicated whale watching tours)
  • Sea lions hauled out on rocks
  • Porpoises
  • Various seabirds including puffins

What You Might See (With Luck)

  • Orcas (seen on about 50% of summer cruises)
  • Brown or black bears (better odds on shore excursions designed for bear viewing)
  • Mountain goats on cliffs
  • Moose

What’s Rare

  • Wolves
  • Lynx
  • Wolverines
  • Grizzly bears from the ship

Pro tip: Bring binoculars even if you think you won’t need them. Ship naturalists spot wildlife constantly but it’s often distant. That speck on the shore could be a bear, but you’ll need magnification to appreciate it.

Packing Essentials Nobody Tells You About

Everyone knows to bring layers and rain gear, but here’s what actually matters:

Clothing Reality Check

  • Waterproof hiking boots, not just rain jackets (your feet will get wet, guaranteed)
  • Gloves even in summer (early morning wildlife watching is cold)
  • Baseball cap plus warm beanie (you’ll alternate depending on conditions)
  • More underwear and socks than you think (dampness is constant)

Gear That Pays Off

  • Dry bag for shore excursions
  • Power strip (cruise cabins never have enough outlets)
  • Seasickness medication even for Inside Passage (some crossings get bumpy)
  • Portable phone charger (photography drains batteries fast)
  • Microfiber towel (your cabin towels are for showering, not hiking)

Don’t Bother Packing

  • Formal wear unless you enjoy formal nights (most Alaska cruises are casual)
  • Beach clothes (this isn’t Caribbean cruising)
  • Hair dryer and iron (cabins provide both)
  • Bottled water (ships provide it free)

Money-Saving Strategies

Alaska cruises aren’t cheap, but you can reduce costs without sacrificing experience.

Before Booking

  • Book shoulder season (May or September) for 30-50% savings
  • Inside cabins cost less and don’t matter much since you’re barely in them
  • Guarantee cabins (letting the cruise line assign your specific room) save money
  • Book directly with cruise lines during “wave season” (January-March)

Shore Excursions

  • Book independently in port rather than through the ship (often 40% cheaper)
  • Walk off the ship and explore on your own in walkable ports like Skagway and Ketchikan
  • Share private tour costs with other passengers you meet onboard
  • Skip excursions in one port to save for a splurge elsewhere

Onboard Spending

  • Prepay gratuities before sailing (some lines offer discounts)
  • Bring your own alcohol where allowed (most cruise lines permit wine)
  • Skip specialty restaurants (included dining is excellent on Alaska cruises)
  • Use ship wifi only when necessary (it’s expensive and slow)

Glacier Viewing: Beyond the Hype

Glacier viewing is marketed as the pinnacle of Alaska cruising, and while impressive, it’s not always the transcendent experience advertised.

What Makes Good Glacier Viewing

  • Tidewater glaciers (meeting the ocean) are more dramatic than valley glaciers
  • Calving events (ice breaking off) are spectacular but random
  • Closer proximity matters more than glacier size
  • Clear weather makes or breaks the experience

Best Glacier Experiences

  • Glacier Bay (requires National Park permit, limited number of ships)
  • Hubbard Glacier (largest tidewater glacier in North America)
  • Tracy Arm Fjord (narrow fjord creates intimate viewing)
  • Mendenhall Glacier via shore excursion (up-close access)

Insider secret: When your ship stops for glacier viewing, most passengers rush to one side causing the ship to list. Go to the opposite side for emptier decks and identical views (captains position the ship carefully for viewing from both sides).

Cultural Experiences Worth Your Time

Alaska Native culture is fascinating but often reduced to totem poles and gift shop trinkets.

Authentic Cultural Encounters

  • Saxman Native Village near Ketchikan (skip the performance, take the guided tour)
  • Sitka National Historical Park’s totem trail with ranger talks
  • Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage (if your cruise includes land portions)
  • Smaller museums in each port (ask locals for recommendations)

Understanding Totem Poles

Totem poles aren’t religious symbols or worshiped objects despite common misconceptions. They’re historical records, family crests, and storytelling devices carved by Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. Each figure represents clans, historical events, or important stories. Hiring a knowledgeable guide instead of just photographing poles makes a huge difference in appreciation.

Weather and What It Really Means

Alaska weather is unpredictable and rain is practically guaranteed at some point during your cruise.

Temperature Reality

  • Summer highs: 55-65°F in Southeast Alaska
  • Mornings and evenings: 40-50°F
  • On glaciers and at elevation: 30-40°F even in summer
  • Wind chill on deck makes it feel colder

Rain Facts

  • Southeast Alaska receives 60-200 inches of rain annually
  • Ketchikan averages 160+ inches (it rains more than it doesn’t)
  • Rain rarely cancels excursions (locals ignore it)
  • Brief showers are common, all-day downpours less so

Mindset shift: Accept that you’ll get wet and dress accordingly rather than trying to stay dry. Once you embrace the rain, it stops being a problem.

Bonus Tips from Seasoned Alaska Cruisers

Balcony Cabins

Balconies are worth the upgrade on Alaska cruises more than any other destination. You’ll use it constantly for wildlife watching, glacier viewing, and simply enjoying the scenery. Morning coffee on your private balcony while cruising through fjords beats fighting crowds on public decks.

Photography

  • Bring lens cleaning cloths (sea spray covers lenses constantly)
  • Shoot in RAW format for easier editing of overcast days
  • Polarizing filter cuts glare from water and ice
  • Don’t spend entire experiences behind your camera (enjoying moments matters more than documenting everything)

Seasickness Prevention

Inside Passage cruising is smooth but not immune to rough patches, especially crossing Icy Strait or approaching Sitka.

  • Book midship cabins on lower decks (least motion)
  • Start medication the night before potential rough seas
  • Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals before sailing rough water
  • Keep eyes on horizon rather than reading or using phones

Meeting People

Alaska cruises attract travelers who actually want to be in Alaska (versus party cruisers). People are generally outdoorsy, curious, and friendly. Strike up conversations during shore excursions and you’ll likely make friends who share photos and stay in touch.

Phone and Internet

  • Cell service is spotty throughout the Inside Passage
  • Most ports have wifi in cafes and visitor centers
  • Download offline maps before departing
  • Embrace occasional disconnection (it’s actually refreshing)

Motion Sickness for Excursions

Small boat excursions (whale watching, fishing charters) can be rougher than cruise ships. Take medication 30 minutes before boarding and sit near the middle of the boat.

What Cruise Lines Won’t Emphasize

Port Time Limitations

You typically have 6-9 hours in port, which sounds like plenty until you factor in getting off the ship, traveling to excursion sites, and returning with buffer time. You can’t do everything, so prioritize ruthlessly.

Tender Ports

Some ports require tendering (taking small boats from ship to shore because the ship anchors offshore). This eats into your port time significantly, especially if you’re on a large ship. Disembarkation can take 2+ hours if you don’t have early tender tickets.

Crowds During Peak Season

Multiple large ships often dock simultaneously. Juneau might host 15,000 cruise passengers on a busy July day in a town of 32,000 residents. Popular sites become overwhelmed. Book earliest excursion times possible or explore independently during lunch when most passengers are back on ships.

Weather Cancellations

Glacier Bay permits get cancelled occasionally due to weather or mechanical issues. Some cruise lines reroute to Tracy Arm or Hubbard Glacier, but you don’t get to choose. Travel insurance won’t cover this unless you bought “cancel for any reason” coverage.

Special Considerations for Different Travelers

Families with Kids

  • Kids generally love Alaska cruising (wildlife spotting becomes a game)
  • Choose larger ships with kids’ clubs and family-friendly activities
  • Book excursions appropriate for children’s stamina and attention spans
  • Bring motion sickness medication for children prone to car sickness

Seniors and Mobility Concerns

  • Inside Passage cruising suits travelers with limited mobility better than most destinations
  • Much can be seen from the ship without disembarking
  • Many ports are accessible, though some excursions require significant walking or stairs
  • Book accessible cabins early (limited availability)
  • Consider bus tours over hiking excursions

Solo Travelers

  • Single supplements are expensive (often 150-200% of per-person double rate)
  • Some cruise lines offer single cabins at reduced premiums
  • Alaska attracts solo travelers interested in nature, making socializing easier
  • Join solo traveler meet-ups organized on most ships

Photographers

  • Alaska is photographer paradise but conditions are challenging
  • Overcast skies are common (embrace moody photography)
  • Telephoto lens (200-400mm) essential for wildlife
  • Wide angle for landscapes and glaciers
  • Weather-sealed camera bodies handle rain better

Making the Most of Sea Days

Inside Passage cruising includes surprisingly few full sea days, but here’s how to use them:

  • Attend naturalist presentations (actual experts, not entertainment staff)
  • Watch for wildlife from outer decks (whales, orcas, and bears possible)
  • Use spa and popular amenities while others sleep in
  • Plan and book remaining shore excursions
  • Catch up on sleep and relaxation between active port days

Environmental Considerations

Alaska’s environment is fragile and cruise ships impact it. Being a responsible visitor matters.

Choose Environmentally Conscious Operators

  • Look for cruise lines with advanced wastewater treatment
  • Smaller ships have less environmental impact
  • Some lines participate in scientific research and conservation

During Shore Excursions

  • Stay on marked trails (fragile vegetation takes years to recover)
  • Maintain proper wildlife viewing distances (100 yards for bears, 50 yards for other wildlife)
  • Don’t feed or approach animals
  • Pack out all trash
  • Support local businesses over national chains

Common Questions and FAQ

Do I need a passport for Inside Passage cruises?

For roundtrip cruises from Seattle, technically no if you’re a U.S. citizen (these are considered closed-loop cruises). However, you should absolutely bring one anyway. If you need to fly home early due to emergency or miss the ship in a Canadian port, you’ll need a passport to return to the U.S. by air. For one-way cruises starting or ending in Vancouver, passports are required.

How formal are Alaska cruises?

Alaska cruises are the most casual cruise destination. Even on premium lines, formal nights are rare and optional. Most passengers wear jeans, fleece jackets, and hiking boots during the day and maybe upgrade to nice casual for dinner. Pack one semi-dressy outfit if your ship has a formal night and you want to participate, but nobody will judge if you skip it.

Can I see the Northern Lights on an Inside Passage cruise?

Extremely unlikely. The Inside Passage is too far south and cruises operate during summer months when Alaska has nearly 24-hour daylight. Late September cruises have the best (but still slim) chances. If Northern Lights are a priority, plan a winter trip to Fairbanks instead.

Are Alaska cruises appropriate for non-cruisers?

Yes, definitely. Alaska cruising appeals to people who normally avoid cruises because the destination itself is the focus rather than ship amenities. Many first-time cruisers choose Alaska specifically because it emphasizes nature, wildlife, and culture over poolside relaxation and casinos.

How much should I budget for shore excursions?

Shore excursions through cruise lines typically run $100-300 per person per port, with helicopter tours and special experiences costing $400-600. For a seven-day cruise visiting four ports, budget $800-1,500 per person for excursions. Independent excursions booked directly with local operators cost 20-40% less. You can also explore some ports independently for free or minimal cost.

Will I get seasick on Inside Passage cruises?

Most people don’t experience seasickness on Inside Passage cruises due to the protected waterways. However, some crossings (particularly approaching Sitka or crossing Icy Strait) can be choppy. Ships also pass through rougher water during overnight sailing. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medication as a precaution, but you’ll likely have smooth sailing most of the trip.

What’s the drinking age on Alaska cruises?

It depends on the ship’s flag and itinerary. Most major cruise lines maintain a drinking age of 21 throughout the cruise regardless of location. Ships flagged in countries with lower drinking ages sometimes allow 18+ consumption when in international waters, but policies vary by cruise line. Check your specific cruise line’s policy.

How much time should I spend in departure cities?

Plan at least one full day before your cruise to account for potential travel delays and allow time to explore. Seattle and Vancouver are both excellent cities worth 2-3 days of exploration. After your cruise, you need less time unless you want to sightsee. Most cruise lines recommend arriving the day before your cruise at minimum.

Do I need bear spray on shore excursions?

No. Organized shore excursions don’t require or permit passengers to carry bear spray. Guides on wilderness excursions carry safety equipment. If you’re planning independent hiking in remote areas, bear spray might be appropriate, but standard port excursions won’t need it.

What happens if weather cancels an excursion?

If the cruise line cancels an excursion due to weather, you receive a full refund. If you independently booked with a local operator, refund policies vary (another reason to use credit cards with good travel protections). Weather cancellations are relatively rare, but fog can ground flightseeing tours and rough seas might cancel small boat trips.

Personal Experience

I’ll be honest – planning my Alaska cruise felt overwhelming at first. There’s so much to figure out between choosing the right time to go, deciding which cruise line fits your style, and picking excursions that actually matter. I spent way too many evenings comparing itineraries and reading reviews, trying to decode what “glacier viewing” really meant versus “glacier experience.” The Inside Passage kept coming up everywhere, and I quickly learned it’s basically the heart of any Alaska cruise. Once I understood that most ships follow similar routes through this protected waterway, things started clicking into place.

The planning guide really helped me narrow down what I actually cared about versus what sounded cool but didn’t match my travel style. I’m not a luxury cruise person, so I stopped obsessing over fancy dining options and focused on shore excursions and wildlife viewing instead. Turns out booking during shoulder season gave me better prices and fewer crowds, which was perfect. The biggest lesson? Don’t try to do everything. I picked three or four excursions that genuinely excited me rather than packing my schedule, and that made all the difference. Now I actually feel ready instead of just anxious about missing out.