Sunday, March 31, 2024

Best Alaska Cruises 2024-2025

small ship alaska cruise 2024

What was it like to take a small Alaska cruise during the pandemic? There’s a big difference between last-minute Alaska cruises and our curated choices of the best small ship Alaska cruise itineraries. These guides will help inform you as you begin your research. The waterjet-driven tour vessel has been designed to navigate Southeast Alaska's narrow island passages, allowing for wildlife viewing at close range. Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks.

UnCruise Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Wilderness Cruise

Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Royal Caribbean International is known for ships with a wow factor. From ice skating rinks to zip lines, if you can think of it, you can find it on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage is very relaxing and the pace leisurely.

small ship alaska cruise 2024

Day Classic Voyage

Not being keen on big ship cruising, yet having a husband who is reluctant to rough it, a six day trip on this sturdy and surprisingly spacious vessel had to be the ideal solution. Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land. Alaska is a delight for bird watchers, boasting 521 species of birds including the largest population of bald eagles. Other wildlife in the region include caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and wolves.

Twice the glaciers

Into the Wild: Luxury Cruises to Alaska - Luxury Travel Advisor

Into the Wild: Luxury Cruises to Alaska.

Posted: Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen. Every guest will be issued a boarding card that must be presented before embarking the ship in each port. If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, please contact an embassy or consulate of Canada and of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation will be required.

Day 11 nights Inside Passage Port Exploration cruise!

The 92-foot-long Maple Leaf schooner can carry eight passengers and four or five crewmembers. Instead of cabins, a sleeping area has large bunks with walls on two and a half sides and thick, heavy curtains on the rest. The ship has two inflatable boats for shore excursions and wildlife-viewing. The 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion have been with the line since 1981, but have been refurbished and are still well suited to long and short Alaska itineraries. The larger, newer National Geographic Quest( added in 2016) and National Geographic Venture (launched in 2018) carry 100 passengers apiece. Lindblad pioneered the expedition cruise several decades ago and has partnered with National Geographic since 2004,.

Manitoba: Polar Bear Adventure

Review: Alaskan Dream Cruises - TravelAge West

Review: Alaskan Dream Cruises.

Posted: Sat, 13 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

From visiting the kittywake colony and the haunts of salmon, sea lions and seals, to watching rafts of otters with their adorable babies, or an escort of Dall’s porpoises. From hiking in forest by a rushing meltwater stream, passing peat bogs and wild blueberries, to kayaking through ice fractured from nearby glaciers. Not to mention the sightings of bears, whales and puffins. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights. Travel the Inside Passage on 10 or 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures.

small ship alaska cruise 2024

Smoking is permitted in designated areas for cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking. Please do not throw your cigarettes overboard, as it is a violation of international maritime pollution laws and they can easily be blown back onto the ship. Please refrain from smoking on shore and in shore excursion vehicles and ship tenders.

Access an Exclusive Wilderness Area

Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska. Alaska cruisetours combine our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to ten nights on land exploring Denali National Park. Travel aboard our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® train and unwind at Princess Wilderness Lodges®. Every year Princess introduces more people to Denali National Park than any other cruise line.

A seaplane, also known as a float plane in Alaska

The weather was less than desirable, but I don’t think we missed a thing. The adventures, included kayaking, photographing amazing wildlife, walking among the glaciers, and learning do much about Prince William Sound. We all got along great, chatted the entire time, and played a memorable game. Our voyages feature hiking & kayaking, glaciers, photography, whale watching and wildlife viewing, birding, as well as Land & Sea adventures and private family & friends charters.

Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply. Embark on a journey of luxury and discovery aboard our exquisite small ships, the M/V Golden Eagle and the M/V Sikumi. Each vessel offers a unique blend of elegance, comfort, and adventure, tailored to provide an unforgettable Alaskan experience. The line generally doesn't stop in touristy ports like Skagway, and instead keeps its ships close to Alaska's wilderness, though Wrangell, Misty Fjords and Tracy Arm do feature on some itineraries.

The launch/retrieve platform is an awesome modification, and probably what makes launching kayaks in a short time possible. We greatly appreciated being able to rent the slogging boots on the boat. We have cruised aboard or personally inspected every small ship to Alaska listed on our website, and we are here to make sure you find the best Alaska small ship cruise. View all our Alaska ships for detailed information, reviews, cabin descriptions, photo galleries and deck plans. Or take a look at our comparison of the small Alaskan cruise lines sailing today. Once you have an understanding of where you want to cruise and what style of travel you seek, next in your best Alaskan cruise quest is selecting your small ship.

We’ve scoured the new itineraries, schedules, ships and trends to bring you AdventureSmith Explorations’ annual round-up of what’s new, and on sale for the small ship Alaska cruises. Plus view a complete list of all 2024 & 2025 small Alaska cruises. 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.

7 Alaska Small Ship Cruises To Consider

small ship alaska cruise 2024

Each of the ships features an observation deck, library, science center, hot tub, pool and Explorer lounge, as well as a bar with floor-to-ceiling windows so you never miss a thing. An expedition team of Alaska experts join each voyage, hosting lectures about the areas the ships visit and guiding passengers on outings like nature walks through rainforests and kayaking trips around the foot of a glacier. Guests learn about the cultural heritage of remote communities and focus binoculars to spot bears, whales, caribou, moose, deer, wolves, birds and more. The MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen embark on 14- to 19-day Alaskan voyages between May and September.

Alaska Small Ship Adventure Cruises

small ship alaska cruise 2024

On this 8-day cruise aboard 40-guest Alaskan Dream, sail along the waterways of Admiralty Island, with 1 day in Glacier Bay National Park and 2 unscripted days to take advantage of weather and wildlife. Embark 36-guest Safari Explorer for the wildlife-rich Kodiak Island and Katmai wilderness, the glaciers of the Kenai and Prince William Sound, and the volcanic Aleutian Islands. Experience Alaska in a whole new way on this 11-day small ship cruise.

Grizzly bears in Katmai National Park

For a more epic route, consider an Alaska to Japan cruise, an Aleutian Island cruise or a voyage from Alaska to Russia. These small ship expeditions in the Bering Sea are longer and provide rich culture, unique and abundant wildlife, and dramatic coastline. 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.

Alaska Cruises FAQ

With included transfers to begin and end the trip in Anchorage, this small ship Alaska cruise in 2024 is ideal for linking additional Alaska trips to the Kenai and Katmai Peninsula, or even visiting Denali National Park. And the region is perfect for travelers who’ve cruised in Alaska’s Inside Passage before and want something new. Want to guarantee your small ship Alaska cruise in 2024 has your ideal passenger complement? Look for alternative departures of the Wild & Woolly Alaska Cruise, which also offer a slightly different route that features 2 full days in Glacier Bay. Leave the kids at home for select Glaciers & Tranquility, adult-only departures.

Learn about the various options to explore Glacier Bay, Kenai Fjords & Denali in this itinerary round-up. 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. The 84-guest Safari Endeavour offers the luxury and amenities of a yacht with the price and efficiency of a small ship. Suites on this ship feature balconies, and activity options include stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.

Ports of Call and Highlight Destinations

You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

small ship alaska cruise 2024

It remains a leader in the field and is a great option for small ship Alaska cruises that put landscapes and wildlife front and center. There aren’t just one or two naturalists onboard Lindblad cruises, but four or five. Plus, many of the line's itineraries feature a team of professional photographers onboard to help you snap the best possible shots. UnCruise Adventures offers some of the most popular small ship cruises to Alaska. With sustainability front and center, expeditions are focused on local culture, regional cuisine and nature.

A Comprehensive Guide to Alaska Cruises - AARP

A Comprehensive Guide to Alaska Cruises.

Posted: Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Traveler Editors' Favorite Cruise Ships in the World: Gold List 2024 - Condé Nast Traveler

Traveler Editors' Favorite Cruise Ships in the World: Gold List 2024.

Posted: Wed, 13 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

While onboard, Princess immerses its guests into the sites, sounds, tastes and history of the 49th state through its award-winning North to Alaska programming. The cruise line’s Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary offers two glacier viewing experiences, as well as a voyage across the Gulf of Alaska to see Prince William Sound, known for its abundance of marine and coastal life. Guests can extend their Alaska cruise with three- to 10-day day pre- and post-cruise tours. Onboard the newest small cruise ships in the Alaskan region, you'll experience the breathtaking scenery and inspiring wildlife of Alaska like never before.

Numerous options to explore beyond your cruise on an Alaska land tour include world-class fishing on the Kenai Peninsula or further exploration inland to Denali National Park. On average, about 45 guests is what you’ll 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 an Alaska 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 (fast) past it all. Char­ter a sail­boat out of Seward and hit the waters of gor­geous Res­ur­rec­tion Bay!

Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. Alaska is also home to the brown bear, the largest carnivorous land mammal in the world, as well as the blue whale, the world’s largest mammal. If you are planning to venture into Canada for excursions, perhaps when you are in Skagway, you will need your passport, otherwise you will not require a passport for itineraries that stay within the US. When visiting Alaska in the summer, the name of the game is layers.

M.T. Schwartzman has been covering Alaska cruising and tourism since 1988. His articles have appeared in a wide range of consumer magazines, websites and travel industry publications. Two vessels are available for cruises of the Inside Passage. Trips focus on wildlife, Indigenous cultures and the natural beauty of the Inside Passage. ADC’s trips focus on hiking and kayaking in secluded wilderness areas with a particular emphasis on cultural immersion.

Our partners may have a limited supply of face coverings, gloves, and hand sanitizer, so please bring such personal items for your own comfort. Many large cruise lines will make you pick an activity for your trip and charge you if you want to experience more. We want our guests to have new and fantastic experiences without the added pressure of an additional bill at the end of the cruise.

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