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Mendenhall Glacier and Fireweed in bloom

Inside Passage Small Ship Cruises & Tours

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Whether you choose one of our luxurious Alaskan cruises or hotel-based tours of Alaska's Inside Passage, all our adventures offer exciting activities set in one of the world's most majestic and pristine natural landscapes. Our curated expeditions include multisport options like hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and wildlife viewing. Trek across the impressive Mendenhall Glacier, paddle your way through Sitka Sound, and explore the city of Juneau. Along the way, our experts suggest you try some of the freshest salmon you'll ever taste, prepared in the local tradition. Ketchikan, renowned Tracy Arm, Wrangell, and Misty Fjords National Wilderness will fill your days with awe and adventure. Contact us when you're ready to start planning your Alaska adventure tour of the Inside Passage. We will be happy to help you plan your dream expedition.
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Best Cruise Lines Navigating the Inside Passage in 2025-2026

  • UnCruise - "Innovation" has been their motto since 1996.  Alaska has the most itinerary options of all its destinations, whether it's a 7, 12, or 14-night excursion. Safari EndeavourSafari ExplorerSafari QuestWilderness ExplorerWilderness LegacyWilderness Discoverer, and Wilderness Adventurer all sail the Inside Passages with guest capacity ranging from 22 to 86.
  • Alaskan Dream Cruises - offers an authentic and intimate small vessel voyage through Alaska's Inside Passage. Each experience has been hand-selected for its potential to immerse guests in True Alaska. Each ship in this fleet has a shallow draft, which allows for a closer approach to shore than larger cruise ships: Kruzof ExplorerChichagof DreamAdmiralty Dream, and Alaskan Dream
  • Lindblad Expeditions - a family-owned operation founded in the 1960s that pioneered expedition-style cruising. In partnership with National Geographic, inspiring people to explore and care for the earth offers passengers an expanded selection of experts and lecturers. ​National Geographic Quest, and National Geographic Venture, have dual boarding platforms, enabling the team to load two Zodiacs at once means guests get off the ship quickly to take advantage of wildlife sightings and maximize exploring time. 
  • Silversea Cruises is the gold standard in luxury cruising, acclaimed for its legendary European lifestyle and global destinations. Never skimping on choice nor luxury. And always all-inclusive. Its fleet of small ships Silver Muse and Silver Shadow offers extreme comfort for the adventurous Inside Passage Alaskan traveler. 
  • American Queen Voyages -  (formerly American Queen Stemboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines) offers small-ship cruising with immersive shore excursions and onboard programs. The new adventure-style Ocean Victory will sail 12 and 13-day voyages through the less-traveled sections of Alaska's Inside Passage with an experienced expedition team.
  • Aurora Expeditions - will make its inaugural journey to Alaska in June 2022, sailing from Vancouver to Anchorage via the Inside Passage. Sylvia Earle features the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, which allows the ship to cross oceans more comfortably and efficiently, with expansive observation decks to bring you closer to the environment. 


     
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