Luxury Alaska cruises travel routes that follow the footsteps of explorers like John Muir and traverse the coast of the state in search of polar bears, whales, other wildlife, and glaciers.
Exploring Alaska's Coastal WildernessAlaska’s southeastern coast is a land where small expedition ships crisscross fjords past far off islands to majestic glaciers where waterfalls cascade down from far above. Hikes and zodiac trips reveal epic scenery and wildlife on the shores such as brown bears. Kayak trips on secluded bays, and exploring the immense glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park up close while tons of ice shear off into the waters below are exhilarating experiences that make this a journey to remember.
The National Geographic Venture carries 100 passengers and has a crew of 50 including expert naturalist guides who accompany passengers on day trips throughout the cruise. The boat boasts an observation deck, bar, and a lounge was taking in the sunset, unwinding after a day’s adventure, recapping the day’s events, and attending special presentations create unique moments to enjoy and learn from. Other amenities include a fitness center, spa, and an open-air bow and sundeck with ample room for all the passengers on the boat to gather for whale sightings while at sea.
Wild Alaska Escape
Each day
exploring the wilderness of Alaska on small cruise ships is an adventure with surprises around every corner. Small towns like Haines offer respite from the routine of everyday life with hiking, rafting, and biking in the great outdoors. Other stops venture into the fjords of the territory where towering glaciers flank the waterways and seals become companions on kayaking excursions.
The National Geographic’s Sea Lion has room for 62 guests and a crew of 25. The ship’s small size lets the captain navigate to places that aren’t accessible to larger vessels which opens up a ton of options. An expert naturalist guide and National Geographic photographer are on hand when on day excursions which makes these excursions extremely informative and in-depth. Additionally, top-shelf food and amenities like a spa, a fitness center, and a bar make this vessel one of the best options for small ship cruises in the region.
Alaska's Glacier Country
Open waters, towering glaciers, sea lions, whales, bears, and eagles greet those who take an
Alaska cruise into glacier country. Trips venture deep into the far regions of the state where highlights include Glacier Bay National Park- an area where more than 1,000 glaciers have been found. There are eight glaciers in Glacier Bay that are explored in the company of a naturalist guide and a park ranger if you chose this itinerary. Beachcombing, kayaking, and exploring islands where black bears roam free and fish for salmon are a few of the highlights that mark this trip as one of a kind.
The Safari Quest is a luxury ship that has space for 22 passengers, its small size gives it an edge towards reaching tight spots during the journey and making the cruise a fun, social experience for guests and crew alike. The boat’s spacious cabins, above the bar food, hot tub, and fitness center reflect the opulence of the territory it journeys through. Kayaks and paddleboards help to bring fun excursions to the passengers when not exploring on land.
Exploring Muir's Wilderness
John Muir’s adventures in Alaska are legendary, and his awe-struck observations and writings sparked a new interest and opened new doors for travelers around the world to venture into the wilderness of the state.
Following in his footsteps takes you to well-known hotspots for whale watching, areas where bears clamber onshore searching for fish in shallow waters, and straits that echo with calm waters overlooked by towering mountain peaks.
The Safari Endeavor is a well-equipped ship that easily navigates the rugged waters off Alaska’s coast. It has room to comfortably accommodate 88 people, is outfitted with two on-deck hot tubs, and both sports kayaks and paddleboards for exploring the coasts, along with glaciers, and amid coves, where nature takes center stage.
Alaska and Its Fur Traders
Alaska’s fur trade was fueled by its proximity to Russia. The Bering Sea presented an obstacle, but once conquered, fur pelts were in high demand, and routes on the Alaskan side of the divide skirted some of the most remote island chains in the region.
Retracing these routes today reveals the pristine wilderness of Alaska by visiting remote islands in the middle of the Bering Sea where polar bears and hundreds of species of birds are found. Other ports of call explain the history and present-day culture of the Tlingit people and Russian colonies that served as outposts during the height of the fur trade.
The L'Austral is a massive 264 passenger luxury cruise ship that is ideal for longer journeys in Alaska as its size and ice-strengthened hulls let it navigate through waters that other ships of its class can’t manage. The amenities, appointments, and services are top-notch; the food is inspired by French cuisine, the rooms have a chic design, there is a spa, three lounges, a theater, and a medical center.
The yacht has a fleet of zodiacs for exploring the coast, fjords, glaciers, and bays of Alaska. Additionally, a team of experienced naturalists is on hand to lead excursions to these remote places.
Adventure Life can help with information about the different luxury cruise ships that explore Alaska and arrange custom trips according to your interests,
please contact one of our travel experts to start planning an incredible journey.