Alaska Inside Passage Cruise - Enjoy America's Most Captivating Coastline

Your journey begins with a hotel stay and guided exploration of Juneau. We handle every detail, from luggage transfers to port transportation, so you can relax and enjoy the voyage ahead.

Participate in a Juneau City Exploration which concludes at the ship, a fitting introduction to Alaska’s capital city and frontier spirit. Then, step aboard your ship alongside the crew and fellow guests to begin your voyage north along the Inside Passage.

Haines sits where the Lynn Canal narrows between steep mountain walls, creating a spectacular gateway to Alaska’s wild interior. Venture into the Chilkat Valley on an eagle-watching expedition, where bald eagles gather alongside more than 200 species of birds amid forests, rivers, and snowcapped peaks. Paddle the tranquil waters of Chilkoot Lake, keeping watch for wildlife along the shoreline.

Step into the story of Southeast Alaska’s first distillery, nestled within the historic district of Fort Seward. Discover the skill and creativity behind its small-batch, handcrafted spirits as you explore the production space and barrel room and learn about the art and science of distilling in the Last Frontier. Then raise a glass with a cocktail or five-spirit tasting flight, including an exclusive taste of Wrackline Rye Whiskey straight from the barrel.

Spend another day exploring Haines, where dramatic mountain scenery, fascinating history, and natural wonders come together on the Chilkat Peninsula. Discover the area on a guided electric bike adventure, visiting historic Fort Seward before riding along the Chilkat River flats, with stops for flora and fauna viewing and spectacular photo opportunities at Picture Point.

Or embark on a nature and wildlife expedition with knowledgeable naturalists, exploring five distinct habitats, from ocean and estuary to river, lake, and rainforest, where you may encounter bald eagles, mountain goats, salmon, harbor seals, migratory birds, and even brown bears. The excursion also includes a visit to the American Bald Eagle Foundation, home to a raptor center and natural history museum.

A designated World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay is one of Earth’s grandest living laboratories. American Cruise Lines is among the few granted access to these protected waters making this one of the most exclusive experiences in Glacier Bay National Park cruising. From the deck, watch immense glaciers meet the sea as harbor seals rest on floating ice. Onboard naturalists interpret each sight with insight into the park’s evolving ecosystems and the centuries of Indigenous presence that long preceded exploration. Guests may also experience a guided hike along forest trails or visit Glacier Bay Lodge.

Experience the tranquility and dramatic views of Alaska as you cruise the Frederick Sound, a passage of water in the Alexander Archipelago in Southeastern Alaska. Admire the view of the surrounding islands and the mountain tops that rise steeply from the Pacific Ocean. Known as one of the best whale watching waters of Southeast Alaska, you are likely to see humpback whales come to the surface to feed within a few hundred feet of your ship.

Founded by Norwegian fishermen, Petersburg remains a working harbor where tradition meets innovation. Explore its docks and canneries or venture out on a guided flightseeing or jet boat excursion for sweeping views of the LeConte Glacier on one of Alaska’s most active tidewater glaciers. In town, stroll through “Little Norway” and continue “out the road,” as locals say, to Falls Creek Waterfall, where salmon often gather.

Once governed by four different nations, Wrangell holds one of Alaska’s most layered histories and one of the oldest communities along the Inside Passage. Visit Petroglyph Beach to see ancient carvings etched into the rocks or join a jet boat trip up the Stikine River—a vital corridor during the Gold Rush. A local expert will guide you through the botanical wonders of Tongass National Forest, home to some of the world’s oldest temperate trees.

Ketchikan lies within the vast Tongass National Forest, where towering spruce and cedar dominate the landscape along one of the most popular Alaska Inside Passage cruise routes. Experience Alaska Native artistry at Totem Bight State Park or join in on the fun at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show to see world-champion athletes at work. For a new perspective, board a duck boat for a tour that travels both land and water through historic Ketchikan Harbor.

Savor a mesmerizing journey through Alaska’s coastal paradise, where winding waterways are flanked by lush rainforests, rugged cliffs, and snow-capped peaks. Eagles soar above, whales breach nearby, and glaciers glisten in the sun. Charming coastal towns pass by, each with unique culture and history. 

The strait between Vancouver Island and the mainland reveals a different side of the Pacific coast and coastal British Columbia. Dolphins, harbor seals, and migrating whales are frequent companions here. Spend the day at your own pace, taking in the scenery from your private balcony or one of the ship’s inviting lounges as you continue through the Inside Passage route.

Continue south through the Strait of Georgia, where snow-capped peaks rise behind evergreen islands. The waterways here once carried the trading canoes of the Coast Salish peoples. Today, they remain a passageway for wildlife and maritime communities that have endured for generations along the Pacific Northwest coast.

Arrive on San Juan Island and visit the Whale Museum, kayak the San Juan Sea, or explore the battlegrounds of the 1859 “Pig War,” a quirky conflict that nearly brought the U.S. and Britain to war. The island’s balance of culture, history, and natural beauty makes it a favorite stop among returning guests.

Anacortes offers trails that wind through forests and along the cliffs of Fidalgo Island. Choose to visit Deception Pass, a natural channel known for its swift tides, or join a local whale-watching excursion from one of the town’s family-run fleets. Downtown, art galleries and coffee shops reflect the easy rhythm of coastal Washington life as you continue your journey through the San Juan Islands region.

Today is your day to relax and bask in this scenic voyage through the beautiful waters of the Puget Sound. As you cruise from Anacortes to Tacoma, glide past charming islands and dense evergreen forests, where you can enjoy stunning views of snow-capped mountains in the distance. Wildlife sightings are also commonplace, with seals, eagles, and seabirds dotting the landscape. Take time to treat yourself to a good book in one of our comfortable lounges or listen to an engaging program from our onboard expert.

Arriving in Tacoma, the vibrant waterfront city welcomes you with its blend of history, art, and stunning natural beauty.

After one last breakfast on board, say goodbye to this odyssey along Alaska’s shores. You’ve conquered the Last Frontier; and no matter where your next journey lies, we hope to see you again out on America’s waterways.

Itineraries are subject to change.