Alaskan Explorer Cruise - Explore the Last Frontier

Enjoy a one-night hotel stay in Ketchikan, a relaxed, immersive way to ease into Alaska. Often called “The First City” because it’s the first port of call when entering Alaska from the south, Ketchikan blends small-town charm with rich Native heritage and dramatic coastal scenery.

Nestled along the Tongass Narrows, the town is known for its colorful waterfront, historic Creek Street, and one of the world’s largest collections of totem poles, reflecting the deep traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. Your overnight stay allows time to explore local shops and museums or simply to enjoy the misty rainforest setting that defines Southeast Alaska.

As you cruise through Misty Fjords, the sense of scale is immediate and unforgettable. Glaciers carved this landscape over thousands of years, creating narrow passages, steep rock walls, and waterfalls that tumble directly into the sea. 

From the comfort of the ship, admire the massive granite cliffs rising from reflective waters, their upper reaches often veiled in mist. Lush rainforest blankets the shoreline, dominated by spruce and hemlock, while seals, whales, and seabirds can be spotted along the route. Accessible primarily by boat or floatplane, Misty Fjords remains quiet and remote, an impressive showcase of the region’s raw geology and thriving natural habitats.

Once governed by four different nations, Wrangell holds one of Alaska’s most layered histories. 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 and part of Southeast Alaska’s vast rainforest ecosystem.

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. In town, stroll through “Little Norway” and continue “out the road,” as locals say, to Falls Creek Waterfall, where salmon often gather in this Southeast Alaska fishing community.

Journey through Endicott Arm, a fjord formed by ancient glacial movement and defined by granite cliffs that rise steeply from the water’s edge. As the ship travels deeper into the channel, narrow streams tumble from the cliffs, and harbor seals rest on drifting ice. Humpback whales and bald eagles are often seen nearby, drawn by the nutrient-rich waters of the fjord.

At the far end, Dawes Glacier comes into view—a massive tidewater glacier that descends from the Stikine Icefield. When ice breaks free and falls into the sea, the sound rolls through the valley, a vivid reminder of Alaska’s ongoing transformation.

Once the capital of Russian America, Sitka remains a place where Alaska’s layered history is easy to see and feel. The 1867 transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place here on Castle Hill, a landmark still overlooking the harbor.

Excursions bring that history to life. At Sitka National Historical Park, walk forested trails lined with Tlingit totem poles marking the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka. Visit the Alaska Raptor Center to observe rehabilitated bald eagles and learn about ongoing wildlife conservation. The Historical Sitka exploration highlights landmarks like St. Michael’s Cathedral and local museums, while the Fortress of the Bears offers a close look at rescued brown bears in a natural habitat unique to this part of Southeast Alaska. 

Your Alaska cruise truly begins as the ship pulls away from Ketchikan, gliding past forested hills, quiet coves, and the silvery expanse of the Tongass Narrows. Bald eagles circle overhead while colorful waterfront buildings fade into the distance. 

On board, a warm welcome from the crew sets an inviting tone, and fellow guests share in the excitement of the journey ahead. Settle into your spacious stateroom, a comfortable sanctuary with a private balcony, where you can watch the wilderness and wonder of Alaska unfold.

Haines sits where the Lynn Canal narrows between steep mountain walls. Join an eagle-watching expedition through the Chilkat Valley, where more than 200 species of birds thrive. Paddle the quiet waters of Chilkoot Lake or taste history at Southeast Alaska’s first distillery.

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. 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 within the national park.

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. 

Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, is a picturesque coastal community where dramatic mountains, glaciers, and rich Native and frontier history meet modern Alaskan life.

Enjoy a narrated drive through downtown Juneau en route to the Alaska State Museum, where modern exhibits showcase Alaska’s Native cultures, natural history, Russian era, statehood, maritime heritage, and Gold Rush legacy. Continue to Brotherhood Bridge for a photo stop overlooking the Mendenhall River. Learn about the valley’s glacial origins and the bridge’s cultural importance while viewing the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier rising in the distance.

Enjoy breakfast on board before heading home from Alaska’s capital city, where your voyage concludes. 

Itineraries are subject to change.