Alaska Inside Passage Cruise: Ultimate Guide for First-Time Cruisers

An Alaska Inside Passage cruise is on many people’s bucket lists and for a good reason. This destination will leave you speechless, offering a mix of rugged beauty, rich wildlife, and stunning glaciers.

A cruise ship sails through the calm fjord of the Inside Passage, flanked by green mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The ship's reflection shimmers in the clear water, while snow-capped peaks rise majestically in the background, epitomizing the serene allure of Alaska Cruises.

What is an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise?

The Inside Passage is the main route for ships traveling between Seattle, Vancouver, and Southeast Alaska. This protected series of fjords and waterways, carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, provides a scenic and calm sailing experience.

A stylized map of Alaska graces a dark blue background, capturing the allure of cruises through the Inside Passage. Seven yellow stars, symbolizing the Big Dipper constellation and the North Star, are artfully arranged across the map and background.

For those new to cruising, you may hear it called the Alaska Inner Passage, but don’t be confused — they’re the same thing.

Cruising the Inside Passage of Alaska is standard on itineraries from Seattle or Vancouver, with roundtrip sailings being the most common.

However, even one-way repositioning cruises between Anchorage (via Seward or Whittier) and Vancouver also travel through much of the Inside Passage, giving passengers a glimpse of its iconic landscapes.

Under the night sky, stars shimmer above the dark silhouette of distant hills. A faint green aurora glows near the horizon, blending with the deep blue sky—a breathtaking view often witnessed on Alaska Inside Passage Cruises.

Some rare sailings opt for the Alaska Outside Passage, which ventures into the open Pacific waters before reaching the first Alaskan port. However, this is uncommon and not typically marketed as a feature.

Best Time to Do an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

Month	Weather	Wildlife	Budget	Crowds
May	Cool, chance of rain	Early-season wildlife sightings	Best for deals	Quiet
Early June	Mild, less rain	Good for whale and bear sightings	Mid-range prices	Moderate
Late June-July	Warm, minimal rain	Peak wildlife sightings	Higher prices	Busy
August	Warm, chance of rain	Excellent whale sightings	Peak season pricing	Very busy
September	Cooler, more rain likely	Wildlife less active	Best for budget travelers	Quieter ports

The best time to cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage depends on your priorities: weather, wildlife viewing, or budget. Generally, late June through mid-July offers the best balance of conditions.

For those wondering, the best month to cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage for deals and quieter ports may be May or September. During these months, you can still catch beautiful scenery while avoiding peak crowds.

If wildlife is your focus, mid-summer is ideal. If you’re still deciding, here’s a tip: the best time to cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage for overall enjoyment is during the warmer, sunnier part of the summer season.

Best Cruise Line for Alaska Inside Passage

View from a cruise ship's deck, showcasing the serene blue ocean along Alaska's Inside Passage, with a mountainous landscape under a partly cloudy sky. The ship's white exterior and passenger balconies are visible on the left side of the image.

Choosing the best cruise line for an Alaska Inside Passage journey can depend on what kind of experience you’re after.

While popular cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line offer great Alaska cruises, smaller and more specialized lines offer a more intimate experience of cruising the Inside Passage of Alaska.

Princess Cruises: A top choice for Alaska Inside Passage cruises, Princess sails more itineraries in Alaska than any other line, and its ships frequent Glacier Bay National Park.
Holland America Line: Offering a rich cultural experience and numerous sailings through the Inside Passage, Holland America is perfect for multi-generational travelers.
Seabourn Cruises: For a luxury experience, Seabourn’s smaller ships offer exclusive itineraries with personalized service.
UnCruise Adventures: For active travelers, UnCruise provides a unique approach to exploring Alaska with small expedition ships.

(Note: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, and Windstar Cruises are among the few cruise lines with exclusive permits to visit Glacier Bay, as the National Park Service limits the number of ships that can enter the park each day to preserve its environment. Cruise lines are subject to change)

Ports of Call on an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

A white Royal Caribbean cruise ship equipped with Starlink internet sails in calm waters in front of snow-capped mountains and a forested hillside with scattered buildings near the Juneau cruise port. — (Photo via Shutterstock)

An Alaska Inside Passage cruise will usually stop at three to four ports of call, each offering a unique view of Alaskan culture and nature.

The Alaska cruise ports in the Inside Passage are diverse, ranging from bustling cities to quiet, natural landscapes.

Ketchikan: Known for its Totem Poles and proximity to Misty Fjords National Park.
Juneau: Alaska’s capital, accessible only by boat or plane, is famous for the Mendenhall Glacier and wildlife tours.
Skagway: A former Gold Rush town where you can ride the historic White Pass and Yukon Route railway.
Sitka: Located on the outer coast of the Inside Passage, Sitka offers wildlife viewing and the chance to explore the Fortress of the Bear.
Icy Strait Point: Owned by the native Huna Totem Corporation, this port offers adventure excursions like zip-lining and whale watching.
Haines: Less visited but ideal for adventure lovers with activities like rafting and hiking.

Glacier Viewing Along the Inside Passage

A large cruise ship sails in calm water near a glacier under a clear blue sky along the breathtaking Alaska Inside Passage. Snow-capped mountains tower in the background, offering a scenic view of nature and travel adventures at sea.

No Alaska Inside Passage cruise is complete without a stop to view the majestic glaciers. Whether you’re looking for a cruise that highlights Glacier Bay National Park or one that stops at Tracy Arm Fjord, there’s no shortage of breathtaking ice displays.

Glacier Bay National Park: The premier glacier-viewing spot, often accompanied by narration from U.S. Park Rangers.
Hubbard Glacier: This towering glacier stretches six miles across and stands 400 feet tall.
Tracy Arm Fjord: Known for its narrow passage and incredible views of the Sawyer Glaciers.

What to Wear on an Inside Passage Cruise

A couple stands on the bow of a ship, cruising through the serene Alaska Inside Passage. They gaze at a glacier under a colorful sunset sky, framed by snow-capped mountains and calm waters. The scene captures the tranquility and grandeur of this breathtaking natural landscape.

Alaska’s weather is unpredictable, so packing layers is crucial. On an Alaska Inside Passage cruise, it’s essential to be prepared for both chilly glacier viewing and warmer sunny days.

Are you wondering what to pack on an Alaska cruise? Wear comfortable layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy walking shoes.

Some cruise lines open the bow of the ship for guests to view the fjords and glaciers. It gets very windy up there, and extra layers may be required.

Inside Passage or Outside Passage?

A large cruise ship sails on the serene waters of the Inside Passage during sunset. The ship's exterior is lit, with multiple decks gleaming. The sky is a gradient of orange and blue, with subtle silhouettes of distant hills in the background. Experience the magic of Alaska cruises.

If you’re weighing an Alaska cruise Inside vs. Outside Passage, the Inside Passage is the most common and preferred route, providing calmer waters and scenic fjords.

The Alaska Outside Passage is a less-traveled route but could offer a rougher experience due to the open ocean. Most cruises, especially for first-time travelers, stick to the Inside Passage to avoid seasickness.

Final Thoughts

Aboard a cruise through the Alaska Inside Passage, vibrant red lifeboats line the deck as the ship glides over the azure waters, leaving a crisp white wake. In the distance, lush forested shorelines and majestic mountains rise beneath a clear blue sky.

An Alaska Inside Passage cruise is an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re interested in the wildlife, the stunning glaciers, or the unique ports of call, it’s essential to research the best time to go and the best cruise line for your needs.

Excursions may be pricey, but they are absolutely worth it. And remember, the best time to visit the Inside Passage in Alaska depends on your personal preferences for wildlife, weather, and budget. There is one promise, no matter when you go, Alaska will leave you speechless.

What does Inside Passage mean on an Alaskan cruise?

It’s the scenic, sheltered waters that offer incredible views without the roughness of the open sea.

What is the best time of year to take an Alaska Inside Passage cruise?

The best time depends on your priorities. June through August offers the warmest weather and best wildlife viewing, but May and September are quieter and often cheaper. For a detailed breakdown, check out our guide on the best time to cruise.

Do I need a passport for an Alaska Inside Passage cruise?

Yes, you will need a passport if your cruise departs from or visits Canada (e.g., Vancouver). If you’re sailing from Seattle and do not stop in Canada, a passport may not be required, but it’s always a good idea to bring one.

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