Alaska - Inside Passage Cruises 2023/2024

Alaska - Inside Passage Travel Guide

Alaska - Inside Passage Cruises Things To Do

• 
  Explore Anchorage

  Anchorage is the most-visited city in all of Alaska, most likely because it's the state's biggest city. While it is a city and has lots of city attractions, it's also right at the foothills of the state's mountain range and is surrounded by a beautiful lake that's perfect for kayaking and outdoor exploring. Some of the best spots to explore inside Anchorage include the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and the Portage Glacier. It's also only a short trip away from Chugach and Kenai National Parks.

  You Should Know

  Plan your trip to Anchorage accordingly. Since there are so many outdoor activities here, you'll want to visit when there is lots of sunlight.
• 
  See Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

  The Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve covers around 3.3 million acres of Alaska, including mountains, rainforests, fjords, and more. You won't explore all of it, but you will see some amazing sights here. The most popular spot to visit is Glacier Bay, which the park itself is named after. It's a protected part of the land that is breathtaking. The best way to see it is on tour, but you have to trek through some wilderness, usually on tours like this, which is something to keep in mind.

  You Should Know

  Plan if you wish to visit Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve because it can be closed during certain parts of the year.
• 
  Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway

  Mount Roberts Tramway is a fun gondola right in Juneau, Alaska. It's an aerial tramway that brings visitors up to the top of Mount Roberts, which is 3,819 feet above sea level. It even picks visitors up right from the cruise ship docks, so you have no excuse not to partake in this fun activity if you're visiting Juneau on your cruise. The tram is quite steep, which is something to keep in mind if you plan on visiting. If you don't like heights, this probably isn't the best attraction for you! However, it is fun for all ages and is incredibly popular among families visiting the area.

  Best Time To Visit

  The view from the top is incredibly beautiful right at sunrise or sunset.
• 
  Have fun at Alaska Zoo

  The Alaska Zoo is the perfect place to come and learn more about Alaska's wildlife. The zoo is enormous and covers around 25 acres of land. Throughout the zoo, you'll find tons of different species and varying types of animals. Some of the most popular animals to see here include lions, leopards, and polar bears, among others. It's also a popular spot to go if you're interested in seeing birds since there are more than 100 different types of them here! The great thing about the Alaska Zoo is that it's also open throughout the whole year, even in the colder winter days.

  You Should Know

  Grab a map when you visit to make the most of your time at the Alaska Zoo.  
• 
  See Tracy’s Arm

  Tracy's Arm is a gorgeous glacier located right near Juneau in Alaska. It's part of the Tongass National Forest and was named after Benjamin Franklin Tracy, Secretary of the Navy. Tracy's Arm is incredibly beautiful no matter the time of year, but is best seen from a cruise! It might be worth inquiring if your cruise, in particular, will go through this area. If not, consider booking a short boat tour that can bring you through Tracy's Arm because it's incredibly scenic.

  You Should Know

  Tracy's Arm is one of the most popular spots to visit in Alaska, so you'll want to plan accordingly if you have to book a short boat tour.
• 
  Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center

  The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a spot to learn about Alaska's history, heritage, and culture. It's located in Anchorage and opened in 1999. Inside, you can learn about 11 different cultural groups in Alaska. This is the perfect place to come if you're interested in learning more about Alaska. There are quite a few exhibits that will provide you knowledge that you wouldn't get elsewhere unless you were to go on a tour with a local. Be sure to ask the workers here lots of questions because they are here to help you!

  You Should Know

  The heritage center is relatively small, so it won't take more than an hour or two to explore.  
• 
  Check out Alaska SeaLife Center

  The Alaska SeaLife Center is the perfect place to visit in Seward if you want to visit one of the state's best aquariums. It opened back in the late 20th century and is still one of the most-visited attractions in the state. That's reason enough to visit! The real highlight of the Alaska SeaLife Center is the exhibits where visitors can touch many tinier animals and learn about them from different workers. You can get up close with seals, sea urchins, and other native animals to this area of Alaska. Keep in mind that the Alaska SeaLife Center has different hours each day.

  You Should Know

  When you're done, be sure to take the time to explore the rest of Resurrection Bay, which is located in this same area.  
• 
  Explore Tonsina Point

  Tonsina Point is a beautiful area that is incredibly maintained near Miller's Landing in Alaska. It's most famous for its scenic views since it's located near gorgeous mountains and lakes that will take your breath away. The best way to explore Tonsina Point is to go on a hike. There are a few different trails, and some are more visited and frequented than others. The most popular trail to do is the Tonsina River Trail, which is a moderate-level trail. It's only about 4 miles long and is an out and back trail.

  You Should Know

  The trail is excellent for families and travelers with dogs if they've hiked before. Check the weather before your tour because if it's recently rained, then the trail might be a bit muddy. Dress appropriately!  
• 
  Cruise through the Inside Passage!

  Since the main point of your cruise is to go through the Inside Passage, this is a must-do! Your cruise will most likely include this excursion, and it's truly the most unforgettable part of Alaska. The Inside Passage itself is known for being surrounded by all of Alaska's fjords. The water here is a bright, turquoise blue. There are multiple spots throughout the Inside Passage that some smaller cruises might stop at. Be sure to be on the top deck for this cruise because you won't want to miss a thing.

  You Should Know

  Dress warmly for this part of the cruise, or you'll regret it!  

Alaska - Inside Passage Cruise Packages

• Spring and Fall - September to November and March to May - Shoulder Season

  The shoulder seasons are in the spring and summer seasons. The days are a bit shorter than they would be in the summer months, but there is still a decent amount of sunlight. The average temperature in the spring and fall months is about 65°F.

• Summer - June to August - High Season

  The summer is the most popular time to visit Alaska because of the weather and sunlight. The average high temperature during this time is 75°F. However, it can cool off to around 45°F at night in some parts of the state, which is why layers are so important! Keep in mind that August is also the year's wettest time since it sees the most rain.

• Winter - December to February - Low Season

  The least amount of people visit during the winter season because the days are a lot shorter, meaning there isn't a lot of sunlight. There isn't as much rain during this time of year, only about 13 days. The average high temperature is a bit cold, around 30°F. 

Alaska - Inside Passage Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Alaska Inside Passage Cruises?

  Alaska Inside Passage cruises are the perfect way to explore one of the most beautiful areas of Alaska. Plus, you'll visit tons of Alaska's other top destinations, too, depending on your cruise line, including Juneau, Seward, and Anchorage. You'll be able to relax on days that the boat is out at sea and then get off and explore different parts of the state when it's at a port.

• What’s included on a Alaska Inside Passage Cruises?

  Alaska Inside Passage cruises include accommodation, which is their main highlight. You'll practically have your hotel room traveling with you, and you won't have to be lugging your suitcase around because it'll be in your place the whole time. You'll also have meals included, with various cafes, restaurants, and buffets to choose from.

• What’s the best Alaska Inside Passage Cruise?

  Each cruise is so different, so there isn't one that's significantly better than another. You'll want to consider your budget, vacation length, and particular stops you want your dream cruise to make. Research is fundamental when making this decision and choosing the perfect cruise for you.

• How much do Alaska Inside Passage Cruises cost?

  Alaska Inside Passage cruises vary so much in cost because of the different cruise lines, lengths, and stops. Some cost around $80 a day while others cost up to half a thousand dollars per day. Keep in mind and rest assured that you'll be saving up to 75% off the brochure price by booking your Alaska Inside Passage cruise through Affordable Tours versus somewhere else.