Alaska is a unique state known for its largest national park, highest peak, longest coastline, and longest day and night. Alaska small ship cruises are an ideal opportunity to explore its large coastline. The small ships offer much more flexibility and are becoming a popular option for exploring hidden coves, remote villages, and the state’s pristine natural sites. Read on to learn about the top Alaska small ship cruises.
Why small ship Alaska cruises?
Small-ship Alaska cruises offer a unique and intimate experience compared to larger cruises. The small ships’ cruises are because the ships access narrow waterways and reach secluded coves and bays. This means you can explore hidden gems of Alaska’s wilderness, away from the crowds. The best small ship cruises to Alaska have fewer passengers, increasing your chances to get close to wildlife such as whales, seals, and birds making each sighting more memorable and personal.
The small ship cruises in Alaska have a higher crew-to-passenger ratio and offer more personalized and attentive service. The crew often get to know the passengers personally and can cater to individual preferences. The fewer passengers offer more flexible itineraries as small ship cruises in Alaska have more adaptable routes and stops based on weather conditions or passenger preferences whether it is history or adventure. This can lead to a more customized and spontaneous travel experience. Smaller ships have a smaller environmental footprint than larger vessels, making them a more eco-friendly option for exploring Alaska’s pristine landscape.
Also read: 10 best Alaska cruises
Top Alaska small ship cruises
One of the most common complaints about large cruise ships is overcrowding which can make it difficult to find a relaxing quiet place onboard. The long lines during check-in and disembarking can be tiring. The larger vessels may find it difficult to navigate certain ports because of their size. Alaska small ship cruises that can offer luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and personalized service are becoming popular.
The best-rated small cruise ship Alaska Cruises can accommodate between 8 to 100 passengers, an average of 40 passengers. Large cruise ships offer numerous amenities and activities but with additional costs like special restaurants, exclusive lounges, and entertainment options. Booking reservations for popular attractions can lead to logistical hassles and restrict spontaneity, making the experience more expensive.
Also read: 10 best Alaska cruises from Seattle
Small ship cruises Alaska inside passage
Virtually all small ship cruises in Alaska take you the inside passage. Historically small ship cruises in Alaska inside passage was during the gold rush with American prospectors looking for gold. Now Alaska inside passage small ship cruises are for tourism and commercial fishing. Thanks to unique geographical features and abundant wildlife small ship cruises to Alaska Inside Passage are memorable. Some of the small ship cruises Alaska Inside Passage available are:
- National Geographic Venture, a 100-passenger ship that provides comfort and style while exploring remote locations.
- Chichagof Dream is a 74-passenger ship that offers a variety of activities and excursions, such as kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
- Safari Endeavour is an 84-passenger ship that features a spa, a hot tub, and fitness equipment, as well as an expedition team and a kayak launch platform.
- Sylvia Earle accommodates 126 passengers and is designed for polar exploration it has a glass atrium lounge, a hydraulic viewing platform, and a mud room.
- Le Commandant Charcot is a 270-passenger ship that is the world’s first hybrid electric polar exploration vessel with a scientific laboratory, a polar library, and a heated pool.
Also read: 8 Best Alaska cruises from San Francisco
Small ship cruises from Seattle to Alaska
Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest aboard the small ship cruises from Seattle. These intimate voyages offer an unparalleled opportunity on Alaska cruises from Seattle to experience the rugged Alaskan wilderness up close witness the majestic whales observe diverse wildlife in the natural habitat and view the mesmerizing landscape of Alaska filled with fjords and glaciers. Choose small ship cruises of Alaska based on your preference:
- 14-day itinerary about National Geographic Quest.
- 14-day itinerary about National Geographic Venture
- 13-day itinerary aboard Safari Quest.
- 16-day itinerary aboard American Constellation
- 15-day itinerary aboard National Geographic Sea Lion
- 8-day itinerary aboard American Constellation
Small Ship Alaska Cruises From Vancouver
Small ship Alaska cruises from Vancouver offer a unique way to explore the rugged beauty of Alaska and explore Alaska’s pristine wilderness. Private small ship cruises to Alaska are an intimate way to explore Alaska’s Fjords and glaciers. Here are small ship Alaska cruises from Vancouver:
- 15-Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Sea Bird: Explore the Pacific Northwest’s wild regions, including Alaska’s Inside Passage, coastal British Columbia, and Haida Gwaii, for 15 days. Sail through fjords, witness brown bears, and observe eagles. In Haida Gwaii, meet artisans and experience their cultural heritage. Enjoy special access to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site, and visit ancient village sites and endemic species.
- 11-Day Cruise aboard Silver Muse– Experience an 11-day cruise aboard the Silver Muse, sailing through Canada and Alaska. Enjoy city views, art galleries, and Chinatown cuisine. Sail the Inside Passage and explore Alaska’s beauty. Arrive in Ketchikan, cruise the Misty Fjords, and explore Icy Strait Point’s nature and culture.
Also read: 10 Best Alaska cruises from Vancouver
Alaska Small Ship Cruises For Families
Create unforgettable memories and bonds aboard the Alaska small ship cruises for families. The intimate cruise can provide an immersive experience that is perfect for children. The small ships Alaska cruises for families help families experience authentic Alaska. You get to explore Alaska with expedition leaders. Enjoy hiking, kayaking, and skiff rides, and visit remote Alaskan villages inaccessible on large ships. There are luxury small ship Alaska cruises as per your budget.
- Wild & Woolly Alaska Cruise are designed especially for families with no minimum age limits. Juneau over 8 days, featuring glaciers, fjord cliffs, deep valleys, whales, Tlingit culture and Alaska’s backcountry.
- Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka & Juneau aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Bird or Sea Lion offer unique facilities like hiking in the temperate rainforest and kayaking near glaciers. This is perfect for busy families with cruises for one week.
- Glacier Bay and Island Adventure offers an 8-day itinerary with 40 guests. The itinerary includes visits to Sitka, Petersburg, Juneau, and Kake, the ship focuses on Alaskan culture and Native American history.
- Explore Alaska’s coastal wildlife aboard the National Geographic sister ships Quest or Venture. It is one of the top Alaska small ship cruises and offers an educational and intellectual Alaska program, with expert naturalists and expedition leaders. The 8-day cruise includes wilderness cruising, off-vessel activities, and special programs for kids, including photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, and hands-on nature and science programming. Families are welcome on any departure all summer with special programming available for children.
- Hands-on Alaska Family Cruise: The Sea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventure is a 6-day cruise that focuses on Glacier Bay National Park, allowing families to explore Alaska’s outdoor classroom from the platform of the historic 12-guest M/V Sea Wolf. The cruise is flexible, with expert naturalists engaging kids of all ages. The ship donates time to local school groups every season, making it a personal favorite among Alaskan cruises for families.
Small ship cruises southeast Alaska
Southeast Alaska small ship cruises promise an unforgettable experience with towering glaciers, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife. The small ship cruises in southeast Alaska offer a unique opportunity to access secluded areas that larger ships cannot venture. Popular stops in southeast Alaska itineraries include stops along:
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Inside Passage
- Ketchikan
- Juneau
- Sitka
Some of the best small ship cruises in Southeast Alaska include:
- UnCruise Adventures is known for adventure-focused cruises.
- Alaskan Dream Cruises offers a unique cultural experience.
- Pacific Catalyst focuses on naturalist-led outings
- AdventureSmith Exploration has several Alaska small ship cruises.
- Maple Leaf Adventure offers expeditions aboard a classic wooden tugboat designed for guest comfort.
Alaska expedition cruises
Alaska is one of the most unique locations in the world. The expedition cruises in Alaska offer you access to some remote locations in Alaska. Stop for wildlife sightings and spot whales, bears, and sea lions. Expert guides onboard ensure you learn unique facts about Alaska. Here are the top options:
- Lindblad Expeditions offers several outdoor activities and cultural experiences guided by passionate experts.
- UnCruise Adventures offers a unique blend of adventure, exploration, and surprises.
- 8-Day Cruise aboard Chichagof Dream offers an energetic experience with activities from Sitka to Juneau.
- 9-Day Cruise aboard Baranof Dream is one of the top Alaska small ship cruises. Set sail from Juneau and a cruise through Tracy Arm fjord, spanning 32 miles long, then visit the small communities of Wrangell.
- National Geographic Expeditions offers an exploration and education led by renowned experts.
Alaska small ship cruises for seniors
Alaska small ship cruises for seniors combine stunning natural beauty, comfortable accommodations, and a relaxed pace. These smaller vessels provide a more intimate atmosphere and personalized service making them ideal for those seeking a leisurely and memorable vacation. Popular stops along these cruises often include Glacier Bay National Park, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka, offering breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. Here are the best small ship cruises in Alaska 55+
- 7-night Alaska Northbound Glacier
- Glacier Bay National Park Adventure
- Northern Passages and Glacier Bay
- North to True Alaska Expedition
- Alaska’s Glacier Country
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