Alaska Inside Passage (Juneau to Tacoma)

Spend some time exploring the impressive collection of museums, shops and attractions in the heart of Alaska's capital, before embarking your vessel.

Watch humpback whales frolic in the cool waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Experience Mendenhall Glacier and soar to new heights in an enclosed gondola tramway from downtown Juneau to the top of Mount Roberts. Enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor, the sea, and the mountains.

Located at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage, Skagway was central to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897. Known as the “Gateway to the Yukon,” the restored town is true to its past with vintage streetcars reminiscent of the old frontier and gold-rush-era buildings, now preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Vintage locomotives from The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad continue to run past the iconic Chilkoot trail, offering sweeping mountain views on the way up to Canada.

Our onboard expert and a local guide will take you through the valley describing all the different species along the way. We have an extended stay in Haines to let you do a variety of things, including kayaking on Chilkoot Lake, or an afternoon of salmon fishing on a charter boat.

Covering 3.3 million acres of dynamic topography, Glacier Bay is the world’s largest biosphere, comprised of massive glaciers, temperate rainforest, and snow-capped mountain peaks. Immerse yourself in its majesty as you enjoy spectacular views and breathtaking moments. From the comfort of your private balcony, witness the native wildlife, including seals, whales, eagles, bear, and more.

Fifty miles southeast of Juneau is Tracy Arm, a long, narrow fjord leading to the mile-wide South Sawyer Glacier. Witness seals lounging on small ice floes, as you sail under the 1,500-foot-high vertical cliffs of Tracy Arm surrounded by the magnificent sight of hundreds of waterfalls cascading down its towering sides. As you sail past, our onboard naturalist provides expert commentary on this natural wonder.

Founded more than 100 years ago by Norwegian fishermen, Petersburg is a thriving fishing community that maintains its strong Norwegian heritage and continues to make its living from the sea. Located on Frederick Sound near the summer feeding grounds of hundreds of humpback whales, this authentic Alaskan town is surrounded by breathtaking wilderness. Explore its beautiful seaport, charter a fishing boat for the afternoon, or learn about the area’s rich history at the Clausen Museum.

Explore the city of Wrangell and walk among the petroglyph carvings as you enter the "Gateway to the Stikine River." Visit places along the river where miners camped and garnets were mined during the Gold Rush.

Located in the midst of the Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan is home to black bears, mountain goats, Sitka black-tailed deer, and bald eagles. Witness the incredibly rich Alaska native culture and the many Native American totem poles on display throughout town. Enjoy the scenic views of nearby Misty Fiords National Monument, a glacier-carved wilderness featuring snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and salmon spawning streams.

On your way to Ketchikan, spend the day cruising the Frederick Sound and Inside Passage. Surrounded by majestic snow-covered mountains, the glacier-fed waters of the Frederick Sound are abundant with krill and herring, making it one of the world’s premier locations to observe humpback whales. Thousands migrate here to feed on the super nutrient-rich waters, as do orcas, sea lions, porpoise, and harbor seals. Along the shoreline, you may also spot black and brown bears as well as Sitka black-tailed deer.

Enjoy a relaxing day of cruising along the Queen Charlotte Strait, a part of the Inside Passage from Washington to Alaska. View the beauty of the Broughton Archipelago with its variety of marine mammals, including orcas, harbor seals, and sea lions. In the evening, enjoy our award-winning onboard enrichment programs presented by the area’s finest historians, naturalists, and entertainers.

Witness the natural wonders and majestic beauty of the Strait of Georgia. From the comfort of your furnished private balcony, discover the unique and biologically rich characteristics of this estuary system where hundreds of rivers flow into the sea. Along the way, delight in the locally inspired cuisine prepared by our team of master chefs.

Friday Harbor is a charming town with a rich history and an abundance of character. Explore Friday Harbor’s diverse topography, from pebbly beaches to magnificent mountains and lush valleys. Stroll through the historic district, visit The Whale Museum, and witness the local population of whales from the Port of Friday Harbor.

Anacortes is a picturesque waterfront town located on Fidalgo Island in Northwest Washington. This vibrant coastal community is home to one of the world’s largest whale watching fleets, as well as Deception Pass, one of the most photographed places in the Northwest. Explore the downtown, just a few steps from our dock, and peruse its sophisticated boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops.

Departure day. Breakfast is served onboard, then spend some time exploring Washington’s largest city. Located on the Puget Sound, this vibrant city is surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests.