Five Ways to Enjoy the Inside Passage with Cruise West

What’s the Right Itinerary for You?

Alaska’s classic beauty can be found exploring the Inside Passage.  These splendid waterways begin in the dense forested coastlines of the Pacific Northwest and continue to Juneau, Skagway and Glacier Bay – taking guests through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery along the way.

Cruise West, which has been the leader in sailing to Alaska for more than 60 years, offers many memorable Inside Passage cruise options ranging from three to 11-nights.  Their small ships can cruise through small inlets and waterways that the larger cruise ships just can’t access. When sea and wildlife is spotted, the small ships can linger or nudge closer to the shore for a more personal view. In short, small ships can get closer.

How much a guest sees of this legendary route is partly dependent on how much time a guest has.  The 11-night Coastal Odyssey onboard Cruise West’s flagship and 120-guest all-suite vessel Spirit of Oceanus travels more than1,600 miles between Vancouver, B.C. and Anchorage.  Guests can expect to observe spectacular glaciers, dense forests and narrow channels in the comfort of a five-star ship. Ports of call include the Tsimshian community of Metlakatla, the darling fishing village of Petersburg, popular Skagway, charming Sitka and Whittier.  There are numerous wildlife viewing opportunities in the spectacular settings of Prince William Sound, Glacier Bay, Misty Fiords, Tracy Arm, and Frederick Sound.

Three cruise itineraries are available on the Inside Passage.  The 10-night Gold Rush Inside Passage cruise travels between Seattle and Juneau – going along the historic path of the original Gold Rush stampede. Charming ports that dot the coastline in the San Juan Islands, Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau in Southeast Alaska are included.  The itinerary also cruises in Frederick Sound, known for its whale viewing, and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. This itinerary is available on six ships.

For the more port centric guest, the classic eight-night Alaska's Inside Passage cruise between Ketchikan and Juneau and the visits Tsimshian community of Metlakatla, Petersburg, Skagway, Haines, Frederick Sound, Sitka, and Glacier Bay. This itinerary offers a wonderful mix of port calls and scenic waterways.  The newly refurbished 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown, 102-guest Spirit of Endeavour and 96-guest Spirit of ’98 cruise this itinerary.

Explore the deep Inside Passage wilderness on the eight-night Alaska’s Whales & Wilderness Inside Passage cruise, round trip from Juneau. This cruise centres on sea and wildlife viewing and includes nutrient-Rich Icy Strait, renowned Glacier Bay, Frederick Sound and port calls at Sitka and a Wilderness Community.  Cruise West guarantees that guests will see whales on this itinerary. The 78-guest Spirit of Alaska and 84-guest Spirit of Discovery cruise this itinerary.

For guests with a more limited time schedule, the three and four-night Glacier Bay Highlights onboard the newly named 102-guest Spirit of Glacier Bay will not disappoint. Cruising round trip Juneau, explore the World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, Glacier Bay National Park. The four-night cruise also makes a port stop at charming Haines.

To fully engage guests while in Glacier Bay, a National Park Service Ranger and Native Huna Cultural Interpreter come onboard all Cruise West ships to discuss the history, culture, flora and fauna of the area. A signature of all Cruise West voyages is onboard Exploration Leaders, essentially educators and naturalists, who present and narrate topical information.  They are constantly on the lookout for sea and wild life, birds and other natural phenomenon that create lasting memories. And, to further personalize a guest’s journey, there is an included shore experience and numerous optional shore excursions at every port call.

For guests with additional time, add-on the heart and soul of Alaska, a land tour to Denali National Park and Preserve. Cruise West offers a fully guided land tour between Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks. For the more adventurous, stay at a rustic Wilderness Lodge in the heart of Denali, either Kantishna Roadhouse or North Face Lodge. 

Cruise West’s roots are in Alaska. Their passion translates into a profound guest experience. Contact us for more information.