Cruise Port Essentials: Alaska Inside Passage Scenic Cruising

What Is scenic cruising?

A scheduled day at sea when the ship travels through particularly beautiful Alaskan areas with no port stops, just sightseeing.

The ship slowly travels through the channels to give you spectacular views of coastal wonders and local wildlife in a relaxed atmosphere.

Naturalist guides and deck announcements enrich the experience with information on geology, ecology, and history.

Key highlights

• Glacier Bay National Park: Tidewater glaciers calving (breaking off from the glacier) into the sea; drifting icebergs.

• Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm: Narrow fjords lined with hanging glaciers and waterfalls.

• Hubbard Glacier: Largest tidewater glacier in North America, frequent spectacular calving, abundant wildlife.

• College Fjord: You can see five glaciers simultaneously, dramatic waterfalls, turquoise hued ice.

• Tongass National Forest: Lush rainforest draping island shorelines.

• Wildlife: Humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles are frequently seen.

Tips for having the best the experience

• Secure a spot on the top deck or in the forward observation lounge early or start in your cabin and head up later when the crowd thins out.

• Bring binoculars for viewing wildlife and glaciers.

• Dress in layers—coastal Alaska weather can shift from sun to rain quickly. Wear waterproof shoes too. Wet shoes take a very long time to dry in your cabin.

• Listen to the naturalist commentary to learn about local lore, geology, identifying wildlife species, and to gain understand about glacial dynamics. If listening to the naturalist is important to you, make sure you are in an area that broadcasts their commentary, not all areas of the ship do.

• Make sure your phone is charged and be ready for lots of photographic opportunities. If you bring a camera, bring extra batteries, memory cards, and a telescopic lens.

• If you decide to sit on the deck, bring a warm drink—hot chocolate or coffee tastes even better while viewing the glaciers and fjords!

Whether you’re tracking whales through misty channels or sipping cocoa on deck watching glacier calves, scenic cruising along the Inside Passage is an amazing way to connect with Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.