What is a Cruisetour?
An Alaskan cruise is by far the most convenient, comfortable way to see the famed Inside Passage in all its shimmering glacial glory. But for those who want to watch grizzlies nab salmon from waterfalls, raft a rushing river, or stay in the shadow of the Great One, an Alaska cruisetour is ideal, as it offers an immersive visit to Denali National Park and the opportunity to explore Alaska’s unique inland cities, such as Anchorage and Fairbanks. All of this on top of cruising Alaska’s coast.
An Alaska cruisetour is an award-winning cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage paired with a scenic train ride into Interior Alaska, plus up to 3 nights at McKinley Chalet Resort, our immersive lodge at the gates of Denali National Park. If you choose, continue the journey into the Yukon on your Alaska cruisetour. From the depths of the icy waters to the tops of snow-capped summits and everything in between, combine land and sea for unforgettable moments. Witness a world of wildlife, including whales and eagles, from the open decks of our ships and spot Alaska’s "Big 5" — moose, bears, Dall sheep, caribou, and wolves as you ride our luxury glass-domed McKinley Explorer® deep into the heart of a wilderness unseen by most. Breathe in fresh mountain air and roast s’mores under the stars at your base camp for adventure.
Departure date: July 17th-27th, 2025
From Anchorage to Vancouver
Direct to Denali for a two night stay. Go deeper on an included Tundra Wilderness Tour. Cruise majestic Glacier Bay and explore Alaska's famed Inside Passage.
Departure date: June 11th-June 22nd, 2025 or September 10th-21st, 2025
From Fairbanks to Vancouver
Spend two nights at stunning Denali. Go deeper on an included Tundra Wilderness Tour. Cruise majestic Glacier Bay and explore Alaska's famed Inside Passage. Anchorage/Seward Cruisetrain included.
Departure date: August 19th-31st , 2025
From Fairbanks to Vancouver
Spend three nights at stunning Denali. Go deeper on an included Tundra Wilderness Tour. Cruise majestic Glacier Bay and explore Alaska's famed Inside Passage. Anchorage/Seward Cruisetrain included.
From ice-blue glaciers to beluga whales and the famous bore tide, a single cruise to Anchorage, Alaska will considerably shorten any nature-lover’s bucket list. Nestled between mountains and the Cook Inlet terminus, near many national and state parks, this hospitable haven is one of the best places to see Alaska wildlife. A city moose roaming the streets (there are about 1,500) is a regular sight and views of whales, puffins, otters, and Dall porpoises going about their days is just a short excursion away. Cruises to Anchorage are a must for those that want some of the most incredible bear viewing in the country.
Denali is the number one reason to book Alaska cruisetours into the state’s rugged wilderness and it’s easy to understand why. At an impressive 20,310 feet above sea level, Denali isn’t just any mountain; it’s the centerpiece of Alaska’s interior, a shining jewel rising above pristine Alaska wilderness.
This remote village is nestled along breathtaking Prince William Sound, home to a stunning array of wildlife, including bald eagles, sea otters and killer whales, so have your camera ready. Whittier has the odd distinction of being almost entirely under one roof. No need to get in a car to go to the grocery store, bank or a friend’s house. All town services are sheltered from the often-inclement weather in this unique and practical way, and virtually all of Whittier’s approximately 220 residents live in the 14-story Begich Towers, originally a Cold War outpost for the U.S. Army. Not only will you experience Whittier’s small town charm on Alaska cruise, there is also plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, scuba diving and kayaking. It is also known for its high concentration of glaciers.
An Alaska cruise toward Hubbard Glacier feels like you’re approaching another planet in a tiny space craft. It is that big and that otherworldly. Among all the vanishing Alaska glaciers, Hubbard has a rapidly advancing ice margin— up to seven feet in one day—earning it the nickname, “the Galloping Glacier.”
On your cruise to Glacier Bay, close your eyes and take in the sounds—the creaks and groans of “living” ice, the shrill cries of gulls and soaring eagles, the splash of a breaching humpback whale. Frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, wide tidewater glaciers (there are seven in the park), and marine wildlife are givens on Glacier Bay cruises, but every experience in this changing biosphere is unique.
At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the port town of Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields, and quickly grew into Alaska’s largest settlement. It was then a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons and guesthouses. As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway—but today it has been reinvigorated as a gateway for a new kind of visitor: those looking to explore Alaska’s colorful history, pristine wildlife and unrivaled natural beauty.
Juneau's majestic sprawl and abundance of nature set it apart from most capital cities in America. Tourists arrive via air or water, many coming in on cruise ships.
Sea kayaking, humpback whale watching, dog sledding and gazing at Mount Juneau are just some of the activities Juneau has on offer. Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway, see Mendenhall Glacier, and walk the vibrant downtown area, where restaurants and historic saloons beckon wanderers in from the cold.
A favorite for many cruise-goers and tourists, Ketchikan, Alaska, is a charming city located near the state’s southeastern edge. A well-traveled fishing destination first used by Alaska natives, including the Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian peoples, Ketchikan became an important commercial hub for international fishing operations in the nineteenth century. The city has embraced its nickname, “The Salmon Capital of the World,” and remains a popular site for commercial and sport fishing alike.
Alaska's Inside Passage is a renowned cruising route through a protected network of waterways, featuring glacier-cut fjords, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.
The perfect combination of urban meets nature, Vancouver is a hub for lovers of the great outdoors. Enjoy picturesque views of the mountains while exploring the city’s local hot spots like Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown and more. Don’t forget to sample the best of the local culinary and cocktail scene for something truly unique.