Inside Passage, Alaska

Saturday, August 20, 2022

You’ll sail beyond the Inside Passage into the more protected Alaska Inside Passage in southeastern Alaska. This complex labyrinth of fjords, bays, and lush green islands is home to an abundance of wildlife, including orca, mountain goats, bald eagles, bears, puffins, sea otters and much more. During the summer months, the long hours of daylight allow for ample opportunities for nature photos on your Inside Passage Cruise. You’ll never forget the sight of 40-ton whales hurling themselves into the air, almost completely escaping the water. If you’re especially lucky, you could see them swimming together to create a bubble net, trapping and eating fish by the giant mouthful.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Monday, August 22, 2022

For thousands of years, the Tlingit Indians have called this place home. Located near the city of Hoonah, and home to a historic cannery, Icy Strait Point also offers travelers the chance to view wildlife like humpback whales, orcas, seals, eagles, and brown bears, or to explore monuments to the region’s fishing heritage.

Skagway, Alaska

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

The great Klondike Gold Rush lives on in Skagway’s charming downtown of restored 19th-century buildings and its historic railway. Located on the edge of the wilderness, this small town saw its fair share of gold rush, get rich dreamers pass through. Today, it’s residents are more than welcome to share the stories of its untamed past. And there’s so much fascinating history to uncover on a Skagway cruise. Head to Klondike Gold Rush National Park Museum for an in-depth look at Klondike and the two routes out of Skagway – Chilkoot Pass and White Pass. From the vintage train, admire the mountains and see the 1898 trail that fortune seekers traveled on foot. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad runs the vintage locomotives through the famously steep Chilkoot Trail and offers sweeping mountain views during its climb toward Canada.

Seward, Alaska

Friday, August 26, 2022

Edging the Kenai Peninsula and framed by the glacier-covered Kenai Mountains that run along its southeastern spine, Seward is a rustic port town whose grand terrain will leave you breathless. Discover the wonder of the Kenai Peninsula on a Seward cruise. The pristine wilderness is home to nesting seabirds, countless islands, wetlands, and breathtaking views. And, as the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Harding Icefield — an expanse of ice and snow created over 23,000 years ago — is easily within reach and culminates in 40 glaciers that dramatically calve into the sea. The throngs of wildlife that course below, and glide above the glacial waters, are legion. Pods of humpback whales are known to breach when hunting, seals and sea lions lounge on rocky outcroppings and bald eagles hover overhead. The rugged landscape suits Seward’s hardy locals well. Every July 4th, Seward’s runners race 1.5 miles up and down Mount Marathon. Starting at sea level, the race rises 3,000 feet in elevation over very steep terrain. Runners race over gullies, ice, and snow, using their hands to haul themselves to the finish line. And, when not racing up mountains, you can find stalwart locals at city watering holes and dining spots, where you can savor fresh Alaskan seafood, filleted and flayed straight from the ocean to your plate. Situated at a grand natural intersection where bays and fjords stretching south to the Pacific meet the crested wilderness — and connected to communities extending northwards via the famously scenic Seward Highway — Seward is emblematic of the wildly beautiful state that is Alaska.