Discover Alaska: Cruise the Inside Passage and Tour the Majestic Interior
There’s a reason why Alaska is on every traveler’s bucket list—and cruising there is the ultimate way to experience its breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Imagine waking up to glaciers drifting past your ship’s window, spotting playful whales in pristine waters, and immersing yourself in the rugged charm of America’s Last Frontier.
Why Choose an Alaska Cruise?
Cruising Alaska delivers a front-row seat to some of the most stunning scenery on earth—and it does so in effortless style and comfort. You can tick off iconic sights like:
- Majestic glaciers calving into icy waters
- Towering fjords and snow-capped peaks
- Whales, eagles, bears, and other wildlife in their natural habitat
- Charming port towns like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, each with its unique history and culture
Plus, cruising lets you unpack once while exploring the vastness of the Inside Passage. It’s an experience that blends adventure with relaxation perfectly. Onboard, you can experience glacier viewing decks, participate in guided wildlife spotting sessions, attend cultural presentations from Alaskan locals, and savor fresh Alaskan seafood and regional specialties in the ship’s restaurants. Many of our Cruise & Travel Experts travel advisors have sailed to Alaska over and over – some have even been there 20 times!
“Cruising the stunning Inside Passage on the way to Juneau truly lives up to the hype,” shared Jennifer Walters, travel advisor at Cruise & Travel Experts. “One of my favorite moments was the close-up view of Sawyer Glacier at Tracy Arm Inlet, surrounded by blue icebergs, towering mountains, and stunning waterfalls—truly unforgettable and rivaling Glacier Bay National Park. Definitely opt for the balcony cabin on an Alaska cruise as you can watch the scenery go by from the comfort of your room.”
Extend the Magic with an Alaska Cruisetour
But here’s where the trip really transforms into something unforgettable: by adding a Cruisetour that ventures inland. After soaking up the coastal wonders, embark on a land journey that uncovers Alaska’s majestic interior.
“My favorite part of taking an Alaska cruisetour with Holland America Line was experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Yukon—turquoise waters, cascading waterfalls, and charming towns like Whitehorse and Dawson City,” shared Bethann Rahn, Director of Supplier Relations at Cruise & Travel Experts. “Adding extra days to your cruise lets you explore deeper into Alaska’s interior. I loved river rafting in Denali, spotting bears, moose, and reindeer along the park roads, and seeing a river teeming with silver salmon during the scenic train ride from Denali to Anchorage.”
Imagine traveling via luxury railcars or motorcoaches through towering mountain ranges, pristine forests, and alongside magnificent rivers.
“I highly recommend staying at the beautiful lodges right at the entrance to Denali National Park such as Holland America’s McKinley Chalet,” added Walters. “They are gorgeous lodges surrounded by amazing scenery with countless hiking trails at your fingertips. The Yukon Territory is absolutely stunning and we saw Grizzlies during our entire trip on the rail journey portion.”
Highlights often include:
- Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak and abundant wildlife
- Historic gold rush towns like Fairbanks, Talkeetna or Dawson City
- Opportunities for dog sledding, river rafting, or scenic flightseeing
- Immersive cultural experiences with native Alaskan communities
The combination of sea and land adventures offers a truly comprehensive Alaska experience, perfect for travelers who want to dive deeper into this awe-inspiring state. Our experts can guide you to the ideal itinerary, ship and excursions tailored to your interests and budget.