Cruise Critic

7 Lines Offering Alaska Small Ship Cruises

Explore Alaska's Coastline with Intimate Sailing Options

For travelers seeking a more intimate and immersive way to experience Alaska's pristine coastline, seven cruise lines offer small ship cruises that provide access to secluded bays, glacier-carved fjords, and remote wildlife encounters. These smaller vessels, typically carrying fewer than 200 passengers, allow for personalized itineraries and a more authentic Alaskan adventure.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines offers two small ship cruises to Alaska, including the 10-day Alaskan Explorer sailing from Seattle to Vancouver and the 7-day Alaska Coastal Voyage from Juneau to Valdez.

UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures operates a fleet of small ships that explore Alaska's Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park. Their itineraries range from 7 to 14 days, with options for whale watching, wildlife viewing, and kayaking.

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions specializes in expedition cruises to Alaska, offering a range of 9-day itineraries that focus on wildlife and environmental exploration. Expeditions are led by naturalists and include guided hikes, Zodiac excursions, and wildlife lectures.

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten's small ship cruises to Alaska sail along the coast from Vancouver to Seward or Juneau. Itineraries range from 7 to 16 days and include scenic cruising through fjords, glacier sightings, and opportunities for wildlife encounters.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises offers two small ship itineraries to Alaska, including the 8-day Alaska Coastal and Glacier Safari and the 10-day Alaska and the Inside Passage. The cruises feature scenic sailing, glacier viewing, and stops in historic towns.

Adventure Smith Explorations

Adventure Smith Explorations charters small expedition ships for custom Alaska cruises. Itineraries are tailored to specific interests, such as wildlife photography, whale watching, or kayaking, and offer unique experiences in remote and pristine areas.

Seabourn

Seabourn's small ship cruises to Alaska combine luxury and adventure, offering 7-day itineraries from Vancouver to Juneau or Anchorage. The cruises include scenic cruising, glacier viewing, and shore excursions led by expert naturalists.

Cruise Critic