Inside Passage, Alaska Scenic Cruising

The Inside Passage stands as Alaska's quintessential waterway experience, a labyrinthine network of channels where forested islands rise from mirror-calm waters and mountains surge from the sea in an unbroken wall of granite and spruce. Unlike the dramatic glacier-dominated landscapes elsewhere in Alaska, the Inside Passage offers a more intimate communion with the coastal wilderness, where the boundary between land and sea blurs beneath the wings of eagles and the spray of surfacing humpbacks.

• Frederick Sound - Visitors enchanted by the Inside Passage's marine life will be awestruck by Frederick Sound's summer congregation of humpback whales, where these magnificent creatures feed, breach, and bubble-net feed against a backdrop of the Coast Mountains and Petersburg's nearby wilderness.
• Misty Fjords National Monument - Those who appreciate the Inside Passage's forested shores and protected waterways will be mesmerized by this 2.3-million-acre wilderness area near Ketchikan, featuring 3,000-foot cliffs, waterfalls cascading into saltwater fjords, and pristine wilderness viewed from the comfort of your ship.
• Lynn Canal - Travelers drawn to the Inside Passage's mountain-lined channels will marvel at North America's deepest fjord, where snowcapped peaks and glaciers form a spectacular backdrop on the water route between Juneau and Skagway.
• Icy Strait Point - Passengers who value the Inside Passage's wildlife viewing opportunities will find similar experiences in these nutrient-rich waters, known for exceptional whale watching, particularly in summer months when humpbacks and orcas feed in the area.
• Glacier Bay National Park - While more famous for its glaciers, this UNESCO World Heritage site also offers Inside Passage enthusiasts a pristine wilderness experience with abundant marine life, dramatic mountain backdrops, and protected waterways teeming with wildlife.

Written by: James Hills

Pro-BloggerWest Coast Cruise ExpertThought Leader

James is an avid fan of all types of cruising but especially enjoys exploring the Pacific coastal regions since it perfectly captures the elements that he is passionate about, including natural beauty, conservation, opportunities to explore new cultures, and meeting some fantastic new people too.