Southbound Alaska Cruises From Seward and Whittier

Southbound Alaska cruises from Whittier and Seward offer you stunning views of glaciers and wildlife. You'll sail through the Inside Passage and visit ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Whittier is known for smoother waters and superior glacier viewing, while Seward is favored for wildlife encounters. Both ports provide smaller boats for intimate experiences. You'll have chances to see humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and different land animals. Shore excursions include glacier hiking, kayaking, and dog sledding. Pack layers for unpredictable weather and bring binoculars for wildlife spotting. Your Alaskan adventure awaits with even more exciting details to discover.

Embarkation Ports: Whittier Vs. Seward

When selecting your southbound Alaska cruise, you'll need to choose between two main departure ports: Whittier and Seward, each offering unique advantages for your Alaskan adventure.

Whittier is known for its smoother waters and superior glacier viewing opportunities. If you're looking for a more relaxed cruise experience with stunning views of glaciers, Whittier might be the best choice for you. The calmer waters make for a comfortable trip, allowing you to fully appreciate the majestic ice formations.

On the other hand, Seward is the go-to port for wildlife enthusiasts. If you're keen to spot Alaska's diverse animal life up close, Seward offers better chances for wildlife encounters. You'll have the opportunity to see a variety of species in their natural habitats, making for an exciting and memorable experience.

When deciding between Whittier and Seward, consider your priorities. Do you prefer glacier viewing or wildlife sightings? Both ports offer smaller boats for a more intimate cruise experience, allowing you to feel connected to your fellow passengers and the Alaskan wilderness. Remember, you can also choose cruises with different levels of glacier sightings to suit your preferences.

Scenic Routes and Highlights

Southbound Alaska cruises offer three main scenic routes, each packed with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. You'll be treated to stunning views of glaciers, rugged coastlines, and diverse wildlife as you sail from Alaska to Vancouver.

The initial route takes you through Glacier Bay National Park, where you'll witness massive glaciers calving into the sea. This is a prime spot for glacier cruises, offering you an up-close look at these icy giants.

The following route features the impressive Hubbard Glacier, known for its active calving and towering ice face. Finally, the College Fjord route showcases multiple glaciers named after famous universities.

As you travel south, you'll visit key ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Haines, and Sitka. Each stop offers unique opportunities to experience Alaska's rich culture and natural wonders. Keep your eyes peeled for Alaska wildlife, including whales, sea otters, and bald eagles.

Whether you start from Whittier or Seward, you're in for an incredible adventure. Whittier offers smoother sailing and exceptional glacier views, while Seward provides more chances for wildlife encounters.

Choose the departure port that best suits your preferences, and prepare for an unforgettable Alaskan experience.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

As you embark on your southbound Alaska cruise, you'll find that both Whittier and Seward offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities throughout your adventure. These picturesque ports serve as gateways to some of Alaska's most diverse ecosystems, allowing you to witness a wide array of animals in their natural habitats.

In Seward, you'll have the chance to spot playful sea otters and seals frolicking in Resurrection Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for numerous bird species, including colorful puffins and majestic bald eagles soaring overhead.

Whittier, on the other hand, provides excellent opportunities to observe marine mammals like humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and porpoises in the surrounding waters.

Both locations offer the exciting possibility of bear sightings. You might catch glimpses of black bears or brown bears as they roam their natural environments. As you cruise along the coast, don't forget to scan the shoreline and nearby forests for these impressive creatures.

Whether you're departing from Whittier or Seward, you'll be treated to an array of wildlife viewing opportunities that will make your Alaska cruise an unforgettable experience. Remember to bring your binoculars and camera to capture these amazing moments!

Glacier Encounters

Starting a southbound Alaska cruise from Whittier or Seward guarantees you'll come across some of the world's most magnificent glaciers up close. These glacier encounters are a highlight of your adventure, offering you the chance to witness nature's icy wonders in person. As you sail along the coast, you'll have the unique opportunity to see tidewater glaciers and massive ice fields that have shaped Alaska's landscape for millennia.

One of the most awe-inspiring experiences you'll have is visiting the Hubbard Glacier. This massive ice formation is known for its impressive calving, where chunks of ice break off and crash into the sea. You'll also discover Glacier Bay National Park, home to numerous glaciers and stunning ice-carved fjords. Throughout your cruise, you'll have plenty of chances to marvel at the blue-hued glaciers and capture breathtaking photos of these icy giants.

These glacier encounters will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Alaska's natural beauty. You'll join countless other travelers who've been amazed by the sheer size and power of these frozen wonders.

Best Time to Cruise

While shore excursions offer exciting adventures, choosing the right time for your southbound Alaska cruise can greatly enhance your experience. The peak season for cruising from Whittier and Seward runs from late April to September, giving you plenty of options to plan your trip.

If you're hoping to witness nature's spectacular events, spring might be the perfect time for your Alaska cruise. You'll have the chance to see whale migrations and admire the beautiful wildflowers blooming along the coastline.

On the other hand, if you're a wildlife enthusiast, fall could be your ideal cruising season. You'll get to observe gatherings of majestic bald eagles and enjoy the vibrant autumn colors painting the landscape.

No matter when you choose to cruise, you'll have the opportunity to discover incredible places like Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier before reaching Vancouver.

To make the most of your Alaska adventure, consider extending your trip with pre or post-cruise land tours. This way, you'll get to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness and create unforgettable memories with fellow travelers.

Pre and Post-Cruise Options

Your Alaska cruise adventure doesn't have to end when you disembark; pre and post-cruise options can extend your excursion and enrich your experience.

Before your southbound Alaska cruise from Whittier or Seward, consider an Alaska Cruisetour. This option combines land tours with your cruise, giving you a thorough Alaskan experience. You'll have the chance to delve into more of the state's interior and join fellow adventurers in uncovering its wonders.

After your cruise, you've got flexible options for your trip back. You can fly out of Seattle or Vancouver, depending on your preference. If you're not ready to head home just yet, why not extend your trip? A Victoria or Canadian Rockies rail package could be the perfect way to continue your exploration. There are different transportation choices between Seattle and Vancouver, so you can tailor your post-cruise plans to your schedule.

For wildlife enthusiasts, planning your pre and post-cruise activities during spring or fall can offer ideal viewing opportunities. Whether you're taking the scenic train to Seward or exploring Vancouver's vibrant cityscape, these options allow you to make the most of your Alaskan adventure.