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Southeast Alaska Cruise from Juneau

Southeast Alaska Cruise from Juneau

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Description

Begin and end your journey in Juneau, Alaska’s capital, and a city still marked by the legacy of the Gold Rush. Landmarks like the Alaska State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion recall the era when prospectors arrived in search of fortune, while nearby glaciers and forested peaks offer a different kind of lasting treasure.
This round-trip voyage through the Inside Passage travels along waterways once navigated by Tlingit traders and early explorers. In Haines, see the Valley of the Eagles, home to one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. A day in Glacier Bay National Park reveals a protected wilderness of fjords, ice, and wildlife, where park rangers share insight into centuries of change. 
In Petersburg, founded by Norwegian fishermen in the 1800s, the working harbor reflects Alaska’s deep maritime roots. Navigate the Wrangell Narrows, a 21-mile channel linking Frederick Sound and Sumner Strait, known for its tight turns and the dozens of markers that guide ships safely through its shifting tides, before arriving in Wrangell, one of the state’s oldest settlements, with origins in the fur trade and Gold Rush.
As the ship returns toward Juneau, the journey culminates in Endicott Arm, where sheer granite cliffs rise above drifting ice, and the Dawes Glacier advances from the Stikine Icefield. From your private balcony, watch the landscape unfold as a living record of Alaska’s history, people, and nature’s power in this classic Southeast Alaska cruising region.

Trip Name
Southeast Alaska Cruise from Juneau
Days
9
Overview
American Cruise Lines operates a diverse fleet of small ships across the U.S., designed to offer intimate and immersive travel experiences with capacities ranging from 90 to 180 guests. Each ship is built with modern engineering, advanced safety systems, and state-of-the-art navigation, while interiors feature contemporary décor, spacious staterooms, and, where indicated, full private balconies. The fleet includes six distinct vessel types: Patriot Class, Coastal Cats, Classic Paddlewheelers, Constellation Class, Independence Class, and modern American Riverboats. These ships combine comfort and style with functionality, including fitness centres, multiple dining venues, sun decks, and elevators to all passenger decks, allowing guests to enjoy scenic views and easy access throughout the vessel. The variety of ships enables exploration of regions inaccessible to larger vessels, from shallow inland waterways to bustling river ports and coastal areas. Riverboats like the American Serenade and American Symphony offer panoramic views and multi-story glass atriums along U.S. rivers, while Coastal Cats and Constellation Class ships provide shallow-draft access for intimate coastal exploration. Classic Paddlewheelers evoke traditional charm with open lounges and glass-enclosed dining, and Independence and Patriot Class ships offer elevated luxury with grand suites, bow terraces, and tailored observation areas. Together, the fleet ensures a highly personalized cruising experience, blending modern amenities with the opportunity to connect closely with the American landscape and culture.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Juneau, AK
Your journey begins with a hotel stay and guided exploration of Juneau. Every detail is handled, from luggage transfers to port transportation, so you can relax and enjoy the voyage ahead.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Afternoon of Cruising
Participate in a Juneau City Exploration which concludes at the ship, a fitting introduction to Alaska’s capital city and frontier spirit. Then, step aboard your ship alongside the crew and fellow guests to begin your voyage north after your introduction to Alaska’s cultural history.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Haines, AK
Haines sits where the Lynn Canal narrows between steep mountain walls. Join an eagle-watching expedition through the Chilkat Valley, where more than 200 species of birds thrive. Paddle the quiet waters of Chilkoot Lake or taste history at Southeast Alaska’s first distillery.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Glacier Bay, AK
A designated World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay is one of Earth’s most dynamic environments. American Cruise Lines is among the few granted access to these protected waters. From the deck, watch immense glaciers meet the sea as harbor seals rest on floating ice. Onboard naturalists interpret each sight with insight into the park’s evolving ecosystems and the centuries of Indigenous presence that long preceded exploration. Guests may also experience a guided hike along forest trails or visit Glacier Bay Lodge inside this federally protected park.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Petersburg, AK
Founded by Norwegian fishermen, Petersburg remains a working harbor where tradition meets innovation. Explore its docks and canneries or venture out on a guided flightseeing or jet boat excursion for sweeping views of the LeConte Glacier. In town, stroll through “Little Norway” and continue “out the road,” as locals say, to Falls Creek Waterfall, where salmon often gather in this Southeast Alaskan small island town.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Cruising the Wrangell Narrows
Watch glaciers that have shaped Alaska’s coastline for thousands of years, waterfalls fed by ancient ice, and wildlife once essential to the survival of Indigenous communities—seals, sea lions, and the seabirds that still follow these same migration routes today in this narrow Southeast Alaskan waterway.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Wrangell, AK
Once governed by four different nations, Wrangell holds one of Alaska’s most layered histories. Visit Petroglyph Beach to see ancient carvings etched into the rocks or join a jet boat trip up the Stikine River—a vital corridor during the Gold Rush. A local expert will guide you through the botanical wonders of Tongass National Forest, home to some of the world’s oldest temperate trees, in this Southeast Alaskan river town.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Endicott Arm, AK / Dawes Glacier
Journey through Endicott Arm, a Southeast Alaskan glacier fjord formed by ancient glacial movement and defined by granite cliffs that rise steeply from the water’s edge. As the ship travels deeper into the channel, narrow streams tumble from the cliffs, and harbor seals rest on drifting ice. Humpback whales and bald eagles are often seen nearby, drawn by the nutrient-rich waters of the fjord.At the far end, Dawes Glacier comes into view—a massive tidewater glacier that descends from the Stikine Icefield. When ice breaks free and falls into the sea, the sound rolls through the valley, a vivid reminder of Alaska’s ongoing transformation.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Juneau, AK
Enjoy a final breakfast on board as you take in the last views of Juneau’s harbor and surrounding mountains before beginning your journey home.
Day 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Mount Roberts Tramway: Start your journey in Juneau by riding the Mount Roberts Tramway for breathtaking views of the city, the Tongass National Forest, and the Gastineau Channel.
    • Glacier Bay: Experience the awe-inspiring Glacier Bay on day four, where towering glaciers and diverse wildlife create unforgettable scenery.

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