The Inside Passage

Also known as the ‘Panhandle’ the Inside Passage runs through a strip in the southeast region of Alaska that starts at the Canadian border in the south and continues north to the towns of Juneau, Skagway and Haines. To the mariner, “inside” basically means protected, away from the ocean waves and swells meaning that ports along the coast can be reached in a smoother cruise with a reduced chance of sea-sickness.

You'll find many of Alaska's top attractions and activities throughout the region, along with spectacular scenery including Glacier Bay National Park, abundant wildlife, vibrant Native cultures, fascinating histories and exceptional hospitality. The capital city of Alaska, Juneau, sits in this Southeast region, whilst the gold rush of 1898 was also centred on the region in Skagway and native cultures can be delved into at Ketchikan.

Cruising the Inside Passage

Most Inside Passage cruises last a week, make 2 to 4 ports of call along the journey and typically originate in either Seattle or Vancouver. Many cruises return to the point of origin making Inside Passage cruises generally less expensive than Gulf of Alaska cruises as sailing roundtrip generally makes your airfare cheaper since you embark and disembark in the same port, be it the popular scheduled airports of either Seattle or Vancouver.

Although most cruises are 7 nights in duration, longer 10 and 11 night Inside Passage Cruises are available sailing from San Francisco and Los Angeles. Several smaller cruise ships also offer longer more varied routes with access to more remote Alaskan Panhandle ports. Shorter 3 and 4 night cruises are also available, but are usually combined with longer Land Tours.

A typical Inside Passage cruise spends the first day cruising the Inside Passage itself between Ketchikan and Juneau where snow-capped mountains, beautiful fjords, massive glaciers and incredible wildlife from bears to whales will pass you by as you look out from the deck of the ship. Then, you will often visit up 4 ports and National Parks before returning to your port of origin. During the voyage you will normally spend a full day in each port allowing you to sample the local community or take any number of exciting excursions. Inside Passage ports of call and National Parks include Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Haines, Sitka and Tracy Arm Fjord.

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