Making a cruise itinerary ... but without the cruise

Question

Hi all, I am looking at a cruise itinerary 7 days from Vancouver to Whittier, the 5 stops are:

Ketchikan

Juneau,

Skagway

AlaskaGlacier Bay National Park (Scenic Cruising)

AlaskaCollege Fjord (Scenic Cruising)

Since I dont like cruises but prefer to travel autonomously (also self drive) is it possible to make a similar itinerary but with normal car (and ferries) ? I mean arriving by plane in Anchorage, making a tour around Anchorage and then how can I arrive to Juneau, only by plane or also car/ferries ? The excursions in the park and in the Fjord I imagine that can be organized then from Juneau.

Thanks for help

Answer

It is definitely possible to replicate a cruise-style itinerary in Alaska using a combination of flights, ferries, and self-drive, though the logistics are a bit different because Alaska’s coastal towns and fjords are not connected by road.

Anchorage Base

Start in Anchorage, which is the main hub for flights and car rentals. You can explore local highlights such as the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, and downtown Anchorage. Anchorage is also a convenient base for day trips to nearby areas like Girdwood (for glacier tours or summer dog sledding) or the Kenai Peninsula.

Getting to Southeast Alaska (Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway)

Since Southeast Alaska towns are separated by fjords and islands, there are no roads connecting them to Anchorage. Options include:

Flights: This is the fastest and most efficient. Alaska Airlines and smaller carriers fly from Anchorage to Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. This allows you to stay flexible and maximize time in each town.
Alaska Marine Highway Ferry: You can take the ferry system for a self-drive/ferry combination, but schedules are limited and the trip is long. For example, the ferry from Whittier (near Anchorage) to Southeast Alaska can take several days with multiple stops. Reservations are highly recommended, and ferries allow you to bring a rental car on board.
Combination of ferry and local flights: Some travelers fly into one town (like Juneau) and then take ferries to other towns like Ketchikan or Skagway. This allows more scenic travel along the Inside Passage.

Excursions and Scenic Cruising

Once in Juneau, Ketchikan, or Skagway, you can book independent tours that mimic the cruise excursions:

Whale watching tours, glacier sightseeing, or kayaking in Juneau or Ketchikan.
Day cruises in Glacier Bay National Park or College Fjord can be booked from Juneau or Valdez; some include small boat charters for more intimate experiences.
Local hiking, dog sledding (summer glacier tours), or scenic flightseeing from Skagway or Juneau are also options.

Suggested Itinerary Flow

Anchorage (1–2 days): Explore city, local day trips.
Fly to Juneau (2 days): Glacier tours, whale watching, local hiking.
Fly or ferry to Ketchikan (1–2 days): Explore town, Misty Fjords, kayaking or local cruise.
Fly to Skagway (1 day): Historic town, short hikes, or flightseeing.
Return to Anchorage by plane.

This type of itinerary avoids being on a cruise but lets you see the highlights of Southeast Alaska and glaciers. Using flights is the most practical for time efficiency, while ferries add a scenic and leisurely dimension but require more planning and time.

Making a cruise itinerary ... but without the cruise

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