Inside Passage or Wilderness tour

Question

We are looking at travelling to Alaska next September and can't decide between the standard Inside Passage cruise on the bigger ships or just a small boat wilderness/ outdoor activity cruise from say eg Juneau. We tend to like the more active style of travelling but worry about leaving out the Inside Passage. Any thoughts? Many thanks in advance.

Answer

Traveling to Alaska offers a wide range of experiences, and choosing between a standard Inside Passage cruise on a larger ship and a smaller, more active wilderness-style cruise depends on your travel style and priorities.

The standard Inside Passage cruises are typically on larger ships that travel between ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Skagway. These cruises offer a comfortable and relatively effortless way to see the Inside Passage’s stunning scenery, including fjords, glaciers, and wildlife along the coastal waterways. They also provide onboard amenities such as dining, entertainment, and guided excursions.

If you prefer a more active and immersive style, smaller wilderness or adventure-focused cruises based out of places like Juneau allow for a closer connection with nature. These trips often include kayaking, hiking, wildlife spotting, and sometimes overnight camping or small-ship accommodations. You can access remote areas and hidden coves that larger ships cannot reach, providing a more personalized and active experience.

Large Inside Passage Cruise: Ideal for scenic comfort, multiple ports of call, onboard amenities, and a structured experience.
Small Wilderness/Adventure Cruise: Best for active travelers, more intimate settings, hands-on activities like kayaking and hiking, and access to less-visited areas.

One consideration is that a smaller wilderness cruise may not cover the entire Inside Passage in the traditional sense—it may focus on specific segments near Juneau or Glacier Bay rather than traveling the full route. However, for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, wildlife encounters, and avoiding crowds, this can be a more rewarding experience.

If you want the best of both worlds, some travelers combine a larger Inside Passage cruise for the scenic overview with a short-term small-boat excursion at one or two ports to add adventure activities.

Consider doing a larger cruise for the full Inside Passage scenery and supplementing with a one- or two-day wilderness excursion near Juneau or Sitka.
Check options for small-group tours that include kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing in Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm Fjord.
Plan your active excursions for days when you’re docked or in regions where the ship can anchor close to wilderness areas.

Ultimately, if being active and engaged with Alaska’s outdoors is your priority, a smaller wilderness cruise is likely to be more memorable. If you want to ensure you see the full Inside Passage without worrying about logistics, a larger cruise is more convenient. Combining both can also provide a balanced experience.

Inside Passage or Wilderness tour

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