BEST SMALL SHIP CRUISES TO ALASKA

If you’re interested in cruising to Alaska but want a more customized, off-the-beaten-track experience, small-ship and private cruises are the trip for you. You may escape the crowds and discover more rural communities and untamed areas since small ships can travel to ports of call that are unavailable to larger cruise ships. On a Windstar Signature Expeditions voyage up remote fjords, you may see the unspoiled beauty of big cities and small settlements and marvel at North America’s tallest peak.

If you want to find out more about small ship cruises to Alaska without having to battle a company or attempt to find out incorrect facts, you should read this page.

Small Ship Cruises To Alaska

Small-ship cruises to Alaska are a popular option for travelers who prefer a more intimate and immersive experience. These cruises have fewer than 100 passengers and offer a calmer, more relaxed vibe compared to larger cruise ships.

Characteristics of Small Ship Cruises to Alaska

Small ship cruises to Alaska have several distinct characteristics that set them apart from larger cruise ships.

#1. Intensive Exploration

Small-ship Alaska cruises allow for a more intensive exploration of Alaska’s coast. Unlike larger ships, small cruises can dock in isolated bays, fjords, and small towns that are far from the crowded tourist trail. This means you can experience Alaska’s natural beauty up close and personal.

#2. Unique Itineraries

Small ship cruises offer unique itineraries that may include less-visited destinations and hidden gems. These cruises often focus on exploring the Inside Passage, a scenic route along the coast of British Columbia and Alaska known for its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultural attractions.

#3. Activities and Experiences

Small ship cruises in Alaska prioritize outdoor activities and experiences. You can expect opportunities for kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and even cultural encounters with local communities.

#4. Calm and Intimate Atmosphere

With fewer passengers on board, small ship cruises offer a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. You can wake up to the sound of birds, spend your days kayaking or hiking, and enjoy evenings reading in your room or listening to naturalist talks. These cruises are ideal for those seeking a quieter and more peaceful experience.

#5. Off-the-Beaten-Path

Small ships have the advantage of being able to navigate through narrow waterways, fjords, and small ports that larger ships cannot access. This opens up opportunities to explore remote and less-visited locations, providing a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

#6. Cultural Encounters

Small ship cruises may offer opportunities for cultural encounters with local communities and indigenous people of Alaska. This can include visits to native villages, cultural performances, and learning about the region’s rich heritage.

#7. Educational Opportunities

Small ship cruises often have onboard naturalists, historians, and experts who provide educational lectures and presentations. They share insights about Alaska’s wildlife, geology, history, and culture, enhancing the overall experience.

#8. Wildlife Viewing

Alaska is known for its abundant wildlife, and small-ship cruises provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Passengers may spot whales, seals, sea lions, eagles, bears, and other iconic Alaskan animals during the journey.

#9. Environmentally Friendly

Small ship cruises tend to have a smaller environmental footprint compared to larger cruise ships. They often prioritize sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local communities.

#10. Flexibility and Customization

Small ship cruises provide more flexibility and customization compared to larger cruise ships, offering activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking. They also offer flexible itineraries, allowing last-minute changes based on weather conditions and wildlife sightings, making the experience more active and tailored.

Cruise Lines Offering Small Ship Alaska Cruises

Small-ship cruises to Alaska are provided by numerous cruise lines. You can select the cruise line that best meets your preferences because each has its own distinctive products, itineraries, and ship sizes.

Here are some of them

#1. Alaskan Dream Cruises

Alaskan Dream Cruises offers around 10 different itineraries each season, departing from ports including Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Yakutat. They specialize in small ship cruises with fewer than 100 passengers, providing an intimate and immersive experience in Alaska.

#2. Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions is known for its expedition-style cruises that focus on nature and wildlife. They offer small ship cruises to Alaska, allowing passengers to explore remote locations and observe wildlife up close. They provide kayaks, hiking trips, and zodiac rafts for a more adventurous experience.

#3. UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures offers small ship cruises to Alaska with a focus on active exploration and adventure. They provide opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and wildlife encounters. Their itineraries are flexible, allowing for last-minute changes based on wildlife sightings and weather conditions.

#4. American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines offers small ship voyages around the coast of Alaska in addition to their main focus on American river cruises. With roomy cabins and lavish amenities on board, their cruises offer a pleasant experience.

#5. Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises is a small ship specialist that offers voyages to Alaska. Their ships are equipped with zodiacs and kayaks, allowing passengers to explore nature up close. They also provide lectures and professional guides to enhance the experience.

#6. Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten is a Norwegian cruise line that offers expedition-style cruises to Alaska. Their small ships are designed to navigate narrow fjords and remote locations, allowing passengers to experience the untouched wilderness of Alaska. They offer activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.

#7. Ponant

Ponant is a French luxury cruise line that offers small-ship cruises to Alaska. Their ships feature elegant accommodations and onboard amenities, providing a luxurious experience. Ponant focuses on cultural immersion and offers shore excursions to explore the local communities and wildlife.

#8. Silversea Expeditions

Silversea Expeditions is a luxury cruise line that offers small ship cruises to Alaska. Their expedition ships are equipped with Zodiacs and kayaks for up-close exploration of Alaska’s natural beauty. They provide expert guides, lectures, and enrichment programs to enhance the educational and immersive experience.

#9. Cruise West

Cruise West specializes in small ship cruises, and they offer several itineraries to explore the Alaskan coastline. Their ships can access remote areas that larger vessels cannot reach, allowing for a more intimate experience with Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes.

#10. Maple Leaf Adventures

Maple Leaf Adventures offers small ship cruises to Alaska aboard their classic schooner, the Maple Leaf. With a maximum of 8 to 10 guests, their cruises provide a highly personalized experience. They focus on wildlife viewing, kayaking, and exploring the natural wonders of Alaska.

Disadvantages of Small Ship Alaska Cruises

#1. Limited Onboard Amenities

Compared to larger cruise ships, smaller ships generally provide fewer amenities on board. While this may result in a more personal encounter, there might be a smaller variety of restaurants, entertainment venues, and recreational amenities.

#2. Higher Price Point

Small ship cruises in Alaska tend to be more expensive than larger ship cruises. The smaller size of the vessel and the exclusive experiences they offer often come at a premium. This higher price point may not fit everyone’s budget.

#3. Potentially Less Stable in Rough Seas

Due to their smaller size, small ships may be more susceptible to the effects of rough seas. If you are prone to seasickness or are concerned about motion sickness, it’s worth considering that smaller ships may have a higher likelihood of experiencing more noticeable movements.

#4. Limited Cabin Options

Small ships usually have a limited number of cabin categories and sizes compared to larger ships. This may result in fewer options for staterooms, limiting your choices in terms of size, view, and amenities.

#5. Less Variety in Dining Options

Small ships have fewer dining venues and fewer specialty restaurants compared to larger ships. This can limit the variety of culinary experiences available on board.

#6. Limited Entertainment Options

Compared to larger cruise ships, smaller ships provide fewer entertainment alternatives. The ambiance onboard may become more somber as a result, and there may be fewer shows, live performances, and planned activities for guests.

#7. Smaller Pool and Fitness Facilities

Due to space constraints, small ships often have smaller pool areas and fitness facilities. If you enjoy swimming laps or participating in extensive workout routines, you may find the options on small ships to be limited.

#8. Limited Shopping Opportunities

Small ships generally have smaller onboard boutiques and shops, offering a more limited selection of merchandise compared to larger ships. If you enjoy shopping while on a cruise, you may have fewer options for browsing and purchasing souvenirs.

#9. Restricted Itinerary Options

Compared to larger ships, smaller ships may provide fewer itinerary possibilities. They might not have access to certain ports or be able to provide as many shore excursions or on-land activities. This might have an impact on your ability to visit particular places or engage in particular activities.

#10. Potential for Crowding at Popular Sites

Small ships often visit remote and less crowded locations in Alaska. However, at popular ports or attractions, small ships may still have to share limited space with other cruise ships. This can lead to crowding and a less exclusive experience at certain destinations.

Tips for cruising on small-ship Alaska Cruises

If you’re planning to go on a small ship cruise to Alaska, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip. These tips should help you make the most of your small-ship Alaska cruise, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of this incredible destination.

#1. Pack Layers

Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to pack layers of clothing that you can easily add or remove as the temperature changes throughout the day. This includes a waterproof and wind-resistant outer layer.

#2. Bring Binoculars

Alaska is known for its breathtaking wildlife and scenic landscapes. Having a pair of binoculars handy will allow you to spot wildlife, glaciers, and other natural wonders more closely.

#3. Research and Choose the Right Itinerary

Alaska offers various cruise itineraries, including different routes and destinations. Research the options available and choose an itinerary that aligns with your interests, whether it’s wildlife viewing, glacier visits, or cultural experiences.

#4. Consider Expedition Cruises

If you prefer a more immersive and adventurous experience, consider booking an expedition cruise. These cruises focus on nature and wildlife experiences and often have naturalists onboard who provide educational insights.

#5. Be Prepared for Sea Sickness

Alaska’s waters can be rough at times, so it’s a good idea to bring sea sickness remedies such as medication, wristbands, or ginger-based products if you are prone to motion sickness.

#6. Take Advantage of Shore Excursions

Alaska offers a wide range of shore excursions, including hiking, kayaking, wildlife tours, and cultural experiences. Research and book your preferred excursions in advance to ensure availability.

#7. Embrace the Wildlife

Alaska is home to an abundance of wildlife, including whales, bears, eagles, and seals. Keep your camera ready and take the opportunity to observe and photograph these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

#8. Educational Opportunities

Naturalists, historians, and cultural experts lead educational programs on many small ship cruises in Alaska. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn about the local wildlife, geology, indigenous cultures, and history. Attend lectures, workshops, and guided excursions to deepen your understanding of the region.

#9. Pack Essentials

It is recommended to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and a good camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters.

#10. Respect for Nature and Local Communities

As you explore the pristine wilderness and visit local communities, it’s important to practice responsible tourism. Follow the Leave No Trace principles, respect wildlife viewing guidelines, and engage with local communities in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.

Are There Small Ship Cruises To Alaska?

Yes, there are small ship cruises to Alaska. Small ship cruises offer a unique and immersive way to explore the stunning Alaskan coastline and remote areas that larger ships cannot reach. These cruises have a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, allowing passengers to connect with fellow travelers and the natural beauty of Alaska. Some popular small-ship cruise lines that offer Alaska itineraries include UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, and American Queen Voyages. These cruises provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.

What Is The Smallest Cruise Ship In Alaska?

The smallest cruise ship in Alaska is the Misty Fjord and Kruzof Explorer, which are both operated by Alaskan Dream Cruises. These expedition vessels carry only 12 passengers each.

What Size Cruise Ships Go To Alaska?

In Alaska, cruise ships come in various sizes, including small, mid-sized, and large vessels. Small ships accommodate fewer than 500 passengers, allowing for a more intimate experience and access to smaller ports. Mid-sized ships, with capacities between 500 and 2,500 passengers, strike a balance between amenities and intimacy. Large ships, carrying over 2,500 passengers, offer a wide range of onboard facilities and entertainment options. The specific size of ships can vary among cruise lines.

What Are Small Cruise Ships Called?

Small cruise ships are often referred to as boutique cruise ships, expedition ships, small luxury ships, luxury yachts, or motorized sailboats. These ships have a lower passenger capacity of about 250 or less and provide a more intimate and immersive experience for travelers. They may visit smaller ports and offer unique itineraries focused on wildlife, adventure, or cultural exploration. Some small cruise ship lines include UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, and Windstar Cruises.

What Is The Cost Of A Cruise To Alaska?

Alaska cruise costs vary based on factors like cruise line, cabin type, trip duration, time of year, and additional expenses like shore excursions. Mainstream cruise lines like Carnival start at $890 per person for a 7-night trip, while luxury cruise lines like Disney cost $1,435 per person for an 8-day trip. Small ship cruises range from $600 to $10,000 per person, and shore excursions can cost $40 to $550 per adult. Budgeting for an Alaska cruise varies based on preferences and style.

How Much Is A 7-Day Cruise To Alaska Per Person?

The cost of a 7-day cruise to Alaska per person can vary depending on several factors, including the cruise line, cabin type, departure port, and time of year. The estimated cost for a 7-day Alaska cruise per person ranges from $500 to $5,000.

How Much Does The Amazon River Cruise Cost?

The cost of an Amazon River cruise varies based on factors like trip length, boat type, and luxury level. Short cruises cost between $900 and $4,400 per person, while longer cruises range from $1,800 to $9,600 per person. Amazon River cruises start at $1750–$2000 for trips of four or five days on small river ships. Factors like seasonal supplements, private boat charters, and additional costs for remote areas should be considered. Luxury cruises can cost between $3,600 and $4,900 per person.

Conclusion

Small-ship cruises to Alaska provide a more intimate and immersive experience, allowing you to explore Alaska’s stunning coastline in a more personalized and active way. These cruises focus on less-visited destinations and hidden gems, offering a quieter, more intimate experience. They also provide an intimate and immersive experience, allowing passengers to explore remote locations and wildlife up close. Some cruise lines also offer lectures, professional guides, shore excursions, and expert guides. These cruises may not fit everyone’s budget and may not provide the same level of personal encounters and exclusive experiences as larger cruise ships. To maximize your Alaska cruise, pack layers, bring binoculars for wildlife viewing, do research, and choose the right itinerary.