Inside Passage & Denali
The classic Alaska cruisetour: a week of glaciers and whales by ship, then rail and wilderness lodges in the interior.
Alaska is a long way from Florida, so I'd encourage you to see both sides of it. The cruise brings you close to tidewater glaciers and coastal towns, while the land tour adds the interior, with its vast wilderness and North America's tallest peak.
A one-way trip means you never retrace your route. Cruisetours also make the logistics easy, since your luggage and transfers between ship, train and lodge are usually arranged for you.
The sample itinerary
Fly in a day early
Fly from Florida to Vancouver and spend the night. Arriving early protects your cruise from flight delays and gives you an evening by the harbor.
Embark your ship
Take a morning walk through Stanley Park if time allows, then board in the afternoon and sail north with mountains on both sides.
Scenic cruising
Watch for whales and eagles from your balcony as the ship winds through forested islands. Dress warmly and keep your binoculars close.
Totems and salmon
See the totem poles and stroll historic Creek Street, or take a floatplane over Misty Fjords National Monument.
Whales and glaciers
Go whale watching, visit the Mendenhall Glacier, or splurge on a helicopter flight and a dog-sled ride on an icefield.
Gold-rush days
Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route railway into the mountains, then wander the boardwalks of this preserved boomtown.
A day among the ice
National Park rangers come aboard as your ship slowly navigates the bay. Listen for the thunder of calving ice.
A wall of glaciers
Cruise past a remarkable collection of tidewater glaciers in Prince William Sound on your last evening on board.
Ship to rail
Disembark and travel north by glass-domed railcar and motorcoach to the quirky frontier town of Talkeetna.
Into the interior
On a clear day, look for the summit of Denali as you continue north to your lodge near the park entrance.
Wildlife day
Take a narrated tour into the park and look for moose, caribou, Dall sheep and grizzly bears. In the evening, relax at your lodge.
The scenic route
Ride the rails south through river valleys and mountain scenery to Anchorage for your final night.
Fly home
Transfer to the airport and fly home. Many flights from Alaska are overnight, so I'll help you choose the routing that suits you best.
Choosing your season
The Alaska season is short, and every month offers something a little different.
Quieter ports, often better value and snow on the peaks. It tends to be cooler but can be surprisingly dry.
The longest days and warmest weather, and the most popular time, especially for families.
Salmon runs and active bears, with more rain as the month goes on.
Fall color, fewer people and a chance of northern lights, though many tours wind down for the season.
Every detail, handled
- Cruisetour selection, cabin choice and lodge stays
- Flights, including one-way arrival and departure cities
- A pre-cruise hotel in Vancouver
- Excursions, which I recommend booking early
- Travel insurance and cruise line app setup
Before you go
- Bring a passport, since this trip starts in Canada
- Pack layers and a rain jacket, as weather changes quickly
- Popular cabins, Denali lodges and flightseeing can sell out, so plan up to a year ahead
Would you like a trip like this?
Tell me your dates and how you like to travel, and I'll come back with real departures and current pricing.
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