North America Alaska Cruise

Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka

This 8-day Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka small ship cruise features on- and off-boat excursions along jagged coastline, narrow channels, secluded coves, tree-covered islets and lush backcountry wilderness. Cruise between Juneau and Sitka, Alaska, in the waters of America’s largest national forest, the nearly 17-million-acre Tongass National Forest. Follow in the footsteps of Captain Cook, the first European to enter Glacier Bay, in 1878.

Activities like hiking, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are the perfect way to spot bald eagles, harbor seals and orca pods—and the perfect way to experience Alaska together on this itinerary that’s one of our curated Alaska family cruises. Take a skiff ride near the Icy Strait to discover muskeg, enchanting mossy trees and kelp-threaded channels. Enjoy opportunities to seek out orange-beaked puffins, guillemots and marbled murrelets at Bartlett Cove and mountain goats near South Marble Island. Marvel at the Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers. Be on the lookout for surprise appearances by whales, sea lions, harbor seals, otters, porpoises and dolphins. On land, guided hikes of all levels offer opportunities to encounter giant trees, tidal pools and one of the world’s largest populations of grizzly and black bears.

The main 8-day Northern Passages & Glacier Bay cruise begins in Juneau and ends in Sitka. There is also a reverse itinerary that begins in Sitka and ends in Juneau, as well as special themed departures. Come aboard the 84-passenger Safari Endeavour for the perfect chance to view Alaska’s massive glaciers and enter some of the world’s deepest fjords to hike, kayak and stand-up paddleboard.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips, small ship Alaska cruise options and Glacier Bay cruise and Inside Passage cruise itineraries.