Small Ship Alaska Cruises 2025 & 2026, Plus What’s New

Small ship Alaska cruises in 2025 and 2026 feature a variety of new itineraries. Plus, our experts weigh on the best 2025 cruise rated by our travelers and other tips. Read this guide on what’s new, or skip straight to our selection of 2026 and 2025 Alaska cruises. Then grab your calendar and contact an Adventure Specialist to reserve your space aboard one of these small ship Alaska cruises in 2025 or beyond.

What’s New for 2025 & 2026 Small Alaska Cruises

With increased demand for small ship Alaska cruises in 2025, particularly in lesser-traveled regions, comes more departures and more itineraries to choose from. Here’s our round-up of what’s new to consider for small Alaska cruises in 2025, including a novel Aleutians Islands route. Watch this space or sign up to receive updates as more new itineraries are released.

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2025: Enjoy More Unscripted Exploration

Launching in 2025, the Wild Alaska Odyssey offers not only 1 day in Glacier Bay, but also 2 flex days for unscripted wildlife exploration. This itinerary uniquely either starts or ends in Wrangell, a charming town that’s rarely visited by Alaska travelers. A stop into the Alaska Native Village of Kake offers a chance to immerse in Tlingit culture via an artist demonstration and viewing the world’s largest totem pole. Travelers will appreciate this wilderness-focused itinerary offered on 40-guest Alaskan Dream—a combination offered by a company with generational history in Alaska.

2025: Access an Exclusive Wilderness Area

Book aboard 49-guest Admiralty Dream in 2025 for an itinerary with an exclusive stop: William Henry Bay. On the new Alaska’s Ultimate Adventure Cruise, guests are treated to time in this special wilderness area that’s privately owned by the cruise operator. This active itinerary also offers longer opportunities to paddle a kayak, explore on a skiff tour, beachcomb and hike. Add 1 unscripted day to optimize for weather and wildlife, plus an optional jet boat ride among ice or the scenic Stikine River, and this small ship adventure is sure to please.

2025: Aleutian Islands + Kodiak, Katmai & Kenai—SOLD OUT

Debuting in 2025 is a unique itinerary ideal for those who’ve been to Alaska and want to return for something different. The 11-day Aleutian Islands Cruise with Kodiak, Katmai & Kenai focuses on Southwest Alaska, exploring the rugged, volcanic Aleutian Islands along the Ring of Fire, plus the wilderness of Kenai and Katmai National Parks and the bear-rich Kodiak Island. The seafaring 36-guest Safari Explorer will take guests along glaciers, volcanic fields and petrified forest. Regular opportunities to hike, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and explore by skiff will introduce travelers to a side of Alaska seen by few other visitors. This itinerary is now sold out for its inaugural season—ask your Adventure Specialist to help you get booked when 2026 dates are released.

2025: Prince William Sound Explorer via Seward—SOLD OUT

In 2025 travelers who’ve cruised in Alaska’s Inside Passage are seeking more niche Alaska destinations, as evidenced by trips such as the Aleutian Islands and the 2024-launched Prince William Sound Explorer already being sold out.

In 2025, this Prince William Sound itinerary gets even better by changing to embark and disembark in Seward, providing opportunities to link Alaska trips in adjacent Kenai Fjords National Park or nearby Katmai National Park. Or take the included transfer back to Anchorage to go on to visit Denali National Park.

Guests can expect the active UnCruise Alaska experience that this operator is known for. Think shore walks, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and cruising in inflatable skiff boats. This itinerary is now sold out for 2025—ask your Adventure Specialist to help you get booked when 2026 dates are released.

2026: NEW National Geographic Lindblad 8-day Alaska Exploration

Launching in 2026, Exploring Southeast Alaska’s ABC Islands, offers a 8-day true exploration of the ABC Islands. Witness stunning landscapes, encounter diverse wildlife, and thrilling adventures like kayaking and hiking. For exceptional value travelers can enjoy this wilderness-focused itinerary offered on 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion. This unforgettable experience is perfect for families seeking adventure and discovery.

Best Small Ship Alaska Cruises 2025: Our Top Pick

What’s our pick of the best small ship Alaska cruises in 2025? The top-selling Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka.

Year after year, by popular demand, Alaska travelers have chosen this 8-day itinerary as their overwhelming favorite. The lengthy route offers far-reaching exploration and the itinerary’s long tenure ensures a well-tuned, exceptional experience. Learn more from our expert’s firsthand experience in Alaska with UnCruise, or hear it direct from travelers in testimonials of this cruise.

The 84-guest Safari Endeavour raises the bar for comfort along the way. She’s been described by our travelers as “comfortable and welcoming” and “well appointed” with “superb food” and “plenty of storage.” Want more insights? Read our Expert Aboard: Safari Endeavour Review. Reserve your space now for this popular option among the best small ship Alaska cruises of 2025, and learn why this ship qualifies this cruise for our list of luxury Alaska cruises.

What is the best small ship Alaska cruise in 2025 for you? Every Alaska traveler has different goals and priorities. Maybe you want the smallest ship? A departure during the best time to visit Alaska? The best naturalist guides? An Alaska National Park cruise, or a focused Glacier Bay National Park cruise? Let our experts help you find your ideal trip based on interests, budget and timeline.

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Deals: Small Ship Alaska Cruises 2025 & 2026

Save on your small ship Alaska cruise for 2025 by using our Alaskan cruise deals. Enjoy special deals for groups and solo travelers, or receive complimentary airfare, while supplies last. Our Alaska specialists offer the most up-to-date incentives available and will keep you apprised of all opportunities to save on your 2025 Alaska small ship cruise. Due to our longstanding business relationships and volume-driven buying power, you will never pay more for your cruise.

Watch for 2025 deals here. At AdventureSmith, we always recommend booking early to be rewarded (and avoid missing out).

Book Your 2025 or 2026 Alaska Cruise or Charter Before It’s Gone

Small ship cruises and especially private Alaska yacht charters are increasing in popularity as travelers seek smaller, more exclusive experiences aboard Alaska small cruise ships. Get your small ship Alaska cruise in 2025 or 2026 confirmed by contacting an Adventure Specialist to be matched with the best small ship Alaska cruise in 2025 for your interests, timing and budget.

For 2025, our experts are excited about the Sikumi Custom Alaska Cruise and Golden Eagle Custom Alaska Cruise. Both boats garner great feedback from travelers. Starting in 2025, these ships offer convenient, round-trip Juneau itineraries, with popular 7- and 8-day routes.

Want your experience to be private? Alaska 2025 charters book up early, especially on our smallest boats, so whether you want an exclusive charter or semi-private experience aboard ships carrying 8-36 guests, contact us now to secure space for your small ship Alaska cruise in 2025.

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