North America Alaska Cruise

Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka & Juneau

Explore Alaska on an active, exciting expedition to see the region’s iconic wildlife and epic landscapes in the compact timeframe of one work week. Take long hikes on world-class trails through forests of towering trees, and kayak and paddleboard long routes deep into glacially carved fjords and raft to an ancient Alaska native village—all with the nimble 62-guest National Geographic Sea Bird or Sea Lion expedition ship as your moving basecamp.

Highlights include paddling on long, naturalist-guided kayaking journeys into Alaska’s dramatic bays, rafting the Chilkat River with local guides, calling at the ancient Chilkat Tlingit village of Klukwan, and zipping around incredible icebergs and glaciers at Tracy and Endicott Arm. Haines, known as the adventure capital of Alaska, delivers big with options to bike around a glacial fjord, take a world-class hike, go fly fishing and more.

With all the action, there’s still time for simple, serene moments with Alaska’s iconic wildlife. Keep eyes open for humpback whales, brown bears and bald eagles. Search for orca in the wildlife-rich channels between islands and sure-footed mountain goats in steep fjords. This action-packed recipe for adventure within a shorter itinerary makes this trip a prime selection for our Alaska family cruises.

The main 6-day Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka & Juneau cruise operates northbound, beginning in Sitka and ending in Juneau. There is also a southbound reverse itinerary that begins in Juneau and ends in Sitka, as well as special themed departures. Aboard sister ships National Geographic Sea Bird or Sea Lion, guests are in the most excellent company. Explore under the sure guidance of an expedition leader and five veteran naturalists, including a National Geographic certified photo instructor, plus a wellness specialist. The expedition staff’s knowledge and passion for Alaska is the key to this once-in-a-lifetime, active cruise experience.

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.