Early birds! Save 20% when you book your select 2025 departure of the below-linked Alaska cruises.
Offer valid on new bookings, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. See all Alaska small ship cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures.
Groups of 10 or more save 10% on the below-linked 2024 Alaska cruises aboard Alaskan Dream, Admiralty Dream, Baranof Dream, or Chichagof Dream.
Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offers. See all Alaska cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.
Save 25% on select late season departures in 2024 for the below-linked Alaska expedition cruises.
Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with any other offers. See all Alaska cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.
The Alaska’s Ultimate Adventure Cruise is ideal for active travelers. Enjoy longer kayak excursions, more demanding hikes, and extended time in remote areas for beach treks and adventures in durable, open-air inflatable boats. Travelers will also appreciate exclusive time in William Henry Bay, a 160-acre wilderness haven in Lynn Canal that’s privately owned by the cruise operator.
Main departures operate northbound from Sitka to Juneau and feature a bonfire and feast at Fin Island Lodge. Reverse departures sail southbound from Juneau to Sitka and offer a campfire and special meal at Orca Point Lodge. Embrace the spirit of adventure in the Inside Passage coastline, with opportunities to witness the untamed beauty of Alaska and its iconic wildlife around every bend.
On board the authentically Alaskan ship 49-guest Admiralty Dream, enjoy a casual atmosphere that brings travelers together. Operated by an Alaskan family-owned company, this ship puts a focus on Alaska’s nature, wildlife and First Nations culture. Guests also can easily enter & exit the water for kayaking via a custom launch platform, or enjoy Zodiac cruising via sturdy rigid-bottom inflatable boats. An onboard hydrophone rounds out the exploration tools.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips, small ship Alaska cruise options and Inside Passage cruise itineraries.
On this 8-day Inside Passage and Glacier Bay small ship adventure, uniquely embark or disembark in the charming Alaska town of Wrangell for extended time in a place rarely visited by travelers. Cruise along an itinerary largely based around wilderness, with a port call in the Alaska Native village of Kake for immersion in the inspiring Tlingit culture.
The Wild Alaska Odyssey focuses on waterways surrounding Admiralty Island, with 2 unscripted days for wilderness exploration based around weather and the best opportunities for wildlife. Main departures operate southbound from Sitka to Wrangell and feature a bonfire and feast at Fin Island Lodge. Reverse departures sail northbound from Wrangell to Sitka and offer a campfire and special meal at Orca Point Lodge.
Passage is aboard 40-guest Alaskan Dream, an Alaska native owned and operated small ship. Her shallow draft enables up-close access to pristine wilderness, complemented by spacious on-deck viewing areas. Add her excellent guest-to-crew ratio and you’re ensured a truly delightful adventure through Alaska’s scenic Inside Passage and Glacier Bay.
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.
The 9-day Inside Passage Sojourn Alaska small ship cruise combines easy wilderness cruising and glacier viewing with visits to Alaska’s popular ports and authentic Tlingit villages. The 49-guest Baranof Dream has a sleek hull design optimized for supreme comfort in Alaskan waters and features spacious common areas and cabins that are configurable for families. Operated by an Alaskan family-owned company, the Inside Passage Sojourn has a focus on Alaska’s nature, history and First Nations culture.
The Inside Passage Sojourn features a number of included activities designed to bring travelers into intimate contact with Alaska’s natural and cultural heritage. In Juneau, appreciate opportunities to visit the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, Alaska State Capitol or take in the spectacular panoramic views in the Mount Roberts Tram. In Kasaan, visit the only remaining traditional Haida longhouse in the United States: the Chief Son-i-Hat Whale-House. In Tracy Arm-Ford’s Terror Wilderness, take in the wilderness that John Muir called “a wild, unfinished Yosemite.”
Spend time relaxing at the exclusive Orca Point Lodge, viewing petroglyphs in Wrangell or taking in the glistening waterfalls and enormous glaciers. Round out the trip by being immersed in the extraordinary history, art and cultural traditions of the Metlakatla Indian Community on Annette Island, including a visit to a traditional Tsmishian longhouse and a ceremonial dance performance. Kids of all ages will appreciate the diversity of this itinerary, making it an ideal option among our Alaska family cruises.
The northbound route sails from Ketchikan to Sitka, and the southbound itinerary departs from Sitka, cruising southbound to Ketchikan. In 2024, select southbound departures include even more time visiting glaciers. The special “Ice of the Inside Passage” itinerary affords guests the opportunity to get up close to the Margerie, Grand Pacific, Sawyer, South Sawyer, Dawes and LeConte glaciers—being Baranof Dream‘s most in-depth glacier offering to date.
The Inside Passage Sojourn is perfect for travelers seeking an easy cruising adventure with a focus on up-close exploration and authentic native culture. The number of ports visited and wilderness experienced over the course of this itinerary is impressive.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about the Inside Passage to Alaska and Glacier Bay cruise routes, as well as AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips and Alaska small ship cruises in general.
The 8-day Glacier Bay & Island Adventure small ship cruise aboard the 40-guest Alaskan Dream begins in Sitka and ends in Juneau, or reverse. Along the way around Alaska’s Admiralty, Chichagof and Baranof Islands, encounter all the highlights of Southeast Alaska, including many lesser-known ports and wilderness areas. Cruise to Sitka, Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm, Petersburg and Frederick Sound. Explore remote gems such as Tracy Arm-Ford’s Terror Wilderness, Orca Point Lodge, Kake, Wrangell and Pelican, and a transit of the Lisianski Inlet.
Enjoy opportunities to explore hidden coves and shoreline by kayak or inflatable watercraft. View the world’s tallest totem pole and a carving demonstration. Take in Petersburg, Alaska’s “Little Norway” via a narrated bus tour, followed by a folk dance that displays Scandinavian culture. Scout for humpback whales in the whale-rich waters of Frederick Sound. Be awed by the cliffs that rise 4,000 feet above the water in Tracy Arm-Ford’s Terror Wilderness. Enjoy a dinner of Alaskan salmon, Alaskan king crab or prime rib at the exclusive Orca Point Lodge.
This cruise is perfect for travelers seeking an easy and affordable Alaskan small ship cruise. Operated by an Alaskan family-owned company, Glacier Bay & Island Adventure has a focus on Alaska’s nature, history and First Nations culture and is an ideal option among our Alaska family cruises.
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.
On this 6-day Alaska expedition cruise, experience an amazing array of True Alaska highlights. Take in Alaska’s famous wildlife, pristine wilderness bays and rainforest. Enjoy regular opportunities to paddle a kayak or adventure by skiff. Visit stunning Glacier Bay National Park and three of the Inside Passage’s most historical and charming towns—Sitka, Skagway and Juneau.
While all of this is offered in a 6-day expedition cruise, the itinerary is carefully outlined in a way that is unhurried and there are multiple opportunities for unscripted discovery and adventure—hallmarks of this experience. Highlights include a tour of Sitka, wildlife viewing through Chatham Strait and Lynn Canal, taking in gold rush history in Skagway, a day tour into Canada aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad, a surf and turf feast at the exclusive Orca Point Lodge and a full day within the renowned Glacier Bay National Park.
Passage is aboard the 49-guest Admiralty Dream, 40-guest Alaskan Dream or 80-guest Chichagof Dream. All three ships offer insights from their Alaska native owned and operated parent company, including a spotlight on native Alaska culture and a hearty spirit of adventure. Each ship’s shallow draft enables up-close access to pristine wilderness, complemented by spacious on-deck viewing areas. Their small size and excellent guest-to-crew ratios ensure each adventure through Alaska’s scenic Inside Passage is a true delight.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips, Alaska small ship cruises and Glacier Bay cruises.
An innovative, streamlined catamaran design, accommodating 40 guests in 20 cabins, makes the Alaskan Dream (formerly the Executive Explorer) a delight in small ship cruising. Besides being sleek and beautiful, she easily navigates narrow channels and passages like a yacht, while at the same time providing the elegance of a small cruise ship. The Alaskan Dream, cruising at 13 knots, is by far one of the fastest small ships in Alaska, which means you’ll spend less time navigating and more time watching wildlife, viewing glaciers and visiting authentic Alaskan communities.
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Alaskan Dream review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our Alaska experts have been aboard the Alaskan Dream firsthand. Please read our Alaskan Dream review below then contact our experts to compare the Alaskan Dream with other catamarans, yachts and expedition ships offering Alaska small ship cruises.
Choose the Alaskan Dream for its innovative, streamlined catamaran design that makes navigation through narrow channels and passages possible with true Alaskan personalized service. The Alaskan Dream, remodeled in 2011, is an intimate small ship ideally suited for exploring Alaska off the beaten path. As this vessel is Alaskan owned and operated, choose this ship for an authentic experience encompassing both the nature and culture of Southeast Alaska. The Alaskan Dream has knowledgeable captains, and her all-American crew is a fun mix of small ship cruise veterans and enthusiastic new recruits. With a maximum capacity of 40, she has a very good crew-to-guest ratio and is known for stellar guest service.
The Vista View Lounge on the Main Deck faces forward, the same view as the captain, affording spectacular scenes through panoramic windows. The lounge features a small bar with window seating and just outside of the bar is the Bow Viewing Area. The dining room is also located on the Main Deck. The top Observation Deck is a partially shaded open space prime for glacier and wildlife viewing. The Bridge Deck provides a covered open area for shade and weather protection. The Alaskan Dream library offers books on Alaskan history, geology and wildlife. Smoking is only permitted outside in designated areas.
The meals aboard Alaskan Dream are casually dressed occasions with fresh Alaskan cuisine and include various meat, seafood and vegetarian options. The seafood is fresh and locally caught, and produce is organic whenever possible. Harvested fish include king salmon, halibut, rockfish, shrimp and crab. Alaskan Dream supports the community by purchasing seafood from local, family-run fishing operations. The fisheries are managed with care by the people who rely on them for their livelihood.
Dinner is followed by dessert prepared by onboard pastry chefs, who also offer fresh-baked breads and cookies throughout the trip. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and apple cider are commonly offered on board. Meal times vary each day in alignment with the activity schedule. Morning pastries, fruit and hot beverages are available one hour before breakfast for early risers. Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary while aboard, as is a glass of house wine or Alaska beer with dinner. Additional beer and wine is available for purchase; options include Alaskan beers, Pacific Northwest wines and locally distilled spirits. Special diets may be accommodated with advanced notice.
Expedition crafts are aboard the Alaskan Dream to explore ports of call and remote wilderness. These Demaree Inflatable Boats (DIBs) are rigid-bottom inflatables, great for shallow-water and fjord exploration. The Alaskan Dream also carries kayaks and has a custom-built kayak launcher aboard for easy and safe loading. Complimentary Alaskan gear including jackets, pants and boots is available for use aboard the Alaskan Dream.
Alaskan Dream’s knowledgeable expedition leaders arrange the best trip possible for on- and off-ship adventures. Alaskan Dream offers a deep educational component with onboard naturalists who focus on biology, geography and ecology of the Inside Passage and cultural heritage guides who are well versed in the lifestyle, history and practices of Southeast Alaska’s varying cultures. Additionally, evening educational programs, library access and a nightly turndown letter with information on the next day’s itinerary, geography, wildlife and history create a well-rounded, informative experience. Opportunities are available for listening to marine mammal communication with Alaskan Dream’s onboard hydrophone. A daily social hour with hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a daily recap by the expedition leaders fosters a sense of community on board. The Alaskan Dream has an open bridge policy, weather and conditions permitting.
The 20 staterooms aboard the Alaskan Dream all have a private bathroom with shower and extra-large viewing windows. Staterooms range from 104 to 208 square feet. Staterooms are double occupancy except for #104 which can accommodate up to four guests with the addition of a bunk bed. Fresh, soft, hypo-allergenic linens and towels; hairdryers; fans; and Alaska-crafted soaps and shampoos are offered in every stateroom. Each stateroom also provides guests with a pair of high-powered, lightweight binoculars for use while on the cruise.
The Last Frontier Adventure cruise spends 8 days sailing between Sitka and Juneau. Along the way around Alaska’s Admiralty, Chichagof and Baranof Islands, encounter all the highlights of Southeast Alaska, including many lesser-known ports and wilderness areas. Cruise to Sitka, Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park, Endicott Arm and Wrangell. Explore remote gems such as Baranoff Island’s Waterfall Coast, Thomas Bay, Wrangell Narrows and Orca Point Lodge.
Enjoy opportunities to explore hidden coves and shoreline by kayak or inflatable watercraft. Scout for humpback whales in the whale-rich waters of Frederick Sound. Paddle the turquoise fjord water amidst icebergs in Endicott Arm. Enjoy a dinner of Alaskan salmon, Alaskan king crab or prime rib at the exclusive Orca Point Lodge.
Travelers enjoy a casual atmosphere aboard authentically Alaskan ships 49-guest Admiralty Dream and Baranof Dream, or 80-guest Chichagof Dream. All these ships offer complimentary jackets, pants and boots to ensure you’re properly outfitted for off-the-ship adventures. This cruise is perfect for travelers seeking an active and affordable Alaskan small ship cruise. Operated by an Alaskan family-owned company, Last Frontier Adventure has a focus on Alaska’s nature, wildlife and First Nations culture and is an ideal option among our Alaska family cruises.
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.