01 · Kustlandschappen
Glacier Bay
Kustgletsjers en zeezoogdieren in een nationaal park. Toegang is afhankelijk van de parkvergunning van het schip.
Controleer de toegang, het activiteitenniveau en wat is inbegrepen op je bevestigde reisroute.
Gletsjers, regenwoud en de Inside Passage
The destination is the experience
Door gletsjers uitgesleten fjorden en gematigd regenwoud verbinden de eilandgemeenschappen van Southeast Alaska. Kleine schepen kunnen beschutte wateren verkennen, terwijl dagen aan wal wadplaten, bospaden en inheems cultureel erfgoed onthullen.
Een reis door Glacier Bay en de omliggende regio brengt het landschap scherp in beeld. Je schip verbindt de kustplaatsen, terwijl begeleide excursies de details onthullen die je vanaf het dek gemakkelijk over het hoofd ziet.
Kies voor de daadwerkelijke stops op het programma, niet alleen voor de naam van de bestemming. Routes die Tongass National Forest aandoen, bieden een andere balans tussen natuur en cultuur dan routes die zich richten op Sitka. Activiteiten, vergunningen en de vereiste wandelconditie variëren per reis.
When to go
Best time to travel: seasons & weather
Match your Alaska route to the season, the shore experiences you want and local conditions. Coastal regions can differ considerably within the same destination.
Shore-excursion season in Alaska at a glance
ExcellentGoodOff-season
Excellent, peak season (Jun – Aug)
Long daylight, bears fishing for salmon at river mouths, active glacier calving and the best chance of dry weather for tundra walks and kayak outings.
Good, shoulder season (May & Sep)
May and September bring fewer ships, migrating whales and autumn colour, but cooler, wetter days on shore.
Off-season (Oct – Apr)
Expedition cruises do not operate in winter; ports are cold, dark and many trails are snowed in.
Typical patterns for planning shore excursions; weather varies year to year and is never guaranteed.
Peak season · Jun – Aug
Long daylight, bears fishing for salmon at river mouths, active glacier calving and the best chance of dry weather for tundra walks and kayak outings.
Shoulder season · May & Sep
May and September bring fewer ships, migrating whales and autumn colour, but cooler, wetter days on shore.
Season & shore-walk conditions
Jan
Limited
294 mm
Limited
Feb
Limited
212 mm
Limited
Mar
Limited
170 mm
Limited
Apr
Limited
162 mm
Limited
May
Variable
161 mm
Seasonal
Jun
Peak
156 mm
Seasonal
Jul
Peak
195 mm
Seasonal
Aug
Peak
264 mm
Seasonal
Sep
Variable
312 mm
Seasonal
Oct
Limited
338 mm
Limited
Nov
Limited
270 mm
Limited
Dec
Limited
276 mm
Limited
| Typical pattern | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shore conditions | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | Variable | Peak | Peak | Peak | Variable | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Rain / snow · mm | 294 | 212 | 170 | 162 | 161 | 156 | 195 | 264 | 312 | 338 | 270 | 276 |
| Cruises | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Limited | Limited | Limited |
Local conditions differ between coastlines and islands. The chart represents Juneau, not every stop on a voyage. Cruise operation depends on the published itinerary, not the weather rating.
Air temperatures through the year
Average daily highAverage daily low
Temperatures in Juneau shift clearly through the year: July is the warmest month with average highs near 20°C, while February is the coolest at around 2°C, a swing of roughly 18°C. Nights typically run about 6°C below the daytime high, so a layer for evenings is worth packing. The months between these extremes warm up and cool down gradually rather than abruptly.
Juneau · 2015–2024. Monthly averages, rounded for planning; not a forecast or a local station measurement. Rainfall includes water-equivalent snowfall where relevant.
Wildlife on land & along the coast
Meet the locals
The most memorable encounters often happen at walking pace. Animals live in specific habitats, so the places on your route matter as much as the month. Follow local wildlife distances and your guide.
Late spring–early autumn
Bultrug
Kustwateren & fjordmondingen
Kijk uit naar foeragerende walvissen in beschutte wateren en bij fjordmondingen langs de kust.
Active season (summer–autumn)
Grizzlybeer
Zeggeweiden & zalmrivieren
Kijk uit naar beren die vissen in zalmrivieren of grazen in zeggeweiden aan de kust.
Year-round, peaks vary locally
Amerikaanse Zeearend
Bosranden, estuaria & riviermondingen
Speur de randen van kustbossen en riviermondingen af, zeearenden rusten vaak in de buurt van voedselrijke wateren.
Year-round, best in daylight
Zeeotter
Met kelp omzoomde baaien & beschutte kusten
Kijk uit naar otters die drijven en hun vacht verzorgen in kelpwouden langs beschutte kustwateren.
Long-daylight months (summer)
Stellerzeeleeuw
Rotsachtige rustplaatsen & kolonies voor de kust
Spot rustende zeeleeuwen op rotsachtige kusten en in kolonies, vaak goed zichtbaar vanaf het dek.
Year-round, seasonal peaks vary
Gewone Zeehond
Rotsachtige geulen, getijdenvlaktes & gletsjerbaaien
Kijk uit naar zeehonden die uitrusten op rotsen, getijdenvlaktes of ijs in de buurt van gletsjerbaaien.
Wildlife is wild: sightings, courtship displays and nesting activity cannot be guaranteed. Species occur in different parts of the region, not at every landing.
Show all other animalsEvery shore tells a different story
Shore excursions worth planning around
These are examples of places and experiences, not a promised itinerary. Look for the actual landing names and included transfers in your ship’s day-by-day program.
02 · Lokaal erfgoed
Tongass National Forest
Bemoste sparren- en hemlockbossen, wandelingen langs de getijdenkust en sporen van wilde dieren.
Controleer de toegang, het activiteitenniveau en wat is inbegrepen op je bevestigde reisroute.
03 · Begeleide verkenning
Misty Fjords
Steile granieten kliffen, watervallen en beboste inhammen die worden bereikt op geselecteerde routes in Southeast Alaska.
Controleer de toegang, het activiteitenniveau en wat is inbegrepen op je bevestigde reisroute.
04 · Natuur aan wal
Tracy Arm
Een smalle fjord met ijsbergen en de Sawyer-gletsjers. IJs- en zeecondities bepalen hoe dicht schepen kunnen naderen.
Controleer de toegang, het activiteitenniveau en wat is inbegrepen op je bevestigde reisroute.
05 · Eilandervaringen
Sitka
Een eilandgemeenschap met Tlingit-erfgoed en architectuur uit de Russische tijd. Respecteer de toegangsregels van de gemeenschap en de aanwijzingen van de lokale bevolking.
Controleer de toegang, het activiteitenniveau en wat is inbegrepen op je bevestigde reisroute.
06 · Hoogtepunten van de route
Chichagof Island
Kustbossen en zalmrivieren bieden de mogelijkheid om onder begeleiding van gekwalificeerde gidsen vanaf een veilige afstand bruine beren te spotten.
Controleer de toegang, het activiteitenniveau en wat is inbegrepen op je bevestigde reisroute.
Gletsjerlandschappen
IJs heeft de diepe fjorden uitgesleten; afkalvende gletsjerfronten, morenen en herstellende kustlijnen laten zien dat het landschap nog steeds verandert.
Gematigd regenwoud
Sitkasparren, westelijke hemlocksparren, mossen en natte kustbossen domineren veel wandelingen in Zuidoost-Alaska.
Nationale parken & gemeenschappen
Toegang tot Glacier Bay is afhankelijk van parkvergunningen, en dorpsbezoeken volgen de richtlijnen van de gemeenschap en de lokale gebruiken.
Choose places before cabins
Which Alaska route is right for you?
Route labels vary between operators. Compare the actual ports, landings and shore programs, not just the regional name.
Inside Passage
De routes langs Juneau, Sitka en Ketchikan combineren beschutte wateren met boswandelingen.
Zuidoosten met focus op gletsjers
Kies een reis met gegarandeerde toegang tot Glacier Bay of een bezoek aan Tracy Arm als gletsjers jouw prioriteit hebben.
Buitenkust van Alaska
Sitka en de onbeschutte eilandkusten bieden andere leefgebieden, met een grotere kans op deining.
Your base between shore days
Alaska cruise ships
Explore the cruise ships already in our collection. Compare cabins, guest numbers and day-by-day routes; daily prices appear only when current pricing is available.
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Flights & arrival
How to get to Alaska
Most small-ship voyages start in Juneau (JNU), Sitka (SIT), Ketchikan (KTN) or Seattle (SEA).
JNU
Flight gateway
Juneau International
Connect through a US gateway such as Seattle. Juneau has no road connection to the wider highway network; confirm the local harbour transfer and arrive a day early.
SIT
Flight gateway
Sitka Rocky Gutierrez
Connect via Seattle or Anchorage (ANC); Juneau is reachable only by air or sea. Confirm the onward flight or harbour transfer from Sitka Rocky Gutierrez with your operator before booking.
KTN
Flight gateway
Ketchikan International
Fly to Ketchikan and allow time for the airport ferry crossing before your onward harbour transfer. Plan an overnight in the embarkation town.
SEA
Flight gateway
Seattle–Tacoma International
Connect via Seattle or Anchorage (ANC); Juneau is reachable only by air or sea. Confirm the onward flight or harbour transfer from Seattle–Tacoma International with your operator before booking.
ANC
Flight gateway
Anchorage · Ted Stevens
The usual starting point for Lake Clark. Most international travellers connect through a North American hub; in summer some seasonal services run. From Anchorage a regional air taxi or bush flight continues to the park in about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Connections & onward transfers
Onward journey
Connect via Seattle or Anchorage (ANC); Juneau is reachable only by air or sea.
Before departure
Plan one night in the embarkation town before departure.
Arrive early, protect your departure
We recommend reaching the embarkation town at least one day before departure. Allow more time for remote destinations, separate flights, ferries or long transfers, and follow any earlier arrival or briefing required by your operator.
- Confirm the embarkation town, harbour meeting point and check-in time before buying flights.
- Ask which airport transfer, ferry or domestic connection is included in the cruise.
- Book flexible connections where possible and allow extra time for remote routes.
- The airports listed are alternatives for different routes, not confirmed flights for this ship. Check the port, meeting time and transfers in your final travel documents.
Flight schedules and entry requirements change. Confirm current arrangements with your operator before booking.
Before you set sail
A little preparation makes a big difference
Pack for the landings
- Grippy walking shoes and suitable footwear for wet landings
- Sun hat, high-protection sunscreen and refillable water bottle
- Light rain jacket and a wind layer for boat transfers
- Binoculars and a camera, with no flash around wildlife
- Personal medication and motion-sickness advice before departure
Respect the destination
- Follow local guides, landing permissions and protected-area rules
- Keep the required distance from wildlife and avoid nesting or resting areas
- Never feed or touch animals; do not collect natural objects
- Clean footwear and equipment before sensitive island landings
- Respect local dress, community invitations and photography permission
Discuss health, mobility and dietary needs before choosing a route. Remote areas may have limited medical facilities; travel insurance should cover your activities and any necessary evacuation.
Good to know
Alaska cruise questions
When is the best time for a Alaska cruise?
Long daylight, bears fishing for salmon at river mouths, active glacier calving and the best chance of dry weather for tundra walks and kayak outings. May and September bring fewer ships, migrating whales and autumn colour, but cooler, wetter days on shore. The climate chart describes Juneau; conditions elsewhere on the route can differ.
Which Alaska route should I choose?
Inside Passage: De routes langs Juneau, Sitka en Ketchikan combineren beschutte wateren met boswandelingen. Zuidoosten met focus op gletsjers: Kies een reis met gegarandeerde toegang tot Glacier Bay of een bezoek aan Tracy Arm als gletsjers jouw prioriteit hebben. Buitenkust van Alaska: Sitka en de onbeschutte eilandkusten bieden andere leefgebieden, met een grotere kans op deining.
Are shore excursions included?
Check the inclusions and actual day-by-day program. Visits such as Glacier Bay or Tongass National Forest require the right route; park entry, transfers and optional activities may cost extra.
What wildlife can I see in Alaska?
The region supports species such as Bultrug, Grizzlybeer, Amerikaanse Zeearend. Different species use different habitats; not every animal occurs at every port. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
Not necessarily, but uneven paths, steps and wet transfers can be demanding. Ask about the exact walking distances, terrain and assistance before choosing your voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Weather, sea state, tides, ice, permits and wildlife protection can change landings. Your captain and expedition team determine safe alternatives.
What entry documents do I need for Alaska?
Your cruise visits the United States. Visa requirements, electronic travel authorisations and passport-validity rules depend on your nationality and travel documents. Check the current official guidance linked below, including transit-country rules, before travelling.Official entry guidance
When should I arrive before the cruise?
Reach the confirmed embarkation town at least one day early, or earlier if your operator requires briefing nights. Allow extra time for domestic flights, ferries and remote gateways.