Alaska’s Inside Passage: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
Cruise Overview
Alaska Cruise | Alaska’s Inside Passage: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea 2026 & 2027
Experience the wilderness of Tongass National Forest with your knowledgeable Expedition Team.
Witness nature’s power first-hand with three days of glacier exploration in our small expedition boats.
Learn about Łingít and Kwakwaka’wakw culture from the Indigenous villages while visiting native communities in Alaska and British Columbia.
Wild Alaskan adventure
Sail from Seward to Vancouver on this expedition cruise through the southeast region of Alaska. Famed for its incredible scenery, our route takes us into Prince William Sound and Icy Bay, and we’ll be on the lookout for wildlife species along the way as diverse as orcas, whales, bears and Bald Eagles. Activities such as kayaking, hiking and expedition boat cruising will bring you into close contact with nature.
Uncover deep-rooted history
Seeking out culture, just as much as nature, will be our aim as we experience a warm welcome from the local native peoples of Klawock and Alert Bay. Here, we’ll see an impressive collection of totem poles and watch a Kwakwaka’wakw dance performance by the T’sasala Cultural Group. We’ll also explore historic Haines, framed by the mighty Chilkat and Takshanuk Mountains, as well as the immense Tongass National Forest before ending our journey in British Columbia’s Vancouver.
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Itinerary
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A first taste of awesome Alaska
Day 1
A first taste of awesome Alaska
Enjoy a drive through spectacular scenery
After arriving at the airport in Anchorage you’ll enjoy a scenic drive to Seward. Our route goes through the Kenai Peninsula, considered by Alaskans and visitors alike to be some of the world’s most awe-inspiring backcountry scenery. The transfer will take you through this stunning scenery as we wend our way to the Pacific coast where our expedition ship awaits.
Our embarkation point, Seward, is the only deep-water ice-free port with road, rail and air connections to Alaska’s interior. Once you board MS Roald Amundsen, settle in and take your time to get to know the ship before listening to the safety briefing. Your adventure is underway!
To get the most out of your stay, we recommend joining our optional Pre-Programme.
Tidewater glaciers of Prince William Sound
Day 2
Tidewater glaciers of Prince William Sound
Get ready to experience nature’s raw power
Today is a day all about glaciers. Prince William Sound is home to 150 of these amazing rivers of ice, including 17 incredible tidewater glaciers. Your Captain will choose the best location for the day based on the conditions.
We’ll get as close to the glaciers as we safely can, taking our small expedition boats into the fjord or even exploring by kayak if conditions permit. From the water, you might catch sight of humpback whales, Bald Eagles, otters and harbor seals, all of which inhabit this icy wilderness.
Glaciers of Icy Bay
Day 3
Glaciers of Icy Bay
Spot wildlife in these glacier-fed waters
Today is an exploration day in Icy Bay. Three glaciers – Guyot, Yahtse and Tyndall – each feed ice into the bay’s waters to give it its name. If conditions allow, you’ll explore in our small expedition boats or by kayak, immersing you in the remarkable beauty of this icy landscape.
From Icy Bay, you can admire striking, jagged Mt. St Elias. Known for its steep vertical relief, it is the second tallest peak in the US and third tallest in the US and Canada at over 18,000 ft.
In the Gulf of Alaska, we’ll scout for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters and harbour seals which are often seen in these waters.
Icy Strait expedition day
Day 4
Icy Strait expedition day
Embrace the thrill of wild Alaska
Today is another day of exploration as we sail into Icy Strait and take a closer look at some of the islands and islets. As ever – we will gauge the weather and other conditions to decide upon the best location.
Using our expedition boats, we may get close to some of the rocky shores here, with the possibility of a landing and nature walk. The coast in this region grows more rugged the closer we get to the open sea, with rocky pinnacles and sea caves galore.
In the evening we’ll pass by Point Adolphus, located on the northern tip of Chichagof Island across from Glacier Bay National Park. The nutrient-rich waters are known for attracting humpback whales and other marine life, so be sure to get out on deck and have your camera ready.
Łingít crafts in Haines
Day 5
Łingít crafts in Haines
Discover a flourishing artistic heritage
Near the head of the Lynn Canal lies the frontier town of Haines, which was originally home to the Chilkat Łingít people. They are renowned for their weaving skills, with mountain goat fur and cedar bark woven into intricate designs, and here, you’ll see excellent examples of their work.
Haines has a flourishing art scene, with galleries and workshops showcasing totem carvings, silverwork and sculptures. Taking home some Alaskan arts and crafts is a great way to support local creators. The beautiful landscapes here are also ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Southeast Alaska exploration day
Day 6
Southeast Alaska exploration day
Witness ancient forests and abundant wildlife
Explore Alaska in true expedition style on today’s exploration day in this magical corner of the Inside Passage. This is an area where old-growth forest dominates, meaning there’s abundant wildlife and a spine-tingling feeling of wild nature.
Conditions permitting, we’ll take to the water in our small expedition boats and seek out secluded coves and thickly forested shorelines. Try and catch a glimpse of some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, including bears, Bald Eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and moose. If it’s safe to do so, we might land and explore the shore.
Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm
Day 7
Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm
See the lesser-known gems of Holkham Bay
Holkham Bay is home to two beautiful fjords – Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm. Our aim is to visit either of the two, depending on the changing ice conditions. The Captain will decide which offers better exploration options on the day, but in either case, we can expect jaw-dropping scenery and bountiful opportunities for spotting wildlife.
At the end of each fjord, fresh icebergs calve from the glaciers against a stunning backdrop of rocky cliffs. This area is a breeding ground for harbour seals, who are often seen on the floating ice. You might also see whales, bears and even mountain goats, so keep your camera at the ready.
Fjords of Southeast Alaska
Day 8
Fjords of Southeast Alaska
Explore the scenic bays of Chatham Strait
Start your day looking out for whales in the pristine waters of Frederick Sound. Today is an exploration day, so the Captain and Expedition Team will use their expertise to choose the best destination.
We might take to the water in our expedition boats and investigate the secluded coves and forested shorelines of the 150-mile-long Chatham Strait, or perhaps opportunities for kayaking will present themselves if the conditions are right. Wherever we explore, keep a lookout for wildlife as Bald Eagles, bears and humpback whales can be spotted in this region.
The totems of Klawock
Day 9
The totems of Klawock
Discover Klawock’s Native heritage
Today we visit Klawock, beautifully situated on the western shore of Prince of Wales Island. The small town has a population of around 700 and is known for its array of totem poles.
A centre for Łingít culture, the original name of the island was 'Taan' meaning sea lion. At the Totem Park you’ll see 21 exquisitely carved examples, some of them replicas of the originals that stood in the winter village of Tuxecan.
Revel in a wilderness where wildlife thrives
Day 10
Revel in a wilderness where wildlife thrives
Venture deep into a beautiful and wild realm
Part of the Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords is a pristine wilderness of evergreen trees, roaring waterfalls and snowcapped peaks. The revered naturalist John Muir described the area as one of the most beautiful places he’d ever seen.
Weather permitting, you'll join the Expedition Team to tour Misty Fjords in our small expedition boats, or explore in a kayak.
Misty Fjords is rich in wildlife. As we explore, scan the shores and forests for black and brown bears, as well as moose. These waters are home to Pacific salmon, otters, Steller sea lions, harbour seals, orcas and Dall’s porpoises. Skywards, you might spot herons and Bald Eagles.
Canada’s Inside Passage
Day 11
Canada’s Inside Passage
See sublime scenery as we sail the Inside Passage
The Inside Passage coastal route takes us through the great North American Pacific Fjordland, a protected stretch of water over 930 miles long.
Our smaller expedition ship allows us to reach areas that larger vessels can’t, meaning you’ll get to explore lesser-travelled channels with breathtaking scenery. Keep your cameras and binoculars at the ready to catch sight of whales, including humpback, fin, minke and perhaps even orca. In Princess Royal Channel keep a lookout for the elusive Kermode Bear.
Meet the Kwakwaka’wakw
Day 12
Meet the Kwakwaka’wakw
Receive a warm welcome in Alert Bay
We arrive at Alert Bay, a scenic village on Cormorant Island, north of Vancouver Island. Here we'll have the opportunity to meet and learn from the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations community – to be welcomed by them is a real privilege.
At the U'mista Cultural Center, you'll see elaborate totem poles, paintings, carvings, ceremonial masks and other meaningful artifacts
The island’s sheltered waters attract a huge array of wildlife the Yellow-billed Loon, with its distinctive speckled back, is a particular highlight. Keep an eye out for orcas and humpback whales close to shore.
A taste of Vancouver
Day 13
A taste of Vancouver
Disembark in British Columbia’s iconic city
Your expedition ends in Vancouver, a beautiful city at the foot of the Rockies. Wander Gastown, Vancouver’s Victorian quarter or walk around beautiful Stanley Park, which offers a view of the city and a glimpse of the stunning nature you’ll see on the voyage.
Vancouver has a flavour all its own – and so does its global cuisine. Before your onward journey, we recommend you dine out in Chinatown, Punjabi Market or Little Italy for a taste of the city's buzzing atmosphere.
What's included
Transfers
- Transfer from the airport in Anchorage to the ship in Seward, including English-speaking guide
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home
- Wind and waterproof expedition jacket
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our knowledgeable Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Centre, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
- Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and other necessary equipment for activities. Your HX travel documents will have a recommended packing list.
- Expedition photographer on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight departure from Anchorage an overnight might be needed
What's not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
Excursions & Activities
Learn more about what you can experience when going with us