What do I need to pack for Alaska?

Be prepared for diverse weather and wildlife encounters - with a mixture of thin and warm layers, waterproof/hiking trousers and a pair of sturdy walking shoes.

When is the best time to visit Alaska?

The best time for an Alaska expedition cruise is during the summer months (End of May to August) when mild weather, extended daylight, and abundant wildlife create optimal conditions for exploration and adventure.

How do you get to Alaska?

Flying to Alaska is easy with a number of international carriers flying through either Seattle or Vancouver for a short layover. Depending on the expedition you choose, we have some internal flights included in your voyage.

One of the joys of an Expedition Cruise is that there is no 'typical day'. Flexibility is crucial when exploring Alaska, as conditions can be unpredictable, and the safety of passengers and crew is the top priority. We aim to provide a mixture of landings, optional and included excursions, and activities both onshore and onboard - so whatever the reasons for coming to Alaska, we have a range of opportunities to immerse yourselves into the culture, nature, and wildlife of America's wild frontier.

Although our expedition ships are small, there are even some limits on where they can reach - this is where our small expedition boats come in. Where the conditions allow, these smaller boats allow us to land on more rugged or remote locations, or simply to cruise along the coastline in search of the unique wildlife that call this home.

Once we arrive onshore, the real exploration begins. For those who want more of an active exploration, you can take to the water in our sea kayaks and paddle through ocean passages, and iceberg lagoons. When we visit Alaskan communities, local guides will teach you about the history and culture of the areas they call home.

Please Note: Actual activities & excursions are subject to availability.

The onboard Science & Education team will help you unlock your inner scientist with a range of hands-on experiences to better understand the world around you - from researching the microplastics and their impact on marine life to meteorological observations in partnership with NASA. We work closely with organisations, research institutions, universities, and scientists to support and assist in ongoing research through the use of Citizen Science Projects that you can get involved with.

Citizen science projects offer passengers a unique opportunity to actively contribute to scientific research whilst experiencing the unique environment of Alaska. Run by the Science team, we encourage guests to take part in hands-on data collection and observation, providing valuable information for scientific research and environmental monitoring. When you get onboard, speak to a member of our Expedition Team who will be able to provide more information about the projects taking place on board your ship.

Wilderness, Glaciers and Culture | 15 Days

Also available as both a north and southbound sailing, as the name would suggest, this is the best voyage for experiencing the rich and vibrant culture of Alaska.

Sailing from Vancouver to Seward, this itinerary offers multiple opportunities to get ashore, where you can join a range of cultural excursions including the Petroglyph beach of Wrangell, traditional crafts in Haines, or the totems of Sitka.

Inside Passage, Bears and Aleutian Islands | 19 Days

Available as both a North and Southbound sailing, this voyage takes you the full length of the rugged Alaskan coastline from Vancouver to Nome.

By sailing beyond the popular ports in the south of Alaska and into the wilderness, this route travels off the beaten track and provides the most exceptional opportunities to view Alaska's diverse wildlife, including bears, whales, eagles, and more.

Alaska is the largest state (by land mass) in the United States, and due to its size, the weather can vary dramatically by region and season.

One of the best times to visit Alaska is during the summer months of May to September. Whilst the summer season may be short in comparison to other destinations, temperatures can exceed 70oF (21oC) or drop below 50oF (10oC), especially in the northern regions or near glaciers, so ensure you are prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Summer is also one of the best times to witness the breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife. Many wildlife sightings in Alaska vary throughout the summer; Peak humpback whale season is usually June through early September, while peak coastal brown bear season is typically July through September when the salmon are running. Wildflowers are best viewed from mid-June through August.

On either side of summer (spring and fall), the conditions can be a bit more varied - warm during the day but cold at night. If you are joining a fall/autumn sailing you will be welcomed by the vibrant colours of Alaska's tundra and mountain forests. While it is possible to see the Aurora Borealis in Alaska for much of the year, the light conditions are far more favourable later in the year, further from the summer solstice, as the nights begin to get darker.

The majority of our voyages sail in part through the Inside Passage, a stunning landscape famed for soaring mountains, and the Tongass National Forest - North America's northernmost temperate rainforest. This part of Alaska is heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the conditions coming off the open seas and experiences significant rainfall throughout the year.

Alaska is the wild frontier of the United States of America, offering adventure and excitement around every headland, island, and bay. The climate in this region can be quite variable, so to ensure you are well prepared for everything you could experience within Alaska we recommend you pack the following:

Don't forget you will also receive a reusable waterproof bottle, which is yours to keep at the end of the voyage.

Located in the Northwest of North America - many flights to Alaska include a layover/transfer at either Seattle-Tacoma International Airport or Vancouver International Airport.

Depending on the expedition you choose to undertake, we have included within the cost of your ticket return flights between Vancouver and Nome (port of departure) which are operated by different Canadian or US airline partners. They usually depart from Vancouver early in the morning and arrive at Vancouver in the evening upon return.

Please note: that this luggage allowance can differ from the airline you use for your feeder flight to/from Vancouver. We kindly ask you to check your flight baggage terms and conditions and confirm you are within all luggage allowances. We are unable to accept responsibility if you miss your own booked flight to/from Vancouver in the event of a delay of the flight between Vancouver and Nome.