Alaskan Explorer 2026 Cruise
Juneau, AK to Juneau, AK
The 12-day Alaskan Explorer Cruise follows a route shaped by centuries of exploration, trade, and survival. These waters once carried Tlingit canoes, Russian fur traders, and prospectors bound for the Klondike.
Begin in Juneau, which offers an introduction to the region’s natural history and Indigenous traditions. Continue to Sitka, once the capital of Russian America, where domed churches still stand beside Tlingit houses. Walk through Sitka National Historical Park to see hand-carved totem poles that mark centuries of artistry and perseverance.
In Wrangell, venture by jet boat along the Stikine River, a route once navigated by John Muir in 1879 during his survey of Alaska’s glacial systems. Petersburg reflects the Norwegian fishing traditions that took root here in the late 1800s, and the surrounding waters often reveal humpback whales, sea lions, and bald eagles drawn to the rich feeding grounds of the Inside Passage.
Throughout the journey, local experts share how Alaska has evolved—from a remote frontier to a region defined by enduring cultural identity and a deep connection to its environment. Each day offers a new perspective on the Inside Passage shoreline, where history and wilderness continue to shape one another.
Upcoming Dates & Fares
Itinerary & Excursions
*Exact itinerary & excursions will vary by cruise date
Map & Itinerary Overview
Admire the abundant wildlife and spectacular glaciers from your private balcony. Guests visit Wrangell, Dawes Glacier, Petersburg, and more. One of the most unique experiences offered on our Alaskan Explorer cruise is exclusive access to Glacier Bay National Park.
Day 1 - Juneau, AK
Your journey begins with a hotel stay and guided exploration of Juneau. We handle every detail, from luggage transfers to port transportation, so you can relax and enjoy the voyage ahead.
Day 2 - Afternoon of Cruising
Participate in a Juneau City Exploration which concludes at the ship, a fitting introduction to Alaska’s capital city and frontier spirit. Then, step aboard your ship alongside the crew and fellow guests to begin your voyage north along Alaska’s coastal waterways.
Day 3 - Haines, AK
Haines sits where the Lynn Canal narrows between steep mountain walls. Join an eagle-watching expedition through the Chilkat Valley, where more than 200 species of birds thrive. Paddle the quiet waters of Chilkoot Lake or taste history at Southeast Alaska’s first distillery.
Day 4 - Glacier Bay, AK
A designated World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay is one of Earth’s grandest living laboratories. American Cruise Lines is among the few granted access to these protected waters. From the deck, watch immense glaciers meet the sea as harbor seals rest on floating ice. Onboard naturalists interpret each sight with insight into the park’s evolving ecosystems and the centuries of Indigenous presence that long preceded exploration. Guests may also experience a guided hike along forest trails or visit Glacier Bay Lodge within the national park.
Day 5 - Day of Cruising the Inside Passage
From your private balcony, view the expansive landscapes of the Inside Passage. On board, join presentations led by naturalists who interpret glacier movement, wildlife behavior, and regional history. Evenings bring a nightly cocktail hour and lively Alaska-focused local entertainment.
Day 6 - Sitka, AK
Once the capital of Russian America, Sitka remains a place where Alaska’s layered history is easy to see and feel. The 1867 transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place here on Castle Hill, a landmark still overlooking the harbor.
Excursions bring that history to life. At Sitka National Historical Park, walk forested trails lined with Tlingit totem poles marking the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka. Visit the Alaska Raptor Center to observe rehabilitated bald eagles and learn about ongoing wildlife conservation. The Historical Sitka exploration highlights landmarks like St. Michael’s Cathedral and local museums, while the Fortress of the Bears offers a close look at rescued brown bears in a natural habitat unique to this part of Southeast Alaska.
Day 7 - Cruising the Inside Passage & Frederick Sound
As the ship glides through Frederick Sound, watch the horizon for wildlife and endless mountain views. Participate in presentations with onboard naturalists who share insight into the humpback whales breaching nearby and the cultural history of the next port along Southeast Alaska’s coastline.
Day 8 - Petersburg, AK
Founded by Norwegian fishermen, Petersburg remains a working harbor where tradition meets innovation. Explore its docks and canneries or venture out on a guided flightseeing or jet boat excursion for sweeping views of the LeConte Glacier. In town, stroll through “Little Norway” and continue “out the road,” as locals say, to Falls Creek Waterfall, where salmon often gather in this Southeast Alaska fishing community.
Day 9 - Wrangell, AK
Once governed by four different nations, Wrangell holds one of Alaska’s most layered histories. Visit Petroglyph Beach to see ancient carvings etched into the rocks or join a jet boat trip up the Stikine River—a vital corridor during the Gold Rush. A local expert will guide you through the botanical wonders of Tongass National Forest, home to some of the world’s oldest temperate trees and part of Southeast Alaska’s vast rainforest ecosystem.
Day 10 - Cruising the Wrangell Narrows
Watch glaciers that have shaped Alaska’s coastline for thousands of years, waterfalls fed by ancient ice, and wildlife once essential to the survival of Indigenous communities—seals, sea lions, and the seabirds that still follow these same migration routes today.
As your ship moves through the Wrangell Narrows, observe this narrow channel of Southeast Alaska, lined with navigation markers that guide vessels through its winding path.
Day 11 - Endicott Arm, AK / Dawes Glacier
Journey through Endicott Arm, a fjord formed by ancient glacial movement and defined by granite cliffs that rise steeply from the water’s edge. As the ship travels deeper into the channel, narrow streams tumble from the cliffs, and harbor seals rest on drifting ice. Humpback whales and bald eagles are often seen nearby, drawn by the nutrient-rich waters of the fjord.
At the far end, Dawes Glacier comes into view—a massive tidewater glacier that descends from the Stikine Icefield. When ice breaks free and falls into the sea, the sound rolls through the valley, a vivid reminder of Alaska’s ongoing transformation.
Day 12 - Juneau, AK
Enjoy breakfast on board before heading home from Alaska’s capital city, where your voyage concludes.
Enjoy a 1-night hotel stay, breakfast, and transportation to the ship. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.
As you board the ship, be welcomed by the crew who will ensure that every detail of your journey is seamless. Take the time to meet fellow travelers, share stories, and immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of small-ship cruising.
From panoramic deck views to thoughtfully designed lounges, every corner of the ship offers a chance to relax, socialize, and prepare for the memorable adventures that await.
Begin with a narrated scenic drive through downtown Juneau on your way to the Alaska State Museum. Housed in a striking new building, the museum combines the collections from the former Alaska State Museum and the Alaska State Library Archives. In a modern glass architectural environment, the museum, referred to as SLAM, displays artifacts, photographs, and documents detailing Alaska's rich history. Peruse exhibits highlighting the country's original inhabitants, natural history, occupation by Russia, and eventual purchase and statehood. Art and artifacts of the Alaska Native collections as well as the state's maritime and gold rush history will also be on display.
Next, it’s off to Brotherhood Bridge for a photo stop. Your guide will point out highlights of Alaska's capital city and tell stories of its rich history. Upon arrival at the bridge, stand at the foot of the Mendenhall River as your guide explains the glacial nature of this valley and shares stories about the significance of this bridge to the Native people. Witness the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier off in the distance. This monumental river of glistening ice towers is 1 1/2 miles in height, hundreds of feet thick and the only glacier accessible by road in Southeast Alaska.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
Knowledgeable and enthusiastic naturalists will guide you through the "Valley of the Eagles" to experience Alaska's magnificent nature and wildlife in 5 different wildlife habitats (ocean, estuary, river, lake, and rainforest) via coach. The fertile Chilkoot Valley provides an abundance of potential wildlife highlights including bald eagles, mountain goats, salmon, harbor seals, migratory birdlife, and brown bears. This exploratory journey is a great opportunity to photograph the stunning scenery and wildlife in their natural habitat. Before or after the nature exploration, enjoy a visit to the American Bald Eagle Foundation, a raptor center, natural history museum, and gift shop.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
This convenient shuttle will transport you from the ship to the center of Haines and back. At your leisure, explore the rich history, scenic beauty, and vibrant culture of this enchanting Alaskan town. Wear your lanyard for complimentary access to the Haines Sheldon Museum and the Hammer Museum, a small museum tracing the global history of the hammer.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial
Discover the beauty and history of Haines on this scenic electric bike exploration. Visit historic Fort Seward and learn about its unique past, then ride along the Chilkat River flats with time for a short walk and wildlife viewing. Enjoy several photo stops, including at Picture Point, with stunning views of the mountains and waterways. This experience offers a wonderful overview of the Chilkat Peninsula, traveling through charming neighborhoods, along the river, through town, and toward the Lutak Inlet.
Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: No
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Enjoy a scenic float down the Chilkat River through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home of the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles. There are no rapids on this trip, the idea is to immerse yourself in the Alaskan wilderness, floating along the silent river. Along the way, your professional guide will explain the natural history of the area, Chilkat Indian heritage, and fun facts about bald eagle ecology. Don’t leave your camera behind on this Alaskan adventure.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
Sea kayaking is a great way to explore the scenic wonders of Alaska. Outfitted with the proper gear, you will soon be gliding silently along the shores of the pristine Chilkoot Lake. The tour begins with a seaside drive to Chilkoot Lake State Park which features a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, a turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and important Tlingit cultural sites. Keep an eye out for wildlife; bald eagles, brown bear, and migratory birds, all of which are often seen here. Arrive at the lake, take in the scenery and board your sea kayak. This lake is uncrowded, and the scenery is spectacular. Huge waterfalls spill off of the cliffs surrounding the lake, lush green forests line the shore, and wildlife abounds.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.
Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: No
Travel to Southeast Alaska’s first distillery, set within the historic district of Fort Seward. Port Chilkoot Distillery has a quintessential Alaskan story; one of trailblazing, determination, creativity, and community. Get a peek behind the curtain at some of the Last Frontier’s favorite spirits made on-site. Starting from the deck of the beautifully renovated historical building that now houses the Tasting Room, learn the history of the distillery, visit the production space and barrel room, and try the spirits in cocktails or flights, including an exclusive sample of Wrackline Rye Whiskey straight from the barrel. Delight in a cocktail or five-spirit tasting flight, and receive a souvenir shot glass, and 10% off store merchandise. Come be a part of the story as you learn about the art and science that goes into creating small-batch, hand-crafted spirits in the heart of the Inside Passage.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
The marine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is like no place else on earth. The park includes magnificent glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains, abundant wildlife, and miles of pristine coastline. Experience all of Glacier Bay’s beauty from the comfort of your ship. A National Park Service Ranger will board the ship for the day and will provide expert narration as we cruise through Glacier Bay, identifying wildlife including orcas, humpback whales, brown bears, and bald eagles. Your tour will include a stop at a majestic tidewater glacier where you may hear the sounds of a calving glacier. American Cruise Lines has also made special arrangements to have an Huna Tlingit Cultural Interpreter join us on board who will share with you the fascinating human history and family stories of Glacier Bay’s native clans and people.
ADA Accessible: Yes
Nestled within Glacier Bay National Park, Bartlett Cove serves as a stunning gateway to the breathtaking wilderness of the area. Stretch your legs and go for a morning hike along the forest trails of this serene cove. View wildlife including seals, sea lions, and diverse bird species as you enjoy a picturesque backdrop of towering mountains and lush forests. Visit the Glacier Bay Lodge and have a bite to eat or explore the bookstore and second-floor exhibits depicting the natural and cultural wonders of Glacier Bay.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial
There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails), Trivia, Game Shows, and more.
Explore the Visitor Center and trails of this beautiful location which preserves the site of a battle between invading Russian traders and indigenous Tlingit peoples. A unique totem pole collection from Tlingit and Haida areas line the park's scenic trail. Interpretive displays and knowledgeable rangers offer insights into the cultural and historical significance of the conflict and the surrounding landscape. As you walk the trails, experience the natural beauty of the coastal rainforest while reflecting on the resilience of the Native communities.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes
Each year the Alaska Raptor Center takes in and treats hundreds of injured birds, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Observe wild eagles in the final stage of rehabilitation in the massive Bald Eagle Flight Training Center and learn about raptor natural history, habitats, and conservation. Explore the outdoor sanctuary which is a dramatic temperate rainforest setting and peruse the onsite gift shop.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
Enjoy a narrated ride making stops at:
- Sheldon Jackson Museum - Founded in 1888, this fascinating museum presents an exceptional assortment of Alaska Native artifacts. Explore the unique collection that is housed in Alaska's first concrete structure, now on the National Register of Historic Places.
- The Sitka Historical Society and Museum – Learn the human history of Sitka and the surrounding areas, reflected in the breadth and variety of the museum’s collections and archives. With over 8,000 three-dimensional artifacts, several hundred paintings, and an extensive collection of photographs and documents from 1740s until present day, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
- Russian Bishop's House - Constructed in the 1840s, the Russian Bishop's House served as the residence for Russian Orthodox bishops and is one of the few remaining examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. It also served as the administrative headquarters for Russian Orthodox missionary efforts in Alaska. As you explore this restored building, step back into history and learn what it was like to live in Sitka during the Russian-American period.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
Explore Sitka at your leisure by taking this convenient shuttle into town. This shuttle will bring you to Harrigan Centennial Hall, home of the Sitka Historical Society and walking distance to many shops and museums.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
Climb aboard a de Havilland Beaver floatplane and visit LeConte, Alaska’s southernmost tidewater glacier. During your 45-minute flight, fly over your ship at the dock and across Frederick Sound to LeConte Glacier Bay, where you can view the beautiful blue icebergs and hanging glaciers below, as well as seals and birds which inhabit the fjord.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.
Petersburg’s location is in the heart of southeast Alaska, making it ideal for major industry commercial fishing. Led by local fishermen and fishery biologists, enjoy a one hour narrated dock walk through Petersburg’s boat harbors. Enjoy
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
This convenient shuttle allows you to discover Petersburg independently as you shop and stroll through this charming fishing town. At your leisure, explore this island community which continues to make a living from the sea. Wear your lanyard for complimentary access to the Clausen Museum, dedicated to the preserving the histories of those who have lived and worked in Petersburg and the surrounding areas.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial
Delight in an adventure aboard an enclosed jet boat to nearby LeConte Glacier Bay, the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Enter the narrow Fjord and watch for seals and eagles on the icebergs, mountain goats near the hanging glaciers and the creation of icebergs falling off the face of the glacier. Along the way, your captain/guide will provide engaging commentary about all you are witnessing.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.
Your driver and guide, born and raised in Southeast Alaska, will explain life in this small town. Enjoy the short drive through the community to Sandy Beach Park, where you can explore, take photos, and hear about the local history of this park. Continue along Sandy Beach Road to the Whale Observatory at Outlook Park, a covered viewing area offering fixed binoculars to look for humpback whales and native birds. Board your motorcoach and drive "out the road" as locals call it. Along the way, learn interesting facts about growing up in small town Alaska.
Pass canneries and the Alaska Marine Lines yard, where all goods coming into Petersburg arrive. Stop at Falls Creek Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall and salmon fish ladder, where you can learn about the life cycle of salmon, their role in the local environment, and their importance on the local economy. On your way back to town, view muskeg, the favorite skunk cabbage of bears, as well as Alaska wildflowers and berries, and lodgepole pines. You will return to the ship after some time well spent with a true local of Petersburg.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
Discover the highlights of this truly Alaskan town and see its colorful history and native culture come to life while visiting the Petroglyph State Historic Site and the Wrangell Museum with its 5,000+ historic photos, native artifacts, Tlingit Petroglyphs, and fishing, mining and logging displays.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
The Stikine River – the fastest navigable, free-flowing river in North America – is truly a photographer’s dream. Enjoy the picturesque scenery and massive glaciers while searching for a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, brown and black bear, and the bald eagle.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
At the Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view Alaskan wildlife, even wild bears, up close. Travel by a covered, heated boat on a beautiful journey to Anan in the protected waters between Wrangell Island and the Mainland. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by US Forest Service personnel, who will provide a brief orientation.
Next, an expert guide will lead you to Anan Creek’s observation deck, providing commentary about the local flora and fauna along the way. From the observation deck, you can view black and brown bears, bald eagles, and harbor seals in their natural habitat as they feed on spawning pacific salmon, just a few feet away. With the earliest pink salmon run of the season, this creek draws Alaska’s predators to fish within close parameters of each other, a rare occurrence in the wild. A photo blind is located directly on Anan Creek below the observation deck where guests can take up-close photos of the bears and eagles catching fish.
Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: Yes
Only Available on Select Dates.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Experience the beauty of nature on this botanical rainforest walk. This easy, well maintained nature trail is an incredible way to see, touch, and learn about all the botanical wonders that the Tongass National Forest holds. The walk takes you through several different terrains including meadows, a forest, and the beautiful, yet mysterious muskeg. Your expert guide will identify and explain all the plants and wildlife that are native to this area, describing plants that are beneficial to us and which ones to stay away from. Discover how wildlife thrives in this lush forest, home to many species of endangered and rare flora and fauna.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
In a covered, heated jet boat, embark on a captivating journey through the pristine wilderness of Alaska's Eastern Passage to the renowned Anan Wildlife Observatory, a haven for wildlife during the salmon spawning season. While it is off-peak season, there's still a chance to encounter a bear or other fascinating creatures.
Your expert local guide will provide insightful commentary on the surrounding forest and shoreline, as you keep an eye out for wildlife and marine mammals. Learn about the rich history of the Alaska Native people and their connection to this historic fish camp. Disembark for a hike along the scenic trail to the observation area. After your hike, relax on board and enjoy a refreshing snack
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
Only Available on Select Dates
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.
After a short drive to the trailhead, set out on a scenic hike that begins on a gentle gravel path before transitioning to a boardwalk and stairs. As you climb Mt. Dewey, your knowledgeable local guide brings the landscape to life, pointing out native plants and sharing stories that reveal the area’s rich natural and cultural history.
At the summit, you will be treated to a breathtaking overlook above Wrangell, offering sweeping views of Zimovia Strait, an unforgettable perspective you can only experience on this hike. Along the way, hear fascinating tales of John Muir, the legendary naturalist and preservationist, including the story of the bonfire he built that amazed the Tlingit people of Wrangell. After taking in the views, your guide will lead you on a relaxed, scenic walk back toward the ship, rounding out a hike that blends history, nature, and unforgettable scenery.
Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: No
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Indulge yourself at our one-of-a-kind Hot Chocolate Bar on the sun deck as our onboard naturalist provides expert commentary on the beautiful scenery of Endicott Arm. There is a sense of excitement as you anticipate the next waterfall, mountain goat, or bear, on your way to the crystal blue Dawes Glacier.
Why not stay an extra night or two to immerse yourself in the spirit of this vibrant city? Ask your onboard Hotel General Manager for recommendations on area hotels, attractions, and more.