Alaskan Explorer Cruise
Juneau, AK to Juneau, AK
Set sail on the 12-day Alaskan Explorer Cruise, where every moment brings you closer to the wild heart of the Last Frontier. Experience Alaska’s expansive beauty and rich history as our intimate cruise ships navigate waters that immerse you in the region’s grandeur. From your private balcony, marvel at the towering Mendenhall Glacier, a testament to Earth’s raw power. In Sitka, local guides share stories of Tlingit traditions and Russian influence, deepening your connection to the land’s heritage. Wrangell offers a thrilling jet boat ride through narrow waterways, while Petersburg lets you experience the satisfaction of reeling in a fresh catch. As you sail through Tracy Arm Fjord, dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls create unforgettable memories. This journey is Alaska at its purest—powerful, unfiltered, and deeply moving, offering a connection to the spirit of exploration that defines this incredible land.
Upcoming Dates & Fares
Itinerary
Map & Itinerary Overview
Admire the abundant wildlife and spectacular glaciers from your private balcony. Guests visit Tracy Arm Fjord, Mendenhall 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
Settle into your hotel and prepare to explore the heart of Juneau. Downtown, you'll find an array of unique shops offering local crafts and souvenirs, and excellent museums like the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and the Alaska State Museum showcasing the impactful culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. From nearly any point in Juneau, you can see the Mendenhall Glacier in the distance, a stunning expanse of ice that glows in the Alaskan sun.
Day 2 - Afternoon of Cruising
Get settled in after embarkation and keep a keen eye on the horizon as you depart the dock, for these waters are renowned for their abundance of whales. With luck, you may catch sight of these magnificent creatures breaching the surface. Unpack in your stateroom—the largest in the industry—and join us for an array of onboard activities. Don’t miss cocktail hour and our engaging entertainment for the night.
Day 3 - Haines, AK
Hidden between the towering peaks of the Chilkat Range and the deep blue waters of the Lynn Canal, Haines is a picturesque town known for its stunning natural beauty and extensive history. Once a trading post for the Tlingit people and later a key site during the Klondike Gold Rush, Haines offers a unique glimpse into Alaska’s past. Our expert guides will help you navigate this port and unveil its history. We’ll also escort you through the “Valley of the Eagles” where you can see Chilkoot Valley’s active wildlife.
Day 4 - Glacier Bay, AK
Step into the profound beauty of Glacier Bay National Park, spanning 3.3 million acres. As your small ship glides through the 60-mile bay, cozy up with a warm cup of cocoa from our signature hot chocolate bar and be awed by the towering glaciers framing the snow-capped Fairweather Mountain Range.
American Cruise Lines is among the privileged few granted access to this extraordinary place. Enjoy the serene landscape with seals lounging on floating icebergs and the thrilling spectacle of glacier calving, where colossal ice chunks crash into the water. An onboard presenter will enrich your experience with engaging stories and fascinating facts about this remarkable region. Glacier Bay National Park is truly a spectacle unlike any other.
Day 5 - Day of Cruising the Inside Passage
Wake up to the misty beauty of Alaska from your private veranda. Enjoy expert-led talks, workshops, and marine life sightings, all while our attentive crew ensures your comfort. Relax in spacious lounges, watching landscapes shift, or spot wildlife like humpback whales, orcas, and bears onshore. Let the journey unfold.
Day 6 - Sitka, AK
This charming coastal town is set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and towering mountains. Known for its history as the former capital of Russian America, Sitka features landmarks like St. Michael's Cathedral, the first Orthodox cathedral in the New World. The town offers breathtaking views of Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano rising from the sea, and the tranquil waters of Sitka Sound shimmering under the Alaskan sun. Explore the Sitka National Historical Park, where you can see totem poles standing tall amidst forests and walk trails that weave through ancient spruce and hemlock trees.
Day 7 - Cruising the Inside Passage & Frederick Sound
After several days of thrilling adventures, take a day to unwind and rejuvenate as you cruise through Alaska's stunning landscapes. Glide through fjords carved by glaciers, flanked by mountains that tower over 15,000 feet, creating a dramatic and unforgettable backdrop. Pass by countless islands, each draped in dense, emerald forests right down to the shoreline. Every second is a postcard-worthy moment along the Inside Passage and Frederick Sound.
Your captain will skillfully navigate the ship to offer the best close-up views of the abundant marine life, including whales, sea lions, seals, porpoises, and puffins. As you cruise along this calm waterway, its wildlife becomes a part of your journey.
Day 8 - Petersburg, AK
Known as "Little Norway," Petersburg is a charming town on Mitkof Island with a long Norwegian history and a bustling fishing industry. The town's harbor is packed with commercial fishing vessels, processing the freshest salmon, halibut, and crab you'll ever taste. Surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest, Petersburg offers stunning natural beauty with its dense spruce and hemlock trees. You can spot humpback whales breaching in the nearby waters and bald eagles swooping down to catch fish right in front of you.
Day 9 - Wrangell, AK
Established in 1834 as a Russian trading post, it is one of the oldest non-Native settlements in Alaska, with a rich history reflected in sites like the Chief Shakes Tribal House and Petroglyph Beach, where ancient rock carvings tell stories of the Tlingit people. Surrounded by the pristine waters of the Inside Passage and thick forests, the landscape is dominated by the stunning Stikine River, North America's fastest free-flowing navigable river. Adventure awaits with opportunities for a jet boat ride on the Stikine River and exploring the untouched beauty of the Anan Wildlife Observatory, where you can watch as black and brown bears feast on salmon.
Day 10 - Cruising the Wrangell Narrows
Feast your eyes on awe-inspiring glaciers, cascading waterfalls that shimmer like silver threads, and a rich tapestry of wildlife, including playful marine mammals and a variety of shorebirds and seabirds.
Day 11 - Tracy Arm, AK
Tracy Arm Fjord’s 25-mile passage features towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Seals rest on ice floes near the twin Sawyer Glaciers. The crew serves hot chocolate as you glide through this wilderness, "shut in by sublime cliffs, nobly sculptured," as John Muir described.
Day 12 - Juneau, AK
You’ve seen some of Alaska’s most remarkable landmarks on this journey. When you arrive back in Juneau, join us for one last breakfast on board.
Enjoy a premium hotel stay, a guided exploration of the city of Juneau, and transportation to the ship. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.
As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.
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
Enjoy a historic walking tour led by a local guide who will give you an insider’s look at life in this small Alaskan town. Start at Fort William H. Seward, the first permanent Army base in Alaska. Learn about the rich history of the Chilkat Valley, including the pre-contact days of the Tlingit, the arrival of the missionaries, the US Army and Ft. Seward period, as well as more modern times. Admire the views from Officer’s Row, and visit Soap Suds Alley and the Parade Grounds. Explore the famous Hammer Museum, one of the prime attractions on Main Street. Hear stories about local controversies and the challenges of remote Alaskan living.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
Knowledgeable and experienced local naturalists will guide you through the "Valley of the Eagles" to take in Alaska's nature and wildlife in six different wildlife habitats: ocean, estuary, river, lake, muskeg, and rainforest. Nestled between rugged glaciers and snow-capped mountains, the fertile Chilkoot Valley provides you with the potential to observe a wide variety of wildlife including brown bears, bald eagles, whales, seals, and river otters.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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. This daily shuttle runs on a continuous loop.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
As you make your way to the Chilkat River to begin your rafting excursion, take a scenic riverside drive along Haines Highway, declared A National Scenic Byway. Witness glacier-clad mountains thrust to the sky, colorful wildflowers line the road, and green riverside channels that provide habitat for moose, bear, and trumpeter swans. After boarding your raft, enjoy a rapid-free, scenic float down the Chilkat River through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home of the world's largest concentration of bald eagle. Paddling is not required, as your expert guide will push the raft along, explaining the natural history of the area, the Chilkat Indian heritage, and fun facts about bald eagle ecology.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.
Activity Level: Low | 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
Welcome to Southeast Alaska’s first distillery, which 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. Discover the art and science that goes into creating small-batch, hand-crafted spirits in the heart of the Inside Passage. Starting from the deck of a 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 excursion-exclusive sample of Wrackline Rye Whiskey straight from the barrel. Receive a souvenir shot glass and 10% off store merchandise.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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 the American Constellation. 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, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.
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
Delight in the opportunity to get within 25 feet of Alaska's distinctive brown bears in a natural set against the Tongass National Forest. View three populations of bears and observe their unique personalities from a large, covered viewing platform, indoor balcony windows, or ground level windows. Meet experienced naturalists as they share their love and knowledge of this often feared, yet most revered creature of the forest. Learn the challenges faced when rescuing these incredible giants.
Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: Partial
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
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
In the company of a small group of fellow American Cruise Lines guests, enjoy a half day of fishing aboard the “First Choice” fishing charter. Admire the scenic splendor of southeast Alaska as you enjoy the thrill of the catch. All equipment is provided and you will even be able to keep your delicious catch to ship home.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No
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. Running daily on a continuous loop.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
Delight in a jet boat adventure 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.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No
Your exploration begins on your motorcoach ride to Falls Creek and Blind River Rapids trailhead, two local hangouts. Along the way, your driver and guide, born and raised in the area, will tell tales of life in a small Alaskan town. Enjoy the short drive through “Little Norway,” the downtown of Petersburg, and continue the drive “out the road,” as locals call it. 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.
Continue to Blind River Rapids trailhead. Upon arrival, walk along a quarter-mile boardwalk which allows your feet to stay dry as you observe the rapids and the local ecosystem. View muskeg, the favorite skunk cabbage of bears, Alaska wildflowers and berries, as well as lodgepole pines. As the rapids are a popular spot for fishing and salmon viewing, your guide will explain the various types of salmon found in the area. Keep an eye out for bald eagles which are also a common sighting.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial
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.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No
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.
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Activity Level: High | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
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: No
Enjoy world class fishing in the Pacific Ocean along the famed Inside Passage of Alaska. Experience spectacular scenery in protected nearby calm waters while fishing for a multitude of sought after species including salmon, halibut or rockfish. Our trip is “Captain's Choice” for best chances for catching! This is an exclusive experience for a small number of anglers to give you the best opportunity to catch a bounty of fish. Fishing licenses, tags, gear, tackle, and bait are provided. Snacks and beverages will be provided during the experience. For guests that would like the fish shipped to their home, the captain can help organize this at the expense of the guest.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 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 Tracy Arm. There is a sense of excitement as you anticipate the next waterfall, mountain goat, or bear, on your way to the crystal blue glacier.
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes
Why not stay an extra night or two to immerse yourself in the spirit of this vibrant city? Ask your onboard Hotel Manager for recommendations on area hotels, attractions, and more.