Southeast Alaska Cruise

Pre-Cruise

Each Southeast Alaska itinerary comes complete with a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay in Juneau, providing you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area. Arrive the day before your scheduled cruise date and American Cruise Lines will handle the rest. 

Pre-Cruise Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.

Excursions & Entertainment

• 1-Night Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay
  1-Night Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay

  Enjoy a premium hotel stay, a guided exploration of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier and 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.

  Pre-Cruise Hotel Stays must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.

   

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Day 1 - Juneau, AK / Mendenhall Glacier

Arrive a day before your cruise begins to maximize your time exploring Juneau and viewing the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier, one of the most beautiful glaciers in North America.

Downtown, enjoy unique shops, excellent museums, and native heritage sites. Ride the enclosed tramway up the steep mountainside for spectacular views of forested islands, quiet coves, and rugged coastal mountains.

As you depart the dock, keep an eye out for whales, renowned for their abundance in the area.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Mendenhall Glacier & Juneau City Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
  Mendenhall Glacier & Juneau City Exploration - Complimentary Excursion

  On this tour through the city of Juneau, your guide will share the colorful history of Juneau's gold rush era and point out buildings of historical significance. As the tour takes you away from downtown Juneau, experience the wonders of nature with breathtaking views of Mendenhall Glacier. At its widest point, this glacier is an impressive half a mile wide, with ice about 1,000 feet deep. This tour will stop at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where you can discover the mystery behind this magnificent geological phenomenon from an unobstructed vantage point. Further explore this towering glacier along one of its many nature trails and witness the grandeur of this impressive feat of nature, before returning to the ship's gangway.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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• Welcome Aboard
  Welcome Aboard

  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.

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Day 2 - Haines, AK

Nestled at the northern end of the Lynn Canal, the mountains rise steeply from the shoreline and seem to wrap around Haines. Along a river on the edge of town, view the bears that regularly feed on salmon.

Bald eagles are the stars of more than 260 species of birds in the adjacent Chilkat Valley. Enjoy a variety of activities, including a guided wildlife expedition, a private kayaking and rafting tour, or a visit to bald eagle rehabilitation center.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Raft Excursion
  Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Raft Excursion

  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

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• Historic Haines Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
  Historic Haines Exploration - Complimentary Excursion

  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: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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• Discover Haines Exploration Shuttle - Complimentary Excursion
  Discover Haines Exploration Shuttle - Complimentary Excursion

  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

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• Valley of the Eagles Nature & Wildlife Expedition - Complimentary Excursion
  Valley of the Eagles Nature & Wildlife Expedition - Complimentary Excursion

  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

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• Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Adventure
  Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Adventure

  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

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Day 3 - Glacier Bay, AK

There is no place in the world quite like Glacier Bay National Park. The park sprawls majestically over 3.3 million acres of dynamic topography. Thousands of glaciers descend toward the bay, which is surrounded by the Fairweather Mountain Range, known to collect more than 200 feet of snow annually.  

American Cruise Lines is one of a few cruise lines allowed privileged access into this natural wonder. Savor a day cruising through this 60-mile bay as you delight in the diverse and stunning surroundings. Sip on cocoa as the ship floats beneath massive glaciers. Gaze in amazement at hundreds of seals hauled out on floating icebergs and massive chunks of ice breaking off and collapsing into the water. Enjoy awe-inspiring sights as your onboard presenter shares stories about the unique aspects that make this place so remarkable.

From the comfort of your private balcony, watch for abundant marine and shoreside wildlife, including otters, seals, sea lions, black and brown bears, mountain goats, and many birds. 

Excursions & Entertainment

• Interpretive Glacier Bay Program - Complimentary Excursion
  Interpretive Glacier Bay Program - Complimentary Excursion

  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

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Day 4 - Petersburg, AK

As your ship docks in Petersburg, admire the surrounding mountains which rise to the sky, white and gleaming. Founded more than 100 years ago by Norwegian fishermen, Petersburg is an authentic Alaskan fishing town, with most families making their living from the sea. Be warmly welcomed by locals and excursion guides who are proud to share the treasures of their hometown and honor the culture of those who first settled here.   

For a spectacular view, take a flightseeing excursion and soar over massive glaciers, majestic valleys, and mystic bays. Explore the charming shops and quaint museums of downtown or hike along the waterfront to enjoy the surrounding wilderness. Charter a fishing boat for the afternoon in the adjacent Frederick Sound or delight in a jet boat adventure to nearby LeConte Glacier Bay.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Private Fishing Charter
  Private Fishing Charter

  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

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• LeConte Glacier Flightseeing Experience
  LeConte Glacier Flightseeing Experience

  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

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• Petersburg Walking Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
  Petersburg Walking Exploration - Complimentary Excursion

  Explore this vibrant fishing town on a walk led and narrated by our local guide. View the scenic waterfront adorned with boats, both new and weathered, and stroll along the historic streets lined with homes decorated with flowery Norwegian Rosemåling. Along the way, learn about the early settlers, Sons of Norway Hall, Sing Lee Alley, commercial fishing, and the Norwegian heritage of Petersburg.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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• Discover Petersburg Exploration Shuttle - Complimentary
  Discover Petersburg Exploration Shuttle - Complimentary

  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

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• Petersburg Dock Walk - Complimentary Excursion
  Petersburg Dock Walk - Complimentary Excursion

  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 discussion of various fishing boats, methods of fishing, permits, processing and more.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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• LeConte Glacier Jet Boat Adventure
  LeConte Glacier Jet Boat Adventure

  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

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• Haa Aani Walking Experience
  Haa Aani Walking Experience

  Lead by your native Alaskan guide, explore the Ohmer Creek Trailhead. As you hike through this scenic spruce and hemlock forest, learn about the native people and their dependency on local plants and animals for medicinal and household purposes. Admire the views, as well as a wide array of bird species, as you walk over a beaver pond via a floating bridge. Stop at the local Fish Hatchery and explore a boardwalk trail before returning to town.

  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

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• Rosemaling Paint Workshop
  Rosemaling Paint Workshop

  Gather at the Historic Sons of Norway Hall for an interactive painting class. Try your hand at Rosemaling, or tole-painting, the decorative folk painting of Norway. The Muskeg Maleriers, the local tole-painting group, will lead you through the steps to create your very own keepsake medallion that you’ll be able to take home with you.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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Day 5 - Cruising the Wrangell Narrows

Cruising between Wrangell and Petersburg, the ship travels through the Wrangell Narrows – a deep and narrow waterway which resembles a fjord with steep and verdant shorelines gliding alongside the ship. Delight in a tasty snack and beverage as you nestle in to admire the scenic landscapes.

Bask in stunning views of glaciers, strings of cascading waterfalls, and wildlife ranging from marine mammals to a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and seabirds. Enjoy activities with your ship staff, listen to an enlightening presentation from the guest speaker, and sample the chef’s regional creations.
 
 

Excursions & Entertainment

• A Day of Cruising
  A Day of Cruising

  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.

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Day 6 - Wrangell, AK

Wrangell’s cozy little bay offers a broad view of the attractive town and along the long valley descending from the backdrop of coastal mountains. To the north of town, the Stikine River empties into the ocean in braided rivulets across a wide delta. Salmon runs attract wildlife and observation areas enable you to safely watch eagles, seals, black bears, and brown bears feasting on the spawning fish.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a jet boat ride up the river, an important route during the Gold Rush. On your exploration of the town, savor the flavors of fresh salmon and halibut, participate in native Tlingit culture, or stop and pick from the wild bushes of blueberries and huckleberries.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Wrangell Experience - Complimentary Excursion
  Wrangell Experience - Complimentary Excursion

  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

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• Stikine River Jet Boat Adventure - Complimentary Excursion
  Stikine River Jet Boat Adventure - Complimentary Excursion

  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

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Day 7 - Tracy Arm, AK / Sawyer Glacier

This day of cruising offers an array of scenic highlights as our small ship meanders the narrow channel of the Tracy Arm Fjord. Throughout the 25-mile journey, the waterway averages only about a mile wide, framed by steep vertical cliffs stretching more than 3,000 feet high. Pockets of valleys reveal views of larger, snow-capped peaks featuring mountainsides adorned with ancient forest and swaths of sparkling glaciers. 

Hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the cliffs and tumble into the water. The miraculous journey is further heightened as the ship arrives at the faces of the stunning twin Sawyer Glaciers that once combined to carve out this incredible waterway. Seals lounge with their young on small ice floes. During glacier viewing, the crew prepares a delicious hot-chocolate bar with an array of toppings and liqueurs.

The area is almost unchanged since naturalist John Muir visited in 1879 and described this special place as "shut in by sublime cliffs, nobly sculptured, and adorned with waterfalls and fringes of trees, bushes, and patches of flowers." 

Excursions & Entertainment

• One-of-a-Kind Hot Chocolate Bar
  One-of-a-Kind Hot Chocolate Bar

  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

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Day 8 - Juneau, AK

After an exciting adventure exploring the best of Alaska, end your journey where it began, in Juneau. Enjoy breakfast on board before departing the ship. You may decide to stay longer in this enchanting destination, brimming with incredible wildlife viewing, shopping, eateries, and breweries. 

Excursions & Entertainment

• Continue the Journey
  Continue the Journey

  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.

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