Alaskan Explorer Cruise • 12 Days • Round Trip From Juneau
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Round Trip
Photo Opportunities, Alaska
Mount Roberts Aerial Tramway, Juneau, Alaska
View from the Brotherhood Bridge, Juneau, Alaska
Dock at Haines, Alaska, USA
Sun deck & putting green, American Constellation
Glacier Bay, Alaska
Bald Eagle, America
Katmai National Park, Alaska
Wrangell Narrows, Alaska
Petersburg, Alaska
American Constitution Cruise Ship, American Cruise Lines
American Constellation, Alaska Cruise Ship, American Cruise Lines
Juneau, Alaska

Alaskan Explorer Cruise

12 day Coastal Cruise – from £8099

With flights from £8749

Embark on a captivating 12-day Alaska cruise, roundtrip from Alaska’s capital, Juneau. Explore the rugged beauty of Haines, witness the majestic scenery and wildlife of Glacier Bay, delve into the native history of Sitka.

Highlights:
  • Cruise into the awe-inspiring Glacier Bay National Park
  • Discover the island community of Sitka
  • Experience the “Valley of the Eagles” on a guided tour from Haines
  • View hundreds of waterfalls that cascade into Tracy Arm Fjord

Your Itinerary

Expand All

You can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or activities before or after your Alaska cruise. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Mount Roberts Aerial Tramway, Juneau, Alaska

Day 1 – Welcome to Juneau

On arrival in Juneau, you can make your way to your downtown hotel and settle in…

On arrival in Juneau, you can make your way to your downtown hotel and settle in before getting ready to explore.

For the best views around Juneau head to the Mount Roberts Aerial Tramway. Reaching an elevation of 1800 feet, the ride provides stunning views of the city, Gastineau Channel, and surrounding landscapes. Once at the top, visitors can explore several hiking trails of varying difficulty, or you can visit the Mountain House visitor centre that includes a nature centre with displays about the local wildlife and ecosystems.

Back in downtown Juneau you can wander through charming streets filled with shops offering local arts and crafts, jewellery, and souvenirs. You can also take a tour of the Alaskan Brewing Company, to learn more about the brewing process and sample a variety of their craft beers.

    Juneau Hotel

Mount Roberts Aerial Tramway, Juneau, Alaska
View from the Brotherhood Bridge, Juneau, Alaska

Day 2 – Sailing from Juneau

This morning there is time to enjoy a tour of the Glacier Gardens and Brotherhood Bridge…

This morning there is time to enjoy a tour of the Glacier Gardens and Brotherhood Bridge before boarding your ship.

Nestled alongside Thunder Mountain, Glacier Gardens is a stunning combination of flowered pathways and temperate rainforest. Upon arrival, be greeted by a staff member who will escort you through the colorful lower garden that features amazingly designed landscapes and a cascading stream.

From the Brotherhood Bridge you will have a great view of the Mendenhall Valley and, depending on the weather, you may also be able to see the Mendenhall Glacier in the distance. The bridge itself represents a bridging of the gap between Native and Non-Native people in the area.

The tour concludes at the dock where you can board your ship and settle in to your cabin. You will also be invited to a welcome reception, where there is a chance to meet the crew and your fellow passengers.

    All Inclusive
View from the Brotherhood Bridge, Juneau, Alaska
Dock at Haines, Alaska, USA

Day 3 – Haines

Nestled at the northern end of the Lynn Canal, the town of Haines appears to be…

Nestled at the northern end of the Lynn Canal, the town of Haines appears to be enveloped by the steep mountains that rise up from the shoreline.

During your stop here you can explore the town and meet the locals, choose to kayak across Chilkoot lake, or visit the local distillery to taste some whiskey and other spirits.

We also recommend following one of the local naturalists in an excursion to the “Valley of the Eagles”. The valley is hope to six different wildlife habitats: ocean, estuary, river, lake, muskeg, and rainforest. There is potential to view a wide variety of wildlife in the valley, including brown bears, bald eagles, whales, seals, and river otters.

    All Inclusive
Dock at Haines, Alaska, USA
Sun deck & putting green, American Constellation

Day 4 – Cruising the Inside Passage

Enjoy a relaxing day of cruising along the famous Inside Passage route,made up of sheltered waters…

Enjoy a relaxing day of cruising along the famous Inside Passage route,made up of sheltered waters protected by a series of island chains that stretch from Alaska to Washington State.

Thousands of humpback whales migrate for the nutrient-rich waters, as do orcas, sea lions, seals, dolphins, and porpoise. Watch for gliding or breaching whales, or even an incredible sighting of “bubble-net feeding” as the whales work to feed in tandem. Along the shoreline, you may also spot black and brown bears as well as Sitka black-tailed deer.

As you travel you will be able to relax in the comfortable onboard lounges, or on the sun deck. You will also be able to join talks given by local naturalist and historians who will be able to add more colour to the scenery passing by.

    All Inclusive
Sun deck & putting green, American Constellation
Glacier Bay, Alaska

Day 5 – Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of the most stunning natural…

Glacier Bay National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of the most stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife in Southeast Alaska.

As your ship navigates through the bay, you’ll see towering glaciers, such as Margerie and Johns Hopkins Glaciers, calving icebergs into the pristine waters below. The park’s dramatic scenery includes rugged mountains, lush temperate rainforests, and deep fjords, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your journey.

Keep your eyes peeled for marine mammals like humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and harbour seals, which are commonly seen in the bay’s nutrient-rich waters.

Beyond the marine life, the shores and skies of Glacier Bay are also home to a variety of wildlife. You might spot brown and black bears foraging along the coastline, mountain goats perched on steep cliffs, and bald eagles soaring overhead. Birdwatchers will delight in the abundance of seabirds, including puffins and murres.

    All Inclusive
Glacier Bay, Alaska
Bald Eagle, America

Day 6 – Sitka

Sitka is a picturesque coastal town rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Located on the…

Sitka is a picturesque coastal town rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Located on the slopes of Baranof Island, it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.

Local museums feature artifacts and exhibits about the area’s long and rich history as an ancestral home of the Tlingit natives, the capital for Russia’s fur-trading enterprise, and the site of the formal transfer from the Russian empire to the United States on October 18, 1867.

The Alaska Raptor Centre provides a fascinating insight into local marine and bird life, and as they rehabilitate injured birds of prey, there is a good chance to of seeing a Bald Eagle up close.

There is also the chance to visit “Fortress of the Bear” view orphaned brown bears in similar habitat to their own on the edge of the Tongass National Forest. Local naturalists will help you identify each of the bears as you watch from a large covered viewing platform.

    All Inclusive
Bald Eagle, America
Katmai National Park, Alaska

Day 7 – Wrangell

Located within a bay on the island of the same name, the town of Wrangell is…

Located within a bay on the island of the same name, the town of Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska, with roots tracing back to the native Tlingit people. During your visit you can explore Petroglyph Beach, home to ancient rock carvings, or visit the Wrangell Museum to learn about the town’s storied past.

To the north of the town, the Stikine River reaches the ocean across a wide and shallow delta. Every year salmon return and swim from the river delta upstream to spawn. This salmon run attracts wildlife such as eagles, seals and both black and brown bears to feast on the fish.

You can choose to visit the Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view Alaskan wildlife up close. You will 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 harbour seals in their natural habitat as they feed on spawning pacific salmon, just a few feet away.

    All Inclusive
Katmai National Park, Alaska
Wrangell Narrows, Alaska

Day 8 – Cruising the Wrangell Narrows

Whilst cruising between Wrangell and Petersburg, the ship travels through the Wrangell Narrows. This deep and…

Whilst cruising between Wrangell and Petersburg, the ship travels through the Wrangell Narrows. This deep and narrow waterway resembles a fjord with steep and shorelines gliding past alongside the ship.

From the sundeck or your private balcony you will be able to witness glaciers, strings of cascading waterfalls, and wildlife ranging from marine mammals to a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and seabirds. To compliment this you will also be able to join presentation from guest speakers with a thorough knowledge of the area.

    All Inclusive
Wrangell Narrows, Alaska
Petersburg, Alaska

Day 9 – Petersburg

As your ship docks in Petersburg, admire the surrounding mountains which rise to the sky, white…

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.

You can explore this fishing town on a walk led and narrated by our local guide. You will be able to  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, commercial fishing, and the Norwegian heritage of Petersburg.

There are also options to try your hand at fishing, join a coach tour to Falls Creek and Blind Rapids or even climb aboard a floatplane for a bird’s eye view of Le Conte Glacier.

    All Inclusive
Petersburg, Alaska
American Constitution Cruise Ship, American Cruise Lines

Day 10 – Frederick Sound

Frederick Sound is situated between Kupreanof Island to the north and the mainland of Alaska. It…

Frederick Sound is situated between Kupreanof Island to the north and the mainland of Alaska. It runs for 40 miles and features rugged coastlines, lush temperate rainforests, and majestic snow-capped mountains. Icebergs from nearby glaciers can sometimes be seen floating in the sound, adding to the dramatic scenery.

Frederick Sound has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples, particularly the Tlingit, for thousands of years, however it was named by British explorer George Vancouver in honour of Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, during his expedition in the late 18th century.

    All Inclusive
American Constitution Cruise Ship, American Cruise Lines
American Constellation, Alaska Cruise Ship, American Cruise Lines

Day 11 – Tracy Arm Fjord

Today your ship will meander along the narrow channel of the Tracy Arm Fjord. Throughout the…

Today your ship will meander along 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.

    All Inclusive
American Constellation, Alaska Cruise Ship, American Cruise Lines
Juneau, Alaska

Day 12 – Farewell from Juneau

After an exciting adventure exploring the best of Alaska, end your journey where it began, in…

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 could choose the complementary transfer to the airport to continue your Alaska holiday or return home. Alternatively you may like to spend some more time in Juneau. Please speak to your travel consultant about the available options.

    All Inclusive
Juneau, Alaska

Your Itinerary

You can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or activities before or after your Alaska cruise. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Day 1

|

Welcome to Juneau

On arrival in Juneau, you can make your way to your downtown hotel and settle in before getting ready to explore.

For the best views around Juneau head to the Mount Roberts Aerial Tramway. Reaching an elevation of 1800 feet, the ride provides stunning views of the city, Gastineau Channel, and surrounding landscapes. Once at the top, visitors can explore several hiking trails of varying difficulty, or you can visit the Mountain House visitor centre that includes a nature centre with displays about the local wildlife and ecosystems.

Back in downtown Juneau you can wander through charming streets filled with shops offering local arts and crafts, jewellery, and souvenirs. You can also take a tour of the Alaskan Brewing Company, to learn more about the brewing process and sample a variety of their craft beers.

    Juneau Hotel

Mount Roberts Aerial Tramway, Juneau, Alaska

Day 2

|

Sailing from Juneau

This morning there is time to enjoy a tour of the Glacier Gardens and Brotherhood Bridge before boarding your ship.

Nestled alongside Thunder Mountain, Glacier Gardens is a stunning combination of flowered pathways and temperate rainforest. Upon arrival, be greeted by a staff member who will escort you through the colorful lower garden that features amazingly designed landscapes and a cascading stream.

From the Brotherhood Bridge you will have a great view of the Mendenhall Valley and, depending on the weather, you may also be able to see the Mendenhall Glacier in the distance. The bridge itself represents a bridging of the gap between Native and Non-Native people in the area.

The tour concludes at the dock where you can board your ship and settle in to your cabin. You will also be invited to a welcome reception, where there is a chance to meet the crew and your fellow passengers.

    All Inclusive
View from the Brotherhood Bridge, Juneau, Alaska

Day 3

|

Haines

Nestled at the northern end of the Lynn Canal, the town of Haines appears to be enveloped by the steep mountains that rise up from the shoreline.

During your stop here you can explore the town and meet the locals, choose to kayak across Chilkoot lake, or visit the local distillery to taste some whiskey and other spirits.

We also recommend following one of the local naturalists in an excursion to the “Valley of the Eagles”. The valley is hope to six different wildlife habitats: ocean, estuary, river, lake, muskeg, and rainforest. There is potential to view a wide variety of wildlife in the valley, including brown bears, bald eagles, whales, seals, and river otters.

    All Inclusive
Dock at Haines, Alaska, USA

Day 4

|

Cruising the Inside Passage

Enjoy a relaxing day of cruising along the famous Inside Passage route,made up of sheltered waters protected by a series of island chains that stretch from Alaska to Washington State.

Thousands of humpback whales migrate for the nutrient-rich waters, as do orcas, sea lions, seals, dolphins, and porpoise. Watch for gliding or breaching whales, or even an incredible sighting of “bubble-net feeding” as the whales work to feed in tandem. Along the shoreline, you may also spot black and brown bears as well as Sitka black-tailed deer.

As you travel you will be able to relax in the comfortable onboard lounges, or on the sun deck. You will also be able to join talks given by local naturalist and historians who will be able to add more colour to the scenery passing by.

    All Inclusive
Sun deck & putting green, American Constellation

Day 5

|

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of the most stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife in Southeast Alaska.

As your ship navigates through the bay, you’ll see towering glaciers, such as Margerie and Johns Hopkins Glaciers, calving icebergs into the pristine waters below. The park’s dramatic scenery includes rugged mountains, lush temperate rainforests, and deep fjords, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your journey.

Keep your eyes peeled for marine mammals like humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and harbour seals, which are commonly seen in the bay’s nutrient-rich waters.

Beyond the marine life, the shores and skies of Glacier Bay are also home to a variety of wildlife. You might spot brown and black bears foraging along the coastline, mountain goats perched on steep cliffs, and bald eagles soaring overhead. Birdwatchers will delight in the abundance of seabirds, including puffins and murres.

    All Inclusive
Glacier Bay, Alaska

Day 6

|

Sitka

Sitka is a picturesque coastal town rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Located on the slopes of Baranof Island, it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.

Local museums feature artifacts and exhibits about the area’s long and rich history as an ancestral home of the Tlingit natives, the capital for Russia’s fur-trading enterprise, and the site of the formal transfer from the Russian empire to the United States on October 18, 1867.

The Alaska Raptor Centre provides a fascinating insight into local marine and bird life, and as they rehabilitate injured birds of prey, there is a good chance to of seeing a Bald Eagle up close.

There is also the chance to visit “Fortress of the Bear” view orphaned brown bears in similar habitat to their own on the edge of the Tongass National Forest. Local naturalists will help you identify each of the bears as you watch from a large covered viewing platform.

    All Inclusive
Bald Eagle, America

Day 7

|

Wrangell

Located within a bay on the island of the same name, the town of Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska, with roots tracing back to the native Tlingit people. During your visit you can explore Petroglyph Beach, home to ancient rock carvings, or visit the Wrangell Museum to learn about the town’s storied past.

To the north of the town, the Stikine River reaches the ocean across a wide and shallow delta. Every year salmon return and swim from the river delta upstream to spawn. This salmon run attracts wildlife such as eagles, seals and both black and brown bears to feast on the fish.

You can choose to visit the Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view Alaskan wildlife up close. You will 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 harbour seals in their natural habitat as they feed on spawning pacific salmon, just a few feet away.

    All Inclusive
Katmai National Park, Alaska

Day 8

|

Cruising the Wrangell Narrows

Whilst cruising between Wrangell and Petersburg, the ship travels through the Wrangell Narrows. This deep and narrow waterway resembles a fjord with steep and shorelines gliding past alongside the ship.

From the sundeck or your private balcony you will be able to witness glaciers, strings of cascading waterfalls, and wildlife ranging from marine mammals to a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and seabirds. To compliment this you will also be able to join presentation from guest speakers with a thorough knowledge of the area.

    All Inclusive
Wrangell Narrows, Alaska

Day 9

|

Petersburg

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.

You can explore this fishing town on a walk led and narrated by our local guide. You will be able to  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, commercial fishing, and the Norwegian heritage of Petersburg.

There are also options to try your hand at fishing, join a coach tour to Falls Creek and Blind Rapids or even climb aboard a floatplane for a bird’s eye view of Le Conte Glacier.

    All Inclusive
Petersburg, Alaska

Day 10

|

Frederick Sound

Frederick Sound is situated between Kupreanof Island to the north and the mainland of Alaska. It runs for 40 miles and features rugged coastlines, lush temperate rainforests, and majestic snow-capped mountains. Icebergs from nearby glaciers can sometimes be seen floating in the sound, adding to the dramatic scenery.

Frederick Sound has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples, particularly the Tlingit, for thousands of years, however it was named by British explorer George Vancouver in honour of Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, during his expedition in the late 18th century.

    All Inclusive
American Constitution Cruise Ship, American Cruise Lines

Day 11

|

Tracy Arm Fjord

Today your ship will meander along 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.

    All Inclusive
American Constellation, Alaska Cruise Ship, American Cruise Lines

Day 12

|

Farewell from Juneau

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 could choose the complementary transfer to the airport to continue your Alaska holiday or return home. Alternatively you may like to spend some more time in Juneau. Please speak to your travel consultant about the available options.

    All Inclusive
Juneau, Alaska

This Cruise Includes

11 nights’ onboard your chosen Alaska Coastal Cruiser
Daily breakfast and dinner
Daily shore excursions
Evening entertainment

Flights & More

Lean more about the ships operating this cruise:

Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.

They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for.

Next Step

Please get in touch with our America Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

Alaskan Explorer Cruise

12 day Coastal Cruise – from £8099

With flights from £8749

All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room, and include meals where shown. Please call Freedom Destinations for departure dates and availability. Seasonal variations may apply.

Map

Alaskan Explorer Cruise, Route Map

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