The Canadian and Alaska Inside Passage is a place of myth and majesty—a labyrinth of fjords, islands, and glacial valleys carved by time and tide. But for the discerning traveler, the true magic lies not just in the postcard views, but especially in the intimate, authentic encounters that few ever experience.

Tips for Truly Connecting with Alaska

• Travel off the beaten path. Choose a travel itinerary that includes lesser-traveled ports for a more authentic experience. Select a blend of these hidden gems with classic Alaska ports to ensure a balanced blend of famed traveler favorites and immersive, unique exploration found away from the crowds.

• Go with guides who know the land. Traveling with experts and naturalists like glaciologists and ornithologists can reveal layers of meaning in what you see—from the behavior of a sea lion to the true history behind a glacier’s name.

• Choose excursions that prioritize access and intimacy. The best way to experience the remote beauty of Alaska is by water. Smaller groups and up-close modes of travel (like kayaks or Zodiacs) allow for richer experiences and better wildlife viewing.

• Be open to the unexpected. Weather, wildlife, and tides shape every journey in Alaska. Flexibility often leads to the most memorable moments.

Small-Group Expedition-Style Experiences with Seabourn

Guided by Experts, Curated by Mother Nature

Our Expedition Team doesn’t just guide the way—they open your eyes. With a select team of naturalists, scientists, and historians by your side for the entire voyage, their insights ensure you will never look at the Last Frontier the same way again.

Expedition curious? Alaska’s Optional Ventures by Seabourn® excursions are the best way to dip your toe in expedition travel. It is easy to imagine yourself kayaking through the still waters surrounding Antarctica or in a custom 6-person submarine launching from the ship in the South Pacific once you’ve stepped out of your comfort zone and into these immersive, expert led experiences.

Unique Destinations, Authentic Experiences

• Exploring the Inian Islands: Accessible only by water, the Inian Islands are a haven for marine life. Here, the currents of Cross Sound funnel nutrients into the ecosystem, attracting humpback whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, and a dazzling array of birdlife, just to name a few. Welcome to a place where puffins dive, eagles soar, and few people get to experience.

• Hiking the Rainbow Falls Trail: In Wrangell, Alaska, the Rainbow Falls Trail winds through a temperate rainforest rich in both natural and cultural history. Guided hikes along the boardwalk reveal moss-draped trees, rushing creeks, and the namesake waterfall, all while sharing stories of the region’s indigenous heritage and ecological significance. It’s a gentle adventure with deep roots.

Insider Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for itineraries with rarely traveled destinations for a more unique experience. Seabourn is one of the very few cruise lines that provides the opportunity to explore the Inian Islands by Zodiac or kayak and to visit Wrangell to name just a few.

Scenic Viewing, Unscripted

• Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm: These misty fjords offer a front-row seat to Alaska’s tidewater glaciers. Home to icy giants—Sawyer Glacier and Dawes Glacier—are known for their dramatic calving events, where massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the sea. From water level, the scale is breathtaking, and the silence between the echoes is unforgettable.

• Hubbard Glacier: Imagine paddling through still waters, surrounded by floating ice and the towering face of Hubbard Glacier, North America’s largest tidewater glacier. The cliffs rise up to 400 feet, and the only sounds are the creak of ancient ice and the dip of your paddle. It’s a meditative experience—one that invites reflection as much as awe.

Did you know? Seabourn offers glacier viewing on every dedicated Alaska sailing, and hosts more scenic cruising in Alaska than any other cruise line; which means more time for you to take in beautiful landscapes from our spacious open deck or your suite’s private veranda.

Whether you're drawn to the quiet power of glaciers or the vibrant pulse of marine life, Seabourn’s Alaska means front-row seats to nature’s greatest show.