Alaska Small Ship Overnight Cruises

Alaska Small Ship Overnight Cruises...

Small ship cruise ships without expansive lounges, pools, multiple decks and hundreds of passengers and staff provide an alternative to the larger vessels plying Alaska’s waters. These boats while providing a high level of comfort travel at a more leisurely pace, enter small bays and passages and allow for greater chances to view wildlife. Many will anchor in serene bays at night allowing passengers to bird watch, view marine mammals and make beach excursions.

Most of the companies listed below have professional naturalists on board which greatly enhances the passengers experience. They will also accompany passengers on shore for nature walks and historic interpretation. These boats are able to visit the smaller, Alaskan communities and limit their impact due to less passengers being on board.

Choose your eco and cultural tourism provider by activity or location through AWRTA's PLAN YOUR TRIP database.

Recommended Publications...

Alaska by Cruise Ship - The Complete Guide to Cruising Alaska
1999. Anne Vipond. Provides information on choosing your cruise, ports of call, brief history of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, natural history, wildlife, Native culture and a description of select locations in Alaska.

Alaska - The Cruise Lover's Guide
1998. Paul & Audrey Grescoe. A companion guide while small ship cruising. Covers Alaska’s Inside Passage, shore trips, key attractions by community and historic highlights of the 49th state.

Alaska's Inside Passage Traveler
1999. Ellen Searby. This book focuses on visiting Alaska and British Columbia using the ferry system. The author who worked 15 years on the ferries as a naturalist and crew member reviews all you need to know to make the most of ferries and the Inside Passage. Provides information on hotels, hostels, campgrounds and other travel information.

Adventure Guide to the Inside Passage & Coastal Alaska
1999. Lynn & Ed Readicker-Henderson. A guidebook focusing on the Alaska Marine Highway System and how to travel and visit the state using the state ferries. Provides details on all the communities visited by the state ferry including activities, food, lodging and history.