A shot of a grizzly bear looking out on the landscape in Port Inside Passage in Alaska

Scenic Cruising The Inside Passage

Alaska's Inside Passage is a renowned cruising route through a protected network of waterways, featuring glacier-cut fjords, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. Stops along the route showcase Alaska's rich history, including Native Alaskan culture in Ketchikan and Skagway's Gold Rush era legacy. Here's how to experience the best of the Inside Passage.

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Featured Inside Passage Shore Excursions

Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Quest

Experience Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife by land and sea. First, visit the iconic Mendenhall Glacier and learn about the tremendous force of glaciers. Next, head to Auke Bay and board a water-jet-powered expedition vessel for whale watching. You might also spot sea lions, porpoise, and harbor seals along the way.

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Tongass Rain Forest Nature Hike

Head to the enchanting Tongass National Forest and hike the Starrigavan Muskeg Trail with a guide well-versed in Sitka’s flora, fauna, and history. Enjoy spectacular mountain views (weather permitting) and keep an eye out for salmon, bald eagles, and other wildlife.

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Best Of Sitka: Otters, Raptors & Bears

Board a deluxe catamaran and set out to explore the marine wilderness, observing sea otters, whales, Stellar sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals, brown bears, black-tail deer, and a variety of marine birds. You’ll also get to visit the Alaska Raptor Center and Silver Bay’s Fortress of the Bear rescue facility.

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Bering Sea Crab Fishermen

Set out on the calm, protected waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage to witness firsthand the challenges commercial fishermen face. Watch as the skilled crew haul and set long lines, barrel pots, and huge 700-pound king crab pots to reveal the day’s catch. This one-of-a-kind excursion is packed with stories and adventures by the men and women who risk their lives fishing the Bering Sea.

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Black Diamond ATV Adventure

Hop on a side-by-side ATV and strap in for this exciting backcountry adventure. Your guides will lead you along the Alaska Range, through valleys and streams, up foothills and on tundra that offers breathtaking mountain scenery. Your trek takes you high up on Black Diamond Peak, where you can view the entire Healy Valley, and spills you out into the Dry Creek riverbed.

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Inside Passage Travel Tips

Find out what to experience on your Inside Passage cruise. Read insider tips and recommendations for things to see and do in breathtaking Alaska.

Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage

Here’s everything you need to know about Alaska cruises to the Inside Passage, from where the passage is to how to pack for the weather.

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Bald eagle taking flight in Alaska's forest

Top Things To Do In Alaska

Explore the top things to do in Alaska while cruising. Learn about top tourist attractions and excursions in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.

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Featured Alaska Cruise Itineraries

Plan Your Cruise to Alaska’s Inside Passage

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Find Flights To Europe

Book flights that depart and arrive in time for Mediterranean cruises with Holland America Line Flight Ease®. Find low prices, loads of options, and enjoy flexibility and support should plans change.

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Add a Hotel Package

Extend your luxury Greek and Italian cruise. Add a hotel package to your Mediterranean cruise and indulge in an unforgettable overnight departure or arrival city.

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Plan Ground Transportation

On Mediterranean cruises, we make it easy to schedule transfers between the airport and cruise ship. Arrange ground transportation ahead of time and breeze to and from your Mediterranean cruise.

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