Explore Alaska’s Inside Passage and the Northern Pacific coast as never before.
Expedition
Onshore
Our shore excursions are designed to deliver a deeper, more insightful experience of the peoples of Alaska and the Northern Pacific coast — their culture, history and traditions — and, as always, nature at its most sublime.
DetailsOnshore
Join a team of Cal Poly scientists exploring unspoiled Alaskan coasts — home to sea lions, humpback whales and hundreds of species of birds. Let the Tlingit people tell you stories of clan and kinship through their towering totem poles wrought of cedar.
onshore highlights
Ketchikan
Where orcas frolic and the wind whistles through the fjords.
Sitka
Where our engines run silent as the predators.
Wrangell Island
Where the people are born of the tides and their art hides in the waves.
Frederick Sound
Where Tlingit totems stand silent sentry.
Dining
Our chefs take their award-winning inspiration from all that Alaska and the North Pacific coast have to offer the discerning diner — from the renowned wines of Williamette Valley to the culinary traditions of the Tlingit to the legacy of Norwegian immigrants to seafood so fresh it practically swims off your plate.
DetailsDining
Start the day right Petersburg-Alaska style with a hearty breakfast of lingonberry pannenkakan (Norwegian pancakes). Savor the delicate and nutty nuance of Dungeness Crab pulled fresh from the pristine waters off Ketchikan. Study at the gifted feet of the Dancing Chefs of Cabo San Lucas and learn seven different authentic salsa recipes — and some spicy salsa ballroom moves as well. Let cuisine be your mouth-watering and mind-expanding mind-expanding gateway to the vibrant cultures of the wonderful people you’ll meet on your voyage.
What’s included
- Unlimited beverages
- Fresh lobster and USDA Prime Beef every night
- Fresh local ingredients
- Intricate and artful plating
- Extensive wine selection
- Regionally zinspired fare
- Homegrown, homemade flavors
- In-room dining available
Enrichment
Lecture rooms house nightly expert talks and lectures on Alaska and its wildlife. Field trips ashore are led by passionate destination specialists and Cal Poly biologists will share their latest research.
Enrichment
Whether you’re in the expansive Observation Lounge, on deck or on the one-of-a-kind viewing platform, keep your eye out for whales and dolphins in Queen Charlotte Sound — and watch for bears as we glide along pristine island shorelines.
What’s included
- One-of-a-kind viewing platform
- Polar Spa
- Elegant afternoon tea
- Observation Lounge
- Hot Tubs
- Zodiacs & kayaks -->
Relaxation
Chat with friends, pamper yourself in the Polar Spa with a massage or mani-pedi or work out in the Fitness Center. Curl up with a good read in the library or enjoy shopping in the Ocean Boutique.
DetailsRelaxation
Whether you’re in the expansive Observation Lounge, on deck or on the one-of-a-kind viewing platform, keep your eye out for whales and dolphins in Queen Charlotte Sound — and watch for bears as we glide along pristine island shorelines.
- One-of-a-kind viewing platform
- Polar Spa
- Elegant afternoon tea
- Observation Lounge
- Hot Tubs
- Zodiacs & Kayaks
Vessel
All-Inclusive
-
1-night Pre-cruise Hotel Stay with free ground transfers between hotel and vessel -
Unlimited Guided Tours designed with your comfort in mind aboard private, deluxe motorcoaches -
Unlimited Beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees -
Open Bars & Lounges throughout the vessel including a juice bar EVERY morning -
Locally Sourced & regionally Inspired Cuisine from land and sea -
Gourmet Selections of freshly prepared choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
-
In-room Dining Available -
Pre-Paid Gratuities (NEW) -
Port Taxes & Fees (NEW) -
Unlimited WiFi -
Live, Daily Onboard
Entertainment & Enrichment -
Bicycles* and Hiking Sticks
*River Cruises Only
Expedition Cruises
FAQs
What is an expedition cruise?
Expedition cruises place more focus on what each destination has to offer than traditional cruises. And the small size cruise ships in the American Queen Voyages fleet help emphasize off-the-beaten-track experiences. They traverse narrow channels and shallow waters, carrying only 186 seafarers, getting you up close and personal with nature and encouraging you to create long-lasting friendships. Rest assured that the delicate environment is protected as you explore unique wild waters and indulge in luxury onboard.
Where can you sail on an expedition cruise?
Expedition cruises with American Queen Voyages bring you an odyssey through the Alaskan wilderness and extraordinary British Columbia. Our itineraries are expertly crafted to emphasize hidden gem destinations so you can make the most of your bucket list adventure.
What are the best sights to see on an expedition cruise?
Alaska is one of the top bucket-list destinations of most intrepid travelers. Not only does your expedition cruise with American Queen Voyages take you to the best sights in Alaska, but you also get to experience remote parts rarely visited by humans. From Vancouver’s historic landmarks to ancient glaciers, dazzling waterfalls, indigenous cultures, and spectacular wildlife, prepare for an intimate and once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Voyage highlights include:
- Bear spotting in Fiordland Conservation Area
- Breathtaking vistas and Native Alaskan culture in Ketchikan
- Marveling at impressive cliffs and waterfalls, and wildlife sightings in Mistry Fjords
- Learning about Gold Rush history and Tlingit culture in Wrangell
- Admiring waterfall spectacles on the Waterfall Coast
- Exploring Norwegian and Tlingit culture in Petersburg
- Navigating past floating glaciers on kayaks or Zodiacs in Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm
- Learning about Tlingit and Russian heritage in Sitka
What is included in an expedition cruise?
Expedition cruises with American Queen Voyages include bespoke amenities and luxurious and spacious staterooms to ensure you feel at home away from home. The price includes a pre-cruise welcome night at a hotel, ground transfers between hotel and cruise ship, personally tailored and expertly crafted unlimited guided tours, unlimited beverages at open bars and lounges, acclaimed cuisine in multiple venues onboard, in-room dining, unlimited Wi-Fi, and live entertainment and enrichment. Airfare is not included in the price and should be organized by guests separately.
How long is an expedition cruise?
Your expedition cruise can last 12 days with 11 incredible port visitations when traveling from Vancouver to Sitka. Alternatively, you can reverse the journey and cruise for 11 days with 10 port visitations.
