Explore Alaska’s Inside Passage and the Northern Pacific coast as never before.
Expedition
Explore
Embrace your inner adventurer and participate in our educational and scenic adventures aboard inflatable zodiac boats or durable kayaks as you sail through remote bays and inlets. Active expeditions led by skillfull kayaking guides and United States Coast Guard certified zodiac captains guarantee you a chance for exploration from a new and more intimate perspective. Get ready for Mother Nature's majesty like you've never seen before.
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 naturalists exploring unspoiled Alaskan coasts — home to sea lions, humpback whales and hundreds of American bald eagles. 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
Enjoy homemade Norwegian treats including lefse, a traditional soft and sweet flatbread. Savor the delicate and nutty nuance of Dungeness Crab pulled fresh from the pristine waters off Wrangell. Let cuisine be your mouth-watering and mind-expanding gateway to the vibrant cultures of the wonderful people you’ll meet on your voyage.
What’s included
- Unlimited beverages
- Premium meats and fresh seafood daily
- Fresh local ingredients
- Intricate and artful plating
- Extensive wine selection
- Regionally zinspired fare
- In-room dining available
- Zodiak and kayak excursions
Enrichment
Two presentation rooms house daily expert naturalist talks and activities on Alaskan natural history. Zodiac, sea kayak and shore excursions are led by passionate local guides and our professional naturalist expedition team.
Enrichment
Whether you’re in the expansive Observation Lounge on deck 8 or on the one-of-a-kind viewing platform on deck 5, keep your eye out for whales and dolphins in the Canadian Inside Passage — 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 8 or on the one-of-a-kind viewing platform on deck 5, keep your eye out for whales and dolphins in Canadian Inside Passage — 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
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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. Expedition cruising encourages each guest to embrace their inner adventurer and participate in our included Zodiac and sea kayak excursions in beautiful wilderness areas. The small size of the Ocean Victory helps to emphasize off-the-beaten-track experiences. She traverses 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. Our time in these wild waters and iconic scenery of the Inside Passage is further enhanced by learning directly from our passionate team of naturalists who specialize in the flora, fauna and marine mammals of Alaska.
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:
- Looking for the Spirit Bear along Canada’s Princess Royal Island
- Learn about Native Alaskan culture in Ketchikan with a visit to the Saxman Totem Village
- Marveling at impressive cliffs and waterfalls, and wildlife sightings in Misty Fjords National Monument
- Learning about Gold Rush history and Tlingit culture while visiting Petroglyph Beach, Shakes Island and the Nolan Center in Wrangell
- Sailing between two wilderness islands in Chatham Strait while keeping an eye out for feeding humpback whales
- Exploring the history of the Norwegian fishing and Tlingit culture in Petersburg
- Navigating past luminous icebergs and spectacular waterfalls in zodiacs in Tracy Arm Fords Terror Wilderness Area
- Visiting the world-renowned Alaska Raptor Center, the Sitka Sound Science Center or the Fortress of the Bear
What is included in an expedition cruise?
Expedition cruises with American Queen Voyages focus on getting our guests out into the wild and remote wilderness areas of Southeast Alaska. We do so by including all guests on zodiac tours and sea kayaking excursions during our expedition days. We also invite all guests to participate in our educational program and our naturalists host informative presentations and hands-on-science activities to further enhance your learning experience. Your voyage also includes 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 the ship, expertly crafted guided tours, unlimited beverages at open bars and lounges, acclaimed cuisine in multiple onboard restaurants, in-room dining, complimentary Wi-Fi. musical entertainment and educational enrichment programs. Unless specifically offered as a promotional benefit, airfare is not included in the cruise fare.
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.
Alaska and British Columbia cruises
Embarking on an Alaska and British Columbia cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy a vacation. Full of extraordinary attractions, the trip will be your most memorable experience. This adventure has activities for everyone, active travelers, wildlife lovers, and history buffs. Admire the beauty and seek out wildlife in comfort and luxury onboard your expedition vessel, kayak, or Zodiac accompanied by expert naturalists. Visit places not reachable by land and large cruise ships, capture the best views of glaciers from the water, and let all the hassle of planning such an elaborate journey be taken off your hands by our expedition team.
