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 expedition 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.

 

FAQs

 

How many days is an Alaska and British Columbia cruise?

With American Queen Voyages, you can cruise from Vancouver to Sitka for 12 days visiting 11 incredible ports, or you can reverse the journey and cruise for 11 days with 10 port visitations.

 

What is the best time of the year to cruise to Alaska?

Alaska cruises run from May to September when wildlife is at its peak. The summer months are generally the best time to visit Alaska because the days are long, and the weather is warmer. The shoulder season in spring and early fall is a great time to visit. In the spring, there are less cruise ships and crowds making for a more personalized experience during our port days. In the fall, the salmon are running which brings the bears out to the streams and if the weather cooperates there is a better chance to view the northern lights from the deck of the Ocean Victory.

 

What are some of the most popular destinations to visit on an Alaska and British Columbia cruise?

•  From Vancouver’s historic landmarks to majestic fjords, ancient glaciers, glistening waterfalls, indigenous cultures, and wildlife, you will have the most intimate experience with Alaska and British Columbia as American Queen Voyages takes you where large cruise ships can’t go.
• Discover the remote shores of Canada’s Inside Passage and spot coastal brown and black bears.
• Ketchikan offers some of the beautiful totem poles, one of the most important expressions of Native Alaskan culture.
• Marvel at soaring granite cliffs and dazzling waterfalls in Misty Fjords National Monument which is unavailable to large cruise ships. Search for marine and terrestrial wildlife accompanied by the Ocean Victory naturalists, Zodiac captains and kayak guides.
• Discover the Tlingit history and culture in Wrangell, learn about the onset of the Gold Rush, and uncover mysteries of ancient petroglyphs.
• Spot deer, mink, bald eagles and sea otters along the island shorelines of Chatham Strait
• Explore Petersburg, an authentic Alaskan village with Norwegian and Tlingit cultural aspects.
• Get up-close-and-personal with nature and explore the Tracy Arm Fords Terror Wilderness Area a Zodiac, along fjords with glistening waterfalls, floating icebergs and wildlife.
• Learn about the Tlingit and Russian heritage in Sitka and learn about the important work of the Alaska Raptor center.

 

What animals will I see on an Alaska cruise?

Alaska is swarming with wildlife and unique whale-watching experiences. From the ship, you can spot bears, wolves, moose, and deer along the shore and marine mammals such as humpback whales, orcas, seals, and sea lions.

 

What’s included in an Alaska and British Columbia cruise?

Alaska and British Columbia expedition cruises with American Queen Voyages include zodiac excursions captained by passionate naturalists and USCG certified captains as well as sea kayak excursions with professional kayak guides. Aboard our expedition vessel, enjoy bespoke amenities and luxurious and spacious staterooms to ensure you feel at home away from home. Included in the cost of the cruise you will be welcomed with a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, ground transfers between hotel and vessel expertly led included tours, unlimited beverages at open bars and lounges, acclaimed cuisine in our two restaurants, in-room dining, included Wi-Fi, a shipboard musician and educational enrichment with Alaska specific naturalist presentations and interactive hands-on-science activities. Airfare is not included in the price of the cruise and should be organized by guests separately.