10-night Alaskan Explorer Cruise

Arrive a day before your cruise begins to maximize your time exploring Juneau and viewing the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier, one of the most beautiful glaciers in North America. Downtown, enjoy Juneau's unique shops and native heritage sites. Forested islands, quiet coves, and rugged coastal mountain ranges greet you as soon as you leave the dock.,

Located at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage, Skagway was central to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897. Known as the "Gateway to the Yukon", the restored town is true to its past with vintage buses reminiscent of the old frontier and gold-rush-era buildings, now preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Vintage locomotives from The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad continue to run past the iconic Chilkoot trail, offering sweeping mountain views on the way up to Canada.,

As you explore Haines, our onboard expert and a local guide will take you through the valley, describing the different species along the way. Get an up-close view of bald eagles which are among the most populous of over 260 species of birds in Chilkat Valley. Take advantage of the variety of activities available in Haines, including a guided wildlife expedition or a private kayaking tour on Chilkoot Lake.,

Covering 3.3 million acres of dynamic topography, Glacier Bay is the world's largest Biosphere Reserve, comprised of massive glaciers, temperate rainforest, and snow-capped mountain peaks. American Cruise Lines is one of a few cruise lines allowed privileged access into this natural wonder. Immerse yourself in its majesty as you enjoy spectacular views and breathtaking moments. From the comfort of your private balcony, witness the native wildlife, including seals, whales, eagles, bear, and more.,

Glacier Bay is too magnificent to just spend a single day. Enjoy more time in this natural wonder as a park ranger joins us onboard providing expert commentary on the landscape and native wildlife.,

Founded more than 100 years ago by Norwegian fishermen, Petersburg is a thriving fishing community that maintains its strong Norwegian heritage and continues to make its living from the sea. Located on Frederick Sound near the summer feeding grounds of hundreds of humpback whales, this authentic Alaskan town is surrounded by breathtaking wilderness. Explore its beautiful seaport, charter a fishing boat for the afternoon, or learn about the area's rich history at the Clausen Museum.,

Ketchikan, Alaska is truly the beginning of the last frontier, where animals may actually outnumber people. Located in the midst of the Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan is home to black bears, mountain goats, Sitka black-tailed deer, and bald eagles. Witness the incredibly rich Alaska native culture and the many Native American totem poles on display throughout town. Enjoy the scenic views of nearby Misty Fiords National Monument, a glacier-carved wilderness featuring snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and salmon spawning streams.,

Natural beauty abounds in Wrangell with a variety of landscapes including mountains, islands, and rainforest. Explore the city of Wrangell and walk among the petroglyph carvings in this "Gateway to the Stikine River". Visit places along the river where miners camped and garnets were mined during the Gold Rush. Savor the flavors of fresh salmon and halibut, view bears on the mountainside, participate in native Tlingit culture, or stop and pick from the abundance of wild blueberries, huckleberries, and salmon-berries.,

Spend the day cruising the Frederick Sound and Inside Passage. Surrounded by majestic snow-covered mountains, the glacier-fed waters of the Frederick Sound are abundant with krill and herring, making it one of the world's premier locations to observe humpback whales. Thousands migrate here to feed on the super nutrient-rich waters, as do orcas, sea lions, porpoise, and harbor seals. Along the shoreline, you may also spot black and brown bears as well as Sitka black-tailed deer.,

The deep, cold waters of Frederick Sound abound in krill, the favored food of humpback whales - and visitors are likely to see whole pods of the gentle giants, their spume visible for miles against the forested backdrop of Admiralty Island. Learn all about breaching, diving, bubble feeding and fliper-flapping, often through up-close observation.

Fifty miles southeast of Juneau is Tracy Arm, a long, narrow fjord leading to the South Sawyer Glacier. Witness seals lounging on small ice floes, as you sail under the 1,500-foot-high vertical cliffs of Tracy Arm surrounded by the magnificent sight of hundreds of waterfalls cascading down its towering sides. Indulge yourself at our one-of-a-kind Hot Chocolate Bar on the sun deck, as our onboard naturalist provides expert commentary on this natural wonder. There is a sense of excitement as you anticipate the next waterfall, mountain goat, or bear, on your way to the crystal-blue glacier.,

Located about 45 miles south of Juneau, Tracy Arm, a classic fjord located in the heart of the Tracy Arm-Fjords Terror Wilderness, stands out as a "must see" for any Alaska vacation. The icebergs are framed by sheer mountain peaks reaching to 7,000 feet. Waterfalls flow from ice covered mountains to the jade colored inland sea. Tracy Arm is the summer home for pigeon guillemots, kittiwakes and arctic terns. Usually mountain goats are seen on the rocky slopes near Sawyer Glacier. They have been known to come down near the water. The best bear viewing is along the shores of Stephens Pass or Holkham Bay, and there are whales and seals.

On your return, spend some time in Juneau. Explore the impressive collection of museums, shops, and attractions in the heart of Alaska's capital.,