Alaskan Explorer Cruise - Explore the Last Frontier

Description

Set sail on the 12-day Alaskan Explorer Cruise for an unforgettable journey through the Last Frontier. Sail along the descending riverbanks to experience the blend of history, jaw-dropping landscapes, and lively ports with our carefully crafted excursions. Truly experience Alaska from the comfort of our small cruise ships uniquely designed to navigate this region’s waters.
Marvel at nature’s grandeur from your own private balcony as we glide towards the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier. In Sitka, our local guide will unravel the fascinating tales of Tlingit and Russian influence. Experience a jet boat ride in Wrangell and the satisfaction of reeling in a catch on a fishing charter in Petersburg. Tracy Arm Fjord awaits with its dramatic cliffs and countless waterfalls, a sight you’ll never forget.

Trip Name

Alaskan Explorer Cruise - Explore the Last Frontier

Days

Overview

Fleet of Small ShipsAmerican Cruise Lines offers the newest fleet in America, each ship accommodating just 90 to 180 guests. We offer 6 unique ship styles, including a new class of Patriot Class, Coastal Cats, Classic Paddlewheelers, Constellation Class Ships, Independence Class, and the only modern American Riverboats. We have become the industry leader by continuing to introduce new and innovative ships each year, with the most diverse fleet in the country. These new ships, built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, are a testament to premier nautical engineering and safety equipment, as well as state-of-the-art navigation. On board a sophisticated aesthetic, an unprecedented level of comfort, the largest staterooms globally, with full private balconies where indicated, and modern accommodations including high-speed internet powered by Starlink. Our fleet allows us to provide a genuine and customized exploration of areas inaccessible to large ships and crowds, and to explore each region in the most meaningful way possible. With land never out of sight allowing for more time to savor the scenery. Our small ship river cruises offer a more intimate look at American cities from charming small towns to gracious southern ports. American Riverboats | 180 GuestsAmerican Serenade - American Symphony - American Melody - American Jazz - American Song - American Harmony • Operates along the U.S. Rivers• Multiple Dining Venues• Sophisticated and Modern Décor • Outdoor Walking Track and Fitness Center• Multi-Story Glass Atrium• Unique Bow Ramp for Easy Boarding• Elevator Access to All Passenger Decks Coastal Cats Cruise Ships | 100 GuestsAmerican Eagle - American Glory - American Liberty - American Legend • Shallow Draft for Inland Exploration• Modern Interior Design• Multiple Dining Venues• Bow Observation Area for Scenic Viewing• Sun Deck with Walking Track• Activity / Tender Platform• Fitness Center• Elevator Access to Each Deck Constellation Class Coastal Ships | 170 GuestsAmerican Constellation - American Constitution • Traditional Bow for Coastal Travel• Main Deck Restaurant with 270º Views• Sun Deck with Shaded Lounge Area• Entertainment Lounge• Reading Lounge• Fitness Center• Elevator Access to All Passenger DecksPaddlewheelers | 180 GuestsAmerican Heritage - American Splendor - American Pride - American West • Classic Paddlewheel Aesthetic• Glass-Enclosed Restaurant • Open Seating Dining• Three Distinct Guest Lounges • Cozy Study Enclave• Fitness Center• Elevator Access to All Passenger DecksIndependence Class Coastal Ships | 90 GuestsAmerican Independence - American Spirit - American Star • Traditional Bow for Coastal Travel• Main Deck Restaurant with 270º Views• Sun Deck with Shaded Lounge Area• Entertainment Lounge• Reading Lounge• Fitness Center• Elevator Access to All Passenger DecksPatriot Class Coastal Ships | 125 GuestsAmerican Patriot - American Pioneer • Uniquely Designed Bow for Deeper Drafts• Luxurious Grand Suites• Open Seating Dining• Multiple Guest Lounges• Bow Terrace for Observation• Fitness Center• Elevator Access to All Decks

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 - Juneau, AK

Settle into your hotel and prepare to explore the heart of Juneau. Downtown, you'll find an array of unique shops offering local crafts and souvenirs, and excellent museums like the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and the Alaska State Museum showcasing the impactful culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. From nearly any point in Juneau, you can see the Mendenhall Glacier in the distance, a stunning expanse of ice that glows in the Alaskan sun.

Day 2 - Day 2 - Afternoon of Cruising

Before boarding, embark on a guided exploration of Glacier Gardens and Brotherhood Bridge. At Glacier Gardens, stroll through a unique botanical garden set within the Tongass National Forest, where you’ll encounter upside-down trees adorned with vibrant flowers and foliage. The highlight is the scenic lookout, offering sweeping views of the Gastineau Channel.Next, visit Brotherhood Bridge, where you can take in panoramic vistas of the Mendenhall Glacier framed by the picturesque Mendenhall River.As you arrive on the ship, enjoy a Welcome Reception. We’ll toast to you, our crew, and the many memories ahead.

Day 3 - Day 3 - Haines, AK

Hidden between the towering peaks of the Chilkat Range and the deep blue waters of the Lynn Canal, Haines is a picturesque town known for its stunning natural beauty and extensive history. Once a trading post for the Tlingit people and later a key site during the Klondike Gold Rush, Haines offers a unique glimpse into Alaska’s past. Our expert guides will help you navigate this port and unveil its history. We’ll also escort you through the “Valley of the Eagles” where you can see Chilkoot Valley’s active wildlife.

Day 4 - Day 4 - Day of Cruising the Inside Passage

Wake up to the serene beauty of the Inside Passage with a hot cup of coffee in hand, gazing out from your private veranda as the ship glides through mist-covered mountains. Enjoy interactive talks by local experts and hands-on workshops, all while our all-American, attentive crew ensures your comfort.Make new friends in the spacious lounges, the perfect space for watching the landscape shift from dense forests to cascading cliffs, revealing hidden waterfalls. The nutrient-rich waters below are a haven for marine life; spot humpback whales breaching or witness their cooperative bubble-net feeding. Orcas, dolphins, seals, and sea lions add to the excitement.Keep an eye on the shoreline for black and brown bears and the elusive Sitka black-tailed deer. Whether you're lounging in your stateroom or engaging in a fascinating presentation, sit back and let this incredible journey unfold around you.

Day 5 - Day 5 - Glacier Bay, AK

Step into the profound beauty of Glacier Bay National Park, spanning 3.3 million acres. As your small ship glides through the 60-mile bay, cozy up with a warm cup of cocoa from our signature hot chocolate bar and be awed by the towering glaciers framing the snow-capped Fairweather Mountain Range.American Cruise Lines is among the privileged few granted access to this extraordinary place. Enjoy the serene landscape with seals lounging on floating icebergs and the thrilling spectacle of glacier calving, where colossal ice chunks crash into the water. An onboard presenter will enrich your experience with engaging stories and fascinating facts about this remarkable region. Glacier Bay National Park is truly a spectacle unlike any other.

Day 6 - Day 6 - Sitka, AK

This charming coastal town is set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and towering mountains. Known for its history as the former capital of Russian America, Sitka features landmarks like St. Michael's Cathedral, the first Orthodox cathedral in the New World. The town offers breathtaking views of Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano rising from the sea, and the tranquil waters of Sitka Sound shimmering under the Alaskan sun. Explore the Sitka National Historical Park, where you can see totem poles standing tall amidst forests and walk trails that weave through ancient spruce and hemlock trees.

Day 7 - Day 7 - Wrangell, AK

Established in 1834 as a Russian trading post, it is one of the oldest non-Native settlements in Alaska, with a rich history reflected in sites like the Chief Shakes Tribal House and Petroglyph Beach, where ancient rock carvings tell stories of the Tlingit people. Surrounded by the pristine waters of the Inside Passage and thick forests, the landscape is dominated by the stunning Stikine River, North America's fastest free-flowing navigable river. Adventure awaits with opportunities for a jet boat ride on the Stikine River and exploring the untouched beauty of the Anan Wildlife Observatory, where you can watch as black and brown bears feast on salmon.

Day 8 - Day 8 - Cruising the Wrangell Narrows

As you cruise between Wrangell and Petersburg, the ship navigates the mesmerizing Wrangell Narrows—a deep and narrow waterway that mirrors a fjord, with steep, verdant shorelines drifting alongside the vessel. Indulge in a delectable snack and beverage while you relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery.Feast your eyes on awe-inspiring glaciers, cascading waterfalls that shimmer like silver threads, and a rich tapestry of wildlife, including playful marine mammals and a variety of shorebirds and seabirds.

Day 9 - Day 9 - Petersburg, AK

Known as "Little Norway," Petersburg is a charming town on Mitkof Island with a long Norwegian history and a bustling fishing industry. The town's harbor is packed with commercial fishing vessels, processing the freshest salmon, halibut, and crab you'll ever taste. Surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest, Petersburg offers stunning natural beauty with its dense spruce and hemlock trees. You can spot humpback whales breaching in the nearby waters and bald eagles swooping down to catch fish right in front of you.

Day 10 - Day 10 - Cruising the Inside Passage & Frederick Sound

After several days of thrilling adventures, take a day to unwind and rejuvenate as you cruise through Alaska's stunning landscapes. Glide through fjords carved by glaciers, flanked by mountains that tower over 15,000 feet, creating a dramatic and unforgettable backdrop. Pass by countless islands, each draped in dense, emerald forests right down to the shoreline. Every second is a postcard-worthy moment along the Inside Passage and Frederick Sound.Your captain will skillfully navigate the ship to offer the best close-up views of the abundant marine life, including whales, sea lions, seals, porpoises, and puffins. As you cruise along this calm waterway, its wildlife becomes a part of your journey.

Day 11 - Day 11 - Tracy Arm, AK

Tracy Arm Fjord offers a spectacular array of scenic highlights as your ship navigates its narrow, winding channel. Throughout the 25-mile journey, the waterway averages only about a mile wide, framed by steep vertical cliffs stretching more than 3,000 feet high. Hidden valleys reveal views of larger, snow-capped peaks, with mountainsides adorned with ancient forests and sparkling glaciers.Hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the cliffs, tumbling into the pristine waters below. As you approach the faces of the stunning twin Sawyer Glaciers, you'll see seals lounging with their young on small ice floes. As you slip through this narrow passage, the crew prepares a signature hot-chocolate bar with an array of toppings and liqueurs.The area remains almost unchanged since naturalist John Muir visited in 1879, describing it as "shut in by sublime cliffs, nobly sculptured, and adorned with waterfalls and fringes of trees, bushes, and patches of flowers." The journey through Tracy Arm is truly a miraculous and unforgettable adventure, offering a glimpse into one of Alaska's most breathtaking natural wonders.

Day 12 - Day 12 - Juneau, AK

You’ve seen some of Alaska’s most remarkable landmarks on this journey. When you arrive back in Juneau, join us for one last breakfast on board.Of course, there’s still more of the Last Frontier to see, so if you are heading forward to pioneer more Alaskan sights, we wish you well on your next adventure. If home is your next destination, we hope to see you again on any of America’s waterways.

Day 13 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Mendenhall Glacier: Enjoy the stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier from your private balcony, witnessing the sheer beauty of this icy marvel as you sail by.
Tracy Arm Fjord: Be mesmerized by the dramatic cliffs and countless waterfalls of Tracy Arm Fjord, a breathtaking natural wonder that promises unforgettable sights.