7-Night Alaska Inside Passage Cruise — Princess Cruises
Glacier Bay, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan — Alaska's best
About This Itinerary
Princess Cruises' 7-Night Alaska Inside Passage itinerary is widely considered the finest Alaska cruise experience available. Princess holds exclusive access to Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where tidewater glaciers calve directly into the sea. Combined with the gold rush history of Skagway, the wildlife-rich waters of Juneau, and the totem poles of Ketchikan, this is a bucket-list voyage through one of the world's last great wildernesses.
Itinerary Highlights
- ✓Glacier Bay National Park — exclusive Princess access to UNESCO World Heritage glaciers
- ✓Juneau — whale watching, Mendenhall Glacier, and bald eagle viewing
- ✓Skagway — gold rush history and the White Pass & Yukon Route railway
- ✓Ketchikan — totem poles, salmon fishing, and Misty Fjords
- ✓Victoria, BC — afternoon in Canada's most British city
Featured Ship
Sun PrincessRoute Map
6 ports of call across 7 nights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Board your Princess ship and sail north into the Inside Passage.
Totem poles, salmon fishing, and the historic Creek Street.
Mendenhall Glacier and world-class whale watching.
Gold rush history and the White Pass & Yukon Route railway.
UNESCO glaciers calving into the sea — the highlight of any Alaska cruise.
Afternoon in Canada's most British city.
Disembark and depart.
Ports of Call
Vancouver
Canada · Day 1
Embarkation port — one of the world's most beautiful cities. Arrive early to explore Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Gastown.
Ketchikan
USA · Day 2
Alaska's 'First City' — the gateway to the Inside Passage, famous for its totem poles, salmon fishing, and the atmospheric Creek Street historic district.
Juneau
USA · Day 3
Alaska's capital city — accessible only by sea or air. Mendenhall Glacier is just 20 minutes from downtown, and whale watching in Stephens Passage is world-class.
Skagway
USA · Day 4
A perfectly preserved gold rush town at the head of the Lynn Canal. The White Pass & Yukon Route railway is one of the world's great scenic train journeys.
Glacier Bay National Park
USA · Day 5
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's great wilderness experiences. Tidewater glaciers calve directly into the sea as naturalists narrate the extraordinary landscape.
Victoria
Canada · Day 6
An afternoon in Canada's most British city — the Empress Hotel, Butchart Gardens, and the Inner Harbour are highlights.
Shore Excursion Ideas
Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest
adventureJuneau · 3.5 hours
Search for humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, and bald eagles in Stephens Passage.
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
scenicSkagway · 3 hours
Ride the historic narrow-gauge railway over the White Pass summit — one of the world's great scenic train journeys.
Misty Fjords Flightseeing
scenicKetchikan · 2 hours
Fly over the dramatic Misty Fjords National Monument in a floatplane — an unforgettable Alaska experience.
Best Time to Sail
May through September. June and July offer the best weather and longest daylight hours.
Wendy's Take on This Itinerary
Wendy Orr — Travel Expert Since 1990
Oh, Alaska! There's truly nothing quite like cruising the Inside Passage, and Princess Cruises has perfected this journey. When you embark on a 7-night adventure from either Seattle or Vancouver, you're not just seeing glaciers; you're immersing yourself in a world of breathtaking natural beauty and rich history. I've sailed these waters many times, and each time, the majesty of places like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway just blows me away. Princess does an excellent job with their ships, whether you're on the Sun Princess or the Emerald Princess, you'll find comfortable accommodations and plenty of options for dining and entertainment. But let's be honest, the real star here is Alaska itself. Make sure you spend plenty of time on deck, especially during the scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park – it's an experience you won't soon forget.
For those considering this trip, I always recommend booking as early as possible, especially if you have a specific cabin type in mind. Balcony cabins are a game-changer for Alaska, allowing you to take in the stunning scenery from the privacy of your own space. Trust me, you'll want that private viewing platform for Glacier Bay! Don't be afraid to splurge a little on an excursion in Juneau, perhaps a whale watching tour, or a helicopter ride to a glacier. These are once-in-a-lifetime moments. Princess also offers fantastic onboard naturalists who provide incredible insights into the wildlife and geology of the region, so take advantage of those presentations. And remember, I'm here to help you navigate all the options, from choosing the perfect sailing date to securing those coveted shore excursions. Let's make your Alaska dream a reality!
Insider Tips for This Itinerary
Always pack layers, even in summer. Alaskan weather can change on a dime, and you'll want to be prepared for everything from sunshine to chilly winds. A waterproof jacket is a must!
When in Juneau, consider booking a a Mendenhall Glacier excursion that includes a visit to the salmon hatchery. It's a fascinating look at the local ecosystem and often less crowded than direct glacier tours.
In Skagway, don't miss the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. It's a historic journey with incredible views, and a fantastic way to experience the gold rush history of the area without extensive walking.
For the best views during Glacier Bay scenic cruising, try to secure a spot on the port side of the ship if departing from Seattle, or starboard if departing from Vancouver, as this often offers the most direct views of the glaciers. However, the ship will usually turn for both sides to get a good view.
Take advantage of Princess's onboard naturalists and enrichment programs. They offer invaluable insights into the Alaskan ecosystem and history, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the journey.
Ready to Book This Itinerary?
Tell Wendy you're interested in the 7-Night Alaska Inside Passage with Princess Cruises and she'll take it from there.