Alaska Cruises

Alaska Small Ship Cruises

Updated October 27, 20256 min readBy the Cruise Compass editors

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The short answer

Alaska small ship cruises offer an intimate and immersive experience, with typical prices between $200 and $500 per person per day.

Alaska small ship cruises provide a unique and personalized experience, allowing passengers to explore the state's breathtaking coastline and wildlife up close, with many ships offering expert-led excursions and lectures on board, and prices varying depending on the time of year and level of luxury.

This article covers the essentials of planning an Alaska small ship cruise, including choosing the right route, selecting a ship that suits your budget and preferences, and making the most of your time on board, with a focus on the benefits and trade-offs of different options, such as the Inside Passage versus Gulf routes.

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Choosing the Right Route for Your Alaska Small Ship Cruise

The Inside Passage is a popular route for Alaska small ship cruises, offering stunning scenery and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including humpback whales, bears, and eagles, with many ships departing from Juneau or Skagway, and prices starting from around $250 per person per day for a basic cabin on a budget-friendly ship.

In contrast, the Gulf route offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience, with fewer crowds and a greater sense of adventure, but also fewer amenities and services, and prices starting from around $300 per person per day for a mid-range ship, with some ships offering kayaking and hiking excursions to explore the rugged coastline.

Inside Passage: scenic cruising and wildlife viewing
Gulf route: off-the-beaten-path adventure and kayaking excursions
Both routes: expert-led lectures and guided excursions

Selecting a Ship for Your Alaska Small Ship Cruise

When choosing a ship for your Alaska small ship cruise, consider factors such as the size of the ship, the level of luxury, and the range of amenities and services on offer, with prices varying widely depending on these factors, from around $200 per person per day for a basic cabin on a budget-friendly ship to over $1,000 per person per day for a luxury suite on a high-end ship.

Some ships, such as those operated by UnCruise Adventures, offer a more rustic and adventurous experience, with a focus on outdoor activities and wildlife viewing, while others, such as those operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, offer a more luxurious and indulgent experience, with fine dining and spa facilities, and prices to match.

Consider ship size: smaller ships offer a more intimate experience
Think about luxury level: higher-end ships offer more amenities and services
Research onboard activities: some ships offer kayaking and hiking excursions
Check the itinerary: some ships offer more time in port or scenic cruising

Making the Most of Your Time On Board an Alaska Small Ship Cruise

To make the most of your time on board an Alaska small ship cruise, be sure to take advantage of the expert-led lectures and guided excursions on offer, which can provide a deeper understanding of the region's history, culture, and wildlife, and can also help you make the most of your time in port, with many ships offering guided hikes and kayaking trips, and prices starting from around $100 per person per excursion.

Additionally, consider booking a cabin with a balcony or window, to make the most of the stunning scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities, and be sure to pack layers, as the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from cool to cold, even in the summer months, and prices for cabins with balconies starting from around $350 per person per day.

Take advantage of expert-led lectures and guided excursions
Book a cabin with a balcony or window for scenic views
Pack layers for unpredictable weather

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Planning Your Alaska Small Ship Cruise Itinerary

When planning your Alaska small ship cruise itinerary, consider the time of year and the level of activity you prefer, with many ships offering a range of excursions and activities, from kayaking and hiking to wildlife viewing and scenic cruising, and prices varying depending on the length of the cruise and the level of luxury, from around $2,000 per person for a 7-night cruise on a budget-friendly ship to over $10,000 per person for a 14-night cruise on a luxury ship.

Some popular ports of call include Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay, with many ships also offering scenic cruising and wildlife viewing opportunities, and prices starting from around $150 per person per day for a basic cabin on a budget-friendly ship, with some ships offering discounts for early booking or loyalty programs.

Consider the time of year: peak season is June to August
Think about activity level: some ships offer more outdoor activities
Research ports of call: Juneau and Skagway are popular stops
Check for discounts: early booking or loyalty programs can save you money

Budgeting for Your Alaska Small Ship Cruise

When budgeting for your Alaska small ship cruise, consider not only the cost of the cruise itself, but also any additional expenses, such as flights, hotels, and excursions, with prices varying widely depending on the time of year and the level of luxury, from around $2,000 per person for a 7-night cruise on a budget-friendly ship to over $10,000 per person for a 14-night cruise on a luxury ship.

Additionally, consider budgeting for any additional activities or services you may want to take advantage of, such as kayaking or fine dining, with prices starting from around $100 per person per excursion, and be sure to factor in any gratuities or tips, which can range from 10% to 20% of the total cost of the cruise, depending on the ship and the level of service.

Consider additional expenses: flights, hotels, and excursions
Budget for activities: kayaking and fine dining can add up
Factor in gratuities: 10% to 20% of the total cost

Booking and Preparing for Your Alaska Small Ship Cruise

When booking your Alaska small ship cruise, be sure to research and compare different ships and itineraries, to find the one that best fits your budget and preferences, with prices varying widely depending on the time of year and the level of luxury, from around $2,000 per person for a 7-night cruise on a budget-friendly ship to over $10,000 per person for a 14-night cruise on a luxury ship.

Additionally, consider booking early, to take advantage of any early booking discounts or promotions, and be sure to read and understand the terms and conditions of your booking, including any cancellation or refund policies, with some ships offering more flexible booking policies than others, and prices starting from around $150 per person per day for a basic cabin on a budget-friendly ship.

Research and compare ships and itineraries
Book early: early booking discounts can save you money
Read and understand terms and conditions

Key takeaways

Alaska small ship cruises offer a unique and personalized experience
Choose the right route for your preferences and budget
Select a ship that suits your needs and budget
Make the most of your time on board with expert-led excursions

Where to book this cruise

When booking your Alaska small ship cruise, be sure to compare different ships and itineraries to find the one that best fits your budget and preferences, and consider booking early to take advantage of any early booking discounts or promotions. To find the best deals, compare current sailings and prices on CruiseDirect before booking, and be sure to read and understand the terms and conditions of your booking, including any cancellation or refund policies.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to take an Alaska small ship cruise?

The best time to take an Alaska small ship cruise is during the peak season, from June to August, when the weather is warmest and the wildlife is most active, with prices starting from around $250 per person per day for a basic cabin on a budget-friendly ship.

How much does an Alaska small ship cruise cost?

The cost of an Alaska small ship cruise can vary widely, depending on the time of year, the level of luxury, and the length of the cruise, with prices starting from around $2,000 per person for a 7-night cruise on a budget-friendly ship to over $10,000 per person for a 14-night cruise on a luxury ship.

What should I pack for an Alaska small ship cruise?

When packing for an Alaska small ship cruise, be sure to include layers, as the weather can be unpredictable, and consider bringing waterproof gear, such as a waterproof jacket and pants, as well as comfortable hiking boots and binoculars for wildlife viewing, with some ships offering laundry facilities on board.

Can I book an Alaska small ship cruise online?

Yes, many Alaska small ship cruises can be booked online, through the website of the cruise line or a travel agent, with some ships offering online booking discounts or promotions, and be sure to read and understand the terms and conditions of your booking, including any cancellation or refund policies.

Are Alaska small ship cruises suitable for families?

Yes, many Alaska small ship cruises are suitable for families, with some ships offering family-friendly cabins and activities, such as kayaking and wildlife viewing, and prices starting from around $250 per person per day for a basic cabin on a budget-friendly ship, with some ships offering discounts for children or families.

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