Alaska is not a very easy place to get to. This mammoth chunk of land – so big that it contains both the easternmost and westernmost tips of the United States, is the largest and most isolated of all the American states. It is quite literally the end of the earth. And the northwest coast of Alaska is the wildest part of it: the farthest corner of the farthest corner of the world.
If you’ve always wanted to come to this stunning and remote locale and see it for yourself, the best way to do it is, inarguably, by ship. Not only will sailing take you to places that cars and planes can’t, but the Alaskan coast really provides a greatest-hits of the rest of the state: towering volcanos, sprawling tundra, serene glaciers, rich Indigenous culture, and wildlife in droves. Viking’s Alaska & The Inside Passage voyage, an 11-day odyssey from Vancouver, through the North American fjords and along the Alaskan Gulf is the way to go. You get to see all of the parts of Alaska you’ve always dreamed of and you’ll also discover countless memorable lesser-known wonders. Here are just a few of the things in store for you on the sailing.
The Inside Passage
Scandinavia, specifically Norway, may have the best-known fjords in the world, but many don’t know that much of north-western North America, from Oregon, past Vancouver and along Alaska, is fjords – tightly packed with beautiful scenery. Your voyage starts off in Vancouver, Canada (it’s definitely worth arriving a few days early to enjoy it).
From there you’re headed through the Inside Passage, a fjord-like channel which skirts between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland before bringing you into the Alaskan network of fjords. Want more of a fjord fix? Once the ship gets to Ketchikan, make sure to book yourself onto a seaplane trip to see the Misty Fjords National Monument – it’s often called the “Yosemite of the North.”
Mount Edgecumbe Volcano
After you’ve left Ketchikan, you’ll get to Sitka. With just under 10 000 people, it’s one of the biggest cities in Alaska, which gives you a pretty good idea of how remote this part of the world is. Once you’ve stretched out your sea legs, the next day will take you around the Alexander Archipelago – one of the most awe-inspiring legs of the whole trip. You’ll marvel at the sight of the snow-capped Mount Edgecumbe Volcano looming over the water. It’s even a bit of a Mount Fuji lookalike.
Get to know Gold Rush country
In the late 1800s, the Alaskan Gold Rush brought tens of thousands of fortune-seekers from around the world to the Yukon region of Canada. And Skagway was one of the main gateways to this golden frenzy. When you get to Skagway, the best way to follow the old gold trail is by train: Viking offers a range of train excursions for the day – from scenic riverside rides to a luxury rail car that goes all the way up to the summit of the White Pass trail.
Tlingit culture
One of Alaska’s greatest treasures is its Indigenous population: with the exception of Hawaii, it’s the state with the highest native population in the United States. And while most people would be familiar with the Inuits and the Eskimos (with their famous kisses), during your sailing, you’ll have ample opportunity to experience the rich culture of the lesser-known Tlingit – the First Peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. In Ketchikan, you can visit the Saxman village, enjoy an included Tlingit cultural show in Icy Strait Point, do local-led tours, and much more.
Whale-watching and glacier spotting
First-time cruisers often assume that the port they’ll visit will be the best part – but veterans know that it’s much more about the journey than the destination: sailing days are often the highlight of the entire cruise. Especially when they’re as scenic as the Viking Alaska & Inside Passage cruise. From the beginning, there’ll be ample opportunity for humpback whale, sea lion and even otter watching along the Inside Passage. Later on, as fjords give way to ice, you’ll witness the colossal glaciers of Yakutat Bay – and all of the sealife that lives around it. You won’t be able to tear your eyes away from the water.
Viking offers premium ocean, river and expedition voyages. State-of-the-art ships, with no kids, no casinos, and everything you need included, complement destination-focused itineraries delivering culturally immersive experiences across all seven continents.
