Two popular routes come to mind when planning an Alaska cruise: the Inside Passage and the Gulf of Alaska. These itineraries offer distinct experiences and showcase different aspects of Alaska’s breathtaking scenery and wildlife.
We have cruised both multiple times and share the commonalities and differences. The Inside Passage is the classic choice, favored by about two-thirds of Alaska cruisers.
They offer a roundtrip itinerary through Southeast Alaska, sometimes called the Panhandle. The route winds through islands and coastal communities. Since Inside Passage cruises start and end in the same port, it provides an easier option for flying.

Typically stops include Juneau, Alaska’s capital, and usually two other ports such as Ketchikan, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka.
Gulf of Alaska cruises travel further north to Seward or Whittier. Guests on these one-way routes have the option to cruise north or south. These itineraries often combine some Inside Passage ports with visits to places like Valdez, College Fjord, or Hubbard Glacier.
Overview Of Inside Passage Cruises
Inside Passage cruises offer a scenic journey through protected waters. They are favored by those who suffer from motion sickness.
Route Highlights
The route typically begins in Seattle or Vancouver, heading north along the coast of British Columbia and into Alaska. Cruises from Vancouver, British Columbia, travel between the mainland and Vancouver Island, which is known for its calmer waters.
While we’ve embarked in Seattle and Vancouver, the latter provides a more scenic route between islands. With land on both sides, we can often access Wi-Fi towers on the first and last sea days.
Itineraries from Seattle may cruise the Inside Passage and Outside Passage. It’s essential to check the exact cruising route. Key stops often include Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. Some itineraries include Icy Strait Point or Sitka instead of Skagway.

Cruise ships often include one glacier viewing day to Glacier Bay National Park, Endicott Arm, or Tracy Arm Fjord. The fjords are narrower, with dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. Since they’re often blocked by ice in the shoulder seasons, it’s best to cruise there after the end of May.
Glacier Bay is a referred choice for cruise guests. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has multiple glaciers, both tidewater (ones that reach the ocean) and valley.
Duration And Distance
Most Inside Passage cruises last 7 days, covering approximately 1,000 nautical miles roundtrip. Some smaller lines, such as Cunard and Seabourn, offer itineraries of up to 15 days.
Typical Itineraries
Inside Passage cruises usually follow a similar pattern, with slight variations between cruise lines. A typical 7-day itinerary includes a sea day after embarkation day and before disembarkation day.
Ketchikan, often referred to as the “first city of Alaska,” is usually the first port of call. Some vessels, however, dock there last. Longer itineraries may add stops in Sitka, Haines, or Icy Strait Point.
Wildlife And Scenery
The Inside Passage is renowned for its diverse marine life and stunning natural beauty. Packing binoculars and booking a balcony cabin includes the odds of sightings.

Passengers can expect to see:
- Marine life: Whales (mostly humpbacks, but sometimes orcas), sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and porpoises.
- Land animals: Black bears, mountain goats, and Sitka deer.
- Birds: Bald eagles, gulls, and cormorants.
Scenic highlights include:
- Towering glaciers and icebergs often provide calving action.
- Mist-shrouded fjords with numerous waterfalls for those heading to Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm.
- Dense temperate rainforests.
- Snow-capped coastal mountains. We found the peaks behind Hubbard Glacier especially beautiful.
Many cruise lines offer naturalist programs and guided tours. Itineraries to Glacier Bay National Park are enhanced by the ranger program and onboard commentary through the park.

Understanding Gulf Of Alaska Cruises
Gulf of Alaska cruises offer a unique Alaskan adventure, venturing beyond the Inside Passage. Since fewer travelers take this route, we find it less crowded.
Geographic Distinction
Gulf of Alaska cruises extend north of the Inside Passage, typically sailing between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier. Cruise guests can start in Anchorage, cruise south, or sail north from British Columbia.
This route covers a larger area, including the open waters of the Gulf of Alaska. We often see these itineraries referred to as “cross-gulf” cruises. Since they cross the “Gulf,” the sailings may be susceptible to choppier seas, especially towards the end of Alaska cruise season.
Passengers can add on a land tour or opt for a back-to-back (B2B) cruise, making it a roundtrip cruise lasting 14 days. Doing a B2B is ideal for those living near a port and eliminates the need for a flight. We have done this several times since we reside in Vancouver, Canada.
Multi-city flights are required when cruising a 7-day itinerary since you’ll fly into one city and out of another.
Gulf Of Alaska Itinerary

Since Gulf of Alaska cruises sail one way, they often include two glacier viewing days. Options may include:
- Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.
- Glacier Bay and College Fjord.
We’ve enjoyed four glacier viewing days during our back-to-back Gulf of Alaska cruises. While these routes often repeat Glacier Bay, it’s always worth another visit because the experience is never the same.
College Fjord, like Glacier Bay, has more than one glacier. Its lineup of ice masses is named after the famous colleges and sits side by side. Access to College Fjord is only available on particular Gulf of Alaska cruises and not Inside Passage options that don’t go north far enough.

Holland America and Princess Cruises utilize the port of Whittier, which is closer to Anchorage. All other lines use the Seward cruise port, further west.
If you plan to add a land vacation, having the cruise at the end provides a more relaxing experience. Bear in mind that while some cruise lines offer sailings as early as April, interior Alaska hasn’t emerged from winter, and venues won’t be open yet.
At the end of the season, Norwegian Cruise Line offers sailings into October. However, activities will be limited as tour operators will have shut down for the winter sometime in September.
Which Side Of The Ship?
When cruising the Inside Passage, it doesn’t matter whether you book a port or starboard balcony cabin. Since the route is roundtrip, guests benefit from coastal views by sailing north or south.
We recommend choosing a starboard cabin sailing north and a port stateroom heading south when taking a Gulf of Alaska cruise. On back-to-back cruises, you’ll need to change rooms on turnaround day to enjoy the best views each way.
Comparison Of Cruise Experiences
Inside Passage and Gulf of Alaska cruises offer distinct experiences for travelers. Your preferences will influence which option is most suitable for your family.
Glacier Viewing

Seven-day Inside Passage cruises typically include visits to Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, or one of the fjords. These areas showcase tidewater glaciers like Margerie Glacier and Sawyer Glacier.
Those that visit Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, often include Juneau on the same day. Glacier viewing starts as early as 6 am, with arrival in the state’s capital around 1 pm.
For a longer day in Juneau, we recommend choosing an Alaska itinerary with Glacier Bay or Hubbard. Since glacier viewing falls on a different day, a port day in Juneau could be 10 to 12 hours. Typically, Inside Passage cruises have one glacier viewing day.
Gulf of Alaska cruises often feature Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord, which are known for their massive ice formations. College Fjord boasts over 20 glaciers in a single area, offering a unique panoramic experience. Since it lies further north, we found the weather more unpredictable.
Most of these cruises include two glacier viewing days. This is often a deciding factor when choosing this route.
Cruise Duration
Inside Passage cruises are typically 7-day roundtrip voyages from Seattle or Vancouver. These itineraries offer a convenient option for travelers with limited time.

Gulf of Alaska cruises are usually one-way trips lasting 7 days. They often start or end in Whittier or Seward, near Anchorage. This route covers more distance and allows for extended land tours. Land travel provides a contrasting experience to exploring Alaska on a cruise ship.
Longer Gulf cruises provide more time to explore diverse landscapes and ports. They are ideal for travelers with a larger budget and aren’t limited to just a week. However, they may require additional flight planning and transportation to or from the Anchorage ports.
Which One Offers Calmer Seas?
Inside Passage cruises generally offer calmer waters. The route is sheltered by islands, reducing the impact of open ocean swells. This makes it an excellent choice for those prone to seasickness.
The only exception is an itinerary that visits Sitka Sound. Sitka, which sits on Baranof Island, faces the Pacific Ocean. We’ve experienced rough seas heading to Sitka on many of our voyages.
Gulf of Alaska cruises involve more open water sailing. With no islands to break the water swells, passengers may experience rougher seas, especially during shoulder seasons.
Weather conditions can affect both routes, but Inside Passage trips are less likely to face significant wave action, especially during peak months.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
Both routes offer chances to see Alaska’s diverse wildlife. Inside Passage cruises excel in whale watching, with humpbacks and orcas frequently sighted. Bald eagles, seals, and sea lions are common along the coastline.

Gulf of Alaska trips may provide more opportunities to spot land mammals. Coastal brown bears can sometimes be seen from the ship. Dall’s porpoises often play in the ship’s wake.
Although there is no certainty in spotting wildlife, traveling further north allows for exploration of a wider variety of habitats. This increased diversity can enhance the likelihood of encountering different species throughout the journey.
Choosing The Right Cruise For You
Selecting the ideal Alaska cruise involves considering your travel preferences and priorities. These key factors may sway you to one route over the other.
Do You Want To Add On A Land Tour?
Gulf of Alaska cruises offer more opportunities for land tours. These itineraries often include options to visit Denali National Park, Kenai Peninsula, or explore interior Alaska. Many cruise lines provide packages that combine a sea voyage with several days on land.
Since cruise and land tour packages come with premium pricing, some guests do the land portion independently. Pre- or post-cruise land excursions are popular add-ons for Gulf cruises, allowing exploration of interior Alaska.

We found these extended journeys offered a deeper Alaskan experience. They allowed us to see more of the state’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. Moose and grizzly bears are commonly sighted in Denali, but rarely in coastal areas.
Land tours are exhausting, with early mornings and long days. Since the cruise provides relaxation, we prefer to do the interior first and relax on the cruise afterward.
Alternatively, cruises through the Inside Passage can provide opportunities for land activities during port visits. These excursions are usually shorter and do not provide the same level of experience as those found in the interior regions of Alaska.
Budget Considerations
Inside Passage cruises tend to be more budget friendly. They often have lower base fares and fewer additional expenses. They are ideal for larger families. These voyages usually stick to Southeast Alaska, reducing transportation costs.
Gulf cruises come with a higher price tag and are preferred by retirees with more time. Hotels, transportation, and some excursions are included in packages. However, they don’t include meals.
Ultimately, both routes offer pristine landscapes, unique excursions, and a chance for wildlife sightings. Your decision might be influenced by your interests, budget, and desired cruise length.
