What is considered the inside passage in alaska

Where is the Inside Passage located?

Inside Passage , also called Inland Passage , or Marine Highway, natural sheltered sea route extending for more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from Seattle (Wash., U.S.) northwest to Skagway (Alaska, U.S.).

Is the Inside Passage rough?

Choosing an itinerary in protected water is your best bet against motion sickness. The itineraries that sail the Inside Passage from Seattle, on the other hand, travel two full days on the open Pacific Ocean, which can be rough .

Where is the Inside Passage and how was it made?

The Inside Passage (French: Passage Intérieur) is a coastal route for ships and boats along a network of passages which weave through the islands on the Pacific Northwest coast of the North American Fjordland.

Is Inside Passage same as Glacier Bay?

The Inside Passage refers to the route up the coast from the lower 48 to Southeast Alaska. It’s called that because most of the way the route is sheltered by islands from the open ocean. Glacier Bay is in SE Alaska so in a way it’s part of the Inside Passage .

Is it better to cruise northbound or southbound in Alaska?

There’s no difference in northbound and southbound itineraries. The stops along the way are the same no matter which you choose, so it’s really about personal preference, and which lines up best with your travel plans.

Where do Alaska cruises stop?

Typically, this is a round-trip cruise from Seattle or Vancouver , then back to the same port, with stops at three or four port towns, such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and either Sitka, Haines, or Victoria, B.C. These 7-day cruises usually spend a day in Glacier Bay or another glacier area, and two days at sea.

What can you not miss on an Alaskan cruise?

12 Alaska Cruise Tour Activities Not to Miss Glacier & Wildlife Cruises . Heli-Hiking the Tundra. Riding the Alaska Railroad. Standup Paddleboarding Around Icebergs. Visiting a Wildlife Sanctuary. Sampling the Local Beer. Dog Sledding. Gold Panning.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

The extra price for a balcony is worth it if you’ll put it to good use. Your ship design places balcony rooms on higher decks. This means rooms with balconies have better views, especially on river cruises where lower rooms are close to the water line. If you want the extra space offered by a balcony room.

Which side of the ship is best on an Alaska cruise?

Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska’s scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship . Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.

What month is the best time to cruise Alaska?

Alaskan cruise season is May through September with July and August being the highest season attracting the most travelers. Convention holds that the best months to cruise Alaska are July and August when the temperatures are at their highest and the weather is generally sunnier.

Are Alaskan cruises rough seas?

Rough Waters: The majority of sailing on an Alaska cruise is done in the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but ships sailing to Seward, Whittier or Anchorage must cross the Gulf of Alaska , which is much rougher. Cruise staffers say the gulf gets especially bad after Labor Day, in the shoulder season.

How do I choose an Alaskan cruise?

How to Choose the Perfect Alaskan Cruise Choose a cruise line. Choose either one-way or round-trip cruise . Choose a departure port. Choose your favorite ports of call. Choose where you want to do scenic cruising . Choose a time of year to visit.

Is Glacier Bay a must for Alaska cruise?

Dominated by cascading tidewater glaciers, ice-sculpted fjords, soaring pinnacles and marine wildlife, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a sprawling 3.3 million acres of icy wilderness and a must -see destination for any tour through the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska .

What is the difference between Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier?

Why Glacier Bay , Alaska is Better Unfortunately, there is only that one active glacier where Hubbard Glacier is. The closest other glacier is not advancing and so does not calve much. Hubbard can be difficult to sail to at particular times of the Hubbard Glacier cruise season.

What is so special about Glacier Bay?

Glacier Bay is a special place. Glacier Bay is a homeland, a living laboratory, a national park, a designated wilderness, a biosphere reserve, and a world heritage site. It’s a marine park, where great adventure awaits by boating into inlets, coves and hideaway harbors.