There’s something deeply humbling about sailing into the heart of Alaska’s wilderness—glaciers calving into icy waters, eagles soaring overhead, and misty forests blanketing rugged mountainsides. And there’s no better way to experience this majestic part of the world than aboard a Viking Ocean ship on their “Alaska and the Inside Passage” itinerary. Combining refined comfort, immersive shore excursions, and breathtaking scenery, Viking delivers an unforgettable journey through one of North America’s most awe-inspiring regions. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the amazing vistas, the welcoming wildlife, plus learning about the state’s history and its indigenous cultures. And we can’t say enough about the level of amenities and service when sailing with Viking.
Here’s what to expect on this spectacular voyage—plus insider tips to help you make the most of your time at sea and ashore. To learn more about excursions on this cruise, please read my article, Viking Alaskan Cruise Excursion Guide: Best Picks & Personal Insights.
What’s So Special About This Viking Alaskan Cruise?
Viking’s 11-day “Alaska and the Inside Passage” itinerary sails from Seward to Vancouver (or reverse, beginning in Vancouver and heading north), traveling through fjords to coastal towns with snow-capped mountain backdrops. Unlike larger cruise ships, Viking’s small-ship format (fewer than 1,000 guests) means you get a more intimate and scenic experience—with plenty of space to relax and opportunities to explore Alaska’s quieter corners.
Viking Cruise Extensions
Note that you can add pre- or post-trip extensions to your cruise, each lasting 2-6 nights. Adding an extension can certainly enhance your cruise. Plus, choosing a pre-extension is a great way to meet others before boarding the ship — you’ll no doubt make friends on the extension who you can then socialize with onboard. Current extensions include the scenic Rocky Mountaineer train ride, Denali Explorer, Pristine Alaska, and Natural Alaska, plus 2 nights in either Anchorage or Vancouver.
We chose the Denali Explorer extension which was a fascinating 5-night experience. We decided to take an extension before our cruise (rather than taking a post-extension), so we could later relax on the ship. Since Denali National Park is north of Seward, we chose the cruise itinerary that starts in Seward, sails south, and ends in Vancouver—it was a great option as we could then spend a day or two on our own exploring vibrant Vancouver before flying home.
Viking Alaskan Cruise Port Highlights
In just about every port, Viking guests have options for wildlife cruises (some general and some more specific like glacier viewing or whale watching), flightseeing (sightseeing in a small airplane), sightseeing via helicopter, kayaking, hiking, cultural performances, or exploring the town on your own. In some ports, there were also jeep or ATV tours, fishing, rock climbing, ziplining, and dog sledding.
Listed below is information about various ports — listed in alphabetical order — on Viking Alaska cruises. Check your itinerary for the exact ports to expect on your cruise.
Haines, Alaska
Haines is nestled between towering mountains and the blue waters of the Lynn Canal. Known historically as a trading post for the Tlingit people and later as a military outpost during the Klondike Gold Rush, Haines offers a rich blend of culture and frontier history. The landscape includes forests, fjords, and snow-capped peaks. It’s also one of the best places in Alaska to view bald eagles—especially in the fall when thousands gather along the Chilkat River. You can explore the Sheldon Museum, stroll the historic district, hike local trails with panoramic views, or take a wildlife tour to spot bears, moose, and seals.
Hubbard Glacier, near Yakutat, Alaska
On a sea day between Icy Strait Point and Valdez, the ship enters Yakutat Bay to view the massive Hubbard Glacier. The glacier stretches over 70 miles long and towers up to 400 feet above the water, making it one of the largest and most active tidewater glaciers in North America. The captain performs a panoramic turn so everyone can enjoy the dramatic glacier vistas.
Listen carefully and you’re bound to hear the glacier calve, when large chunks of ice break off from the edge of a glacier, crashing into the sea. (This natural event occurs when the glacier advances into the water and the ice becomes unstable.)
Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Icy Strait Point, nestled near the native Tlingit village of Hoonah, offers a unique mix of cultural heritage and wild Alaskan adventure. This private destination, exclusive to cruise passengers, lets you explore Alaska’s untamed beauty without the crowds. Excursion options range from whale watching in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait, where humpbacks often breach dramatically, to adrenaline-filled rides on the large ZipRider. You can also delve into Indigenous culture, hike along scenic coastal trails, or explore old logging trails in a Jeep or ATV.
Juneau, Alaska
Juneau, Alaska’s capital, has roots in the gold mining era and has grown into a vibrant hub of government, culture, and tourism. Accessible only by sea or air, Juneau offers a unique blend of the state’s history and modern charm. Surrounded by breathtaking wilderness, Juneau is a launch point for unforgettable glacier visits—like the Mendenhall Glacier—and rich wildlife experiences, from whale watching to bear spotting to an Alaskan salmon expedition. Other excursions include flightseeing and helicopter rides over — and onto — a glacier.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan bills itself as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” and its lively waterfront and rich Native heritage make it an enjoyable stop. On an excursion, you might stroll along historic Creek Street—once a red-light district built on stilts (back in the early settler days, men outnumbered women by a wide margin)—or take a floatplane ride over the majestic Misty Fjords National Monument. Cultural tours introduce you to the artistry of the Tlingit people through totem parks and carving demonstrations while fishing charters offer the chance to reel in your own fresh catch.
Seward, Alaska (Beginning or End of Your Cruise)
Historically significant as the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad, Seward has long served as a vital transportation hub—and today, it remains a key gateway for travelers exploring Alaska by rail, road, and sea. Seward is a scenic coastal town nestled between the mountains and the sea on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.
On Viking cruise excursions, you can embark on wildlife and glacier cruises through Resurrection Bay to view sea otters, puffins, porpoises, whales, and towering tidewater glaciers. Or opt for dog sledding on a glacier, kayaking near rugged cliffs, exploring ice fields by helicopter, visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center, and other options.
Sitka, Alaska
Sitka offers a rich blend of natural beauty, Russian history, and Indigenous Tlingits. Near the dock, Castle Hill had been inhabited by the Tlingit people for over 9,000 years before the Russians claimed the land. The first U.S. flag was flown here in 1867 after the country purchased Alaska from the Russians. Today, Castle Hill is a spot in town where you can enjoy views and learn more about the town’s history.
Sitka is also home to historic landmarks like the Russian Bishop’s House and St. Michael’s Cathedral, reflecting its past as the capital of Russian America. Besides touring the town, excursions include a visit to a rehabilitation center for bears, along with more sightseeing by boat, helicopter, and plane.
Skagway, Alaska
Skagway rose to prominence during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s, serving as a bustling gateway for thousands of prospectors heading to the Yukon. Its rich history is still visible today in the preserved buildings of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the iconic White Pass & Yukon Route railway. While its gold rush days are long past, Skagway remains an inviting port for a window into Alaska’s frontier past. There’s a Klondike Gold Rush National Park Service office in town that might be worth a stop to learn more about the area.
Popular excursions include riding the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway up to White Pass Summit along tracks that carried 19th-century prospectors on their missions to strike it rich. There are two options for this excursion: traveling in a vintage rail car or a luxury rail car. We chose the luxury rail car (the last car on the train) which provided comfortable upholstered swivel seats, a large outdoor platform for perfect picture-taking opportunities, as well as a private tour guide who provided commentary plus complimentary snacks and beverages. Other options include hiking into alpine territory, strolling along smaller trails like Pullen Creek, and shopping in town.
Valdez, Alaska
Valdez holds a unique place in Alaskan history as a former Gold Rush gateway and the site of rebuilding after the devastating 1964 earthquake. Today, it’s best known as the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, playing a vital role in the state’s oil industry as a major port where crude oil is loaded onto tankers.
Framed by the Chugach Mountains and surrounded by stunning fjords and glaciers, Valdez also draws visitors for its dramatic scenery and outdoor adventures including off-roading adventures, kayaking, rafting, and helicopter sightseeing. We chose the Columbia Glacier Cruise excursion — a great way to view magnificent mountain vistas while learning about the study of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. The boat travels through waters teeming with ice floes. Some of those provide resting platforms for birds and sunning sea otters.
Wrangell, Alaska
One of Alaska’s oldest settlements, Wrangell has a layered history shaped by Tlingit, Russian, British, and American influences. Today, it’s a quiet port where you can enjoy a relaxed pace and discover off-the-beaten-path adventures. Highlights include petroglyph beaches, the Wrangell Museum, and excursions to see bears fishing at Anan Wildlife Observatory.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Beginning or End of Your Cruise)
Start (or end) your journey in Vancouver, Canada, a vibrant coastal city where natural beauty meets rich cultural diversity. With deep Indigenous roots and a history shaped by explorers, immigrants, and industry, Vancouver has grown into one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Explore its scenic waterfront, visit world-class attractions like Stanley Park and Granville Island, or enjoy the city’s dynamic food and arts scene. Another option is to take a seaplane sightseeing tour of Vancouver and/or fly on a seaplane to beautiful Victoria for a day.
How to Make the Most of the Viking Ship Experience
Viking ocean ships share similar traits and amenities. To learn more about traveling on a Viking ocean ship, please read my article, Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide.
1. Take Full Advantage of the Included Amenities
Your cruise fare includes a variety of dining venues (including specialty dining at Manfredi’s and The Chef’s Table), complimentary beer and wine with meals, a fully-outfitted gym, a hair salon, a spa, an included daily shore excursion in each port, a host of optional excursions, free Wi-Fi, and more.
2. Savor the Quiet, Adults-Only Atmosphere
Viking Ocean ships carry up to 930 passengers, are adults-only (18+), and the ambiance is serene — especially compared to mega cruise ships. Curl up with a book or enjoy a drink in the Explorers’ Lounge, attend an enrichment lecture, take a dip in the pool (there’s a cover for chilly days), or enjoy some afternoon nibbles in the Wintergarden under a canopy of white birch trees while listening to live music. When you board, spend time walking through the ship to acquaint yourself with all the public spaces because there are quite a few! There’s a map showing all the decks in your stateroom or visit Guest Services for one. For more information on what to expect onboard, please read my article Viking Ocean Cruise Onboard Experience: What You Need to Know.
3. Catch the Enrichment Programs and Port Talks
Viking’s cultural programming is matched to upcoming destinations. Attend lectures, talks on Indigenous Alaskan culture, and naturalist-led wildlife briefings. Thankfully, these lectures are available on your stateroom TV later in the day if you’re busy during their appointed times.
4. Watch for Wildlife from the Observation Decks & Your Balcony
Alaska’s magic is in its unpredictability. Keep binoculars handy—you may spot whales breaching or eagles soaring overhead right from your ship. Read my tip on binoculars in the next section.
5. Visit the LivNordic Spa (Even If You’re Not a “Spa Person”)
This tranquil, Scandinavian-style wellness space is included in your fare. Try the thermal suite, snow grotto, or a traditional Nordic plunge and steam cycle for post-excursion rejuvenation. Also not to be missed are luxurious massages (for a fee).
Travel Tips for Viking’s Alaska Cruises
1. Book Alaska Shore Excursions Early
Some of the most popular excursions (like helicopter glacier treks or dog sledding) fill up fast. You can often reserve them pre-cruise through your Viking portal (on MyVikingJourney.com).
2. Arrive a Day Early
If you’re starting in Vancouver or Seward, plan to arrive at least one day early to account for flight and other travel disruptions. Doing so will help reduce pre-cruise stress and allow for a more relaxed start to your vacation. You may even get a chance to explore the city a little on your own.
3. Dress in Layers — it’s Alaska!
Alaskan weather changes quickly. Bring warm, moisture-wicking layers, a good rain jacket, and waterproof shoes. Don’t forget gloves and a hat (or earmuffs) if the weather forecast calls for them.
4. Keep your IDs Handy for Excursions
Each time you depart the ship, you’ll scan your stateroom key card. (That helps the crew know who is on and off the ship — and verifies that everyone is back on board before exiting a port.)
When returning from excursions, expect to show your driver’s license (or passport) and your stateroom key card to port security personnel before heading to the ship. As you enter the ship, you’ll scan your stateroom key card again and place your backpacks/gear on a conveyor belt for a security scan.
Note that you will need your passport to get into and out of Vancouver, Canada.
Also for excursions, state regulations forbid food and drinks, except bottled water, to be taken ashore.
5. Use the Ship’s Laundry Services
Pack lightly and use the complimentary laundry rooms on board—complete with detergent and irons. If you book a Junior Penthouse Suite, Explorer Suite, or Owner’s Suite, you’ll enjoy complimentary laundry pickup and return.
6. Be Camera Ready
You’ll want to capture towering glaciers, dramatic coastlines, and fleeting wildlife, so make sure your camera or smartphone is powered up.
You’ll probably want to bring along a portable power bank to ensure you have enough juice on your smartphone if taking lots of pictures and videos in a day. Without a power bank, you may risk draining your battery completely. To learn how to choose a power bank, please read my article, Stay Powered Up: A Traveler’s Guide to Power Banks.
Learn to use your smartphone’s photo settings for those epic shots. For instance, you can capture wide shots of mountainscapes and shorelines by scanning from left to right with your smartphone camera while in panoramic mode. On an iPhone & Android: Open Camera → Swipe to Pano Mode → Follow the arrow while moving steadily.
7. Keep Binoculars Handy
If you want to really enjoy wildlife sightings or scenery, use binoculars while viewing from the ship and on excursions. Note that staterooms come with binoculars, but not all stateroom levels offer the same grade of binoculars, so you may want to check on this when booking –– and perhaps plan to bring your own.
8. Pack an Eyemask for Sleeping
Although the staterooms have blackout curtains, you may want to throw an eyemask in your luggage – especially if you’re a light sleeper.
9. Ask for a Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Upon embarkation, head to Guest Services and ask for a behind-the-scenes tour of the galley, laundry facilities, engine room, and/or the ship’s bridge. They’re interesting peeks into the ship’s operations.
10. Plan for the Unexpected
Cruise itineraries can change unexpectedly due to weather or other factors—it’s all part of the adventure that comes with cruising. Try to take it all in stride.
Tendering to Shore
Sometimes, the ship can’t dock in a port and, instead, anchors in the harbor. When this happens, Viking transports passengers to and from the port on tenders which are small, covered boats. Check your Viking itinerary (on page 3 of your Viking Journey Summary). If you see an anchor icon in the right column, you’ll know that you’ll be taking a tender to and from the dock. Viking explains the details of tendering in port talks and in the Viking Daily (a cruise newsletter that’s put in your stateroom each evening).
Brief History of Alaska
Alaska’s history is as vast and rugged as its landscape. Originally inhabited by a variety of native communities, “Alaska’s First Peoples”—including the Iñupiat, Yup’ik, Aleut, Tlingit, Haida, and others—for thousands of years, the region was rich with distinct cultures, languages, and traditions long before European contact.
In 1741, Danish explorer Vitus Bering, sailing for Russia, landed on Alaska’s shores, ushering in decades of Russian influence, mainly through fur trading. This era ended in 1867 when the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. The acquisition proved strategic and resource-rich.
Alaska’s gold rushes in the late 1800s and early 1900s brought waves of settlers and fortune seekers. It became a U.S. territory in 1912 and gained statehood in 1959, becoming the 49th state.
Today, Alaska blends Indigenous heritage, frontier spirit, and natural grandeur. From ancient cultural traditions to dramatic stories of exploration, its layered history makes a visit fascinating.
Related Articles
Trip Planning
- 5 Travel Tips That Will Instantly Make Your Trips Easier
- Must-Have Travel Apps and Websites for Savvy Travelers
- Stay Powered Up: A Traveler’s Guide to Power Banks
- Travel Lightly: Top Ten Tips to Pack for Your Next Trip
- Travel Planning Timeline: the Ultimate Travel Countdown Checklist
- Wander without Worry: How to Plan a Great Trip
Alaskan Cruise
- Viking Alaskan Cruise Denali Explorer Extension: What You Need to Know
- Viking Alaskan Cruise Excursion Guide: Best Picks & Personal Insights
Viking Cruises
- Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide
- Viking Ocean Cruise Dining: What You Need to Know
- Viking Ocean Cruise Excursions: What You Need to Know
- Viking Ocean Cruise Onboard Experience: What You Need to Know
- Viking Ocean Cruise Staterooms: What You Need to Know
- Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps to Take After Booking a Cruise
- Viking River Cruises: The Complete Guide
- Best Sights to See on a Viking Grand European Tour Cruise
- Viking Antarctica Cruise: A Complete Guide for Adventurers
Final Thoughts
Viking’s Alaskan cruises are a rare blend of wild and refined. You’ll sail past remote fjords and ancient forests, step ashore into towns rich with culture and history, partake in some intriguing excursions, and come back to relax in peaceful settings, enjoying delicious meals and selecting what venue to visit for live entertainment (the Atrium, the Explorer’s Lounge, the Star Theater, Torshvarn night club, and more).
My husband and I can’t say enough great things about this Viking Alaskan cruise! We were wowed by the excursions that enabled us to learn about the history, cultures, geology, and wildlife of this American gem. We think that seeing it with Viking lets you slow down and savor both the journey and the destinations.
Planning to book Viking’s cruise showcasing the 49th American state? Have questions about ports, packing, or Viking’s onboard experience? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to help you.
Check out the details of this Viking Alaskan Cruise itinerary. Remember, you can travel from Seward to Vancouver or from Vancouver to Seward.
Comments
Please feel free to share your travel experiences and suggestions in Alaska. Other travelers could benefit from your insights. Thank you! 🙂
