The Inside Passage gives the most complete overview of the communities and surrounding wilderness preserves and parks in Southeast Alaska. Almost every popular small town in Southeast Alaska will be a part of an an Inside Passage itinerary, introducing you to Alaska's state capitol, a Norwegian fishing village, a native town, towns built on the timber industry, the gold of rush of 1898, and the historic Russian capitol of Sitka. The level of variety and charm within the Inside Passage will leave you never knowing what to expect in the next port of call, each with its own charm, character and history. Some destinations can only be visited by a small ship, giving you a real look at these wilderness towns. Cruise West, for example, will give you every opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultures and communities of Southeast Alaska in the most intimate way possible.
While not in port, you will visit some of the most pristine and dramatic wilderness areas and parks, such as Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Misty Fjords National Monument, and Tracy Arm Wilderness Area. These are amongst the most dramatic locations you can explore in southeast Alaska, offering the most dramatic views of glaciers and sheer granite walls reaching 3,000 feet out of the water.
Many photographic opportunities will exist in the Inside Passage. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and you have opportunities to spot mountain goats, bears, whales, porpoise, sea otters, dolphin, and moose.
While visiting many of these ports, there are very special opportunities to take advantage of. This includes kayaking, hiking, biking, visits to museums and native cultural centers, flight seeing, river rafting, train rides, dog mushing and ice climbing, street walks, and taste testing.