Alaskan Cruise Itinerary: 7-Day Inside Passage Adventure Through Glaciers and Wilderness

Alaska is one of the last great frontiers—untamed, breathtaking, and humbling in its scale. And there’s no better way to explore it than by cruising through the famous Inside Passage. With towering glaciers, abundant wildlife, and rich indigenous cultures, a 7-day Alaskan cruise offers the adventure of a lifetime, all from the comfort of a floating hotel.

According to Cruise Lines International Association, Alaska continues to grow in popularity, with over 1.6 million cruise passengers sailing its waters in recent seasons. The reason? Each day brings a new awe-inspiring scene—from icebergs calving into still fjords to eagles soaring above spruce forests.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the ultimate 7-day Alaskan cruise itinerary along the Inside Passage. You’ll discover the must-see ports, the best excursions, what to expect on and off the ship, and how to make the most of every breathtaking moment. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler looking to reconnect with nature, this itinerary balances exploration and comfort in one unforgettable journey.

Day 1: Depart from Seattle or Vancouver – Gateway to the North

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Most Inside Passage cruises begin from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia. These bustling port cities are destinations in their own right, so consider arriving a day early to explore before embarkation.

In Seattle, visit Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, or the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit. In Vancouver, enjoy a bike ride around Stanley Park or dine in the city’s vibrant Gastown neighborhood.

Once aboard, your ship will navigate through the open waters of the Pacific before entering the calmer, sheltered Inside Passage—a stretch famed for its smooth sailing and scenic vistas.

Departure Port Snapshot

Day 2: Cruising the Inside Passage – Scenic Sailing and Wildlife Watching

Your first full day at sea is all about the journey itself. As the ship glides through the narrow waterways of the Inside Passage, keep your eyes peeled for whales breaching, dolphins playing in the ship’s wake, and bald eagles perched in coastal trees.

This is also a day to explore the ship. Enjoy panoramic lounges, attend naturalist lectures, or simply relax with a cup of hot cocoa on deck as snow-dusted mountains and glacier-fed fjords pass by.

The calm waters here make for an especially smooth sail, ideal for travelers prone to motion sickness.

Inside Passage Sights & Sounds

Day 3: Juneau – Glaciers, Whales, and Alaska’s Capital Charm

Juneau, the remote capital of Alaska, is only accessible by boat or plane—and it delivers big on natural beauty. Dock early and head straight for the Mendenhall Glacier, just a short shuttle from the port. Hike the Nugget Falls trail or take a helicopter tour for glacier landings.

Wildlife lovers should consider a whale-watching cruise in Auke Bay, especially in summer when humpbacks and orcas are abundant. Downtown Juneau also charms with its historic buildings, local shops, and gold rush-era saloons.

Top Juneau Excursions

Day 4: Skagway – Gold Rush History and Mountain Passes

Next up is Skagway, a town that feels frozen in time. This historic gold rush hub is full of frontier charm, wooden boardwalks, and tales of the Klondike.

The most popular excursion is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway—a scenic ride through steep mountain passes, waterfalls, and gorges. Alternatively, lace up your boots for a hike along the Chilkoot Trail or take a jeep tour up the Yukon Highway into Canada.

In town, check out the Red Onion Saloon or the Skagway Museum for a deeper dive into the gold rush past.

Skagway Highlights Table

Day 5: Glacier Bay National Park – Nature’s Masterpiece

This day is often the highlight of the itinerary. Ships that sail into Glacier Bay are granted special permits, allowing guests to witness this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve up close.

Rangers come aboard to narrate your passage through the park, pointing out tidewater glaciers, sea lions, and rare seabirds. Margerie Glacier is often the main attraction—watch as icebergs calve off its towering face with thunderous cracks.

Bundle up and spend the day on deck or in a lounge with large windows. Binoculars are a must.

Glacier Bay Overview

Day 6: Ketchikan – Totem Poles and Rainforest Trails

Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan offers a mix of culture and wilderness. Visit Totem Bight State Park to learn about indigenous artistry, or stroll the boardwalk of Creek Street—once a red-light district, now a charming stretch of shops and galleries.

Adventure seekers can kayak through Misty Fjords National Monument or take a floatplane over the dramatic landscape. Be prepared for rain—Ketchikan gets over 230 days of it a year, adding to its lush rainforest charm.

Ketchikan Adventure Guide

Day 7: Return Sail and Reflections at Sea

Your final day is another relaxing stretch at sea as the ship returns to its port of origin. It’s a time for reflection—sipping coffee on the deck as mist curls off the water, flipping through photos of glacier vistas, and sharing stories with fellow travelers.

Take advantage of last-minute ship activities: spa appointments, trivia games, or a final Alaskan seafood feast. Most cruise lines host a farewell show or slideshow, allowing you to relive highlights from the past week.

Day 7 Onboard Ideas

Conclusion

A 7-day Inside Passage cruise through Alaska is more than a vacation—it’s a moving journey through nature’s raw beauty and a powerful reminder of Earth’s grandeur. Each port brings a new chapter, each glacier a new wonder, and each calm morning at sea a pause to breathe deeply.

This itinerary offers a well-balanced blend of adventure, culture, and comfort. From Juneau’s icy trails to Ketchikan’s totems, and from the thunder of calving glaciers to the hush of rainforest paths, Alaska opens its heart in unforgettable ways. And long after the ship docks, the memories remain as vivid as the views.