Barrier islands, towering forested walls and narrow fjords — these are just a few of the Inside Passage’s unique qualities. The scenery is constantly changing, with views of picturesque shores and friendly coastal towns. With Princess, you’ll sail a route stretching from Puget Sound through British Columbia to the Gulf of Alaska, visiting classic ports like Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and often Victoria, B.C., with access to iconic glacier destinations.
What is the Inside Passage?
Stretching hundreds of miles from Puget Sound, Washington, along the coast of British Columbia and into the Gulf of Alaska, the Inside Passage includes more than 1,000 islands, seemingly endless shoreline and thousands of coves and bays. A Princess Inside Passage itinerary often features:
- Skagway, a Gold Rush-era town with frontier charm
- Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of the World”
- Juneau, Alaska’s capital, surrounded by glaciers and mountains
- Victoria, B.C., known for its gardens and British influence
- Scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park on select voyages
An Inside Passage cruise opens the door to Alaska’s culture, nature and adventure:
- Experience Glacier Bay National Park on select itineraries, where snow-capped peaks tower over deep fjords and tidewater glaciers crackle and calve. Princess is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park, offering a close-up, undisturbed view of its scenery and wildlife.
- Learn about Alaska Native heritage in communities connected to the Huna Tlingit and other Indigenous peoples.
- Explore Gold Rush history in Skagway and Juneau, including underground mine visits and the famed mountain railway.
- Go dog sledding with a musher, spot whales and eagles, kayak in quiet coves, and savor wild-caught seafood.
From 1792 to 1794, Captain George Vancouver charted more than 1,000 miles of still waters and luminous glaciers that would become known as the Inside Passage. In 1881, the first cruise ventured into this region, during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush. Since then, mariners, explorers and travelers have followed these waterways to experience spruce-lined channels, granite fjords and glacier-carved valleys. Today, Princess itineraries trace these legendary paths, with opportunities to:
- Retrace early explorers’ routes by scenic railway in Skagway
- Venture into historical gold mines near Juneau
- Sail past ancient tidewater glaciers, including in Glacier Bay National Park
Princess Cruise Line is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.
Sample Inside Passage itineraries
Explore popular 7-day options featuring classic ports and scenic cruising. Availability varies by season and ship; see details on each sailing
7-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)
View dates and ships: See Inside Passage with Glacier Bay sailings
7-Day Inside Passage (Roundtrip Seattle) with Jeff Corwin
Select sailings feature special programming with wildlife expert Jeff Corwin. Explore featured sailings
Choose the space and perks that fit your style and budget:
- Suites: Extra space, premium amenities and upgraded experiences. See suites
- Mini-Suites: Added room and a sitting area for relaxing. Explore mini-suites
- Balcony: Private outdoor space for glacier and wildlife viewing. View balcony staterooms
- Oceanview: A window to the scenery at a great value. View oceanview staterooms
- Interior: Most affordable option with all the Princess comforts. See interior staterooms
Enhance your voyage with Princess packages:
- Plus & Premier: Popular bundles that can include beverages, Wi‑Fi, crew appreciation and more. Compare packages
- MedallionClass: Enjoy streamlined embarkation, on-demand service and fast, reliable MedallionNet Wi‑Fi.
How to choose your Inside Passage cruise
Glacier viewing: Many itineraries include Glacier Bay National Park; check the day-by-day for “Glacier Bay” scenic cruising.
Departure port: Roundtrip Seattle is a convenient gateway for many travelers.
Ports of call: Common highlights include Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Victoria. Review port times for the activities you want.
Stateroom type: Balconies and top-deck viewpoints are popular for glacier days; suites and mini-suites add extra comfort.
Value: Look for seasonal Alaska cruise deals and consider Plus or Premier for predictable vacation budgeting.
Ready to explore Alaska?
Find your sailing, compare staterooms and lock in your fare. Book an Alaska Inside Passage cruise.
What is the Inside Passage?
A protected coastal route spanning hundreds of miles from Puget Sound through British Columbia to the Gulf of Alaska, featuring more than 1,000 islands, endless shoreline and fjords.
Which ports do Inside Passage cruises typically visit?
Many Princess itineraries include Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, with select sailings calling on Victoria, B.C. Port calls vary by itinerary and date.
Do Princess Inside Passage cruises include Glacier Bay National Park?
Many do. Princess is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park. Check the itinerary’s day-by-day for “Glacier Bay” scenic cruising.
What can I do on an Inside Passage cruise?
Wildlife viewing, dog sledding with a musher, Gold Rush history tours, scenic railways, glacier viewing, kayaking, cultural visits and world-class seafood experiences.
How long are typical Inside Passage cruises?
Seven-day itineraries are popular, including roundtrip options from Seattle. Longer and shorter variations may be available depending on the season and ship.
When did cruises begin sailing the Inside Passage?
The first recorded cruise sailed into Alaska’s Inside Passage in 1881, during the Klondike Gold Rush era.
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