When you cruise to Alaska from San Francisco, encounter unique ports of call that are rich in history, culture and natural beauty.
Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and into a world of adventure as you head north on an Alaska cruise from San Francisco. Journey through beautiful waterways and get a front row seat to the world’s most breathtaking glaciers. Visit charming ports that invite you to learn about the region’s rich history and culture. Or relax at sea aboard your Inside Passage cruise from San Francisco.
Itinerary Ports
- Glacier Viewing
- Haines
- Juneau
- Ketchikan
- Prince Rupert
- San Francisco
- Skagway
- Valdez
- Victoria, B.C.
- Wrangell
Enjoy one glacier viewing day when you cruise to Alaska from San Francisco. In Glacier Bay National Park, visit Margerie Glacier and admire wildlife like humpback whales and sea lions. While cruising through the 30-mile waterway of Endicott Arm Fjord, get up close to Dawes Glacier and hear it roar with white thunder. Sail past waterfalls and granite canyon walls that disappear into the fjords.
Located between the Chilkat River and the Lynn Canal, Haines is the home of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, where as many as 4,000 bald eagles gather each fall to feast on spawning salmon along the river. As many as 80 have been seen perched in a single tree and more than a hundred may be captured within the frame of a single photograph.
Juneau is unlike any other city in the United States. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.
Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska.
Tucked in a temperate rainforest, Prince Rupert, B.C. is nicknamed "The City of Rainbows." Once a commerce hub for First Nations people, it developed as a town when it was selected as the western end point for the Grand Turk Pacific Railway. On a cruise to Alaska, take in its history strolling through museums and shops, enjoy a hike in the Butze Rainforest, or see eagles and humpbacks on a wildlife cruise.
It’s not hard to see why San Francisco has captured so many hearts and minds. World-class cuisine, iconic architecture, diverse neighborhoods and history all wait at your fingertips. Ride the ferry to Alcatraz or tour Sonoma wine country and taste some of the world's best wines on a cruise to Alaska from San Francisco.
Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.
Valdez is situated in Prince William Sound and serves as the gateway to the interior of Alaska. Often referred to as the "Little Switzerland", Valdez is known for its breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. It is also well-known for its role in the transportation of crude oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which ends in Valdez. Explore the charming waterfront area and take in the flavors of Valdez through culinary experiences at restaurants such as the Valdez Brewery and the Fat Mermaid.
At first glance many mistake Victoria for an English coastal city or northern European town. Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure.
Wrangell is a charming and scenic harbor known for its local fishing industry. It is not as bustling as larger ports in Alaska and maintains its historic charm and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Explore its historic downtown and learn about the local culture and Native heritage while in Wrangell.
Why Choose This Itinerary?
Discover the top reasons to cruise to Alaska from San Francisco.
- Premium Glacier-Viewing Experience — Cruise to Alaska from San Francisco and visit natural landmarks that are only accessible by sea–like Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier.
- Alaska’s Most Famous Ports of Call — On an Inside Passage cruise, relive history, discover new cultures and see wildlife up close. Visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, B.C. on a 11-day Alaska cruise.
- Convenient Roundtrip Airfare — On a roundtrip cruise to Alaska from San Francisco, save on the flight costs so you can splurge on an excursion ashore or a romantic dinner on board.
- Additional Time in the Golden Gate City — Add an extra day to your trip and sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, tour Alcatraz or make a trip to Napa Valley Wine Country on an Alaska cruise from San Francisco.
Ships on this itinerary
Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from our smaller vessels to large ships. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at the glaciers passing by before enjoying local seafood in one of our many eateries during your 11-day Alaska cruise.
Alaska Cruise Experience
We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks.
Alaska excursions
Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.
Alaska Cruise Onboard Experience
Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land.
Alaska Cruise Articles and Videos
Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.
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