So, you think you know Alaska. Towering glaciers, majestic whales, maybe a lumberjack show or two. Cute. But we’ve got a little secret for you, Sailor. The real Alaska, the one that gets your pulse racing and leaves you speechless, isn't found on the mega-ship conga line. It’s tucked away in quiet fjords, hidden in First Nations villages, and waiting at the top of the world’s largest ZipRider.
This isn’t your grandma’s cruise. We’re taking you off the beaten path and into the wild heart of the Last Frontier. Forget the tired old round-trip loop. We’re doing Alaska our way — with more grit, more glaciers, and way more stories for you to tell when you get back. And you’ll do it all in always-included, kid-free luxury. That means all onboard dining, non-alcoholic bevs, fitness classes, and lightning-fast WiFi are already included in your Voyage Fare so you don’t need to worry about anything but your next incredible view.
Ports Less Traveled
Anyone can sail to Juneau (and we do!) but we're not just anyone, and you’re not just any Sailor. We’ve curated our itineraries to include ports that offer something a little different, a little more authentic. Think of it as the VIP backstage pass to northern adventure.
- Prince Rupert, British Columbia: Before we even hit Alaska, we make a pit stop with our neighbors to the north. Most lines skip right past, but we know better. Prince Rupert is your entry point to the Great Bear Rainforest, home to the elusive white Spirit Bear. It’s a town steeped in First Nations culture, where you can explore the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary or just soak in the small-town Canadian charm. It’s the perfect appetizer before the main Alaskan course.
- Sitka, Alaska: While the masses flock elsewhere, we drop anchor in Sitka, a gem on the outer coast of Baranof Island. This place is the definition of a vibe. You'll feel the unique blend of its Tlingit heritage and Russian-American past as you walk through Sitka National Historical Park, dotted with towering totem poles. The wildlife here is next-level, with sea otters, puffins, and sea lions practically posing for your camera. It's a quieter, more soulful Alaskan experience.
- Icy Strait Point: Owned and operated by an Alaska Native community, this port is pure, unfiltered Alaska. Icy Strait Point delivers both culture and adrenaline in equal measure. You can spend the morning watching for humpback whales and brown bears, and the afternoon strapping in for a ride on the world's largest ZipRider. It’s a mile-long drop over the rainforest canopy, (you can thank us later for the adrenaline rush).
- Haines, Alaska: On our longer sailings, we take you to Haines, the road-less-traveled alternative to Skagway. If you want to see what Alaska feels like without the souvenir-shop saturation, this is it. Known as the "Valley of the Eagles," it's a haven for adventurers. Think epic river rafting on glacial-fed waters and exploring one of North America's most significant bald eagle preserves. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s spectacular.
Ice, Ice, Baby
You booked an Alaskan cruise and you want to see glaciers. We get it. But not all glacier viewings are created equal. We don’t just sail past them; we get you so close you can feel the chill and hear the thunderous roar of nature at its most powerful.
- Tracy Arm Fjord: Forget the wide-open bay. Tracy Arm is a narrow, twisting fjord that feels like a secret passage to another world. The 30-mile journey is flanked by sheer granite walls and cascading waterfalls, leading to the twin Sawyer Glaciers at its end. It’s an intimate, dramatic experience that makes you feel incredibly small in the best way possible.
- Hubbard Glacier: Meet the king. The largest tidewater glacier in North America is an absolute monster — over six miles wide where it meets the ocean. We make a special trip on our longer voyages to witness its power. The main event? "Calving," where massive chunks of ice, some as large as multi-story buildings, break off and crash into the sea. It’s a humbling, jaw-dropping spectacle you won’t forget.
The Shore Things You'll Actually Brag About
This is where the adventure really kicks into high gear. We’ve handpicked 57+ unique Shore Things exclusive to Virgin Voyages that go beyond the typical walking tour. These are the moments that define your trip.
- Dog Sledding on Mendenhall Glacier: Yes, you read that right. We’ll fly you by helicopter over the stunning Juneau Icefield and land you directly on the Mendenhall Glacier. There, a team of professional mushers and their very excited sled dogs are waiting to take you on an exhilarating ride across the snow. It’s a bucket-list item you didn't even know you had.
- Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery: Combine two of Alaska’s bests: flightseeing and food. Board a classic floatplane in Juneau and soar over five distinct glaciers of the massive Juneau Icefield. You'll land at the historic Taku Lodge, a remote wilderness outpost where you’ll feast on fresh-caught wild Alaska salmon grilled over an open flame. Oh, and keep an eye out for the local black bears who sometimes wander by.
- Yukon Adventure & White Pass Railway: From Skagway, you can step back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush. This full-day adventure takes you along the same path the prospectors traveled, culminating in a ride on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. The narrow-gauge railway clings to the side of mountains, crosses dizzying trestles, and offers views that are pure gold.
- Misty Fjords Flightseeing: The name says it all. From Ketchikan, take to the skies and fly over Misty Fjords National Monument, a landscape carved by glaciers and filled with deepwater fjords, towering cliffs, and serene lakes. It's a perspective you just can't get from the water, offering a true sense of the monumental scale of Alaska.
Ready for the Real Alaska?
We’re charting a different course through Alaska. We’re swapping the crowds for authenticity and the standard for the spectacular. If you're ready to see the Alaska that lies beyond the postcards, you know who to sail with. Let's get wild.
