The trip
Overview
Few cruise routes justify the journey from the Gulf like the Inside Passage. Sailing north from Vancouver, ships thread a sheltered channel between forested islands, calling at former gold-rush and fishing towns — Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway among the likely names — before a day of glacier viewing in Glacier Bay, Endicott Arm or another icefield, depending on the sailing and the permits the line holds that season. The itinerary we confirm is the one your ship actually sails.
Wildlife is the running subplot: humpbacks and orcas from the deck, bald eagles over every harbour, bears on salmon streams for those who take the right excursion — sightings likely in season, promised never. Shore days here are genuinely active, from the White Pass railway out of Skagway to floatplane and kayak trips.
From the UAE it is a long haul — typically via a European or North American hub into Vancouver — so we usually build in a Vancouver night or two before boarding, and the city more than earns them.
Highlights
- ✦Glacier viewing in Glacier Bay or Endicott Arm depending on the sailing's permits
- ✦Possible calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point or Sitka
- ✦Humpbacks, orcas, eagles and bears in season — never guaranteed, often seen
- ✦The White Pass & Yukon Route railway from Skagway
- ✦Sheltered Inside Passage waters, kinder than open-ocean cruising
Who it suits
- ●Wildlife and scenery travellers ready for a serious long-haul trip
- ●Families with older children during the UAE school summer
- ●Once-in-a-decade trip planners marking a milestone birthday or anniversary
Why this journey works
- ✓The Inside Passage is sheltered water — good news for anyone wary of swells
- ✓Alaska's season lands squarely in the UAE summer holidays
- ✓A ship is the only practical way to link these roadless coastal towns
Day by day
Days 1–2
Vancouver, then northbound
Fly into Vancouver — we recommend arriving a day early to shake off the time change with Stanley Park and Granville Island. Board at Canada Place and sail out under the Lions Gate Bridge; the scenery starts within the hour.
Days 3–6
Southeast Alaska ports and glacier day
The middle of the week works through Alaskan calls drawn, depending on the selected sailing, from Ketchikan with its boardwalk Creek Street, Juneau for Mendenhall Glacier and whale-watching boats, Skagway for the White Pass railway, and quieter Icy Strait Point or Sitka. One day is usually given to scenic glacier cruising — Glacier Bay where the line holds permits, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier otherwise. Wrap up warm and stay on deck for it.
Days 7–8
Inside Passage south and disembark
A final day retracing the sheltered channel — often the best whale-spotting of the trip — then disembarkation in Vancouver and the flight home, or a night in the city before you go. Note that some Alaska itineraries run one-way to Seward or Whittier instead; we confirm which pattern your sailing follows before booking.
Possible ports of call
Route inspiration — line, ship, ports and glacier access (which depends on permits) are confirmed against the actual sailing.
When to go
The Alaska season runs May to September. June and July bring the longest days and peak wildlife activity; May and September are quieter and often better value, with a higher chance of cool, wet weather — though rain is possible in any month in this rainforest coast. Book school-summer sailings well ahead; balcony cabins on glacier itineraries sell first.
Planning around seasons, regions and style? Read the full United States destination guide →
What’s included
- ✓Cruise fare for the selected sailing and cabin category
- ✓Return flights from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Vancouver
- ✓Transfers between Vancouver airport, hotel and the Canada Place cruise terminal
- ✓Main-restaurant dining on board
- ✓PCT travel consultant support before and during travel
Not included
- —Shore excursions
- —Drinks packages unless quoted
- —Gratuities where the cruise line charges them
- —Travel insurance
- —Visas and travel authorisations where required
Ways to extend it
- +Two pre-cruise nights in Vancouver with Stanley Park and Capilano
- +Add the Rocky Mountaineer rail journey to Banff after the cruise
- +Extend to Whistler for two mountain nights
Gallery
