Alaska › Inside Passage
Inside Passage, Southeast Alaska, USA
A thousand miles of protected waterway threading through ancient rainforest, tidewater glaciers, and some of the richest wildlife habitat on earth — no port stop required.
A thousand miles of protected waterway threading through ancient rainforest, tidewater glaciers, and some of the richest wildlife habitat on earth — no port stop required.
There is no going ashore — this is a full scenic cruising day spent aboard your ship.
💡 Pro move: Scenery is typically on both sides simultaneously — the captain may rotate the ship 360° at a particularly dramatic spot so every cabin gets the view.
No pier or tender — the Inside Passage is navigated as a scenic cruising day.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| All cruise lines (Alaska itineraries) | Scenic cruising route📍 | Docked |
No shore excursions are available on a pure Inside Passage cruising day — the experience is the ship sailing through the landscape.
Humpback whales, orca, Dall's porpoise, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals are regularly spotted from the ship's open decks. Bald eagles patrol the shoreline overhead.
Bring binoculars →Many Inside Passage itineraries include a slow pass through Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm, where sheer granite walls rise 3,000 feet and small icebergs from the Sawyer or Dawes Glaciers dot the water.
Check your ship itinerary →National Park Service rangers and ship naturalists give lectures on Southeast Alaska ecology, Tlingit culture, glacier science, and wildlife behavior — usually free and well worth attending.
Check daily program →The world's largest temperate rainforest lines both sides of the passage. Old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock cling to cliff faces; waterfalls cascade into the channel after every rainstorm.
Bring a rain jacket →Climate normals for Inside Passage, Southeast Alaska, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32°F / 0°C | 27°F / -3°C | 21 | 8:32 AM | 3:42 PM |
| Feb | 30°F / -1°C | 23°F / -5°C | 16 | 7:28 AM | 4:55 PM |
| Mar | 35°F / 2°C | 27°F / -3°C | 18 | 7:12 AM | 7:01 PM |
| Apr | 43°F / 6°C | 34°F / 1°C | 18 | 5:44 AM | 8:11 PM |
| May | 54°F / 12°C | 41°F / 5°C | 14 | 4:30 AM | 9:18 PM |
| Jun | 60°F / 16°C | 49°F / 9°C | 19 | 3:51 AM | 10:05 PM |
| Jul | 64°F / 18°C | 54°F / 12°C | 18 | 4:17 AM | 9:48 PM |
| Aug | 63°F / 17°C | 53°F / 12°C | 20 | 5:21 AM | 8:41 PM |
| Sep | 57°F / 14°C | 47°F / 8°C | 21 | 6:28 AM | 7:15 PM |
| Oct | 47°F / 8°C | 38°F / 3°C | 21 | 7:34 AM | 5:50 PM |
| Nov | 36°F / 2°C | 30°F / -1°C | 21 | 7:47 AM | 3:36 PM |
| Dec | 32°F / 0°C | 25°F / -4°C | 22 | 8:40 AM | 3:05 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The entire day is spent on your ship as it navigates the Inside Passage. All ship amenities, restaurants, and public decks are available as normal.
Head to the open observation deck or forward lounge for unobstructed views. Popular spots fill quickly when major scenery or wildlife is spotted — claim yours early.
Most Alaska cruise ships feature an onboard naturalist or park ranger who provides live narration and wildlife spotting assistance throughout the day. Check the daily program for session times.
Upcoming cruises that call at Inside Passage, Southeast Alaska, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.