Official State of Alaska Vacation and Travel Information

Search

By Sea  

  • The Alaska State ferry is known as the Alaska State Marine Highway
  • Cruise ships dock right in downtown Juneau, creating a dramatically lit cityscape at night
  • Fishing boats and a cruise ship docked in Seward
  • The morning sun glitters of the waters of a harbor and the cruise ship docked there
  • A lone island in Misty Fiords National Monument
By Sea
Travel To Alaska
Travel To Alaska: By Sea

Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined. Seeing it – and Alaska’s abundant marine life and tidewater glaciers – is one of the most popular travel options in the state. There are two ways to reach Alaska by sea: cruise ship or ferry.

Cruising is the most popular way to explore Alaska, and for good reason. Cruise passengers travel in all-inclusive comfort on ships of all sizes and on itineraries of varying length, with abundant tour options in established ports of call. Cruise ships fall into two basic categories: large and small. Large cruise ships generally offer lavish entertainment, shopping and extensive shore excursions to create a seamless travel experience. Small ships offer more individualized services with custom or specialty itinerary options. Alaska’s Inside Passage is the most popular cruise route in the state, and is served by large and small ships alike.

Independent travelers may prefer to take in the same scenery via the Alaska Marine Highway, the state’s ferry system. Ferries offer the flexibility to stop and explore along the way, and to bring your personal vehicle or RV along for side trips to port cities. The ferry system travels from the Inside Passage across the Gulf of Alaska and all the way to the Aleutian Islands. Travelers can access the Alaska Marine Highway from Bellingham, WA, or Prince Rupert, B.C., or from one of the dozens of Alaska port communities. Ferries offer cabins for private, overnight accommodations or public areas for laying out a sleeping bag. Dining rooms and cafeterias offer food on the ferries, and travelers also enjoy access to onboard naturalists, movies, small gift shops and other entertainment.

Featured
Activity

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife The pristine wilderness of Alaska is, perhaps, the last vestige of thriving populations of North American wildlife. Where else can you see polar bears, bald eagles, blue and humpbacked...
Find out more

2012-2013 AMHS Ad Brand update 1-13 Visit Anchorage Visitor Guide Request 3

Vacation Guide

Official Alaska Vacation PlannerRequest your free official State of Alaska vacation planner.

Order a Copy

Alaska Gallery

Alaska Image GalleryView our photos of Alaska ranging from wildlife to relaxing life.

View Photos

Travel Specials

Alaska Tour & Travel
Kenai Fjords Cruises - Free Transportation Offer

Alaska Travel Specials
Categories