Southbound Alaska Cruises are one way voyages that begin near Anchorage in Seward or Whitter and travel south through the Gulf of Alaska and end in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
While there are similarities between a a roundtrip Inside Passage Cruise and a one-way Glacier cruise, there are a number of differences as well. These provide unique benefits which give you a chance to enjoy more of Alaska.
Visitors arrrive in Anchorage either the day of the cruise or after completing an land tour into Alaska's Interior. At least one overnight hotel stay in Anchorage before your cruise is recommended to ensure the most rest and early arrival times to the ship. Guests then transfer by motorcoach or train to Seward or Whittier. The 120 mile ride goes by quickly as visitors enjoy one of the most scenic drives into any departure port. Since Southbound Alaska Glacier cruises are one way trips, your cruise will not repeat its route by doing a U-turn back to the orginal departure port. Each day can provide a new opportunity to see glaciers, mountains, wildlife and scenery without repeating a segment of your journey.
A Southbound Alaska Cruise will head down the Alaska Coast, visit glacier areas, into the small waterfront communities and then sail through the Inside Passage to Vancouver, where passengers disembark the ship. Depending on the cruise line and ship, Alaska Glacier Cruise passengers not only visit the same ports and attractions they would've seen on the Inside Passage Cruise, but they may also visit College Fjord for breathtaking glacier views, or Valdez for yet another day in port.
Compared to a roundtrip Alaska Inside passage cruise, Southbound Alaska cruises have fewer days at sea. This allows the guest to spend more days in Alaska ports or National Glacier Parks. If you only have a week and want maximum glacier viewing and time on land, a Southbound or Northbound cruise is your best choice for an Alaska Cruise Vacation.
Depending on your cruise line and ship, these cruises typically visit four or more of these ports and sights:
Once the ship arrives in Vancouver, passengers may transfer to the airport for their flights home, or extend their stay with tours of Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle, or even a train ride into the Canadian Rockies.
Most visitors to Alaska elect to take an Alaska Cruisetour which combines a cruise with a land tour into the Interior of Alaska. Most cruise lines operating Southbound Glacier Cruises offer these cruisetours from Anchorage, Denali National Park, or Fairbanks that include motorcoach and domed rail cars. Read more about these Alaska Cruisetours on our website.
Another benefit of a Southbound Alaska cruise is the flexibility to fly home from either Seattle or Vancouver. Seattle is three and a half hours from Vancouver and there are a variety of transportation options including motorcoach and train to get you there. Both cities are so different, first time visitors could enjoy touring Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver after their cruise. Others may even consider a Victoria or Canadian Rockies rail package after their trip.
The Alaska Cruise season begins in late April and continues through September. Whether you cruise when the Inside Passage is blanketed with spring wildflowers or ablaze with fall foliage you'll be awed at Alaska's natural wonders. Spring whale migrations, fall bald eagle gatherings, winter trumpeter swans - exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and substantial savings can be found during spring and fall.