Alaskan Explorer (Juneau to Ketchikan)

The 12-day Alaskan Explorer Cruise follows a route shaped by centuries of exploration, trade, and survival. These waters once carried Tlingit canoes, Russian fur traders, and prospectors bound for the Klondike.Begin in Juneau, which offers an introduction to the region’s natural history and Indigenous traditions. Continue to Sitka, once the capital of Russian America, where domed churches still stand beside Tlingit houses. Walk through Sitka National Historical Park to see hand-carved totem poles that mark centuries of artistry and perseverance.In Wrangell, venture by jet boat along the Stikine River, a route once navigated by John Muir in 1879 during his survey of Alaska’s glacial systems. Petersburg reflects the Norwegian fishing traditions that took root here in the late 1800s, and the surrounding waters often reveal humpback whales, sea lions, and bald eagles drawn to the rich feeding grounds of the Inside Passage.Throughout the journey, local experts share how Alaska has evolved—from a remote frontier to a region defined by enduring cultural identity and a deep connection to its environment. Each day offers a new perspective on the Inside Passage shoreline, where history and wilderness continue to shape one another.