BIG SHIP OR SMALL SHIP CRUISE?
The traditional ‘big’ cruise ships like Holland America, Princess etc cruise from Vancouver to Seward or round trip back to Vancouver and some include sightseeing of Glacier Bay National Park or perhaps Hubbard Glacier and typically stop at a mix of towns including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Sitka. These towns are tiny (think Akaroa) and you step off the boat right in the little town.
The boats have 1,000 – 3,000 passengers and you could have 2-4 boats in one town on one day so they do often get crowded with tourists. The towns are full of souvenir shops catering to the cruise passengers – you will find the shops repeated in each town, so chances are you will be looking for other experiences.
So… think about the Alaskan experience you are looking for and pre-book excursions so you can really experience the area. If you can, include at least one fixed wing or helicopter flight – these are truly amazing and not too expensive and the views are utterly breathtaking.
Otherwise, we’d strongly recommend considering a small ship cruise with a specialist like Alaskan Dream cruises, Un-Cruise, Lindblad or Sikumi. You’ll embark these ‘expedition’ ships in the Inside Passage itself and spend most of your time in wilderness areas, well away from the madding crowds.There’s no need to book shore excursions, as your ship is a floating expedition base from which you’ll watch for whales, bears and other wildlife. From the ship you can enjoy a walk, a paddle and even fishing! (in the case of Sikumi)
Skagway – this is a Gold Rush town
• White Pass & Yukon Railway is a fantastic tour and I highly recommend it. Really interesting and good scenery. It departs about 100 metres from where the boat docks and the cruise line will manage this excursion really well.
• You could also do a great flight out of here as well.
• Wilderness hiking and salmon fishing
• Temsco Helicopters – do some great trips including organising a dog sledding tour
Juneau – heaps to do here (Juneau is capital of Alaska so the biggest town you visit)
• Mendenhall Glacier – 20 mins away (not necessary if you have cruised Glacier Bay)
• Day cruise or flight to Tracey Arm to see Sawyer Glacier
• Half or full day seaplane flight to Admiralty Island to see bears (a good option if not getting this in Alaska)
• Do the Mt Roberts tramway to the top of the mountain – great views.
Ketchikan – a native town built over the Ketchikan Creek
• A floatplane trip to Misty Fjord (gorgeous!)
• Sea kayaking
• In July and August you can organise to do Salmon Fishing (this is great)
• The town itself is built on poles so interesting to stroll around and sea salmon in the water below. Lumberjack show is fun.
Sitka – another native town, good Russian history here
• They have a good Raptor centre so you can see bald eagles.
• Great wildlife viewing here – most popular is the Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest tour.
• Plus you can see Bears at the Fortress of the Bear wildlife viewing. May 21 – Sept 15.
Experiences in this area
Kimberley Icons, Ashmore & The Rowley Shoals
Exploring the Kimberley & Beyond, 12 Nights > 15-27 Oct 2021 from Darwin aboard Coral Geographer > 12-24 Sept 2022 from Darwin aboard Coral Adventurer > 07-19 October 2022 from Darwin aboard Coral Adventurer Departing Broome: > 24 Sept – … Continue reading →
Ningaloo & The Bluewater Wonders of Australia’s West
17-27 May 2021, 28 May – 7 June 2021, 16-26 May 2022, 27 May – 6 June 2021. Join our 10-night discovery of Western Australia’s Coral coast onboard Coral Discoverer, and explore the extraordinary marine environment, historic islands, and striking … Continue reading →
Abrolhos Islands & the Coral Coast
Exploring Ningaloo, Montebello & Abrolhos Islands 12 Nights | Departing Broome | Arriving Fremantle Departures: 27 October 2021 onboard Coral Geographer, and 7 February 2022 onboard Coral Adventurer. This expedition explores Western Australia’s wild and largely untouched coast, with its … Continue reading →
Across the Great Australian Bight
Explore Remote Islands & Iconic National Parks 13 Nights | Departing Fremantle 8 November 2021 | Arriving Adelaide 21 November 2021 | Onboard Coral Geographer Set sail onboard Coral Geographer on an all-new 13-night expedition immersion into the wild nature, … Continue reading →
Wild Islands and Walks of South Australia
10 Nights | Departing Adelaide 22 November to 2 Dec 2021 & 02-12 December 2021 | Onboard Coral Geographer This voyage offers the opportunity to explore and hike South Australia’s wild islands, where forested National Parks give way to sheer … Continue reading →
Coastal Wilds of Tasmania
10 Nights | Departs & Returns to Hobart | 27 Jan – 6 Feb 2022 6-16 Feb 2022 16-26 Feb 2022 Coral Expeditions’ Tasmania cruises explore Australia’s island state poised at the edge of the world where the Southern, Indian … Continue reading →
Circumnavigation of Australia
59 Nights | Departing Darwin 30 October – Arriving Darwin 28 Dec 2021 Sailing aboard Coral Adventurer, our voyage will commence from Darwin on the 30th October 2021 and undertake a full circumnavigation of the Australian Coastline over 60 days … Continue reading →
Circumnavigation of Tasmania
1-17 Jan 2022 ** nearly full, just “Promenade Deck A” Staterooms left ** 16 Nights | Hobart to Hobart | Coral Discoverer Join us onboard Coral Discoverer for our full circumnavigation voyage around Tasmania, showcasing the best of the remote … Continue reading →
The Top of the South by small ship
30 May – 7 June 2021 From $5600 pp twin-share We’re excited to see a new vessel in the Heritage Expeditions fleet – Heritage Explorer. Built by renowned wooden boatbuilding family Carey’s Boatyard in Picton, this 30-metre motor yacht cuts … Continue reading →
Discover the Marlborough Sounds by small ship (April-May 2021)
11 – 17 April 2021 8 – 14 May 2021 14 – 20 May 2021 From $4200 pp twin-share We’re excited to see a new vessel in the Heritage Expeditions fleet – Heritage Explorer. Built by renowned wooden boatbuilding family … Continue reading →
Fiordland Revealed
8-21 Aug & 22 Aug – 5 Sep 2021 $9660 pp Twinshare Day 1: Te Anau Joining the Expedition. We will arrange for a complimentary shuttle bus to pick you up from your Te Anau accommodation and transfer you to … Continue reading →
Doubtful Sound / Patea Cruise
16-18 April, 30 April – 2 May, 14-16 May, 28-30 May 2021. Quadshare $1150 pp Twinshare pricing $1300 pp Kingshare $1550 pp Executive King Suite $1700 pp Day 1 – Depart Manapouri at 12pm Your adventure will start in Manapouri … Continue reading →
Cruise and Walk – New Zealand’s Queen Charlotte Discovery
31 Oct – 5 Dec 2021, 14-19 Jan, 7-12 Feb, 31 Mar – 4 April 2022 $2100 pp Twinshare Day 1 – Board Picton 4pm Day 2 – 5 Enjoying cruising and walking the Queen Charlotte • Walk to … Continue reading →
Ultimate New Zealand Cruise, Top of the South
8-18 Oct 2021, 17-27 March 2022 $4269 pp Twinshare Days 1 – 10 Cruising Top of the South Your adventure starts from Wellington Domestic Airport with a fantastic scenic flight over the Marlborough Sounds to Golden Bay. You will go … Continue reading →
Cruise New Zealand’s Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds
2-8 April, 8-14 Nov 2021, 5-11 Jan, 28 Jan – 3 Feb, 22-28 Feb, 7-13 March, 12-18 April, 22-28 Nov 2022. $2500 pp Twinshare Day 1 – Picton Board in Picton 4pm Day 2 – 6 – Enjoy Queen … Continue reading →
Stewart Island Cruise
9-15 Oct, 23-29 Oct 2021 Quad cabin berths $4000 pp Twinshare $4800 pp King share $5100 pp Executive King Suite $6200 pp Day 1 Embarkation It is recommended to stay in Invercargill or Bluff the night before and after the … Continue reading →
Stewart Island Expedition aboard Strannik
20-28 March, 3-11 April, 24 April – 2 May 2021. $4895 pp Twin-share. Cabins include private facilities with a bathroom including basin, toilet and shower. 8 passengers can comfortably fit within 4 twin/double cabins. Up to 12 passengers can be … Continue reading →
Doubtful Sound Cruise Package
Doubtful Sound Cruise Package 3 nights/ 4 days Queenstown return Departures from Dec 2020—Apr 2021 Some dates have limited availability From NZ$1099* per person, share twin *From price applicable for Nov 2020 departures ITINERARY: Day 1: Queenstown—Te Anau Collect your … Continue reading →
Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands
12-30 November 2021 & 4-22 Dec 2021 Main Deck Triple USD$11,250 Main Deck USD$12,150 Superior USD$13,650 Superior Plus USD$14,700 Mini Suite USD$15,400 Heritage Suite USD$16,500 Day 1: Invercargill Day 2: Port of Bluff Day 3: The Snares – North East … Continue reading →
Auckland Islands and the Snares
6-12 Feb 2021 Main Deck Triple $4895 pp Main Deck Twin $5895 pp Superior $6895 pp Superior Plus $7495 pp Mini Suite $7895 pp Join Heritage Expeditions, the Christchurch-based pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising, as we explore the … Continue reading →
Fiordland and Stewart Island group charters: Introducing MV Strannik
Let the adventure begin: Embark on your own New Zealand expedition aboard MV Strannik. Anchor overnight in some of the most spectacular anchorages in the world and enjoy visiting areas of cultural and natural history. Strannik, is available for group … Continue reading →
Stewart Island Discovery Cruise
The Southern ocean provides incredible habitat for all sorts of amazing marine wildlife and birdlife. Explore the Deep South on this expedition discovery cruise of stunning and remote Stewart Island. From the comfort of the Milford Wanderer, this bespoke experience … Continue reading →
Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific 2020 – 2021
Departs 5 Jan 2022 You won’t find them mentioned in a travel brochure on your high street; you won’t find them in most guidebooks, you probably don’t know anyone that has ever been there and they don’t even appear on … Continue reading →
South Island Expedition
With its stunning coastal landscapes, small seaside provinces and an abundance of charismatic marine life, New Zealand is uniquely suited to be explored on a small ship expedition. Join us aboard Coral Discoverer and see a different side of the … Continue reading →
Chatham Islands: A Land Apart
13-22 March 2021 Pricing from NZ$9645 per person for a Superior Plus Cabin, twin-share. Discover amazing endemic wildlife, meet the locals and experience conservation in action as we journey through the incredibly-diverse archipelagos of the Chatham, Antipodes and Bounty Islands. … Continue reading →
Coastal Treks of Tasmania 2021 (Coral Discoverer)
17-27 Jan 2022 See the best of the Tasmanian coastline with these brand new cruise & hike voyages. On your voyage enjoy time ashore completing hikes that allow you to experience the imposing cliffs, sandy beaches and sapphire waters of … Continue reading →
Kimberley Cruise Mitchell Plateau
The perfect way to experience the Kimberley’s spectacular coastline The Kimberley region of Western Australia is one of the world’s last great wilderness areas. The coastline is simply spectacular with deep gorges, coral reefs, mangroves and huge tides providing some … Continue reading →
Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific
You won’t find them mentioned in a travel brochure on your high street; you won’t find them in most guidebooks, you probably don’t know anyone that has ever been there and they don’t even appear on some maps of the … Continue reading →
Enchanting Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia
Come explore the enchanting Marquesas Islands aboard the latest incarnation of our famed ships. Setting sail in the Winter of 2015, the new Aranui 5 represents the crowning jewel of a 30 year long pursuit of the ultimate passenger freighter. … Continue reading →
Escape to Paradise
This amazing cruise experience combines the full length of the magnificent Yasawa Island chain as well as Modriki and the Sacred Islands. You’ll have the opportunity to see and do so much on this cruise, that you’ll come away with … Continue reading →
Explorer Cruise
This wonderful cruise is ideal for those with limited time who want to sample the incredible Fiji Islands. The cruise takes in the majestic southern Yasawa Islands and also spends time at the strikingly beautiful Modriki and Sacred Islands. It’s … Continue reading →
Wanderer Cruise
If the untouched South Pacific is what you seek, then you’ll find it on this delightful cruise. The truly spectacular Sacred Islands will astound you and the mighty Yasawa Islands will offer all you dreamed of and more. Up in … Continue reading →
Easter Island to Papeete: Pacific Islands Expedition Cruise
Join us for a journey that reverses part of the odyssey of the mutineers of the Bounty when they were looking for a new home in what today is French Polynesia. Starting on Easter Island we will get to see … Continue reading →
Cape York and Arnhem Land – Cairns to Darwin (Coral Discoverer)
The Cape York and Arnhem Land expedition is a fascinating tapestry that immerses keen explorers in the very best of Australia’s northern coastline. Guests onboard will explore some of the finest locations of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, enjoy … Continue reading →
Great Barrier Reef – 4 Days Cruise
This 3 night Southern Reef itinerary takes guests from the mangrove channel at Hinchinbrook Island to the ancient rainforest of Dunk Island, and the untouched remoteness of Sudbury Cay. You will experience the beautiful environment of the Great Barrier Reef … Continue reading →
Great Barrier Reef Cruise (North)
For guests with more time and a great sense of adventure, this 7-night Cairns – Lizard Island – Hinchinbrook Island – Cairns cruise offers the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience! You will discover everything that this memorable region has to … Continue reading →
Polynesia & Easter Island – with Nat Geo
In partnership with National Geographic Expeditions PONANT invites you to enjoy an unforgettable experience with our team of naturalists, discovering atypical destinations in the heart of the Pacific. From Papeete to Hanga Roa, you will sail aboard Le Boréal for … Continue reading →
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley incl. East Timor (Le Bellot)
Set sail for the wild and grandiose landscapes of the Kimberley, following this exceptional PONANT itinerary from Darwin to Broome, embark for an 11-day expedition cruise. In one of the most picturesque parts of the region, the Hunter River, you … Continue reading →
Jewels of the South Seas
Sail from French Polynesia to Fiji via Wallis and Futuna, us aboard Le Soléal for a 13-day cruise in the South Pacific Ocean. PONANT brings you an exceptional itinerary of idyllic beaches, turquoise waters, and encounters with little-known cultures. After … Continue reading →
Tahiti, the Society and Tuamotu Islands
Explore some of the lesser-known islands of striking French Polynesia. What better way to experience one of the world’s most stunning archipelagos than on a small ship cruise? This 12-day adventure around Tahiti, the Society Islands and Tuamotu showcases some … Continue reading →
Tahiti & the Pearls of French Polynesia
Experience the vibrant natural landscapes and relaxing pace of French Polynesia. It might sound like a cliché, but the crystal blue waters, colourful coral and lush green islands of French Polynesia are anything but boring. Snorkelers and swimmers will be … Continue reading →
Australia’s Iconic Kimberley – with Nat Geo
In partnership with National Geographic Expeditions Set sail for the wild and grandiose landscapes of Kimberley, following this exceptional PONANT itinerary. From Broome to Darwin, embark aboard Le Lapérouse for an 11-day expedition cruise. to one of the last unspoiled … Continue reading →
The Golden Land (Downstream)
This is a very different Burma cruise. Sailing through the heart of ‘Middle Myanmar’ we pass through a varying landscape – from the lush teak plantations around Prome to the desert country south of Pagan. We visit a number of … Continue reading →
Exotic Chindwin
This journey takes you to the most famous sites in Burma, with the highlights Mandalay, Homalin and the thousands of temples filling the plains of Bagan. A view that is simply unique. You will get to know all of Myanmar, … Continue reading →
Viking Homelands
Tour scenic fjords, towns & cities Sail the clear waters of Scandinavia and the Baltic on this 15-day cruise. Enjoy overnights in cosmopolitan Stockholm, majestic St. Petersburg and scenic Bergen, and explore charming historic city centers in Tallinn and Gdańsk. … Continue reading →
Cruising Croatia’s Central Coast
Live the Dalmatian dream on this 8-day adventure cruise along the breathtaking Croatian coast. Join Peregrine on a new round-trip adventure cruise from Split, taking in the small villages, Dalmatian lifestyle, winding streams and crisp blue waters that make this … Continue reading →
Scotland in Depth
An exclusive Wild Earth charter departing 23 May 2021 Call us today for your copy of the full detailed itinerary. The Scottish Isles, the edge of Europe, west and north there is nothing more till the shores of America, these … Continue reading →
Adriatic Small Ship Cruising
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on board as you discover the Dalmatian Coast visiting the many islands, villages and beaches. CRUISE ITINERARY Day 1: Split – Makarska Departure from Split harbour towards Makarska at 13:00h. Cruise along the Dalmatian coast whilst … Continue reading →
Voyage of the Midnight Sun and North Cape
Vikings once sailed these fingers of sea on the way to foreign lands. Today, these traces of indigo between emerald slopes belong to you. On board, partake of delicious cuisine and relax in your elegantly appointed stateroom. Itinerary Days 1-2 … Continue reading →
Baltic Adventure
Get ready for summer in Northern Europe, when the sun shines well into the evening, lighting up extended stays in St. Petersburg, Stockholm and Copenhagen. Itinerary Day 1 From Copenhagen cruise to Kiel (Hamburg), gateway to lovely Lübeck. Days 2-3 … Continue reading →
Dreams of Tahiti yacht experience
A graceful sailing yacht is the perfect way to experience the true wonder of Tahiti. The trade winds fill the sails as you visit one legendary island after another, allowing you time to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons, meander … Continue reading →
Croatia Bike & Sail
Cycle and Cruise to explore the charming islands of Southern Dalmatia. This unique Bike and Boat guided trip captures the highlights with an ideal balance of activity, culture and relaxation. Experience the beautiful island of Korcula with its picturesque old … Continue reading →
Spitsbergen Explorer
If there is such a thing as a “classic Arctic” expedition, this is it. You’ll get all the best of Spitsbergen, by exploring the western edge of the island and venturing to some outlying northern areas home to polar bears … Continue reading →
Discover the Marlborough Sounds by small ship
From NZD $4,200 pp twinshare Terms & Conditions apply 11 – 17 April 2021 8 – 14 May 2021 14 – 20 May 2021 From $4200 pp twin-share We’re excited to see a new vessel in the Heritage Expeditions fleet … Continue reading →
Dreams of Tahiti yacht experience
A graceful sailing yacht is the perfect way to experience the true wonder of Tahiti. The trade winds fill the sails as you visit one legendary island after another, allowing you time to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons, meander … Continue reading →
Dreams of Tahiti
A graceful sailing yacht is the perfect way to experience the true wonder of Tahiti. The trade winds fill the sails as you visit one legendary island after another, allowing you time to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons, meander … Continue reading →