5 Reasons Why You Should Cruise Alaska's Inside Passage

by  Kristine Hansen | Updated on Feb 6, 2025

When planning for an Alaska cruise, keep in mind that there are two routes to choose from: The Inside Passage (hugging the British Columbia, Canada, shoreline from Washington’s Puget Sound to Skagway, Alaska) and Cross Gulf (along the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound). Both offer amazing views, incredible wildlife, and mouthwatering seafood, which makes the decision all the more difficult. However, an Inside Passage cruise wins out when you consider the easier, round-trip flights, a shorter itinerary, and sailing through tight, scenic narrows.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

An Alaska cruise is an affordable option filled with adventure.
Photo: An Alaska cruise is an affordable option filled with adventure. / Image courtesy of Princess Cruises

Direct and inexpensive flights

Most Inside Passage cruises depart out of — and return — to Seattle or San Francisco. Since Seattle’s a hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta Airlines (while San Francisco is a hub for United Airlines), snagging an affordable flight with no more than one stop is easy, no matter where you live in the country. You can also fly nonstop to Vancouver from many U.S. cities; however, these fares tend to be pricier due to international taxes. Also, those who opt for a non-Inside Passage sailing will need to buy two one-way tickets using different cities since it's not a roundtrip itinerary. (In other words, it won’t be cheap.)


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