AT YOUR SERVICE
One-on-one conversations
lead to extraordinary trips.
Get a free consultation today.
Learn More
Alaska Small Ship Cruises
with AdventureSmith
Our team of Alaska cruise specialists have lived, worked and explored the region in depth. Let us help you create a rare and unique adventure through our firsthand experience and expertise.
- Personalized Planning: Work one-on-one to research, purchase & prepare for your cruise.
- Largest Cruise Selection: Aboard 25+ small Alaska expedition ships.
- Added Value & Deals: Our buying power means you save.
- Pioneers: Our founder, a former guide, helped develop Alaska adventure cruises in the 1990s.
How Small Is an Alaska Small Ship?
On average, about 45 guests is what you’ll find with our curated Alaska small ship cruise vessels. But look for options up to 100 and as few as 4 passengers.
There are many reasons to choose an Alaska small ship vs big ship, but at the top is that small ships focus on immersive, off-ship activities in wilderness areas. And it’s included in the cost, right from the ship. Sound like your style of cruising? Let’s go.
Small Alaska Cruise FAQs
We send hundreds of passengers on small ship cruises to Alaska each year; thus, we answer a lot of questions about Alaska cruising. We’ve put together this list of FAQs and considerations to guide you in finding the top small ship Alaska cruises for your needs.
Each cruise’s inclusions vary but a commonality of small ship cruising is included, guided off-ship excursions like hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and more. Plus, these activities are typically right from the ship vs. in port like you find on larger cruise ships. Fares often also include port fees, beer & wine, group transfers to/from ship and any park fees.
The cruise season runs April through September, so choosing a month or week depends entirely on your personal goals. June to August is peak season, with warmer weather and the best wildlife viewing. April and May offer fewer crowds and drier weather. Read more in our best time to visit Alaska guide or find climate charts on our Alaska travel climate page.
Like any wilderness-oriented trip, the longer you stay in the backcountry, the better chance you have of seeing animals. But consider: 5–6 days: Good for short getaways or pairing with land tours like Denali. 7–12 days: The most popular length cruise, offering in-depth exploration. 14+ days: Great for combining cruise routes or adding overland adventures.
Most small ship cruises depart from Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Petersburg or Anchorage. Some longer repositioning cruises also depart from Seattle, offering extended voyages through British Columbia and the Inside Passage.
OUR EXPERTS WERE HERE
You have questions.
We’ve got answers.
6 to 9 months in advance is ideal. Small ship Alaska cruise departures are limited, the season is short, vessels are small and spaces fill up fast. The most popular small boats and dates are often sold out 6-9 months in advance.
Late summer/early fall, you can often find early-booking deals for the next cruise season: see our Alaska small ship cruise deals for more tips. Booking early often gets you the first choice of the least expensive cabin categories, which often sell out first. Plus, Alaska hotels and flights become scarcer and thus more expensive the later you book.
Is the cruise family friendly or adult oriented? Look at activity levels and included guided activities. Turn toward Alaska luxury cruises if larger cabins, gourmet cuisine and balconies are more your style. And consider an Alaska yacht charter to fully customize the trip for your needs.
Yes. From multigenerational trips to single families with young kids, we have a small cruise for every need. Six and older is typically the best suggested age, but read more about Alaska family cruises to learn more.
Our experts can pair a visit to Denali National Park with any of our Alaska small ship cruise routes. But if you’re limited for time, you’ll want to likely consider a cruise in Prince William Sound to avoid added flights. This keeps Anchorage as your single flight hub.
We’ve tested them all and list a few favorites in our best small Alaskan cruises and cruise lines blog. But there’s no one size fits all. Talk one-on-one with our experts to find your best match.
We pride ourselves on being the most savvy advisors when it comes to Alaska small ship cruises. Read all about what’s new in 2026 Alaska cruising to see some of our latest insights.
