Small ship Alaska cruises in 2025 featured a variety of new itineraries, including novel routes into the Aleutians. And 2026 continues the trend of reconfigured itineraries and in-demand farther-flung routes. Read this guide on what’s new, or skip straight to our selection of 2026 & 2027 Alaska cruises. Then grab your calendar and contact an Adventure Specialist to reserve your space aboard one of these small ship Alaska cruises in 2026 or beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Book early for 2027. Some key routes to unique locales like Prince William Sound & the Aleutians are already sold out for 2026. Talk to us about getting on the waitlist.
- Most early-booking deals for 2026 small ship Alaska cruises expire at the end of September 2025. Act now to save.
- Yacht charters can now be booked for as few as 4 guests in 2026 thanks to our new partnership with a yacht from a long-trusted captain.
ON THIS PAGE – Small Ship Alaska Cruises 2026 & 2027:
2025 Season End Recap
New Itineraries & News for 2026
The Best 2025 Cruise – rated by our experts & travelers
How to Save on Your 2026 Cruise
Booking Yacht Charters
View All Small Ship Alaska Cruises in 2026, 2027 & 2028
2025 Alaska Cruise Season Recap
As the Alaska cruise season winds down with its last month of departures into September, we’re still finding some last minute space for adventure seekers. Contact us if that’s you.
In 2025, travelers who’d already cruised in Alaska’s Inside Passage were seeking more niche Alaska destinations, as evidenced by trips such as the new Aleutian Islands Cruise and Prince William Sound Explorer being sold out. The trend continues with most all of these departures sold out again for 2026. Talk to our specialists about how to get on the waitlist for 2027 and 2028.
2025 Alaska cruises aboard small ships also brought more active-minded itineraries and charter options, trends that continue on into 2026.
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What’s New for 2026 Small Alaska Cruises
We saw increased demand for small ship Alaska cruises in 2025, particularly in lesser-traveled regions. So looking ahead comes more departures and more new itineraries to choose from. Here’s our round-up of what’s new to consider for small Alaska cruises in 2026. Watch this space or sign up to receive updates as more new itineraries are released.
2026: NEW National Geographic Lindblad 8-day Alaska Exploration
Launching in 2026, Exploring Southeast Alaska’s ABC Islands, offers a 8-day true exploration of the ABC Islands. Witness stunning landscapes, encounter diverse wildlife, and thrilling adventures like kayaking and hiking. For exceptional value travelers can enjoy this wilderness-focused itinerary offered on 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion. This unforgettable experience is perfect for families seeking adventure and discovery.
2026: Gulf of Alaska—ONE DEPARTURE ONLY, NEARLY SOLD OUT
For experienced Alaska travelers seeking something different, the Alaska’s Coastal Treasures Cruise is it. This 14-day odyssey travels the rugged and remote coastline between Seward and Juneau—a novel route for small ship cruising. Come aboard the seaworthy 36-guest Safari Explorer for a part of Alaska that few travelers experience off-ship.
Optional added-cost fishing in Yakutat town is an exciting plus, as is the chance to explore the outer coastline of Glacier Bay National Park, Mt. St. Elias and Mt. Fairweather. Intrepid travelers on this special departure can also boast that they’ve visited one of the largest protected areas in the world, comprised of neighboring Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Kluane National Park, Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park and Glacier Bay National Park.
As we saw in 2025, unique, remote routes like this are in demand. So ask us how to book early for 2027 and 2028.
2026: Reconfigured Popular Itineraries
In other news for 2026 small ship Alaska cruises, a few favorites have seen some changes:
- The popular Sea Wolf yacht has reconfigured its Southeast Alaska sailings to be 8 days for 2026. The former 10-day routes are now more compact and hop between Glacier Bay, Sitka, Juneau and Petersburg, offering travelers a slice of this historic ship and expert guides that come along with it.
- Starting in 2026, the Great Bear Rainforest Cruise will spend more time in Alaska than ever. Previous routes only went as far north as Ketchikan, Alaska. Now the itinerary will stretch to be 14 days and disembark in Juneau, Alaska. This equates to now 4 days in Alaska vs. the previous single day.
VIEW ALL 2026 & 2027 ALASKA CRUISES
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The Best Small Ship Alaska Cruises of 2025: Our Top Pick
What’s our pick of the best small ship Alaska cruises in 2025? The top-selling Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka.
Year after year, by popular demand, Alaska travelers have chosen this 8-day itinerary as their overwhelming favorite. The lengthy route offers far-reaching exploration and the itinerary’s long tenure ensures a well-tuned, exceptional experience. Learn more from our expert’s firsthand experience in Alaska with UnCruise, or hear it direct from travelers in testimonials of this cruise.
The 84-guest Safari Endeavour raises the bar for comfort along the way. She’s been described by our travelers as “comfortable and welcoming” and “well appointed” with “superb food” and “plenty of storage.” Want more insights? Read our Expert Aboard: Safari Endeavour Review. Reserve your space now for this popular option that’s sure to remain among the best small ship Alaska cruises of 2026.
What is the best small ship Alaska cruise in 2026 for you? Every Alaska traveler has different goals and priorities. Maybe you want the smallest ship? A departure during the best time to visit Alaska? The best naturalist guides? An Alaska National Park cruise, or a focused Glacier Bay National Park cruise? Perhaps a luxury Alaska cruise is what you seek? Let our experts help you find your ideal trip based on interests, budget and timeline.
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How to Get the Best Deal on Small Ship Alaska Cruises in 2026
Due to our longstanding business relationships and volume-driven buying power, you will never pay more for your cruise. Save on your small ship Alaska cruise for 2026 by using our Alaskan cruise deals page to find and filter what’s available.
Enjoy special deals for groups and solo travelers, or receive complimentary airfare, while supplies last. We’re seeing most early-booking deals for 2026 Alaska small ship cruises expire at the end of September, but our experts will keep you updated if you’re seeking to save.
Talk direct to one of our Alaska specialists, who can offer the most up-to-date incentives available plus keep you apprised of all opportunities to save.
Book Charters Now for 2026 & 2027
Private Alaska yacht charters are increasing in popularity as travelers seek smaller, more exclusive experiences aboard Alaska small cruise ships. For 2026, our experts are excited about the Sikumi Custom Alaska Cruise and Golden Eagle Custom Alaska Cruise. Both boats garnered great feedback from travelers and got new, convenient round-trip Juneau itineraries last year.
We are also excited to newly be offering the Alaskan Story Charter Cruise. This 8-guest yacht will cruise with as few as 4 guests, making her one of the smallest options we offer in Alaska, or globally. Other accolades include a lifetime Alaskan crew with a long background in hospitality, a ship thoughtfully designed for cruising in Alaska’s climate, a 17-foot Boston Whaler for sturdy off-ship excursions, and plenty of opportunities to fish for the night’s dinner.
Want your experience to be private? Alaska 2026 charters book up early, so whether you want an exclusive charter or semi-private experience aboard ships carrying 4-36 guests, contact us now to secure space for your small ship Alaska cruise in 2026.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Montalbano
• AdventureSmith expert since 2017
• Content manager for our website
• Annually updates more than 50 Alaska trips
• Experience aboard 20- to 114-guest ships
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Alaska Inside Passage Cruises
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