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There’s a good chance a wilderness excursion will be offered, which is a small boat that you take directly from the cruise ship to get closer to the glacier! Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard luxurious cruise ships, and experience the breathtaking natural wonders, rich wildlife, and charming coastal towns that Alaska has to offer. Explore magnificent glaciers, witness majestic humpback whales, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of this remarkable region. Carnival cruise ships do not go to Glacier Bay National Park. San Francisco, known for its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, serves as a gateway to the wonders of Alaska. As a departure port for your Alaskan cruise, this cosmopolitan city offers the perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty.
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Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing.
Day 9 & 10: Fun Day at Sea
The best “normal” Alaska cruise from San Francisco in 2025 is the 11-day Alaska cruise with Glacier Bay National Park. The best Alaska cruise out of San Francisco in 2024 is the 11-day Alaska cruise with Glacier Bay National Park on the Crown Princess. At Alchemy Bar® we make drinks into art, while the laid-back RedFrog Pub™ has "Caribbean cool" down to a science. And up in SkyBox™ Sports Bar, we've combined luxury-box comfort with the up-close view from the 50-yard line. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.
Optional Stops (Depending on Itinerary)
Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise. When you cruise to Alaska from San Francisco, encounter unique ports of call that are rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Ketchikan, Alaska is one of the best spots along Alaska's Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. Amble historic Creek Street, a boardwalk over a wide creek that fills with salmon during certain times of year. Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam is fitting for a cruise to Alaska. Museum-quality art outfits this ship, from oils to photographs of music legends.
Airplane to Ship Transfer
Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 20 years running. Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape.
Ferry – There is ferry service from Oakland, but logistics of getting there from the airport makes this a more complicated option. By Car – There is parking located within walking distance of the cruise terminal. Oakland (OAK) airport has several airlines including Alaska, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, Southwest and Spirit.
Ruby Princess cruise ship leaves San Francisco for Alaska 4 days after crash at Pier 27, nearly 600 passengers fewer - KGO-TV
Ruby Princess cruise ship leaves San Francisco for Alaska 4 days after crash at Pier 27, nearly 600 passengers fewer.
Posted: Sun, 09 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above.
The last Alaska cruise of the season on a Princess cruise ship is in September. The cheapest cruises from San Francisco will usually be around these times. You will start off your cruise with 2 straight sea days, and you will also end your cruise with 2 straight sea days before you return to San Francisco. All cruises go to at least 2 out of the 3 of the main ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.
Nature and Scenic Tours
Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska. Princess is the only cruise line that goes to Glacier Bay National Park from San Francisco. Not all Princess cruises go to Glacier Bay National Park though, so you will need to look for that if that is important to you. Starting out of San Francisco means that you will be sailing out in the open ocean more than Vancouver or Seattle. This has potential for rougher seas, especially the later in the season that you cruise. Another “normal” Alaska cruise from San Francisco in 2025 is the 11-day Alaska cruise that goes to Endicott Arm.
Immerse yourself in the rich history, diverse cuisine, and unique charm of San Francisco before setting sail on your unforgettable journey. Ships usually depart from the San Francisco Cruise Terminal in the late afternoon, allowing ample time for passengers to check-in and settle aboard their cruise ship. For those voyagers seeking to sail from Southern California all the way up the Pacific coast to Alaska, try a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles. There are 6 sea days on this cruise, including the glacier scenic cruising sea day. But there is also a cruise in June with 3 sea days to start the cruise. There are 11 sea days on this cruise, including the 4 scenic cruising glacier sea days.
The only cruises that go to all 3 (Ketchkan, Juneau, and Skagway) are in May and August. For cruises that don’t go to all 3, the itinerary includes Sitka or Icy Strait Point instead. There is a cruise in July that doesn’t go to Juneau or Skagway, and instead goes to Sitka and Haines. Most cruises have an itinerary including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway. There is one cruise in September that goes to Sitka instead of Ketchikan. San Francisco is one of the cruise ports that offers cruises to Alaska.
Valdez is situated in Prince William Sound and serves as the gateway to the interior of Alaska. Often referred to as the "Little Switzerland", Valdez is known for its breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. It is also well-known for its role in the transportation of crude oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which ends in Valdez. Explore the charming waterfront area and take in the flavors of Valdez through culinary experiences at restaurants such as the Valdez Brewery and the Fat Mermaid. Experience wildlife, wilderness, and native culture on this Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises.
Depending on the time of day and traffic, it will take approximately 30 minutes to reach the port. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on our top-rated 7-day cruise. With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park. All cruises have an itinerary that includes Victoria.
