In 2023, Alaska welcomed a staggering 1.72 million cruise passengers, a 29% increase from its previous record in 2019. But amidst the wave of mass tourism, a quieter and more intimate way to explore the state’s rugged beauty stands out: small excursion-based cruises.
For travelers wanting a deeper connection with Alaska’s wild landscapes, small cruise ships offer a unique alternative to the towering mega-ships dominating the state’s ports.
This year, I completed a lifelong goal of visiting all 50 states—an accomplishment only 2% of Americans achieve—and Alaska was my final frontier. I knew I wanted my visit to include a cruise, but I also wanted to see more of Alaska’s untouched beauty up close in a way most large ships can’t offer.
Having previously cruised on a small excursion ship in Mexico, I found myself drawn to this type of travel, opting for a more immersive experience in Alaska. My choice: Alaska Dream Cruises, a family-owned company known for offering personalized, nature-focused journeys through Alaska’s Southeast waters.
The seven-day excursion-based cruise from Juneau to Sitka proved to be exactly what I was hoping for.
The Unique Appeal of Small Excursion Ships
Alaska is a natural fit for cruising—its sprawling wilderness, towering glaciers, and remote islands make traveling by sea the premier way to experience the state. In 2023, 65% of all visitors sailed on one of the 52 ships that cruise America’s 49th state.
While large cruise ships bring visitors to the most popular destinations, smaller vessels are more agile and can navigate areas that large ships can’t. The result is often a more personal encounter with Alaska’s wild side.
Bill and Mary Vas of Brisbane, Australia, chose Alaska Dream Cruises for precisely this reason. “We wanted an adventure that got us as close to the beauty of Alaska as we could get while still enjoying the luxury of a cruise ship,” says Mary.
Itineraries can also be modified as needed. “One day, we saw two pods of orcas being very active and playful, and the captain slowed the ship down just so we could watch them. We had three hours of an amazing whale-watching show on every side of the ship,” says Rodney Blunt from Burlington, Washington.
If weather is uncooperative for the planned excursions, it’s easier to make alternate plans for a few dozen passengers rather than a few thousand.
Small excursion cruises are not for everyone—you won’t find nightly entertainment onboard these vessels. Instead, a naturalist—a guide trained in the local ecology and wildlife—often gives educational talks on the wildlife spotted that day and the history of the area being explored.
These voyages most often appeal to travelers who prefer to engage more actively with the environment rather than observing from afar.
The Making of a Small Cruise Ship Business
In 1970, Bob and Betty Allen founded Allen Marine and started a company hosting day tours as a way to share their love for Southeast Alaska with others. By 2011, the company expanded to include Alaska Dream Cruises (ADC) and began offering 3-7 night excursions.
Now a third-generation business, the company remains deeply rooted in the region’s traditions and natural heritage. Specializing in navigating more secluded parts of Alaska, ADC offers guests excursions ranging from kayaking through glacial waters to guided hikes through rainforests and wildlife viewing trips.
Zak Kirkpatrick, Chief Marketing Officer for ADC, shares that the Allen family has always wanted their guests to feel like “cruising on their ship was like sitting in the living room with friends,” a sentiment that has been at the heart of the company since its earliest days.
“My family wanted to share what a special place Alaska is and give visitors an opportunity to experience it from the lens of a local,” says Jamey Cagle, who is now the owner of Alaska Dream Cruises. “We want our guests to feel like they’ve joined the family, and we’re showing them our way of life here. That’s why our itineraries focus on showcasing a range of experiences from kayaking in remote wilderness bays to meeting Alaska Native artists to roasting s’mores around a campfire on the beach.”
Forbes awarded ADA the title “Best Small Ship Alaska Cruise” for 2023, proving the legacy of Bob and Betty Allen’s passion continues to thrive even now.
Alaska’s Cruise Boom is Both a Blessing and a Challenge
Alaska’s booming cruise industry is a testament to the state’s enduring appeal to travelers. However, the rise in tourism has brought both benefits and challenges.
Tourism accounted for 48,000 jobs and had a total economic impact of $5.6 billion in Alaska in 2022-23. While the influx of visitors stimulates local economies, it also places a strain on the environment and local infrastructure. The tourism boom has raised concerns about overcrowding, especially in popular ports like Juneau, which receives nearly 70% of all cruise ships each year.
In response, the state has taken steps to manage visitor numbers, including limiting the number of large ships permitted to dock on any given day.
In this context, smaller, eco-conscious cruises are becoming increasingly important. Ships like those from Alaska Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventures, another small ship cruise line operating in Alaska, can navigate narrow fjords and dock at lesser-known ports, spreading the tourism footprint and economic benefits beyond the usual crowded spots.
While on my cruise, Alaska Dream Cruises made an afternoon stop in the charming fishing village of Petersburg, accessible only to smaller ships like ours. Guests enjoyed a few hours exploring the town’s main street shops, enjoying coffee at a local café, and chatting with residents while gaining a glimpse of everyday life in this remote Alaskan community before continuing our journey.
Reflections on Alaska’s Wild Beauty and the Future of Small Ship Travel
My small ship experience with Alaska Dream Cruises was more than just a voyage through beautiful scenery—it was a reminder of the importance of responsible tourism. Alaska’s tourism numbers continue to rise, and finding ways to explore while honoring the environment and respecting local communities is more crucial than ever.
As Alaska continues to captivate travelers worldwide, the future of cruising here lies not only with the large ships but also with the smaller, more mindful vessels that bring travelers closer to the heart of its wild, untamed beauty.
This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Voices and Vistas.
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist, primarily focused on luxury family travel. Through her syndication partners, her articles are often published by more than 100 news outlets across the country. Karee enjoys exploring the best of a destination, including history museums, unique things-to-do (indoors and out), one-of-a-kind festivals, and upscale dining and accommodations. She is also a photographer, videographer, and drone pilot.