Alaska has a way of making you feel small—in the best possible way. Towering glaciers, endless evergreens, and wildlife that appear just when you least expect it. Our recent cruise aboard Silversea’s Silver Nova illustrated just how wild, raw, and beautiful The Last Frontier still is—and why seeing it from a smaller luxury ship can make all the difference in your experience.
Why Cruise Alaska with Silversea?
Silversea includes most excursions in the cruise fare, and the quality of those tours exceeded every expectation. With a focus on small groups, local guides, and meaningful access to the environment and culture, these weren’t just sightseeing trips—they were immersive experiences.
Want something even more exclusive? You can upgrade to a premium or private excursion, but even the included ones felt luxurious. And unlike some cruises where the port is just a pit stop, Silversea makes the destination the focus.
Smaller Ports, Bigger Impact
One of the biggest advantages of sailing Alaska on a small ship is the ability to reach off-the-beaten-path ports—like Haines and Kiawock—that larger ships simply can’t access. Many of these ports require tendering (boarding smaller boats to reach shore), and Silversea made the process feel seamless and well-managed. In fact, these “hidden gem” ports often felt like we had them all to ourselves.
Haines was one of those places. Wild, remote, and magical, we spent the day skimming across the calm waters of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve on a jet boat. Our local naturalist guide shared stories as we drifted past towering peaks, spotting moose, bears, and bald eagles—it almost felt like stepping into a National Geographic documentary!
Favorite Excursion? That's Easy!
In Sitka, we embarked on the Fin Island Lodge & Expedition Vessel Adventure—our favorite of the trip. Outfitted in waterproof gear, we boarded a Zodiac and skimmed across the water, spotting sea otters, bald eagles, and several humpbacks.
Then came lunch: a true Alaskan feast of wild salmon, Alaska crab, and prime rib at Fin Island Lodge, followed by s’mores by a crackling beachside fire. It was the perfect blend of rugged adventure and gourmet indulgence. This excursion gave me a taste of what an expedition cruise might feel like, and I’m officially hooked.
Whale Tales in Juneau
One of the most thrilling wildlife encounters happened just outside Juneau, during a marine excursion near Shelter Island Marine Park. We spotted sea lions and humpbacks—but the real surprise? Orcas. Our guide told us orcas are only seen about 10% of the time in that area, so we felt incredibly lucky. This excursion lent itself better to a video, so here is the video link.
When the Ship Becomes the Destination
Not every moment required a tour. Some of our best “excursions” took place right from our veranda. Cruising silently past snow-covered peaks and lush forests felt like gliding through a nature documentary.
However, the most dramatic moment came as we approached Hubbard Glacier. We were told we might have to stop five miles out due to ice and weather. And then—magic. The clouds lifted, the rain stopped, and the ship pushed forward. Thanks to Silver Nova’s reinforced hull, we got as close as legally allowed.
Hubbard Glacier is a force of nature—towering walls of ice stretching for miles, calving dramatically into the sea. You don’t just see it—you feel it. Our destination expert, who has been cruising Alaska for 20 years, said he’d never been that close. It was unforgettable.
One Week or Two? Here’s What to Know
If you only have a week, I highly recommend a one-way cruise like ours—from Seward (we flew into Anchorage) down to Vancouver or vice versa. This route lets you cover more distance and experience a wider variety of landscapes and ports.
But if you have two weeks? Here’s the secret: Silversea doesn’t repeat any ports between Seward and Vancouver. That means a back-to-back sailing is the easiest, most luxurious way to do a deep dive into Alaska without retracing your steps. It’s bucket-list-worthy, and absolutely worth the time.
Alaska reminded me that luxury doesn’t always mean chandeliers and formalwear. Sometimes, it looks like a Zodiac ride beneath snow-capped peaks. Or a quiet moment on your veranda with a blanket and binoculars. Or hearing the thunder of calving ice echo across a glacier-fed bay.
This trip was a masterclass in immersive, elevated travel—and proof that when nature takes the lead, the best thing we can do is follow.
Ready to explore Alaska for yourself? Let’s talk about which Alaska sailing is right for you—whether it’s a one-way adventure or a full expedition experience. Just go! And remember, when you book through Explore More, not only do you get amenities that you can not obtain on your own, you also get the benefit of an advisor who has experienced the destination and can assist beyond your booking.
