Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises is adding two new itineraries to its lineup of small-ship expeditions for 2025. The new voyages, “Alaska’s Ultimate Adventure” and “Wild Alaska Odyssey,” will lean into adventure activities and remote wilderness exploration.
“It’s thrilling to design new experiences for our guests. Every itinerary we put together is influenced by our own personal knowledge and exploration in the Inside Passage, and these are no exception,” said Alaskan Dream Cruises President Jamey Cagle, third-generation family owner. “Regardless of what itinerary a guest selects, they can be sure certain aspects, like cultural education, wildlife viewing opportunities, and excellent cuisine will be cornerstones of all our sailings.”
The eight-day “Alaska’s Ultimate Adventure” is the cruise line’s most adventurous itinerary yet. It travels between Alaskan Dream Cruises’ headquarters in Sitka and the state capital of Juneau. While sailing through remote reaches of Chatham Strait, Frederick Sound, Lynn Canal, and other areas of the Inside Passage, guests can take part in physical adventures each day. Options include everything from more demanding hikes in the Tongass National Forest and longer kayaking tours than on other itineraries. Wildlife viewing opportunities — for bear, whales, sea lions, otters, bald eagles and more — occur daily. Halfway through the cruise, guests will visit the community of Wrangell, where they can look for ancient petroglyphs on the beach, hike to a waterfall or take a jetboat tour. This expedition will sail on May 17, Aug. 2, and Sept. 13. Cruise fares start at $4,995.
Unlike any other itinerary, the eight-day “Wild Alaska Odyssey” allows guests to spend more time in the small town of Wrangell as it travels between there and Alaskan Dream Cruises’ headquarters in Sitka. Though Wrangell is still serviced by Alaska Airlines, it is a lesser visited Inside Passage community, as is the Alaska Native village of Kake, another port of call on this itinerary. The remainder of passengers’ days are spent in Glacier Bay National Park, the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, and other wilderness areas. They will have the opportunity to hike, kayak and take small, motorized boats out into places few Alaska travelers get to experience. They will also sail alongside Admiralty Island and in Frederick Sound, prime areas for bear viewing and whale watching respectively. This expedition will sail on June 8, June 15, Aug. 17, and Aug. 24. Cruise fares start at $5,195.
Alaskan Dream Cruises is also bringing back the “Ice of the Inside Passage” itinerary, which was first introduced in 2024, as well as four other popular itineraries. The 2025 summer season will run from May through September. Additional itinerary details can be found online at www.alaskandreamcruises.com.
Cruise fares are per person based on double occupancy and include accommodations on the ship, all meals during the sailing, scheduled shore excursions, airport transfers, use of recreational equipment, a complimentary glass of wine or beer with dinner, and onboard services. All alcoholic beverages are included with Deluxe, Vista View and Suite bookings.
With over 50 years of experience in the region, Alaskan Dream Cruises is uniquely qualified to deliver an immersive, culturally focused vacation. Owned and operated by an Alaska family with Alaska Native heritage, Alaskan Dream Cruises develops itineraries and experiences for guests based on the family’s relationships in local communities, favorite destinations and personal experiences. Onboard naturalists share the biology, geography and ecology of the Inside Passage, while expedition leaders are well versed in the lifestyle, legends and practices of Southeast Alaska’s Indigenous cultures. Additionally Alaskan Dream Cruises chefs highlight local ingredients on the menus each day including wild Alaska seafood such as crab, halibut, shrimp and king salmon, while the ships’ bars are stocked with Alaska beers and spirits.