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A wide waterfall cascades over a rocky cliff into the turquoise water of a fjord in Alaska, with lush green mountains in the background.
Alaska

Alaska’s Inside Passage: Glaciers, Fjords & Indigenous Culture

Program No. 25481RJ
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Itinerary
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All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
10 days
9 nights
What's Included
25 meals ( 9B, 7L, 9D )
4 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
9 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. If you arrive before your room is ready, you may store your luggage at the hotel until check-in is available. Remember to bring your name tag.
Afternoon:
All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions may affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of excursions without prior notice. The time available in each port is set by the cruise line. Whenever possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times (subject to change by the cruise line). This may mean that free time in port is limited. Regardless of the time in port, Road Scholar delivers a robust educational program. Program Registration: 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table outside the meeting room to meet with program staff and get any updated information. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any program changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Evenings aboard the ship will include a debrief of the day’s activities as well as preparation for the next day’s activities. Durations of hikes will be dependent on the group pace and ability level, which can vary. Unless specified otherwise, transportation on land will be provided primarily by motorcoach, requiring the going up/down a few steps when getting on/off. Periods in the schedule labeled “Free time and “At leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions for activities. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning. Pack reusable water bottle and any medications needed for the next day in your day pack.
Activity Note
Please bring luggage to hotel lobby and locate an American Cruise Lines representative to assist with luggage drop-off. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 25 miles, over 1/2 hour riding time. Walking distance at museum based on personal preference.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we will take a field trip to one of Alaska’s extraordinary natural wonders: the Mendenhall Glacier. This river of ice is one of 38 large glaciers that flow from the 1,500-square-mile Juneau ice field formed about 3,000 years ago. The glacier stretches 12 miles from the ice field down to its terminus at Mendenhall Lake. The glacier and surrounding area are protected by the National Forest Service as part of Tongass National Forest, the largest in the U.S., encompassing 17 million acres. We’ll then explore Juneau via motorcoach as our driver provides commentary on our surroundings and the local history. Originating with the Alaska Gold Rush in 1880, the miners’ tent camp grew into a small town and then kept growing as mines produced millions of dollars in gold well into the 20th century. Tourism expanded as adventure travelers were attracted by the surrounding old-growth forests, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, salmon streams, bear habitat, and migratory whale routes. En route, we will pass the Capitol Building and the governor’s mansion, among other city highlights. Following our exploration of Juneau, we will head to the Alaska State Museum for a self-directed exploration of the Museum, which is the repository for the state’s history, highlighting the distinct native cultures of Alaska. Afterwards, we'll make our way to the ship for embarkation.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we'll begin our journey out of Juneau. After settling into our cabins, we will meet the captain and crew and have an orientation session outlining safety procedures as we get underway.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off the ship. Getting on/off motorcoach; walking under 1 mile. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
Today we will visit the picturesque town of Haines, AK. This town is known for its stunning beauty and rich history. After disembarking the ship, we will board a motorcoach for a narrated exploration through the “Valley of the Eagles.” Making our way via motorcoach through the fertile Chilkoot Valley encompassing 5 different wildlife habitats (ocean, estuary, river, lake, and rainforest), we'll have opportunities for wildlife sightings such as bald eagles, mountain goats, harbor seals, migratory birdlife, and brown bears. This exploration will allow prime opportunities to photograph stunning scenery and view wildlife in their natural habitat. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a visit to the American Bald Eagle Foundation, a raptor center and natural history museum.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
We’ll have some free time in Haines to explore on our own before we embark and depart. Please be mindful of the announced embarkation time and do not miss it. Aboard the ship, we’ll enjoy a lecture.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Full day aboard ship. Climbing up/down steep stairs to get to/from the deck for wildlife viewing.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
Birders and wildlife watchers will want to be up and out on decks as we enter Glacier Bay early this morning. The NPS citation reads, “Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska’s Inside Passage and part of a 25-million-acre World Heritage Site — one of the world’s largest international protected areas.” The entrance to Glacier Bay teems with wildlife, particularly sea birds. This is also an area frequented by feeding humpback whales. The Huna Tlingit people once lived here and consider it their spiritual homeland.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our study cruise exploration of Glacier Bay National Park, the crown jewel of Southeast Alaska considered by many to be the United States’ number one national park. Glacier Bay boasts the largest number of tidewater glaciers in North America, the 15,000-foot Fairweather Mountain range, some of the most stunning scenery anywhere, and a prolific amount of wildlife including humpback whales, sea otters, puffins, mountain goats and much more, often amid calving icebergs. Watch for all these wonders from the deck of the ship.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off the ship. Levels of activity are dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
This morning, we’ll have the chance to explore Bartlett Cove on foot. Tucked along the shores of Glacier Bay National Park, Bartlett Cove is often the first introduction to the park’s vast and unspoiled landscape. This peaceful area invites you to enjoy a leisurely morning stroll beneath towering spruce and hemlock trees, where quiet forest paths lead to scenic coastal views. Wildlife is frequently spotted here, from harbor seals resting along the shoreline to sea lions and an array of coastal bird species. During your visit, consider stopping by Glacier Bay Lodge to relax and take in the surroundings or explore the upstairs exhibits that share the rich natural and cultural stories of the region.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
We will depart Glacier Bay and begin our cruise toward Petersburg, traveling through some of Southeast Alaska’s most spectacular scenery. A variety of activities will be offered on board throughout the day, so feel free to choose what interests you most. Be sure to spend some time out on deck as well, and keep watch for wildlife along the way.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off the ship. Getting on/off jet boat; jet boat ride is approximately 4 hours. Getting on/off Petersburg shuttle. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
We'll get off the ship and board the LeConte Glacier Jet Boat Adventure, the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Cruise through the narrow fjord, watching for seals and eagles among the icebergs and mountain goats on the cliffs, as your captain shares informative commentary along the way.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity to explore Petersburg to do what interests you most. Please be mindful of the announced embarkation time and do not miss it. Aboard the ship we’ll enjoy a lecture by one of the ships many experts.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
Aboard the ship, the Leikarring Dancers will present a captivating performance, featuring local middle schoolers bringing traditional Norwegian folk dances to life.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 3 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking about 1 mile on paved or hardened trails and a sandy/gravelly beach. Dress for the weather; wear comfortable walking shoes. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
We'll step off the ship, board a motorcoach, and set out on our field trip to explore key Wrangell sites with an Alaska Native expert. A short drive takes us to the Chief Shakes Tribal House, where there will be a presentation introducing the tribal house, Tlingit legends, history, and culture. Later at Petroglyph Beach, we will have an opportunity to make petroglyph "rubbings" and learn more about Wrangell's diverse history. Finally, the Wrangell Museum showcases the history of Europeans, Americans and Natives in Wrangell.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
Take this opportunity to see and do what interests you most in Wrangell. Later in the afternoon there will be a chance for lectures by a ship expert.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Full day aboard ship. Climbing up/down steep stairs to get to/from the deck for wildlife viewing.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
We will spend the day exploring the stunningly scenic Endicott Arm from the ship. Cruise through Endicott Arm, a stunning Southeast Alaskan fjord carved by ancient glaciers and framed by towering granite cliffs. Waterfalls cascade from the cliffs, harbor seals rest on drifting ice, and you may spot humpback whales and bald eagles drawn to the nutrient-rich waters. At the fjord’s end, the massive Dawes Glacier descends from the Stikine Icefield. When chunks of ice break away and crash into the water, the sound echoes through the valley—a striking reminder of Alaska’s ever-changing landscape.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
We will make our way back down the arm, pausing to view some of the spectacular waterfalls that spill out of the granite cliffs along the fjord. As we leave Endicott Arm, we will be on the lookout for humpback whales and other marine mammals.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation in the morning.
Activity Note
Disembarking the ship. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
After disembarking the ship, we will make our way to Glacier Gardens. Here we’ll enjoy an expert-led exploration of this pristine botanical garden. Along the way, we’ll learn about plants that are native to the Tongass National Forest and we’ll delight in a panoramic view of Juneau. Following our time at the gardens, we’ll make our way to the Sealaska Heritage Institute where we will explore the exhibits highlighting the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Passes to the Goldbelt Tram will be provided to use during your free time.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
After dinner, we’ll enjoy a wrap-up discussion as we share favorite memories of the program with our new friends and fellow participants. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, to-go breakfasts will be provided. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
May 29, 2026 - Jun 07, 2026
Jul 12, 2026 - Jul 21, 2026
Jul 26, 2026 - Aug 04, 2026
Aug 02, 2026 - Aug 11, 2026
Aug 09, 2026 - Aug 18, 2026
Aug 17, 2026 - Aug 26, 2026
Aug 31, 2026 - Sep 09, 2026
Sep 07, 2026 - Sep 16, 2026
Sep 7 - Sep 16, 2026 Itinerary Differences: This departure will sail on the American Constellation.