American Constellation, Alaska National Parks Cruise-Tour ex Fairbanks to Juneau

15 Night Cruise-Tour from Fairbanks to Juneau onboard American Constellation.

Guided by dedicated Adventure Guides, experience Alaska on this 16-day journey by land, air, and sea. Discover the stunning scenery and wildlife of Denali National Park, where low-elevation forest rises to alpine tundra and snowy mountains. Next, explore the ever-changing landscapes of Kenai Fjords National Park, where ocean, mountains, and ice meet. Fly from Anchorage to Juneau to begin your cruise through Southeast Alaska, including Glacier Bay, the cliffs of Tracy Arm Fjord, and numerous ports.

Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 1 - Fairbanks, AK​
As you step off the plane, you'll find yourself in Fairbanks, the bustling heart of Alaska's interior. Here, amidst towering beauty, your Adventure Guides eagerly await to take you to your accommodation. From the moment you arrive, they'll be your steadfast companions, guiding you through the vast and textured landscapes that define this remote corner of the world.

Day 2 - Fairbanks, AK​
Take it easy in the morning, savoring some downtime before gathering for lunch with your fellow explorers. Afterward, join your trusty Adventure Guides for a narrated drive around Fairbanks. Highlights include stops at the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and a glimpse of the iconic Trans Alaska Pipeline. Wrap up the day with a welcome dinner, where you can unwind and mingle with newfound friends.

Day 3 - Denali National Park, AK
Right in the heart of Alaska, Denali National Park is an outdoor playground waiting to be explored. With vast expanses of wilderness, towering peaks sweep into the sky and colorful wildflowers sway in the breezes. This 6-million-acre wonderland is home to North America's tallest peak, Denali, standing proud at 20,310 feet above sea level. As you traverse the park, keep your eyes out Alaska’s hiding wildlife. No matter your activity level, there’s so much to do in this national park.

Day 4 - Denali National Park, AK
To round out your Denali National Park visit, your guide will take you on a narrated drive so you can see the park with ease. No day is the same here, as each season brings its own unique flair and array of activities. Witness the brilliance of the northern lights in winter, the awakening bloom of spring flowers, the sun-drenched expanses of summer, or the fiery foliage of autumn.

Here, you’ll spend the night in a hotel before continuing to Anchorage by way of deluxe dome rail car on the Alaska Railroad.

Day 5 - Travel to Anchorage, AK
On your way to Anchorage, pass through Talkeetna. Explore the charming streets of a small town with a big personality, where local artists display colorful murals and handcrafted goods in quaint storefronts. As the last stop for climbers attempting to conquer the Denali Mountain, this town is full of mountaineering stories and spirit.

As your ride comes to an end, spend the night in Anchorage before gearing up for the next national park.

Day 6 - Kenai Fjords National Park
The next national park on this epic adventure is an exhilarating escape where icy wonders and ocean giants meet. Set sail on a cruise through the fjords to witness whales breaching and sea otters swimming among drifting icebergs. Hike up to the Harding Icefield Trail, where each step brings a new view of snow-clad peaks that go on forever. Listen to the dramatic chorus of glaciers calving into the sea. Wrap up your day with a kayak trip through serene waters, paddling alongside seals and beneath soaring eagles.

Cruise the coastlines as your captain maneuvers the boat for intimate views of cascading glaciers and vibrant wildlife and offers an expert eye. Get ready to spot whales, sea otters, sea lions, and harbor seals as you weave through this spectacular marine landscape.

Day 7 - Anchorage, AK
Alaska’s largest city seamlessly connects the wild Alaskan frontier with city sophistication. Established in 1914 as a railroad construction port, the city now thrives as a cultural hotspot, highlighted by the Anchorage Museum, which showcases spectacular native art and historical exhibits. Outdoor aficionados can explore the nearby Chugach State Park, offering over 495,000 acres of hiking and wildlife viewing, all within reach of the city skyline. With frequent displays of the northern lights illuminating the winter skies, Anchorage offers a splendid mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Venture north to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a sprawling refuge that spans 200 acres, dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned animals. Discover Alaska's iconic species as you roam the grounds, where you can observe bears, bison, reindeer, and wolves.

After a busy day, settle into a relaxing stay in Anchorage.

Day 8 - Juneau, AK
After a flight from Anchorage, you’ve made it to the capital city of Juneau. Get comfortable in your hotel room and let us transport your luggage to the ship waiting for you. Stroll through the historic downtown, where Gold Rush-era buildings now house boutiques and seafood restaurants serving fresh catches. For a spectacular end to your day, ride the Mount Roberts Tramway to the top, offering not only expansive views of Juneau but also access to alpine trails painted with wildflowers and wildlife sights.

Day 9 - Afternoon of Cruising
Once you board the next section of your tour of the 49th state, it’s another beautiful day on Alaska’s blue waters. Keep a keen eye on the horizon as you depart the dock, for these waters are renowned for their abundance of whales. With luck, you may catch sight of these magnificent creatures breaching the surface, a fitting finale to this portion of your trip. Settle into your stateroom—the largest in the industry—and join us for an array of onboard activities. Don’t miss cocktail hour and our engaging entertainment for the night.

Day 10 - Haines, AK
This port captures the imagination with its stunning blend of history and natural scenery. Initially a home for the Tlingit people and later a strategic outpost for the U.S. Army in the 19th century, Haines today invites visitors to explore its past at the Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center. Surrounded by the magnificant Chilkat Mountains, this town is famous for its bald eagle gatherings.

Whether you want to join us for a Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak adventure through the mountain-lined lake or sip on spirits at Southeast Alaska’s first distillery, this town, on the northern end of the Lynn Canal, doesn’t fail to amaze.

Day 11 - Glacier Bay, AK

A truly outstanding realm of ice and sea, Glacier Bay is where adventure meets serenity. This expansive park and preserve, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living laboratory, showcasing glaciers in various stages of advance and retreat. The area is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, home to humpback whales, orcas, and sea otters, along with coastal brown bears and mountain goats on the shores. Historically revered by the Tlingit people, who were displaced by the advancing ice over 250 years ago, Glacier Bay remains a place of profound natural power and spiritual significance.

American Cruise Lines offers a VIP pass into the enchanting Glacier Bay, where a 60-mile stretch of untouched wilderness awaits. Spend a day cruising these icy waters, surrounded by stunning scenery at every turn. Warm up with a steaming cup of cocoa from our signature hot chocolate bar as you pass towering glaciers. Prepare for an incredible show as hundreds of seals make their appearance on icebergs and hold your breath as massive ice formations thunderously break away and crash into the sea. With each exquisite vista, your onboard expert will captivate you with fascinating stories and insights, making every moment in Glacier Bay not just beautiful, but unforgettable.

Day 12 - Petersburg, AK
As you arrive in Petersburg, gaze at the mountains that stand before you. Their peaks cloaked in brilliant white. This genuine Alaskan fishing village, founded over a century ago by Norwegian fishermen still holds many families earning their livelihood from the bountiful sea. Feel the warm hospitality of guides eager to showcase the best of their town, celebrating the enduring spirit and traditions of its original settlers.

For breathtaking aerial views, hop on a flightseeing tour that takes you high above sprawling glaciers, through grand valleys, and over mystical bays. Wander the delightful streets of downtown, popping into delightful shops and museums, or take a scenic hike along the waterfront to fully embrace the natural beauty surrounding Petersburg. For a memorable afternoon, charter a fishing boat in the nearby Frederick Sound, or experience a jet boat adventure to LeConte Glacier Bay, where nature's power is on full display.

Day 13 - Cruising the Wrangell Narrows
As your small ship perfectly weaves through the Wrangell Narrows, you'll find yourself enveloped by a narrow channel that mirrors the dramatic fjords of Norway, complete with forested slopes on either side.

Take in the striking splendor of the landscape, where glaciers sparkle under the sun and waterfalls cascade down like tall, grand, silver ribbons. Be on the lookout for a mix of wildlife. Meanwhile, onboard you can participate in activities, listen to captivating talks from guest speakers, and taste the chef’s special dishes inspired by the flavors of Alaska, making your passage through the Wrangell Narrows a special part of your visit.

Day 14 - Wrangell, AK
Wrangell's charming bay offers sweeping views of the picturesque town set against a valley that stretches from the imposing coastal mountains. To the north, the Stikine River weaves into the ocean, its waters splintering into numerous streams across a broad delta. Here, the thriving salmon runs are a magnet for local wildlife, and designated viewing areas provide a safe spot to observe seals, eagles, and both black and brown bears indulging in the abundant fish.

The Stikine River which means "Great River" in Tlingit is the fastest navigable, free-flowing river in North America. You can take a jet boat ride up this river to catch a glimpse into the area's Gold Rush history. As you wander Wrangell, enjoy the catch of the day with dishes featuring fresh salmon and halibut, learn more about the traditions of the native Tlingit culture, or pick fresh blueberries and huckleberries from the wild bushes covering the landscape.

Day 15 - Tracy Arm, AK
As our small ship navigates the narrow passage of Tracy Arm Fjord, prepare for yet another day filled with incredible views. The fjord stretches over 25 miles, with the channel averaging just a mile wide, yet it's dramatically framed by vertical cliffs that soar over 3,000 feet. Nestled within these cliffs are valleys that open to reveal expansive views of snow-capped peaks, adorned with glistening glaciers and ancient forests.

As we reach the grand twin Sawyer Glaciers, the origins of this magnificent fjord, you may spot wildlife in motion in their natural habitat. In this enchanting setting, the crew serves up a signature hot chocolate bar, complete with a variety of toppings and liqueurs, enhancing the glacier viewing experience.

This active wilderness, nearly identical to when naturalist John Muir visited in 1879, remains a impressive testament to nature's artistry, described by Muir as "shut in by sublime cliffs, nobly sculptured, and adorned with waterfalls and fringes of trees, bushes, and patches of flowers."

Day 16 - Juneau, AK
After an expedition exploring Alaska's twists and turns, your adventure circles back to the city of Juneau. Enjoy one last breakfast onboard, while you share memories, before you disembark.

If you're not ready to leave just yet, Juneau still has plenty to offer. Extend your stay and keep the spirit of exploration alive in Alaska’s dynamic capital. As you leave the ship, take a moment to say goodbye to an unforgettable journey and the incredible experiences you’ve had along the way.

The American Constellation is the latest small coastal cruise ship from American Cruise Lines. Uniquely designed to navigate the inland waterways of the East Coast and Intracoastal Waterway, the American Constellation brings passengers to some of the most beautiful locations in America. In the intimate atmosphere onboard, guests will find the largest staterooms in the industry, spacious lounges and observation decks and private balconies that offer spectacular viewing of the passing landscapes.

American Cruise Lines is the leader in small ship cruising! Carrying up to 180 maximum depending on the vessel, all of the small ships are able to easily navigate America's smooth, inland waterways and dock in the heart of each charming port. From Maine to Florida, the itineraries are designed to allow passengers to experience intimately each area's local culture, fascinating history and natural splendor.

Unsurpassed personal attention and intimate ambience make American Cruise Lines the leader in small ship cruising. The all-American crew is friendly, polite and eager to pamper you. Highly skilled chefs treat passengers to delectable feasts, masterfully prepared with the utmost in care and quality, highlighting the flavors of the local regions.

Refreshingly casual, flexible and unregimented - American Cruise Lines provides an intimate ambience conducive to camaraderie. Curl up with a book in the library, chat with new friends in one of the lounges, or watch the passing scenery from one of the open observation decks.

Each night, passengers relive the day's adventures over complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres before dinner.