Unlock Alaska's Interior: Your Exclusive Land & Sea Adventure with Windstar Cruises

There is a version of Alaska that lives in our collective imagination—a land of towering glaciers, breaching humpback whales, and eagles soaring against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks. It’s a powerful, soul-stirring image. But it is only half the story. Beyond the coastline, deep within the vast, untamed heart of the 49th state, lies another Alaska. An Alaska of sprawling tundra, of grizzly bears foraging in wide-open valleys, and of the silent, imposing majesty of Denali, the great one. To truly comprehend this land is to experience both worlds: the dramatic waterways of the Inside Passage and the wild, expansive interior.

This is the promise of a Cruisetour, a meticulously curated journey that seamlessly blends the best of a luxury sea voyage with an immersive land exploration. And when it comes to experiencing Alaska with the intimacy and elegance it deserves, there is no finer choice than Windstar Cruises. Forget the mega-ships with their bustling crowds. Windstar invites you to see Alaska from the perspective of a private yacht, where the destination itself is the main event. This isn't just a trip; it's a deep, personal connection to the Last Frontier.

As travel specialists who have explored these lands and waters ourselves, we understand the nuances that elevate a great vacation into a life-changing journey. We’ve designed this guide to illuminate the path for you, from the quiet luxury of your all-suite ship to the breathtaking vistas of Denali National Park. Let’s unlock the real Alaska, together.

The Windstar Difference: Why a Small Ship Unlocks the Real Alaska

In a destination defined by its staggering scale, it is paradoxically the smallness of your vessel that provides the grandest experience. A Windstar cruise is fundamentally different. With fewer than 312 guests, their elegant, all-suite Star Plus Class ships—the Star Pride, Star Breeze, and Star Legend—redefine Alaskan exploration. It’s a philosophy we wholeheartedly endorse: luxury is not about size, but about access, intimacy, and impeccable, personalized service.

Intimacy and Unrivaled Access

Imagine gliding silently through a narrow, mist-shrouded fjord, the granite walls so close you can almost touch them. Picture a pod of orcas surfacing just off the bow, a moment shared with only a handful of fellow travelers. This is the Windstar reality. These nimble ships can navigate where larger vessels cannot, taking you deeper into secluded inlets and closer to the faces of tidewater glaciers. The onboard experience is equally intimate. You’ll never wait in a long line. The crew will know your name and your favorite evening cocktail. It feels less like a cruise and more like you’ve been welcomed aboard a friend’s magnificent yacht.

• Get Closer to Wildlife: The ship's smaller size and quieter engines mean less disturbance to the natural inhabitants, often resulting in more frequent and intimate wildlife sightings.
• Zodiac & Kayak Adventures: Through Windstar's Signature Expeditions program, you can join expert guides on Zodiacs and kayaks, launching directly from the ship to explore ice floes, hidden coves, and shoreline habitats.
• Open Bridge Policy: A beloved Windstar tradition, the open bridge invites you to visit the Captain and officers, study nautical charts, and get a fascinating perspective on the art of navigation.

Casual Elegance, Not Stuffy Formality

Alaska is a land of rugged beauty, and your onboard experience should complement, not contradict, that spirit. Windstar champions a style of “casual elegance.” Leave the tuxedos and formal gowns at home. The dress code is relaxed, the atmosphere is convivial, and the focus is on comfortable luxury. Evenings are for sharing stories of the day’s adventures over a world-class meal, not for adhering to a rigid schedule. The spacious suites, all with ocean views and many with balconies, become your private sanctuary after a day of profound discovery. Have questions about the onboard atmosphere or choosing the perfect suite? Our specialists are available at 1 (888) 883‑0460 to share their firsthand knowledge and insights.

Culinary Excellence at Sea

Dining with Windstar is an event in itself. As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, the commitment to culinary innovation is unparalleled. The menus are crafted with creativity and feature locally sourced ingredients whenever possible—think fresh Alaskan salmon or halibut brought on board in port.

• Amphora: The main dining room offers exquisite, multi-course meals with no assigned seating, allowing you to dine when and with whom you please.
• Candles: For a truly memorable evening, reserve a table at Candles, the outdoor grill that transforms into a romantic, starlit steakhouse by night.
• Star Grill by Steven Raichlen: Enjoy modern, global grilling in a relaxed alfresco setting.

The Journey Begins: A Deep Dive into Your Alaskan Land Adventure

A Windstar Cruisetour masterfully solves the traveler's dilemma of "land or sea?" by delivering the best of both. Your adventure will either begin or end with a multi-day exploration deep into Alaska's interior, a region inaccessible to cruise ships but essential to understanding the state's soul. This is where the scale of the wilderness truly sinks in.

Denali National Park: The Crown Jewel of the Interior

The centerpiece of any Alaskan land tour is the six-million-acre wilderness of Denali National Park and Preserve. Home to North America's tallest peak, the 20,310-foot Denali, this is a land of raw, subarctic beauty. Your journey into this protected sanctuary is an experience you will carry with you forever. Aboard the Tundra Wilderness Tour, you’ll travel deep into the park along its single, restricted-access road, a privilege reserved for a select few.

Your expert driver-naturalist will help you scan the vast, treeless tundra and taiga forest for Alaska's "Big Five": grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. The air here is different—crisp, clean, and filled with a profound silence broken only by the wind or a distant animal call. It’s a humbling and awe-inspiring immersion into a world where nature remains sovereign. The logistics of a land tour can be complex, but we handle every detail, from the deluxe dome railcar journey to your stay in a premium wilderness lodge. To see a personalized itinerary and pricing, Plan Your Alaska Cruisetour Adventure today.

From Fairbanks to the Kenai Peninsula: The Scenic Route

Connecting the land and sea portions of your trip is often a journey in itself. You'll travel aboard a luxurious train with glass-domed ceilings, offering 360-degree views of the spectacular scenery. Watch as the landscape transforms from the boreal forests around Fairbanks to the dramatic peaks of the Alaska Range. You’ll pass over breathtaking gorges, follow rushing rivers, and witness a panorama of untamed wilderness from the comfort of your plush seat. Your accommodations ashore are in beautifully appointed lodges that offer a sense of rustic elegance, providing a comfortable and authentic basecamp for your interior explorations.

Sailing the Last Frontier: Your Windstar Sea Itinerary

As you transition from the vast interior to the dramatic coastline, the character of your adventure shifts. Now, the wonders of the Inside Passage unfold from the decks of your Windstar yacht. This is a world of tidewater glaciers, deep-blue fjords, and charming coastal towns rich with history and culture.

Glacier Gazing: Tracy Arm Fjord & Kenai Fjords

There is no sound on earth quite like the "white thunder" of a glacier calving—when a massive slab of ancient ice breaks off and crashes into the sea. On your small ship, you can navigate into the heart of dramatic ice-carved fjords like Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, getting you so much closer to the brilliant blue face of the Sawyer or Dawes Glaciers. You’ll see seals and their pups resting on floating ice floes, their curious faces peering up at the ship. This is where the Expedition Team shines, launching Zodiacs to bring you even closer to the ice and explain the powerful geology at play. It’s a visceral, multi-sensory experience that simply cannot be replicated on a larger vessel.

Ports of Call: Culture, History, and Adventure

Each port along the Inside Passage offers a unique window into the fabric of Alaska. Windstar’s itineraries are thoughtfully paced, giving you ample time to explore.

• Juneau: Accessible only by air or sea, Alaska's capital city is a hub of adventure. Take a helicopter to land on the Mendenhall Glacier, embark on a world-class whale-watching tour, or explore the lively downtown shops and saloons.
• Skagway: Step back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush. The entire downtown is a National Historic Park. The must-do experience is a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a vintage train that chugs up steep mountain passes with stunning views.
• Ketchikan: Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikan is also a center for Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian culture. Visit the totem poles at Saxman Native Village or Totem Bight State Park to learn about the stories carved into these magnificent works of art.
• Sitka: With its unique blend of Tlingit and Russian heritage, Sitka offers a different perspective. Visit the onion-domed St. Michael's Cathedral and the Alaska Raptor Center, a rehabilitation facility for bald eagles and other birds of prey.

Ready to explore these incredible ports? Use the Cruise Booking Toolbar at the top of this page to view available dates and itineraries, or for immediate assistance, click the 'Chat with us' button in the lower right to speak with an Alaska expert instantly.

Crafting Your Perfect Alaskan Cruisetour

An adventure of this magnitude deserves more than a simple online booking. It requires expertise, passion, and a personal touch to ensure every element aligns perfectly with your travel dreams. That is where our role as your travel advisor becomes invaluable.

We Handle the Details, You Make the Memories

The beauty of a Cruisetour is its seamless nature, but behind the scenes, the logistics are complex. We coordinate the flights, the deluxe train journeys, the lodge stays, the cruise portion, and all the transfers in between. We can arrange pre-cruise stays in Anchorage or post-cruise extensions in Vancouver. Our goal is to create a single, elegant itinerary where your only job is to immerse yourself in the wonder of Alaska.

Expert Advice You Can't Find Online

Having traveled extensively through Alaska, we offer the kind of nuanced advice that makes a real difference. We know the best side of the train to sit on for views of Denali, the most reputable local operators for a whale-watching tour in Juneau, and the quietest time of day to visit the Mendenhall Glacier. We are your partners in planning, dedicated to transforming your vision into a flawless reality.

Your Alaskan dream is more than just a booking; it's a meticulously crafted experience. Our team is dedicated to ensuring every moment exceeds your expectations. To begin, you can explore options using the Cruise Booking Toolbar above. For a more personal touch and to speak with someone who has been there, call our dedicated Windstar specialists at 1 (888) 883‑0460.

The best way to start is by letting us create a no-obligation proposal tailored to your specific interests, travel dates, and preferences. Get a Custom Quote and let us unlock the secrets of Alaska's interior for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Windstar Alaska Cruisetours

What is the best time of year to take an Alaska Cruisetour?

The Alaska cruise season runs from May to September. May and June often offer drier weather, more daylight hours, and blooming wildflowers. July and August are the warmest months and are considered peak season for wildlife viewing, especially for bears and salmon runs. September brings cooler temperatures, beautiful autumn colors in the interior, and fewer crowds, with a chance to see the Northern Lights.

What should I pack for a land and sea adventure in Alaska?

The key to packing for Alaska is layering. Even in summer, weather can change rapidly. Be sure to bring a waterproof and windproof outer jacket, fleece or wool mid-layers, long-sleeved shirts, and comfortable pants. Waterproof walking or hiking shoes are essential. Also pack binoculars for wildlife spotting, a camera with extra batteries, insect repellent, sunscreen, and sunglasses. For evenings on the ship, think "smart casual"—nice slacks, sweaters, or a simple dress are perfect.

How physically demanding is the land portion of the tour?

Windstar Cruisetours are designed to be accessible for most travelers in good health. The Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali involves several hours of sitting on a bus, with frequent stops for wildlife viewing and rest. Most activities involve moderate walking. For those seeking more activity, optional excursions like guided hikes or river rafting can often be arranged.

Is a Windstar Cruisetour good for families?

Windstar offers a sophisticated, adult-focused experience and does not have dedicated kids' clubs or programs. It is an excellent choice for multi-generational families with older children or teenagers who have a keen interest in nature, wildlife, and history and who appreciate a more intimate, refined travel style.

Why should I book with your agency instead of directly with Windstar?

While booking direct is an option, our service provides a layer of personalization and expertise that makes all the difference. We act as your single point of contact for the entire, complex journey—flights, cruise, land tour, and insurance. Our firsthand knowledge allows us to match you with the perfect itinerary and suite, and our strong relationship with Windstar often gives us access to exclusive amenities or offers. We are your advocate, ensuring your investment results in the trip of a lifetime. Inquire About This Sailing to experience the value we provide.