Windstar Alaska Cruisetour: Luxury Beyond the Ordinary, Adventure You Won't Believe

Forget what you think you know about Alaska cruises. Erase the images of sprawling mega-ships and endless queues. Instead, picture this: you’re standing on the bow of an elegant, all-suite yacht, a warm drink in hand, as it glides silently into a narrow fjord inaccessible to larger vessels. The only sounds are the cry of a bald eagle overhead and the deep, resonant groan of a tidewater glacier just a stone's throw away. This isn't a cruise; it's an expedition of the soul. This is the Windstar Alaska Cruisetour.

You're not searching for a floating theme park; you're seeking a genuine, profound connection with one of the world's last great wildernesses. You crave adventure without sacrificing an ounce of comfort, and you value intimacy over spectacle. If this resonates with you, you've found your journey. This isn't just a vacation; it's a handcrafted exploration of Alaska's heart. To begin tailoring your perfect blend of land and sea adventure, we invite you to Get a Custom Quote from our expert advisors.

The Windstar Difference: 180 Degrees from Ordinary in the Last Frontier

In a world of mass-market travel, Windstar Cruises charts a different course. Their philosophy is simple: provide an experience that is "180 Degrees from Ordinary." In Alaska, this promise transforms from a tagline into a tangible reality. The secret lies in the size and style of their vessels, specifically the newly reimagined all-suite Star Plus Class yachts like the Star Breeze and Star Legend. With a capacity of just 312 guests, these ships feel less like cruise ships and more like private yachts, unlocking a side of Alaska most travelers will never see.

Before we dive deeper into the itinerary, take a moment to glance at the Cruise Booking Toolbar at the top of this page. You can explore dates and initial pricing there, but for the full, personalized experience we're about to describe—the kind that creates lifelong memories—you'll want to connect with us directly.

• Intimate, Yacht-Style Vessels: Forget the crowds. The low guest count means no lines, no waiting, and a palpable sense of camaraderie. The crew knows your name, your favorite cocktail, and your desire to see a whale breach.
• Unparalleled Access: Windstar's smaller yachts can navigate the narrow channels and secluded bays of the Inside Passage that are off-limits to larger ships. This means you get closer to glaciers, wildlife, and the untamed soul of Alaska.
• Casual Elegance: Leave the tuxedos and ball gowns at home. The onboard atmosphere is one of relaxed sophistication. The dress code is "casual elegance," meaning you can be comfortable while still enjoying a refined, luxury experience.
• All-Suite Accommodations: Every room is a suite, offering expansive ocean views, many with French balconies or full verandas. These are not just cabins; they are spacious sanctuaries to retreat to after a day of incredible adventure.

The Ultimate Alaskan Journey: A Tale of Two Adventures

A Windstar Cruisetour is more than a voyage; it's a comprehensive narrative of Alaska, told in two breathtaking parts. It seamlessly blends a deep dive into the rugged interior with a spectacular coastal exploration. This dual approach ensures you don't just see Alaska—you experience its full, majestic scope, from its highest peak to its deepest fjords.

Part 1: The Land Expedition – Into the Heart of the Wilderness

Your adventure begins where the pavement ends and true wilderness takes over. The land portion of your cruisetour is an immersive journey into the vast, untamed interior of Alaska, a landscape of towering mountains, sprawling tundra, and iconic wildlife.

Denali National Park: Where Giants Roam

The centerpiece of your land tour is the magnificent Denali National Park & Preserve, a six-million-acre wilderness crowned by North America's tallest peak. You'll venture deep into this protected ecosystem on the Tundra Wilderness Tour, a journey that offers the best chances of spotting the park's "Big Five": grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. Imagine the thrill of watching a mother grizzly and her cubs forage on a distant hillside, or the quiet awe of a massive bull moose wading through a glacial pond, his antlers silhouetted against the sky. The sheer scale of the landscape, dominated by the ever-present, snow-capped peak of Denali, is humbling and unforgettable.

The Journey Itself: Glass-Domed Trains and Luxury Lodges

Even the travel between destinations is an experience. You'll board a luxurious, glass-domed train car for a scenic ride along the historic Alaska Railroad. As you wind through river valleys and over mountain passes, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the stunning scenery, all from the comfort of your plush seat. Your accommodations are in premium lodges, carefully selected for their proximity to the wilderness and their blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, providing a cozy and elegant base for your interior explorations.

Part 2: The Sea Voyage – A Symphony of Ice and Water

After immersing yourself in the heartland, you'll transition to the second act of your Alaskan saga: the sea voyage. Boarding your elegant Windstar yacht in Seward or Whittier, you'll feel the atmosphere shift from rugged land adventure to refined coastal exploration. This is where the small-ship advantage truly shines, as you set sail for the glaciers, fjords, and historic towns of the legendary Inside Passage. Ready to see which itinerary best fits your travel dreams? Inquire About This Sailing and let us handle the intricate details.

Navigating Majestic Fjords: Tracy Arm & Endicott Arm

This is a moment that defines the Windstar Alaska experience. Your yacht will navigate the impossibly narrow, 30-mile-long Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm Fjord, where sheer granite cliffs rise thousands of feet from the turquoise water. Waterfalls cascade down the rock faces as you glide past floating icebergs, their brilliant blue hues hinting at their ancient origins. The journey culminates at the face of the massive Sawyer or Dawes Glacier. Imagine the sound of a glacier calving, a thunderous roar echoing across the water as a house-sized chunk of ice crashes into the sea. It's a moment that's hard to put into words, but our Alaska specialists can. Give them a call at 1 (888) 883‑0460 to discuss how to make these moments your reality.

Port of Call: Juneau – Glaciers and Gold Rush Ghosts

Nestled at the base of Mount Roberts, Alaska's capital city is a hub of adventure. Here, the options for exploration are as vast as the landscape. Take a helicopter to land on the Mendenhall Glacier, stepping out onto an ancient river of ice. Embark on a small-boat whale-watching tour in Auke Bay, where humpback whales and orcas are frequently spotted. Or, for a taste of local flavor, indulge in a gourmet salmon bake at a secluded wilderness lodge.

Port of Call: Skagway – The Trail of '98

Step back in time in Skagway, the perfectly preserved gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush. The town's wooden boardwalks and false-front buildings whisper tales of the thousands of stampeders who passed through on their quest for gold. The signature experience here is a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a vintage narrow-gauge railway that climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, clinging to the side of the mountain and offering breathtaking views of gorges, glaciers, and waterfalls.

Port of Call: Ketchikan – Culture and Coves

Ketchikan is the "Salmon Capital of the World" and a vibrant center of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian culture. Witness the ancient stories carved into the towering totem poles at Saxman Native Village or Totem Bight State Park. For an unforgettable adventure, take a floatplane tour over the Misty Fjords National Monument, a pristine wilderness of deep-water fjords, sea cliffs, and lush rainforests that has been rightfully called "The Yosemite of the North."

Life Aboard Your Private Yacht: The Star Plus Experience

Your Windstar yacht is more than just transportation; it's an integral part of the luxury experience. The recently renovated Star Plus Class ships offer a level of comfort and service that is second to none.

All-Suite Sanctuaries

After a day of exploring glaciers and spotting wildlife, your spacious suite is a welcome haven. Ranging from 277 to over 1,300 square feet, every suite features a walk-in closet, a luxurious marble bathroom with a full-size shower, and premium amenities. Sink into your queen-sized bed with its Egyptian cotton linens and watch the epic Alaskan scenery drift by your picture window or veranda.

A Culinary Journey at Sea

Dining on Windstar is a celebrated affair, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients and culinary artistry. Enjoy multi-course meals in the elegant main dining room, Amphora, or opt for a more casual but equally delicious experience at the Star Grill by Steven Raichlen. The true highlight for many is Candles, the alfresco steak and seafood restaurant on deck. Dining under the lingering Alaskan twilight as mountains and forests slip by is an experience you'll never forget.

Signature Windstar Moments

It's the small touches that elevate a Windstar cruise. The Open Bridge policy invites you to visit the Captain and officers, learn about navigation, and enjoy the best view on the ship. The attentive crew provides intuitive, personalized service that makes you feel like a cherished guest on a private yacht. Have a quick question about the ship's amenities or a specific excursion? Don't hesitate. Click the 'Chat with us' button in the lower-right corner of your screen for an instant connection with one of our travel experts.

Is a Windstar Alaska Cruisetour Right for You?

If you are a curious, discerning traveler who values authentic experiences over manufactured fun, the answer is a resounding yes. You are someone who would rather spend an afternoon kayaking in a quiet cove watching for sea otters than waiting in line for a rock-climbing wall. You appreciate fine dining, exceptional service, and the luxury of space and time. You believe that the best way to see the world is to get up close and personal, to feel the spray from a waterfall, to hear the silence of a pristine wilderness, and to connect with a destination on a deeper level.

The Last Frontier is calling. Answer it with the elegance and intimacy only Windstar can provide. Plan Your Alaska Cruisetour Adventure today, and let us craft an experience that is truly 180 degrees from ordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions about Windstar Alaska Cruisetours

What exactly is an Alaska Cruisetour?

An Alaska Cruisetour is a comprehensive vacation package that combines a traditional ocean cruise through regions like the Inside Passage with a multi-day land tour into Alaska's interior. This allows travelers to experience both the coastal glaciers and wildlife and the inland wonders like Denali National Park for a much deeper and more complete Alaskan experience.

What makes Windstar different from larger cruise lines in Alaska?

The primary difference is scale and access. Windstar's small, all-suite yachts carry only 312 guests, creating an intimate, uncrowded atmosphere. This smaller size allows the ships to navigate narrow fjords and visit smaller, more unique ports that are inaccessible to mega-ships. The focus is on immersive, destination-focused travel rather than on-board attractions.

What kind of wildlife will I see?

Alaska is a wildlife paradise. On a Windstar Cruisetour, you have excellent opportunities to see a wide variety of animals. On the land portion near Denali, look for grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. During the sea voyage, you're likely to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and numerous bald eagles.

What is the dress code on a Windstar cruise?

Windstar has a "Casual Elegance" dress code. During the day, casual wear like slacks, jeans, and sweaters is appropriate. In the evening, the dress code is elevated slightly to slacks and a collared shirt or sweater for men, and a sundress, slacks, or a skirt and top for women. There are no formal nights, so you can leave the tuxedos and gowns at home.