Inside Passage to Alaska

Most of the cruise ships making trips to Alaska from Seattle or Vancouver take the "The Inside Passage" route. The Inside Passage refers to a coastal route for ships and boats along the network of passage which weave through the islands on the Pacific North West coast of North America. 

This route extends from the North-Western Washington State in USA and through Western British Columbia of Canada and proceeds to South-Western Alaska (USA). The route is used by ships and boats to take advantage of the web of many islands to avoid the bad weather in the open ocean and also enable visit to some of the isolated places and communities along the route. The route also provides good scenery though most of the travelling happens in the night. 

The major centres covered while travelling by The Inside Passage are Skagway, Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria. While the first four are parts of Alaska, Victoria is a part of British Columbia, Canada. There are many other places which can be covered in a longer private trip on a yacht.  

The first action on the ship after all the guests checkin and freshen up in their cabins is to move into the auditoriums in the main part of the ship for safety briefing. This is also a requirement as per law. The briefing is held in two or three groups depending on the need. The auditoriums are bigger than an average theatre in present day malls. Neatly dressed staff members guide the guests to their seats in the auditorium. The briefing about the various safety aids on the ship as well as the tips for staying healthy during the trip is done professionally using audio visual aids and demonstrations. As any infections can spread fast on the ship, special mention is made about the use of rest rooms and cleaning of hands properly before taking food in the restaurants. Guests are advised to use the toilets in their own rooms as far as possible. Hand cleaning solutions are available at the entry of food outlets and dining rooms.

All guest rooms are provided with neatly prepared and printed reading material each day giving details of the sailing program for the next day, details of excursions available and other allied issues. Experts from the respective fields board the ship when she moves in the Glacier Bay to give details of the surroundings and spotting of various attractions and sea animals like whales, sea lions etc. 

The total distance traveled during the voyage period is a little over 2200 Nautical Miles or 4000 Kilometres. At the end of the trip, a summary of the tour movements is given to the guests with a farewell message from the Commodore of the ship.

The first 40 hours is spent on travel from Seattle to Juneau, capital city of Alaska, covering a distance of 1600 Kilometres. The guests are entertained during this period through on board attractions like stage shows, music and dance programs etc. Swimming pools and casinos find much use during this period. Art auctions and Movies under the Stars are other attractions. Those worried about the wrinkles on their faces can have a Complimentary Facial Rejuvenation consultation from an expert. Sail away celebration with cocktails is also available. There are other attractions for children, youth and other age groups as well.

Most of the guests spend their time on the first day of the seven day trip in watching the ship sail through the blue waters of the sea and family get-togethers. It is time to catch up with past events and remember the important happenings amidst the beautiful blue waters of the sea and some whale watching as well!