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Experience the spectacular wilderness of Alaska on a PONANT Alaska Cruise, where towering glaciers, dramatic fjords, pristine forests and abundant wildlife become part of your journey.
From watching whales in remote waters to admiring immense glaciers and exploring fascinating coastal communities, Alaska offers an extraordinary combination of nature, adventure and cultural discovery.
A PONANT expedition brings you closer to these remarkable landscapes aboard a luxury small ship, creating a more intimate way to experience Alaska.
Looking for the right Alaska cruise? Call 1300 799 758 and speak with our PONANT experts.
Alaska Cruises at A Glance
| Experience | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Cruise style | Luxury small-ship expedition cruising |
| Wildlife | Whales, bears, orcas, sea lions, seals, sea otters and eagles |
| Scenery | Glaciers, fjords, mountains, forests and remote coastlines |
| Culture | Coastal communities and Alaska Native heritage |
| Best for | Wildlife lovers, photographers, couples, nature enthusiasts and first-time expedition travellers |
| Cruise season | Generally May to September |
Alaska is one of the world's most remarkable expedition destinations. But how you experience it can make all the difference.
A PONANT Alaska Cruise combines the adventure of exploring remote wilderness with the comfort of a luxury small ship.
Discover Remote Wilderness
Alaska is vast, rugged and wonderfully untamed. A small expedition ship allows you to experience its dramatic coastline, fjords, glaciers and islands from a more intimate perspective.
Get Closer to Wildlife
Alaska is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife.
Depending on your itinerary and local conditions, you may have opportunities to see:
- Humpback whales
- Orcas
- Brown and black bears
- Sea otters
- Sea lions
- Seals
- Bald eagles
- Numerous seabirds
Wildlife is never guaranteed, but that unpredictability is part of the excitement of expedition cruising.
Experience Alaska Beyond the Major Tourist Routes
PONANT's expedition approach places emphasis on discovery and exploration rather than simply visiting major ports.
Depending on your voyage, you may encounter secluded coastlines, spectacular waterways, glaciers and communities that reveal another side of Alaska.
Enjoy Luxury Along the Way
Adventure does not mean sacrificing comfort.
After a day of exploring, return to a refined onboard environment with comfortable accommodation, dining, lounges and spaces where you can relax while continuing to enjoy the scenery.
Alaska offers an extraordinary combination of wildlife, wilderness, glaciers and culture.
Few destinations provide such a dramatic contrast between rugged landscapes and luxurious travel.
Imagine sailing past mountains rising directly from the sea, watching ice calve from a glacier or seeing a whale surface alongside the ship.
This is what makes an Alaska expedition cruise so different from a conventional cruise.
The destination remains the focus of the experience.
Glaciers
Alaska's glaciers are among its most spectacular natural attractions.
Vast rivers of ancient ice descend from the mountains towards the sea, creating dramatic landscapes that are constantly changing.
Seeing these glaciers from the water gives you an entirely different perspective.
Fjords and Mountains
Alaska's coastline is shaped by deep fjords, forest-covered mountains and narrow waterways.
Cruising through these landscapes can be just as memorable as visiting a port.
Wildlife
Wildlife is one of the biggest attractions of an Alaska cruise.
Whales can often be seen in coastal waters, while bears, eagles, sea otters and other animals inhabit Alaska's forests, shorelines and islands.
Remote Wilderness
Alaska offers something increasingly rare: genuine wilderness.
Large areas remain untouched, allowing travellers to experience landscapes that feel far removed from everyday life.
Culture
Alaska's story extends beyond its scenery.
Local communities and Alaska Native cultures offer opportunities to learn about the people, traditions and connections to the land that have shaped the region for generations.
PONANT's small-ship philosophy makes the onboard experience very different from travelling on a large resort-style cruise ship.
Le Boréal
Le Boréal combines French-inspired elegance with the spirit of expedition cruising.
👉 Explore the ship features of Le Boréal →
With a more intimate guest capacity than large conventional cruise ships, it provides a relaxed environment from which to discover Alaska.
Le Soléal
Le Soléal offers a similar combination of luxury, comfort and expedition capability.
Its intimate size creates an atmosphere where the destination remains central to the experience.
👉 Explore the ship features of Le Soléal →
Choosing Your PONANT Ship
Ship deployment can change between seasons, so the ship operating a particular Alaska itinerary should always be checked before booking.
If you are unsure which ship is right for you, our PONANT specialists can compare the available options based on your preferred itinerary, dates and travel style.
👉Read our thorough guide on Choosing your PONANT Ship →
Not every Alaska cruise delivers the same experience.
When comparing itineraries, look beyond the number of nights and consider where the ship goes, how much time is spent exploring and what you most want to experience.
Some travellers prioritise glaciers and dramatic scenery.
Others want the best possible opportunities for wildlife encounters.
Photography enthusiasts may want an itinerary offering spectacular landscapes and changing light, while travellers interested in culture may prefer voyages featuring coastal communities and cultural discovery.
| If you want to... | Look for... |
|---|---|
| See spectacular glaciers | Glacier-rich itineraries |
| Look for whales | Routes through productive coastal waters |
| Experience wilderness | Smaller ports and remote areas |
| Photograph wildlife | Wildlife-focused itineraries |
| Discover local culture | Itineraries featuring coastal communities |
| Combine everything | A balanced Alaska expedition |
Planning an Alaska Cruise may seem like a big adventure, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are some frequently asked questions, answered by our PONANT experts to help you feel confident about your journey.
Have a read through these Alaska Cruise FAQs, and reach out to us any time: 1300 799 758.
A PONANT Alaska cruise combines luxury small-ship cruising with expedition-style exploration of Alaska's glaciers, fjords, wildlife and remote coastal landscapes.
Depending on the itinerary and conditions, you may see humpback whales, orcas, bears, sea lions, seals, sea otters, bald eagles and numerous seabirds.
PONANT's Alaska ship deployment can change by season and itinerary. Le Boréal and Le Soléal have been associated with Alaska itineraries, but current ship deployment should be confirmed for your chosen departure.
The main Alaska cruise season generally runs from May to September. The best time depends on your preferred combination of wildlife, scenery, daylight, weather and itinerary.
Yes. Alaska can be an excellent introduction to expedition cruising because it combines spectacular scenery and wildlife with the comfort of a luxury small ship.
Yes. The intimate atmosphere, luxury accommodation and combination of adventure and relaxation make Alaska an appealing choice for couples.
Yes. Alaska is one of the world's great wildlife destinations, offering opportunities to look for whales, bears, sea otters, sea lions and eagles.
Start with your priorities. Decide whether wildlife, glaciers, photography, culture or remote wilderness matters most, then compare the available itineraries, ships and departure dates.
For more information on our Alaska Cruise packages or any of our Ponant Cruises or and other cruise packages,
Call 1300 799 758 now.
Call us 7 days a week!