The Inside Passage is a protected waterway, with islands on the west, and the mainland on the east. Within that area, there is a lack of ocean waves, therefore cruise ships sailing through these waters are significantly smoother (reduced rocking of the ship) than ocean cruising. Cruise ships sailing through Alaska sail through the Inside Passage.

The Inside Passage is packed with wildlife, glaciers, snowcapped mountains, historic sites, pioneer spirit, and Russian and Native-American culture.

Cruising Glacier Bay National Park is one of the major attractions in the Inside Passage.

Ketchikan - Native-American culture
Sitka - Russian culture
Skagway - Klondike Gold Rush
Juneau - state's capital, salmon hatchery & Mendenhall Glacier
Wrangell - old trading post
Haines - bald eagles
Misty Fjords - uninhabited islands, fjords, trees, and cliffs
Tracy Arm - glacial fjords, cascading waterfalls, rock walls
Whittier - port connecting Prince William Sound with south central Alaska.
Seward - surrounded by 4 federal land holdings: Chugach National Forest

Alaska Travel Industry Association