boat cruise hobart

THE 10 BEST Hobart Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in hobart.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Water Sports
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Museum of Old and New Art (Mona)
• Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
• Gray Line Tasmania Day Tours
• Maria Island National Park
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart

2. Full-Day Bruny Island Cruises Day Tour from Hobart

3. Hobart Sailing Experience

4. Hobart Sightseeing Cruise including Iron Pot Lighthouse

5. Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks

6. Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart

7. Mt Wellington Tour and MONA Admission

8. Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island Cruise and Walk Day Tour with Lunch

9. Maria Island Active Day Tour from Hobart

10. Tasmanian Seafood Gourmet Full-Day Cruise Including Lunch

11. The Peppermint Bay Lunch Cruise from Hobart

12. Hobart City Sightseeing Tour including MONA Admission

13. Southwest Tasmania Wilderness Experience: Fly Cruise and Walk Including Lunch

14. Strahan Day Trip by Air from Hobart Including a Gordon River Cruise

15. Moorilla Estate's Posh-As Day at Mona

16. Moorilla Wine + Mona Art Day Trip

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

3-Hour Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise from Port Arthur

3-Hour Bruny Island Cruise from Adventure Bay, Bruny Island

What travellers are saying.

• Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart
• Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart
• Full-Day Bruny Island Cruises Day Tour from Hobart
• Hobart Sailing Experience
• Hobart Sightseeing Cruise including Iron Pot Lighthouse
• East Coast Cruises
• Tasman Island Cruises
• The Lady Nelson
• Pennicott Wilderness Journeys - Iron Pot Cruises
• Hobart Historic Cruises
• Hobart Yachts
• Bruny Island Cruises
• Peppermint Bay Day Cruises

• Bruny Island Cruises
• Bruny Island Traveller
• Fluted Cape Walk

Iron Pot Cruises

• Seafood Seduction
• Port Arthur Bus
• Tasman Island Cruises
• Three Capes Track
• Wineglass Bay Cruises
• Wilsons Promontory
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• Boats & Buses
• Environment

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• Environmental Sustainability
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• Employment Opportunities
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)

A 2½ Hour Cruise from Hobart's Waterfront

Iron pot cruises is a 2½ hour cruise exploring the renowned waterways that influence hobart's lifestyle. visit australia's oldest lighthouse, circumnavigate betsey island and discover the city's rich maritime past..

Travel aboard one of our brand new vessels in a small group. The spacious enclosed cabin contains comfortable leather seats. Large awning windows provide a great view and allow you to immerse yourself in the surroundings.

Cruising down the Derwent River you'll pass historic Battery Point, now one of Tasmania's premium residential addresses. You'll see well-known landmarks like the iconic Wrest Point Casino and the Shot Tower. Further south, you'll truly appreciate the scale of Mount Wellington as it towers over the city.

Arrive at the Iron Pot, Australia's oldest lighthouse, and be immersed in the fascinating history as your guide shares stories of Hobart's early settlement. 

Times & Prices          Book Now   

See Australia's oldest lighthouse and Betsey Island

Explore caves & see hundreds of seabirds

Cruising into Storm Bay, we reach Betsey Island. This uninhabited island is home to a variety of seabirds, including gulls, cormorants and the majestic white bellied sea eagle.

As we circumnavigate Betsey Island, Hope Beach comes into view. This isolated beach is known for its large breaks and offshore winds. We cruise close in to the shore and feel the swell surging straight from the Southern Ocean; these conditions make this a favourite spot with local surfers.

After 2½ hours on the water you'll return to Hobart refreshed, with a newfound appreciation for this beautiful harbour city.

CRUISE TIMES & PRICES

• 10.00am Cruise
• 2.00pm Cruise
• Full Day Tours from Hobart

10.00am Departure December to April. 2.00pm Departure Daily All Year Round. Bookings Essential (subject to availability). 

Getting There

Iron Pot Cruises depart from the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Booking Centre. This is situated on Franklin Wharf, next to the Constitution Dock Lifting Bridge on Hobart's waterfront. 

Please note there is no parking available at our Booking Centre. Nearby options for parking are Argyle Street Car Park, Market Place Car Park or Evans Street Car Park.  Check out this page for more details .

Bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions .

You should not travel on our cruises if you are feeling unwell or have cold/flu symptoms.  Please contact us to cancel your booking.  

For information about accessibility, download our Accessibility Guide .

Our Flexible Cancellation Policy   

If you book directly with us, we have a very flexible cancellation policy:

• No cancellation fees if you need to cancel due to COVID  right up to the time of departure.  This includes if you are unwell or if you have to change your travel plans due to flight changes or travel restrictions.  We will happily move your booking to another day or provide you with a full refund.  Please note you need to advise us prior to departure so that we have an opportunity to re-sell the seats. 
• For non-COVID related cancellations our normal cancellation policy applies . We reserve the right to charge 100% for cancellations within 24 hours of departure.  Bookings are fully flexible up to 24 hours prior to the tour departure. 

Please note that if you book through a third-party website or travel agent, they each impose their own cancellation policies and restrictions.  

Duration   2½ Hours

Operates   Daily, except Christmas Day

Departs From Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Dock Head Building Franklin Wharf Hobart TAS 7000 View on Map

Prices up to 31 March 2024 Adult $135 Child $110 (1-16yrs)

Prices from 1 April 2024 Adult $140 Child $120 (1-16yrs)

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Pennicott Wilderness Journeys acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Dock Head Building Franklin Wharf, Hobart

(03) 6234 4270

Terms & Conditions

[email protected]

Our Journeys

Bruny Island Cruises Bruny Island Traveller Fluted Cape Walk Iron Pot Cruises Port Arthur Bus Service Tasman Island Cruises Tasmanian Seafood Seduction Three Capes Track Wineglass Bay Cruises

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• Bruny Island Cruises
• Bruny Island Traveller
• Fluted Cape Walk
• Iron Pot Cruises
• Seafood Seduction
• Port Arthur Bus
• Tasman Island Cruises
• Three Capes Track
• Wineglass Bay Cruises
• Wilsons Promontory
• Our Story & Awards
• Boats & Buses
• Environment

Travel Trade

• Environmental Sustainability
• Community Sustainability
• Employment Opportunities
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)

Explore Our Incredible Wilderness Journeys

Experience an unforgettable adventure with our multi-award winning team

Australian Tourism Legend Robert Pennicott and his team of passionate local staff have been sharing Tasmania's scenery, wildlife and produce since 1999. We now provide Bruny Island Cruises , Bruny Island Traveller , Iron Pot Cruises , Tasman Island Cruises , Tasmanian Seafood Seduction  and  Wineglass Bay Cruises .

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Dock Head Building Franklin Wharf, Hobart

(03) 6234 4270

Terms & Conditions

[email protected]

Our Journeys

Bruny Island Cruises Bruny Island Traveller Fluted Cape Walk Iron Pot Cruises Port Arthur Bus Service Tasman Island Cruises Tasmanian Seafood Seduction Three Capes Track Wineglass Bay Cruises

Our Story & Awards Boats & Buses Environmental Sustainability Community Sustainability Employment -->

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2Hr Hobart Dinner Cruise

4.5 based on all time ratings

A treat to the eyes, mind and the palate – round up your favourite group of people and cruise the scenic routes of River Derwent, while enjoying a three-course delectable dinner. Experience Hobart from a whole new perspective with this very popular dinner cruise. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink to settle in, before giving the entrées a go.    The choice of mains will be served right to your tables as you soak up the soothing scenery of Hobart and its illuminated skyline. You can also buy other beverages on board to accompany your dinner. Sights, lights, and a memorable feast – truly a night to remember!   You’ll be cruising with an amiable crew along with a captain who is well-acquainted with the area. Prepare to be entertained by his engaging and informative commentary!   Book your cruise today for a taste of Tasmania!

Cruise Inclusions

Cruise menu.

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Departure Details

Departure Location Murray Street Pier, Hobart, Tasmania

Boards 17:45

Departs 18:00

Returns 20:00

• 2-hour Hobart dinner cruise on Derwent River
• A 3-course Tassie dinner with entrée, mains & dessert is served on board
• One complimentary drink or soft drink for each guest is included
• Enjoy the magnificent night views of Hobart’s skyline
• Listen to the fun & informative commentary by the captain
• Beverages can be purchased from the onboard bar

Entree Cruise Loaf Options for main course are Waterman's Steak Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon Fillet Sealer's Fish Delight The Cove' Chook Schnitzel Lamb Chops Mixed Grill *All meal comes with salad and hot potato.  Dessert Citrus tart/ hot chocolate pudding

Beverage Package

• One free drink/ soft drink is provided for all

Additional Information

• Please note that there is a minimum requirement of 6 people to run the cruise
• Please check in 15 mins prior to departure time
• For Dinner Cruise, please check with the ticket office at Murray Street Pier, Hobart, 30mins prior to the boarding time to pre-order the meal. Meals are not included for kids under 5 yrs.

Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link; https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services

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Cruising with a group of 10 or more? Get in touch with our team to get the best price.

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This boat is available for private charter – See how we can tailor the experience for your next event.

32 The Promenade, King Street Wharf, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

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THE 10 BEST Hobart Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in hobart.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Water Sports
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Museum of Old and New Art (Mona)
• Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
• Gray Line Tasmania Day Tours
• Maria Island National Park
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart

2. Full-Day Bruny Island Cruises Day Tour from Hobart

3. Hobart Sailing Experience

4. Hobart Sightseeing Cruise including Iron Pot Lighthouse

5. Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks

6. Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart

7. Mt Wellington Tour and MONA Admission

8. Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island Cruise and Walk Day Tour with Lunch

9. Maria Island Active Day Tour from Hobart

10. Tasmanian Seafood Gourmet Full-Day Cruise Including Lunch

11. The Peppermint Bay Lunch Cruise from Hobart

12. Hobart City Sightseeing Tour including MONA Admission

13. Southwest Tasmania Wilderness Experience: Fly Cruise and Walk Including Lunch

14. Strahan Day Trip by Air from Hobart Including a Gordon River Cruise

15. Moorilla Estate's Posh-As Day at Mona

16. Moorilla Wine + Mona Art Day Trip

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

3-Hour Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise from Port Arthur

3-Hour Bruny Island Cruise from Adventure Bay, Bruny Island

What travellers are saying.

• Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart
• Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart
• Full-Day Bruny Island Cruises Day Tour from Hobart
• Hobart Sailing Experience
• Hobart Sightseeing Cruise including Iron Pot Lighthouse
• East Coast Cruises
• Tasman Island Cruises
• The Lady Nelson
• Pennicott Wilderness Journeys - Iron Pot Cruises
• Hobart Historic Cruises
• Hobart Yachts
• Bruny Island Cruises
• Peppermint Bay Day Cruises

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Cruises to Hobart, Tasmania

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Hobart Cruises Port Guide

A Tasmania cruise takes you to the gorgeous island state of Australia, located southeast of the mainland. With an interesting history as an old penal colony, and its massive national park reserves, Tasmania sometimes seems like another world. However, cool Hobart will bring you back to the present day with its cutting edge cuisine, world-class museums and shopping, and wine tasting rooms. Visitors on a cruise to Australia will have a blast exploring the city and its surrounding nature.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to hobart, mount wellington lookout.

For one of the best – if not the best – views when you cruise to Tasmania, you’ll want to leave the city center of Hobart behind and drive to the top of Mount Wellington, a towering peak on the southeast side of the island. Mount Wellington stretches 4,170 feet into the air and has a lookout point at the top that boasts views of the city of Hobart below and the adjacent Bay of Hobart.

You don’t want to miss seeing the wildlife in Tasmania, particularly the Tasmanian devils, which are endemic to the island. Two excellent places to see them during Hobart cruises are at the Unzoo in Taranna near Port Arthur and the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in nearby Brighton. Other wildlife you can see in Tasmania include kangaroos, koala bears, and penguins. 

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Garden

If you love flowers and gardens, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk in a beautiful setting, you’ll love visiting the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens during your Tasmania cruise. The gardens are located just over a mile from the city center of Hobart and date back to 1818. The features of the garden include historical aspects as well as botanical flora.

Learn More About Hobart Shore Excursions

Top things to do in hobart, mona museum and river ferry.

The MONA museum is a huge attraction for those on Hobart cruises, both literally and figuratively. MONA stands for the Museum of Old and New Art and is the largest privately funded museum in Australia. It has a contemporary vibe and houses unique pieces of artwork as well as engaging art exhibits. Outside of art, the museum is set in a picturesque location on the edge of the Derwent River. Located north of Hobart in Berriedale, taking a 25-minute river ferry from Brook Street Pier to MONA is a memorable way to get there.

Port Arthur Tour

One of the most interesting ways to learn about the penal colony past of Tasmania during Hobart cruises is to actually visit the former prison, Port Arthur, that housed the convicts. Take a tour with a guide to learn about what it was like to be prisoner or prison guard there over a century ago.

Wine Tasting

The countryside you’ll see on a Tasmania cruise includes beautiful vineyards and lovely wineries offering tastings. The wine country of Tasmania is especially known for its sparkling wines. The Riesling and Pinot Noir coming out of the wineries of Tasmania are also highly lauded.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Hobart Cruise Port

Don’t miss out on the varied and fresh cuisine in Tasmania. Hobart is home to a plethora of restaurants offering just about every type of cuisine. The restaurant scene is both edgy and traditional, and you’ll find the restaurateurs in Hobart serve up their food in settings like nothing you’ve experienced before. Look for seasonal menus featuring locally grown food and freshly caught seafood.

Culture & History of the Hobart Cruise Port

Hobart is the second-oldest city in Australia, settled just 16 years after Sydney. It’s situated on Tasmania, an island state of Australia located southwest of the mainland and surrounded by the deep blue Pacific Ocean. Once a timber station and previously a penal colony, today Tasmania is an island rich in culture and nature, and Hobart is at the heart of it all.

Hobart Port Facilities & Location

The cruise terminal for Hobart cruise ships is at Macquarie Wharf. All ship berths at Macquarie Wharf are within walking distance to downtown Hobart. Right outside the Tasmania cruise terminal, you’ll find shops selling crafts, souvenirs, and food.

Transportation in Hobart

The bus system in Hobart goes all around the city and beyond to the rest of the Tasmania. Most bus routes depart from Franklin Square or Elizabeth Street between Macquarie Street and Collins Street. In addition, you can take the Red Decker bus around, which is a hop-on, hop-off bus that stops at many of Hobart’s main attractions.

Shopping Near the Hobart Cruise Port

Hobart has many places to shop, including several shopping complexes that offer a lot of variety in one destination. The Cat and Fiddle Shopping Arcade offers fashion boutiques, specialty stores, and an animated clock that you can’t miss seeing at the top of every hour. Another mall worth visiting is Elizabeth Street Mall, which has many high street brands as well as national chain stores. For fashion outlets, head to Eastlands Centre in the Rosny Park area of Hobart, or Glenorchy Central Shopping Centre in the Glenorchy suburb of Hobart. 

If you cruise to Hobart on a Saturday, you don’t want to miss spending some time at Salamanca Market. The market features over 250 stalls selling souvenirs, food items, jewelry, arts and crafts, and much more. Haggling is welcome. If you aren’t there on Saturday, but instead cruise to Hobart on a Sunday, you can find more bargains at the Northgate Flea Market, which operates every Sunday in the car park of Northgate Shopping Centre.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

Tipping isn’t obligatory, but it is appreciated, and a standard tip for good service while dining out in Hobart is 10% of your total bill. Generally, you won’t find a service charge already added to bills. Most businesses accept credit cards here. If cash is needed, the accepted currency in Tasmania is the Australian Dollar.

Find Cruises to Tasmania's Hobart Port

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Cruises and Boat Tours

Board a boat and see some of Tasmania’s most beautiful landscapes and geological features.

WHAT SPARKS YOUR INTEREST?

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Tasmania, Australia's southern island state sitting in the mist of the Roaring Forties, has always been shrouded in mystery. Captain Tobias Furneaux blessed the Bay of Fires with its name while sailing by at night during a 1773 expedition. Aboriginal bonfires raged on the beach which led the captain to mistakenly assume that Tasmania's population was abundant. And you can tour the coastal features of the Natural State to marvel at the same mysterious and pristine landscapes that the captain experienced back in the 18th century. After all, Tasmania is committed to preservation and it protects its coastal landmarks more than any other municipality on earth. Board a boat to see for yourself. Image thanks toTourism Tasmania & Alice Hansen.

Why Board a Boat?

In actuality, Tasmania is a collection of islands. The indomitable dolerite cliffs of Bruny Island and the white sand beaches of Maria Island are only accessible by sea, and you'll have to experience the thunder of Waterfall Bay's rapids from the deck of a boat to get up close and personal with its defining feature. Tasmania is simply synonymous with water, so plan a boat tour to get the most out of your visit.

The Best Places for Boat Tours

Maria Island is a popular destination. You'll have to board a boat at the nearby holiday town of Orford. The journey takes you through the crystal-clear Prosser Bay out into the open ocean before landing on this protected wildlife sanctuary. A boat ride around the island will reveal towering cliffs, sweeping bays and an abundance of birdlife. In fact, 11 of Tasmania's 12 endemic bird species can be spotted on a boat tour around the island.

The Tasman Peninsula boasts some of the most dramatic geological features that Tasmania has to offer. From the Tessellated Pavement to the Tasman Arch and the Devils Kitchen, the Tasman Peninsula is a must visit on any trip to Tasmania. A boat tour takes you out of Hobart where you can marvel at the peninsula's towering cliffs while spending very little energy inside comfy confines. Be on the lookout for humpback whales, dolphins, ferry penguins and sea lions.

Hobart and River Derwent are especially beautiful from the deck of a boat. Tasmania's biggest city can be explored on a leisurely dinner cruise that takes you through the upper Derwent estuary. Longer day cruises can sail along the western edge of the estuary to the incredibly beautiful D'Entrecasteaux Channel where you can see the rolling hills and orchards of southern Tasmania.

Types of Boat Tours

You can also arrange for a personal charter to take you up close to some of Tasmania's most jaw-dropping geological features. The Nut, a volcanic plug rising over 100 metres out of the ocean in the small peninsula town of Stanley , is the boundary feature of the stunningly beautiful Rocky Cape National Park which is an absolute pleasure to explore by boat.

Tasmania is uniquely situated for a seafood tour. You get to board a boat to enjoy some of Tasmania's freshest seafood all while touring some of the island's most beautiful features. You'll even be able to see where your fresh seafood was caught on this type of informative tour.

Popular Cruises and Boat Tours

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Tasman Island Cruises provides unforgettable wilderness cruises along the spectacular coastline between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck in southern Tasmania.

The cruise travels beneath the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere at Cape Pillar. Guests explore waterfalls, rock formations, archways and deep-sea caves.

The coastline is part of the Tasman National Park. It is home to a variety of wildlife including hundreds of seals, migrating whales and abundant sea birds in their thousands.

At any time of year you're likely to see the feeding frenzy of diving gannets, albatross and sea eagles wheeling on the wind, cliff-nesting cormorants and peregrine falcons, or a pod of playful dolphins surfing the bow wave of the boat.

The custom built yellow boats are ideal for viewing the spectacular coastline and wildlife of the Tasman Peninsula. Each vessel holds a maximum of 43 guests. Covered open-air tiered seating means an excellent all-round view and connection with the environment. The boats have been created for these journeys and they are gentle on the environment due to their fuel efficiency and low emission operation.

Tour Options & Prices          Book Now   

See Australia's highest sea cliffs

Encounter marine wildlife & seabirds

Keep a close lookout for sea eagles soaring above the cliffs, pods of dolphins surfing the bow wave, albatross wheeling on the wind and shearwaters skimming the swells. 

TOUR OPTIONS

The cruise departs daily from Port Arthur.  You can drive yourself to Port Arthur, or take our Full Day Tour from Hobart.

• Full Day Tour
• Full Day Tour + Devil Park
• Full Day Tour + Historic Site

Drive yourself to Port Arthur and join the cruise.

Cruise Times

Morning Cruise (All Year) Check in by 9.15am Cruise 10am to 1pm approximately 

Afternoon Cruise (peak periods) Check in by 1.15pm Cruise 2pm to 5pm approximately 

Getting There

The cruise starts and finishes at our Tasman Island Cruises Booking Centre, located at 6961 Arthur Highway, Port Arthur 7182. This is on the left side of the road, 100m before the Port Arthur Historic Site entrance.

Guests should allow 90 minutes to drive from Hobart to Port Arthur. It is important that guests check in on time to allow for pre-cruise briefing and bus transfer to the boat.

Cruise Route

Each day we tailor the route of your cruise to make the most of the sea conditions between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck.  Whichever route we take, you will always start and finish at our Tasman Island Cruises Booking Centre in Port Arthur. 

Important Information

Make sure you dress warmly for the cruise - warm jackets, scarves, beanies and gloves are recommended. And don't forget your camera!

Tours operate daily except Christmas Day, however bookings are essential as places are subject to availability. Bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions .

During the COVID-19 pandemic we will not allow guests to join our tours if we believe they are unwell.  If you are feeling unwell or display flu-like symptoms we would encourage you to contact us and cancel your booking.

For information about accessibility, download our Accessibility Guide .

Our Flexible Cancellation Policy   

If you book directly with us, we have a very flexible cancellation policy:

• No cancellation fees if you need to cancel due to COVID  right up to the time of departure.  This includes if you are unwell or if you have to change your travel plans due to flight changes or travel restrictions.  We will happily move your booking to another day or provide you with a full refund.  Please note you need to advise us prior to departure so that we have an opportunity to re-sell the seats. 
• For non-COVID related cancellations our normal cancellation policy applies . We reserve the right to charge 100% for cancellations within 24 hours of departure.  Bookings are fully flexible up to 24 hours prior to the tour departure. 

Please note that if you book through a third-party website or travel agent, they each impose their own cancellation policies and restrictions.  

Duration   3 Hours Approximately

Operates   Daily, except Christmas Day

Departs From 6961 Arthur Highway Port Arthur TAS 7182 View on Map

Prices up to 31 March 2024 Adult $155 Child (3-16 yrs) $95 Family $490 (2 adults, 3 children)

Prices from 1 April 2024 Adult $175 Child (3-16 yrs) $105 Family $540 (2 adults, 3 children)

Tasman Island Cruises Full Day Tour

Take a Full Day Tour and spend a day on the Tasman Peninsula, including return guided bus tour, morning tea, lunch and our award-winning 3 Hour Wilderness Cruise.

07:15am - Check in at Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Centre 07:30am - Bus departs  09:15am - Arrive on Tasman Peninsula, Morning Tea 10:00am - 3 Hour Wilderness Cruise 01:00pm - Cruise concludes 01:15pm - Lunch, followed by local sightseeing 04:30pm - Bus departs 06:00pm - Arrive Hobart, hotel drop-off 

Departure Point

The Full Day Tour departs from the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Booking Centre.  This is situated on Hobart's waterfront on Franklin Wharf, next to the Constitution Dock Lifting Bridge.  Please check-in by 7.15am for a 7.30am departure.

If you have your own car, we don't have any parking available.  There is all-day parking available nearby at the Evans Street Car Park or Market Place Car Park - click here for more information .

Morning Tea & Lunch

Your day includes morning tea and lunch served at local restaurants on the Tasman Peninsula.

During the COVID-19 pandemic we will not allow guests to join our tours if we believe they are unwell.  If you are feeling unwell or display flu-like symptoms we would encourage you to contact us and cancel your booking. Full refunds are available for customers who cancel due to illness or travel restrictions during the Coronavirus pandemic.

For information about accessibility,  download our Accessibility Guide .

Duration   10¼ Hours Approximately (7:30am - 6:00pm)

Departs From Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Dock Head Building Franklin Wharf Hobart TAS 7000 View on Map

Prices up to 31 March 2024 Adult $245 Child (3-16 yrs) $175

Prices from 1 April 2024 Adult $265 Child (3-16 yrs) $195

Tasman Island Cruises Full Day Tour + Tasmanian Devil Unzoo

Take a Full Day Tour and spend a day on the Tasman Peninsula, incorporating return guided bus tour from Hobart, our award-winning cruise, morning tea, lunch and a visit to the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo .  

07:15am - Check in at Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Centre 07:30am - Bus departs  09:15am - Arrive on Tasman Peninsula, Morning Tea 10:00am - 3 Hour Wilderness Cruise 01:00pm - Cruise concludes 01:15pm - Lunch 02:45pm - Visit Tasmanian Devil Unzoo 04:30pm - Bus departs 06:00pm - Arrive Hobart, hotel drop-off 

During the COVID-19 pandemic we will not allow guests to join our tours if we believe they are unwell.  If you are feeling unwell or display flu-like symptoms we would encourage you to contact us and cancel your booking. Full refunds are available for customers who cancel due to illness or travel restrictions during the Coronavirus pandemic.  

Prices up to 31 March 2024 Adult $265 Child (3-16 yrs) $190

Prices from 1 April 2024 Adult $290 Child (3-16 yrs) $210

Tasman Island Cruises Full Day Tour + Port Arthur Historic Site

This is the ultimate Tasman Peninsula day tour.  Your day includes return guided bus tour from Hobart, our award-winning 3 Hour Cruise, morning tea and lunch as part of three hours at the Port Arthur Historic Site .

07:15am - Check in at Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Centre 07:30am - Bus departs  09:15am - Arrive on Tasman Peninsula, Morning Tea 10:00am - 3 Hour Wilderness Cruise 01:00pm - Cruise concludes 01:30pm - 3 Hours at the Port Arthur Historic Site                     including lunch and time to explore 04:30pm - Bus departs 06:00pm - Arrive Hobart, hotel drop-off 

Your day includes morning tea at a local cafe and lunch at the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Prices up to 31 March 2024 Adult $280 Child (3-16 yrs) $190

Prices from 1 April 2024 Adult $320 Child (3-16 yrs) $250

GUEST IMAGES

More information.

Let us help you to make the most of your visit to the Tasman Peninsula.

Do I Need to Book?

We recommended booking a few days ahead as our boats are often full and you may be disappointed if you chance to just turn up on the day. We are flexible with bookings so it is not a problem if you decide to change to another day or cancel, whatever the reason. No fee is charged for cancellations before the cruise date (so long as you contact us).

What about the weather?

Our boats are designed to suit the coastline along which we travel and we will certainly make the most of any weather conditions. Our bookings are fully flexible so if you decide the weather on the day is not for you, you can give us a call and we can change your reservation to a different day. Our staff are upfront and honest about the weather and you are welcome to contact us a day or two ahead to get an honest indication of the forecasted weather. Of course, in Tasmania the weather can at times be a little surprising and so a forecast is exactly that, a forecast!

What about sea sickness?

Being in open ocean, sea sickness can be an issue for a small number of people. We have had 13 years experience in dealing with this and have developed some very effective techniques to minimise the chance of sea sickness occurring.

We offer all-natural Travel Calm Ginger tablets to everyone when they step onboard. This product has proven extremely effective in preventing sea sickness in most people. Our staff can also suggest a number of things to further assist in minimising the chances of any sea sickness symptoms:

• Selecting a seat in the back third of the boat (there is a lot less movement up the back of the boat)
• Keeping your body temperature on the cooler side
• If you wear glasses or sunglasses keep the lenses clean at all times
• Avoid looking through cameras, binoculars etc
• Stay away from acidic foods before the cruise such as Orange Juice and coffee

We do emphasise that communication is the key - if you have any concerns please let our staff know.

What do I need to wear?

It is important that you are adequately dressed because it is cold on the boats, even in summer. Warm jackets gloves, scarves & beanies are a good idea. We provide wet weather jackets which go over the top of your clothing, but we encourage you to bring a few warm layers of your own.

Can you cater for special dietary needs?

We use local cafes and restaurants for meals on our Full Day Tours. These venues are able to cater for most dietary requirements. Please mention any special requests to our staff when booking.

Can I do the cruise and Port Arthur Historic Site on the same day?

Yes, our Booking Centre is right next door to the Port Arthur Historic Site. Both can be done in the same day.

Are young children OK?

Children of all ages are welcome aboard our boats and we take many children along on our cruises. As parents you are probably the best judge as to how your children will cope with being out on the water for 3 hours, but we have found that the majority of children enjoy the experience and love seeing the amazing wildlife, huge cliffs and caves along the Bruny coastline.

Is the cruise OK while pregnant?

For the majority of days the cruise is quite suitable for pregnant women and we have had lots do our trip. Our boats are custom built for the coastline that we cruise along. They are able to cut through chop and therefore we can avoid the bumping of waves that some boats experience. It is a good idea to take into account the weather conditions on the day of the cruise as this will effect comfort levels for someone who is heavily pregnant. You can contact us a day or two ahead to get a weather report for the day of your cruise and we are happy to move or cancel bookings if it is not looking suitable for you.

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

6961 Arthur Highway Port Arthur

(03) 6250 2200

Terms & Conditions

[email protected]

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Boat tragedy victim Alan Bottrill remembered as 'adventurer' after 'megawave' claims three lives

Family members of one of the men who died after a boat capsized near Port Lincoln late on Monday have paid tribute to the "adventurer who loved fishing".

Alan Leslie Bottrill, 71, was among three people who died when their boat was swamped by a wave off South Australia's Eyre Peninsula around 4pm on Monday .

His body and the bodies of the two other victims, Paul Eckert and his son Tom, were retrieved from the water on Tuesday.

Another of Paul's sons, Flinders University sleep expert Professor Danny Eckert, and Danny's 12-year-old son survived by clinging to a reef off Spilsby Island, 45 kilometres east of Port Lincoln, where they were found about 2am on Tuesday.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Mr Bottrill's wife Pamela and children Rónán and Amélie expressed their grief.

"Alan was 71 years old and still very much an adventurer who loved fishing, golfing and travelling with friends and family," they said in the statement.

"He leaves behind a wife, two children and two grandchildren who will miss him very much."

The family extended a "heartfelt thanks" to everyone involved in the search efforts including police, who "did a wonderful job", and the "community that has gathered around to support and care for our family".

"Our most heartfelt thoughts are with the families of everybody affected by this tragedy," Mr Bottrill's family said.

Ms Bottrill told ABC News she understood a "megawave" had struck the 6.2-metre fishing boat, and that there had been no time to activate new safety gear which had recently been installed.

She said her husband was an experienced fisher who had twice battled cancer and "never" thought he would have been killed fishing.

Survivors battled 'daunting' seas

Police began searching for the missing boat after family members raised the alarm about 8:30pm on Monday when the vessel failed to return from a fishing trip.

A police helicopter located the upturned fishing boat about 2am on Tuesday.

It was brought back to shore aboard commercial fishing vessel Delamere.

SA Police's Superintendent Paul Bahr told ABC Eyre Peninsula the duo who survived had to contend with a 1.5-metre swell as they clung to the reef.

"Because they were at a reef, they would have had the odd breaker breaking onto that reef so I think it would have been pretty daunting," he said.

"I think they are incredibly lucky and it speaks a lot about their own resilience that they managed to hang on."

He said the search – which included "selfless" efforts from local fishing vessels, the P&O cruise ship Pacific Explorer and a cargo ship – was assisted by teams on land.

"A lot of the search is guided by people remote from the actual search area who are running algorithms across drift patterns and swell patterns and tides to determine where debris and individuals may float and drift as the days go on," he said.

"There's a lot of work goes into ensuring that we put a bit of intelligence into this and make sure that our searches are concentrating in the right areas and that's where we get this sort of result."

Superintendent Bahr said the involvement of local fishing vessels in the search had been "critical".

"Port Lincoln is remote from the rest of the state and so we are very self-reliant. We are reliant on the good will of volunteers to help us and we are fortunate that we have such a large fishing fleet here," he said.

"The crews like the Delamere were pretty selfless in the support they gave us."

He urged anyone planning a fishing trip to ensure they have working and up-to-date safety equipment, and ensure everyone aboard knows how to use it.

He said a report would be prepared for the coroner.

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The 8 Best Alaska Cruises to Take in 2024

Posted: March 27, 2024 | Last updated: March 27, 2024

Sail to Alaska on Hurtigruten’s battery hybrid-powered MS Roald Amundsen .

Courtesy of Hurtigruten

Roughly 1.5 million people visit Alaska on a cruise ship each year, according to the Cruise Line International Association Alaska . With more than 2,500 islands, mountainsides that tickle coastal waterways, a robust seasonal whale population (as well as the opportunity to spot moose, bears, and eagles, among other wildlife), and rich cultural traditions in truly remote communities, some only accessible by water, it’s easy to see why so many travelers decide to sail in Alaska.

Each summer, scads of ships cruise Alaska’s coastal waterways, ranging from 12-person expedition-style sailings to mega-ships with passenger numbers into the thousands. Some stick to a manageable six-day itinerary within the popular and more easily accessible southeast region, while others head out on epic three-week sailings that cross multiple time zones. Some are as rugged as the 49th state, and others are pure opulence.

That’s all to say: There is probably an Alaska sailing that will match your travel style and budget. Here are eight of the best Alaska cruises to consider.

How much do Alaska cruises cost?

The best time to cruise to Alaska

The best time to cruise in Alaska is generally between May and September.

The Alaska cruise season, like the 49th state’s summer , is all too brief. The vast majority of sailings, particularly those along the Inside Passage (the island-filled coastal waterway in the southeast portion of the state), occur somewhere between Memorial Day and Labor Day. That being said, there are some shoulder-season departures in April, May, September, and October.

The best time to visit also depends on your tolerance for the cold and for other travelers. Those shoulder-season trips are chilly (there’s a good chance you’ll see snow in places and will need to bundle up more), but there are significantly fewer tourists to do battle with during shore excursions. However, the peak season (July and August) is divine. The sun hardly sets, the landscapes (save for the glaciers) are verdant, and the waterways are choked with playful whales getting their fill before winter.

Best Alaska cruises to book

1. Alaska Dream Cruise’s “Glacier Bay & Island Adventures”

1. alaska dream cruise’s “glacier bay & island adventures”.

• Cost: From $4,895 per person
• Days: 8 days
• Departure port: Sitka, Alaska
• End port: Juneau, Alaska

What makes Alaska Dream Cruises so special is the fact that it’s the only Indigenous-owned cruise company in the United States—and that heritage presents itself in an authentic way throughout the sailings. One subtle example of this: At the top of daily dining menus are Tlingit phrases, like Xáanaa atxá gaawú áyá, meaning “it’s dinner time.” On a larger scale, the sailings are usually the only ones to visit and get a lesson on the Glacier Bay National Park Huna Tribal House (a traditional gathering place for Tlingit peoples). And because the ships are Alaska Native–owned, they’re able to go to remote, tribally owned corners of the Inside Passage that non-Indigenous companies simply aren’t allowed to, like Hobart Bay. Other items on the agenda include exploring the pristine west coast of Chichagof Island, visiting the Tlingit community of Kake (site of the world’s tallest totem pole), and visiting a slew of tidewater glaciers.

If you’re looking to eschew the cruise ship behemoths for something more intimate, this is it—Alaska Dream Cruises’ Alaskan Dream holds only 40 passengers. And because it’s so small, passengers can weigh in on the daily itinerary, perhaps opting to skip a hike in favor of more time photographing the face of a glacier or watching juvenile humpback whales learn to breach. Meals and activities (including going for high-speed Zodiac rides, kayaking, and paddleboarding) are included.

2. HX’s (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) “Inside Passage, Bears, and Aleutian Islands”

• Cost: From $9,614 per person
• Days: 19 days
• Departure port: Vancouver, Canada
• End port: Vancouver, Canada (this same itinerary is also offered in reverse)

Now that it has a couple of seasons in Alaska under its belt, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is not holding back. In 2024, the company is offering a 19-day sailing that starts in Vancouver, Canada, before working its way past the fjords, glacier-filled straits, and Indigenous villages of the Inside Passage. Unlike most other sailings that stay within the southeast, from here, the ship hangs a hard left and chugs along to Kodiak, an island community known for humongous brown bears and prolific crab fishing. Though it’s the second-largest island in the entire United States, it’s rare that cruise ships visit, mainly because it lacks the infrastructure for big ships.

Then it’s onward to the even less-visited Aleutian Islands (a chain of islands, 14 of which are volcanic, in southwestern Alaska), where guests visit the uninhabited St. Paul and St. Matthew islands and Unga Village (a ghost town), before crossing (and recrossing) the International Dateline, sailing through the Bering Strait (between the Pacific and Arctic oceans, separating the Russian Far East from Alaska), and eventually docking in Nome, the far-flung city best known as the finishing point for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. From there, guests are flown back to Vancouver, where their itinerary ends.

Perhaps as interesting as the itinerary is the fact that the vessel, the 528-passenger MS Roald Amundsen , is battery hybrid-powered. In addition to being a model for cruising sustainably, the MS Roald Amundsen features an observation deck, science center, three Nordic-style restaurants, an infinity pool, and hot tubs. In other words, it’s definitely a place you wouldn’t mind spending 19 days.

3. Lindblad Expeditions’ Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

• Cost: From $6,286 per person
• Departure port: Juneau, Alaska
• End port: Sitka, Alaska (this same cruise is also offered in reverse)

Many of the sailings to Alaska center on the state’s major ports of call, like Juneau and Sitka. There’s nothing wrong with those itineraries, but they do tend to focus more on touristy downtowns and less on the great outdoors.

While this Lindblad sailing does start and end in those cities (since most Alaska cruise passengers fly to the state to begin their sailing journey, it’s most convenient to embark in a large port near a major airport before heading to more remote destinations), the days in-between are adventure packed. Multiple times a day, guests are invited to disembark for a closer look at the true wilds of Alaska. That could entail going kayaking among bobbing bits of glacial ice in Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, or going for a Zodiac ride in Frederick Sound to view whales up close. Another option includes trekking on lesser-known forest trails and getting an explainer on tide pools along smaller islands. While Lindblad has a general idea of where the vessel will stop each day, itineraries are not set in stone and the crew is not afraid to mix it up if it means having a locale to themselves or if there’s a stellar animal encounter to enjoy—this is an expedition ship, after all.

Because Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic, there’s always a professional photographer onboard to help travelers best capture their trip, as well as naturalists and expert guides to put what passengers see on the voyage into a more informative context. Both the National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture make the sailing. The sister ships were purpose built to sail the North American coast and feature 50 rooms each, all with windows or portholes, private bathrooms, climate controls, and a TV, plus Wi-Fi connection.

4. Maple Leaf Adventures’ “Alaska Supervoyage”

• Cost: From $8,471 per person
• Days: 12 days
• End port: Vancouver, Canada

The Inside Passage is popular for a reason. Here you’ll find remote islands dappled with stately spruce trees, dreamy fields of pink fireweed, and long stretches of undisturbed, rocky beaches. But if you motor a bit further, there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted by electric-blue icebergs, dizzying fjords, and dramatic, millennia-old glaciers. And, sooner or later, you’ll also meet communities of hardy locals. What’s appealing about this Maple Leaf Adventures itinerary is that it’s a good mix of Alaska’s natural landscapes and coastal cityscapes. Visits to bustling port towns like Sitka and Ketchikan are balanced with days spent entirely in the wilderness of Endicott Arm and Misty fjords.

Holding just 12 guests, the ship is one of the smallest sailing commercially in Alaska, so it’s able to tuck into areas the mega-ships can’t. And it’s a unique ways to spend 12 days—the Swell is a converted tugboat.

5. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaska: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau

5. norwegian cruise line’s alaska: glacier bay, skagway & juneau.

• Cost: From $619 per person
• Days: 9 days
• Departure port: Seattle, Washington
• End port: Seattle, Washington

If we were to pick one mega-ship operator to see Alaska on, it would be Norwegian Cruise Line . If your idea of a good time includes loads of onboard amenities (like over-the-top spas, nightly theater productions, go-kart tracks, and a water park), this is the sailing for you. It’s also one of the more family-friendly lines sailing in Alaska, with kids clubs and programming specifically geared at youngsters.

Over the course of nine days, this sailing on the 1,976-passenger Norwegian Sun visits seven ports, including Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria (in British Columbia), and spends a full day puttering around the otherworldly beautiful Glacier Bay National Park. All in all, the sailing is affordable, and travelers can customize the land part of their itineraries to fulfill their Alaska wish list (at an added cost), by opting for excursions that include kayaking to the face of a glacier, going on a flightseeing tour to see brown bears feast on salmon, meeting sled dogs, shopping for Indigenous handicrafts, marveling at totem poles, and visiting local breweries and distilleries. Onboard, Wi-Fi, bar drinks, and specialty dining are free, but activities like the spa cost extra.

6. Ponant’s “Alaska, nature on a grand scale”

• Cost: From $13,230 per person
• Days: 13 days (11 nights onboard)
• Departure port: Seward, Alaska
• End port: Vancouver, Canada (this cruise is also offered in reverse)

Another itinerary that focuses on lesser-visited ports is French line Ponant’s 13-day trip starting in Seward, a fishing port town two hours from Anchorage. As the boat pulls out of the harbor, guests are invited to bring their binoculars to the deck to check the landscape for whales, which come to the food-rich waterways each summer to bulk up for their winter calving season. The first full day on the water is spent sailing around Prince William Sound where islets and icebergs are abundant, followed by a day at Tsaa Fjord in the captivating (and appropriately named) Icy Bay for glaciers. Next it’s off to Sitka, a former Russian colony that now has one of the largest totem pole collections in the world. From there it’s the little-visited Elfin Cove and Point Adolphus, two dreamy locations known for their rugged coasts and wildlife spotting opportunities. After a few more days in the Inside Passage communities of Skagway, Kake, and Petersburg, the sailing culminates in Vancouver.

These sailings take place on the 264-passenger Le Soleal , a high-end expedition-style ship that boasts a theater, gym, spa (with hammam), panoramic lounge, and pool.

7. Silversea’s Vancouver to Seward

• Cost: From $3,650 per person
• Days: 7 days
• End port: Seward, Alaska

What Silversea does well is creating an onboard experience that is luxurious and one-of-a-kind but doesn’t distract from the real star of the show: Alaska.

By day, the Silver Nova visits buzzing, historical port towns including Ketchikan, Skagway, and Sitka, where guests are invited to disembark and participate in an activity of their choosing , like leisurely bopping around the downtown area or getting spine-tinglingly close to brown bears on a flightseeing tour. Back on the vessel, after a gourmet meal and drinks, evening entertainment is viewing the deep fjords, glaciers, and abundant whales that make Alaska so magical. Spacious suites accommodate 728 guests. There’s also complimentary Pilates and yoga, a gym, jogging track, spa, observation library, and a slew of bars and restaurants.

What’s particularly convenient about this sailing is that it ends in Seward, making it easy to continue your Alaska vacation (a visit to Denali National Park and Preserve, anyone?) by road or rail.

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