HX Expeditions has introduced a new 10-day Alaska itinerary to avoid the crowds during the state’s busiest cruise season. The voyage, Alaska’s Inside Passage: Fjords of the Great Land, travels aboard the MS Roald Amundsen, an expedition ship that favors remote stops over popular ports like Ketchikan and Juneau.
Misty Fjords and quiet coastal towns
The trip starts in Vancouver, moving through the Inside Passage before arriving at Misty Fjords, a vast wilderness near the Canadian border. Low clouds hang over thickly forested mountains, waterfalls flow into calm waters, and rain softens the scenery. The ship anchors using dynamic positioning, allowing small groups to explore by sea kayak, Zodiac, or a science boat.
Zodiac driver Rudi, an Alaska expert, calls the fjords magnificent but notes he’s never seen them so misty. The area feels untouched, unlike the large ships unloading thousands of passengers at mainstream ports.
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Later, the ship stops at Klawock, a small settlement on Prince of Wales Island with 719 residents. The town, known for its Tlingit heritage, offers excursions like the Coastal Flavours tour, where guests sample local oysters and seafood in clear bubble tents along the Klawock River. A Native Alaskan guide, Kathy, shares stories about traditional plants and sings in Tlingit, blending culture with food.
Nearby Kake, home to a few hundred people, welcomes the ship’s passengers with traditional dances and songs. One dancer, 17-year-old Brooklyn, teaches Tlingit to children while attending university. She jokes about the difficulty of getting her nails done in a town only reachable by ferry or a short flight to Juneau.
Glaciers and a different kind of cruise
The schedule includes a day in Valdez, a town rebuilt after a 1964 earthquake and later affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The area’s ecosystem has mostly recovered, though orcas still face risks. Kayaking on Valdez Glacier Lake provides adventure and stunning views, with the ship’s outings described as more hands-on than typical cruise excursions.
Rain greets passengers in Whittier as they disembark the next morning. The shift is abrupt but fitting, a reminder that Alaska’s beauty doesn’t rely on perfect conditions.
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This itinerary suits travelers who prefer quiet fjords and cultural experiences over crowded ports. It offers a closer look at Alaska’s less-visited areas, trading megaship conveniences for solitude.
Future seasons may expand the route if demand for remote stops increases. Smaller ships like the Roald Amundsen can adjust course based on weather or wildlife, an advantage larger vessels lack. Whether this flexibility will influence the broader industry or remain a specialty option depends on how many travelers value solitude over ease.
For now, the ship continues its journey through Alaska’s misty fjords and remote communities, revealing parts of the state beyond the usual postcard views.
