This is the Alaska cruise for people who hate cruises

Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann

Not a cruiser? John Hall’s Alaska is out to change that. Using small, private vessels to sail Southeastern Alaska, the Platinum Inside Passage Cruise allows travelers to experience all the wonders the region has to offer with far fewer crowds. The experience is limited to 40 people, though the group I traveled with was less than half that size.

A chunk of nearly every day is typically spent on the water enjoying Alaska’s unique scenery and wildlife. Nights are enjoyed in the ports of Sitka and Juneau, sleeping at hotels.

Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann

Bald eagle bonanza

More bald eagles are found in Alaska than anywhere else in the United States, which means you’ll spot them regularly while exploring with John Hall’s Alaska. While staying in Sitka, cruisers visit the Alaska Raptor Center to learn more about these magnificent birds. The non-profit organization rehabilitates more than 200 injured birds every year.

Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann

Alaska is bear country

Spotting a bear is on just about every traveler's Alaska wish list. John Hall’s Alaska makes it happen by taking cruisers to Fortress of the Bear, a nonprofit bear sanctuary that rescues orphaned Alaskan bear cubs. The center is home to both brown and black bears.

Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann

Totem Trail at Sitka National Historic Park

A rarity on Alaskan cruising itineraries, guests traveling with John Hall’s Alaska have ample free time on land in Sitka. A highlight of the island community is the collection of Tlingit and Haida totem poles that line the easy, 1-mile loop Totem Trail at Sitka National Historic Park. Those willing to put in a few extra steps can also visit the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka between the Tlingit and Russian traders.

In late summer and early fall, spawning salmon can be found along the portion of the trail bordering the Indian River; the park also boasts 1.2 miles of photo-worthy shoreline.

Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann

Alaskan food and drink

Just like being on a cruise ship, all meals are covered when traveling with John Hall’s Alaska. While some meals are catered and offer less selection or choice, John Hall’s Alaska also provides cruisers with vouchers that allow them to dine at locally-owned and -operated restaurants. Much like gift certificates, travelers can walk into participating restaurants and order just about anything off of the menu. Options include everything from pizza and salads to fresh seafood and Alaskan craft beer.

Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann

Cruising Lynn Canal

A majority of the days on John Hall’s Alaska Platinum Inside Passage Cruise include time spent aboard private vessels. It adds up to a lot of hours on the water and highly increases the odds of seeing wildlife in action. Cruising from Sitka to Juneau via the Lynn Canal took a bit shy of five hours, but a swimming bear and breaching humpback whales provided stellar entertainment.

Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann

Chasing waterfalls and glaciers

After arriving in Juneau, guests hit the ground running. Located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is Alaska’s most accessible glacier. There was just enough time to hike the moderate 2-mile round-trip Nugget Falls Trail and soak in the waterfall and glacier views.

Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann

There's always time to spare for wildlife viewing

Because private vessels are used for the Platinum Inside Passage Cruise experience, guests of John Hall’s Alaska are the only passengers onboard. Along with ample room to spread out, the captain can make the decision to change course when wildlife, like orcas, make an appearance.

Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann

Rivers of ice

After getting up early to journey from Juneau to Tracy Arm Fjord, a maze of glistening icebergs didn’t stop our small vessel from getting us a stellar view of South Sawyer Glacier. With so few passengers on board the ship, there was ample room to move about and take photographs, all while the ship navigated a safe distance from the face of the glacier.

Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann

Safe haven for harbor seals

While the South Sawyer Glacier is arguably Tracy Arm’s star attraction, the dramatic landscape also offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. Harbor seals often haul out of the water onto the ice to rest, care for their young and to avoid orca attacks. Hunting among glacial ice is difficult for orcas, making the area near the South Sawyer Glacier a safe haven for seals and a photographer's dream.

Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann

Setting your sights for Skagway

The sailing to Skagway from Juneau by private vessel takes about three hours and provides another opportunity for guests to cruise the Lynn Canal, the deepest fjord in North America. Once in Skagway, cruisers can shop, have a drink in the historic Red Onion Saloon or hop aboard the scenic White Pass Railway, built during the Klondike Gold Rush.

Photo courtesy of Dana Rebmann

Welcome detours

Our ship could have made it from Juneau to Icy Strait Point in a couple hours, but hungry humpback whales and an energetic pod of orcas gave our captain countless reasons to happily detour and delay – something he could only do because John Hall’s Alaska cruisers were the sole passengers onboard.

Once at Icy Strait Point, guests had unlimited access to the mountaintop gondola. Around dinnertime, when other cruise passengers had a ship to catch, our small group had the now blissfully quiet waterfront locale all to ourselves.