25 Great American Adventures

Alaska Cruising

The Trip: Small-boat cruising through Glacier Bay and Prince William Sound.

Why: When you board the small-scale boats and sail past this gorgeous landscape, the Dall’s porpoises, Steller’s sea lions, bald eagles, and other wildlife come close, and the local humpback whales are nearly half the size of the ships. Try sea kayaking amid icebergs and hiking on glaciers.

Don’t Miss: Photographing orcas cavorting off the bow.

For more information: Glacier Bay cruises from $3,995, Wilderness Travel. Prince William Sound cruises from $3,650, Geographic Expeditions.