Azamara Unveils 2027 Alaska Cruisetour Adventures

SEATTLE, Washington — There's something about Alaska that cruise lines just can't get enough of, and honestly, who can blame them? Towering glaciers, wildlife that actually shows up when you want it to, and landscapes so dramatic they barely look real. But here's the thing: most Alaska cruises keep you tethered to the coastline. You see the fjords, the ports, the whales if you're lucky, and then you sail away. Azamara Cruises apparently decided that wasn't quite enough. The boutique cruise line just rolled out its 2027 Alaska Cruisetours collection, a series of combination packages that marry its 10- and 11-night Alaska sailings with guided land tours ranging from four to six nights. Translation? You get the cruise experience and then head inland to explore places like Denali National Park and the Canadian Rockies without having to coordinate a dozen moving parts yourself.

Beyond the Coastline

Azamara isn't new to Alaska; the company is set to return there this summer after what's been described as overwhelmingly positive guest feedback. But 2027 marks a bigger bet on the region, one that extends the brand's so-called Destination Immersion philosophy from the ship to the interior. "The return to Alaska in 2026 reaffirms what we hear time and again from our guests, that deeper, more immersive experiences are what matter most," said Shandra Stoeterau, director of land product development at Azamara Cruises, according to Cruise Industry News. She added: "Guest feedback played a critical role in shaping our 2027 Alaska Cruisetours, allowing us to thoughtfully extend our Destination Immersion philosophy beyond the coastline and into Alaska's interior and the Canadian Rockies, while maintaining the seamless, one-stop experience travelers value." That last part is worth noting. These aren't DIY add-ons where you're left Googling hotel transfers at midnight. The cruisetours include hotels, transfers, luggage handling, escorted tours, select meals, and admissions. It's bundled, buttoned up, and ready to go.

What's Actually Included

So what does a land tour with Azamara look like? The Alaska Explorer option leans into the classics: Denali National Park, a Chena River sternwheeler cruise, gold panning (yes, really), and rides aboard Deluxe Dome Railcars, which offer panoramic views without the neck craning. If you'd rather swap tundra for alpine scenery, the Canadian Rockies tours bring in the Rocky Mountaineer train service, with stops at Banff National Park and Lake Louise. These aren't quick photo ops; the itineraries are designed to give you actual time in these places, not just a hurried glimpse from a bus window. And for travelers who really want to commit to the long haul, select 2027 cruisetours are paired with transpacific sailings originating from Northern Japan. That's a serious journey, blending cultural exploration in Asia with wilderness immersion in North America. It's not for everyone, but if you've got the time and the wanderlust, it's hard to think of a more varied experience.

The Small-Ship Advantage

Azamara operates smaller ships, which means it can access ports and harbors that the mega-liners can't. That's always been part of the pitch, and it holds true in Alaska, where intimacy and access matter more than onboard water slides. Pairing that with curated land experiences feels like a natural extension of what the brand already does well. The cruise-plus-land-tour model isn't new to the industry, of course. But Azamara's approach leans heavily on convenience and cohesion. You're not stitching together a cruise from one company and a tour from another; it's all under one umbrella, which theoretically means fewer logistical headaches and a more consistent level of service.

What This Means for Travelers

If you've been eyeing Alaska but feel like a standard cruise might leave you wanting more, this could be the answer. The land tours give you depth, the kind of access to national parks and wilderness areas that you simply can't get from a ship. And because it's all packaged together, you're not spending your precious vacation time coordinating trains, hotels, and excursions. The 2027 Alaska Cruisetours also signal something broader: cruise lines are betting that travelers want more than just a floating resort. They want stories, experiences, and the kind of memories that come from standing in front of a glacier or watching grizzlies fish for salmon in a river. Azamara seems to be listening. Whether this collection hits the mark will depend on execution, pricing, and whether the actual experience lives up to the promise. But on paper, at least, it's a solid answer to the question: what comes after the cruise?