With a range of luxury cruise itineraries built around environmental stewardship, The Boat Company offers one of the best ways to explore Southeast Alaska’s vast Tongass National Forest. Recognized as Best Expedition Cruise Line by the World Cruise Awards, the company is dedicated to preserving this sensitive region, which covers an impressive 16.7 million acres. The 2026 season is filling up fast; travelers interested in the six-night, ultra-eco-luxury cruises between Juneau and Sitka (operating May through September) are advised to book soon.
“May can be an exceptional time to witness early-season wildflowers and wildlife such as coastal brown bears, spawning salmon, and marine mammals including whales, sea lions and sea otters,” said Hunter McIntosh, president and executive director of The Boat Company. “With fewer ships in the first weeks of the cruising season, guests can enjoy a more intimate wilderness experience with smaller crowds as the landscape shifts from winter to spring.”
© The Boat Company
Founded in 1979, The Boat Company operates two purpose-built vessels. M/V Liseron is a 145-foot ship that accommodates 20 passengers in 10 cabins and is served by a crew of 12. M/V Mist Cove is slightly larger at 157 feet, offering 12 staterooms for up to 24 passengers and a crew of 13.
Onboard amenities include comfortable salons, entertainment centers, libraries, dining areas and observation lounges that make it easy to relax between excursions. The culinary program emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients — from wild berries and herbs to regional seafood such as halibut, lingcod, black cod and salmon supplied by the Sitka-based, angler-owned Seafood Producers Cooperative.
Days ashore and at sea are focused on active, low-impact exploration. Guests can kayak amid quiet inlets, gaze at glaciers, and join guided wildlife-viewing hikes led by onboard naturalists. The expedition team teaches practical wilderness skills, including safe hiking techniques and how to “read” coastal waters, while promoting respectful, mindful wildlife encounters.
© The Boat Company
“Cruising with a purpose is at the heart of what we do,” McIntosh added. “We aim for every guest to leave with not only unforgettable memories — and perhaps some salmon or fish they’ve caught — but also a stronger commitment to respect and protect the planet and its natural resources.”