Dopey question - what is the "inside passage"
 

I know I am a geography idiot but - we are thinking of going up to alaska for a week, in late May - it seems liek trying to se Denali and cruise up the innside passage might be too much. Then I realized I dont really know what the indide passage is - can some enlightened soul help me with the grography here?

thanks and i am not as much of a dope as this sounds.....

Here's a link to a map with explanation:

http://www.alaskawildland.com/alaska-travel-map.htm

The above link provided info on the inside passage but not why it is named that.

The inside passage is the sea route north from Seattle/Vancouver to the Alaska mainland that runs between the mainland and the coastal islands. Those islands shelter the passage from more severe Pacific weather and sea conditions and make for smoother sailing. The route travels "inside" the islands - thus the Inside Passage.

I thought this thread was another gripe about Dumbo, Goofy and now Dopey flying across the screen. 8-}

Also for clairfication- a cruise is a wonderful Alaska trip packing plenty into 7 days, but there are significant differences in routes with Seattle trips having the worse- too much outside passage- meaning open ocean.

There is no one route, many many possible and even some Vancouver sailings will do a lot of open ocean depending on the conditions.

All Alaska cruises can call themselves "inside Passage" since you can not get to Juneau or Skagway without sailing it. So do your homework and look over a map.

If you are wanting to include Denali park, you need to add at least 3 days with more always being better. Don't underestimate distances- I get emails frequently from fixed plans made by people that can not be changed- who are looking for help that isn't there. So before you book, be well aware of what you are purchasing.

CYM