If you’re dreaming of an Alaska trip that feels personal, unrushed, and full of raw, photogenic moments—you might want to try traveling by ferry instead. As someone who calls Southeast Alaska home, I’ve taken these routes a few times and the experience was way better than I had imagined. Not only were the views spectacular, but the ship itself was quite enjoyable.

This post is your go-to planning guide: how to book, what it costs, where to stop, what to pack, and where to point your camera.