By Sean McCourt

The waters between Alaska’s southeast panhandle and its close–knit islands offer superb views of orcas, bald eagles, bears, and glaciers. Frugal sightseers favor the Alaska Marine Highway System (800-642-0066), a fleet of sleep–aboard ferries linking 14 towns, from Metlakatla in the south to Haines and Skagway in the north; travelers from the lower 48 usually board in Bellingham, Wash. Large cruise lines with resortlike pampering include Holland America (800-426-0327), Princess (800-774-6237), and Royal Caribbean (866-562-7625). Cruise West (888-296-8993) runs more intimate trips.