When you cruise on a mega-ship, the size of the ship limits your destinations. Some cruise ports can’t accommodate the biggest cruise ships, leaving those locations to smaller ships with manageable crowds that can more easily explore particular destinations.
In many cases, ship size is relative. Last year I visited Alaska on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, one of the larger cruise ships in the world. We stopped in Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, and saw glaciers, but we could not stop in some of the smaller, less touristy ports.
I got to see what Alaska looked like, but the ports themselves felt a lot like ones in the Caribbean, with chain stores and tourist trap restaurants. You saw locals working in the shops and eateries, but did not really see how they lived, or get to experience what it’s like to be part of the community.
On a smaller Viking cruise ship earlier that summer, I was able to stop in local fishing villages, along with bigger cities. It was a very different experience that I would like to repeat someday in Alaska.
One company that offered smaller, more intimate Alaska cruises, Alaskan Dream Cruises, has decided to close down, and it will not sail in Alaska, or anywhere else, ever again.
Alaskan Dream Cruises shuts down
When you visit the Alaskan Dream Cruises website, you see what’s labeled as a “Heartfelt farewell from Alaskan Dream Cruises.”
The message makes it clear that the company has closed.
“Since 2011 Alaskan Dream Cruises has had the privilege of sharing the wonders of Alaska and the richness of our Alaska native heritage with incredible guests from across the globe. It has been an equal honor to work alongside extraordinary communities, partners, and crew,” it shared.
“Effective immediately Alaskan Dream Cruises has ceased business operations and will not longer be operating any future sailings.”
The company only sails seasonally, and this is not the Alaskan cruise season, which generally runs from early May through September. This means no passengers were on sailings when the shutdown took place.
Alaska offers glaciers and narrow passages that only smaller ships can pass through.
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What happens to customers who booked on Alaskan Dream Cruises?
The company shared next steps for booked guests on its website. It mentioned, but did not promise, refunds.
“For guests with existing reservations, or their travel agents, information regarding next steps and refunds has been communicated directly via email. Guests or agents with questions or who require assistance may contact us using the information below,” it offered, sharing the email [email protected] and phone number (855) 747-8100.
The company has not formally filed for bankruptcy.
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Owned by Allen Marine, Alaskan Dream Cruises had run seasonal sailings on U.S.-flagged ships in Alaska since 2011.
“This year, the company was poised to operate four ships in the market, including the Chichagof Dream, Admiralty Dream, Alaskan Dream and Baranof Dream, totaling 223 berths. The fleet is currently laid up in Sitka,” according to Cruise Industry News.
The parent company will continue to operate.
“Allen Marine is a big player in the Alaska cruise market and owns a significant amount of shore excursion infrastructure in the region,” Cruise Industry News added.
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Alaskan Dream Cruises quick facts (company background)
- Sitka, Alaska-based small-ship cruise operator focused on expedition-style voyages in Southeast Alaska.
- Founded in 2011 and operated as part of the family-owned Allen Marine group.
- Fleet included four U.S.-flagged vessels carrying roughly 40-80 passengers each, allowing access to smaller ports and remote waterways.
- Sailings emphasized wildlife viewing, regional culture, and small coastal communities, rather than mass-market itineraries.
- The company ceased operations in early 2026 and canceled all future sailings. Sources: Alaskan Dream Cruises, Cruise Industry News
Daniel Kline also serves as editor-in-chief of TravelHost’s Come Cruise With Me and has been on more than 100 cruises in the past eight years.