Overview: Society Expeditions, based in Seattle and Germany, offers a wealth of choices for those looking for an exciting trip to Alaska. They call their trips "soft adventures" and go to places ranging from the Russian Far East to the Inside Passage. Whatever the destination, guests can expect to enjoy unusual, "road-less-traveled" expeditions with the aid of the company's Zodiac landing craft. These rubber boats let passengers explore areas that would be difficult, if not impossible, to navigate on the larger ship.

Destinations: Aleutian Islands, Katmai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjord, Admiralty Island and Misty Fjords, among others.

Sample activities: Wildlife watching, Zodiac excursions, seabird sightings, listening to on-board nature experts, visits to small villages, meetings with Yup'ik Eskimo residents.