Watch Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage

Joseph Rosendo's Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage is a scenic travel documentary taking viewers on a stunning journey through Alaska's picturesque Inside Passage. The film aims to capture the natural beauty and cultural richness of Alaska by showcasing the magnificent glaciers, lush forests, and captivating wildlife, while providing an immersive experience of the region's native communities.

The film opens with Rosendo welcoming viewers to the embarkation point, Seattle, and introducing his team, Captain Bob Cranston and First Mate Shelley Gilliland. From there, the film takes viewers up north to Alaska, where they board the luxurious Alaskan Dream ship, designed to offer a comfortable and exquisite cruising experience as they navigate through the Inside Passage's rugged landscapes.

The film's first segment highlights the region's natural wonders as the team sets sail towards the icy glaciers of the Tracy Arm Fjord. Stunning shots of the glistening blue glaciers, towering mountains, and cascading waterfalls are interspersed with narrations by Rosendo and interviews with the ship's guide, Ben Keryte. Keryte provides valuable insights into the area's glaciology, marine biology, and geology, explaining how the glaciers and fjords were formed, and pointing out the various species of wildlife that can be seen, from humpback whales to harbor seals.

The film's second segment explores the region's indigenous cultures, as viewers are welcomed into the Tlingit Native American community of Kake. Along with Rosendo and his team, viewers are guests at a potlatch ceremony, an important ritual in Tlingit tradition. The ceremony is accompanied by traditional songs, dances, and storytelling, all of which serve to preserve and celebrate the community's rich cultural heritage.

The film also covers the history of the Gold Rush, stopping at the small mining town of Skagway, which was once a bustling center of commerce and industrial activity. Rosendo explores Skagway's colorful past, visiting the historic Red Onion Saloon and Museum, as well as the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, the narrow-gauge railroad that once hauled tons of precious minerals from the nearby mountains.

In addition to the cultural and historical aspects, the film also celebrates the sheer beauty and grandeur of the Inside Passage, showcasing spectacular sunsets, quaint coastal towns, and serene bays teeming with marine life. The film's camera work is top-notch, capturing breathtaking aerial views, close-ups of wildlife, and intimate moments with the locals, all set against the backdrop of Alaska's awe-inspiring landscapes.

Overall, Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage is a compelling blend of travelogue, nature documentary, and cultural exploration that offers a genuine and heartfelt representation of Alaska's richly diverse and captivatingly beautiful Inside Passage region. For anyone who loves traveling, exploring, and experiencing new cultures, this film is a must-see, offering both an educational and inspiring journey through one of North America's most stunning and unforgettable destinations.

Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage is a 2005 action movie with a runtime of 26 minutes.