Cruise the Glaciers and Fjords of Alaska

Our voyage together starts in Ketchikan, the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s famed Inside Passage. After checking into the hospitality area, you’ll have a little time to explore the city, perhaps stopping to admire its rich native culture and impressive totem poles. After embarking, we’ll settle into our cabins, meet the crew and enjoy a warm welcome, as we sip a glass of bubbly and begin our journey towards the breathtaking wilderness of the Misty Fjords National Monument. 

Today we’ll explore the Misty Fjords National Monument, a pristine area of protected wilderness in southeast Alaska. A patchwork of wildlife-rich fjords, towering sea cliffs, and vertical rock walls, the area takes its name from the almost constant precipitation, resulting in dramatic waterfalls and lush vegetation. You’ll have the opportunity to kayak in Walker Cove or Rudyard Bay, or skiff to the base of a waterfall, all the time watching for the myriad wildlife that dwell here. Brown and black bear live on the shores, along with otters, martens, wolverines, wolves and moose, while whales, porpoises, sea lions and seals frolic in the waters. Hummingbirds and seabirds flit around, and bald eagles soar above. 

As we reach the western edge of Misty Fjords, we’ll sail into the Behm Canal, part of the remote Tongass National Forest. The largest national forest in the US, it’s a region of ancient woodland, mountains and glaciers, filled with spectacular wildlife including bears and bald eagles. We’ll visit the Cleveland Peninsula on a guided hike, climbing a low elevation to a summit with far-reaching views, and you’ll have the opportunity to hop in a kayak for a guided tour along the isolated waterways, watching for orca, porpoises, seals and otters. 

This morning we’ll reach Wrangell, one of Alaska’s oldest towns located in the heart of the Inside Passage. Local islanders will come aboard to offer a presentation of the stories and legends of the native Tlingit culture that thrives here. Then we’ll go ashore to experience some of this culture first-hand. Admire the unique and varied carvings at the Kiksetti Totem Park, and soak up the ambiance of the historic Chief Shakes Tribal House, which is carved using traditional Tlingit techniques. 

Today we’ll wind our way through the Wrangell Narrows, a 22-mile channel that leads towards Petersburg. Dubbed ‘Christmas Tree Lane’ thanks to the numerous green and red navigation lights that show the way, this is the heart of Alaska’s wilderness and a thrilling passage. After navigating the twisting route, we’ll anchor in Thomas Bay for the rest of the day to enjoy some adventurous activities. Kayak and skiff on glacial waters, or paddleboard along the rocky shores. Hike across muddy flats to the outwash of the Baird Glacier, or roam through grassy meadows to the lush surroundings of the Tongass National Forest, all the time watching for the region’s magnificent wildlife. 

Prepare for the exciting day ahead with guided stretches on the ship’s deck, as we begin our journey through Stephens Passage. These calm waters lead to Port Houghton – and you might be sharing this journey with some of Alaska’s finest marine life. Many whales migrate through these waters including mighty humpbacks and playful orcas, and sea lion colonies thrive here. You’ll have the opportunity to slip into a kayak to explore rocky inlets and get close to sea and shore birds. Alternatively, lace up your hiking boots and head into the lush wilderness of Tongass to marvel at tumbling waterfalls amid the verdant landscape. 

Our final full day together is a thrilling exploration of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, located midway along Stephens Passage. Peek out your window early morning to witness towering fjord cliffs, floating ice, and deep valleys, and watch harbour seals lounging on ice with their pups. Depending on the conditions, we’ll sail down one of two scenic fjords: Endicott Arm leading to the blue face of the Dawes Glacier, or Tracy Arm leading to the spectacular twin Sawyer Glaciers. Your skiff will take you closer to the magnificent scenery, as you cruise past thundering waterfalls, giant floating glaciers and coastal mountains, while watching for mountain goats navigating the steep cliffs and seabirds fishing. It’s a pristine landscape of breathtaking beauty. Back on board, enjoy a captain’s dinner, as you reminisce and swap stories with fellow guests and crew. 

This morning we’ll arrive in the scenic Alaskan capital of Juneau where, after a final breakfast on board, you’ll bid farewell to your captain, crew and travelling companions, and begin your homeward journey.