Alaska Cruise: Seattle to Juneau

Itinerary

Day 1: Sail from Seattle, Washington

Transfer to your yacht where your crew greets you with champagne and hors d’oeuvres. You’ll cruise north toward your serene anchorage this evening.

Day 2: The San Juan Islands and Friday Harbor

Settle into the rhythm of the sea as you leave your busy life behind. Wander through the hundreds of untouched islands in the San Juans, then take a couple of hours to stroll through the “boater’s haven” of Friday Harbor, Washington. Visit the intriguing Whale Museum, or have a look at the many boutique shops in this tiny town. Depart for Canadian waters this afternoon, all eyes open for orca whales, and anchor in a quiet bay this evening.

Days 3-6: Exploring the Canadian Inside Passage

Search for orca whales, seals, sea lions and bears as you leave civilization behind. Your Expedition Leader will lead nature hikes and kayaking excursions, and you’ll enjoy a First Nations dance performance in a cedar-planked big house. Further north, you’ll step ashore with Naturalists from Raincoast Conservation Society who will tell you about local wildlife and fisheries studies, including little known details on rainforest wolves and the mysterious Spirit bear.

Day 7: Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Prince Rupert is British Columbia’s northernmost port along your route. Here, a historic sightseeing and museum tour introduces you to this scenic community. You’ll stay dockside tonight, so enjoy a walk in town after dinner this evening.

Day 8: Ketchikan, Alaska

Discover the rich, cultural heritage of Alaska’s Tlingit Indians on a guided tour or Saxman Totem Village with local village resident Joe Williams. Before you depart, take time to browse shops or stroll along Creek Street where there’s often a good dose of local color to be found.

Day 9: Alaskan Waterways

Open space and solitude greet you as you cruise north. You stop in at Meyer’s Chuck, a hide-away village of fewer than 50 people. Later the ship anchors in Canoe Pass where the kayaks are lowered for a more thorough look at the area.

Day 10: Petersburg, Alaksa

Join your local guide for a private tour of this charming fishing port. Petersburg’s Norwegian history is quite prominent throughout the community, and you’ll have some first-hand experiences of the local culture before you depart. This afternoon, you enter some of the richest whale waters in Southeast Alaska, and you’ll be watching for the familiar blows of humpback whales all day!

Days 11-12: Fjords and Hotsprings

You spend these two days in the wildest, most pristine corners of Alaska. Enjoy kayak excursions in remote fjords, hike to natural hotsprings, wander through the temperate rainforest of Southeast Alaska, and explore some of the most scenic, hidden gems one can find in the inside passage.

Days 13-14: Glacier Bay National Park

One of America’s crown-jewel national parks will be yours to explore and marvel at for the next two days. Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating before you in the waters of Glacier Bay. If conditions permit, the Zodiac will be lowered to weave among the icebergs that have fallen from the face of the glaciers. Enjoy evenings at anchor in hidden coves, and mornings paddling your kayaks in the quiet of this majestic wilderness. Quite possibly, you’ll see puffins, sea lions, mountain goats, bears, moose, eagles, and scenery more spectacular than any place on earth.

Day 15: Juneau, Alaska

After breakfast you’ll arrive in Juneau. A transfer to the Juneau airport or local hotel is included.