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Spend eight days exploring Alaska's Inside Passage aboard your boat of choice: two luxurious and intimate yachts or a luxury small ship on this Discoverers' Glacier Country cruise. The 36-passenger Safari Explorer, the 22-passenger Safari Quest and the 86-guest Safari Endeavour feature luxurious accommodations and exquisite service as well as an itinerary filled with authentic exploration.

In Southeast Alaska, cruise through the largest national forest in the United States (Tongass) where grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bald eagle and wolves make their home. View Alaska's massive glaciers and enter some of the worlds deepest fjords. In the still of the evening, watch bears ambling along wild shorelines. And everywhere in the swirling currents below, the worlds largest mammals, the great whales, forage in the bountiful waters along the sheltered shoreline. Meet Alaska and its wildlife at eye level.

Kayak and small boat explorations offer a chance to explore the wilderness up close while an unhurried schedule means more time for watching whales, bears and other wildlife. On-board naturalists and expeditions leaders offer daily insights and guided nature walks. Your cruise begins and ends in Juneau, Alaska, and features the wonders and glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park, whale watching in Frederick Sound, bears near Icy Strait and Chichagof Island, and so much more. Experienced travelers appreciate the superior service, fine cuisine and intimate experience an Alaskan cruise aboard a luxury vessel offers.

AdventureSmith Explorations' crew of award-winning Alaska yacht cruise experts have personal experience with all three yachts. Call us to discover which ship best fits your interests, ability and budget. Read more about each boat and view deck plans:

Safari Endeavour - 86-guest luxury small ship
Safari Explorer - 36-guest luxury yacht
Safari Quest - 22-guest luxury yacht

Day 1 - Embark Juneau, Alaska

Welcome to Juneau. An airport transfer will bring you to meet fellow guests and your Expedition Leader at the Westmark Baranof Hotel. Depending on flight arrival time, there may be time to explore Juneau before boarding the yacht in the afternoon. The crew greets you with a glass of champagne as you set sail for a week of scenic channels and secluded wilderness.

Accommodations: Safari Explorer, Safari Endeavour or Safari Quest
Included Meals: dinner

Days 2-3 - Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park is Alaska on a grand scale - the park is larger than the state of Connecticut! Accompanied by a National Park ranger, over the two days in the park you’ll travel nearly 60 miles cruising up-bay to the tidewater glaciers of Grand Pacific and Margerie, which frequently calve huge icebergs into the bay. If conditions permit, the crew will lower the inflatable for you 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 kayak in the quiet of this majestic wilderness. Wildlife is everywhere - puffins and sea lions, mountain goats and bears, moose, eagles - and the scenery is more spectacular than any place on earth.

Accommodations: Safari Explorer, Safari Endeavour or Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Icy Strait

During today's ultimate day of exploration, there's no agenda to follow except to experience every moment scouring the nutrient-rich waters in search for humpback, porpoise, sea lions and other wildlife. Join the Captain on the bridge or out on deck in search for marine mammals. Late afternoon have the opportunity to drop the skiffs and kayaks to further explore the shoreline of a remote bay. In the evening, continue to keep watch for the telltale blow of humpback whales as you cruise through Icy Strait. Before retiring for the evening take in the wilderness solitude while relaxing in the upper deck hot tub or enjoy a nightcap with your fellow yachtmates in the salon.

Accommodations: Safari Explorer, Safari Endeavour or Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Chichagof Island & Baranof Island

With no binding agenda, today you’ll cruise along the waterfall coast of Chichagof Island. Marvel at the grand scenery of Alaska’s wilderness as the crew expertly guides you through those “not in the guide book” places known only to the locals. This evening, perhaps tucking away in magical Red Bluff Bay, there’ll be time for skiff operations and sea kayaking to look for sea otters and bears before calling it a day near Baranof Island.

Accommodations: Safari Explorer, Safari Endeavour or Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Frederick Sound

Spend the day cruising the feeding grounds of Frederick Sound — another excellent chance for viewing humpback whales and other marine wildlife. Pass by Five Fingers Lighthouse and watch for sea lions' playful antics at a large haulout made from dozens of islets. Later, cruise picturesque bays, where evergreen forests crowd the shores.

Accommodations: Safari Explorer, Safari Endeavour or Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Ford’s Terror and Endicott Arm

Cliff-walled fjords sliced into the mountainous mainland are on tap today as you cruise into an area widely acclaimed as the most beautiful in all of Alaska. Snow gleams on mountaintops high overhead, as bears amble on the shoreline and mountain goats cling to impossibly precarious perches. Seemingly every few hundred yards another sparkling waterfall tumbles down the cliffs. Enjoy a skiff ride at Ford’s Terror, a pristine tidal inlet and fjord named after an early mariner who was somewhat taken aback when a waterfall appeared at the turn of the tide where none had been visible at high tide. The ice-filled fjord of Endicott Arm brings more impressive glacial calving. As you anchor overnight, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner in an utterly lovely setting and take in the Expedition Leaders' photo journal slideshow of your trip.

Accommodations: Safari Explorer, Safari Endeavour or Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Disembark Juneau, Alaska

Gather for breakfast before returning to historic Juneau. A transfer to the Juneau airport or the Baranof Hotel is included.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Alternative Itinerary: Special themed departures on wine, photography, marine biology and birding focus on specific passions to bring likeminded guests and experts together. Depending on the theme, there will be dedicated presentations by a guest host, hands-on learning opportunities and wine tastings that bring a whole new dimension to your adventure. The sailing schedule by boat, and theme if applicable, is as follows:

May 24 - May 31, 2013 - Safari Quest
May 31 - Jun 07, 2013 - Safari Quest
Jun 02 - Jun 09, 2013 - Safari Endeavour
Jun 07 - Jun 14, 2013 - Safari Explorer; Safari Quest
Jun 09 - Jun 16, 2013 - Safari Endeavour/Wine theme
Jun 14 - Jul 21, 2013 - Safari Explorer; Safari Quest
Jun 14 - Jun 21, 2013 - Safari Endeavour
Jun 16 - Jun 23, 2013 - Safari Endeavour
Jun 21 - Jun 28, 2013 - Safari Explorer; Safari Quest/family
Jun 23 - Jun 30, 2013 - Safari Endeavour
Jun 28 - Jul 05, 2013 - Safari Explorer; Safari Quest
Jun 30 - Jul 07, 2013 - Safari Endeavour/Photography theme
Jul 05 - Jul 12, 2013 - Safari Explorer; Safari Quest
Jul 07 - Jul 14, 2013 - Safari Endeavour/Marine biology theme
Jul 12 - Jul 19, 2013 - Safari Explorer; Safari Quest/family
Jul 19 - Jul 26, 2013 - Safari Explorer; Safari Quest
Jul 21 - Jul 28, 2013 - Safari Endeavour/Birding theme
Jul 26 - Aug 02, 2013 - Safari Explorer; Safari Quest
Jul 28 - Aug 04, 2013 - Safari Endeavour
Aug 02 - Aug 09, 2013 - Safari Explorer; Safari Quest
Aug 04 - Aug 11, 2013 - Safari Endeavour/Photography theme
Aug 09 - Aug 16, 2013 - Safari Explorer; Safari Quest
Aug 11 - Aug 18, 2013 - Safari Endeavour
Aug 16 - Aug 23, 2013 - Safari Explorer; Safari Quest
Aug 18 - Aug 25, 2013 - Safari Endeavour/Wine theme
Aug 23 - Aug 30, 2013 - Safari Explorer; Safari Quest
Aug 25 - Sep 01, 2013 - Safari Endeavour
Aug 30 - Sep 06, 2013 - Safari Explorer
Sep 01 - Sep 08, 2013 - Safari Endeavour
Sep 08 - Sep 15, 2013 - Safari Endeavour

Extend Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to Denali National Park.

Itinerary Notes: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of cruising unique.

Included: Your accommodations aboard the specific vessel, all meals aboard the ship, round-trip transfers and baggage handling between airport/boat, all from-the-boat adventure activities and equipment, national park/preserve entrance fees and hot tub, sauna* and yoga; premium spirits, wine and beer; taxes and port fees; and a complimentary massage* (*Safari Endeavour and Explorer only).

Exclusions: Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew, typically 5-10% of fare; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; optional excursions and land tours; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature.

Room Configurations: Any cabin may be booked as a single for 175% of the double rate. Triple accommodations are available in the Commodore Suites and Admiral Stateroom aboard the Safari Explorer and in the Commodore Suites aboard the Safari Endeavour. Inquire for pricing details.

Families & Children: Children over 12 years of age appreciate small ship cruising and are welcome on all departures. Families with children under the age of 12 should consider the designated "Kids in Nature" cruises, marked Family Trip at left, which are geared toward entertaining and educating kids from various age groups. In a rare introduction to wilderness lifestyles, kids and the entire family meet and interact with local families such as oyster farmers or commercial fishermen who live a remote, isolated lifestyle. Kids 12 years and younger receive a 25% savings on these designated Kids in Nature departures. Charters are also available, and perfect for families or small groups. Call for rates and details.

Arrival & Departure: The Discoverers' Glacier Country cruise begins and ends in Juneau, Alaska (JNU). Please plan flights to arrive by 2:30pm on day 1 of the cruise. On day 8, the final day of the cruise, flights should be planned to depart no earlier than 11:30am.

Payment & Cancellation: A deposit of $1500 per person is required to secure a 2013 reservation. For 2014 and beyond, the deposit is $750 per person. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 days or more - 50% of initial deposit
90 to 61 days - Forfeiture of full deposit
60 to 46 days - 50% of gross fare
45 to 31 days - 75% of gross fare
30 to 0 days - 100% of gross fare

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: Whether you are looking for moderate activity or vigorous, extended and challenging outdoor pursuits, the crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include: whale watching, kayaking and standup paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, morning yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing, wildlife observation, and "polar bear plunges." Snorkeling gear is available free of charge on Safari boats, and limited quantities of hiking poles, binoculars, mud boots, and rain gear are available on board. To ensure availability and fit, we encourage you to bring your own gear. Special themed departures focus on specific passions to bring likeminded guests and experts together. Depending on the theme, there will be dedicated presentations by a guest host, hands-on learning opportunities and wine tastings that bring a whole new dimension to your adventure. Jun 09 - Jun 16, 2013 - Wine Jun 30 - Jul 07, 2013 - Photography Jul 07 - Jul 14, 2013 - Marine Biology Jul 21 - Jul 28, 2013 - Birding Aug 04 - Aug 11, 2013 - Photography Aug 18 - Aug 25, 2013 - Wine

Qualifications: The Discoverer's Glacier Country small ship Alaska cruise is available to any traveler with a love of nature and sense of adventure.


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