In Alaska a group of kayakers float in green and yellow kayaks next to a white iceberg and in front of an icy teal glacier.
The safari quest Alaska small ship floats as guests return from a kayak activity, the crew on board waiting to help them disembark.
Brown bear on shoreline in Glacier Bay, Alaska
small ship cruise guests on a land excursion in the forest in Alaska's Glacier bay national forest
An inflatable skiff filled with Alaska cruise passengers is dwarfed by the massive icy teal glacier it cruises in front of.
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North America Alaska Cruise

Alaska’s Glacier Wilderness

Spend 8 days circumnavigating Admiralty Island in Alaska’s Inside Passage. Cruise through the largest national forest in the United States (Tongass) where black and brown bears, mountain goats and bald eagles make their home. View Alaska’s massive glaciers and glide around in the remote bays of Glacier Bay National Park, with a full day dedicated to exploring this famed national park. In the still of the Southeast Alaska evening, watch bears ambling along wild shorelines. And in the swirling currents below, humpback whales forage in the bountiful waters along the sheltered shoreline. Meet Alaska and its wildlife at eye level, by boat and foot. 

Kayak, stand-up paddleboard, skiff, hike and beach excursions offer opportunities to explore the wilderness up close while an unhurried schedule means more time for wildlife viewing. This recipe for adventure makes this itinerary a prime selection for our Alaska family cruises. Onboard naturalists and expedition leaders offer daily insights and guided nature walks. Book this Alaska glacier cruise for superior service, fine cuisine and intimate experiences that only an Alaska small ship cruise can offer.

The 8-day Alaska’s Glacier Wilderness cruise (formerly Alaska’s Glacier Country) begins and ends in Juneau. Passage is aboard the 22-guest Safari Quest. This vessel features first-class accommodations for an itinerary filled with authentic exploration and the glaciers travelers come to Alaska to see. The Safari Quest is the perfect basecamp for luxury Alaska cruises due to her private balconies and included fine spirits, wines and microbrews. The Safari Quest is also a favorite among AdventureSmith’s many Alaska yacht charters for private cruising due to her small size.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips, small ship Alaska cruise options and Glacier Bay cruise and Inside Passage cruise itineraries.



Itinerary

Alaska's Glacier Wilderness with Glacier Bay Itinerary

Spend 8 days circumnavigating Admiralty Island, cruising roundtrip from Juneau, Alaska. Explore while sailing on first-class accommodations an itinerary filled with incredible scenery and glaciers.

A red line on a green and blue map of the coastline of Alaska showing the route map of the Alaska's Wilderness Cruise, roundtrip from Juneau.
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Day 1
Embark Juneau, Alaska

Hello, Juneau! First settled in the gold rush days, Juneau welcomes with both small town charm and towering glaciers. Toast to the riches of Alaska while sailing west toward Icy Strait.

Accommodations

Safari Quest

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Icy Strait

Kickstart the morning with on-deck yoga stretches and a strong cup of coffee. Energized and snug in your kayak, glide around in remote bays off Icy Strait through giant bullwhip kelp that can grow to over 100 feet long. Join the gang in a skiff to a rocky outcropping to watch sea lions play. Or step into mud boots for a forest hike with your top-notch, naturalist guides who have plenty to share about everything Alaska—marine biology, plants, and even geology. On board, soak it all in with views from the hot tub.

Accommodations

Safari Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Glacier Bay National Park Outback

This national park covers 3.3 million acres (that’s a tad smaller than the state of Connecticut). Let that sink in. Most visitors see the same sliver of the park as everyone else. Not you. You’re going the furthest and exploring parts that 99% of visitors never go to. Hike the outwash field of glaciers winding down the Fairweather Mountain Range. The cool breeze off the nearby snow and icefields is energizing.

Accommodations

Safari Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Admiralty Island National Monument

At Admiralty Island National Monument, kayak, skiff, and weave in and out of the bays and islets keeping your eyes out for Alaska brown bears and nesting bald eagles. Tlingit call the island Kootznoowoo, meaning “Fortress of the Bear”, and Admiralty Island has a higher density of bald eagles than all the other states combined. After another big day, pop up to the bridge to look over charts with your captain and mates.

Accommodations

Safari Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Frederick Sound

You’ll enjoy humpback whales and pods who feed here seasonally on krill, zooplankton and herring. Watch for whales feasting in these abundant glacial waters. Hang out and enjoy the show. Based on wind and weather, the expedition team has the lineup of adventures all mapped out. Cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse, Alaska’s oldest light station, and the Brothers Islands, where sea lions nap on rocky nobs. Somewhere nearby, carrot-billed black oystercatchers are saying hello. Tonight, toast another big day in Alaska.

Accommodations

Safari Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Windham Bay & Stephens Passage

Humpback and orca are frequent visitors of this Southeast passage. A misty spout is a sure sign they’re in the neighborhood. Your captain navigates Windham Bay and Stephens Passage. And you’re in for a boot-sucking, paddle-smacking day of adventure with your guide team. The routes are all picked out. Make your choice and make your move. Slip off the kayak launch and take it slow spotting sea stars and shore birds. Hard chargers take a long wild paddle to the salt chuck at the back of the inlet. Or hike into the Tongass. It’s a landscape of hanging waterfalls and shades of green.

Accommodations

Safari Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

Skiffing up Endicott Arm, harbor seals laze around on icebergs. If the tides are right, slip into Ford’s Terror, the steep walls of this narrow opening streaked with waterfalls. Back in the Arm, gasp at the deep glacier-carved valleys. It’s at the end where you meet the piece de resistance: Dawes Glacier. Blue ice marches down from the Coast Mountains. With a sharp crack, the white thunder of a calving slice makes a mega-splash. Tonight, celebrate with a festive farewell dinner and photo journal from your expedition team.

Accommodations

Safari Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Disembark Juneau, Alaska

Enjoy fresh baked pastries over one last breakfast. Your crew and new friends wish heartfelt goodbyes. This morning, transfer to the Juneau airport or begin your hotel stay or land tour.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations aboard vessel; onboard meals; premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines); non-alcoholic beverages; transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embarkation/disembarkation day; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-vessel activities and equipment; exclusive activities and shore visits; wellness amenities; presentations by onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts.

Exclusions

Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; optional excursions and land tours; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature; taxes and port fees of $375 (2025).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of 20% of total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit (transferable to a Future Travel Certificate)
90 to 61 days – 67% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

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 Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Alaska’s Glacier Wilderness cruise begins  and ends in Juneau, Alaska (JNU). Plan flights to arrive to Juneau by 4:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Juneau no earlier than 11:30am on Day 8.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include whale watching, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, morning yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing, wildlife observation and polar bear plunges. 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.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at 150-175% of the per-person listed rate; special triple- and quad-occupancy rates may also be available in select cabins. Call AdventureSmith for more details, as availability and rates vary by ship and cabin category.  

Families & Children

The Safari Quest requires children passengers to be over 13 years of age. Aboard other ships, kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 7 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval. Save $500 per child, ages 8 to 17, with the exception of holiday departures.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

The Safari Quest is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter. Contact us for charter pricing and details.

May 23 - May 30, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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May 30 - Jun 06, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $8000USD
Per Person
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Jun 06 - Jun 13, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jun 13 - Jun 20, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jun 20 - Jun 27, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jun 27 - Jul 04, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jul 04 - Jul 11, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jul 11 - Jul 18, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jul 18 - Jul 25, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jul 25 - Aug 01, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Aug 01 - Aug 08, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Aug 08 - Aug 15, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Aug 15 - Aug 22, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Aug 22 - Aug 29, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Aug 29 - Sep 05, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $8000USD
Per Person
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Sep 05 - Sep 12, 2025
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $8000USD
Per Person
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May 15 - May 22, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $8000USD
Per Person
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May 22 - May 29, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $8000USD
Per Person
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May 29 - Jun 05, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jun 05 - Jun 12, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jun 12 - Jun 19, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jun 19 - Jun 26, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jun 26 - Jul 03, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jul 03 - Jul 10, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jul 10 - Jul 17, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jul 17 - Jul 24, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jul 24 - Jul 31, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Jul 31 - Aug 07, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Aug 07 - Aug 14, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Aug 14 - Aug 21, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $9400USD
Per Person
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Aug 21 - Aug 28, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $8000USD
Per Person
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Aug 28 - Sep 04, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $8000USD
Per Person
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Sep 04 - Sep 11, 2026
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $8000USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Luxury
Safari Quest

The 22-guest exclusive Motor Yacht Safari Quest cruises Alaska's Inside Passage, Prince William Sound and British Columbia and offers stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Unique among yachts, the Safari Quest’s size enables her to cruise areas restricted to traditional small ships.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Justin Massoni • October 9th, 2022
Expert Review: UnCruise Alaska

All you need to know before you take an Alaska UnCruise. Read this review to hear from an expert’s eye what sets this operator's cruises apart from others in Alaska.

Testimonial

Hear It From Travelers Who Have Explored With Us

"Perfect Trip"

A very charming vessel and we very much enjoyed being among her passengers. The meals were excellent and the dining room staff was most accommodating. Arielle did a wonderful job helping us to find our 'perfect trip', answered all of our questions promptly and corresponded with us in a friendly yet professional manner. From the moment we arrived at the Anchorage airport it was apparent we were in competent hands.

Overall
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
4 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
4 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

Choose from a variety of other AdventureSmith Alaska trips to extend your journey, or opt for a pre-cruise extension with your fellow passengers on this cruise.

The Denali & Talkeetna Wilderness Rail Adventure is a pre- or post-cruise escorted land tour featuring wilderness lodge stays in Denali National Park and Talkeetna Mountains, and hotel overnights in Anchorage. This tour takes you through the Talkeetna Mountain and Denali National park by rail, visits the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, kayaking, and river rafting or flightseeing (added cost). This land package aligns with Friday cruise departures. Alaska’s Glacier Country cruises departing on other days require additional hotel night(s).

Add to Wishlist
8 - 9 Day Land Tour
Denali Backcountry Explorer

Spend 3-4 nights at a remote backcountry lodge situated 90 miles inside Denali National Park. Unbeatable wildlife viewing, landscape photography, guided hikes, fishing, dog sleds and an Alaska railroad ride can be customized to complement any Alaska small ship cruise.

From $6765USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
Add to Wishlist
8 - 9 Day Land Tour
Camp Denali Adventure

This premier Denali National Park base camp, in view of Denali, is located near Wonder Lake at the end of the 92-mile Denali Park Road and offers expert guided explorations and unique hikes.

From $6950USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
Add to Wishlist
5 - 6 Day Land Tour
Within the Wild

The Within the Wild luxury Alaska adventure brings travelers into the Alaskan backcountry without sacrificing comfort. Enjoy remarkable helicopter- and floatplane-assisted adventures, hiking, sportfishing and a wellness program with massage and yoga.

From $10700USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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Alaska’s Glacier Wilderness

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