Alaska Coastal Discoveries & Culture Cruise

Glide beneath the 3,000-foot glacier-sculpted cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument. Discover the fjord’s natural history, listen to the calls of a myriad of seabirds, feel the mist from glistening waterfalls and see famous New Eddystone Rock—a stunning volcanic core.

Enjoy the inspiring Alaska Native heritage of Kasaan—a beautiful Haida village on Prince of Wales Island. Walk an enchanted forest path laden with intricately carved totem poles to the Chief Son-i-Hat Whale House, the only remaining traditional Haida longhouse in the United States.

Home to a little over 2,000 permanent residents, Wrangell is the only town in Alaska to have been under the jurisdiction of three flags and ruled by four nations—the Tlingit, Russia, England and the United States. Enjoy several options to explore this colorful history, including a guided tour and a trip to the Wrangell Museum. Visit the intriguing state historic park, Petroglyph Beach, which contains the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska. Or choose one of the town’s beautiful hikes. The Rainbow Falls Trail takes hikers through a lush hemlock forest and offers views of a beautiful creek and waterfall, while the Mt. Dewey Trail boasts aerial ocean and town views. Board a comfortable, high-speed jet boat and venture north through Dry Strait to LeConte Bay. En route to the spectacular LeConte Glacier—North America’s southernmost tidewater glacier—you’ll navigate through a maze of glistening icebergs in the shadows of towering snow-capped mountains.

Explore Sumner Strait, a body of water nestled between the islands of Kuiu and Kupreanof Island to the north, and Zarembo and Prince of Wales to the south. This strait offers countless possibilities for in-depth exploration. The islands of this area play host to black bear, Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves and countless bald eagles. Destination options include Keku Strait, Red Bay, Totem Bay and more. Possibly even call on the small community of Port Protection—a place that gained national notoriety due to a popular television show which chronicles the challenges and beauties of life in the remote town. Sail between the Spanish Islands and the beautiful Cape Decision lighthouse, perched atop wave-beaten rocks on southern Kuiu Island.

Journey up the west coast of Baranof Island while taking in the sights of jagged mountain peaks, a stunning rocky coastline and the pristine Gulf of Alaska. This stretch of ocean offers unparalleled fishing and often the only other vessels in sight are part of Alaska’s commercial fishing fleet. Zodiac excursions enable exploration into narrow passages and channels inside the coast’s barrier islands. Depending on weather conditions, the captain may choose to navigate east Baranof Island. This charming shoreline is dubbed “The Waterfall Coast” and offers a beautiful alternative, Inside Passage connection to Sitka via Peril Strait.

Enjoy a full day of adventure in island-studded Sitka Sound. Wildlife is plentiful here, and the captain and crew have knowledge of the preferred habitats and movement of whales, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises, seals, brown bears and bald eagles. Options include circumnavigation of St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge—a breeding ground for thousands of seabirds, including puffins, auklets and murres, or a journey ashore remote islands to beachcomb and explore tidepools. Volcanic formations adorn many shorelines in this area, and the gorgeous Mt. Edgecumbe volcano is an icon of the region. End the day with a feast of Alaska crab, wild salmon cooked over an alder wood-fired grill and prime rib at the exclusive Fin Island Lodge.

Disembark in beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Take the complimentary transfer to the airport or your hotel.