Classic wooden small ship navigates in front of a jagged teal icy Alaska glacier during a Glacier By National Park cruise.
Calm water with iceberg bits in front of Dawes Glacier being framed by mountains on a sunny day in Alaska.
Two kayakers paddling past twin waterfalls flowing down high rock walls in Alaska.
Brown bear walking over rock in Alaska with verdant green forest behind.
Historic motor vessel Catalyst tucked into an inlet beside lush green forest in Alaska.
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$7000USD
Starting At
8-10
Days
May
Jul
Aug
North America Alaska Cruise

Discover Glacier Bay

Explore Glacier Bay National Park for an astounding 6 or 8 days on this Alaska small ship cruise, and enjoy all the beauty this National Park offers. Choose between a 10- or 8-day itinerary and get ready to observe sea otters, mountain goats, humpback whales, sea lions, puffins and grey wolves. Visit several tidewater glaciers and kayak up streams and along meadows on the lookout for foraging bears. Your small ship tucks into secluded inlets and remote bays of this marine-and-land park to expose its natural wonders as a living laboratory, designated wilderness, biosphere reserve and world heritage site. Find solitude in snow-capped mountains, spectacular glaciers and emerald-green forests, and get off the ship daily to hike and kayak with a seasoned naturalist guide. Each night, the ship tucks into beautiful anchorages where peaceful soundscapes, possibly punctuated by a calving glacier, cap off a day of adventure. Extended time in Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight for visitors of all ages and thus why this trip sits on our list of Alaska family cruises.

Discover Glacier Bay aboard the 11-guest Catalyst or the 8-guest Westward, both AdventureSmith favorites for private Alaska yacht charters due to their intimate size and cozy feel. Both vessels offer historic charm and hearty, experienced crew members who offer as much character as the ships they maintain. The Catalyst and Westward feature peaceful nights without a motor or generator running, plus windows and portholes that open to welcome in the sounds of Glacier Bay. Meals are prepared from fresh, natural, local ingredients, and determined to delight.

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

Glacier Bay Itinerary

Catalyst and Westward operate the same 8-day Glacier Bay cruise itinerary, round-trip from Juneau. Spend 6 days in the park, kayaking, viewing glaciers, spotting wildlife and relaxing in remote coves.

Route map of Discover Glacier Bay Alaska Inside Passage small ship cruise, operating round-trip from Juneau.
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Day 1
Embark Juneau, Alaska

Board the ship and depart from Juneau’s Auke Bay Marina at 12:30pm. As the boat rounds Point Retreat, it begins to leave the signs of civilization behind. Soon high rises, power lines and cruise ships are far behind and glaciers, orcas, humpbacks and rafts of seabirds are in view. The first night’s anchorage is in a quiet harbor outside the borders of Glacier Bay National Park. Here there is time to launch kayaks and take the first paddle in the wilderness.

Accommodations

Catalyst, Westward

Meals

lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 2 - 7
Exploring Glacier Bay

Travel through the bays and inlets of Glacier Bay National park, stopping at beautiful anchorages for the night after observing wildlife and possibly a calving glacier or two. Watch for mountain goats feeding and sunning themselves on rocky ledges and Steller sea lions who haul out on small islands. These islands also host a gathering of puffins. Glacier Bay boasts a large array of quiet coves and bays, each of which plays host to a stunning variety of plants and animals. Humpback whales will come into view in some of the richest fishing grounds in SE Alaska. Hike or kayak accompanied by the on-board naturalist to learn about the fauna and flora of the area. Each trip varies depending on the weather and duration; some highlights include:

Bartlett Cove/Fingers Bay
Stop near the Park entrance to hike the Bartlett Cove nature trail. After returning to the boat, cast off and head farther into the bay. At Fingers Bay, watch for bears rooting for fresh food upon the beach and a myriad of sea birds that have flocked to the rich waterways of the park.

Reid Glacier
This glacier has recently grounded out and provides an opportunity to walk right up to its face. The discovery of the day might be that ice worms are real! Also walk at the entrance of the inlet and look for remnants of a small mining claim, worked by the Ibach family during the early 1900s.

Grand Pacific and Marjorie Glaciers
For some, the highlight may be the visit to Grand Pacific and Marjorie Glaciers, or it could be the otters that may be seen while exploring John Hopkins Inlet; or, it may just be the particular shade of blue that the sky takes on after the sun sets late in the evening. In any case, it promises to be a day of superlatives. Kittiwakes nest along the side of the glaciers, while eagles come to rest upon the icebergs. Listen to the glacier cracking and watch it calving into the sea with an enormous splash.

Accommodations

Catalyst, Westward

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Disembark Juneau, Alaska

Rise early to get to Juneau in time to disembark by 12:00pm Noon and make connections onward, or to take advantage of the many attractions in the Juneau area.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations; excursions; entrance fees; leadership; crew; all meals indicated in itinerary; local guides and permits, unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary.

Exclusions

The cost of air flights, unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary; airport taxes; passports; visas; immunizations; insurance of any kind; laundry; excess baggage; items of a personal nature; medical costs; costs of hospitalization; additional expenses arising from the delay or extension of a trip due to force majeure: including, without limitation, pandemic, act of God, governmental regulation or order, weather, political disputes, illness, failure of transportation, or other causes beyond operator’s control.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at the time of booking. 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. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 151 days – 50% of deposit
150 to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 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 Discover Glacier Bay Cruise begins and ends in Juneau, Alaska (JNU). Plan flights to arrive to Juneau by 10:30am on Day 1 of the itinerary, for the 12:00pm Noon boarding and 12:30pm casting off. Plan flights to depart Juneau no earlier than 2:00pm on Day 8, following the 12:00pm Noon disembarkation. By prearrangement with the captain, luggage can be left on the boat for the afternoon. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, kayaking, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography, glacier viewing, whale watching and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

Catalyst: A single cabin (Cabin 4) is available. There is a 50% single supplement for single travelers in a double cabin. Cabin 5 sleeps up to 4 guests and is ideal for families with children. Please inquire with an AdventureSmith Specialist for discount pricing for the third and fourth person booked into Cabin 5.

Westward: Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Triple accommodation may be available, but cabin sizing is ideal for two travelers or the third traveler being a child. Please inquire with an AdventureSmith Specialist for discount pricing for the third person traveling. Choice of cabins is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Families & Children

Children should be at least 12 years old to enjoy this cruise. Travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Whole-boat charters can accommodate younger guests.

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. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. 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.

Glacier Bay Itinerary

Westward operates this 10-day Glacier Bay cruise itinerary, round-trip from Juneau. Spend 8 days in the park, kayaking, viewing glaciers, spotting wildlife and relaxing in remote coves.

Route map of Discover Glacier Bay Alaska Inside Passage small ship cruise, operating round-trip from Juneau.
Read More
Day 1
Embark Juneau, Alaska

Board the ship and depart from Juneau’s Auke Bay Marina at 12:30pm. As the boat rounds Point Retreat, it begins to leave the signs of civilization behind. Soon high rises, power lines and cruise ships are far behind and glaciers, orcas, humpbacks and rafts of seabirds are in view. The first night’s anchorage is in a quiet harbor outside the borders of Glacier Bay National Park. Here there is time to launch kayaks and take the first paddle in the wilderness.

Accommodations

Westward

Meals

lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 2 - 9
Exploring Glacier Bay

Travel through the bays and inlets of Glacier Bay National park, stopping at beautiful anchorages for the night after observing wildlife and possibly a calving glacier or two. Watch for mountain goats feeding and sunning themselves on rocky ledges and Steller sea lions who haul out on small islands. These islands also host a gathering of puffins. Glacier Bay boasts a large array of quiet coves and bays, each of which plays host to a stunning variety of plants and animals. Humpback whales will come into view in some of the richest fishing grounds in SE Alaska. Hike or kayak accompanied by the on-board naturalist to learn about the fauna and flora of the area. Each trip varies depending on the weather and duration; some highlights include:

Bartlett Cove/Fingers Bay
Stop near the Park entrance to hike the Bartlett Cove nature trail. After returning to the boat, cast off and head farther into the bay. At Fingers Bay, watch for bears rooting for fresh food upon the beach and a myriad of sea birds that have flocked to the rich waterways of the park.

Reid Glacier
This glacier has recently grounded out and provides an opportunity to walk right up to its face. The discovery of the day might be that ice worms are real! Also walk at the entrance of the inlet and look for remnants of a small mining claim, worked by the Ibach family during the early 1900s.

Grand Pacific and Marjorie Glaciers
For some, the highlight may be the visit to Grand Pacific and Marjorie Glaciers, or it could be the otters that may be seen while exploring John Hopkins Inlet; or, it may just be the particular shade of blue that the sky takes on after the sun sets late in the evening. In any case, it promises to be a day of superlatives. Kittiwakes nest along the side of the glaciers, while eagles come to rest upon the icebergs. Listen to the glacier cracking and watch it calving into the sea with an enormous splash.

Accommodations

Westward

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 10
Disembark Juneau, Alaska

Rise early to get to Juneau in time to disembark by 12:00pm Noon and make connections onward, or to take advantage of the many attractions in the Juneau area.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations; excursions; entrance fees; leadership; crew; all meals indicated in itinerary; local guides and permits, unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary.

Exclusions

The cost of air flights, unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary; airport taxes; passports; visas; immunizations; insurance of any kind; laundry; excess baggage; items of a personal nature; medical costs; costs of hospitalization; additional expenses arising from the delay or extension of a trip due to force majeure: including, without limitation, pandemic, act of God, governmental regulation or order, weather, political disputes, illness, failure of transportation, or other causes beyond operator’s control.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at the time of booking. 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. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 151 days – 50% of deposit
150 to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 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 Discover Glacier Bay Cruise begins and ends in Juneau, Alaska (JNU). Plan flights to arrive to Juneau by 10:30am on Day 1 of the itinerary, for the 12:00pm Noon boarding and 12:30pm casting off. Plan flights to depart Juneau no earlier than 2:00pm on Day 10, following the 12:00pm Noon disembarkation. By prearrangement with the captain, luggage can be left on the boat for the afternoon. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, kayaking, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography, glacier viewing, whale watching and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

Westward: Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Triple accommodation may be available, but cabin sizing is ideal for two travelers or the third traveler being a child. Please inquire with an AdventureSmith Specialist for discount pricing for the third person traveling. Choice of cabins is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Families & Children

Children should be at least 12 years old to enjoy this cruise. Travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Whole-boat charters can accommodate younger guests.

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. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. 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

These ships are AdventureSmith favorites for private charter. Contact us for charter pricing and details.

May 06 - May 15, 2025
Westward • 10 days
From $8750USD
Per Person
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May 17 - May 26, 2025
Westward • 10 days
From $8750USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jul 01 - Jul 08, 2025
Catalyst • 8 days
From $7000USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jul 10 - Jul 17, 2025
Catalyst • 8 days
From $7650USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jul 21 - Jul 28, 2025
Westward • 8 days
From $8663USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jul 30 - Aug 06, 2025
Westward • 8 days
From $8663USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Yacht
Westward

Westward is a historic 8-guest yacht and remains dependably powered by her original Atlas Imperial Diesel Engine. Westward's adventurous spirit enriches the voyages of those who are lucky enough to cruise the waters with her.

Yacht
Catalyst

Catalyst is a historic yacht with a warm wood interior that takes guests back to a time when craftsmanship was the rule, not the exception. In Alaska she carries 11 guests while in the Pacific Northwest, she accommodates up to 12. Her original 1932 Washington Diesel engine is the only one like it in the world.

Expert Reviews

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Todd Smith • December 31st, 2020
Expert Review: Slow Travel in Alaska

Alaska is the perfect destination for slow travel. Learn about AdventureSmith Founder and President Todd Smith's slow cruising experience in this detailed review and get inspired to enjoy authentic Alaska aboard historic small ships Catalyst and Westward.

Todd Smith • December 17th, 2020
Expert Aboard: Catalyst Ship Review

Read firsthand insights about this historic wooden vessel cruising Alaska and the Pacific Northwest from our experts who have been aboard. Learn all there is to know about the top notch crew, creative cuisine and more.

Testimonials

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"There are No Words to Describe the Incredible Trip We Had"

The major reason we were interested in this particular trip was the boat, the Westward. My husband saw the picture of the 1924 wooden boat and fell in love. We want to emphasize how comfortable and at home we felt with Bill, Tracie and Caroline (Captain, Chef extraordinaire, Naturalist and Guide).

Overall
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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"Spectacular Scenery"

Some enjoyed the kayaking more than the hiking; some the hiking more than the kayaking but everyone enjoyed the spectacular scenery and the wildlife sightings and the amazing food for each meal.

Overall
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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"Unique Places in a Unique Boat"

It was a great opportunity to enjoy unique places in a unique boat and accompanied by a great team. We were very lucky with our fellow travelers. People very interested in the trip.

Overall
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
5 /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.

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Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

Add to Wishlist
6 - 7 Day Land Tour
Alaska Bear Camp Adventure

On this multiday bear viewing adventure, enjoy exclusive access to a safari-style deluxe tent camp on a remote and private parcel of land frequented by coastal brown bears. Live amongst the bears and take guided forays into the surrounding wilderness, returning to a conservation-minded camp with hot showers, real beds and gourmet meals.

From $6995USD
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
9 - 11 Day Land Tour
Alaska Grand Adventure

Designed to complement any coastal cruise or make the most of your Alaska vacation, the Alaska Grand Adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring the Kenai Peninsula and Denali National Park by raft, hike, kayak, fishing and flightseeing. Explore in a small group capped at 16 guests.

Special Offer
From $8745USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
Travel Guides

Inspiration & Education from Our Staff

View All Alaska Cruise Guides
Travel Journal • August 23rd, 2016
Alaska's Wildest Garden? On the Deck of the Westward

Take a peek at the garden growing aboard this small ship sailing in Alaska's Inside Passage.

Travel Essential • November 17th, 2021
Whale Watching in Alaska Aboard Small Ships

Our guide to whale watching Alaska from small overnight ships will help you plan and prepare, with tips on whale types, visitor sites and packing tips. Maximize your chances of close encounters with whales in Alaska.

Travel Essential • March 6th, 2024
5 Iconic Alaska Wildlife Cruises by Small Ship

A former guide gives his recommendations on itineraries and ships that offer the top Alaska wildlife cruise experience. Plus tips that will maximize your chances of seeing these iconic animals: brown bear, orca, humpback whales, moose, and mountain goat.

Travel Essential • August 26th, 2020
How to Charter a Yacht in 7 Steps

Tips every savvy traveler should know when researching how to charter a yacht. This 7-step guide gives you insight from AdventureSmith's many years of arranging charter cruises to exotic destinations worldwide.

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Discover Glacier Bay

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