Areal view of Prince William Sound in Alaska, teal water surrounded by snow topped mountain range
white and green colored small ship anchors near icy teal glacier in Alaska as guests paddle kayaks nearby
Orca whale leaps above the water at sunset with blue-tinted mountains behind, seen on the Prince William Sound Explorer cruise.
4 Alaska travelers in orange life jackets smile in front of a glacier on a skiff ride on a Prince William Sound cruise.
White boat with forest green pained hull Safari Explorer anchors close to a densely forested shoreline in Alaska as guests kayak around
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North America Alaska Cruise

Prince William Sound Explorer

Experience the endless glaciers and islands of Prince William Sound on this 8-day round-trip Anchorage adventure cruise. Navigate a full 360° along the least visited shores in coastal Alaska, home to the densest concentration of tidewater glaciers. Natural wonders of bays, coves and deep fjords comprise the prized seacoast region and offers the perfect combination of diverse wildlife and dramatic scenery.

In a place of breathtaking beauty, visit dozens of glaciers including Chenega, Columbia, Meares and Sheridan, plus College and Harriman glacial fjords. Get up close to spectacular waterfalls and be out on the deck to witness possible glacier calving. A special visit to the tiny fishing village of Cordova, only accessible by air or water, allows you to take in the town’s Native history with a guided tour, hike or museum visit.

With activity options aplenty, kayak and skiff through glacial waterways lined with icebergs and discover the sculpted islands of Knight and Montague by beachcomb or hike. The calm and gentle waters of Prince William Sound provide the perfect opportunity to try stand-up paddleboarding, or enjoy kayaking and skiff rides. Seals and seabirds welcome you to the land of big ice and big mountains. Guides keep watch to help spot wildlife like whales, orcas, eagles, puffins, sea otters, seals and sea lions.

One vessel operates this 8-day itinerary, the 36-guest Safari Explorer, which provides a luxury and intimate experience voyaging into the tiniest nooks that other small vessels can’t reach. Built on a unique reputation for adventure, this boat pampers her guests with a three-to-one guest/crew ratio, fresh and healthy meals, experienced expedition leaders/naturalists who know Alaskan culture and topography, high-end expedition gear, plus a wide variety of excursions to suit any activity level. The Safari Explorer is a perfect basecamp for luxury Alaska cruises due to her unique amenities and ideal size.

Read on for details about this trip, or view all of AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips and small ship Alaska cruises.



Itinerary

Prince William Sound Explorer with Cordova Itinerary

Explore the islands of Prince William Sound on this 8-day adventure cruise that cruises round-trip from Whittier, Alaska, with included scenic transfers linking Anchorage.

Route map of Prince William Sound Explorer cruise operating round-trip from Anchorage, Alaska, with embarkation and disembarkation in Whittier.
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Day 1
Arrive Anchorage & Embark Whittier, Alaska

Welcome to Whittier, the gateway to Price William Sound! Your transfer will meet you at the airport in Anchorage, whisk away your luggage, and drive you and your fellow adventurers through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnelat 2.5 miles, the longest highway tunnel in North Americato Whittier. Meet your crew and tour the ship, your home for the week. After champagne and a safety demonstration, enjoy your first of many farm-to-table gourmet meals!

Accommodations

Safari Explorer

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Icy Bay Glaciers

Wake up in the glacial waterways of Icy Bay. Flowing down from the 4,000-foot surrounding peaks, Chenega, Tigertail and Tiger glaciers are all options this morning. Hop in a skiff, and if conditions are right, kayak in a remote cove tucked into the shoreline. The expedition team shares how glaciers sculpt and alter the landscape on a daily basis. Feel the essence of this land of the Chenega people, meaning “beneath the mountain,” while weaving through these deserted islands by kayak, skiff and yacht.

Accommodations

Safari Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Captain’s Choice

Tuck into the southern reaches of Prince William Sound, exploring its sculpted islands. Some call it “gunkholing”—nosing around the next cove—and there’s plenty to see. Search for whales, seals, sea lions and seabirds from the bow or opt to kayak or beachcomb for a closer look at island life with natural and cultural history notes from the guides.

Accommodations

Safari Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Cordova

Accompanied by guides, head out for a hike below Sheridan Glacier this morning with an afternoon on your own to explore Cordova. Or, join shipmates on a walking tour of this tiny fishing town at the mouth of the Copper River. With a population of 2,300 and no roads connecting to other towns, Cordova is only accessible by air or water. Take in the town’s Native history by nature walk, hard charger hike, an Eyak Tribe cultural program, or Prince William Sound Science Center exploration before settling back on board for a quiet overnight anchorage.

Accommodations

Safari Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Columbia Glacier & Valdes

Options aplenty this morning. Hike, kayak, skiff, or try stand-up paddleboarding in a quiet cove before a hearty lunch back on board. Next up: towering icebergs born from the approaching Columbia Glacier. The ship winds its way 32 miles back through Chugach Mountains and with constantly changing conditions, the captain finds the best route to view this massive glacier.

Accommodations

Safari Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Unakwik Inlet & Meares Glacier

Arctic terns and bald eagles, harbor seals resting on icebergs and the massive Meares Glacier as a backdrop, Unakwik Inlet is the perfect place to dip a paddle in the water for a kayak. Or, join a skiff tour to get farther, faster, in glacier country. This is wilderness at its wildest. Feel the mountains closing in while cruising through Esther Passage. View a fish hatchery and learn about Alaska’s salmon species. Tonight, join the expedition leader for an interpretive presentation before a relaxing soak in the hot tub under the fading sun.

Accommodations

Safari Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
College Fjord & Barry Arm

Day of the grand finales. Big mountains, big ice and big smiles as the adventure winds down in the company of all that is quintessentially Alaska. Sea otters float on their backs on beds of kelp. Watch them lounge before diving and rising with puffins in search of food. Take it all in from a kayak or skiff before capping off the week with a celebratory farewell dinner and slideshow.

Accommodations

Safari Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Disembark Whittier & Return to Anchorage, Alaska

Enjoy one last breakfast with new friends before boarding the coach transfer from Whittier along Turnagain Arm on the way back to Anchorage. Transfer back to the Anchorage airport or extend 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 per person (2024 & 2025).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $250 ($500 starting May 1, 2024) 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 another traveler)
90 to 61 days – 66.67% 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 Prince William Sound Explorer with Cordova cruise begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). Plan flights to arrive to Anchorage by 1:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Anchorage no earlier than 2:00pm 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-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

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. 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

May 31 - Jun 07, 2024
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7200USD
Per Person
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Jun 07 - Jun 14, 2024
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Jun 14 - Jun 21, 2024
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Jun 21 - Jun 28, 2024
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Jun 28 - Jul 05, 2024
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Jul 05 - Jul 12, 2024
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Jul 12 - Jul 19, 2024
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Jul 19 - Jul 26, 2024
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Jul 26 - Aug 02, 2024
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Aug 02 - Aug 09, 2024
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Aug 09 - Aug 16, 2024
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Aug 16 - Aug 23, 2024
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Aug 23 - Aug 30, 2024
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Aug 30 - Sep 06, 2024
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7200USD
Per Person
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May 23 - May 30, 2025
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Jun 20 - Jun 27, 2025
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Jul 18 - Jul 25, 2025
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Aug 15 - Aug 22, 2025
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Aug 22 - Aug 29, 2025
Safari Explorer • 8 days
From $7900USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Mid-Sized Cruiser
Safari Explorer

This luxury motor yacht embodies an ambiance of refinement and relaxation, with just 36 guests. The Safari Explorer cruises the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska's Inside Passage. and the Gulf of Alaska.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires August 31st, 2024
Save $500 On Select Summer 2024 Alaska Cruises

Save $500 per person when you book a select 2024 Alaska Cruise aboard Safari Quest, Wilderness Discoverer, Safari Endeavour or Wilderness Legacy.

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Offer expires October 31st, 2024
Save 10% + 2024 Prices On Select 2025 Small Ship Cruises

Book your select 2025 departure in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico (Baja, California), or the Galapagos Islands and receive 2024 pricing + 10% off.

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.

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, combine cruise itineraries, or opt for a pre-cruise extension with your fellow passengers on this cruise.

The Denali & Talkeetna Wilderness Rail Adventure is a pre-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. Prince William Sound Explorer cruises departing on other days require additional hotel night(s).

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7 - 8 Day Land Tour
Alaska Wildland Collection

The 7- or 8-day Alaska Wildland Collection is a seamless Alaska adventure promising remote and in-depth exploration of the Kenai Peninsula. Easy access from Anchorage, short travel times, fun activities and special youth rates make this a great family travel option.

From $5145USD
May Jun Jul Aug
Add to Wishlist
6 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 $6595USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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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 $6450USD
Jun Jul Aug Sep
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