Wild & Woolly Alaska Cruise

Wake up in Hobart Bay, deep within the Tongass National Forest—tucked into a calm pocket of water where you will have the opportunity to take your first paddle, skiff ride, hike or bike. There’s nobody else here, and you have options that fit any activity order you can dream of. As the day unfolds, set out on a skiff expedition, offering an intimate encounter with the bay’s wildlife; a chance to witness majestic eagles soaring gracefully overhead. For the avid cyclists, a thrilling mountain bike excursion awaits, beckoning you to explore the hidden depths of the lush forest. A locally sourced meal is waiting for you back on the boat, so don’t be afraid to go big on your first full day.

There is something in the water. The ship glides through a tight waterway—sheer cliffs on either side of the fjord lead to the southernmost tidewater glacier in the northern hemisphere. LeConte Glacier is rarely seen. Large cruise ships simply can’t get here. This is your special corner of Alaska for the day, and you get to choose your own adventure. Grab a paddle and go for a kayak, if conditions permit. Jump in a skiff and cruise amongst icebergs that can tower over the ship. This is a place of deep wonder and reverence for the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples; pause and listen to the sounds that surround you—this is where you belong today.

Mist hangs in the air. The soft exhale of a whale wakes you from your well-deserved slumber. The anchor drops into the milky blue waters of Thomas Bay as the summer sun cuts through the mist and the fog lifts. You hear it before you see it—a profound amount of water cuts through the forest in a series of waterfalls known as Cascade Creek. This is a favorite location for crew—one of the very few accessible trails in Southeast Alaska. Not to be missed, a level of hiking challenge to suit any skill level is on offer. After your foray into the woods, head back to the ship for a hearty meal as the boat repositions to the other side of Thomas Bay for new adventures. Water access is unmatched here, a kayak to a salmon run or skiff tour in search of bears wraps up your day.

The west side of Kuiu Island is your playground for the day. You’re in black-bear country now and Kuiu Island plays host to the densest population of the iconic species on the planet. Tucked into a Bay, the waters are calm and filled with the smallest marine mammal on earth—the sea otter. As you pass each other, they are unperturbed by your presence, and about as cute as one might imagine them to be. Humpback whales patrol the reefs in search of schools of herring—resident bubble-netters are a rare and exciting sight. The cold, nutrient rich waters provide opportunity not just for above-water activities. Try your hand at a snorkel (fear not, the ship has a warm wetsuit for you) and unlock an entire universe of discovery as you peruse the most diverse population of sea-stars on earth—a surprise to many who visit this place. For just a moment, the cold water is forgotten as you’re transported into what can only be described as a “cold water tropical reef.” The Pacific transforms into the wildest touch-tank you can imagine.

Explore the untamed coastline in search of the elusive coastal brown bear. The east side of Chichagof Island offers multiple distinct areas with exceptional opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures. Your captain and expedition leader, leveraging their expertise, seek out the hidden corners of Chichagof–getting you deep into the home of the coastal brown. Today’s options feature shore walks, kayaking, skiff rides, and the thrilling prospect of observing brown bears from small boats and kayaks. The bear population thrives in this region, ensuring a day filled with awe-inspiring encounters.

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. Back onboard after a full day (dare we say a full week), your expedition team shares photos from the week–sent to you as your parting gift.

Welcome back to Juneau. After a warm and filling breakfast, say farewell to the crew as you disembark.

Get ready for a day tailor-made for families and young adventurers! Kids will learn by being captivated by educational nature with trained guides. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Hobart Bay. Start the day with a refreshing kayak excursion, gliding through calm waters or join your naturalists on an invigorating hike, uncovering the secrets of the local flora and fauna. In the afternoon, embark on a skiff ride for up-close views of the bay’s stunning glaciers and a chance to spot eagles soaring overhead. As the day winds down, gather on deck for wildlife watching, an evening happy hour, games, activities and photo share in the lounge or a captivating presentation by your expert guides.

Today’s activities are designed to captivate both young and mature adventurers. Your journey today revolves around the rhythmic dance of the tides. Enjoy LeConte Glacier, noted as the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, and an awe-inspiring landscape. Witness the glacier’s imposing beauty up close, a highlight of the Alaskan wilderness.

No mega ships at this most amazing glacier, they are much too large to enter the shallow entrance to this magical wilderness fjord. Spend most of your day here, exploring by kayak, small boat and if conditions permit, by stand-up paddleboard. You may even have a chance to go ashore and frolic amongst ice bergs stranded on the beach.

Mist hangs in the air. The soft exhale of a whale wakes you from your well-deserved slumber. The anchor drops into the milky blue waters of Thomas Bay as the summer sun cuts through the mist and the fog lifts. You hear it before you see it—a profound amount of water cuts through the forest in a series of waterfalls known as Cascade Creek. This is a favorite location for crew—one of the few accessible trails in Southeast Alaska. Not to be missed, a level of hiking challenge to suit any skill level is on offer. After your foray into the woods, head back to the ship for a meal as the boat repositions to the other side of Thomas Bay for new adventures. Water access is unmatched here, a kayak to a salmon run or skiff tour in search of bears wraps up your day.

Enjoy the top deck for a sunrise or morning stretch or kick off the day with an early riser breakfast. This day is devoted to seeking out the majestic marine life that inhabits the bay’s waters. The Kuiu Wilderness of the Tongass National Forest in Alaska’s Alexander Archipelago is a picturesque and remote destination. Guests can expect to encounter a diverse array of sea life, including humpbacks, Steller sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, pelagic birds, seals and other marine species. The cruise through these whale-rich waters offers a thrilling and intimate experience with nature. You may embark on kayak excursions or guided skiff tours to explore the hidden coves and the intricate coastline more closely.

Seek out the elusive Coastal Brown Bear along this rugged coastline. The East side of Chichagof Island includes three specific areas that have exceptionally good opportunities for sighting these wonderful creatures. Your captain will use his knowledge to put you in the best spot, which changes regularly.

This day may include the opportunity for hikes ashore, kayaking, skiff rides and hopefully watching brown bears from all our small boats and kayaks. The bear population is abundant in this area. The day concludes as the ship gets underway, and you share your experiences and photos with fellow travelers.

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. As the day winds down, it’s time for captain’s dinner. But that’s not all—you’ll also get to watch a slideshow of all the amazing things you’ve done this week. It’s like a movie starring you, the incredible explorer for kids and families.

Welcome back to Juneau. Enjoy your last breakfast aboard. Check every nook and cranny of your cabin for all of your things and say farewell to the crew as you disembark, get that last family photo and wave goodbye until next time.