The vast marine wilderness of Prince William Sound offers an abundance of tidewater glaciers, wildlife and solitude – ideal for the up-close style of exploration aboard a small ship. This pristine environment is equally as impressive as the famed Inside Passage but much less traveled. Surrounded by the world’s northernmost temperate rainforest, rugged mountain ridges and gentle ocean waters, the Sound is considered a world-class travel destination. Daily excursions provide intimate encounters with Alaska’s marine life and exotic vistas, including leg-stretching strolls along quiet shores and hikes through lush, inland meadows and old-growth forests.
Join the 12-passenger M/V Discovery yacht to experience the enchanted inlets, fjords, glaciers and wildlife of Prince William Sound. Enjoy a professionally-guided, small-ship cruise based out of Anchorage, Alaska, that is perfect for the entire family. The scenery from the Discovery’s deck is unrivaled and many optional off-ship activities amplify it.
Each departure of 5, 7 or 8 days operates round-trip from Anchorage, offering more or less time spent exploring the Sound. The flexible itinerary follows the seasonal movements of the Sound’s maritime nature and climate, and is also ideal for Alaska family cruises. While traveling in the home of whales, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles and many more residents of this wilderness sanctuary, the pace is gentle; the scenery epic. Each day offers new opportunities for intimate nature exploration by small ship, foot and kayak. Each night features fine dining, interpretive lectures and comfortable accommodations.
In addition to the classic routes, find dedicated Adventurer (kayak & hike) and photography themed departures. Special 9-day sailings in August cruise one-way across Prince William Sound to or from Cordova to include brown bear viewing on the eastern side of the Sound. Or, opt for added-cost group trip extensions, available on select departures of the ship’s main sailings. These include: guided tours in Lake Clark National Park to view brown bears in June; bucket-list, guided remote flightseeing, glacier kayaking, rafting and brown bear viewing out of Cordova in July; and guided tours with a photography expert in the Brooks Range, above the Arctic Circle, for the best change to view the aurora borealis in late August and September. Our Adventure Specialists can also arrange private Alaska yacht charters aboard Discovery for your family or special group of 12 or fewer.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips and Alaska small ship cruises.
You needn’t leave Anchorage’s Copper Whale Inn to discover Alaska’s beauty. The state’s natural heritage is captured in the pictures on the walls of your room, and visible through just about every window of this unique downtown inn. The Copper Whale Inn offers 15 guest rooms and is in the heart of historic, eclectic Anchorage, convenient to the city’s major attractions. The inn’s west hillside location also offers stunning views of Cook Inlet, the Alaska Range and the Mt. Spurr Volcano. In-room binoculars make it easy to spot whales that roam the waterways. The friendly, helpful staff creates a warm and relaxed atmosphere and innkeeper Tony Carter, a marine biologist, is always on hand to answer questions.
The Copper Whale Inn was built in 1939 by a local doctor, which makes this home historic by Anchorage standards (the city was founded in 1915). The Inn’s main house is one of the few buildings that survived the 1964 Anchorage earthquake. The innkeeper loves to discuss the inn’s storied past, as well as talk about the state’s marine and wildlife treasures. The historic Copper Whale Inn stands in stark contrast to the downtown high-rises.
Lush gardens grace the exterior in the summer. Inside, the cozy and inviting living room with a stone-trimmed fireplace is shared as a place to relax between adventures.
The inn’s complimentary breakfast includes fresh-baked biscuits, yogurt, bagels, danishes, strudel, muffins, cereal, local seasonal delicacies, juices, tea and coffee, as well as an ample selection of fresh fruit, which is shipped in from warmer climates. For lunch or dinner, many of Anchorage’s fine selection of eateries are within easy walking distance from the Copper Whale Inn.
Located in the west end of downtown, this inn offers easy access to Anchorage’s museums, attractions, restaurants, business district and shopping. There is also an 11-mile coastal trail one block away from the inn. The Copper Whale Inn has its own bike rental kiosk on site in the summer to explore these nearby attractions. Flightseeing tours to Katmai, Lake Clark or Denali National Park are available for nearby exploration.
The 15 warm, cozy guest rooms include wi-fi, hair dryer, Roku TV, locally-roasted coffee, locally made bath products, iron and ironing board and free local calls. Rooms have views of the Cook Inlet, mountains or gardens. The Copper Whale Inn offers suites and rooms with queen and/or twin beds, with private or shared bathroom options.
Meticulously fitted to combine the finest blend of Alaskan hospitality, comfort and utility, the 65-foot classic Alaska working yacht Discovery gently sails her guests into one of the world’s richest marine environments. Named after one of Captain Cook’s ships, the 12-guest Discovery maintains an atmosphere of charm and style. Its small size allows for up-close exploration of quiet coves, ice-filled channels, glaciers, whales and wildlife.
Choose the Discovery for a family-run, eco-friendly, intimate voyage with up-close exploration through Prince William Sound’s glacier and fjords. Unlike the cumbersome cruise ship giants, the Discovery’s size enables access to Alaska’s lesser traveled, more intimate inside passages and is able to have a flexible itinerary to take advantage of weather, wildlife and unplanned discoveries. Being well-equipped for travel in Alaska’s wilderness, the Discovery safely travels the Sound’s remote waterways. Powered by twin diesel engines and two generators, safe travel and reliable electrical power are ensured.
We’ve been aboard! Check out our detailed, firsthand M/V Discovery review, then contact our experts to compare the Discovery with other ships offering Alaska small ship cruises and private Alaska yacht charters.
The Discovery’s traditional design maximizes use of the interior space. The bright upper deck salon offers settees, couches and tables. This lounge is surrounded by large windows, creating a magnificent natural dinner theater, as well as an indoor place for relaxation and scenic viewing. Another sitting area is located on the lower deck. The complete wrap-around open deck and open bow deck offer multiple opportunities for wildlife viewing and fresh air. The pilot house is open for interaction with captain and crew. Smoking is not permitted aboard Discovery.
In 1958 the Discovery launched into the St John River and was christened the Anna Jackman. She worked her way through the Panama Canal and up through the West Coast to Juneau, Alaska. Commissioned to be built by the Presbyterian Church of New York for a fourth-generation Presbyterian mission vessel designed for service in Alaska, she became the link between small coastal Native Alaskan villages and the rest of the world.
The Discovery was designed by the Seattle naval architect Edwin Monk, known for his exceptional, no-nonsense Pacific Northwest work boats. The Discovery was designed to move through the water as efficiently as possible. To keep her seaworthy in Alaska’s often stormy conditions, the hull has a deep draft with a displacement of 60 tons. The Discovery was constructed of very thick steel for her size, making her a hearty vessel in Alaska’s waters.
In 1983 she changed hands and was renamed Discovery. Captain Rand of Discovery Voyages upgraded the small ship’s engines in 2008. The replacement engines are rebuilt modern versions of the same efficient, reliable model that was used in the vessel for the first 50 years.
The Discovery’s crew believes in a sensitive and respectful interaction with the environment and is acknowledged as a leader in sustainable ecotourism. The staff was awarded the Adventure Green Alaska (AGA) Gold Certificate for meeting the highest standards of economic, social and environmental sustainability by the Alaska Wilderness Recreation & Tourism Association. The Discovery’s carbon offset program provides an opportunity to contribute to a clean and renewable energy project’s fund managed by Native Energy. Discovery’s staff also encourages guests to participate in “4 Dollars a Day for Alaska Conservation,“ a volunteer donation program where guests elect to donate $4 for each day spent aboard Discovery to local Alaskan organizations promoting sustainability. Additionally, some of Discovery’s proceeds are donated to political organizations and individual candidates who support responsible long-term stewardship of Alaska’s wild places and resources.
A tantalizing menu of carefully prepared, home-cooked meals are served aboard the Discovery. Depending on the season, meals feature fresh local seafood such as Copper River king salmon, sockeye salmon, halibut, oysters, shrimp and rockfish. These are served with fresh, quality vegetables (organic when possible); homemade breads and rolls; soups and fruit. Breakfasts are hearty and healthy, lunches warm and light, afternoon snacks are fresh cookies or what may be found in the galley and dinners are varied and delicious, highlighting Alaska’s incredible seafood. It is possible that dinner will even be caught off the stern that day. Days usually end with a fresh-made sweet treat. Complimentary beverages include fine wines and premium beer.
In addition to being captains, Dean and Megan are also the owners and operators of the Discovery, ensuring full commitment to professionalism, enthusiasm and creation of an intimate, fun experience for guests. Also aboard are two knowledgeable naturalists and experienced guides that round out the Discovery crew, helping to accommodate varying guests’ interests and activity levels.
The Discovery carries two large, outboard-powered, inflatable Zodiacs used for shore visits. For kayak excursions, single and double kayaks are stored on board. Rain gear, boots, hiking poles, gloves and binoculars are included on Discovery voyages.
Sleeping quarters are practical, comfortable and private. The Discovery offers accommodations for up to 12 guests in 6 cabins, plus crew quarters. There are two shared bathrooms on the lower deck with hot showers and storage space. Each cabin has an upper and lower single berth, small closet and drawers.