Southeast Alaskan Wonders

Day 1 – Arrive in Sitka / Embark Alaskan Dream
Once you arrive, you will have the chance to begin your expedition with cultural immersion at a Sheet'ka Kwaán Naa Kahídi (which roughly translates to “The clan house for all the people of Sitka”) dance show, an authentic Tlingit performance. After the show, take a complimentary transfer to the Alaskan Dream for an afternoon embarkation. (D)

Day 2 – Glacier Bay National Park
This morning, dock at Bartlett Cove for a versatile experience in this beautiful landscape. Gain insight into Tlingit tradition from a Huna Totem Interpreter, and take a nature walk alongside an enthusiastic National Park Service Ranger. Look out for puffins, sea lions, mountain goats, bears, eagles, and some of the most spectacular scenery in Alaska. Tonight we anchor at Dundas Bay. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Dundas Bay / Icy Straits, Point Adolphus, Lemesurier Island
After breakfast, enjoy kayaking and skiff excursions in Dundas Bay and experience some of the richest whale waters in Southeast Alaska. Enjoy the freedom to explore this untouched wilderness at a leisurely pace and to observe the marine mammals in their natural habitat. Your onboard naturalists will be available to provide information about local history, geology, and wildlife. After departing Dundas Bay in the early afternoon, view wildlife from Lemesurier Island as we make our way to Point Adolphus, where more whale watching awaits. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Juneau / Tracy Arm
Arrive at Auke Bay and depart early for a tour through Juneau and a visit to the Alaska State Museum, which offers a unique opportunity to learn about the native cultures of the region. Return to the ship in the late morning to depart for Tracy Arm, a narrow fjord that winds through towering mountains and massive glaciers. Witness the "calving" of icebergs as gigantic chunks of ice break and crash into the water. Admire these majestic masses with stops at both South and North Sawyer Glaciers, a massive ice wall whose face stretches a third of a mile long. Watch for harbor seals that often dot the floating platforms, mountain goats on nearby perches, curious whales, and bears hunting for fish on the nearby banks. Tonight we will anchor off Endicott Arm. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Endicott Arm / Ford’s Terror
Deep glacial fjords are on display today and sparkling waterfalls tumble down the carved cliffs in an area widely acclaimed as the most beautiful in Alaska. Enormous icebergs hint at the presence of the actively calving Dawes glacier, which lies at the end of this 30-mile long fjord. Look for bald eagles perched on the tips of icebergs and harbor seals resting on the remnants of glacial calving. Take a skiff ride or kayak out to experience the majesty of the Dawes Glacier up close. Then, depart for Gambier Bay for an evening filled with more kayaking and skiff excursions, in addition to participation in an Invasive Green Crab study in Gambier Bay. Upon arrival set crab pots to be pulled tomorrow morning. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Gambier Bay / Frederick Sound
Pull up your crab pot before setting out for some morning kayaking and skiff rides. During lunch we will take a slow cruise to Frederick Sound for some whale watching in these prime humpback viewing waters. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Red Bluff Bay / Baranof Island / Peril Straits
Today, we will cruise around Red Bluff Bay, stopping for some possible kayaking and skiff rides. Tour the Hidden Falls Hatchery to learn about chum, Chinook, and Coho salmon. Later, relax on deck with your binoculars and a hot cup of cocoa as we move through Eastern Baranof Island to Peril Straits. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Sitka / Disembark
Disembark this morning at 7:30 am and meet your complimentary shuttle for a ride to the airport to catch your flight home. (B)