Discover charming Southeast Alaska in this 11-day expedition cruise aboard the Baranof Dream. Sail to Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, Frederick Sound, Petersburg, Thorne Bay and more, viewing a vast array of wildlife and making stops along the way. Enjoy adventure options such as coastline kayak paddle, hiking, DIB excursions, and guided walking tours spotting eagles, both brown and black bears, wolves, mountain goats, Steller sea lions, and humpback whales.
Highlights
Visit Glacier Bay National Park, a pristine habitat for wildlife
Discover the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier in the capital city of Juneau
Journey through Tracy Arm Fjord's waterfalls, icebergs, and coastlines
See Thorne Bay, one of the largest logging camps in the world
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Explore beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Visit fascinating historical sites that highlight the community’s rich Alaska Native and Russian history, including the Sheldon Jackson Museum, Russian Bishop’s House, and St. Michael’s Cathedral. Embark for the winding narrows north of town while spotting for bald eagles, sea otters, bears, whales, and other wildlife.
Savor the serenity of raw wilderness on an unscripted day of Southeast Alaska discovery. The options are countless, dictated by the day’s unique circumstances. Opportunities may include a coastline kayak paddle, up-close whale encounters, or a hike through an alluring old-growth forest. You may do a beach landing on an unspoiled shoreline to explore a tidal flat or track along with a foraging bear from the safety of your DIB (shallow water expedition craft). Regardless of the activity, experience the magic of the archipelago’s many remote coves, bays, and inlets.
This remarkable national park fjord extends 65 miles, contains eight tidewater glaciers, and provides pristine habitat for a wide-array of wildlife, including both brown and black bears, wolves, mountain goats, Steller sea lions, and humpback whales. The highlight for many is the Margerie Glacier, known for its dramatic calving displays. A Glacier Bay National Park Service Ranger narrates the day’s program and a Native Huna Tlingit interpretive naturalist joins the voyage to reveal traditional cultural ties to this ancient treasure.
Stroll the boardwalks of the rollicking Klondike gold rush town of Skagway, and then board the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad for a journey retracing the steps of the gold-seekers into Canada. Built in 1898, the railroad climbs nearly 3,000 ft. in 20 miles and offers stunning wilderness views. This excursion crosses the border into Canada, so passports are required. A guided walking tour through scenic Haines features a visit to pre-WWI Fort Seward National Historic Site, with parade grounds overlooking Lynn Canal.
Spend the day visiting highlights of the scenic capital city of Juneau, including the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier. In downtown Juneau, visit the newly renovated Alaska State Museum. There is time to explore on your own. You may choose to visit the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, Alaska State Capitol, or take in the spectacular panoramic views of the Mount Roberts Tram. You can also delve deeper into local Native culture and history by exploring fascinating exhibits, art displays, and a walk-through clan house at the recently opened Walter Soboleff Center. End the day’s adventure with a relaxing evening at Orca Point Lodge, an exclusive day-lodge on Colt Island. Enjoy the beautiful grounds, beach, and marine life touch-tank. Dine on Alaskan salmon, Alaskan king crab, or prime rib from the warmth of the lodge, or nestled next to a beachside bonfire.
Journey through Tracy Arm Fjord, an area the famous naturalist John Muir referred to as, “a wild, unfinished Yosemite.” This glacial fjord is renowned for its pristine waterfalls, towering icebergs, abundant harbor seals, and granite cliffs that rise from sea level to 4,000 feet. At 32 miles long and averaging just a mile wide, the unique features of Tracy Arm are contained in a relatively small geographical space, adding to the dramatic beauty of the area. As ice conditions permit, navigate the entire length of the arm, stopping in view of both the Sawyer and South Sawyer Glaciers. DIB excursions provide the opportunity to view the majesty of the area in even greater detail. Later, scout for humpback whales and other marine mammals in the world-renowned whale waters of Frederick Sound.
Discover the charming Mitkof Island fishing town of Petersburg. Founded by Norwegian fishermen in the late 1800s, Petersburg is nicknamed Alaska’s “Little Norway.” Experience this Scandinavian culture with a folk dance show by local youth at the iconic Sons of Norway Hall. Later, enjoy a narrated bus tour and take time to explore the vibrant community at your own leisure.
Home to a little over 2,000 permanent residents, Wrangell is the only town in Alaska to have been under the jurisdiction of three flags, and ruled by four nations- the Tlingit, Russia, England, and the United States. Enjoy several options to explore this colorful history, including a guided walking tour and a trip to the Wrangell Museum. Visit the intriguing State Historic Park, Petroglyph Beach, which contains the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska.
Experience the frontier spirit of Alaska’s timber years on a tour of Thorne Bay, once the largest logging camp in the world. This tight-knit community is located on the eastern side of Prince of Wales, an island renowned for its high concentration of black bears. Here, meet resident artisans and enjoy a walking tour of the town while keeping an eye out for the island’s fauna. In Kasaan, walk an enchanted forest path laden with intricately carved totem poles to the Chief Son-i-Hat Whale House, the only remaining traditional Haida longhouse in the United States. Inside stand four original house posts, or “Gáats,” that were most likely carved at Old Kasaan in about 1880 and then installed at Naay I’waans (Whale House). The tallest interior post, the “Head House Totem,” dates to an even earlier time and was brought here from its original location inside Son-i-Hat’s uncle’s house in Old Kasaan, about 7 miles away.
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary history, art, and cultural traditions of the Metlakatla Indian Community on Annette Island. Visit a traditional Tsmishian longhouse, enjoy a ceremonial dance performance, and meet Native artists. Later, your ship glides beneath the 3,000-foot glacier-sculpted cliffs of Misty Fjords. Discover the fjord’s natural history, listen to the calls of a myriad of seabirds, feel the mist from glistening waterfalls, and see famous New Eddystone Rock, a stunning volcanic core.
Day 11: Ketchikan | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Ketchikan, otherwise known as Alaska’s “First City” and “Salmon Capital of the World.” A transfer to the airport or your hotel is complimentary.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,190
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Category A
Averaging 109 sq. ft. Six cabins on the main deck equipped with one queen and one single bed, picture window, and private bathroom with shower.
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Category AA
Averaging 105 sq. ft. Ten cabins on the upper deck equipped with two twin beds, picture window, wardrobe, and private bathroom with shower.
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Category AAA
Averaging 116 sq. ft. Four cabins on the upper deck equipped with one queen bed, and either two chairs or one twin bed. Large picture window, wardrobe, and private bathroom with shower.
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Deluxe
Averaging 110 sq. ft. Three cabins on the bridge deck equipped with one queen bed with either two chairs or an additional twin bed (or bunk bed) in the sitting room. Large picture window, wardrobe, private bathroom with shower.
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Deluxe Suite
Averaging 210 sq. ft. Two cabins on the upper deck equipped with one queen bed with two chairs (or replaced with one twin bed or one twin bunk bed), large picture window, wardrobe, and private bathroom with shower.
Notes
Discount for a 3rd or 4th guest in the same stateroom will be 15% off the regular rate regardless of age,
Children 15 & under receive a 15% discount.
Prices are per person and in USD. Single supplement are 50% of the cabin rates.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
32 minutes ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.