Discoverer's Glacier Country

Upon arrival, transfer from the airport to board the ship. Your crew greets you with champagne and smiles. Cruise to a secluded wilderness anchorage this evening.

Over the two days in the park travel nearly 60 miles, cruising up-bay to Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers, which frequently calve huge icebergs into the bay. If conditions permit, lower the inflatables and weave among the icebergs that have fallen from the face of the glaciers. Enjoy evenings at anchor in hidden coves, and mornings paddling your kayaks in the quiet of this majestic wilderness. Here in the bay there are puffins and sea lions, mountain goats and bears, moose, eagles, and scenery more spectacular than any place on Earth. Glacier Bay is at its best when explored by small groups on a nimble ship over the course of two days to hike and kayak inside the bay and wilderness areas.

During today's ultimate day of exploration, there's no agenda to follow except to experience every moment scouring the nutrient-rich waters in search for humpbacks, porpoise, sea lions and other wildlife. Marvel at the grand scenery of the Alaskan wilderness as your crew expertly guides you through those "not in the guide book" areas that only the locals know. Join the Captain on the bridge or out on deck in search for marine mammals. Late afternoon, have the opportunity to drop the skiffs and kayaks to further explore the shoreline of a remote bay. The afternoon and evening is spent at Point Adolphus, Alaska's most famous humpback whale feeding area. Be on the watch for the telltale blow of humpback whales as you cruise through Icy Strait. Before retiring for the evening enjoy the wilderness solitude while relaxing in the upper deck hot tub or enjoy a nightcap with your fellow yachtmates in the saloon.

With no binding agenda today, cruise the waterfall coast of Chichagof Island. Marvel at the grand scenery of Alaska’s wilderness as the crew expertly guides you through those “not in the guide book” places known only to the locals. This evening, perhaps tucking away in a waterfall-laced fjord, there is time for skiffing, beachcombing or treks ashore, and kayaking to look for sea otters and bears before calling it a day near Baranof Island.

Spend the day exploring in Frederick Sound and Stephen's Passage — another excellent chance to view humpback whales and other marine wildlife. Pass by Five Fingers Lighthouse and watch for playful antics at a large sea lion haulout made from dozens of rocky islets. Later, cruise picturesque bays, where evergreen forests crowd the shores.

Cliff-walled fjords sliced into the mountainous mainland are on tap today as you tuck into an area widely acclaimed as the most beautiful in all of Alaska. Snow gleams on mountaintops high overhead, as bears amble on the shoreline and mountain goats cling to impossibly precarious perches. Seemingly every few hundred yards another sparkling waterfall tumbles down the cliffs. Enjoy a skiff ride at Ford's Terror, named after an early mariner who was somewhat taken aback when a waterfall appeared at the turn of the tide where none had been visible at high tide. Anchor overnight at Taku Harbor to enjoy a festive Captain's Farewell Dinner, followed by a slideshow presentation in the saloon by the Expedition Leaders recapping your week-long journey.

After breakfast arrive in Juneau. A transfer to the Juneau airport or local hotel is included. Safe travels to all!