Today I have the privilege of flying to Seattle with my good friend Renee. The flight went fast as we chatted the entire time.
Once in Seattle, I connect with the light rail to get to downtown ... Full Journal »
Wilderness Passages of Discovery
« All Safari Explorer cruise options
- Day 1 Sail from Seattle, Washington
- Day 2 Washington's Coast, The San Juan Islands and Friday Harbor
- Day 3 Exploring the San Juan Islands
- Days 4-7 Canada’s Inside Passage
- Day 8 Ketchikan, Alaska
- Day 9 Misty Fjords National Monument
- Day 10 Yes Bay
- Day 11 Wrangell
- Day 12 Thomas Bay / Baird Glacier / Wrangell Narrows
- Day 13 Thomas Bay / Cascade Creek
- Day 14 Tracy Arm Wilderness / Frederick Sound
- Day 15 Arrive in Juneau — Disembark
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||
| Single | Master | Commander | Captain | Admiral | Commadore | |
| May 24 '13 Sep 6 '13 * |
$9,195 | $8,095 | $8,595 | $9,195 | $10,395 | $12,095 |
| * Itinerary operates in reverse | ||||||
- All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy.
- Quoted rates include all excursions, meals, educational programming, transfers, taxes, port charges and fees.
Deposit & Payment - Quoted rates include all excursions, meals, educational programming, transfers, taxes, port charges and fees.
Day 1 Sail from Seattle, Washington
After transfer from the airport, you will cruise northward from Seattle's historic Fishermen's Terminal passing through the Hiram-Chittenden Locks and into Puget Sound. You will continue on through Deception Pass, a dramatic and narrow cut between two islands, before dropping anchor in a quiet cove for the night.
Day 2 Washington's Coast, The San Juan Islands and Friday Harbor
The misty, deeply forested San Juan Islands dot the pristine seascape as we head for Friday Harbor, an intriguing town complete with unique boutiques and shops and the fascinating Whale Museum.
Day 3 Exploring the San Juan Islands
The Pacific Northwest is where the term "gunkholing" originated. Today you'll "gunkhole" close to shore, spending hours getting even closer by skiff, kayak and by foot on islands such as tree-lined Sucia. As you depart for Canadian waters in the afternoon, all eyes are needed on deck to keep lookout for orca whales!
Days 4-7 Canada’s Inside Passage
As you head northward, fishing communities give way to forested mountains and intricate waterways. Search for orca whales, seals and sea lions, dolphins and porpoise and you'll be able to observe migratory birds. Learn about native influences which shaped the history of these remote and sparsely-populated islands such as Cormorant Island, home to the tiny community of Alert Bay and the world's largest totem pole. Pause for an up-close view of the dilapidated buildings of the former cannery town of Butedale as they silently and slowly edge toward the icy waters of Princess Louisa Channel. A short distance beyond Prince Rupert, B.C. lies the U.S./Canadian border.
Day 8 Ketchikan, Alaska
Whether it is the Saxman Totem Village or the shops along Creek Street, the rich, cultural heritage of Alaska's Tlingit Indians provide insightful experiences and a good dose of local color.
Day 9 Misty Fjords National Monument
Representing nearly every ecosystem in Southeast Alaska—its steep walls and glacial valleys filled with sea water are a haven for wildlife. By kayak or skiff, glide through Walker Cove soaking in the splendor of this largely forgotten corner of the world.
Day 10 Yes Bay
Wildlife abounds in Yes Bay and the surrounding Tongass National Forest—humpback whales, orca, porpoise, seals, sea lions, brown and black bears, mink, marten, eagles, and otters. Say yes to a kayak paddle up the bay or a wildlife-seeking hike along a scenic trail.
Day 11 Wrangell
Home to native culture, wildlife, and wonder—Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska and the only one ever governed by four nations. Brush up on your Tlingit culture and view recently carved totem poles at Kiksetti Totem Park.
Day 12 Thomas Bay / Baird Glacier / Wrangell Narrows
Hike atop the otherworldly Baird Glacier. Natural beauty is today’s setting for kayaking, paddle boarding, skiff riding, or hiking. Bright red and green navigation lights guide you along “Christmas Tree Lane” as you cruise the winding Wrangell Narrows this evening.
Day 13 Thomas Bay / Cascade Creek
Choose kayaking and a forest trek on a Cascade Creek trail or hike five miles to the rarely visited Patterson Lake for spectacular kayaking. Hear legends about the area’s mythical shape-shifting creatures called Kushtaka.
Day 14 Tracy Arm Wilderness / Frederick Sound
On the last full day of your journey, prepare to have your breath taken away by sculptural glacial views and snow-covered mountains. At the end of Tracy Arm, a winding fjord with sheer granite walls and large floating icebergs, sits the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Explore Frederick Sound—summer feeding ground for humpback whales. Keep watch for humpbacks, orca, and Steller sea lions.
Day 15 Arrive in Juneau — Disembark
A Bon Voyage breakfast ends your ship journey; however, there are many enticing ways to extend your journey. Transfer directly to the Juneau airport or arrange for an add-on overnight stay or an extended land tour.
Itinerary Notes
Included in your fare:* Educational programming - interpretive lectures, guest speakers, narrative
* All meals aboard the ships
* Kayaking, guided hiking, and small boat exploration
* Onboard Expedition Leaders
* Airport transfers
Not included in your fare:
* Airfare to and from your home city
* Liquor, beer, wine
* Discretionary gratuities to vessel's crew, typically 5-10% of fare
* Travel insurance
* Select optional onboard excursions, payable on board.
* Optional pre- or post-night hotel stays or land extensions
* Port charges, taxes and fees
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $1700, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure.
Final payment by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 70 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 91 days or more | $950 per person |
| 90-61 days | $1700 per person |
| 60-46 days | 55% trip cost |
| 45-31 days | 80% trip cost |
| 30-0 days | 100% trip cost |
Safari Explorer
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 36
- Luxury Expedition Ship
The Safari Explorer is exquisitely appointed with new design features such as an intimate Wine Library and spa area including a large hot tub, sauna, fitness equipment, yoga classes and complimentary massage. The Safari Explorer offers an exceptional way to cruise Alaska and other beautiful regions in luxury.
Accommodations
All staterooms feature heated tile floors in the bathroom; Tempur-Pedic® memory foam mattresses; Flat-screen TV/DVD; iPod docking station. All staterooms have view windows (no portholes).
COMMODORE SUITES (2)
Separate sitting area, king or twin beds, private bath with Jacuzzi tub & shower, view window and sliding glass door with balcony.
ADMIRAL STATEROOMS (3)
King or twin beds, windowed door or windows, private bath with Jacuzzi tub & shower.
CAPTAIN STATEROOM (1)
King or twin beds, view window, windowed door and private bath with Jacuzzi tub & shower.
COMMANDER STATEROOMS (2)
King or twin beds, view window, windowed door and private bath with tub & shower.
MASTER STATEROOMS (9)
Queen or twin beds, view window, windowed door and private bath with tub & shower.
SINGLE STATEROOM (1)
Twin bed, view window, windowed door, private bath with shower. Pullman berth available.
Amenities & Activities
• Sauna, yoga classes and complimentary massages, plus on-deck hot tub
• On-board exercise equipment such as elliptical trainer and exercise bike
• Large screen TVs/DVD's in both salon dining room and an exclusive wine library
• A full-beam swim-step for ease in boarding the double or solo sea kayaks the high-speed skiffs
• Hair dryers, bathrobes, alarm clock, i-Pod docking station/clock, binoculars and TV/DVD in each stateroom
• Heated tile floors in bathrooms
• Tempur-pedic® memory foam mattresses
• A DVD and book library highlighting hundreds of titles and information on cruising destinations as well as fiction and
other genres
• Fishing in Alaska and snorkel in Hawaii
• Included bar stocked with premium spirits, fine wines and micro-brews
Ship Specifics:
Length: 145
Beam: 36
Draft: 8.5
Cruise Speed: 10
Year Built: 1998
Year Renovated: 2008
Staterooms: 18
Guest Max: 40
Crew: 15
Routes: Alaska, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Hawaii
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Single B6. Twin bed, view window, windowed door, private bath with shower. |
 | Master B3, B7-14. Queen or twin beds, view window, windowed door, private bath with shower. |
 | Commander B15, B16. King or twin beds, view window, windowed door, private bath with shower. |
 | Captain B2. King or twin beds, view window, windowed door, private bath with Jacuzzi & shower. |
 | Admiral B1, C1, C2. King or twin beds, windows, private bath with Jacuzzi & shower. |
 | Commadore A1, A2. Separate sitting area, king or twin beds, private bath with Jacuzzi & shower, window and sliding door with balcony. |
