Northern Passages & Glacier Bay 2015

Welcome aboard! Meet the crew, settle in, and relax with your shipmates. Within minutes find yourself cruising the scenic channels of the Inside Passage.

One of America’s crown jewel national parks is yours to explore and marvel at for the next two days. Welcome to Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. A National Park Ranger joins you to explore coves and corners of the bay that most visitors miss. Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating before you in the waters of Glacier Bay.

Linger near South Marble Island to spot the many species of rare sea birds that call this area home. Keep your eyes on the water and the island for brightly-colored puffins and Black Oystercatchers. Stop in Bartlett Cove for a visit to the Park Service's Headquarters.

Make the best of this day in this majestic national park. Paddle a kayak and feel awe as you come face-to-face with a massive glacier. Go on a boot-sucking trek through sandbars and rainforest. And ride a skiff along shore for an up-close exploration of Glacier Bay. Find sea lions, mountain goats, sea otters, bears, moose, eagles, and spectacular scenic backdrops.

Set your course for arguably the richest whale waters in Southeast Alaska. Join the Captain on the bridge or the Expedition Leader out on deck in search of marine mammals. Camera in hand, begin your land and sea exploration of these remote reaches. Ride the skiffs for a closer inspection of the rugged and wild coastline with eyes set on the shore for possible bear sightings.

Meander along the spectacular waterfall coast of Chichagof Island. Marvel at the grand scenery as your crew expertly guides you through unsung, glacier-carved fjords. Anchor in remote waters for an opportunity to lower the kayaks and skiffs. Explore the shoreline on an intertidal walk or forest exploration with your guides.

Today's agenda is flexible. Perhaps explore a tidal inlet by kayak; feel the burn of a rain forest hike; or maybe find yourself smelling the breath of a humpback while skiffing in a secluded cove. The possibilities are endless and your Captain knows best.

Peril Strait runs 50 miles from Chatham Strait to Salisbury Sound. This haven for small boats is scenically highlighted by a very narrow connecting passageway called Sergius Narrows and an opening at Hoonah Sound. This historic and wildlife-rich waterway is a great place to watch the shoreline for bears, the waters for otters and whales, and to look skyward for eagles. The passage narrows to only 300 feet in one spot (24 feet deep). After an adventurous, but “un-perilous” day, toast your voyage with a festive Farewell Dinner and a “photo journal” of your trip presented by your Expedition Leaders.

Gather for breakfast this morning as you cruise into Russian-influenced Sitka for disembarkation. Transfer to the airport or begin your hotel stay or land tour.