Take in the sights of southeastern Alaska on an eight-day cruise aboard the luxurious Silver Shadow ship. Sail from Vancouver, Canada, to Seward, Alaska, across the famed Inside Passage. Look for whales, bears, and moose along the route; view lush green rainforests on relaxing treks with professional guides; marvel at the thundering force of glaciers as they carve the terrain and shed icebergs into the sea. Learn about the rich Indigenous culture and extensive history of Alaska, as well as the abundance of natural beauty in this Last Frontier.
Highlights
Explore Alaska's most thrilling scenery and landscapes around Seward
Experience extraordinary adventures amid wild nature in Juneau
Admire the most precious totems in existence at Ketchikan
See Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Many cities claim to have it all, boasting mountains, sea, culture, art, and so much more, but few can back it up like Vancouver. Famously livable, just visiting this highrise city - surrounded by staggering natural beauty - is a thrill. Offering all of the creature comforts of an ultra-modern, cosmopolitan metropolis - even downtown has a hint of mountain-freshness to its air - and part of Vancouver's appeal is how easily you can swap the skyscrapers for whale-filled oceans and mountain-punctured skies. Head up to the Vancouver Lookout Tower for the ultimate 360-degree views of the city glistening amid the beautiful embrace of the beckoning wilderness beyond. But what to see first? Art lovers might choose the Vancouver Art Gallery or the Contemporary Art Gallery. Nature lovers might rush for the ferry to visit Vancouver Island - where they can encounter grizzly bears, whales, and orcas. On the other hand, cultural vultures will probably head for the sights and sounds of Canada's biggest Chinatown. From steaming dim sum for lunch to Chinese apothecaries offering herbs to soothe any illness, it’s all here thanks to the migrant workers of the 19th century. The one-of-a-kind treasure of Stanley Park brings wild wonder and natural beauty to this cosmopolitan city's doorstep, and the pine-tree-clad park offers isolated trails and incredible views. Wander the Seawall encircles it - a 20-mile coastal path full of joggers, whizzing skaters, and wandering couples. Grab a bike and cycle between Coal Harbour and Kitsilano Beach. You can top up your tan on the shore as you soak in the glorious views of the mountains and cityscape from the sands.
Navigate through the intricate outlays of some of Alaska’s most staggering winter scenery, threading a needle between craggy, snow-dusted islands and slipping glacial giants. To cruise this 500-mile stretch of Alaskan beauty is to sail through a living work of natural art - with perfectly sculpted mountains soaring from the shoreline and clutches of islands scattered across the dark waters with delicate attention to detail. A standard sailing route due to its calm sheltered waters, gorgeous natural set pieces constantly play out here - whether it’s killer whales accompanying you through the breathtaking icy passages, harbor seals catching a break on floating chunks of ice, or wisps of cloud clinging to distant mountain peaks. Witness Mother Nature at her most dramatic and elaborate along this Alaskan coastline, where glaciers groan and creak melodramatically before finally releasing colossal shelves of ice, allowing them to free fall into the waters below and explode with angry booms and thunderous splashes. While fundamental displays of nature’s power always awe and amaze, it’s the tranquil beauty of this passage - amid still waters, splitting only to reveal the smooth backs of breaching humpback whales – that is relentlessly moving. The Inside Passage is a journey of glaciers, remote hidden villages, and carved fjords - the Inside Passage is a breathtaking voyage through the intricate mesh of Alaska’s fractured, raw and spectacular coastal landscapes.
The Salmon Capital of the World is an exciting introduction to wild and wonderful Alaska, sitting at the southern gateway to the Inside Passage's famed route of larger-than-life scenery. Cruise through the waters, or soar just above in a sightseeing plane, to take in the full majesty of the magnificent Misty Fjords National Monument. Home to grizzly and black bears - as well as cruising whales and swimming seals - the wildlife spotting opportunities in this majestic corner of the world are nothing short of spectacular. Towered over by steep banks and valley walls, Ketchikan's ocean inlet is peppered with granite stacks, looming from the waters. Surrounded by glorious landscapes, head to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, which is alive with bald eagles, black bears, and great, thick, yellow banana slugs - the squeamish are advised to keep well clear. Visit Ketchikan's Heritage Centre, where a collection of intricately carved totem poles rise, preserving the heritage of the indigenous Tlingit and Haida people of these lands. Ketchikan has the world's most extensive collection and some of the oldest and most precious totems in existence. This frontier city hasn’t always been so wholesome, however. See the colorful historic street built on crooked stilts over Ketchikan Creek, which has a crude history as the central red-light district in the city. The brothels closed in the 1950s, but you can explore this legendarily seedy past at Dolly’s House - a brothel turned museum. See the Married Man trail, a historical route used to enter Creek Street away from prying eyes.
Extraordinary adventures amid nature's wildest staging await at Juneau. The majestic Mendenhall Glacier sprawls down from Juneau Icefield, which provides an icy cap to the area's rip-roaring scenery. State capitals don't get more dramatic than this isolated, remote city lost amid the Alaskan wilds. Even the roads eventually peter out, absorbed by forests and viewpoints, firmly underlining the secret location hidden behind an impenetrable wall of rigid mountains. Rise to Mount Roberts Tramway's view to see the city swallowed by this colossal backdrop. This is a glacier country, and no fewer than 38 ice flows branch off from the main Juneau Icefield, slowly carving out valleys in their wakes. Taku Glacier cuts deep into the mountain, forming a colossal sculpture of one of the world's thickest - almost a mile deep. Mendenhall Glacier cascades down, 12 miles away from downtown, terminating in its lake and visitor center. With 1,500 square miles of ice field to explore, one of the best ways to take in the magnitude and majesty of this epic ice sculpture is to hold on tight as the propeller whirs and you soar into the skies on an exhilarating sightseeing flight. Cruising up above the icy world that fills in these serrated mountain peaks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The animals that inhabit the Southeast Alaskan wilds are just as inspiring as the landscapes – families of bears patrol the riverbanks, bald eagles survey the surroundings watchfully, and Pacific humpbacks migrate from Hawaii's waters to feast on the krill rich, icy waters. Fish for huge catches, power across the ice in a snow-sled, or kayak just below glaciers. However you choose to immerse yourself in it, Juneau's incredible outdoor adventures never disappoint.
Feel the same rush of excitement as the gold rush chasers did when they first arrived in Skagway, intent on finding their fortune. While the gold may now be gone, a treasure trove of natural glory waits to be discovered here. The adrenaline of America’s legendary gold rush still pulses along Skagway's streets, especially in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the historic downtown area - which sprang up during the heady heights of the 1890’s goldrush. The jagged mountain ridges - with peaks of white snow above a treeline of soaring pine forests - provide a reward for the ages. Recapture the evocative sense of adventure as you ride one of the world’s most spectacular railroads. Your engine will puff steam below the steep, colossal scenery while the vintage carriages curve around the White Pass & Yukon Route, alongside tumbling waterfalls and spanning deeply-etched gorges. Wander historic trails like the Chilkoot Trail Hike to walk in the well-trodden footsteps of the gold seekers. Set on the northern tip of the Inside Passage, Skagway luxuriates in a stunning and dramatic landscape. Explore mighty rivers teeming with thick salmon leaping over rapids and see brown bears edging from the shelter of the trees. Endless forests spread as far as the eye can see while bald eagles perch on treetops, surveying the surroundings from above. Whales roam offshore, and glaciers creak and calve nearby in this magical natural kingdom.
A distant land of bears, wild landscapes, and icy adventures, sail between glorious islands and witness the diverse wildlife of the Inside Passage. Eagles watch over the scenery overhead while whales and sea lions add significant weight to the animal life that thrives and thrashes in these icy seas. With a quintet of Pacific salmon species filling the rich rivers and waterways with energy, settle back to enjoy the show as Sitka's massive setpieces play out before you. You might notice the onion-shaped dome atop St. Michael’s Church – a relic of the area's Russian history. Sitka formed a part of the Russian Empire until a deal was struck in 1867, and the territory was sold to the United States, with the handover ceremony taking place here in Sitka. The native Tlingit culture is a significant presence, and elaborate totem poles rocket up in Sitka National Historical Park. They marked the battleground of 1804 when the indigenous people clashed fiercely with the Russians. The snow-capped peak of the dormant volcano, Mount Edgecumbe, draws understandable comparisons with Mount Fuji's symmetrical cone. Climb to thrilling heights as you arrive on Kruzof Island, and enjoy richly spellbinding views of the scattered Pacific islands while hiking. Whether you want to spend your time flying above snow-dusted mountain ridges, fishing for colossal King salmon, or savoring Northwest frontier cuisine in waterfront restaurants, there's no shortage of ways to experience Sitka's natural wonders.
Off the coast of Yakutat, Alaska, Hubbard Glacier is the largest glacier in North America, with a calving front more than six miles wide. One of the primary sources for Hubbard Glacier originates 76 mi inland. It has been a very active glacier, experiencing two significant surges in the past 30 years. This glacier was named after Gardiner Greene Hubbard, a U.S. lawyer, financier, and philanthropist. He was the first president of the National Geographic Society.
Day 8: Seward, Alaska | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Monumental scenery surrounds you in this remote corner of the world, where glaciers calve, and whales cruise through inky waters before an immense mountain backdrop. Almost totally submerged by the colossal landscapes around it, Seward - and the wonders of Kenai Fjords National Park - offer some of the astonishing Alaska's most thrilling scenery. Located in a deep gash in the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is a place to immerse yourself in nature's majesty. Fjords carve into the landscape, while the Harding Icefield - which caps Kenai Fjords National Park - reaches out its icy fingers, with glaciers spilling down between mountain peaks. Head to Holgate Glacier to come face to face with a breathtaking stack of intense blue and white ice. Get up close in a kayak or boat ride to slalom through the discarded confetti of ice chunks and perhaps even witness the mighty spectacle of an ice ledge creaking and groaning before plunging to the waters below. The city of Anchorage is easily within reach from here, offering an incongruous contrast to the wild wonders of Alaska. A place where deep-sea fishers bump shoulders with businesspeople on the 9-5, it's a fascinating, remote city. Home to almost half of the Alaskan population, Anchorage and its humble skyline is dwarfed by the snowy peaks of the wilderness beyond. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique culture, traditions, and heritage of the First Nation people of these lands too.
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.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Vista Suite
287 ft² / 27 m². Large picture window providing panoramic ocean views. Sitting area. Twin beds or queen-sized bed. Luxury bath amenities.
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Classic Veranda Suite
345 ft² / 32 m² including veranda. Veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Sitting area. Twin beds or queen-sized bed. Luxury bath amenities.
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Superior Veranda Suite
345 ft² / 32 m² including veranda. Veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Sitting area. Twin beds or queen-sized bed. Luxury bath amenities.
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Deluxe Veranda Suite
345 ft² / 32 m² including veranda. Veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Sitting area. Twin beds or queen-sized bed. Luxury bath amenities
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Medallion Suite
521 ft² / 49 m² including veranda. Veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Living room with sitting area and dining area. Twin beds or queen-sized bed. Luxury bath amenities.
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Silver Suite
653–701 ft² / 61–65 m² including veranda. Veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest). Separate dining area. Twin beds or queen-sized bed
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Royal Suite
967–1,007 ft² / 90–94 m² including veranda. Large veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Living room with sitting area. Separate dining area and bar. Twin beds or queen-sized bed.
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Grand Suite
941–1,090 ft² / 87–101 m² including veranda. Large veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Living room with sitting area. Twin beds or queen-sized bed. Luxury bath amenities.
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Owner’s Suite
919 ft² / 85 m² including veranda. Large veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass. Living room with sitting area. Twin beds or queen-sized bed. Luxury bath amenities
Notes
Please note: Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change at any time without notice. All prices are in US dollars, cruise-only per person based on double occupancy.
A limited number of suites are available for purchase upon request on a single- or third-guest occupancy basis.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Personalized Service with a Butler for all Suites
Premium Internet Access: Included at no extra cost for guests in Medallion, Silver, Royal, Grand, and Owner’s Suites. This plan supports streaming, video calls, and allows connection for up to two devices per guest. Standard Internet Access: Offered complimentary to guests in Vista, Veranda, and Veranda Deluxe Suites. This plan is suitable for browsing, email, and social media, but not for streaming or video calls.
In-suite dining and room service
Guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shoreside activities led by the Expeditions Team
Onboard gratuities
Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and spirits
Complimentary transportation into town in most ports
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Some champagne, premium wine and spirit selections, caviar, cigarettes and cigars are not included in your fare.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
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