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Kayaking in the fjord

Discovery Cruise

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard Island Spirit
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Discover the Alaskan wilderness on an 9-day Alaskan cruise aboard the Island Spirit. This spectacular voyage sails to the historic ports of Juneau and Petersburg, and crosses into Ford's Terror. View the stunning wildlife which call Alaska home from the comfort of your ship.
Alaska wildlife tours and brown bear fishing for salmonA humpback whale in Alaska.View of Mendenhall glacier on an Alaska cruiseKiller whales in Alaska.Kayaking in the fjord
Highlights
  • Stroll through Tenakee Springs & visit with locals
  • Attend a native dance in Hoonah & learn about the local culture
  • Cruise one of Alaska's most pristine canyons, Ford's Terror
  • Enjoy optional kayaking & zip-lining tours
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark in Sitka

Board the ship at 1:30pm. The cruise scheduled pick-up at the airport is 1:00pm. Tour begins at 2:30pm at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, and includes the Raptor Center, Totem Park, and the Sheldon Jackson Museum. Then come aboard the Island Spirit for cocktails and dinner as you depart for the evening anchorage. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the way (if staying at specific local hotels, there are scheduled pick-ups of luggage, you can meet the group for the tour at 2:30pm, or you may choose to get transportation to the Eliason Marina Dock for boarding at 1:30pm).

Day 2: At Sea

Experience more of the great wilderness as you cruise to a local bay for kayaking or exploring. Tonight enjoy a serene evening away from the crowds. Maybe take a skiff in search of bears foraging on the beach.

Day 3: Remote Tenakee Springs

Today visit the small community of Tenakee Springs. Enjoy a stroll to the bakery and the local mercantile. Chat with locals for an interesting Alaskan afternoon. Your onboard naturalist educates and entertains you on your walk in the rainforest. Haul anchor and cruise north through Chatham Strait. Look for humpback whales along the way. Port tonight at the native community of Hoonah.

Day 4: Hoonah

After breakfast you are off for a native experience. Visit the Icy Strait Point “Historic Salmon Cannery”. Enjoy a “Tlingit” cultural experience arranged for your education and entertainment. There’s time for a forest walk or even a thrilling adventure, as you might embark on the optional, world’s longest zip-line. Later this afternoon depart Hoonah, cruising east for Juneau.

Day 5: Juneau, Alaska’s capital

After breakfast, take a visit to Juneau. There’s time to explore Alaska’s capital. Perhaps enjoy an optional adventure: you could take an optional visit to the Mendenhall Glacier, ride the Juneau tram, or visit the old gold mine. Enjoy the day and be back on board for a 3pm departure. You're off to new vistas, cruising southbound in Stephens Passage.

Day 6: Majestic Ford's Terror

Cruising includes: Endicott arm, Dawes Glacier, and Ford's Terror. This region is some of the most scenic in the Tongass National Forest. Ford's Terror is one of the most majestic hidden fjords in SE Alaska and you are on the only small ship that spends an evening here at anchor! Captain's Dinner tonight. Be among a handful on the planet to visit this majestic fjord. Kayak in this wilderness

Day 7: Cruising and Exploring

Heading south in Stephens’s Passage again be looking for humpback whales as they feed and play in the local waters. If weather permits, you may have a chance to visit the oldest lighthouse in SE Alaska. Your anchorage tonight is in Farragut or Portage Bays.

Day 8: Petersburg | Baird Glacier

Today you may visit Thomas Bay and Baird Glacier. Depending on the tides, ride among the icebergs and take a hike on the beach. Close enough to touch, you are sure to be amazed by this landscape! Later today, make your way into the fishing community of Petersburg. You might enjoy the muskeg walk as you learn a bit about the Scandinavian culture.

Day 9: Disembark in Petersburg

  • 1 Breakfast
Share a last breakfast aboard the Island Spirit followed by transfers for flights home. Please note, all guests must disembark by 10:00am.

Ship/Hotel

Island Spirit

Exterior image of the Island Spirit.
Alaskan Cruise Sightseeing
Alaskan Cruises, up close sightseeing!

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Alaska Small Ship Cruises & Tours.

Notes

- A fuel surcharge may be added due to fuel price volatility.
- All rates are quoted in USD and are based on double occupancy.
- Limited special single cabins available on first come first served basis for the same rate.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Rubber Boots: Please bring your own. 

Map

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