Discover the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire from Alaska to Japan. Explore the untamed islands of the Bering Sea and marvel at the millions of seabirds, northern fur seals, and bears in the Pribilof and Aleutian Islands. Watch towering volcanic cones on the rugged shores of Hokkaido, home to more than 51 volcanoes. Walk through the mystical lakes and forests of northern Japan’s national parks, explore historic sites along the coast of Honshu, and cap off your voyage in the thriving metropolis of Tokyo.
Highlights
Experience Pribilof Islands, a naturalist wildlife paradise
Explore the Baby Islands with its otters, seals and fur seals
Learn about the hunting culture of the Aleuts
Learn about the Wildlife at the Pacific Ring of Fire
Visit Kushiro Shitsugen National Park
Wander at the mirror lakes of ShikotsuTōya National Park
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Explore the naturalist’s paradise of Pribilof Islands. Home to three million seabirds and a million marine mammals each summer during the breeding season. Glide in Zodiacs beneath the cliffs of St. George, rocky outcrops that harbor one of the largest seabird colonies in the Northern Hemisphere. Spot horned and tufted puffins, red-legged kittiwakes, crested auklets, and rare Asian vagrant species seldom seen in North America. Go ashore on St. Paul, home to the majority of the Pribilofs’ more than half a million northern fur seals.
Begin the exploration of wildlife-rich archipelago at the Baby Islands, east of Unalaska. Here, dynamic tides offer the chance to spot sea otters and fur seals, as well as rare seabirds. Watch from on deck as the ship navigates Baby Pass, and board Zodiacs for a closer look at the islands’ wildlife. Arrive at Dutch Harbor, site of a fierce WWII battle and now one of the world’s most important fishing ports. The westernmost tip of the Alaskan mainland gives way to a 1,100-mile-long string of islands that separate the Bering Sea from the northern Pacific: the Aleutian Islands
Spend four days exploring these rugged and remote volcanic islands—some of which still harbor active volcanoes. With 69 islands, countless islets, and tens of millions of seabirds, the Aleutians offer much to discover. Learn about the culture of the Aleuts, a fishing and hunting people who have inhabited these islands for millennia. Observe marine mammals such as northern fur seals, Steller sea lions, and a variety of whales, as well as prolific birdlife. Venture out by Zodiac or kayak to explore the wild shores of these islands. Among the islands you’ll visit are Attu and Kiska, both of which were occupied by the Japanese for nearly a year during World War II.
Study and learn from discussions with the naturalists as they set the stage for the time exploring the northern shores of Hokkaido. Join the naturalists on deck to identify the seabirds that follow the ship and the volcanic cones in the distance that make up the “Ring of Fire.” Attend a photo workshop with the National Geographic photographer, treat yourself to a massage or a wellness class, or snuggle up in the library and enjoy a good book. As youmake the way to Asia, you will lose a day crossing the International Date Line.
Explore Abashiri on the island of Hokkaido. After the ship’s clearance into Japan, visit the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples, dedicated to the cultures of the indigenous tribes of the Earth’s subarctic regions. Venture to Shiretoko —the “end of the Earth” in the native Ainu dialect. One of Japan’s most spectacular national parks, Shiretoko provides a habitat for numerous species of land and marine mammals, such as brown bears, Steller sea lions, and sperm whales. You’ll also be on the lookout for white-tailed eagles, Blakiston’s fish owls, and Steller’s sea eagles, which spend the winters here.
Day 14: Kushiro Shitsugen National Park | Akan Mashu National Park
Cruise Hokkaido’s northeastern coast to Kushiro and head inland to explore Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Japan’s largest wetland and home to the endangered red-crowned crane, which was thought to be extinct in the early 20th century. Head to Akan Mashu National Park, known for its ethereal, mist-shrouded lakes, where you’ll delve into forests of Sakhalin spruce and visit a charming Ainu village.
Dock at Muroran and choose to drive to ShikotsuTōya National Park, filled with mirror-like lakes and forest-covered hills set against the silhouette of the snowcapped Mount Yotei stratovolcano. Drive to the lush town of Shiraoi to visit the newly opened National Ainu Museum and Park, an open-air museum where visitors can experience various elements of Ainu culture..
Explore Sendai’s lush greenery which earned it the nickname of “Forest City”. Wind your way to the hills above town to the site of Sendai castle. Built in 1600 by the powerful feudal lord, Date Masamune, the castle has survived antifeudal warfare, bombings of WWII and the powerful earthquake of 2011. Continue on to Zuihoden, the mausoleum of the Date clan— spectacular grounds and intricate design pay tribute to the powerful Masamune and his descendants. Explore the secluded bay on the shores of Matsushima. Known as one of Japan’s three most scenic views, this gorgeous bay is dotted with pine clad islets.
Head inland to Mito, a power base during the Edo period and best known today for Kairakuen garden, considered one of Japan’s three finest landscape gardens. Originally created in 1841 for the ruling lord, the park was also intended for the enjoyment of all. Walk through 3,000 plum trees, cedar woods and a bamboo grove. Learn about the treasures of the Samurai that went beyond swords and armor. The Tokugawa Museum houses exhibits chronicling the life of the powerful Tokugawa family, as well as those who lived under their rule.
Disembark in the vibrant city of Tokyo. Explore both the ultramodern and storied past of this amazing city. Visit the serene Meiji Jingu shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji, who ruled over Japan from 1867 to 1912 and helped transform the country into a modern power. Learn about the Tokugawa shogunate at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, the powerful military government that preceded the Meiji era. Delve into the bustling lanes of the Asakusa district and visit the iconic Sensoji temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple.
Day 19: Tokyo | Disembark
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Disembark in the vibrant city of Tokyo. Explore both the ultramodern and storied past of this amazing city. Visit the serene Meiji Jingu shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji, who ruled over Japan from 1867 to 1912 and helped transform the country into a modern power. Learn about the Tokugawa shogunate at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, the powerful military government that preceded the Meiji era. Delve into the bustling lanes of the Asakusa district and visit the iconic Sensoji temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple.
Day 20: Tokyo
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, depart for the airport to connect to your flight home.
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Category 1
Fore Deck with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair 183 square ft. #406, 408, 411, 413, 415.
Standard Cabin Amenities
Category 2
Fore Deck with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair 205 square ft. #410, 412, 414, 416-419, 421-427
Category 3
Main Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 205 square ft. #512-524
Category 4
Lounge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa, 205 square ft. #608, 610, 612, 613-623
Standard Cabin Amenities
Category 5
Bridge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 205 square ft. #708, 709, 711, 713
Category 6
Bridge Deck—Junior Balcony Suite with large balcony, sofa bed 344 square ft. #710
Category 7
Bridge Deck—Large Balcony Suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet 430 square ft. #700-707, 712, 714-717
Category A Solo
Main Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 140 square ft. #504-510, 513
Category B Solo
Lounge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 140 square ft. #604, 606, 609, 611
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
19 Breakfasts, 18 Lunches, 19 Dinners
19 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Complimentary Parka - available only for the duration of the voyage.
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.9 | 334 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 334 reviews on
1 day ago
Super smooth with questions answered & booking in just 2 days with Mary Curry. AND, the price was great!
Roger Allen
3 days ago
Erin is such a fabulous resource! She helped us bring our target destinations to life by suggesting activities that match our interests, fabulous lodging and excursion options, and patiently coordinating a seamless experience.
Debra D - RI USA
4 days ago
I don’t have the words to describe it but the last week has been one of the best I can remember. 6 days of adventure in South East Alaska including trekking through lush rain forest, sitting in silence listening to glaciers calving, up early to see the northern lights, kayaking and stupidly swimming in iceberg frozen waters ! (That actually hurt).
Animal sightings including black and brown bears, Minke and hundreds of Humpack Whales, porpoises, sea lions, mountain goats, harbour seals, bald eagles, salmon and more birds than I can count. Wonderful friends and connections made. A huge shout out to Trevor and his totally amazing crew on the Admiralty Dream whose energy and enthusiasm made this most incredible experience.
DAVID JAMES
5 days ago
Excellent safari trip with Adventure Life and Albatross Travel. Special shout out to our guides Eric Turasha (Kenya), and Blasi Shirima (Tanzania) from Albatross Travel. Both were world class!!! The trip went off without a hitch; all the camps were amazing…worth mentioning...one of the camps we were going to stay in on the Tanzanian side was damaged by high winds so we ended up in a different camp (Mara under Canvas Camp). Can't say enough good things! A great experience and superb service!!
Brenda Cox
6 days ago
very easy to deal with kassandra. she listened to what our interests were and planned a great trip for us. nothing to worry about!
