trip specifics

price

 

Cruising the 900 nautical miles between Seattle and Juneau over 15 days, you will be exhilarated by snow-capped mountains, wildlife and birds, waterfalls, tree-lined narrow passageways and surprises at every turn. The spring season is an optimal time for cruising with nature awakening for the warm months, fewer boats and people, and the arrival of whales.

The Wilderness Passages of Discovery cruise prides itself on the people aboard - the finest chefs, knowledgeable, friendly and personable crew members, experienced expedition leaders and leading naturalists. One of the primary features of this trip is the ability to cater to individual guest needs. Built on a unique reputation for luxury, these Un-Cruise Adventures pamper up to 86 guests with a three-to-one guest/crew ratio, fresh, healthy meals, creature comforts like DVDs and iPod docks, experienced expedition leaders/naturalists who know Alaskan culture and topography, high-end expedition gear plus a wide variety of excursions to suite any activity level.

Four boats make this northbound Inside Passage journey. Choose from:

M/V Wilderness Adventurer - 60-guest small ship
Safari Endeavour - 86-guest luxury small ship
Safari Explorer - 36-guest luxury yacht
Safari Quest - 22-guest luxury yacht

Day 1 - Embark Seattle, Washington

After transferring from the airport, cruise northward from Seattle's historic Fishermen's Terminal passing through the Hiram-Chittenden Locks, where you're lowered 20 feet into the Salish Sea, one of the earth's largest estuaries. This evening, make your way to an anchorage near the Olympic Peninsula.

Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Salish Sea & Friday Harbor

Shaped and molded by the last ice age, misty, deeply forested islands dot the seascape of this yachter’s paradise. Explore Friday Harbor, a quaint sailing town, and its fascinating Whale Museum. Keep watch for the resident orca pods here.

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - San Juan Islands

Weave through Washington's serene San Juan Islands exploring its bays, inlets, and beaches before settling in for your northward voyage into Canadian waters.

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Canada’s Inside Passage

Intricate waterways and fjords alongside temperate rainforests and mountains are ideal for sightings of orca, seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoise, and sea birds. Native influences and the fishing and forest industries have shaped these sparsely-populated islands and communities.

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Canada's Inside Passage

The mountains rise higher and fjords become more dramatic as you continue your journey north. Enjoy onboard presentations and narration by your Expedition Leaders who will unlock the natural history of the area. Keep an eye out for orcas and other wildlife as you cruise through Canada's Inside Passage.

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Canada's Inside Passage

Take in the pure, wilderness air and see how many bald eagles you can spot on deck. Pass the ghost town of Butedale, on British Columbia’s Princess Royal Island, before passing through Prince Rupert, BC and crossing the US/Canadian border into Alaska.

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Misty Fjords National Monument

Home to nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska — stunning glacial valleys filled with sea water, untouched wetlands and estuaries, and 3,000-foot vertical cliffs that are a haven for wildlife. Glide through Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay soaking in the splendor of this largely unknown corner of the world. Get an up-close look at this majestic, 2.3-million-acre wilderness.

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Ketchikan, Alaska

Alaska’s southernmost city and “salmon capital of the world” also claims fame to having the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles. Explore the Saxman Totem Village, Tlingit culture, and the notorious Creek Street, once a red-light district in downtown Ketchikan.

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Tongass Nat'l Forest & El Capitan Passage and Cave

Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, in El Capitan Passage, high forest and the El Capitan Cave are highlights. If the time is right, stop at Marble Island for freshly harvested oysters and fish from a local family.

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Klawock Native Village

Discover living history in Klawock — one of Alaska’s most authentic Tlingit villages. Locals share stories and the importance of carving in Alaskan culture. Visit the carvers' shed where the art of carving and restoring totems is passed on to the local youth.

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Chatham Strait Exploration

It’s Captain’s Choice today as you explore the intricate passages and shores along Chatham Strait’s Kuiu or Baranof Islands. Join your expedition team on (or in!) the water, conditions permitting.

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - Frederick Sound

Lush forest, spectacular views, play time, and wildlife – they are all in abundance in Frederick Sound. Keep watch along the coastline for birds, wolves, and black bears. With many secluded coves to choose from, you may slip into the waters of Deep Cove, Patterson or Saginaw Bay, or perhaps another hidden gem to explore by skiff or paddle a kayak. This evening, toast another day of amazing adventure with a cold microbrew or cocktail.

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13 - The Brothers Islands & Stephen’s Passage

There’ll be plenty of wildlife viewing today. The Brothers, a pair of islands at the confluence of Stephen’s Passage and Frederick Sound, are home to some of Alaska’s most abundant wildlife. The area is the summer feeding ground for the largest concentration of humpback whales in the northern hemisphere. Keep watch for frolicking orca, humpbacks, and sea lions. Tonight, anchor in quiet bay and listen for the call of the wild.

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14 - Endicott Arm & Ford’s Terror Wilderness

On the last full day of your journey, prepare to have your breath taken away by sculptural glacial views and snow-covered mountains. Endicott Arm frequently offers respite to seals on the smaller ‘bergy bits’ and sometimes, it gets a little crowded. Kayak toward the glowing blue of Dawes Glacier's face or see it all from the ease of a skiff. Tides permitting, the ship will move up to Ford’s Terror, a narrow passage named after a naval crew member who was stranded in the turbulent tidal water for six hours. Armed with tide tables, we can safely skiff through Ford’s Terror and admire the magnificent domes, hanging valleys and pristine wilderness that surround it.  Back aboard, you will be greeted with drinks and a cheery camaraderie as you join the Captain in a farewell toast.

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 15 - Disembark Juneau, Alaska

Disembark the ship after breakfast. Transfer directly to the Juneau airport or begin your add-on overnight stay or extended land tour.

Included Meals: breakfast

Alternative Itinerary: The April 27, 2013, departure includes a visit to Chief Snakes House so that guests can join in on a special rededication ceremony at Wrangell's historically significant landmark.

Itinerary Notes: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of Alaska cruising unique.

Included: Your accommodations aboard the specific vessel, all meals aboard the ship, round-trip transfers and baggage handling between airport/boat, most from-the-boat adventure activities and equipment, national park/preserve entrance fees and hot tub, sauna and yoga. Additional inclusions aboard Safari Endeavour, Quest & Explorer: Premium spirits, wine and beer; taxes and port fees; and a complimentary massage (except Safari Quest).

Exclusions: Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew, typically 5-10% of fare; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; optional excursions and land tours; wine, beer and liquor; massage; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature. Additional exclusions on Wilderness boats: Taxes and port fees of $350 per person and alcoholic beverages.

Room Configurations: For Wilderness Explorer and Adventurer, single rates are available in select cabins at 150% supplement (Wilderness Explorer - Trailblazer cabins 103, 104, 105 and 106). All other cabins are available at 175% of the double rate. For Safari Endeavour, Quest and Explorer, see designated Single cabin pricing. All other staterooms may be booked as a single at 175% of the double occupancy rate. Triple rates are available in designated cabins (refer to deck plans), with a third person savings of 25% off the double rate on Wilderness Explorer. Inquire for triple pricing details on Safari Endeavour, Quest & Explorer.

Arrival & Departure: The Wilderness Passages of Discovery cruise begins in Seattle, Washington, and ends in Juneau, Alaska. Please plan Seattle flights to arrive by 1:00pm on day 1 of the cruise. On day 15, the final day of the cruise, Juneau departure flights should be planned to depart no earlier than 11:30am.

Payment & Cancellation: A deposit of $1200 per person (Wilderness boats) or $1500 per person (Safari boats) is required to secure a 2013 reservation. For 2014 and beyond, the deposit is $1500 per person for all boats. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 days or more - 50% of initial deposit
90 to 61 days - Forfeiture of full deposit
60 to 46 days - 50% of gross fare
45 to 31 days - 75% of gross fare
30 to 0 days - 100% of gross fare

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: Whether you are looking for moderate activity or vigorous, extended and challenging outdoor pursuits, the crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include: whale watching, kayaking and standup paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, morning yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing, wildlife observation, and "polar bear plunges." Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are available for rent, and limited quantities of hiking poles, binoculars, mud boots, and rain gear are available on board. To ensure availability and fit, we encourage you to bring your own gear.

Qualifications: This trip is available to any traveler with a love of nature and sense of adventure.


return to top of page

AdventureSmith Explorations

Travel Specialists  |  Contact Us