trip specifics

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2012 Discoverer

Our routes follow the edges of the Tongass National Forest, the nation’s largest national forest, through pristine and remote Alaskan waters. On land, you are almost certain to find your fair share of brown and black bears, mountain goats, Sitka black-tailed deer, mink, river otters, and maybe even, moose. On the water, humpbacks and Orcas, porpoise, sea lions, and seals entertain around most every turn.

With all the excitement surrounding the ship, you will be pleased to indulge your self with the on board amenities as well. Leave the physical world behind in the sauna or hot tub and soothe the soul with pampering massages from our Wellness Directors/Licensed Masseuses. Complimentary yoga classes on deck provide new and interesting ways to soak in the awe-inspiring nature. While daily outdoor pursuits such as kayaking, hiking, caving, fishing, paddle boarding and invigorating swims engage the body and expand the mind.

The Executive Chefs fuel the fun with fresh, healthy cuisine that can accommodate vegetarian or other dietary requests. Designed as an environment where you can be as active as you wish, these small ships are appointed with the thoughtful touches that invite you to relax, unwind and enjoy the cruise through Alaska's wonderful Southeast.

By the use of an "un-cruise" concept, this trip eliminates the hassles of traditional cruising by substituting them for an amazing up-close and personal water based adventure. This means instead of crowds and long lines, there is a small group of like-minded souls seeking adventure with the chance to participate in any activity of their choosing. Instead of tight schedules and a herd mentality, this is a totally flexible expedition following wildlife where they roam. Instead of tourist-clogged towns, you experience the real Alaskan frontier, wildlife and wilderness!

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Day 1 - Embark in Ketchikan

Prepare to be whisked into your own private Alaska. Once on board, soak in the sights as we cruise through the Tongass Narrows, which divide Revillagigedo Island (where Ketchikan is located) from Prince of Wales Island, the third largest island in the United States and one of the best-kept tourist secrets in all of Alaska.

Watch for majestic bald eagles and other sea birds perched in shoreline trees, where more than 100 migrating species of birds return every year. After meeting your crew and getting acquainted with your ship’s features, finish the evening with a delicious meal while keeping an eye on lookout for Orca and humpback whales as we cruise through Clarence Strait. Not bad for your first five hours of vacation.

Accommodations: M/V Wilderness Adventurer or M/V Wilderness Discoverer
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Tongass National Forest / El Capitan Passage

Wake in El Capitan Passage surrounded by breathtaking Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the US. Take a “wild” Alaska hike winding through high forest on an old logging trail. Trek up to El Capitan Cave, the largest known cave in Alaska and one of the largest mapped caves in the Americas. And if the stars are right (okay maybe it's the tides), you just may get lucky today and snag some organic oysters from a local grower.

Accommodations: M/V Wilderness Adventurer or M/V Wilderness Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Klawock Native Village

Discover living history in Klawock—one of the most authentic Tlingit villages in Alaska. Learn the importance of carving, gaze up at totem poles coloring the town, and hear their stories. Visit the carvers' shed where the art of carving and restoring totems is passed on. Explore the area on foot keeping an eye out for bears, eagles, sea birds, and whales.

Accommodations: M/V Wilderness Adventurer or M/V Wilderness Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Baranof Island / Port Walter

An active day is in store on the smallest of Alaska's ABC islands. Take to the water kayaking, snorkeling, and riding the skiff. Or push your limits with a rigorous hike in Alaska’s back reaches on wilderness trails. Along the southeastern side of Baranof Island, explore the former herring community of Port Walter, the rainiest place in all of Alaska, or hike to a mountain lake.

Accommodations: M/V Wilderness Adventurer or M/V Wilderness Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Patterson Bay

Lush forest, spectacular views, 4000-foot vertical walls, and 2000-foot waterfalls highlight Baranof Island’s waterfall coast. Slip into the waters of Patterson Bay to explore by skiff or paddle a kayak keeping watch along the coastline for birds, wolves, and black bears. Gear up for snorkeling or guided hikes. This evening, toast another day of amazing adventure with a cold microbrew or cocktail.

Accommodations: M/V Wilderness Adventurer or M/V Wilderness Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 6 - The Brothers Islands / Frederick Sound

There’ll be plenty of wildlife viewing today. The Brothers, a pair of islands in Frederick Sound, are home to some of Alaska’s most abundant wildlife and 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 Holkham Bay and listen for the song of the whales.

Accommodations: M/V Wilderness Adventurer or M/V Wilderness Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Endicott Arm and Ford’s Terror Wilderness Area

Snow covered mountains, glowing blues, and the white thunder of calving ice take your breath away at the face of Dawes Glacier. As you glide through Endicott Arm you’ll likely find a few seals taking respite on the glaciers smaller “bergy bits.” Tides permitting, explore the narrow passage of Ford’s Terror and admire the magnificent domes, hanging valleys, and pristine wilderness that surround it. Join the Captain for a farewell toast during dinner.

Accommodations: M/V Wilderness Adventurer or M/V Wilderness Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Juneau - Disembark

When you wake this morning, be sure to look out the window as we voyage into Juneau. A Bon Voyage breakfast ends our ship journey, however there are many enticing ways to extend your journey from here. A flight or helicopter tour over the Juneau Ice Field, trekking over Mendenhall Glacier and exploring the ice caves or dog mushing. Parting can be such sweet sorrow, and if your schedule allows it, please feel free to join us as we cruise an entirely different route on the return trip from Juneau to Ketchikan.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

The Ketchikan to Juneau route takes 8 days and 7 nights. If seven days is not quite enough, consider joining us for the return trip from Juneau to Ketchikan: Eastern Alaska Adventure which offers an entirely separate itinerary.

Day 1 - Juneau
Day 2 - Windham Bay, Chuck River Wilderness Area
Day 3 - Thomas Bay, Baird Glacier, Cascade Creek
Day 4 - LeConte Bay, Stikine River, Ideal Cove
Day 5 - Wrangell, Chief Shakes Tribal House
Day 6 - Yes Bay
Day 7 - Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness
Day 8 - Ketchikan

Note: Pricing for the entire 15 day Southeast Alaska's Ultimate Adventure round-trip Juneau starts at $3,395 to $11,395 per person, double occupancy which is discounted from the price of the two separate itineraries individually.

Notes on Itinerary: 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 cruising unique.

A Different Experience: "Un-Cruise" Adventures - InnerSea Discoveries prides itself on the people they bring onboard - the finest chefs, knowledgeable, friendly and personable crew members, experienced expedition leaders and leading naturalists. One of the primary features of our "un-cruises" is our ability to cater to individual needs.

Built on a unique reputation for luxury, these "un-cruises" pamper up to 76 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.

Family Program: The "Family" itinerary is geared toward entertaining and educating kids from various age groups. In a rare introduction to wilderness lifestyles, kids and the entire family meet and interact with local families such as oyster farmers or commercial fishermen who live a remote, isolated lifestyle. Kids 12 years and younger receive a 25% savings on select "Family Discovery" departures.

Single Travelers: Single rates available upon request.

Land Cost Includes: Your accommodations aboard the specific vessel, All meals aboard the ships, naturalist guided activities, use of kayaking equipment, national park entrance fees and transfer from vessel to airport on day of embarkation/disembarkation.

Not Included:Airfare to Alaska, excess baggage charges, taxes and port fees of $167 per person, gratuities to Naturalist Staff and crew, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

Arrival/Departure: Your Southeast Alaska's Western Coves cruise begins in Ketchikan and ends in Juneau. Please plan flights to arrive by 2:30pm on day 1 of the cruise. On day 8, the final day of the cruise departure flights should be planned to depart no earlier than 11:30.

Adventure Vessels: The small ships used on these adventures are expedition ships capable of nimble exploration through nature's most dramatic hideaways. The shallow draft and hull design allow easy access to Southeast Alaska's wildlife-rich shores and glacially-fed inlets and serve as ideal "launching pads" for an exciting array of daily adventure excursions. Newly-refurbished, the interior spaces offer contemporary colors that complement the wilderness outside and the public and private spaces are loaded with amenities.

Your Choice of Activity Level: In a land where it is common to see whales, bears and sea lions all in one day, InnerSea Discoveries is focused on providing guests with a multitude of meaningful was to experience Southeast Alaska and its surrounding waterways in small doses. Whether you are looking for moderate activity or vigorous, extended and challenging outdoor pursuits, we can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level.

Adventure activities included:
* Whale-watching * Beachcombing
* Kayaking * Snorkeling
* Paddle Boarding * "Polar bear club" swims
* Inflatable boat excursions * Birding
* Wilderness hiking * Glacier viewing
* Shorter hikes * Friendly sporting contests

Optional activities available as add-on:
* Caving
* River rafting and jet boat excursions
* Glacier Float Plane tour
* Overnight wilderness backpacking
* Overnight kayaking Adventure

Leisurely activities offered onboard:
* Lectures about the surrounding environment
* Scenery Viewing
* Yoga
* Massage (additional charge)
* Hot tub and sauna with a view
* Relaxing lounges and deck areas

Children's Policy: Our small ships and style of cruising are designed to bring you up-close to the scenic beauty of our adventure destinations. Children receive exposure to nature that is unique and engaging. Kayaking, hiking and activities organized by the crew keep children enthralled. For families with kids 12 and under, private charters or "Family Discoveries" departures provide an excellent family bonding experience. Although there is no minimum age requirement, it is the parents' or guardians' responsibility to supervise their children.

Deposit & Final Payment: A deposit of $600 per person is required to secure a reservation. The deposit/payment must be received within three business days of your reservation. Reservations are not confirmed until a deposit is received. If you choose to purchase our Travel Protection Plan, the premium payment must be paid within 14 days of the initial deposit/payment (see Travel Insurance).
Final payment must reach our office 90 days prior to your cruise departure or in full at the time reservations are confirmed if less than 60 days prior. If this payment is not received in time, your space may be released; rebooking will then be subject to final availability. Deposits may be made by personal check, wire transfer, money order or credit card with final payment preferred in the form of a check, wire transfer or money order.

Deposit & Final Payment for Private Charter: For a full-ship charter, a deposit equal to one-third of the total charter cost is due within (10) business days of the reservation.
At 270 days (9 months) before departure, a second payment equal to one-third of the total charter cost is due.
Final payment for a full-ship charter is due 120 days (4 months) prior to departure.

Payment and Cancellation Policy:
Up to 91 days - 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
Please see AdventureSmith ExplorationsTerms and Conditions.

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.


Qualifications: This trip is available to any traveler with a love of nature and sense of adventure. Off vessel activities including hiking and kayaking excursions range from 2-4 hours each day.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining the two trips: Eastern Adventure and Western Adventure for an ultimate Southeast Alaska Adventure.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations ‘Terms & Conditions’. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.


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